Monthly Archives: September 2024

Saturday is Horror Day #185 – The Stepfather(1987)

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

The Stepfather(1987)

Jerry Blake (Terry O’Quinn) has only one desire in love – to have a loving family. And when things don’t work out for him, well, there’s always plan B.

Jerry leaves his old family (in bloody pieces) and heads to a new town, new life… and a new wife. Susan

(Shelley Hack) is a recent widow, still grieving the loss of her husband, along with her teenage daughter Stephanie (Jill Schoelen). When Jerry arrives, he sweeps her off her feet and they are married within a year. Stephanie is not very happy about this. She misses her father and she doesn’t trust Jerry, but she tries, for her mother’s sake. Jerry tries to. He brings her an adorable puppy. But he is still very controlling and demanding and, despite the puppy, Stephanie is not comfortable with him.

The murder of Jerry’s previous family went unsolved, and the trail has gone cold. But one man won’t give up. Jim Ogilvie (Stephen Shellen) is the brother of Jerry’s previous wife and he is determined to find his brother-in-law, convinced he is responsible. But where to look? As the pieces fall into place and Jerry’s new life begins to unravel once again, he begins to make a new life for himself, and seeks a new prospective wife. But first, he has to rid himself of the old family….

This film is loosely based on actual story – the John List murders. John List murdered his wife, children, and mother, left them in the house and fled, gaining a month’s head start on the authorities. He eluded capture for 18 years. Terry O’Quinn is chilling as the man who needs a family so badly that if they don’t get it right, he’ll just eliminate them and move on.  He is definitely the best part of this cast. The mother is a little needy, but maybe we should cut her some slack as she is a recent widow. The teenager is just trying to live her life and she is very well aware that Jerry is not her father, although he tries to be.

The brother looking for his sister was a little too much for me, in that he was over the top and irrational and often acted like a man man. That being said, Terry O’Quinn makes the movie and does it in a very creepy way. He is worth the price of admission all on his own. I’ll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: September 25, 2024

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Jonlyn of the Urionites: Part 15 by J Ray Lamb

The council meeting ended after an attack plan had been worked out. Everyone left the chamber after delivering their final information to Jonlyn.

Once alone, Jonlyn grabbed Narthun and kissed him passionately.

“The battle questions you asked were amazing! I’d not even thought about that. I was only thinking of wiping the Ulmites out and not thinking of our own protection.” Jonlyn said as he continued to aggressively make out with Narthun.

“Jonlyn, stop for a moment.” Narthun commanded as he pulled away from Jonlyn’s onslaught of kisses, “What about our defense? We will need to consider the people

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Saturday Day is Horror Day #184 – It Follows

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 It Follows


Jay (Maike Monroe) is 19 years old and life is just beginning – college, boys, weekend parties… But after having sex with her boyfriend, she learns she has become part of something she can’t change – she is being stalked by a supernatural entity, and the only way to get rid of it is to have sex with someone else so the thing shifts it focus to the other person. Is there any way to break this curse?

I have seen some good reviews for this film, but this isn’t going to be one. I’ll be honest, I found it boring. 


And pretentious. Not in the least scary. Other reviews have praised it for its lack of gore, and its slow build-up. I still say boring. Not much of a plot. Acting so-so. Writing so-so. Apparently it was a childhood nightmare of the director/writer that started this. If only he’d kept it to himself.

I thought the premise was pretty shitty if you have to trick someone into having sex with you just to rid yourself of this entity that is following you. There is no real explanation of who or what this entity is, why it does what it does, and no clear resolution. I hear there is to be a sequel. I doubt I’ll bother to watch it unless I see some indication that it’s better. But even so, since people like this one, I’ll be suspicious. I’ll give this film 2 Stars.

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: September 18, 2024

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Jonlyn of the Urionites: Part 14 by J Ray Lamb

Jonlyn found himself in his council chambers while Narthun was in the small outdoor enclosure outside Jonlyn’s lodge. Jonlyn quickly found Narthun and brought him to the council chambers.

“My council will be here in just a moment. The situation is quite serious and I am asking you as your teacher to be here. I want you to see what goes into being a leader.” Jonlyn said dryly.

“Understood. Am I allowed to speak?” Narthun asked humbly.

“I want to say yes,” Jonlyn paused, “but given my absence and how quickly the Ulmites have gathered…

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Book Review: One Piece, Vol 17: Hiriluk’s Cherry Blossoms by Eiichiro Oda

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One Piece, Vol 17: Hiriluk’s Cherry Blossoms      

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: March 4, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

King Wapol, the ne’er-do-well, pretend pirate has returned to Drum Island and intends to retake his throne, and especially his castle. He is very angry that Doctor Kureha has moved in behind his back. Not only that, there is a pirate flag, symbol of the late Doctor Hiriluk, flying there. That has got to change. Luckily, Luffy has no intention of allowing this idiot to besmirch the banner, and neither does the reindeer Tony Tony Chopper, who has some very amazing abilities of his own! Unfortunately, Wapol is not without his own secrets. Turns out, he ate some devil fruit too – the munch munch fruit – and he can eat anything!

