WinterCon 2018, Part 2: More of the Best of Cosplay

As one might expect December 1, 2018 in Queens, NY, was fucking freezing. But, a cosplayer has to cosplay and media have to cover what is going. Alas, I was doing both and greatly enjoying myself, while, simultaneously freezing my ass off! But, then so were my fellow cosplayers, especially those in skimpy outfits.

Before I got to seeing and interact with them, I took the chance to sign and write a dedication/ message to Stan Lee. As many who grew up as a comic-book, especially a Marvel fan, Lee was a hero and more to me. His passing was heartbreaking to all of us. What I wrote may have been short, but it came from my heart.

What follows now, in this second part (you can see read the first part here) of more of the coolest and finest cosplay that I saw on that day:

DJing in the bitter was cold was awesome cosplayer The Tank, the Life Size Action Figure, doing a badass cosplay of Marv from Sin City.

 We are ready to open a whole can of whoop ass on some baddies!

I thought I was freezing, but I really felt for the following two lovely ladies, directly below!

Venom had a hold of Spidey! I had to do my best to save him! In all seriousness, this dude did a wicked cosplay of the anti-hero symbiont!

Jenna Daggers Cosplay made for an awesome and beautiful Black Widow. Her cosplaying kicked so much fucking ass!

The gorgeous Babs Butcher as Kate Bekinsale's character Anne Valerious from "Van Helsing". This such a beautiful and original cosplay!

The Punisher has a message for the Joker: eat your heart out! 

I loved this Spider-Man/ Captain America (below)! Plus, he was really cool.When I asked him if I could get a pic with him, he asked me if I wanted to hold the shield. I was like hell yeah! Really nice guy and a most excellent cosplay!

This was an awesome time, and I already cannot wait for next year's WinterCon!

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Predator 2: When He Had a Few Days to Kill in LA

Let's continue our tribute to the Predator franchise, with my look back at what is actually my favorite installment in the sci-fi/ horror series, the second film, Predator 2 (1990).

After the huge success of the first film from future Die Hard director John McTerinan and star Arnold Schwarzengger, it was only fitting that a sequel be made. But, one of the many aspects that make this film so interesting is that it took risks. It didn't rehash the story or even bring back Arnie. Although, early on there was a concept of where Danny Glover's character and Schwarzengger would team up and battle the monster. Arnie and wanted more money so his return didn't happen, at all. What we do get is a movie that while looked down upon by critics, and even by a few fans, is a rollicking and wild entry and goes into bold and exciting territory.

Harrigan finds out that the Predator likes to catch some z's in a meat-locker.

It is the future (or at least was when this movie was released) the year 1990, and LA is experiencing a brutal heat wave, as well as an even more brutal gang war fought between the Colombians and the Jamaican drug gangs. As the movie begins, the cops are in a violent gun fight with the Colombians. Soon, we are introduced to our main hero Lt. Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover) who comes in to lead his crew. They are told to not go in, but Harrigan doesn't play by the book. When, a large explosion comes forth from a window, where the baddies are holed up in, he says fuck it. He goes in with Danny Archuleta (Ruben Blades), who he came up with through the ranks and is a long time friend, and badass Leona Cantrell (the gorgeous Maria Conchita Alonso) and few other cops. Soon they discover that the gang has been mutilated by a fast, unknown assailant, well unknown to them anyways. They think it is the Jamaicans, but we know better.

A little bit after, at headquarters, Harigan is introduced to Special Agent Keyes (Gary Busey) who will be in charge of the investigation. Harrigan also meets the young and energetic Detective Jerry Lambert (the late, great Bill Paxton). Lambert goes to develop a relationship with Cantrell.

Meanwhile, the Jamaicans interrupt one of the Colombians while he's banging a chick. They kill him in a voodoo ritual, only to be slaughtered themselves by the Predator (a returning Kevin Peter Hall). This leads a Harrigan to realize that a third player is in town. And, when Danny is killed by the monster, Harrigan makes it personal. He centers his investigation on Keyes who he knows is not really a DEA guy and knows a lot more than he is telling. It will all lead to a rousing battle between the unstoppable Predator and our tough as nails, if acrophobia (fear of heights) hero.

