Review: Drinking Games

Published August 24, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Sometimes things just take a turn for the worse. Like the baby zombie I saw on the street corner the other day. He was trying so hard to stay in control (it almost made me cry) – but finally, he just broke down, hopped out of his strangely silent mother’s arms and attacked the crossing guard. (Well, she was blowing that whistle pretty loudly.)

Similarly (yet not), in the fine thriller Drinking Games, released on DVD by Believe Limited on August 20th, a night of partying in a (fairly) deserted dorm leads to violence and emotional tragedy.

All Richard wants to do is finish up a term paper and deal with some emotional fallout. But his former best friend and dorm mate, Shawn, has fallen under the sway of a manipulative, party hungry upperclassman named Noopie. What starts out as a few drinks and some minor annoyances, though, soon turns into savagery, both of the emotional and physical variety, as the drug addled Noopie descends into criminal behavior.

Screenwriter Blake Merriman and director Ryan Gielen work with a slow build here, believably laying out how various tensions and odd encounters can boil over into dangerous territory. This is helped, implicitly, by some fine performances.

As Richard, Merriman brings believable frustration and angst to the situation. He and Nick Vergara, nicely, capture the lost spaces that occur between two people that are growing apart at a rapid pace. Most importantly, though, Rob Bradford as Noopie seals the deal, here. Sexy and charismatic as he is twisted, Bradford truly makes you understand how someone could fall under Noopie’s sway. It is a fun, on target performance that never goes over-the-top.

As sugar on the cake, Adriana DeGirolami provides a saucy, completely enjoyable turn as a drunken college girl who winds up on the wrong side of Noopie’s seduction techniques.

You can find more about Drinking Games at www.drinkinggamesmovie.com and www.believelimited.com.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always willing to spread it for manipulative assholes at www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Countdown to Carrie: Yvette Mimieux, “Hit Lady” (1974)

Published August 23, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

(Love it or hate it, the Carrie remake will be upon us in October – thus we celebrate the strong women in horror, science fiction and exploitation with Countdown to Carrie!)

Roarke: “How many women do you suppose make your kind of money?”
Angela: “Tell me something, Roarke. How many men do you suppose make my kind of money?”

Thought of as a purring sex kitten to some, due to her roles in such 60’s fare as Where the Boys Are and The Time Machine, gorgeous Yvette Mimieux decided to take control of her career in the mid-70’s and crafted a fun and powerful vehicle for herself with the television film, Hit Lady (1974).

As sharp shooting Angela deVries, Mimieux combines frivolity and feminism to grand effect here, all while dashing about in personalized Nolan Miller designs. Of course, by the time we meet Angela love has started to melt her cold heart and she finds herself unable to commit to her last kill-for-hire. Thus double crosses and frantic car chases decorate the last act of this quick moving vehicle. Add in a downbeat ending, more fitting for a European indie than a jaunty ABC production, and you have a fizzy cocktail decorated with a ferocious female at the lead.

Mimieux, no stranger to television terrors such as (beloved entries) Snowbeast and Devil Dog: Hound of Hell, is joined here by frequent genre personality Clu Gulager (Return of the Living Dead, Feast, Nightmare on Elm Street 2) who practically radiates slime as her duplicitous boss.

Keenan Wynn (Van Johnson’s gruffer half.)

Even a queer fear angle is provided for via the participation of veteran actor Keenan Wynn (Piranha, The Dark, Hysterical) and the exquisitely handsome Dack Rambo (Nightmare Honeymoon, Good Against Evil) as the artist whom entrances de Vries. Many old school Hollywood biographies make note of Wynn’s bisexuality. In fact, it was rumored that Wynn divorced his wife, Evie, so that she could (happily, it is noted) marry his lover, screen idol Van Johnson.

Meanwhile, shortly before his tragic death in 1994 due to HIV complications, Rambo acknowledged his bisexuality in detailed, heartfelt interview with Soap Opera Weekly.

Rambo – Half naked, fully threatened!

Thankfully, there are always (bittersweet) celluloid memories….

Until the next time SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan – aka – www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan!

Betsy Russell Talks Saw

Published August 23, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

For all those who can’t say they saw this at Flashback Weekend 2013 in Rosemont, IL – Big Gay Horror Fan provides a couple brief video clips featuring genre icon Betsy Russell (Cheerleader Camp, Angel II, Camp Fear).

Below, this scream goddess talks the Saw legacy and even gets surprisingly vulnerable for fans.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan – AKA –www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan!

Music to Make Horror Films By: Al Jourgensen/Ministry, “Stigmata”

Published August 18, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

“My favorite weapon is the look in your eyes.” – Ministry, “Stigmata”

I always love finding new heroes!!

