tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25600591113675836382024-03-17T23:02:00.534-04:00Random ReviewsDom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.comBlogger2280125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-72763801492288317882024-03-16T18:54:00.002-04:002024-03-16T18:54:36.786-04:00The Stuff?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoSbNf7GyxsAJ6CpF3zGsvqx3oUuQmJMhCyBw3CLUg2FYz-G4HAhw2F3hW9mqe5mZ7nLGk4GrFItdZ2zz1eFdg9IUYRh45FBUJQZSdRZ-XQWnzU9gFHNUyRmexJp8_n0EKoOBP7S9rTl9Jckr2m2TasCh2eLryXCtFftR0RjuioJtWDhksRTUrmCZgSid/s300/buff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoSbNf7GyxsAJ6CpF3zGsvqx3oUuQmJMhCyBw3CLUg2FYz-G4HAhw2F3hW9mqe5mZ7nLGk4GrFItdZ2zz1eFdg9IUYRh45FBUJQZSdRZ-XQWnzU9gFHNUyRmexJp8_n0EKoOBP7S9rTl9Jckr2m2TasCh2eLryXCtFftR0RjuioJtWDhksRTUrmCZgSid/s1600/buff.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I once met Buff Bagwell. He worked an indie show here about 10-12 years ago. And that's all I have to say on the matter, but I will be watching his episode of <b>Dark Side of the Ring</b> later tonight. I'm taking the rest of the weekend off. Laters!</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-90791156363730480472024-03-13T18:34:00.001-04:002024-03-13T18:34:55.418-04:00Blood Capsule #185<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV7xIlyX6AbNcBe4mOQ4G3D6EvZdnZJMtRb3QSDhHQXebk_zQbX6evOMKeIc7h80fFjlA1qpImjLVQCoslHDPU3qnMM4j1h1q0jtvp2oGEYVB-z34wO9J5VeEjKSdAJ_vVpM3A-PGtv36Y8eVlhQQD408-5e0LkKqVbFwgNRi3hzlO5lkUtj4WJLfPDFY/s474/thedark1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="474" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV7xIlyX6AbNcBe4mOQ4G3D6EvZdnZJMtRb3QSDhHQXebk_zQbX6evOMKeIc7h80fFjlA1qpImjLVQCoslHDPU3qnMM4j1h1q0jtvp2oGEYVB-z34wO9J5VeEjKSdAJ_vVpM3A-PGtv36Y8eVlhQQD408-5e0LkKqVbFwgNRi3hzlO5lkUtj4WJLfPDFY/s320/thedark1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>THE DARK (1979)</i></b></div></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, that was abysmal. Ironically enough, I missed out on the opportunity to see <b>The Dark</b> on the big screen years ago at a movie marathon. Hindsight suggests that my fate was fortuitous. Where do I even begin? I worry about any theater patrons who caught this sci-fi sedative during its initial run. I'm afraid it may be revealed that watching <b>The Dark</b> has the same effect on the central nervous system as inhaling carbon monoxide. Okay, that's enough critic quotes for the inevitable 4k restoration. Let's anatomize the plot, shall we? An alien dressed for Casual Friday crash lands in the bustling bowels of Los Angeles. Reporters and detectives are puzzled by a recent rash of murders that don't seem to have any connective tissue, unless you count the blood samples collected at each crime scene. I bet the alien is involved.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Usually, films that had a frazzled production history have some cult appeal. This one is mind-numbingly boring. That's hard to believe, seeing as how the alien shoots lasers out of his eyes. John "Bud" Cardos occupied the director's chair to bail out a transient Tobe Hooper. It doesn't feel like <b>The Dark</b> was directed by anyone at all. Random shots linger for no reason, and most of the "action" is lost in a sea of black. I've heard of day-for-night photography, but this is ridiculous. Was the film shot on asphalt and edited with electrical tape? Needless to say, my mind wandered here and there. By the time we arrived at a resolution, I had my grocery list done. I need more macaroni and cheese, by the way. And fresh milk! Yeah, <b>The Dark</b> is laborious. I can only recommend the last five minutes. Those other minutes? Optional at best.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9SBTUIBNOaDt2dgOuvoqbkpFhhunwCm0r6YSMJYOXnNgDGex7ETUdOUh_m893FSqi6o2OTxAAx_Uru9nFcgBjZg6_gw-Phb-_BpA2E0x9mi0LeGaQU5qUdNiFdiah09dsYFdUcPYrC8SDzD7017uDm7L5DfMgxB9R_kWv7rVzb2RI3bjm_W7j6UsfRM7/s300/thedark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="167" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9SBTUIBNOaDt2dgOuvoqbkpFhhunwCm0r6YSMJYOXnNgDGex7ETUdOUh_m893FSqi6o2OTxAAx_Uru9nFcgBjZg6_gw-Phb-_BpA2E0x9mi0LeGaQU5qUdNiFdiah09dsYFdUcPYrC8SDzD7017uDm7L5DfMgxB9R_kWv7rVzb2RI3bjm_W7j6UsfRM7/s1600/thedark2.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-17972590201232026662024-03-12T19:34:00.002-04:002024-03-12T19:34:39.696-04:00Now Playing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HsX36iACpMteuhfIszqFlYBbQarklPeaKov9VgzyiDAwLhVsL5y4PKk17Qr9wKCj4BmW6mPut93Qa4pCtpnaNtbQDUiW3A11OZK39vbPMJUEA9eEBKSDh9jBYkMDwvxE20-49aHd4rtG6dbLdj6wGdiaqtojq0Ib91QvmRrBsPhKMonVydDvMu9GtzAY/s300/mordicus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HsX36iACpMteuhfIszqFlYBbQarklPeaKov9VgzyiDAwLhVsL5y4PKk17Qr9wKCj4BmW6mPut93Qa4pCtpnaNtbQDUiW3A11OZK39vbPMJUEA9eEBKSDh9jBYkMDwvxE20-49aHd4rtG6dbLdj6wGdiaqtojq0Ib91QvmRrBsPhKMonVydDvMu9GtzAY/s1600/mordicus.