Horror Crush: Shawnee Smith

Our latest induction into Horror Crushes is one of my all time biggest crushes (as I am sure she is for many of you). She is also one of the most popular and beloved actresses to ever grace our genre. And, with this also being Women in Horror month, it fells like the perfect time for this induction. She is the breathtakingly gorgeous Shanwee Smith!!

Smith was born on July 3, 1969 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She has been acting since childhood, starting onstage and getting her first movie role, in the 1982 musical Annie. But, this profile really begins in 1987, with Summer School.

While, not a horror movie in any way, shape, or form, this comedy about teens who have to take a remedial English class in, you guessed it, summer time, has two horror and make-up FX loving dudes. In the movie's most beloved scene, said gorehounds make the students all look they got mutilated in a slasher flick. Smith plays Rhonda, a pregnant teen. Our horror loving kids make her out to look like she had a ruler shoved into her mouth. It's a funny and likable comedy (this coming from someone who hates comedies), especially if you are a horror fan, as you'll love the two aforementioned dudes (one of whom is called "Chainsaw"!). And, of course, you'll love Smith, who looks super cute and is delightful in the film.

A year later, she starred in her best movie and role, the one where countless of guys (and probably some girls, too) crushed on her: Chuck (A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors) Russell's The Blob (1988). Like the original, a shapeless life-form from outer space terrorizes a small town, and gets bigger and bigger, as it eats every living being in site.

While, the original is a fun and likable little sci-fi/ horror flick, this amazing remake is one of the rare ones that top its original. It ranks right up there with The Fly and The Thing, as one of the finest remakes ever made. It has kick ass action, some really graphic gore (especially for a big studio horror movie), great FX, cool characters, excellent acting, and everything else that makes a movie try fucking rule! It's been one of my personal favorite movies ever since I first saw it, as a kid.

Smith plays Meg Penny, a sweet and all around good, small town girl and cheerleader. But, she is also, brave, plucky, and tough, as she fights to save and protect those she cares about and kick the Blob's ass (not that I think it actually has one, but I could be wrong?). She is also hot as hell, I mean she is a freaking cheerleader, for fuck's sake! I really wanted to meet a Meg of mine own in high school, but if course real life is terminally lake. She is major part, of many awesome parts, as to why I love this movie so much! To me, she is right up there with Ripley in monster ass kicking. In, fact the film makes a great triple feature with Aliens and the aforementioned The Thing.

After that she took a long movie break from horror shooting other genres, (except on TV where she did lots of horror work, but we'll get to that later), until 1998's remake of Carnival of Souls. Executive produced by Wes Craven, I think I only watched a little bit of it cause what I saw was pretty fucking awful. But, hey maybe I am wrong, and it's good! If by some act of God, that is the case let me know in the comments section below. Also, let me know how Smith was. One thing is for sure, she looked gorgeous in it, but that is a fucking given right?

In 2004, she returned to horror in what might be her most iconic role in the genre. It is certainly her only recurring one, Amanda in Saw. I loved her performance in this one, as the junkie who passes and escapes Jigsaw's trap (the iconic one from below). She was so good, that her character appeared in all the films, whether through original footage or archive, even though Amanda died in the awesome and gore-drenched third installment.

I flipped the fuck out seeing her in the movie and how beautiful she still was. Anytime she appeared in a subsequent Saw sequel I was happy as fucking hell.

It gave her career a new shot in the arm, and certified her as a scream queen, enough so that she appeared in an issue of Maxim. I remember that photo shoot, quite well and ranks among my favorites that they ever did! 

It is also thanks to Saw, that she was one of the hosts and mentors on Scream Queens, possibly my favorite reality show of all time. She looked incredibly hot on it, and the contestants were babes, too!

But, way before she ever that show she had appeared in other horror television.
They include:
The TV Stephen King miniseries The Stand  (1994) from Mick Garris, which is mostly meh, aside from the awesome beginning and her hotness. In fact, watching this as a teen, I crushed hard on her (again!). Oh, yeah the ending to that thing sucked ass. She would return to work for Garris on a much better Stephen King mini-series, The Shining (1997). But, that was honestly just a cameo.

The X-Files episode "Firwalker" (1994) which I barely remember (which is funny cause it wasn't that many years ago that I rewatched it), aside from her looking cute with short hair.

And, finally (as far as the horror goes), in 2008 she appeared in the Fear.Net (remember them?) series 30 Days of Night: Dust to Dust, which honest to God I don't recall ever reading or hearing about. This despite my love for Smith. Any of you ever seen it and if so thoughts? Leave them in the comments section below.

I actually met at the and only Sawmania convention on November 15, 2008. She was very sweet and a total knockout in person. Meeting her remains one of my favorite horror con moments!

And, I think that about covers it. She's has a long standing history with the genre and appearing in two legitimate horror classics, The Blob and Saw (and its sequels!), and other horror work. Her breathtaking and seemingly eternal beauty, make her a goddess. And, then throw in her acting prowess, and your realize that she has it all. In summation, is there a question as to why she is an official Horror Crush? I think not!
In the comments section below, tell me what is your favorite Shawnee Smith role and/ or movie!