From the classic Every Day is Halloween to the more recent Ghouldiggers, musician Al Jourgensen (often with his iconic band Ministry) has reveled in horror imagery within his songs. He has also relished subversively queer imagery by creating musical projects with monikers such as 1000 Homo DJs and Revolting Cocks.

Further gaiety was provided this week when it was revealed that Jourgensen has written about giving a male associate a blowjob in his upcoming memoir.

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ministrys-al-jourgensen-if-you-havent-sucked-dk-before-youre-really-missing

What is most significant about this revelation is Jourgensen’s bemused acknowledgement that this is still considered jaw droppingly surprising and controversial in this day and age, a social stigmata – if you will. H-m-m…Are you listening, Russia???!!!!

Meanwhile, Big Gay Horror will be forever paying homage to the carefree Jourgensen at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE!!!

The Magnificent Jan Broberg!

Published August 15, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Determined, resilient and daily motivated. No, I am not talking about that mad scientist-wart hog hybrid that has been following me on a daily basis!

I am referring to magnificent actress Jan Broberg (Everwood). Broberg has recently completed a major role in the Maniac remake – and skilled filmmaker Michael Stever has created a small masterpiece/mini-documentary highlighting Broberg’s own violent past and her focused resolve to overcome her history and succeed in the difficult world of entertainment.

Now that you are feeling inspired, be sure to check out Big Gay Horror Fan at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan —

And until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE!!!

Review: The Vampire’s Witch

Published August 13, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Imagine!! I made a grand discovery about myself while reading Damian Serbu’s richly romantic The Vampire’s Witch. If I ever write a gay horror novel, the title character will be a bike messenger sporting skinned knees and a tattoo of Iggy Pop’s penis on his chest. He’ll follow around a group of feminist punk rockers, led by a snarling Lynn Breedlove type, who would double as supernatural assassins during their off hours.

So, ultimately, I am probably not the best one to judge Serbu’s latest entry into the mythic worlds of the very attractive undead. For The Vampire’s Witch ‘s plotline revolves around a Mika loving, history worshipping twink, propelled into the world of several impossibly beautiful (occasionally murderous) male vampires.

Yet, despite this fact, I gleaned plenty of (heavily panting) enjoyment from Serbu’s very lush world of nocturnal sex and deeply felt otherworldly connections.

After an attack is made upon his life, young witch Jaret Bachmann finds himself drawn into the life of his mysterious and very handsome savior, Anthony. Even the discovery that Anthony is a vampire doesn’t repel Jaret, who is used to the ways of the mysterious magical, and he soon bonds with Anthony and his fellow Vampire Council members. Of course, Jaret and Anthony soon fall in love. Anthony, though, is concerned about converting someone with Jaret’s mystical powers. Even the reassurances of his century old companions do nothing to reassure him and when Jaret needs him most (due to an obsessive ex-boyfriend and the release of a vengeful ghost); Anthony is nowhere to be found.

Importantly, Serbu grants easy access into the world of his characters. The Vampire’s Witch is not only the sequel to his novel Secrets in the Attic but also the latest effort in his popular series called The Vampire’s Angel. But, one need not read any of these previous works to gain full entrance into the goings-on here, a noble feat. Serbu, also, obviously loves his characters and that shows. Even supporting characters like the jolly Brady, Jaret’s best friend, and Darth, Jaret’s beloved dog, emerge with joy and vigor.

Granted, vigilant horror fans will be disappointed that much of the novel’s bloodshed occurs off-page. Still, those who admire the Twilight universe and the work of Anne Rice will rejoice in that fact that Serbu has created a very sexual, totally gay adventure here.

Be sure to find out more about Serbu and The Vampire’s Witch at http://www.damianserbu.com.

Purchase details, exist here, as well: http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Witch-Book-Angel-ebook/dp/B00DU17V3K/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376418356&sr=1-5&keywords=damian+serbu

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always welcoming fang baring pursuers at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Flashback Weekend Spotlight: Betsy Russell, “Out of Control”

Published August 8, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan well remembers the thrills and chills of getting trapped on that Ferris Wheel, overlooking the city of Chicago, with his follow Novices of Bloodlust and Pink Leather. I look back, fondly, on those many games of corseted Truth or Dare and hours of Slurpee dunking that we partook in while waiting for our rescue.

Similarly, in the 1984 lensed/1985 released Out of Control, horror seductress Betsy Russell (the Saw series, Cheerleader Camp, Camp Fear) and her friends (played by such pop culture and genre regulars as Sherilyn Fenn, Claudia Udy, Martin Hewitt and Jim Youngs) deal with their boredom, while marooned on a deserted island, by slamming back illegal bottles of vodka and playing strip spin the bottle! Soon, though, a bunch of unshaven bandits descend upon them, effectively ending our teens’ free-for-all fun and sending them down the path of Straw Dogs style vengeance making.