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mordicus - Dances from Left</i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"Diamond in the rough" is a designation that was seemingly minted just for this album. I've never met anyone who has even heard of Mordicus. Hailing from Finland, they released one EP and one LP before calling it a day. They have a second album listed on Metal Archives, but it also mentions that their second album was shelved. So who knows? I'm here to discuss 1993's <b>Dances from Left</b>. These dudes could pass for a melodeath band, but they don't frolic in the In Flames/Dark Tranquility strain that erupted out of Sweden. Of course, I say that, but I'm going to compare them to a Swedish luminaire. This record reminds me of At the Gates' <b>Slaughter of the Soul</b>, only...better. Yeah, I said it. The guitars have the same beefy tone. What's more, vocalist Robert Arpo's blusterous rasps bring Tomas Lindberg to mind.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I know next to nothing about drums, but I can tell when a drummer kicks ass. This guy (credited as Heikki Lappalainen) definitely kicks ass. There is plenty of variation where the beats are concerned. The riffs are fairly brutal, although I would still classify these tunes as "catchy." My favorite track is the 8-minute "A Thorn in Holy Flesh." You should also check out "Oceans," "I Bleed to See," and "Cybernetic Summer."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qmk7rk3pOAtTX9Qm18vKRVUgx_Ao8S7GwQ4UYi7MIhN9s9AoXPdOoyn3vxLjgxytWt1czHtdh_3vuWfFOJYzXEd_uAtVPl4BLKjqGnSSbhV5N3UdiJjOWcrKj3QcnDMHV49MYglzx3dyfnnkgIXeLvQzgnfp6-A5p96RN3EqI4JlMV2TV-0JwMkdoap7/s300/attenash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qmk7rk3pOAtTX9Qm18vKRVUgx_Ao8S7GwQ4UYi7MIhN9s9AoXPdOoyn3vxLjgxytWt1czHtdh_3vuWfFOJYzXEd_uAtVPl4BLKjqGnSSbhV5N3UdiJjOWcrKj3QcnDMHV49MYglzx3dyfnnkgIXeLvQzgnfp6-A5p96RN3EqI4JlMV2TV-0JwMkdoap7/s1600/attenash.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Atten Ash - The Hourglass</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you miss Daylight Dies as much as I do? For my money, they were the best melodic doom/death band going, but it has been twelve (!) years since their last opus. It doesn't look like they'll be reemerging anytime soon. But drop that noose! I found an album that fills the void left behind by such classics as <b>Dismantling Devotion</b> and <b>A Frail Becoming</b>. Atten Ash shares DD's state of origin, which happens to be my state of origin - North Carolina. They also share a guitarist by the name of Barre Gambling. I have to think this is the member responsible for the gorgeous guitar solos on <b>The Hourglass</b>. Does this offer anything new? No. In fact, you could call it a lost Daylight Dies album, but that's not a drawback. Unfortunately, this project has also been dormant for twelve years. Oh, well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Out of all of the music I've listened to since the last iteration of Now Playing, I've pulled <b>The Hourglass</b> the most. Make of that what you will. Preferred selections? I guess "Born," but they're all tasty.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-6326615535009691952024-03-11T19:01:00.000-04:002024-03-11T19:01:12.861-04:00Random Match Alert<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/wQxUQs_4i4c?si=sjh_Xe7rknxURRdS" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Most wrestling fans know that 1996's <b>Bash at the Beach</b> was an incredibly important pay-per-view, but did you know that the card featured matches other than the main event? Take this one, for example. Rey Mysterio and Psychosis "pulled the curtain" with this 15-minute barn-burner. <i>NOTE: You'll have to go to Peacock to see the full match.</i></span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-22303595219589026472024-03-09T17:37:00.002-05:002024-03-09T17:37:56.968-05:00Escape to Cremation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh7l0wjWpM2rK0PmNBg8wpUF1y8K7mUsuzMJjXb3BXFA6Y05Fd4g9pDWCqn9Iwz8I1lEWp8KEecFosBqGGYhtwKwjl0lKd6s6sdQ1kbmdrYjnpXBDzFhS6SumzZCtq-MEWJ4ELBXHZYc2Jcsz5Ms1RuAALFi5QCfOsYAWqyLfy9CSpHgMJNwBO7QAMy59/s300/drawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh7l0wjWpM2rK0PmNBg8wpUF1y8K7mUsuzMJjXb3BXFA6Y05Fd4g9pDWCqn9Iwz8I1lEWp8KEecFosBqGGYhtwKwjl0lKd6s6sdQ1kbmdrYjnpXBDzFhS6SumzZCtq-MEWJ4ELBXHZYc2Jcsz5Ms1RuAALFi5QCfOsYAWqyLfy9CSpHgMJNwBO7QAMy59/s1600/drawn.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">You can expect to see a new edition of Now Playing within the next week or so (give or take several decades), but you want to know what I'm listening to right now? Like, <i>now</i> now? Veteran bone-snappers Drawn and Quartered. To be specific, I'm jamming <b>Hail Infernal Darkness</b>, their fourth album. This band is so underrated, it's criminal. In fact, it might be a felony in certain states. They have kicked out eight (!) platters of raw, bloody death metal since forming in the mid-90's. You can throw a dart at their discography, and chances are, you will probably land on something cool. Last night, I played <b>Return of the Black Death</b> (LP #3, pictured above). It sounds like it looks - awesome!