Entertainment Earth

3/18/2025

Monster-Mania March 2025

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This past Friday, March 14, 2025, my friend Freddie and I headed down to Cherry Hill, New Jersey for the latest edition of Monster-Mania. And, while I am  still struggling financially,  somethingwhich definitely cut back on what I could do at the con (on the bright side, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it might be a rather small flashlight), I still had a hell of a time. We both did!

The first person that I went up to was the lovely Dana Kimmell who played final girl Chris in Friday the 13th Part 3. She rarely does cons, so she had a long line, all day I was told. She had to do a photo-op, so I had to wait an extra 20 minutes on top of what I would have had to wait. But, it was worth it. She was so sweet and down to earth in person. She also still looked beautiful! Sitting next to her was her son, Kyle Dane, who wrote his mother's biography The Brightest Star. His wife and his sister (her daughter) were also hanging around her table. I let Kimmell know that she was the celeb I most wanted to meet that day. I also told her how much I loved her climatic battle with Jason, which I definitely think is one of the best in the entire franchise.

The only other celeb I met was Mike Martinez, who played the Killer Klown known as Slim in Killer Klowns from Outer Space. There were actually three Klowns on hand, but alas, I am poor (as I said earlier). So, I could only afford one. Slim is probably my fav, so I went with him. Hopefully, they will return and can meet the rest in a near future.

On a side note, I wanted to meet cast members of The Return of the Living Dead, a film whose love for I have mentioned many a time here. But, they were charging too much (each of them!), so I opted out. However, I must say that it was cool that scream queen royalty Linnea Quigley was only charging $20 for a selfie. She left before I got to do that, but it's fine, as I've met her twice before. Also, it was the return of the gorgeous Jewel Shepard to east coast cons, who hadn't done one since Saturday Nightmares 2011, when I met her. My friend did go up to her, which is awesome, cuz she is the fucking coolest!

There was some cool cosplay on hand. Here are just some of my favorites:





These are the autographs that I got on this day:
Friday the 13th Part 3: Dana Kimmell 
Killer Klowns from Outer Space: Mike Martinez

And, this is the swag that I got:
Trick or Treat (Synapse Films regular edition 4K)
Zero Woman: The Red Handcuffs (Blu-ray)- both of these came from the Diabolik DVD table, which had an amazing selection of movies (as they always do) and a couple of good deals. Like these two, which were both cheaper than they were on Amazon!
Funko Pop Ash Vs. Evil Dead: Kelly- This is an older OOP (out of print) Pop of one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite shows ever. As such she goes for at least $38 on Amazon. And, this awesome dealer at this con had her for $10!! This dude had the best Pop prices that I have seen in ages. If I wasn't broke I would have bought more. But, there was no way I as letting this one slip by. On a side note, the actress who played Kelly, the gorgeous Dana Delorenzo rules! As did that time that I met her a few years ago. 
Rats: Night of Terror- Free mini-poster/ slick handed out by Severin Films at their booth

And, that is it. We had an awesome time. Did any of you go to this edition of Monster-Mania? What were your highlights? Let me know in the comments section below. Anyways, I, now, look forward to the next con: Chiller Theatre next month! Any of you guys going to that? Also, let me know in the comments section.

11/12/2024

Monster-Mania 61, November 2024

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 In what was kind of a last minute decision, my friend Freddie and I headed off to Monster-Mania in PA on November 10, 2024. This would only be my second time to this version of this convention, and my return to it after a two year hiatus. Since New York Comic Con (I am still working on editing pics, for those of you waiting to see my coverage on it) and Chiller were so recent, and still not having regular work (if one of you guys could help me to find one that I can work from home/ is good for someone who suffer from severe anxiety, please let me know!), I knew that I would be low on funds. Regardless, I knew we would still have fun. The good time we had ended up surpassing me expectations!

There was a Killer Klowns from Outer Space reunion, which was what main reason for me wanting to go. That cult classic is one of my favorite movies of all time. Three of the stars would be there, but I could only afford two. First, I met the lovely Suzanne Snyder. She was so sweet and personable, being all smiles and talking to us for a good amount of time. She also told us that she did the whole set-up for the Killer Klowns cast photo op, that was to go on a bit later that day. I am not one for photo ops. but it's clear that she did awesome work. As based on the pics she showed, it look like it would be cool as fuck for anyone who did take part in it. 

The other cast member of that classic that I went up to was John Allen Wesley, who played her character Debbie's ex and current cop. He was also so nice! In fact, he was awesome and fun to talk with. Both were great to talk about my love for this masterpiece with.

My friend met a lot more celebs than I did, among them was the gorgeous Samantha Scaffidi of the Terrifier movies. The true highlight of the day came when the three of us were talking to her. I mentioned last seeing and meeting her at the first, and sadly only, Brooklyn Horror Con. She said that she remembered me! That was so awesome! Scaffidi is so sweet and amazing in person. If you have never met her, you totally need to change that. 

Speaking of Terrifier, I got this awesome pic with a quartet of Art the Clown cosplayers! They looked so cool and the look of joy on my face is genuine as hell!

