Horror Crush: Lisa Orgolini

Today we are inducting another beauty into our hallowed Horror Crushes section, And, this time we have a beauty, who thanks to her role, serves also a metal crush! It's the gorgeous and talented Lisa Orgolini! 

She was born Lisa Athena Orgolini on July 31, 1963 in Los Angeles, California. Orgolini made her acting debut in a made for TV called Paper Dolls in 1982. But, it is her next role that is her most famous one and the reason for her induction here. 

That flick is the heavy metal/ horror classic Trick or Treat (1986). Made at the height of the 80s satanic panic tells the tale of Eddie "Ragman" Weinbauer (Mark Price best known for being Skippy on Family Ties) who is a teenaged metalhead. Like many other fellow fans of metal, he is an outcast and is bullied by the high school assholes. Heavy metal rocker Sammi Curr (the late, great Tony Fields) is his idol. He is infamous, due to his onstage performances and graphic lyrics.

But, Sammi has died in a mysterious fire, which has our hero down. He goes down to visit radio DJ Nuke (Kiss' Gene Simmons), who gives him Curr's unreleased album, Songs in the Keys of Death on acetate disc. Nuke has his own copy reel to tape copy to play at midnight on Halloween, just as Curr requested. Anywho, it doesn't take long for Ragman to play the record backwards and what starts as a harmless ways to get back at his bullies, quickly escalates to horrible demon caused injuries, death, and Curr's eventual return from the grave! 

As I alluded to before, Trick or Treat was made at a time, when some not very bright people where shitting themselves thinking that Satan and Satanists were doing all sorts of evil shit. Among the forms of entertainment that took the blame were things like Dungeons and Dragons and, of course, heavy metal music. This one takes the whole Satan worship and backmasking (the mostly misconceived idea that if you play metal records backwards evil shit would be said) as part of its plot. It is also, as a result, filled with fucking killer music by underrated. and no longer together, metal band Fastway.

The movie, itself, had been unavailable for ages, except for some shitty DVD (that was in pan and scan, no fucking less!). Until last year, when Synapse finally put it out on glorious 4K, in one of the best releases of 2024. Now, I hadn't this one seen renting the VHS, as a kid who was into metal and horror. I liked it back then, but I love it even more now. Being an outcast in high school where I was picked on for my love of metal and horror (and comics, though I suppose that's less relevant to this movie), I can relate to it even more now. Mark Price is really likable as our lead, and Fields is fucking awesome as Curr. Along with the killer music and the fun cameos by metal/ hard rock royalty in the aforementioned Simmons as well as Ozzy Osbourne, as an anti -metal crusader, give it even more metal cred. It is the second greatest heavy metal/ horror movie ever made (Deathgasm is the greatest, if you must know).

Orgolini is wonderful in her role of Leslie Graham. She's a regular and sweet girl who befriends Ragman and likes him! They have good chemistry and make for a cute onscreen couple. Orgolini looks absolutely gorgeous, but also manages to pull off the girl next door thing. Or at least, like I always said, the girl that I always wished lived next door to me. She is so naturally beautiful, that I crushed on her the moment I saw her. But, also this is the part that I can't relate to as no normie girl would ever have liked my metal loving ass. But, hey this is after a movie and not real life, right? Anyways, I especially love Orgolini's look at the Halloween party (above) which is very 80s, and by default, really hot in my book! 

She kept on acting till 1998, after which she retired from performing. But. Trick or Treat remained her sole horror film. According to the extra features to that movie's aforementioned 4K release (and it's Blu-ray, as well), she moved to England, where she lives now. As a result, she ain't on the extra features. Which is a little  disappointing cuz, I would have loved to hear her thoughts on the film and making of it. Also, I was curious to see what she looked nowadays.

Anyways, one of the things, related to her, that we learn in those extra features is that there was a fantasy/ dream sequence where Ragman pictures himself to be some sort of Conan type dude, He also imagines Leslie to be in a sexy, complimentary outfit (below). I definitely wish this scene existed in the movie, cuz she looked hot as hell!

While, Orgolini only did one horror movie in her relatively short career. it's a classic and favorite among fans who love metal and horror, like myself. She was so good in it and with her beauty and character's sweetness, really embodied the normie girl many of us wish we had met in high school. As such, it is an honor to induct Lisa Orgolini into Horror Crushes!

