Creatures of the Night

For those who have known me for any amount of time know that I have had a long history of loving vampires. I’m not certain how it started or why, but I absolutely love the stories, the endless variations of the creatures themselves and yes, the lore from all parts of the world.

So whether you like them or not, here’s my little tip of the hat to the classic (to me) vampires from when I was growing up. And in case you’re wondering, the cut-off point I used was high school. I’d be here forever if I included all my favorite vampires.

The Count


Yeah, I know, 'really?' But let’s face it, he was quite possibly the very first vampire I ever saw and still one of my favorites. SO, here’s to you number ONE! AH. AH. AH.

Count Duckula


You know, I don’t know if many people out there would remember good ole Count Duckula. He used to be a regular vampire but during a resurrection ritual one of his servants called Nanny dropped in ketchup and so he became a vegetarian vampire. It was really a cute cartoon, but sadly short-lived.

Love at First Bite

I think I was entirely too young to see this movie when I was a child, but I saw it anyway. And wouldn’t you know it, I loved it. I thought it was absolutely hilarious and it’s still a great flick. One of my favorite things about it is that George Hamilton is in it, and he’s not day-glow orange. They actually had to make him look pale. HA!

Monster Squad


Okay, okay, this isn’t strictly a vampire move but it’s still great. And Dracula is the sort of leader of the monsters.

The Lost Boys


Enter the hot vampires. Until I saw The Lost Boys, vampires weren’t really hot. Ah but then I had never seen Michael before. Sigh… “Say hello to the night, lost in the shadows, say hello to the night, lost in the loneliness”


Once Bitten


Cheesy, yes. Campy, oh hell yes. But come on, it’s one of the earliest Jim Carey flicks and Lauren Hutton is in it.

My Best Friend is a Vampire


Robert Sean Leonard could have been the first Edward. I’m just sayin.’ He was turned into a vampire but was trying to be good and not feed from humans. Trying to get the girl and save the day. And because of his odd behavior, his parents mistake him for being gay. It’s not a very well known movie, but it is fun and yes, you guessed it, it’s loaded with 80’s cheesy camp.

The Original, Bella Lugosi as Dracula


I can’t say enough about this one. I usually catch it on a yearly basis. I mean, really, how can you go wrong? Not to mention, would any classic vampire, “look” ever exist without Mr. Lugosi?

Interview with the Vampire


Hello! As in most cases, when you have a book turned into a movie, the book is better, but can anyone deny that pre-crazy, couch-jumping Tom Cruise was just hot personified? His portrayal of Lestat, in my opinion, was spot on. The look wasn’t quite what I pictured in my head, but damn it, the attitude was spot on. For a while there I toyed with the idea of getting a neck tattoo that read, “Insert Fangs Here, Lestat.”

Vampire Hunter D


Manga or the Anime, version, this is just an awesome flick and was one of my first introductions to my other crazy obsession, the world of Anime and Manga. Not to mention, D is kind of a tragic hero that you just can’t help but really feel for.

Nosferatu


For years and years, I saw this character and didn’t quite know what to make of it. The look of Nosferatu is about as classic as the Bella Lugosi look, just not debonair. He’s actually kind of grotesque. Then at some point in high school I actually got my hands on a copy of the movie and watched it. I was surprised how much I actually really enjoyed it and it quickly became a favorite.

I'm Such A Twerd

So last night Twilight Moms had an early movie screening for New Moon and got to hang out with Peter Facinelli and Kellan Lutz for a little while.

Yep they dropped by our little gathering and a few lucky women bid on dinner dates with the two men. I was in on the bidding till it got to $800. Both dinner dates sold for well over $3000. But yes, I was one of the volunteers and got to meet some of Peter's friends. I was also one of the few who knew we were having special guests showing up. Kellan was a surprise even to me. I have to say, the two men are so much more adorable and sweet in person than they are on screen. Sadly, when they passed by (right by me) I saw so surprised to see Kellan in all his hotness, that I went dumb. I didn't put my hand out for the high fives down the aisle. Damn. :( Ah well.

Oh yes, when I got out bid the three times Kellan gave me a sad face and mouthed a, "sorry." Teehee.

So yes, the movie. SO much better than Twilight. The special effects actually worked in the movie and the acting wasn't as cardboardish. Getting rid of the last director was the correct decision. The new directorial direction made all the difference in the world. And of course, the part of the book that made me cry the hardest, actually made me get a little misty-eyed in the theater. The girl next to me was bawling. Really. Crying hiccups and all. All I kept thinking was, 'woman, you read the book. You know what happens.' Ah well. I suppose some people are a lot more emotional than others.

A Fun and Informative Clip

This evening I watched Zombieland with Evan. Yes, this is my second time watching this film and yes, I do like the movie that much. Afterwards, I went to one of my favorite movie review sites, Spill.com

I went there to check out reviews for a few other flicks I've been thinking of seeing, but because their reviews are usually pretty funny (and surprisingly pretty spot on), I checked out the one for Zombieland (didn't need it but was curious to hear what they had to say about it). Attached to said review was this little clip. I now share it with you.

Enjoy.

"Find The Fish"

Just about anyone that knows me, knows that I have been a Monty Python fan since I was about, oh... fetal. And if you didn't know it, my cell phone's ringtone is a dead giveaway. It's the "Liberty Bell March," a.k.a. the theme song from Flying Circus. I'm always surprised by how often people actually start smiling, giggling or start quoting Python, rather than get annoyed when my cell phone goes off.

But I digress. So I was pissed that I missed the whole Python-A-Thon on the IFC channel. Sadly, we don't have it. Boo... BUT I did get somewhat of a fix when I went up to my brother's place and on the way back home on satellite radio (we caught a broadcast of the 40th reunion special). So yes, it got me in the mood to want to watch Monty Python when I got home. The last thing I heard in the car was the Galaxy Song so naturally, I watched "Meaning of Life."

Sure Grail is the one most people think of when they think of the Python movies, but there is quite a lot to be said for this little gem. I mean where else are you going to find a group of 60 children singing, "every sperm is sacred" and the sublimely bizarre "find the fish," bit?

Now, I have never watched any movie with the director's commentary setting until tonight. It really made me appreciate the movie that much more. Who knew? I think I may have to hit my collection of Flying Circus and see if those have commentary to them.

So, since it's still one of my favorite songs from Monty Python and because it's been stuck in my head for most of the night, I've attached the Galaxy Song.

What Scares Us

I just finished rewatching Salem's Lot. I haven't watched this in years but I distinctly remember this kinda scaring me when I was little. Looking at it now, I have no idea why.

I always thought the "new" vampires were scarier than "the master" since I always thought he was kind of goofy looking and I always got a kick out of seeing where the makeup ended on his neck and hands. But I digress. As far as the newer vampires in the movie. They kind of now look, I don't know... I suppose it's not a good thing when I can see their makeup and know that I could have done a better job at making them look dead or undead. Eh, perhaps it's just me.

But yeah, I've noticed over the years that there isn't much that scares me any more. Well, outside of freaky clowns. Those will always scare the piss out of me. Ever since IT. Damn you Tim Curry! I love him but damn it he was scary as hell as Pennywise. Certain clowns wont scare me. The ones with the makeup actually done well will usually be okay still. The streaky, cracky, blotchy makeup with the big red nose (kind of like Pennywise), however... yeah not so much. Gimme a gooey, half eaten fecked up looking zombie or a nasty-ass vampire any day. If it has any kind of resemblance to Pennywise, however, you can just go ef yourself.

So now I'm watching a decent undead movie, Resident Evil: Apocalypse.