FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS [1998]

Buckle up for an acid freakout in Terry Gilliam’s adaptation of FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. Raoul Duke, an eccentric journalist with exquisite taste in clothing, is assigned to cover a motorcycle race in Las Vegas. Before departing Los Angeles and heading out into the sweltering Nevada desert, he decides to really make the trip count...by tripping the entire duration of the journey. Who better to tag along than Dr. Gonzo, Duke’s screwy lawyer who will serve no purpose besides preventing the mission from being accomplished? The drive to their destination is an experience in itself; the guys are littered with crippling paranoia of imaginary creatures and fear of being ratted out to the police by a panic-stricken hitchhiker. The Vegas Strip is an intensified extension of their commute which instantly becomes a playground for their drug-fueled antics. Copious amounts of hallucinogenics are ingested while dodging giant bats, world war, and an ever-increasing hotel bill before Duke can finally tackle his article. 

FEAR AND LOATHING is a film to indulge in with a clear mind and a relaxed body. On the surface, if watched while distracted, the movie will feel like an overwhelming disarray of words and pictures. Prior to viewing, prepare to be sent into a frenzy so that you can swallow each and every bite of madness with as much ease as possible. Depp and del Toro depict junkies so insanely well, you will be convinced you’re trapped in the same Hellish nightmare of psychosis they can’t seem to escape at times. The wild world of Las Vegas is beautifully distorted to implement their delirious perspectives, complete with lizard people and skewed faces against flashy backdrops. Otherworldly visions are sprinkled with a mix of nonsensical rambling and a touch of optimism, which aids in the development of empathy towards Duke to keep you hanging on. Gilliam’s work is a psychedelic masterpiece which highlights the importance of the journey, not the destination. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy an LSD trip without actually wrecking your brain.

Rating: 8/10

Director: Terry Gilliam [MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, TIDELAND]

Cast: Johnny Depp, Benicio del Toro, Tobey Maguire

Country: USA

LAST MINUTE COSTUME IDEAS

As our favorite night of the year quickly approaches, you may still be asking yourself, "What on EARTH should I be for Halloween?" The process of obtaining a costume can be as simple as walking into Party City/Spirit Halloween/Walmart, browsing the advertised costumes, and finding your size in the one that stands out above the rest. Easy enough, right? The difficult part is running the risk of spotting ten people wearing the very same costume. What a drag! Fortunately, there are plenty of badass movie characters you can be for the spooky holiday we look forward to the most.

1. Snake Plissken, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK [1981]:

Let's face it, Kurt Russell always looks awesome, and you can, too. You only have to decide what suits you better: sporting a brown leather jacket, or showing off your guns in a black tank.

2. Ike and Addley, MOTHER'S DAY [1980]:

Due to the fact that MOTHER'S DAY is a lesser-known gem, there are some people who will tilt their heads and scratch them when you and your buddy show up dressed like inbred freaks with weird headgear. You'll still have fun, I promise.

3. Frankenstein, DEATH RACE 2000 [1975]:

Between his helmet and the cape, Roger Corman's Frankenstein is such an enigmatic, likable hero. As long as you don't get behind the wheel intending to speed and run people over, you simply cannot fail by imitating him.

4. Edward Davis "Ed" Wood, Jr, ED WOOD [1994]:

In the Tim Burton classic, Johnny Depp's portrayal of Ed Wood with a curly blonde wig and a dark mustache is flawless. Dressing the part would not only be honoring an admirable, low-budget movie director, but it'd be fun.

5. Matt Cordell, MANIAC COP [1988]:

The whole "cop" thing can seem kind of played out, but it's not often you see a maniac cop running wild in the streets on Halloween night. Up the ante by pairing a uniform with crazy costume makeup.

6. Brown Knight, MURDER PARTY [2007]:

The familiar knight you see gracing a Medieval Times promotion is stunning, but armor can be expensive. With a bit of time and effort, you can design your own. All it takes is cardboard, scissors, and duct tape to look like a chivalrous soldier.