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Fréwaka (Review)

Writer/ Director: Aislinn Clarke
Cast: Clare Moonelly, Bríd Ní Neachtain, Aleksandra Bystrzhitskaya, Clare Barrett
Year: 2024
Min: 103

Shortly after the suicide of her estranged mother, Shoo (Clare Monnelly), a young in-home care worker, is assigned to care for an elderly shut-in named Peig (Brid Ni Neachtain). This old lady lives in a secluded town in the Irish countryside. She is also hard to care for, being untrusting of Shoo and generally paranoid. On top of her off fears, there is her weird beliefs. But, as they spend more time together, they grow closer. Eventually, Shoo, who is dealing with her own trauma, begins to think that maybe Peig's fears of those she wishes to keep from coming in the house, might, in fact, be very real.

Fréwaka is a supernatural/ folk horror film and the second feature from writer/ director Aislinn (The Devil's Doorway) Clarke. From the beginning prologue and the suicide that follows it, the movie sets up a very uneasy feeling. The fact that the flick is shot mostly in the Gaelic language adds to this foreboding feeling. 

While, the pacing is slow the apprehensiveness of it helps to carry the movie throughout its running time. This is compounded by a continuous undercurrent of malevolence. The excellent sound design further adds to this helping the flick to get even more under your skin. I also really like the movie's use of religious imagery which make them come off as especially spine-chilling. Another key factor is its very somber tone tone.  Combine this all with it's use of past trauma and abuse, and  the flick manages to stay with you. 

I do have to say that there is over reliance on typical tropes. For example, the phone reception sucks. You have other circumstances (covered up mirrors, creepy villagers, etc.) that you expect in a movie like this. This makes it sometimes feel as if it over relies on these motifs. However, for the most part these things don't really deter from film. They are incorporated into the plot, and their use, however typical they maybe, are well done. They help to add to the compelling and involving mystery. 

The acting is very strong, especially from the two leads. Clare Monnelly is very likable and believable as Shoo. Brid Ni Neachtain is also great Peig. Her character is complex and feels very real (within the context of this story, anyways). And, as we get to know her, she too is very likable. I also really appreciated the way their relationship develops as the story moves along. It is credible and becomes filled with heart and pathos as we get closer to the climax. The scene between them in Peig's bedroom is an especially good example of this. As, it is a touching and heartbreaking study in PTSD. 

 
Another factor helping the flick is that Clarke really does a good directing job. This is especially true of certain scenes that are really nicely shot. She also does a strong job with the movie's climax. As it is one that odd and yet intense and compelling. This, in turn, leads to the nightmarish and bone chilling ending. 

Fréwaka is a well done supernatural, folk-horror film. It may use a lot of overdone tropes, but the compellingly mysterious plot overturns this. The acting, especially from our two leads, is great. While, certainly a slow burn, it builds up nicely, ending on a chilling note. The movie, itself, remains unsettling and haunting from beginning to that just mentioned ending. It starts streaming on Shudder on April 25, 2025, as part of their "Halfway to Halloween" programming. Be sure to check it out then.

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Horror Crush: Emma Fitzpatrick

It's time to induct another beautiful and talented lady into Horror Crushes! This time around that honor goes to absolutely stunning Emma Fitzpatrick!

Fitzpatrick was born in Marion, Ohio. She is a multi-talented lady being an actress, producer, and musician. Her first acting role came in 2010, when she appeared in an episode of CSI: NY. But, it's in 2012 that she caught my and many other horror fans attention and hearts with her first genre film.

That movie would be the sequel to the 2009 horror flick The Collector, known as The Collection (2012). In it, the psychotic the Collector (Randall Archer) has slaughtered a bunch of people at a club, taking his one prisoner, as he always does in Elena (Fitzpatrick). Arkin (Josh Stewart), his chosen captive from the first film, escapes, as she is kidnapped. He is soon contacted by her father and his band of mercs, to lead them into a rescue of her. 