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was trying to think of points of comparison. Imagine the sewage of Incantation intermingled with the neck-twisting groove of Immolation. I guess that's all I wanted to say. I'll be back in a few days with more randomness. Insert guitar solo here.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-5825673268307079412024-03-06T19:08:00.002-05:002024-03-06T19:08:48.788-05:00Blood Capsule #184<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPWpLANYanNMdDEk2cP83VLGsYc9nuzkkq23MvFkUHRsn6lheevIbeHQXKMJCsq2SG1fvC9Ic-To605gIjG4l7BAD367NXg0VtZqlmwyfqp3EGC06dOErqEOL2nuO1ViAiKj_0PIVQFtadkHLoGhda8Y_KXWq_bFU_x03lJgQpcgzeEWylqz50g9JNW9b/s400/somethingevil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="400" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPWpLANYanNMdDEk2cP83VLGsYc9nuzkkq23MvFkUHRsn6lheevIbeHQXKMJCsq2SG1fvC9Ic-To605gIjG4l7BAD367NXg0VtZqlmwyfqp3EGC06dOErqEOL2nuO1ViAiKj_0PIVQFtadkHLoGhda8Y_KXWq_bFU_x03lJgQpcgzeEWylqz50g9JNW9b/s320/somethingevil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>SOMETHING EVIL (1972)</i></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Following in the footsteps of <b>The Lawnmower Man</b> and <b>Circuitry Man</b>, <b>Hologram Man</b> is a cautionary tale about the dangers of transferring one's soul into holographic stasis. And that, dear reader, was going to be the first sentence of today's review until I sleepily slid into watching <b>Something Evil</b>. This was a treat. I didn't know it going in, but this made-for-TV sternum-stroker (it was either that or "spine-chiller") was shepherded by a young, hungry Steven Spielberg. Coming hot off the heels of <b>Duel</b>, he was still finding himself on the set of this project. Personally, I was sold as soon as I saw a pre-<b>Night Stalker</b>* Darren McGavin's name in the opening credits. He plays Paul, the concerned husband of a beleaguered woman (a fraught Sandy Dennis). What's beleaguering her? Find out in the next paragraph...same time, same channel!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is <i>something</i> bedeviling their home, something a little more malevolent than a mere ghost. It has been said that <b>Evil</b> served as a dry run for <b>Poltergeist</b>, and I can back that sentiment. The latter film is superior, but Spielberg's direction is sharp here. The first half is slow-going, almost too slow. Almost. Patience is rewarded in a significant way, however. Stevie expertly uses the acoustics of a room to his advantage in building tension. It's funny; according to the man himself, CBS hacked his budget and hobbled his creative impulses. I couldn't tell. By the way, I did pop <b>Hologram Man</b> into my VCR. It's a tepid, noisy sci-fi/actioner. I bet you weren't banking on reading two reviews in one, were you? No one asked, but my favorite Spielberg joint has always been <b>Subspecies</b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">*So apparently, both <b>Something Evil </b>and <b>The Night Stalker</b> premiered in early 1972. 'Twas a good year for small-screen spooks.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-88375481356244066352024-03-04T18:00:00.000-05:002024-03-04T18:00:07.684-05:00Album Cover of the Whatever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7ma7mIUSdP0DH1ip3lITuBeAjg6GR1DWS4ulzjLMUquhiY1j0pfJzX3A0SIYC2GlPjY8e_IFj1QLSx8UDtIddEZeJuadVd13ZGkDRrSbbGHCjaIbLi6hqxyFu0ajIsCCw2YYraa3-QY-c__jfdeVlanwSZi7Slf9GMQahUVAHymmMGtvidKSEw_fOqPi/s400/bats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7ma7mIUSdP0DH1ip3lITuBeAjg6GR1DWS4ulzjLMUquhiY1j0pfJzX3A0SIYC2GlPjY8e_IFj1QLSx8UDtIddEZeJuadVd13ZGkDRrSbbGHCjaIbLi6hqxyFu0ajIsCCw2YYraa3-QY-c__jfdeVlanwSZi7Slf9GMQahUVAHymmMGtvidKSEw_fOqPi/s320/bats.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't listen to much modern thrash, but I have to respect Gama Bomb for going all-out with <b>Bats</b>, their latest LP. At press time, it is unclear what role Lou Diamond Phillips played in the creation of the album, if any. Great cover, though!