Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Movie Review: Dog Soldiers

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(2002)
Directed by Neil Marshall
Starring Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, Liam Cunningham, Emma Cleasby, Thomas Lockyer, Darren Morfitt,
Chris Robson, Leslie Simpson

Back when this first came out, I ignored it. The reason was that it debuted on the Sci-Fi channel, and fans quickly learned that whatever made their debut on there was going to stink. For example, Cherry Falls (2000), Wishmaster 2 (1999), or Vampires: Los Muertos (2002). Now, not to knock anybody who likes those films, I would say they are not that well made. So when I heard of this new werewolf movie that was going to debut there, I paid no attention to it. A couple of months later, when it hit DVD, I started hearing from friends on how it is actually pretty damn good. So I gave it a whirl and was just blown away. Sure, it could be because my expectations were so low, or it could have been because it was just a well made horror flick, with an amazing cast, and some of the best practical werewolf creatures I’ve seen since The Howling (1982). Continue reading →

Mystery Photo 2-8

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Where did the weekend go? Not sure, since I’ve worked both days this weekend. Yeah…. fun, fun, fun! But that’s the fun part of this roller coaster we’re on, that the ride keeps moving no matter what. So you just need to hold on tight and enjoy it, right? That’s what I keep telling myself.

Anyway, our photo from last week was a bit of a toughie, and we only got one correct answer sent in, and that was from Greg Wojick, who correctly identified the photo from Satan’s Slave, an Indonesian horror film from 1982. Well done, Greg!

But let’s get to today’s photo. Might be a little easier, but we’ll see. Take a look and see if you can identify what film this shot is from. Please remember not to post your answers here so that everyone has a chance to make a guess. Just sent your guess to use in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Christopher Plummer – Rest in Peace

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This Oscar and Tony winning actor is one of those few talents that not only played some very serious roles, but also could warm your heart with a great performance. Usually known for playing the villain, such as in the 1984 film Dreamscape, he could also be the hero, like when he battled the vampire Klaus Kinski in Vampire in Venice (1988). No matter what production, be brought class. He did appear in quite a few other genre titles, such as Wolf (1994) and even Dracula 2000 (2000), and of course the sci-fi epic Starcrash (1978). 

Of course, he is probably best remembered (at least by the critics) as the head of the family in Sound of Music (1965). Reading up on him a bit before writing this, I found it somewhat humorous that he felt somehow cursed by that role, much like Christopher Lee always complained about with this performance as Dracula. On his role in “S&M” (as he called it), he said “To do a lousy part like von Trapp, you have to use every trick you know to fill the empty carcass of the role. That damn movie follows me around like an albatross.” So it just shows that no matter what film genre you’re known for, a defining role could always be your “albatross”. Then again, if people are still talking about it, watching it, and still being entertained by it, can’t be all bad, right?

We lost Mr. Plummer on Friday, at the age of 91, who was still going strong. Got to give that man some respect for that. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. Gone, but never forgotten.

April Ghoul’s Super Monster-Rama Lineup!

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For those in the Pittsburgh area, the Riverside Drive-in has announced their lineup for this year’s April Ghoul’s Super Monster-Rama! And if you’re a fan of the ’80s, then you might want to start making those plans. Taking place on April 23rd & 24th, at the Riverside Drive-In in Vandergrift, PA, the tickets are only $10 a night! That means you get 4 features for a measly $10! Here are the titles for the two nights: Continue reading →

Hal Holbrook – Rest in Peace

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In my favorite segment, of one of my all time favorite films, Hal Holbrook played one of my favorite characters, brow-beated Henry Northrup, married to the one and only Wilma aka “just call me Billie”, played wonderfully by Adrienne Barbeau. Of course the movie is Creepshow (1982). I knew of Holbrook before that, from John Carpenter’s The Fog (1980), another top favorite of mine, but also from a lot of appearances on television and movies. He was an actor that no matter what he was in, or the role he was portraying, his presence would up the quality of the production. He was always just a treat to watch perform, being one of those actors who could give you that warm smile but with a glare that could chill you to the bone.