This flick adds action to the proceedings, aiming to do what Aliens did to the sci-fi/ horror movie for the torture porn subgenre. And, like that classic, it is the rare superior sequel. The flick is a good looking, stylish splatter flick with some very good and graphic gore. It's well directed by a returning Marcus Dunstan. As the movie opens up with the aforementioned club bloodbath, it kicks ass all way to its tense climax. It's also helped by likable characters and good acting, including a sympathetic turn by Fitzpatrick, We don't want anything to happen to her or our other protagonists. Sadly, we were suppose to get a third and possibly final entry, The Collected, with the cast returning, including Fitzpatrick. But, alas COVID cancellation seems to have killed that. 

I actually met the cast and crew, including Fitzpatrick, back when I was working for Best-Horror-Movies, AKA HorrorFreaks. I was covering their panel at the 2012 edition of New York Comic Con. Sadly, that article got lost when the site closed down, but here is a pick with all of them. 

In 2015, she appeared in the vampire movie Bloodsucking Bastards. I've never seen this one, but I remember hearing about it when it came out. Have you guys seen it? Let me in the comments section. 

She wouldn't return to the horror genre till 2021's feminist horror movie Take Back the Night. And, thanks to her amazing performance, on top of her natural beauty, in that movie that made me decide to write this piece. In it, she plays Jane an artist with a free living and partying lifestyle, who gets brutally assaulted by a monster, as she leaves a party. 

I think it is kinda shitty that until I turned on Shudder this Saturday, I hadn't so much as heard about this movie. The synopsis and the trailer caught my attention, and I decided to give it a look. And, I am so glad that I did. It's powerfully directed by Gia Elliot, as well as being well edited and written. The film is smart, intense, haunting, and, at times, nerve shredding. It works powerfully as an allegory for the trauma, treatment, judgement, and out right horror of what a woman goes through when she's a victim of a sexual assault. Worse even when like Fitzpatrick's character, she is deemed to be a druggie, drunk, and/ or loose, on top of having a mental health history. I do hope that now that it is on Shudder, more will see it. 

Fitzpatrick gives an amazing performance. It's powerful, full pathos and pain. You believe what she is going through, and you feel awful for her. This ranks among my favorite acting roles, I've seen in the last few years.

She most recently appeared in two more horror movies, The Summoned (2022) and Unhuman (2022). I haven't seen either though, but if you have sound off in the comments section below. 

Emma Fitzpatrick is an amazing, and, I, think, very underrated actress. She gives incredible performances in any role that I have seen her in. She is also flawlessly beautiful. I gotta admit that I love a girl with short hair, and she rocks that look beautifully! With all this said, I am very happy to induct her into Horror Crushes!

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The Dark and the Wicked (Review)

Writer/ Director: Bryan Bertino
Cast: Marin Ireland, Michael Abbot Jr., Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Lynn Andrews, Tom Zowicki
Year: 2020
Min: 95

Two siblings, Michael (Michael Abbot Jr.) and Louise (Marin Ireland), head to their scheduled family farm house. They are there to see their sickly father (Michael Zagst), who is bed ridden, unresponsive, and has deteriorating health. Their mother (Julie Oliver-Touchstone) cares for him mostly by herself, with occasional help from a nurse (Lynn Andrews). But, their mom isn't behaving like her usual self, at all, instead acting disturbed, uneasy, and looking utterly miserable. She also let's them know that they shouldn't have come, and that they need to leave immediately. Things, from then on, turn continuously worse and increasingly nightmarish. 

Written and directed by Bryan (The Strangers) Bertino, The Dark and the Wicked is a 2020 supernatural horror movie. It garnered some strong reviews last and year, and I remember that it got some fans talking about it. The actual film, itself, is a little more uneven, that you may have been lead to believe. But, it isn't without its merits.

Bertino gives us a really good looking movie. The cinematography by Tristan Nyby is gorgeous. There is some really nice frame composition and good use of shadow and light. All of this helps to contribute to the movie's continuous downbeat and chilling feeling. This look fits the film's tone perfectly. As it is a flick that is  never fun on any level, save for a scene that has a cute baby sheep. 

The script by Bertino makes the mystery of what is happening intriguing and unnerving. His story and directing is that of a slowly paced movie, at times, maybe, a little too slow. But, whenever it feels like it has slowed to a halt, something shocking will occur. The first truly jaw-dropping moment in the movie actually breaks up the quiet, unease that it previously set-up, bitch slapping you back into reality. It is a soul crushing, downer of a moment. The flick also has some decent jump scares, that, at least, don't turn out to be fake-outs. 