Below you will see the only autographs that I got. Both Suzanne Snyder and John Allen Nelson signed my Blu-ray copy of Killer Klowns from Outer Space (with the limited edition Halloween cover exclusive to Best Buy, you back when they carried movies and didn't suck ass):

And, being poor as fuck, I was only able to buy one thing, but man was it ever cool! It's this kick ass and super cute Mothra plushie! I actually saw it an earlier Monster-Mania, but was like oh that's cool let me get it later. When, I went to that dealer's booth get it, it had sold out! I was so disappointed. I kept looking for her at different cons (like this year's NYCC and Chiller) but to no avail. Until, I finally found her on that Sunday! I was so happy that I pretty much immediately bought her. I love that she has a long string to her hang her from, so that she can "fly" and protect my room from evil Kaijus!


And, so ends another great con. Did any of you go? If so who did you meet, and what where the highlights for you? Let me know in the comments section below. Also, this might be the last con that I will be attending this year, if so it was a good one to end on. 

10/25/2020

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1988

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1988 has a long standing reputation as a horror fan favorite, and it is easy to see why. There are a lot of genuine and cult classics contained within it. Most of the movies are of the fun type, but there is some that are intelligent and thought provoking, a few are even both. Also, a lot of masters of the genre, put out some of their finest work. Another thing, and I think this why it appeals to so many fans, it was a great year for franchise horror. This list reflects all of that. In fact, there are so many good movies released this year that, like 1987, I had to do a rather large honorable mention list.

Honorable Mentions:
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers
Monkey Shines
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Faceless
Pumpkinhead
Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

10. Hellbound: Hellraiser II- While not as great as the first the one (then again, not many movies are), this is a solid sequel that gets better with time and viewings. It is shockingly gory and gruesome, and also has a high amount of sexuality, especially for a mainstream horror franchise flick. The movie is also highly ambitious for its budget, has some great acting, and is topped with some nightmarish imagery.
9. The Lair of the White Worm- Ken (The Devils, Altered States) Russell's wild horror movie is sexy, fun, funny, and, at times, sacrilegious. It also has great acting, wild FX, and a really awesome climax. Amanda Donohue is wonderfully vampy and tempting as the villianess, while the gorgeous Catherine Oxenberg makes for a tasty good girl.
8. Night of the Demons- This immensely fun possession flick has everything that makes 80s horror awesome. These things being: gore, babes (scream queen extraordinaire Linnea Quigley, Amelia Kinkade as goth babe turned demoness Angela, this site's first ever Horror Crush induction Jill Terashita, and, my personal favorite, Cathy Podewell), nudity (including Podewell, who by showing her ass is one of the few final girls to show skin), great music, takes place on Halloween, demons (well obliviously!), and so much more!
7. Killer Klowns from Outer Space- Creepy (well for those of you with a fear of clowns, anyway), highly imaginative, and thoroughly fun cult classic, it is one of the greatest movies to have evil clowns as the central antagonists (shit it might even be the best one!). The FX are wonderous, wild, and original. This great parody/ tribute to cheesy '50s sci-fi/ horror flicks, is also one of the greatest horror comedies ever made.
6. Phantasm II- While, it isn't the best entry in the franchise (that would, obliviously be the first one), it is the most fun one. And, this is thanks to humor that is actually funny, fun characters, and solid acting. These factors combine with exhilarating action, excellent FX, and some bloody, good gore. The script delivers a solid story, which in terms of horror sequels, is definitely a pleasant surprise. It is, in my very humble opinion, one of the best horror sequels ever made.  
5. Child's Play- This wonderfully imaginative killer doll movie is the first and best in horror's greatest franchise. The practical FX are truly phenomenal and the strong acting further help to elevate the film's quality. Add in some memorable and quotable quotes, the introduction of one of horror's most beloved villains (Chucky, of course!), and a great climax, and you have a true genre classic. 
4. Dead Ringers- David Cronenberg's somber, profoundly chilling, and disturbing classic powerfully mixes psychological horror and drama. The acting by Jeremy Irons is superb, one of the greatest in the entire genre, if we are to be honest. The movie also happens to be visually great. This highly mature classic has a power that stays with you long after it is over, especially thanks to the final shot. Truly one of Cronenberg's best work.
3. They Live- One of his best movie, John Carpenter's classic mix of action, sci-fi, socio-political commentary, and horror only gets better with time and multiple viewings. The scariest thing is that it is even more culturally and politically relevant with the current administration. The movie is also thrilling, smart, and quite funny, with Roddy Piper giving one of the greatest performances by a pro-wrestler ever. And, speaking of which, it is impossible to not mention the awesomeness of the ten minute fight between him and Keith David.
2. Brain Damage- Frank Henelotter is one of my favorite directors, so when I say that this cult classic is his best movie, it is no small praise. This low budget masterpiece is a smart, bloody, and funny allegory for drug addiction. It features great effects, solid acting, and an ingenious plot, on top of being a great looking flick. It's a movie that is head and bloody shoulders ahead of much of its competition.
1. The Blob- Chuck (A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors) Russell's graphic, fast paced, exhilarating, and super fun flick is one of the greatest remakes ever made. The gooey FX are excellent, the gore is plentiful, the acting is solid, and Shawnee Smith is a total babe (and a Horror Crush!). This ass kicking sci-fi/ horror flick makes the perfect companion as a triple feature with The Thing and Aliens (all of which topped their respective years, as well!).





Sorry, if it has been taking longer between posts for this series, but I have had a lot of work, on top of reviews (of which more are coming) that I do for this site. Anyway, what are your favorite horror movies of 1988? Let me know in the comments section below. And, here are the rest of the lists, so far. 

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