Predator 2 is one of the most unrelenting and action packed sequels ever made. It really never lets up. From start to finish the action and gore come in and beat you down to the ground. And, who handles the directing job here? It's British director Stephen Hopkins. Hopkins had earlier headed the enjoyable but highly uneven A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. The man already had handled a horror franchise that is driven by its monster. But, while that movie had its ups and downs, Predator 2 is all high notes and then some.

On a side note, between this movie and the awesome "Marked for Death" Jamaican voodoo drug gangs were appearing in violent, early 90's action movies.

Hopkins shows that he is very apt at directing rousing action and solid stunts. There so many wild points here and all are awesome and expertly shot and edited. The bloody beginning is ultra-violent and makes LA look like a motherfucking war-zone. Meanwhile, the nightmarish and violent train massacre scene was probably the nastiest bit of train mayhem in a horror movie, until the ending of Final Destination 3, came along.

He is equally good at the splatter aspect of the film. There is a ton of blood spilled and splattered on various sets. Enough so that the movie had a fuck of a problem wit the MPAA. It took a total of 20 trips with the ratings board to secure an R-rating. Sadly, we never got an unrated version, and I don't think we ever will. It would be nice though, if it ever happened. Regardless, even in its truncated form there are bloody squibs, impalings, slicings, amupations, stabbings, a bisection, a head and spinal cord getting ripped out (albeit in silhouette), and flayed and mutilated corpses galore.

The Predator doing his best "come at me. bro"!

The film has an amazing cast. I love Glover in the lead. He isn't your typical action hero. But, the man had, by thus point in time, cut his teeth on Lethal Weapon 1&2, so he knew what he was doing. Plus, he looks and feels like real dude, not a superhuman man like Arnie or Stallone. Blades is a pleasure as Danny, and this was the movie where I really began to like him. Alonso is someone that I had been a fan of before, but this is probably my favorite role of hers. Tough and sexy, she is one ass kicking, take no shit mamacita. Busey is, well, Busey, which is too say he is over the top and wonderfully so. 

And, Paxton is just awesome, he always is and this movie (and Aliens, Near Dark, his own Frailty, and fuck everything with him in it!) makes me miss him so much. Noteworthy is that Morton Downey Jr. plays a tabloid reporter. It is funny cause, in the late 80s he made an episode of his own show, The Morton Downey Jr. Show where he put down violent horror movies, only to appear in this and an episode of Tales from the Crypt... 

Production design is another aspect of this movie that is great. From the blood spattered walls to the meat freezer to the amazing smoke filled Predator ship everything looks cool and exciting. And, speaking of the Predator ship the trophy wall is awesome, as we see an Xenomorph skull. This showed that Alien Vs. Predator was a real thing, at a time when it was only a comic and still several years away from being two movies.

The guy on the left is a little, shy that why he doesn't take off his mask.

No discussion about this movie can be had without mentioning the spectacular work of Stan Winston. He again proves that he was one of the greatest make-up artists in the world. The creature design and look is amazing and life like. While the violence is bloody and realistic.

Originally to be released in Christmas, the sequel actually got pushed a month up to Thanksgiving weekend. It opened in fourth place, but made no where near the amount of money the first movie had made. As a result there wouldn't be another Predator movie till Alien Vs. Predator in 2004.

Mine! No! Mine!

I still fondly remember the movie's trailers and TV spots promising that the Predator was in a new jungle (LA) and was "in town with a few days to kill". Between my love of the first movie, those ads, and the Fangoria articles, I was pumped as fucking hell to see it. I was too young to get in the theaters on my own, so I went with my grandpa, himself, a fan of the first one. I will always remember walking home back from the movies with him, talking about it. For this reason it holds a special place in my heart.

Anyway, I always liked it more than the amazing first film. It is technically not the better movie, but I prefer it. Although, I honest to God love both movies. As a whole, I think the Predator movies are a better franchise than Alien just because even the worst film, AVP, is at least OK (which is more than I can say for shit like Alien: Covenant...). In fact, I would venture in saying that there is little wrong with this movie, in particular. After all, this is an action hybrid and saying that it is all action isn't a bad thing (especially when the action is so goddamn, fucking good!).