7. Post-mortem Elizabeth, FRANKENHOOKER [1990]:

If you've been eager to dye your hair purple and show off some skin, a golden opportunity in the shape of a monster prostitute is here, presenting itself. Just be sure to stay off street corners.

8. Samara, THE RING [2002]:

Twelve years ago, America's take on RINGU brought us Samara, the menacing little girl who will crawl out of your television set to devour your soul. You can inflict a lot of psychological damage upon your friends with a little makeup and a white gown. Voila.

9. Old Lady Hackmore, ERNEST SCARED STUPID [1991]:

Old Lady Hackmore stands out as one of the coolest hermits on film. She is out-of-her brain, and she's fearless enough to put her insanity on display. An untamed mane, steampunk goggles, and layers of ratty brown clothes will help you achieve her crazy appearance. 

10. Ilsa, ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS [1975]:

Why wouldn't you want to be the most fearsome woman on the planet? While I wouldn't suggest wearing the antisemitic uniform to hand out candy to innocent children, you should be safe donning it at a party surrounded by close friends.

Now that you've got a list of costumes to consider, there is no excuse for dodging festivities on the 31st. It's good to get out of the house once in awhile. Please remember to be confident, enjoy yourself, and stay safe! 

STRYCHNINE STORY TIME: A WARM WELCOME

[Art by @JohnWright0715] 

Hey, everyone. Although I believe in the power of mystery, I'd like to reveal a little about myself as a means of introducing THE KILLING JAR. My name is Vincenza, and I am 22 years old. I've been watching horror movies from the time I was born, but it wasn't until last year that I decided I'd like to turn my love into more of a lifestyle. After attending my first horror convention, I learned the beauty of being surrounded by people beaming with the same kind of undying passion that burns inside of me. Shortly after the convention, I was recruited to write for a horror movie review site. When the site shut down, I immediately thought about starting something of my own. So, here we are...

I have all of my old reviews posted from the site I previously wrote for, and I will continue adding to the blog as often as I can. I keep relatively busy between work and the random adventures I create for myself. I also travel and move often, usually between NY and LA. In short, as much as I enjoy connecting with fellow horror fiends online, I really love exploring the world and seeing what it has to offer. I take life as it comes, you know? I'll keep the site running on self-discipline and aim to post a few times per week.

Anyway, I'm happy to have a platform to write about the stuff that keeps the breath in my lungs, and I would be thrilled to have some of you contribute, as well. I'm open to anything, really; if you're psyched on a movie, a haunted spot, UFO footage, etc., you can talk about it here! Please feel free to contact me anytime, and we'll figure something out.

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank you for visiting. Now, let's get WEIRD.

Xoxo,

Vincenza

P.S. Discussing spooky/surf/goth/metal music on occasion is inevitable.

THE WHIP AND THE BODY [1963]

Love takes a beating in Mario Bava’s THE WHIP AND THE BODY. Kurt, highly assertive and sadistic, has been banished from his family’s castle after whipping the servant’s daughter to near death. Upon hearing the news of his brother’s recent marriage, Kurt makes an abrupt, unannounced appearance to bestow congratulations. His presence is loathsome to all but Nevenka, his stunning ex-lover/brother’s new wife, who can’t resist Kurt’s enticing demeanor. Shortly after his arrival, Kurt is mysteriously murdered by the same dagger the servant’s daughter used to end her life once and for all. However, Kurt’s unyielding appetite for dominating is so voracious, not even death can keep him away from inflicting pain upon Nevenka. Nevenka is thrown onto a path of destruction as she fails in her attempt to fight masochistic cravings that lead her into a pit of despair and insanity. Meanwhile, Kurt’s brother and remaining family members band together to solve Kurt’s death.

