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A co-worker who was born in the 80s and grew up in the 90s told me that he didn't have many great horror movies as he grew up. I googled the films which came out that decade and begged to differ. Silence of the Lambs, Interview with a Vampire, Dusk Til' Dawn, Predator 2, The Faculty. These were a few of my favorites of that period. But it got me thinking.
I was born in the 70s and grew up in the 80s. There was iconic cinema that came out during that decade that is still talked about to this day. These specific horror movies of the 1980s have given me memories which will stay with me forever. These are some of those films.
A Nightmare on Elm Street-1984. https://amzn.to/2zc6qo9 The idea of a monster killing you in your dreams then you consequently die in real life, scared me bad. Can something like this happen? Not in the same way the victims died in the movies, but what if you dreamt of something that caused you to have a heart attack or seizure, resulting in one's death!? I'd follow this franchise for years afterward seeing most of the films and even the TV show. I've dressed up as Freddy Kruger for a few Halloweens too.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors-1987. https://amzn.to/2DivNYl We've all dreamed of having extra abilities one time or another. Such as flying, or having extraordinary strength, or being able to breathe underwater. This Elm Street sequel takes this and runs with it, and I loved it. When the first film was released, this was a question anyone who viewed the film would ask. If you can have abilities in your dreams, couldn't you use them to defend yourself against Freddy? For me, the spookiest scene is when Freddy is holding Kristen's mother's severed head, while she's scolding her. Cool!
The Thing-1982. https://amzn.to/2z962a1 There is nothing like this film. The special effects, the movement of the creatures, the tension. Keith David, Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley who always comes across as a sympathetic character, but ends up being something sinister. One of the best horror films I've ever seen.
Hellraiser-1987. https://amzn.to/2DkKkTj Up to 1987, I'd never seen anything like this. The hooks and the sadomasochism vibe. The creativity in the look of Pinhead and the Cenobites was unique. The lasting images from this film which are forever burned into my mind are the muscle-sinewy version of Frank crawling and sliming around the attic. The second is Frank's stretched face saying 'Jesus wept' before being pulled apart.
An American Werewolf in London-1981. https://amzn.to/2DDA75A The mutant Nazi massacre scene disturbed me. It made me think, what if this happened to me and my family? The setting with someone watching TV, someone else on the dinner table doing homework, someone else in the kitchen, I grew up with that. A deranged group of monsters bursting into our apartment and killing us off while the others watched, gruesome.
Poltergeist-1982. https://amzn.to/2PZvEj8 This was the first movie I'd seen a horror movie trope I'd repeatedly see over the years. It's a terrible idea to build a house above an old burial ground, then decide to live in it! The scene which comes to mind is where the steak starts crawling on its own and what ensues afterward, which includes a guy ripping his face apart.
The Fly-1986. https://amzn.to/2qJLPmD This was one of the very few films I'd seen with my sister. Jeff Goldblum's transformation into the Brundle Fly was a sight to behold, so was his performance. The scene where he vomits on the guy's ankle, and it dissolves, gross!
Evil Dead 2-1987. https://amzn.to/2B4CSKp I stumbled upon Evil Dead 2 one night while it was playing on HBO. For the next 84 minutes, I was glued to the TV. Until this point, I'd hadn't seen a horror comedy like this. Was I suppose to be scared? I loved the gags and Bruce Campbell. I'd go on to follow this franchise as well through movies and excellent TV show. I even read the Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash comic but I never played the video game.
Fright Night-1985. https://amzn.to/2qNPFed This was one of the many movie nights I'd spent with my older brother and his friends. I thought my older brother was cool and wanted to do whatever he did. I jumped at any opportunities to hang out with him and his friends. I remembered loving this movie. What stayed with me was the protagonist Charlie Brewster's friend Evil and the main villain, Jerry whose fangs were so big he couldn't even close his mouth. Good times.
Aliens-1986. https://amzn.to/2qMwuBA Another film I'd seen with my brother, cousin, and friends. Aliens was a horror-action extravaganza. I remember leaving the theater being blown away! I felt satiated in terms of my anticipation for this film at the time. I compare the feeling of having a full meal and going on about how good it tasted.
The Return of the Living Dead-1985. https://amzn.to/2RRbhlK The first time I'd seen this movie was during a family gathering. All the kids went into one of the bedrooms. I remember pretending not to be scared to see this movie. I'd seen the George Romero's Dawn of the Dead and that gave me trouble sleeping at night. This would begin my love affair and repeated viewings of this film. A favorite line is 'I like it Spooky. Hey! Have some respect for the dead!'
Creepshow-1982. https://amzn.to/2TccdCs I'd seen this on VHS. I loved how the comic book scenes transitioned into the movie scenes. I remember a memorable line from actor Stephen King(?) saying 'meteor shit!' Or when the cockroaches burst out of the dead doctor's body. This is the first horror anthology movie I've seen and wouldn't be the last.
