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Thursday, July 15, 2010

'DAYBREAKERS': HORROR FILM WITH ARTISTIC BITE


Another vampire film? Vampires, zombies, werewolves will they ever reach a saturation point? Popularity of subject matter inevitably leads to ham handed approaches to overworked plots or themes. "DAYBREAKERS" have the premise of the plague of vampirism successfully took over the world, using humans as blood farms until they are bled dry. Then the inevitable happens when demand supersedes supply. With the human population dwindling a crisis nears with the certainty of the next sun rise.


Actually, despite the many offerings in this genre this one was surprisingly well done. The film was of high quality in level of story, acting, and direction. A fine, light, and skillful hand was well used to avoid tipping the scales at any time toward easy action or stereotypical caricature. The result was a movie with subtexts, layers, nauances, and restraint so often missing from horror films.


This is one now available on DVD and cable. Although it came out in 2009, I discovered it on a day when I too was hiding inside in the shade well away from the sun ; what can I say, it was summer and hot. Anytime of year, this is one to have a look at and keep nearby when in the mood for some good horror.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Koontz "Lost Souls" Begins Great New Story Line




Remember when you were small and your parents said you could not have that extra cookie or you had to put that light out and go to sleep? That is the feeling after reading, "Lost Souls", one of Dean Koontz's newest Frankenstein series. This particular cookie was savoured in delight, suspense, and awe at the creativity found in its pages. As always Koontz' creates complex characters with great soul and humanity and villians who strip bare to revel the human potential for evil. At the last page, knowing more was coming, the desire for another...and another....are great.

Koontz has imaginatively retooled the great classic and smoothly transferred it into the matrix of a modern society that is itself Frankenstein in nature and choices. As always in heroic tales, a small cadre of souls band together to fight for the right, or in this case, human existence.


Shelly originally challenged readers to question who was the monster in her great novel and to search out the sources and goal of consuming ambition; Koontz continues that tradition with skill, daring, and more than a few shivers.




Hurry....I can hardly wait for the next book....and the next.

Mexico's Mysterious Saint of Death


Spoken of in only whispers, iconic symbols etched in flesh, strange rituals, or hidden in secretive locations it is Santa Muerte. Superstition run amuck, gothic devotion to and fear of death, just what is behind this strange devotion and where is it leading? Uncovering the truth of the history and meaning of the mysterious Mexican saint of death, adopted by drug cartels and assassins alike, Kail illuminates one the puzzles of modern times.


http://anthonykail.weebly.com/ and available at Amazon.com