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(Video) Exclusive Interview with the Soska Sisters at Monster-Mania March 2019!

At the March 2019 edition of Monster-Mania in Cherry Hill, I had the fucking awesome pleasure of conducting a very special and exclusive interview with the always kick ass and multi-talented horror masters, the Twisted Twins, Jen and Sylvia Soska. We talked their hotly anticipated remake of David Cronenberg's classic Rabid. We also got to talk a little bit about their current, badass run writing Black Widow for Marvel Comics.

You can see it in the video below:

Video shot and edited by Negative Pop

All photography by Negative Pop

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(Video) Interview with The Twisted Twins: Jen and Sylvia Soska at Monster-Mania, Aug. 2017

Last weekend, at the August 2017 edition of Monster-Mania, I got to catch up with the always awesome, multi-talented, and beautiful Twisted Twins, Jen and Sylvia Soska. It had been a few years since I last see either of them. As such, I was ecstatic as soon as I found out that they would be at this convention. This would be their East-Coast horror convention debut (previously they had only done New York Comic Con). On the day of the con, I had the pleasure to conduct a brand new, little interview with them. They talked with us about the AVN Awards, their involvement in helping cast Axel Braun's upcoming Deadpool XXX, their own upcoming remake of David Cronenberg's Rabid, Hellevator, and more.
You can see it in the video below:

 

 

And, for more of my Monster-Mania Aug. 2017 coverage, be sure to go here: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2017/08/monster-mania-aug-2017.html

Camera work by Freddie Loguidice
Video editing by Negative Pop
Photography by myself

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Horror Crush: Ana Claudia Talancón

Today I induct the first Latina into this site's Horror Crushes, the beautiful and severely underrated, by US audiences anyway, Ana Claudia Talancón!

Talancón was born in Cancun, Mexico on May 1, 1980. In the Latin community, she is best known for her work in Mexican movies and soaps (telenovelas). As such, I already knew her from my family watching the Spanish speaking channels. As soon as I saw her, I immediately thought she was one of the most beautiful women on those channels/ programs (which is saying a lot!).

This is why I was happy as fucking hell, when I saw that she was in a horror movie, one that was, at the time, getting good word of mouth: Alone with Her (2006). In it, she plays Amy, a beautiful and sweet girl who paints and lives alone with her adorable little doggy. A sick and perverse psycho named Doug (Colin Hanks) sees her one day at the park and quickly develops an obsession with her. He begins to stalk and film and also breaks into her house installing spyware cameras. He uses this to not only see and record her, but to learn about her tastes and habits. He uses this info to try and seduce her. Anytime things don't go the way he likes, IE she dates another man, he lashes back at her, all of this unbeknownst to her.

I remember reading about it in Fangoria, who gave it a recommendation to watch. It was exciting to me, to see Talancón not only being in it, but playing the lead role. As soon as I could I saw it and, if I am not mistaken, it was through blind buying the DVD. And, thankfully I loved it! Alone with Me is one of the finest and most thoroughly chilling and disturbing found footage movies ever made. I usually feel very annoyed by this sub-genre. Although, it wasn't prevalent back then, as it is now, this one used the gimmick to make for a movie that will get under your skin. If you have never seen it, you need to stop doing what you are doing (well OK, finish reading this then go) and see it now! And, then, after that, tell all your horror loving friends to do the same thing!

Talancón is excellent in the role. She is sympathetic, and you genuinely feel and fear for her. Her performance and her character are very believable. This combining with the movie's theme of stalking insures you a horror/ thriller that will stay with you.

To add to the idea of her privacy being broken, we see her fully nude showing, masturbating in bed (albeit clothed), etc. Nude or not, Talancón is a site to behold having one of the most beautiful, natural bodies ever.

I was hoping more would see this film, unfortunately, I don't think I ever met anyone who ever did. Was I the only person who read that Fango loved this one? I don't know, but I hope I convince you to seek this movie out. IFC put out the DVD. See it and let me know what you think about it.

Unfortunately, a lot more people seemingly saw her next horror movie: One Missed Call (2008). This remake of the Takashi Miike movie of the same name is not just one of the worst horror remakes ever, but quite simply one of the most insufferable horror movies to ever be made. I recall watching this as being a fucking chore to finish. Somehow I did, in part cause I just wanted to drool all over Talancón and Shannyn Sossaman. Both are beautiful and utterly wasted, though. Sossaman has the lead role of Beth, and Talancón is her roommate Taylor Anthony. I don't remember much of anything from this festering ball of shit, other than my utter hatred for it.

Some years later she returned to horror with Enter the Dangerous Mind (2013). I haven't seen this one, but it sounds interesting. She plays the sister's friend according to IMBD. Sounds like a small role, possibly. But, I'm certainly curious, as it also stars the lovely Nikki Reed.

First off, Talancón should be in a million other American movies, especially horror flicks! Seriously, why is this woman not in more US movies?! She is an extremely talented actress who gives a great and powerful performances. She also happens to be breathtaking in her beauty. Her body is amazing, her face is beautiful, and her eyes are stunning! There are not enough Latin women in American cinema, and definitely not enough in horror. Even, though the fact is that Latinas are among the most beautiful women in the world.