THE WHIP AND THE BODY is an Italian gothic horror teeming with atmosphere and deep lust. Renowned Hammer Horror film actor Christopher Lee plays the role of the ruthlessly mesmerizing Kurt in a most haunting manner. Alongside him is the equally unforgettable Daliah Lavi as Nevenka, his confused, desperate, submissive paramour. Compared to modern-day horror, the violence between the two is mild, and their sex is more implied than displayed, but the intensity of feelings conceived by an electrifying romance between Nevenka and Kurt is plenty to maintain intrigue. Although releasing a film with such taboo subject matter in the early ‘60s created quite the uproar, it seems Bava aimed more to touch the black hearts of his audience rather than shock. Bava’s tenebrous yet dazzling cinematography combined with the hypnotizing score composed by Carlo Rustichelli produces a sensuous viewing experience unlike any I’ve undergone before. If you need a break from gore and hypersexuality, THE WHIP AND THE BODY will move you with ominous love.

Rating: 8/10

Director: Mario Bava [BLACK SUNDAY, BLACK SABBATH, A BAY OF BLOOD]

Cast: Christopher Lee, Daliah Lavi, and Tony Kendall
Country: Italy

WILD ZERO [1999]

Guitar distortion meets zombie bedlam in a Japanese love affair called WILD ZERO. Ace is a diehard rock ‘n’ roll junkie with a thirst for glory. One night, he attends a Guitar Wolf show with more on his “to do” list than throwing his fists in the air, head banging, and jumping around to his favorite band; Ace wants to introduce himself to the nightclub owner and prove himself as a performer. When Ace’s time to shine arrives, he finds the nightclub owner is already occupied with the members of Guitar Wolf. Through the door, Ace listens in on the confrontation ensuing and courageously bursts through to defend Guitar Wolf in the name of rock ‘n’ roll. Violences breaks out, but Guitar Wolf and Ace leave with their lives. Lead vox gifts Ace a mysterious whistle that will assist him in troubled times before vanishing. The following day, Ace disrupts a gas station robbery, revels in the company of Tobio, a beautiful bystander, and then rides off. Shortly after, Ace is greeted by zombies and learns the world is in a state of emergency due to a zombie uprising brought on by alien invasion. Ace teams with Tobio and Guitar Wolf to cease the unearthly carnage.

Zombie trash-heads rejoice for a wildly entertaining rock ‘n’ roll epic. I’ll go into this by saying that the only prior knowledge I had of Guitar Wolf was that they existed. Therefore, my opinion isn’t based solely on the band’s involvement. The band members’ parts as actors and musicians, though, positively magnify the excitability factor throughout. Zombie disarray and destruction is complimented immensely by a fantastic soundtrack, including other bands such as The Phantom Surfers, The Zeros, and Teengenerate. The characters (such as a kindhearted transsexual, a sleazy nightclub owner, and a tough, female arms dealer) all have unique, distinctive personalities that really help set WILD ZERO apart from other films in the zombie sub-genre; they’re obnoxious, out of their minds, and badass in their very own ways. The special effects are as absurd as they are awesome, with magical guitar picks, flying saucers, and laser beam eyes. Splattered brains, mutilated guts, and cleanly sliced fingers are just a few perks. While WILD ZERO feels much like a B-movie, it’s clear to see that writers Satoshi Takagi and Tetsuro Takeuchi invested plenty of heart into every element as proper tribute to classic zombie flicks and rock ‘n’ roll music. P.S. ROCK ‘N’ ROLL!