Below, in the village, it turns out that Dalton is not dead, just injured, and Usopp offers to carry him up the mountain to the castle, to seek the doctor’s help. But to Usopp’s dismay, Zolo grabs Dalton and heads toward the mountain. Usopp has no choice but to follow, angrily, as he shouts, “I was about to get serious!” Luckily, before they get too far, another mode of transportation becomes available! Onward they go!

Nami decides that three days in bed is long enough, so she gets up, only to encounter King Wapol, who has entered the castle. She flees from him, and he is too fat to follow. But he has a very unique cure for that which involves eating himself. Suddenly, he’s a whole lot thinner than he was!

Once the situation on Drum Island is resolved, it’s time to head toward Alabasta, to save Princess Vivi’s kingdom!  Little are they aware that someone else is on their way, none other than the top member of Baroque Works, Sir Crocodile!

I think the biggest take-away from this volume of One Piece is the growth of and addition to the crew of Tony Tony Chopper. The reindeer man learns to open himself to others, particularly Luffy and his crew, and he comes to realize that there is a whole other world waiting to be explored, places where he can use his medical talents. And that he is worthy of having friends! I think he will make a fine addition to the story and look forward to seeing more of them. Another great volume of One Piece!

Saturday is Horror Day #183 – Megan is Missing

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

Megan is Missing

Megan(Rachel Quinn) and Amy(Amber Perkins) are best friends. Megan’s other friends don’t understand what she sees in Amy, and they are very harsh toward her. They won’t want Megan to invite Amy to any of their parties, but Megan insists. Megan likes boys, where Amy is rather shy around them. Megan likes to chat with them online, and she has an ongoing chat with one she really likes, Josh (Dean Waite). They video chat, but she hasn’t seen his face, because his camera is broken. But he does send her a picture of himself and she thinks he is cute, so she agrees to meet up with him.

Megan is never seen again.

Two weeks later, Amy goes missing.

Megan is Missing is a cautionary tale that all young people should watch about the dangers of talking to strangers on the Internet. And how much of a bad idea it is to meet up with one in a not public place. This was hard to watch, because what happened was so brutal, and I couldn’t help but think of my own kids, who luckily are older and wiser than that. But Megan, like most teens, thought she was invincible and nothing could harm her. Both she and Amy ignored the biggest red flag of all – the broken camera. He even lied about how it happened, offering two different stories – another red flag. They should have done a reverse search on the photo he sent Megan to see if it came off the Internet somewhere. And Megan should never have agreed to meet him behind a store, where it was poorly lit and out of view of anyone else.

I thought the movie was well done, and the girls who played Megan and Amy did a good job. The true horror lies in the last twenty or so minutes, and I warn you, it’s hard to watch. But I’m sure there are other predators out there like this one, so it’s an important lesson to pass along. I’ll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: September 11, 2024

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Dracula #27(6.4) by J L Hayes

“Someday I’ll be married, I suppose. My brothers too.” Andrei didn’t sound overly excited at the prospect, more resigned to its inevitability. What society expected, even in such a small place as Bistritz. “Still, it would be nice to know some of those ladies,” he added wistfully.

“Some of them are nice,” Avram admitted. To be honest, his acquaintance with the ladies who frequented the seamier sides of Vienna was limited and was usually on Nico’s behalf, never his own. Not in a sexual way, either. But occasionally, his needs weren’t easily met by other methods, and there were women who didn’t mind being paid for their blood. Avram let them believe his employer was a bit eccentric but harmless, and Dracula always blurred their minds so that their time together was a fond memory. He never harmed

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Saturday is Horror Day #182 – The Deliverance

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Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

The Deliverance

Ebony (Andra Day) is having a hard time with life. Her husband is off in Iraq and she isn’t sure when or if he’s coming home. She is doing her best with her three kids, Andre(Anthony B. Jenkins), Nate(Caleb McLaughlin) and Shante (Demi Singleton), but that hasn’t been easy. Ebony has had substance issues and she always seems to be just one step ahead of CPS trying to take her kids away. On top of that, she has her mother Alberta (Glenn Close) who is suffering from cancer and goes for regular treatments. Alberta has the men chasing after her, despite her age, and she is both sassy and outspoken.

The family has moved three times in the last year, due to circumstances, and she is hoping this time they’ll be able to stay longer, put down roots, and provide greater stability for her kids. But strange things have begun to happen. Dre is talking to himself, although when pressed he says it’s his friend Tre – the boy who lives in a hole in the basement. All three kids are acting up in school in horrifying ways, although they’ve never been behavioral problems before, and Ebony is at her wits’ end trying to figure out what is wrong with them and is there some kind of evil presence in their home that is causing this?