A little known fact is the "Skulls" by The Misfits is the Predator's theme song. 

Predator 2 is a fun, wild action/ horror/ sci-fi movie. It is not better than the classic, first flick, but I do happen to like it just a little more. In terms of quality, it is almost on par with it, I think. It has an amazing cast and fun and lively characters. The make-up FX by Winston are, of course, spectacular. And, the action and the gore are utterly unrelenting. So, ignore the critics who look down on it and revisit the most exhilarating non-stop hunt ever, before you go off to see the new one.

More Predator Tribute:
Horror Crush: Kristen Hager

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GOD TOLD ME TO (Review)

Title: God Told Me To
Writer/ Director:  Larry Cohen
Cast: Tony Lo Bianco, Deborah Raffin, Sandy Dennis, Sylvia Sidney, Sam Levene, Robert Drivas
 Year: 1976
Min: 91

A series of violent mass murders hits and terrorizes the residents of New York City. Before each of the killers get taken down or kill themselves, they all answer, when asked why, because, ''God told me to''. On the case is detective Peter J. Nicholas (Tony Lo Bianco), a deeply religious man. As such, he becomes obsessed with unraveling this case, which gets more wild and insane as the truth reveals itself.

One of the most interesting films from sometimes underrated horror filmmaker Larry (It's Alive, Q) Cohen, God Told Me To is a fascinating and wholly original mix of crime drama, horror, and science fiction. Moving at a slow and deliberate pace it builds up bit by bit, as it gets weirder and wilder. Throughout its running time, it remains a fascinating and intriguing bit of genre work by a sometimes overlooked master.

Cohen's script is smart and unlike any film that I can think of. It does a great job at looking at religion and the sometimes fanatical following that it has. It certainly comes off as bold and imaginative. The movie eventually becomes a total ''what the fuck?!" fest, as reveals more and more of its truths. Cohen's interest in police dramas may make some think it is a slow moving film. But, the movie never fails to capture the audiences interest.

Aside from the plot and  ever increasing weirdness level, Cohen also builds up tension in the action and suspense scenes. They are edited perfectly, with the opening sniper shooting in New York City at the film's start being a prime example of this. It's a scary and startling scene that grabs you by the throat. This is something that could happen (and has, just not in NYC, at least not that I know or recall). While, not exceptionally gory, it is violent with gun shots, stabbings, and throat slashings peppering the proceedings, all of which is done with that wonderfully bright red Dawn of the Dead 70's style of blood-letting.

The acting is excellent, especially from Tony Lo Bianco as the lead. He is believable and easy to get behind in his quest to unravel the truth. The fact that he is a man of faith makes it all the more interesting, as he faced with horrifying atrocities done in the name of the God he so loves and faithfully worships.

God Told Me To is an original and wild ride from one of the most talented and overlooked masters of fright. Cohen slowly builds the tension and shocking reality of the film's crazy plot ever so slowly. Questioning religion, faith, and the dangers of following it in a fanatical manner, the movie is as timely now as it was in the 70s, maybe more so. Coupled with excellent acting, especially from Lo Bianco, and a cool mix of genres, this is a film that needs to be seen by more. If you have never seen it be sure to check it out, as it is currently streaming on Shudder.

3.5 out of 4

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Death Race 2050 (Review)

Title: Death Race 2050
Director: G.J. Echternkamp
Writer:  G.J. Echternkamp, Matt Yamashita
Cast: Manu Bennett, Malcolm McDowell, Marci Miller, Burt Grinstead, Folake Olowofoyeku
Year: 2017
Min: 90

 In the year, 2050 the latest Death Race, a race in which one gets extra points by running over pedestrians, is happening in a large arena. Reigning champ and cybro-gentically enhanced Frankenstein (Manu Bennett) is among the competitors. But, he has some stiff competition including the vein and genetically enhanced Jed Perfectus (Burt Grinstead) and the insane and deadly Tammy the Terrorist (the lovely Anessa Ramsey) who has her own religion/ cult that centers around her. Helping Frankenstein out is his proxy the gorgeous Annie Sullivan (Marci Miller), though from the get-go he is annoyed by her presence. The rebellion try to stop Frankenstein, because of the fact that he is loved by the spectators. Meanwhile, the evil Chairman (Malcolm McDowell), who is running the whole race, is treacherous scum. This all leads to what will be the most difficult and dangerous race of Frankenstein's career.

