Fiddle-Dee-Dee, Said Scarlett

So, nijawial and I finally watched Jacob's Ladder.

We were going to rent it, but for some reason, Hasting's didn't have it. They did last year, but either the disc was damaged or lost and...they never got another one. Which is a little insane, considering what a landmark movie it was in terms of modern horror. But they did have a copy to buy, for about five dollars. So Nija just bought it. (Small weird aside, it was in drama. WTF?)

We also got some candy and popped some popcorn to settle in for an afternoon movie watching.

I've been wanting to see this movie for a while. I first heard about it through the horror grapevine a couple of years ago. And I kept seeing it mentioned as an inspiration for Silent Hill. Throw in the Vietnam War angle, and I'm hooked. (Two of my favorite genre types being horror and Vietnam War movies.)

I am damn glad we ended up buying it. I knew the plot and ending going into it, but was still fully able to enjoy it immensely. Perhaps too immensely, because as we're shown a sequence of a stretcher being rushed through halls full of corpses and organs and body parts, I'm grinning with delight and remarking what a beautifully done sequence it was.

But it was beautifully done. It finds that perfect line where the blood and gore are chilling and disturbing without being disgusting or over-the-top. Which is a very, very rare thing when it comes to horror movies that rely on visual horror. The Silent Hill movie jumps to mind. The direction, scenery and special effects were beautifully done, but...there was so much and it was so over the top that the gore had next to no effect. At least for me - when it comes to horror, I will admit I am something of a snob.

The acting was great, the directing was superb, and the feel of the movie set the perfect tone. The horror is creeping and subtle in places, increasing and fluxing with the moods of the movie. And for an older movie, the effects were extremely well done. Only one scene falls prey to 'dated' effects.

If you're a horror fan at all and for some reason you (like me until today) haven't see Jacob's Ladder, rent it. You'll be glad that you did.

Yesterday was pure hell as far as physical pain goes. I spent most of it on the couch, but when I did get up to use the bathroom or step out for a smoke, I needed my cane even just for that. I ended up mostly just laying on the couch making ungodly noises and watching movies that nijawial kindly put in and took out of the DVD player for me.

It started a couple of days ago, but it was just the normal 'grawr, annoying!' pain. But as it's getting colder, and the rain is coming once more, I'm in for the pain that comes from the cold season. That's the worst of the pains there is.

But at least before I was rendered an invalid, I had a great day! Went shopping at this great thrift store with nijawial, summoneddestiny and enigmablade! Got myself some cool jars and beakers and bottles, plus a beautiful blazer, some blouses, a gorgeous faux fur vintage coat and a sword.

Yes, a sword. It was only 16 dollars, and it has a lovely hilt and scabbard, and I know people who can easily clean up the blade. And the colors make it perfect for my Citan cosplay.

Then we headed to Pudge and Asti's for delicious om noms and delightfully potent drinks - at least for me and enigmablade. Then the usual epic cracktastic fun was had, and we made our traditional drunken Wal*Mart run where we found more awesome decorations for cheap. And enigmablade and I had way too much fun in the Halloween aisle with the masks and the weapons.

But around that time the pain got unbearable and I started spasming and that was that. I retired to the couch as soon as we got home, and we played Mario Kart and watched some more Venture Bros, and then bid farewell to our friends.

Yesterday, as I mentioned, was spent on the couch. Watched The Omen - the remake, which was wonderfully done - watched Secondhand Lions - not one of my horror lineup, but Nija recommended it as just a damn good movie, and I quite enjoyed it - and then Riding the Bullet. Which...I don't know. Generally Mick Garris is something of a God when it comes to Stephen King adaptations. He has a knack of keeping the feel and atmosphere, even when changes are necessary. Riding the Bullet? Reminded me at first of a quirky 80s John Cusack movie, and then just a generic scare flick. The scenes in the car with Staub were well done and followed the original, and the acting was good, but.... I don't know. It was like two different movies shoved into one and next to none of it had that Stephen King feel. After that it was America's Ten Top Haunted attractions, and we've decided to save up for a trip to Texas and Thrillvania next year!

My back still hurts - as well as my hips and legs - but it's bearable and I'm mobile.

Oh, and last but not least, Happy Birthday lacidiana! I hope you have a good one!

So, I watched The Mist tonight.

All through it, I was riveted. I was overjoyed. Instead of the shrieks and whimpers that usually accompany R rated horror movies, I was squealing happily like a little girl as the movie unfolded and more and more of the plot had been left completely in tact.

I am not exaggerating. The one thought that pervaded my mind as I watched this film, all two and thensome hours, was how it was the most faithful adaptation I had ever seen. And I know I've been saying that for every Stephen King movie that comes out, but I mean it. One thing was left out. Just one. And I felt it was needless in the novella, so....

It also was more of a Silent Hill movie than the actual Silent Hill movie. But I digress.

I was completely wrapped in glee and bliss for this, the ultimate Stephen King movie! The one that truly brings his vision to the big screen! The King of Kings......

And then I got to the last five minutes.

What the fuck was that?!?!

No, really. What the fuck was that? Where the fuck did that ending come from? What sick son of a bitch thought that up and decided it was better than the ending the esteemed Mr. King wrote himself?

If you're a die hard Stephen King fan, and you watch this movie....

Shut it off as soon as the doors shut. You'll know what I mean. Don't watch beyond that because the purely orgasmic experience you just went through will be rendered void and meaningless.

I watched The Messengers last night. I fully expected myself to be caught in the grips of sleep-stealing fear for the night. As much as I whine and moan about horror movies, I do enjoy being scared out of my wits. I find it ironic - I can write horror, but I can't watch it.

Anyway, I was out on my deck in the pitch dark having a smoke as soon as the movie was over. A good horror movie, in my opinion, keeps me pinned to my mattress with the covers over my head, afraid to set foot on the floor.

My non-spoilery review: It's John Steinbeck meets Silent Hill. With more emphasis on the Steinbeck. Poor family struggling to get their farm going, migrant workers following the crop harvests....

The cinemtography does deserve a mention. It managed to just toe the line between dramatically distorted and nauseating. The grainy footage in places was well done, and the staging of the shots was some of the best I've seen - mainly for the horror shots. The camera work and editing really jumped out at me.

All in all, I enjoyed the movie up until the point where we got answers. Then I was disappointed. But since I'm such a whore for good cinematography, it was worth it. But I wouldn't pay to see it in the theater.

Next on my list: Hannibal Rising.

In other news, I bought a new wig. And it is a sexy wig.