</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-18474615054846616432024-03-03T18:30:00.001-05:002024-03-03T18:30:54.840-05:00Blood Capsule #183<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi6t0hfu4AO07rKqlPwp-dqOQVBPtSxxQRBMDPWFVe75opEWH8RHYfCs_lvglme216UinfRSpCv-aRK5QJkRxLrDFmDRv73l51nbqrATsRo0JEo-HPcvrVCih0HqdglVi6FlOUKgpxbIvathr3uNCUhVwhfMSibcT2qEYYRROhaf1Ib3dIokGxzHS9UyV/s400/cellar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi6t0hfu4AO07rKqlPwp-dqOQVBPtSxxQRBMDPWFVe75opEWH8RHYfCs_lvglme216UinfRSpCv-aRK5QJkRxLrDFmDRv73l51nbqrATsRo0JEo-HPcvrVCih0HqdglVi6FlOUKgpxbIvathr3uNCUhVwhfMSibcT2qEYYRROhaf1Ib3dIokGxzHS9UyV/s320/cellar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>THE CELLAR (1988)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I know Kevin Tenney to be a talented director with a keen eye for style. It's unfortunate that he wasn't allowed to utilize much of that talent on the set of <b>The Cellar</b>. Apparently, he was roped in just days after someone else was relieved of the position. Unable to reshoot thorny footage, he was able to make the best of a bad situation. Watching the film over thirty years later, you can tell that it was a flustered production, but if you go in with the right mindset (and a fistful of edibles...I'm kidding?), most of the punches connect. The premise borrows from the very well of Native American folklore that so many other budget-minded fright flicks have despoiled. A Comanche tribe jams a spear into the ground in an effort to contain a profound evil. As it happens, this evil is a ratty, brutish warthog demon...thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Cut to modern day Arizona. The spear is unaccounted for, and as such, our bestial gallybagger is free to roam in the cellar of a dwelling peopled by an innocuous family. <b>The Cellar</b> doesn't come right out and say it, but the monster seems to have a <i>Shining-esque</i> effect on Mance, the father of the household. He stops just short of becoming an axe-wielding maniac. An honorable mention goes out to Chris Miller. He plays the prepubescent protagonist, and miraculously, he didn't grate my nerves. As for the creature, I'll be charitable and say that the prosthetic is restrictive. We're limited to tight shots of trunk, tooth, and claw. Hey, I'll take what I can get. <b>The Cellar</b> wrapped in the same calendar year as <b>Night of the Demons</b>. That's a pretty sweet double feature from where I'm sitting. Recommended to fans of basements and <b>The Basement</b>. Don't forget <b>Crawlspace</b>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySNwtSe4UtgCbznShC4T4pXCASR11HCWkxVSETD_t2U-f3Reo6t1S0YVbkU0YfyxIIt9HoT4NFd-P4AzRSubydTS4mhJ_RMCsPpjb4rnW-JrMLSCYatjp1DmWQx9XmfV4M-pGUIQRo0y4TqPE-bqvkxZHl3W3v_ZNgSg4Fegygy9zIPsqHe9bvaTR0-Lf/s300/cellar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="170" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySNwtSe4UtgCbznShC4T4pXCASR11HCWkxVSETD_t2U-f3Reo6t1S0YVbkU0YfyxIIt9HoT4NFd-P4AzRSubydTS4mhJ_RMCsPpjb4rnW-JrMLSCYatjp1DmWQx9XmfV4M-pGUIQRo0y4TqPE-bqvkxZHl3W3v_ZNgSg4Fegygy9zIPsqHe9bvaTR0-Lf/s1600/cellar2.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-88974380276532498262024-02-28T18:15:00.000-05:002024-02-28T18:15:27.860-05:00From the depths of the sea...A TIDAL WAVE OF TERROR!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcylISpKwSDNLZXFWw2UZRz8Is8xMamtg40vYK4153_RzVzTkkhdf0iBaCrxGDx1xcvMfcCVvshCh5vUvSflmHapOCuAAcXhuV7NY0q3IkMbOlLGNZ-AKMOpYP41tN-NZwB5j5VxWAFyI1wv0hPAv9PDvhPelMMZPx_1g8dajb7lSzvlDUT-hpwlmWny8H/s400/crab3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="400" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcylISpKwSDNLZXFWw2UZRz8Is8xMamtg40vYK4153_RzVzTkkhdf0iBaCrxGDx1xcvMfcCVvshCh5vUvSflmHapOCuAAcXhuV7NY0q3IkMbOlLGNZ-AKMOpYP41tN-NZwB5j5VxWAFyI1wv0hPAv9PDvhPelMMZPx_1g8dajb7lSzvlDUT-hpwlmWny8H/s320/crab3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">A rare photo on the set of <b>Schindler's List</b>. I think.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>"<b>Attack of the Crab Monsters</b> hits all of the notes you would expect, and to top it off, this crustacean's exoskeleton is drizzled with Roger Corman flavoring. For the record, Corman has the same general taste and mouthfeel as orange dreamsicle shaved ice."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's an excerpt from a Blood Capsule that you will only be able to find in my upcoming book. Speaking of which, I'm giving myself all of March to stockpile reviews. Then, and only then, I'll be 95% ready to publish. Start saving now. I'm setting the suggested retail price at a cool million dollars.*</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">*Price subject to change.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-55897515283573062432024-02-26T17:45:00.002-05:002024-02-26T17:45:55.433-05:00Blood Capsule #182<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8X8RGWcw0CD81SUzZCnK_QBpW1tU_4yrVPSpqR9T04XkPw3-EerjpVP9H0rjqxTVH9_vOu4A4v1w9ZX3jQlsaw_fNIiF88bxdpYmGAtwvwm6Hl3W9__SUuGSLjjMbsaKESjj6f-Em8hF9MemIqSGLkDH11jkzbHLSqC7WOgellVeIKfLS93hvfo8TG2R/s400/prophecy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="400" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8X8RGWcw0CD81SUzZCnK_QBpW1tU_4yrVPSpqR9T04XkPw3-EerjpVP9H0rjqxTVH9_vOu4A4v1w9ZX3jQlsaw_fNIiF88bxdpYmGAtwvwm6Hl3W9__SUuGSLjjMbsaKESjj6f-Em8hF9MemIqSGLkDH11jkzbHLSqC7WOgellVeIKfLS93hvfo8TG2R/s320/prophecy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>PROPHECY (1979</i></b>)</div></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Another one I'm surprised I hadn't seen, especially considering that I've owned it for some time. This eco-horror nugget is notorious for all of the right/wrong reasons. If you watch <b>South Park</b>, you have no doubt been acquainted with the Man-Bear-Pig. Well, this is its origin story. Like any good cult classic, <b>Prophecy</b> has no idea that it's patently ridiculous. Sober on the surface, the plotline pits Native Americans against obdurate loggers. Someone must shoulder the blame for the alarming number of missing campers, which is to say nothing about the campers who have been found. Headless. It won't shock you to learn that the offending party is the malformed upshot of mercury poisoning and acid rain, probably. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times...we've got to abolish paper mills!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Prophecy</b> is loopy, and I enjoyed the hell out of it. John Frankenheimer directs it with panache. In fact, he guides it along as though it were an Oscar contender. Who am I to say that he was deluded? The acting is strong on all fronts. I loved Armand Assante as the somber defender of the forest ("I'll tell you what right now!!!"). And you have to hand it to Talia Shire for delivering heavy-handed abortion dialogue with a straight face. Did I mention that this flick was self-important? It's okay. You can be self-important when you have the Man-Bear-Pig at your disposal. <b>Prophecy</b> earns extra credit for the bog-set finale. The misty, nebulous backdrop is positively gorgeous, so you don't mind the false finishes. On par with <b>Grizzly</b>, methinks. Recommended to fans of groundwater pollution.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-18977576356044278562024-02-21T19:03:00.001-05:002024-03-04T18:08:05.085-05:00My Patreon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIccsBgkJ9ldRY5eJxa5N2h-_xz7_b03sOg5gkGNM070dMtucRK-vhQ-DnmrSZCO1v6BiZibLimb4AH4sSAMJVgMaLht_OHCaAqICWSH0pIi9oxywPKEfqDLavihyJiXuNCH9hLtrPcX3qMeyjWC9CalZRTkF0rChZUzf9sxY_bes0Y5gukoWkvds1Nep9/s400/patreon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="400" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIccsBgkJ9ldRY5eJxa5N2h-_xz7_b03sOg5gkGNM070dMtucRK-vhQ-DnmrSZCO1v6BiZibLimb4AH4sSAMJVgMaLht_OHCaAqICWSH0pIi9oxywPKEfqDLavihyJiXuNCH9hLtrPcX3qMeyjWC9CalZRTkF0rChZUzf9sxY_bes0Y5gukoWkvds1Nep9/s320/patreon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I hate the fact that I have to promote my <a href="https://www.patreon.com/user?u=52868678">Patreon</a>. I feel like I'm saying, "Give me money!" The truth is a little more nuanced than that. Patreon allows me to make a little pocket change writing about the stuff I love. For real, yo! I'll give you an example. Just the other day, I used my Patreon funds to buy two cheeseburgers and a cassette tape. Did I NEED two cheeseburgers and a cassette tape? Of course not, but that's beside the point. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">What I'm trying to say is...I appreciate the support. I still don't feel comfortable advertising this deal, but it is what it is. If I were a YouTuber, no one would blink an eye at my soulless shilling. Just think of me as another soulless YouTuber, only without the annoying videos.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-70207497074380847942024-02-19T19:36:00.000-05:002024-02-19T19:36:08.685-05:00Blood Capsule #181<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCI9AgO2finqOHt7LjcKwRmgANXTLV33AL_xhqWRJiXbM2VlMbp_fQPlhMaULtpIdJOlUbgE6IjpJKZuGxZo5PjiPHCWpnnVaauIHJrh_zH27iL7Nr8fRSogRK8uB_3oLHzSjC_3h8lSvjrDLTwL_gf460rw5WrCzGJnBSQ6tCuuqh2DszvHmFsGwhR3Z/s400/earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCI9AgO2finqOHt7LjcKwRmgANXTLV33AL_xhqWRJiXbM2VlMbp_fQPlhMaULtpIdJOlUbgE6IjpJKZuGxZo5PjiPHCWpnnVaauIHJrh_zH27iL7Nr8fRSogRK8uB_3oLHzSjC_3h8lSvjrDLTwL_gf460rw5WrCzGJnBSQ6tCuuqh2DszvHmFsGwhR3Z/s320/earth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>EARTH VS. THE SPIDER (2001)</i></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Y'know, I'm just now realizing that I haven't seen the original <b>Earth vs. the Spider</b>. That's odd, considering that I <i>have</i> seen the four other films in this series. What is this series? Back in the day (like, way back...VHS was still a thing), Stan Winston forged an alliance with Cinemax to produce five loving tributes to b-movies from the 1950's. Titles ranged from the execrable (<b>Teenage Caveman</b>) to the paper-thin (<b>She Creature</b>). Yeah, these weren't exactly consumer-grade affairs, but the passion is there. This is a remake in name only. The plot follows Quentin, a security guard who spends his paychecks on comic books and action figures. I can relate. In the chaos of a botched burglary, this idiot willingly injects himself with an experimental serum that turns him into an eight-legged freak. We'll call him Brundlefool.