He had passed away back on January 23rd at the age of 95. With all the amazing characters he appeared as, he is probably known for his stage play of playing Mark Twain, that he did for well over a half a century! Years ago, he actually was in our home town on tour with his Mark Twain play and I really thought about waiting outside the theater in hopes of getting him to sign my Creepshow poster. Never did, but now my regret is even stronger.

You had a great run, Mr. Holbrook. Your work will definitely you alive for as long as there are film fans. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Mystery Photo 2-1

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Welcome to February! One more day, one more month, to hoping things start get back to normal. I know we have a ways to go, but let’s hope we’re moving in the right direction! But that’s now why you’re hear, so let’s get to the business at hand. We would have had this posted this morning, but we needed to make sure our new monthly mission for the Army was sent out. Not sure what that is, click on the Kryptic Army link on the menus to the right for more info.

Our last photo was from the British film Haunted House of Horror, also known as Horror House, from 1969, starring Dennis Price, Frankie Avalon and Jill Haworth. Kudos out to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Troy Howarth, Gary McGuire, Bryan Senn, Nick Wilson.

Now to this week’s photo. Give it a peak and see what you think! Remember, don’t post your answers in the comment section so that others can have a guess. Just send your guess to us in an email to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Kryptic Army Mission – February 2021: Universal Classic Monsters!

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Tod Browning’s Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, opened in theaters on Feb. 14th, 1931. As we already know, the success of this started the formula that over the next decade would become known as the Universal Classic Monsters, including along with Dracula, there would be Frankenstein (1931), The Mummy (1932), The Invisible Man (1933), and The Wolf Man (1941). Yes, the Creature from the Black Lagoon is considered as part of that team, but for this mission, we’re only going to focus on those first 5 character. Over the years, there has been many remakes, continuations, re-imaginings, and whatever else they want to call it these days when they take a character or story and twist and turn it into something they are looking for. Continue reading →

Soundtrack Review: The Dark Half

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The Dark Half
Released by Varèse Sarabande, 1993
13 Tracks, with a Total Running Time of46 min.
Music Composed by Christopher Young

I’ve been a fan of Young’s work since those first notes from his Hellraiser score reached my ears. He never ceases to impress me with the sounds and feelings from his scores, and this is no different.

This one starts out with such a beautiful opening track, a pleasant piano tune that is quiet and somber, before some strings and other strange sounds start to come in. And then the angelic vocals! But even with all this striking sounds, there seems to be a darkness lurking under there, waiting to break free. Considering the story, it makes perfect sense. Continue reading →

Friday Favorites: GODZILLA

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I’m sure everyone has either seen the trailer for the new Godzilla vs Kong movie, or at least know it is out there and have been avoiding it, either because of spoilers or you’re just not interested. So I figured it would be the perfect time to discuss some of Big G’s films. Once again, let us remember that since Godzilla has been around for over half a century, there can be many reasons why a particular time frame is your favorite. Doesn’t mean its a better film to everyone, but holds something special to you. This is where a lot of film criticism and fandom can get a bit dicey because we tend to think if some doesn’t agree with you, they just don’t get it. I know I’ve jokingly said that many times, but I’ve also said and truly believe that you can’t have a wrong opinion. Continue reading →

Book Review: Day of the Living Me

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Day of the Living Me: Adventures of a Cult Filmmaker from the Golden Age
Self-Published, 2020. 192 pages
By Jeff Lieberman

I’ve always said that by reading more about a filmmaker, such as in a biography or even an autobiography, you will learn so much more about that person’s life and work, usually including a ton of information you didn’t know, which will undoubtedly make you see things in a different way. This book is another perfect example to prove that point. I knew of Lieberman’s work because I was always a big fan of Squirm (1976) and had the chance to meet him a couple of times at Cinema Wasteland over the years. I knew of his other films, such as Blue Sunshine (1977) and Just Before Dawn (1981), but figured that was about it. But reading through this recently published autobiography, not only did I learn much more about him, but he gives such a great insight into the world of filmmaking, from low-budget horror flicks, to working in Hollywood with some of the major players. Continue reading →