Demons 1 & 2-1985 & 1986. https://amzn.to/2TbW28b This was my formal introduction to Italian horror. As a kid, I'd seen Gates of Hell in passing. I say 'in passing' because during most of the gross-out scenes I had my eyes covered. These movies had a different vibe from the American horror I'd seen. A lot more gore for sure. These films shocked me, and burned images of the demons into my mind. Later in life, I found out more about Dario Argento and his impact on Italian horror during the 70s and 80s. I even got to meet him once. May he rest in peace.
They Live-1988. https://amzn.to/2T9ngfL Wrestling, sci-fi & John Carpenter mashed into one! Roddy Piper was a hated wrestling character at the time but how can you not love him in this. I did not like the way this film ends with him dying(spoiler alert). The glasses being able to see the aliens and the signage with the propaganda was fascinating. Who can't forget piper suplexing Keith David. Why hasn't this been remade?
Friday the 13th series-1980s. https://amzn.to/2Tbeq15 There were many teen-camp slasher flicks from the 80s but this series is the one I've always associated with this sub-genre. Jason is a horror icon even if all the entries haven't been the best. This is the first movie or series of movies that made me question the epidemic of girls falling while running away from Mr. Vorhees. I'd love to hear the stories from writers who came up with that idea.
I'm part of the age group where this retro resurgence of the 80s is being sold to and I love it. Toys, movies, TV shows, music. When it's done well, I'm all in. Take my money!
Like my movie discussion? Find my movie reviews here. Thoughts? Comments? You can comment below or contact me by calling or texting 1-201-429-0274. If you leave a voicemail please be aware, you only have 3 minutes. Email me at improveandhavefun@gmail.com
Before seeing the 2nd season of Netflix Iron Fist series, I wished to seek out a good comic book story based on the character. This was initially published in 2007. The leading writers and artist were Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction and David Aja.
Before seeing the 2nd season of Netflix Iron Fist series, I wished to seek out a good comic book story based on the character. This was initially published in 2007. The leading writers and artist were Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction and David Aja.
My notes from this book(there are spoilers).
-The Netflix show was recently canceled. I don't doubt Iron Fist season 3 would've borrowed heavily from this arc. At the end of season 2 he is looking for Orson Randall. This book is Orson Randall's backstory.
-David Aja's art is beautiful. I love the way he draws slender, muscular figures. When I first saw his artwork(in this comic book), it reminded me of Jae Lee's work. Check these links for Mr. Aja's work (https://binged.it/2RQv71k)and this one for Mr. Lee's work (https://binged.it/2IXS8eH)and tell me what you think.
-First buying this book, I noticed how slim it was. I thought 'is this going to be a quick read?' It was.
-You're thrust right into this world. It doesn't fully expect you to know who Iron Fist is. It does go into a brief version of his origin. I've never known much about Iron Fist until the Netflix series. I learned through this book that there have been many Iron Fists throughout the centuries. The first season of the show hinted that there were previous holders of the Iron Fist mantle. What's not covered in the show is that they seem to live an extraordinary amount of time. More than a normal human lifespan.
-Great to see cameos from Luke Cage and the Daughters of the Dragon.
Davos, Hydra, the Crane Sisters. I didn't know Jeri Hogarth was initially a guy! It cements the characters of the TV show a little further for me.
-Orson Randall was a bad-ass and not one to be crossed. I liked him mentoring Danny. It feels like a 90-minute action movie. With Danny and Orson kicking all kinds of Hydra ass.
-As I read the book, I began thinking 'I might have to pick up volume 2. I'm enjoying this.'
-Where I changed my mind about getting volume 2 was the end. Danny and Davos kick each other after Orson's death. There's an explosion and Davos runs away to fight another day. Most of the book Davos was getting prepared to finish Danny and Orson putting himself through self-imposed trials. In the end, He finishes Orson in a few panels. One kick at Danny and now he has to run away? In his aforementioned preparation, he ordered a large group of Crane sister clones to his side to suck their life force and empower him. Bringing Davos kick-ass levels to new highs. He killed a bunch of Hydra soldiers for practice. Just to run away at the end? What?
I came into this book curious about Iron Fist. That curiosity turned into interest. This was dashed away by the anti-climactic ending. I might still check out volume 2, but not anytime soon.
You can check out this book through my affiliate link here https://amzn.to/2RK7Woe . Thank you!
On a recent episode of James Altucher's podcast (episode #385); Mr. Altucher mentioned something he's talked about before. Improving 1% on a regular basis, on a particular skill/task compounds and leads to significant results. I heard this after reading Darren Hardy's book 'The Compound Effect.' Then it became crystal clear. I'd been doing this for some time.
Examples; reading books a little bit every day would lead to completed reads. Same with audiobooks. I've finished artwork, podcasts, articles this way. I'm currently working on a diorama for my action figures. I've been doing the same with video games as I'd like to add more game reviews to this podcast. An inch regularly taken in the intended direction, leads to the finish line.
Reading Mr. Hardy's book laid the groundwork for this lesson which I'd heard about before but never gave too much mind. How does the old saying go? You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. That's me.