Death Race 2050 is the sequel (yes sequel, not remake) to the Roger Corman (who also produced this flick, of course) produced cult classic Death Race 2000. Unlike the more serious tone of the wild and ultra-violent big-budget remake from 2008 (which was also co-produced by Corman), this film is much closer in tone to the original movie. It's campy, bloody, and filled with political satire. The later, of which, is very welcome in the current political climate. It should be noted that you do not need to see the first movie to see this one, but why the hell wouldn't you see that movie? It's fucking awesome!

That being said, it is never as good as either of those two movies. I can't compare it to the two sequels the 2008 film had, though, as I never saw those. But, I digress. 2050 is wonderfully blatant in its proudly campy manner. This doesn't necessarily work all the time, as the humor, sometimes, comes off a little forced or is just not funny. However, a good amount of it does work and is really quite hilarious.

The CGI is pretty bad, but somehow it just adds to the camp factor. It helps it look and feel cheap, which in this case is a welcome. I would venture in saying that I enjoyed the bad CGI here, more than I enjoy a lot of the shitty CGI featured on movies that air on SyFy. The cars look wild and are very much in tone with the first film. The gore FX are wonderfully over-the-top. Included among the mayhem are bodies getting run-over (of course!), exploding bodies, impaling, decapitations, splattering blood, flying entrails, and more. Nothing is ever done in a serious tone or manner so there is never a morbid or mean-spirited feel to it.

Being a Corman movie you will wanna know if it succeeds in the other exploitation staple: nudity. And, I can happily say that it does! Various babes show ample T&A, but the only central character to show the goods is the quite nice ass of Anessa Ramsey in her as Tammy. That said, Marci Miller does wear a sexy, tight outfit that shows off her ample curves.

The acting is, admit ably, good. Manu Bennett, best know for Spartacus and playing Deathstroke on Arrow, seems to be having a hell of a good time playing Frankenstein. He is great at both the action scenes and playing with the humor of the movie. Malcolm McDowell is equally fun as the evil Chairman, who is an excellent and welcomed parody of now President Donald Trump, right down to the ridiculous, parted hair. Like I said this movie has great social commentary for our current state! Miller adds some bombshell sex appeal, and killer curves, with her role of Annie. She, too, is great at combing said sex appeal with humor. The rest of the cast is equally fun and good at their roles.

Death Race 2050 doesn't always work or hit all of its goals. But, when it does it is quite a good time. With its campy and silly feel, it can be quite funny at times. Throw in some wild bits of ultra-violence and some welcome babes, it succeeds in its exploitation based heart. The biting social commentary is funny and scarily fitting today's world. Despite this, much of the movie has a breezy mentality that is perfect to just lie back and chill with it. The fact that it is currently on NetFlix means there is no reason you shouldn't being see it.

2.5 out of 4

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The 10 Best Movies of 2015

The time has come once again, for me to pick the 10 best films of this past year of 2015. It took a lot of changing, thought, and consideration to finalize this list. As I thought and/ or rewatched certain movies they moved up or down the list. This year was heavy on both big and low budget movies, including some blockbusters that were highly anticipated. You will notice that for the first time in ages no superhero movies are in the top 10. But, regardless there is a good variety of genres and styles in the ten movies. As always, I don't think you'll find any top 10 quite like this one on any other site, so enjoy!

10. American Ultra- Despite my genuine dislike of lead actor Jessie Eisenberg, American Ultra stands as one of the most wild and over the top movies of the year. An eclectic mixture of comedy/ stoner/ action/ and ultra-violence, American Ultra is fresh and fun. The script by Max Landis ranks as one of the best of the year. The acting is great, even from the aforementioned Eisenberg. The beautiful Kristen Stewart continues to prove that she should be known for more than those wretched Twilight movies, as she is great here. And, the graphic and bloody violence help put this one out of the realm of the usual safe PG-13 shitfests that tend to over dominate the movie theaters.