Highlighted by goofy MTV style (New Wave pulsing) video shenanigans and Scooby Doo inspired chase scenes, this silly romp mixes things up by incorporating some pretty intense rape imagery (with homosexual overtones – as the film’s male comic relief character is tied up and threatened with sexual savagery, as well). Russell’s character, meanwhile, is also given a bit more depth than a regular terror film heroine.

Her Chrissie Barret has long been involved with the most popular (and richest) kid at the school. Yet, Barret is not content, as she flirts with other guys and, slowly, begins the process of finding herself. Even as the kids make their escape at the film’s ending, you can tell that Barret is reaching far beyond her previous realms and Russell’s often sad, powerfully confused portrayal adds layers to this (crazily fun) action-teen adventure-revenge film mish-mash.

If you are in the Midwest on August 9th, 10th and 11th (2013), be sure to plan a visit with the always glorious Russell at Chicago’s own terror convention, Flashback Weekend! http://www.flashbackweekend.com

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always escaping from mad pirates at http://www.biggayhorrorfan.com, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Official Trailer: Unearthed and Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary!

Published August 7, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

I regret burying my Donny Osmond doll after he become psychotic, as a kid. He came back worse than ever. Even his purple socks had an evil glow.

Of course, this scenario is familiar to all participants and viewers of 1988’s Pet Sematary, that modern cinematic classic based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. Now, rabid fans of this exercise in earthy terror can rejoice with the unveiling of the trailer to Ocean’s Light Production’s documentary on the filming – Unearthed and Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary.

Be sure to keep up with the film’s scalpel wielding progress at https://www.facebook.com/UnearthedandUntold, as well.

Meanwhile, Big Gay Horror Fan is continually donning Denise Crosby drag at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan, too.

AND — All those in IL and the surrounding areas should stop by Flashback Weekend on August 9, 10 and 11, 2013 for the Pet Sematary reunion featuring Crosby, Mary Lambert, Dale Midkiff, Brad Greenquist and others – http://www.flashbackweekend.com.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE!!!

Countdown to Carrie: Meg Foster – “Immortal Combat”, “Hidden Fears”!

Published August 6, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

(The Carrie remake will be upon us on October – thus we celebrate the strong women in horror, science fiction and exploitation with Countdown to Carrie!)

Quinn: (Quietly shuddering) God, he was ugly!
Stan: How can you stand it?
Quinn: (Coldly) When I close my eyes…all men are the same. – Immortal Combat

The generously eclectic Meg Foster may be best known to genre fans for her diverse roles in such projects as They Live, Masters of the Universe and Stepfather II – but multiple (often more obscure) projects have benefited from her quiet authority, as well.

In 1993, Foster reunited with (her They Live co-star) Roddy Piper in the karate-action–science fiction-horror-buddy film (are you dizzy yet???!!!) hybrid Immortal Combat (released in 1994). Using soft undercurrents, Foster imbues her evil Quinn will nerve chilling monstrousness. Proving that underplaying is the skilled performer’s greatest asset, she emerges as the prime force, here, despite plenty of gloriously sock-em displays of back flipping, masculine martial arts mayhem.

The same year, Foster proved her amazing versatility by playing a grieving wife and mother in the domestic thriller Hidden Fears. Years after the murder of her husband in a parking lot by two redneck hoods, Foster’s Maureen Dietz learns the identities of his killers. Publically exposing them brings her family and friends into jeopardy’s way, though. As the bodies begin to pile up, Foster-Dietz begins to realize the true source of danger may reside closer to home than she ever could have imagined. Once again, it is the quieter tones that Foster applies here that sparkle with ingenuity (in an often standard script). Her natural connections with skilled co-stars such as Frederic Forrest and Bever-Leigh Banfield are what help make this project rise above the ordinary.

Midwest dwellers can revel in the presence of the delicious Foster on August 9, 10, 11, 2013 at Flashback Weekend, Illinois’ homegrown horror convention!: http://www.flashbackweekend.com.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always evading the dangerous pursuers of his past at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE!!!!

Music to Make Horror Movies By: Julie Brown, “Trapped in the Body of a White Girl”

Published August 4, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

If I had to pick between having a Bloody Birthday or being Trapped in the Body of a White Girl – I think I would definitely pick the former. Murderous tots are so always, no?!?!

Lucky Julie Brown, performer extraordinaire, didn’t have to make that choice. One her of first movie roles was in beloved 1981 slasher Bloody Birthday (see photo above) and Trapped in the Body of a White Girl, her humorous song and the title track on her major label 1987 album, received a bit of airplay on MTV during it’s heyday.

Trapped features plenty of goofy horror and sci-fi imagery, proving once and for all, that Ms. Brown is a girl whom should have a place in every sensitive terror geek’s heart.

Be sure to keep up with all of Brown’s grin worthy activities at http://www.juliebrown.com while Big Gay Horror Fan is consistently fighting off Homecoming Queens with Guns at http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!