Rating: 10/10

Director: Tetsuro Takeuchi

Cast: Guitar Wolf, Masashi Endô, Kwancharu Shitichai
Country: Japan

MOTHER OF TEARS [2007]

During a construction dig in church grounds of the Italian countryside, a tomb with an attached urn from the early 1800s is discovered. The head priest steps in for closer inspection and reveals the findings belong to Mater Lachrymarum, a black witch. Since Mater Lachrymarum made up one-third of a powerful ancient evil group known as The Three Mothers, the priest is deeply disturbed by the event. He decides to send the urn to a museum directed by a trusted friend, Michael, who is also a scientist and an expert on magic. Before obtaining permission, Michael’s assistant cracks the urn open alongside Michael’s student/girlfriend, Sarah. Inside, the two women uncover three beautifully preserved mini statues, a medieval dagger, and a cloak with ancient writing painted on it. When Sarah leaves to retrieve a dictionary for deciphering, three demons appear to rip the assistant to shreds. When Sarah returns and sees the mess, she is forced out of the museum by a ravenous monkey and voices in her head. Soon the world rapidly transitions into a state of disorder with suicides, homicides, and demonic possessions. Research produces both questions and answers that lead Sarah on a supernatural path to cease the apocalyptic danger released from the urn.

MOTHER OF TEARS is a blood feast served hot by demonic forces, black magic, and illusion. I’ll be honest, having heard such severely divided reviews, I was both apprehensive and extremely curious about the movie. Once the film concluded, I realized I wasn’t prepared to take a stance; I felt as if I had woken up from a perplexing bad dream, and I needed time to register the overwhelming content. First of all, there are plenty of “jump-scares” to hasten your heartbeat and keep you on edge from the very beginning. The eruption of gore and savagery starts less than ten minutes in with an insanely brutal monster attack that’ll make your eyeballs pop out of your skull. Without a doubt, Argento has successfully delivered monumentally grotesque features throughout his career, and he ups the ante with this one. Violence is brought to life with the use of practical special effects and CGI. However, the CGI scenes are a little too unrealistic and off-putting. The story itself is unique, amplified with provocative religious illustrations and other wondrous imagery, but the plethora of otherworldly visuals can be a bit distracting. All in all, MOTHER OF TEARS is an artistic work that can be appreciated with a second viewing…if you have the patience and stomach for a double dose.

Rating: 6/10

Director: Dario Argento [SUSPIRIA, INFERNO, TENEBRAE]

Cast: Asia Argento, Adam James, Cristian Solimeno
Country: Italy|USA

SATURN 3 [1980]

A dreamland is transformed into a battle zone for superiority and sexual gratification in SATURN 3. Adam, Alex, and their dog Sally lead a utopian lifestyle on Saturn’s third moon. They work and play happily distanced from a congested planet and its often shuddersome occupants. The slight interference of Adam’s wonderment is the only issue; it’s apparent he worries that his younger comrade/lover will one day grow curious enough about Earth to leave him behind and delve into its offerings. Adam’s concern is intensified when Captain Benson invades their domain and becomes obsessed with stealing Alex away for his personal pleasure. Ultimately, Benson has arrived to build a replacement scientist, a robot soon called “Hector.” However, since Hector’s actions rely on Benson’s evil and primitive thoughts, Hector develops into an outlet for Benson’s frustration. The captain causes his creation to go on a murderous rampage, and Adam and Alex must destroy the man-made slaughterer before facing death in space.  

SATURN 3 is a science fiction thriller that will engulf you like a black hole. For starters, Elmer Bernstein’s futuristic score, filled with an array of sounds ranging from brass to xylophone, will positively catapult you into a completely new dimension. The gigantic space station in which the crew resides is steel-colored, but brightly illuminated with fluorescent white light and primary colors that establish a gorgeous, spellbinding backdrop. In contrast to the enchanting visuals is Hector, potentially one of the most fearsome killers in motion picture history (by my standards, at least). The villainous robot is faceless, erratic, and nearly unstoppable. Primal desire is the driving force behind the more emotional scenes in the film, which are surprisingly NOT boring. Although the love triangle concept may seem overdone, the drama is actually compelling due to the characters’ perfectly conveyed personalities. Fawcett, in particular, impresses as an intelligent, strong-willed contender. SATURN 3 implements a dynamic of cinematic layers for an out-of-this-world expedition.  

Rating: 10/10

Director: Stanley Donen

Cast: Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas, Harvey Keitel
Country: UK