9. Sicario- The one movie that delivered the year's biggest gut punch was this unflinching and hardcore crime thriller. Smart, uncompromising, and with some of the finest acting of the year, Sciario really shines. It sticks with you well after the movie is over. It's brutal violence and bleak as hell suffocating feel sucks you in and holds you from the beginning to it's shocking climax and dark as fuck ending. While, everyone involved is amazing, extra points needed to be given to Benicio del Toro and the lovely Emily Blunt. You won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.



8. Creed- The best entry in the Rocky franchise since the first film, this a legitimately great film. The acting from Sylvester Stallone (who remains unjustly underrated as an actor) and Michael B. Jordan is, I would say, Oscar worthy. Jordan has a great bright future ahead of him. And, this movie is full of heart and emotion. You'll laugh, cry, and cheer.






7. Inside Out- Pixar returns to my top 10 with this movie, which ranks as one of the their very best ever. It's incredibly smart and deep. Complex and funny, this is just the best animated and best comedy of the year. Really. There is just no competition. Also, Sadness might be one of the greatest characters in the history of animated movies. Note, if this one doesn't make you cry, then you have no soul! In all seriousness, from the excellent script to the beautiful animation, this is just a great and modern classic.

6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens- Some have come out and accused this one of being nothing more than a remake of New Hope or said even worse. But, that is cause some people can just never be pleased. Personally, speaking this one actually lived it up the hype. Yes, it is flawed, so no it is not perfect. But, the complaints are minor. It's triumphs are huge though. One of the most fun movie going experiences of 2015, it really felt like a Star Wars movie should. The FX are great and Daisy Ridley's Rey and BB8 are two of the most awesome characters we were introduced to last year. Personally speaking, I think it is not only better than the prequels, but Return of the Jedi, as well. Now, bring on the rest of the Star Wars movies, Disney!

5. Unfriended- The best found footage movie in centuries! Full review: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2015/04/unfriended-2015-review.html









4. The Hateful Eight- Taratino's slow burn western continues the upward trend of his last three movies. It has some of the best dialogue and character interaction that I have seen all year. The all star cast is phenomenal and the twists and turns the story takes are exhilarating. Jennifer Jason Leigh needs to be hired in more movies. Seriously, this movie proves just how underrated she is. The humor works perfectly, while the blood and gore flow and drown the screen in chunky, dark red. It really ranks as one of my favorite westerns, of all time. One more thing, horror fans pay attention as one of David Hess' Last House on the Left songs is used in the movie!


3. Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead- The best horror movie since American Mary. Full review: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2015/08/wyrmwood-road-of-dead.html








2. Ex Machina- This quite and deeply intelligent sci-fi movie from writer/ director Alex Garland is the most stratifying indie genre film of the year. With only a cast of four, the intimate and thought provoking movie just captures, enthralls, and seduces, as it does the character of Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson). Alicia Vickander is a vision of perfect beauty with the acting talent to match. In a world, where science fiction is littered with big budgets, brain-dead plots, explosions, and weak PG-13 ratings, this is the type of mature and smart sci-fi want to see more of. The most intellectually satisfying film of the year.
 

1. Mad Max: Fury Road- Honestly, when it came to choosing the best film, there was no other choice than this one. I fell in love with it from the instant that I saw it and doubted anything would top it. I was right. The greatest sci-fi action movie since T2, this modern masterpiece redefines exhilarating. It's simply plot is made to move at full throttle. Essentially one long chase scene the movie rarely lets up. But, it also manages to make us care for the characters and the situation that they are in. Charlize Theron's Furiosa is the single greatest character of the year. The fact that most of the stunts are real world and not CGI make them exciting and standout in a cinematic world dominated by the CGI filled and dumb Fast and Furious movies. The set designs and imagery are stunning and breathtaking. I actually think this movie tops Mad Max but not The Road Warrior. Welcome back to the genre, George Miller! And, here is to more movies in the franchise!

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