Here are 5 of my biggest takeaways from Darren Hardy's 'The Compound Effect.'
(These are not related to the point I discussed above)
-Page 30. 'I was free to fly. No matter who was elected president, how badly the economy tanked, or what anybody said, did or didn't do, I was still 100 percent in control of me. Through choosing to be officially liberated from past, present, and future victimhood, I'd hit the jackpot. I had the unlimited power to control my destiny.'
-Page 60. 'Uprooting bad habits that have grown into mighty oaks is going to be arduous and difficult; to see the process through will require something greater than even the most relentless determination-willpower alone won't cut it.'
-Page 139. 'Put another way; you will get in life what you accept and expect you are worthy of.'
-Page 135. This was a quote from John Wooden in the book. 'Mentoring is the true legacy. It is the greatest inheritance you can give to others. And it should never end. It is why you get up every day. To teach and be taught.'
-Page 140. 'Identify the influence the input of media and information is having on your life. Determine what input you need to protect your mind from and how you are going to keep your mind regularly flushed with positive, uplifting, and supportive input.'
This was a great book and a short read. Anyone can apply this compounding method. Have you read 'The Compound Effect?' Thoughts? Comments? Let me know.
If you haven't, you can purchase this book through the link provided. It will support my myself and the author. Thank you!
Netflix Iron Fist season 2. I felt the first season had a load of fluff in between the initial and final episodes. But I liked the characters. especially the antagonists. David Wenham, and Tom Pelphrey specifically.
I enjoyed this season. Fewer episodes and an engaging storyline made it platable. Here are some of my notes. There are spoilers.
-The contention between Joy and Ward went on forever. I was ok with it at first but it just keeps coming back to Joy saying 'you didn't tell me the truth, you lied to me' and that happens numerous times.
-I do enjoy the actor who plays Ward. I've mentioned this before. He's great at being a dick. He also gave me the only moment in the show when I teared up. This happened in the final episode when he gives his monologue to the folks at the NA meeting. I sympathized with him when Bethany said 'No' to his support in raising their unborn child. I smiled at the end when Ward went to Asia alongside Danny, as they both are on a mission to find themselves.
-I like Alice Eve as schizophrenic Typhoid Mary. Innocent, deadly Mary Walker. I'd like to see her show up in Daredevil's series. In the comics, she's more of a rogue on his side of things.
-Davos is great! Unwilling to flinch only when he has to. Love the longing for his mother's love and that being the pain which motivates him to accomplish his goals. He's not shy about killing folks with his red Iron Fists. Nice touch.
-I like the relationship building between Colleen and Misty, Netflix maybe should consider a 4 episode show with these two. I'd watch it.
-'Crane Sisters' show up! Villains straight from the Iron Fist comics.
-Colleen Wing has the best fight sequences on the show. This was her season, and I didn't mind that. The season revolved around her. Danny Rand was more of a supporting character. Similar to season 2 of Luke Cage with Alfre Woodard.
-I like that they don't overuse the glowing fist. When it shows up, you know something's going down.
-Danny Rand still headstrong and innocent in ways, but not as immature as the 1st seasons of Iron Fist and the Defenders. Character growth. Cool!
-The limp Danny has while he's about to face Davos at the community center, was kind of goofy. A ploy to show Davos weakness which wasn't there.
-No Luke Cage appearance on this season. I half expected it. We got mentions of Luke Cage, Daredevil, Sokovia(from Avengers 2), The Hand.
-I liked Colleen Wing becoming the new Iron Fist. I'd never seen the Iron Fist light up weapons in hand.
-I didn't like the ending with Danny. I felt he shouldn't have gotten the glowing fists back until next season. Especially now that he has both hands light up. The whole bullet thing, in the end, was flaccid.
This season as a whole was good. There is room for improvement. My continuing argument with these Marvel Netflix series, 6-8 episodes per season would be wonderful. I actually sat through the whole thing, compared to the last season where I purposely missed 3 episodes out of boredom. Loved the after credits scene, a la MCU-style, with a clip for the upcoming season of Daredevil. It's unfortunate that this show has been canceled. Hopefully, Danny Rand and crew show up in the next seasons of Luke Cage or Daredevil. Sorry Jessica Jones doesn't do it for me.
Here's my latest mixtape. It includes songs by Run the Jewels, Lil Pump, Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal and many more. 15 minute mix. Download this mix by getting the latest podcast episode or stream the mix from here. Enjoy!
Here's the tracklisting.
1. 'Sunflower' - Post Malone
2. 'Let's Go' - Run the Jewels
3. 'Drug Addicts' - Lil Pump
4. 'Steamy' - Popcaan, Jah Vinci
5. 'Champ' - Govana
6. 'Tuff' - Rygin King
7. 'Bubble Time' - Demarco
8. 'She Say' - Vybz Kartel
9. 'Early Morning' - Busy Signal
10. 'Remedy' - Bantu
11. 'Funky Business' - Fimba