And, with all of this, I very proudly induct Ana Claudia Talancón into Horror Crushes!
Are you a fan of the beautiful Ms. Talancón? Have you seen Alone with Her? What are thoughts on her and/ or the movie? Do you hate One Missed Call as much as I do? Let me know in the comments section below.

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BLACK CHRISTMAS (2006) (Review)

Title: Black Christmas (Black Xmas)  

Writer/ Director:  Glen Morgan
Cast: Katie Cassidy, Michelle Trachtenberg, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Lacey Chabert, Kristen Cloke

Year: 2006

Min: 84

Several years ago a disturbed young man named Billy killed his mom and her lover, and gouged one of the eyes of his daughter (whose mother is his own mom, via an incestuous moment of sexual abuse on her part). He gets locked up in an insane asylum. But, on Christmas Eve he escapes and heads back to his old home, where a sorority now live. A small group of the girls are celebrating the holidays there and soon, one by one, they are killed by Billy.

A remake of the original Bob Clark (who also made A Christmas Story!) classic flick from 1974, this nasty little slasher is far better than perhaps you may have been lead to believe. When the movie first came out it had a ton of hate from fans of the original, as well as spawning controversy thanks to a group of close minded buffoons who felt that the movie somehow hurt the "sanctity" of Christmas or some lame shit like that. The former I can understand, but I'll debate here why I think they are wrong. The later is just bullshit.

To it's advantage Black Christmas has, thankfully, slowly gained a cult following over the years, as more horror fans have watched it and given its due chance. Those who have yet to see it are really doing themselves (and the movie and its cast and crew) a disservice. Even those who only watched it once and hated it, should give it a new look, with more open eyes.

First and foremost, no this movie is not on the level of the Clark classic, but then not many remakes are on the level of the movie that inspired it. And, in the case of the original Black Christmas, it is one of the most important and influential slasher flicks ever. It is amazing to think that it precedes both Halloween and Friday the 13th (and even When a Stranger Calls, another horror film that is "inspired" by it). So clearly this movie had an uphill battle from the get go. But, here is the thing, it knew it did, and as all good remakes should, it went down its own path.

A major difference is the identity of Billy, in the original he is a mystery. But not here, the remake is not interested in keeping him a secret. He is given a decidedly sleazy backstory, one filled with the aforementioned incest abuse and cannibalism, with a touch of very black humor. It helps to add a good sense of shock and a welcome fucked up quality to the movie.

The movie has some great gore, unlike the restrained original film. Going in this route makes sense in setting itself and in upping the stakes. It also just adds to the fun of it all. There is lots of eyeball violence, as well as splashing and splattering blood, stabbings, impalings, a head gets sliced open, and more. All of the gore FX are excellently handled by Chris Divett. They are sure to please splatter fans watching this flick.

The mostly female cast is quite good, as well as stunningly beautiful. In fact, I think this movie has one of the most babetastic casts I have ever seen in an American horror movie. Most the girls play likeable characters, with a couple really standing out with some really great lines in their dialogue. Michelle (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Trachtenberg and Crystal (of Final Destination 3 here playing a lush and being a blast in her role)  Lowe are two who deliver some of those great lines. It should also be noted, cause in a slasher movie it is very important, the goregous Ms. Lowe does get nude in a welcome shower scene. Katie Cassidy is quite good in what is actually my favorite movie role of hers. As you can see from those babes the hottie factor is super high, and they are joined by Mary Elizabeth (Cloverfield Lane) Winstead, Lacy (Lost in Space) Chabert, MILFy Kristen (Final Destination) Cloake and more.

But, it's not just the ladies that look good. The movie has a beautiful look to it. Director Glen Morgan really uses the holiday colors of red and green to add a wonderful Argentoesque beauty to it. He also keeps the pacing and movie moving briskly. This keeps the movie fun and helps to make it a great time to be had.

Admit ably the movie like, any slasher, falls under certain cliches. yet, it still manages to avoid one or two and adds a twist here and there. It does come off as a bit empty headed. But, I don't think anyone watching a movie like this looking for a thought provoking piece. They just want a fast and fun movie, and this movie delivers that in a high dosage.

Perhaps the most head scrathingly odd thing about this is that the trailer (which you'll see at the bottom of this review) shows a bunch of stuff not in the movie. From what I heard scenes were shot specifically and only for the trailer. This is a pretty stupid idea that surely pissed some people off. I know, I was a little disappointed to not see them (like the spinning lights/ blades scene) in the movie. You are well advised to not expect everything in the trailer to be in the movie. 

Underrated and sometimes unjustly lumped in with bad remakes, Black Christmas deserves another look. It's great that it has been gaining a following over the years, but I still feel it needs more of it. The movie is gory, fun, fast paced, good looking, both in terms of the actual movie and its stunning female cast. it's aged quite well, and has become a yearly holiday tradition of mine. When judged as its own movie, this holiday horror flick ranks as a nasty and great Yuletide time to be had.

 

3 out of 4

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