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Okay, that was a different pest, but this film clearly wants to remind you of David Cronenberg's <b>The Fly</b>. While the make-up effects are proficient, the meat of the script doesn't quite measure up. You would need to care about the main character for this set-up to work, and well, that doesn't happen. Dan Aykroyd receives top billing. Mm-hmm. For whatever reason, there is a subplot involving his lush of a wife. It doesn't go anywhere, though. I'm finding it difficult to fill two paragraphs on this paltry porch-climber. I wonder, do spiders get offended by incendiary slang? More to the point, would a tarantula be insulted by <b>Earth vs. the Spider</b>? These are questions that someone has to ask. In any event, go watch <b>Tarantula</b> or <b>Eight Legged Freaks</b> to get your "killer arachnid" fix.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-30348407213063095822024-02-15T22:24:00.000-05:002024-02-15T22:24:00.915-05:00Random Match Alert<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/1S8FxJ0GeZ8?si=1zpZKm1GaYaBL-oo" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's something to watch while you wait for me to write another Blood Capsule. Bam Bam Bigelow versus "The Rocket" Owen Hart...this match is so awesome, it's stupid. As an added bonus, it features "Macho Man" Randy Savage on color commentary. I can't think of a better way to spend eight minutes.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-37662135411133582652024-02-14T20:11:00.000-05:002024-02-14T20:11:07.114-05:00Album Cover of the Whatever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ks8frteoBthPdhXYdilWhyphenhyphenRbomMA_1ucrggqm6-HqNKuwf-bePaOrImi_e65w8amgXLP-3EkBNw3Pv5HCjkzWEvM4-Ff_pxTz9jVifHQlQXMuqEBnn12weE_vrLn90zgeM1aq-Qzc9YlEpth2BiEpNjpz_tEXwrzp6v1NjBFPSyepPGVxzhSkmRZp9Xi/s400/serpent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ks8frteoBthPdhXYdilWhyphenhyphenRbomMA_1ucrggqm6-HqNKuwf-bePaOrImi_e65w8amgXLP-3EkBNw3Pv5HCjkzWEvM4-Ff_pxTz9jVifHQlQXMuqEBnn12weE_vrLn90zgeM1aq-Qzc9YlEpth2BiEpNjpz_tEXwrzp6v1NjBFPSyepPGVxzhSkmRZp9Xi/s320/serpent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Boom.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-81800488318868673862024-02-13T18:50:00.001-05:002024-02-13T18:50:40.687-05:00My thoughts on the new Pearl Jam song...<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/6Fx8LprPMIU?si=y4aL3CplfoMc61hG" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So I guess I was dreading hearing this single. Every other 90's band officially sounds old. Recent material by Foo Fighters and Smashing Pumpkins has been awful offal (ha!). But you know what? "Dark Matter" is a solid Pearl Jam song. It even features that propulsive groove that had been missing from the last couple of albums. Thank you, Matt Cameron! Eddie still sounds like Eddie. Perhaps most importantly, we get a screaming guitar solo, and yes, I was going to complain if we didn't get a screaming guitar solo. Using my trusty Abbath scale, I'd give it a cautious 4 out of 5. Let's see what the other tunes sound like. Grunge will never die!</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-89737335944687549172024-02-11T17:10:00.000-05:002024-02-11T17:10:19.729-05:00"Patience, Dom. Patience."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-N1jvLAXTMoPXPRXf1bP_i_FtRIxCVve2HiUNJT-AQ2sJCZvj6zIEFHdrzCvA96EA6pHL8wts2dlEp4QYV78qowSaOyrs07H16eFRBA29RmqbbFygpwAy0zCpqe74zQIYf3EjYnodGRsHU9K-ojQmX_mj0RzQNplpvOdFs_t_PhV3ym623IsLYXdGC5B/s400/tumbleweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="400" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-N1jvLAXTMoPXPRXf1bP_i_FtRIxCVve2HiUNJT-AQ2sJCZvj6zIEFHdrzCvA96EA6pHL8wts2dlEp4QYV78qowSaOyrs07H16eFRBA29RmqbbFygpwAy0zCpqe74zQIYf3EjYnodGRsHU9K-ojQmX_mj0RzQNplpvOdFs_t_PhV3ym623IsLYXdGC5B/s320/tumbleweed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Just a brief update. Non-capsule content will be returning to the site because, well, things look sad and lonely. While I may be in the home stretch of the book, I'm <i>at least</i> a month out from being ready to publish. I'm still in the process of gathering reviews. And by "gathering," I mean "writing." I want there to be something you haven't read yet, even if it's a scatterbrained breakdown of a film that you will never watch. Can you tell I'm getting antsy?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"Patience, Dom. Patience." Easy for you to say!