My first problem with this film is that I could never muster up enough sympathy to care about the characters, not any of them. I didn’t feel any emotion through the film, just one level throughout. Maybe the pacing could have been better. Or maybe the script. I have to ask what the hell was up with Glenn Close? At first, I thought she was meant to be playing a black woman, but that wasn’t the case. And why she was a man magnet is beyond me. The plot seemed full of holes, including the one in the basement. And the explanation concerning Lucifer and the fallen angels that became demons and now one of them is in the children was totally simplistic and rushed. It felt like they didn’t have any better idea than some generic demon. Why that house? I know it’s based on a true story that took place in Hammond Indiana. I also know the family involved has been trying to milk what happened and that perhaps things were not quite the way they told it.

I was not scared and I was not impressed. I expected so much more based on what people were saying on Reddit. One person even suggested Glenn Close deserves an Oscar nod for her performance. I totally disagree.  On the whole, it was okay, worth one watch but I wouldn’t do it again.  I’ll give this film 3 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: September 4, 2024

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Here is a list of all the authors flashing this week, along with a brief snippet from their latest free work. Click the link after the snippet to be taken to the complete story on the author’s home page.

Jonlyn of the Urionites: Part 11 by J Ray Lamb

Jonlyn and Narthun walked into the master bedroom. A large bed took up most of the room, made up for two. Narthun and Jonlyn looked at each other, then looked at the closet on each side of the bed. Each was stocked with clothing and grooming needs that catered to each.

“Is that a tub of hot water for bathing?” Narthun asked.

“Yes, yes it is. I should have asked Bipeon if there was another bedroom prepared for you. They’ve assumed that you and I are bedding together. I didn’t know that this would be happening.” Jonlyn all but whispered…

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Dracula #25(6.3) by J L Hayes

“So you are traveling to Vienna?” Andrei asked between hearty bites of bread and cheese. He offered a hunk of the cheese to Avram as well, who accepted it, appreciating its salty flavor.

“We are,” Avram replied cautiously. He had no reason to think the smuggler would betray their whereabouts. Not like he wasn’t aware of their destination anyway. He knew what the next leg of their journey was and where his cousin would conveying them from there.  But Avram was concerned that the man not possess any information that could potentially bring him trouble. Maybe he was just being paranoid, but better he should err on the side of caution than see an innocent person be hurt.  Truth be told, he didn’t believe the villagers would even have the desire to track them down, much less the extra resources. Why would they bother? Out of sight, out of mind. Life would

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Book Review: The Way of the Househusband, Vol 12 by Kousuke Oono

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The Way of the Househusband, Vol 12   

Author: Kousuke Oono

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: August 20, 2024

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Comedy/168 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

When another baseball shatters a window in the Boss’ home, he becomes fed up and determined to do something about it. So he sends for the troops, his purpose to go to war. Tatsu and the others arrive on the field to face their opponents – a baseball team of youngsters, who promise to “crush them inta dust.”  Can age hold its own in the face of youth?

Masa decides he wants to be a YouTube content creator and hopes to grow it to be his main source of income, as he explains to Tatsu. Tatsu notices that Masa’s view counts are rather sad, though. As Tatsu is visiting and relaxing with Masa, Masa suddenly starts filming for his channel, and announces he has his first guest – none other than Tatsu, who is taken by surprise. Masa’s intent is to review convenience food items, but maybe Tatsu wasn’t his best choice?

Tora is annoyed to find new competition for his crepe cart in the form of a nearby oden cart. He and Tatsu come down a little hard on the owner of the cart, especially considering the poor guy hasn’t even had a customer yet and isn’t doing very well. So Tatsu and Tora decide to help the newcomer out by critiquing his food.

A group of parents and kids, including Tatsu, are attending a traffic safety class being given by Officer Masaki and the police department mascot, a monkey named Fuzz. Masaki demonstrates safety by putting Fuzz into dangerous situations so he can explain what to do if that happens, but Tatsu is having none of it, and butts heads with Masaki, concerned over the mascot’s own safety.

It’s Halloween, and Tatsu is determined to show the kids the ins and outs of trick or treating!

While taking tea with some of the women from the committee, Tatsu reveals that a Starbox Coffee has opened in their town! They decide they need to check this out and hurry over there, only to be met by a rival gang with the same idea. The leader and Tatsu get into a contest to see who can outdo the other with their orders.

Tatsu and Masa are on a mission to thoroughly clean Tatsu’s apartment. But when Masa mistakenly tries to burn one of Miku’s Policure figurines, she decides to bring in an expert to show them how it’s done.

Miku invites Tora’s sister, Koharu, to go with her to buy a Valentine’s present for Tatsu. Koharu buys a chocolate making kit and Miku decides to help her so they can both give chocolates. Miku has a unique style, perhaps influenced by Tatsu, and she turns the experience into a game of Russian roulette for Tatsu and Tora, who are less than thrilled at spending time together.

Another great volume of The Way of the Househusband. Tatsu is always up to something and it’s invariably entertaining. By now, everyone has become a familiar character and I look forward to seeing them all and what they are up to. I never get bored, and I look forward to the next volume, which I have already pre-ordered.