I love the score by Tom Schraeder. It is somber evocative, and creepy. It tonally fits the movie perfectly. The film also has excellent sound design, as it takes full advantage of its surround sound. This helps it to further up the creep factor, as sound effects permeate from the right and the left, sometimes making you wonder what the hell it is your hearing. And, if it is even coming from the movie, itself. This is a strong method that really helps it get under your skin. 

The acting from the whole case is excellent. Marin Ireland is especially good as Louise. Her performance really helps you to feel for her. Michael Abbot Jr, as her brother Michael, is fine as well. And, I have to say that it is always a treat to see Xander (Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Nikita) Berkeley in anything, here doing a memorable, albeit small, turn as the Priest.

On the other hand, nothing new is done. While, it certainly is alarming, at times, it also very much follows the tropes set up by this kind of movie. As the movie progresses, the clichés begin to increase in frequency. The climax has some twisted moments that are mixed in with others that are more predictable in nature. I am most definitely not a fan of the ending which, honestly, comes off as cheap and contrived, especially since it follows something that is pretty twisted. 

The Dark and the Wicked won't win any points for breaking new ground. Its pacing aims for a slow burn approach, which might not be to everyone's liking. Although, it does throw-in a shocking scene every time it feels too slow. However, it definitely achieves its aim to be creepy and unnerving. The climax is alternately shocking and predictable. While, the movie's ending feels cheap and lazy. Say what you will though the movie looks great and has excellent acting by the whole cast. This is one that certainly worth a look, but is definitely not the masterpiece some have proclaimed it to be. The Dark and the Wicked will begin streaming on Shudder this Thursday, February 25, 2021. 

 

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"Z" (Review)

Director: Brandon Christensen
Writers: Brandon Christensen, Colin Minihan
Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Jett Klyne, Sean Rogerson, Sara Canning, Stephen McHattie
Year: 2019
Min: 83

The married couple of Elizabeth (Keegan Connor Tracy) and Kevin Parsons (Sean Rogerson) have an eight-year-old son named Joshua (Jett Klyne). He unfortunately has gained an imaginary friend simply named Z; who soon influences Joshua to develop rather antisocial and destructive behavior. It worries his mom, Elizabeth, of course, especially when the behavior begins to include violence. She will slowly discover the secret of Z.

This slow burn of a horror movie looked, at first, to be something that I had seen before. But, thanks to some solid talent behind and in front of the camera, ended up exceeding my expectations. Insuring my enjoyment of it is how the movie builds up and has a couple of moments that will chill you.

Perhaps the movie's strongest aspect is its acting. Everyone is great, but it's Keegan Connor (Final Destination 2, Bates Motel) Tracy that is truly incredible. She gives one of the year's best performances, as she is able to say so much with just her eyes. Her character of Elizabeth is the heart of the movie and is easy to like and cheer on. She also plays a good counterbalance to Sean Rogerson portrayal of her hubby Kevin. While, he shows strong acting, the role is the generic dad who doesn't believe in the supernatural shit that is going on. As such, he feels a bit like a fail, even if he means well. The supporting cast is strong as well, in particular the always great and underrated Stephen McHattie as the psychologist Beth calls to help her son.

I also really like the way the movie looks, as there are some really nicely framed shots within it. While, the flick is slow it builds and builds up rather well. The continuing sense of mounting terror so well thanks to director/ co-writer Brandon Christensen, who manages to make the movie creepier and creepier. There is, at least. one truly shocking and jaw-dropping moment. It comes from a truly shocking scene that works to perfection and comes out of nowhere. The score by Brittany Allen is great, as well, and adds to the scares. It helps to make you feel very uneasy.

The script by Christensen and Colin Minihan is strong. As I stated before, at first this film feels like it might be something we have seen before. But, then at about the 50 or so minute mark it goes in a decidedly crazy and increasingly dark direction that I really appreciated. It helps to give this one its own identity.

"Z" is a dark and somber mix of supernatural and psychological horror. Though it's a bit on the slow side, it builds up rather nicely. The film manages to have some frightening and creepy moments. And, it is highlighted by a superlative performance from the lovely and immensely talented Connor Tracy. Her role of a mom who will do anything to protect and save her son helps to make this one a great choice for Mother's Day viewing. Which is great cause Shudder will begin streaming the movie on May 7, 2020.

3 out of 4 

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