</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-43659251913284671162024-02-09T19:53:00.002-05:002024-02-09T19:53:46.843-05:00Blood Capsule #180<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPsVPh2HCISfjSvytzZIWgplPScGyTrIwMG1z0e0RAm72X8e703Yt8zoJSAy4Z9y85eEGMoml-5ryW7P6rF6MGVibCP-PEI1jXt2llIrd7DJs8K-vIunuROp45SAgfyp_wPEMWtd0Le45hGYD7qONbKXVGfpy95OW7dvao1dny76lu8FNtmc590ihfQSU/s400/monolithmonsters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPsVPh2HCISfjSvytzZIWgplPScGyTrIwMG1z0e0RAm72X8e703Yt8zoJSAy4Z9y85eEGMoml-5ryW7P6rF6MGVibCP-PEI1jXt2llIrd7DJs8K-vIunuROp45SAgfyp_wPEMWtd0Le45hGYD7qONbKXVGfpy95OW7dvao1dny76lu8FNtmc590ihfQSU/s320/monolithmonsters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>THE MONOLITH MONSTERS (1957)</i></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the 1950's, Universal sci-fi was just as ubiquitous as Universal horror. In fact, the fabled studio hammered out quite a few pictures that dealt with outer space. <b>The Monolith Monsters</b> submits a unique concept, and off the top of my head, I can't think of another film that grapples with this particular subject matter. Maybe <b>The Magnetic Monster</b>? No, that was an isotope. I guess I should fill you in. Meteorites are crashing in a parched desert bed near the small town of San Angelo. Once they shatter on impact, the landscape is flecked with black stone fragments. I know that doesn't sound very exciting, but wait until it rains. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When these shards of space gravel are met with moisture, they begin to grow. </span><i style="font-family: arial;">WARNING: Exposure to spooky wet rocks may cause alarming side effects including lockjaw, granite hand, and ovarian magma.</i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I enjoyed <b>Monolith</b>. If I were randomly using baseball jargon (just oblige me), I'd call it a solo home run. There are a couple of impediments, however, that keep it from being a grand slam. The third act is overwhelmed with technical scientific mumbo-jumbo, and well, I wasn't too keen on learning the intricacies of hydroelectric power. Seriously, the characters will tell you everything you need to know with respect to floodgates. I'm just not sure if that leaves us with a gripping script. I mean, you could turn <b>The Monolith Monsters</b> into one hell of a textbook, but I'm in the business of reviewing movies. As such, it's alright. We get a forced love story, although I did like the main players.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The special effects are well-mounted. And yeah, that about covers it. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Recommended to fans of irrigation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd32q9Yy4dPJjrnYjdtb7Tyk3JkwhlD_TfmMv1oNKfniFhZi_aH1C48hRvfAhVTAciQS4d7VXjFJfbKhkO6PzOqpNVdhzT_7G-0IxgAsu630OwsBwuO3tuubfsYKYnYZCUT6Sgzd4kftOy_nXl_XNNH-pnAwrkZMNSCmL4ionizesSGX405DXhKbFrbmnD/s400/monolithmonstersposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="400" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd32q9Yy4dPJjrnYjdtb7Tyk3JkwhlD_TfmMv1oNKfniFhZi_aH1C48hRvfAhVTAciQS4d7VXjFJfbKhkO6PzOqpNVdhzT_7G-0IxgAsu630OwsBwuO3tuubfsYKYnYZCUT6Sgzd4kftOy_nXl_XNNH-pnAwrkZMNSCmL4ionizesSGX405DXhKbFrbmnD/s320/monolithmonstersposter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-20760219765577361752024-02-05T18:49:00.000-05:002024-02-05T18:49:41.515-05:00Blood Capsule #179<span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DARK CARNIVAL (1993)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgYa3iY57Y5PJ4CgcnKqn-2Li_qVuPkdwiYduEoKo8pAMRL7Oxkn22dJ4wRE741nmuPJccbqYlCm8s0UWv7jpiP0wrhD4cFbirdfyvO5s6tflQ8jj7SjSqTS6L_tnm6QZp6OlaV-JPhQL1FUPteLkN5etERNmjlAycpL2FrlPDO2O0orswd2-2SbqHLey/s300/darkcarnival1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgYa3iY57Y5PJ4CgcnKqn-2Li_qVuPkdwiYduEoKo8pAMRL7Oxkn22dJ4wRE741nmuPJccbqYlCm8s0UWv7jpiP0wrhD4cFbirdfyvO5s6tflQ8jj7SjSqTS6L_tnm6QZp6OlaV-JPhQL1FUPteLkN5etERNmjlAycpL2FrlPDO2O0orswd2-2SbqHLey/s300/darkcarnival1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="40" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgYa3iY57Y5PJ4CgcnKqn-2Li_qVuPkdwiYduEoKo8pAMRL7Oxkn22dJ4wRE741nmuPJccbqYlCm8s0UWv7jpiP0wrhD4cFbirdfyvO5s6tflQ8jj7SjSqTS6L_tnm6QZp6OlaV-JPhQL1FUPteLkN5etERNmjlAycpL2FrlPDO2O0orswd2-2SbqHLey/s1600/darkcarnival1.jpg" width="40" /></a></div></i></b></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I came THIS CLOSE (insert hand gesture here) to not reviewing this movie at all. It doesn't deserve the exposure, but someone out there might see the title and expect, oh, I don't know, legitimate entertainment. I can't let that happen. There is so little information on <b>Dark Carnival</b> available, that I'm actually finding more information on the WCW stable of the same name. This unsound no-budgeter wishes it could be associated with the likes of Vampiro and Violent J, as opposed to...dear God, who are these people? Director Eric Worthington ditched the industry after funneling resources into this washout (resources that could have gone to anything else), having absconded with about as much pride as - nevermind, I shouldn't make this personal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On second thought, I'm taking it personally. <b>Dark Carnival</b> is miserable. The plot follows a group of friends who decide to celebrate Halloween by staging a haunted house attraction. They spook patrons for all of ten minutes before claiming that the house itself is evil. What are they basing this on? No, I'm asking. And who is their target demographic? They construct tableaus that range in ripeness from a hokey mad scientist's laboratory (bolt-necked monster included) to a Satanic castration ritual. Yeah, that's sure to scare the kids in attendance (???). The acting is dreadful, the "characters" are morons, and of course, the production values are grotty. Hey, I can put up with cheap sets if you have something else to offer. This is basically 1991's <b>HauntedWeen</b>, only without the charm.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Do not, under any circumstances, watch <b>Dark Carnival</b>.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-48945585035156305492024-01-31T18:56:00.000-05:002024-01-31T18:56:00.936-05:00Blood Capsule #178<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWwKrAvfckcM_ZV19YSPE8FRtCP8dz7SqJe2e6zjPBnm_tInquVopSPSimZe57rSESnd14HpgjVyZzwwwb2-7Szg9w8fBflGgu5vcZptPrlW1P1sOflGAalBWQt2ggYqWj7YPNZgaRvK5m0TMljptoezfQeTVCJvCwn6JYpYxENtl5G00D6ZXzXtdegar/s400/invisible.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWwKrAvfckcM_ZV19YSPE8FRtCP8dz7SqJe2e6zjPBnm_tInquVopSPSimZe57rSESnd14HpgjVyZzwwwb2-7Szg9w8fBflGgu5vcZptPrlW1P1sOflGAalBWQt2ggYqWj7YPNZgaRvK5m0TMljptoezfQeTVCJvCwn6JYpYxENtl5G00D6ZXzXtdegar/s320/invisible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>THE INVISIBLE MAN APPEARS (1949)</i></b></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Some films only exist today as historical curiosities. Take <b>The Invisible Man Appears</b>, for example. It was never released stateside until Arrow Video saved it from certain obscurity by issuing a posh Blu-ray in 2021. Considered the first science fiction film made in Japan, <b>Invisible Man</b> deftly utilizes tokusatsu effects engendered, in part, by Eiji Tsuburaya. Kaiju fans will recognize that name. Tsuburaya helped pioneer special techniques that would later be employed to stage elephantine battles between Godzilla and other giant monsters. Speaking of which, this little conversation piece was produced by Daiei Film, the studio responsible for the Gamera series. Okay, so I've given you plenty of background information. Is <b>Invisible Man</b> worth tracking down?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The bulk of the picture operates around a knotty, near-Gordion jewel heist. A batch of indistinguishable thugs kidnap a scientist in the hope of furtively using his untested invisibility agent to plunder a diamond necklace. I guess it's interesting if you really enjoyed <b>Ocean's Thirteen</b>, but I yawned through a lot of the procedural build-up. Admittedly, the visuals are eerie. It's easy to spot where director Nobuo Adachi was influenced by American genre trappings, most notably Universal's own translucent monster. At the end of the day, <b>The Invisible Man Appears</b> isn't terribly compelling. There is a sequel - 1957's <b>The Invisible Man vs. The Human Fly</b>. I doubt that I'll watch it, but you're more than welcome to give it a try.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-66354500074543559152024-01-26T21:57:00.000-05:002024-01-26T21:57:13.649-05:00A Bloodstained Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oojVWgOi3rZiZ8MeSF50AzlcWMxBM5cwXXfSfbVeDZUUSnVXmnFQbAtwL76_UZ9X2XiEjeKZh0Bl497b_ka94mOxGaTmuS7yMH97XWCeaTCR3BEViVs1RBgjT4RgwzU51lGOStP9ltDqyPQ5wSAFs7A5oMUFOHx-y2O6Trbb8tKyGb3a1F4jeDA1QQCp/s350/blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="350" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oojVWgOi3rZiZ8MeSF50AzlcWMxBM5cwXXfSfbVeDZUUSnVXmnFQbAtwL76_UZ9X2XiEjeKZh0Bl497b_ka94mOxGaTmuS7yMH97XWCeaTCR3BEViVs1RBgjT4RgwzU51lGOStP9ltDqyPQ5wSAFs7A5oMUFOHx-y2O6Trbb8tKyGb3a1F4jeDA1QQCp/s320/blood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Corny jokes aside, I do have an update for you regarding Blood Capsules (the book). I'm a little past halfway done with the manuscript...! As I approach the home stretch, I am primed to enter "review mode." Once this mode is activated, watch out. For the most part, Blood Capsules will be the only thing you see on this website for awhile. For every review I post here, I will write one that is exclusive to the book. I would ignore the site altogether, but I do want to keep interest up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll give you another update when I'm closer to the finish line. Until then, it's "review mode" for me. This could get bloody.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-60823580546721530692024-01-22T18:22:00.000-05:002024-01-22T18:22:08.476-05:00Now Playing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1zBLik6xg_aQPGqh98rY0144BQTaDJHk8-wDDdIaUOqY_POlFgHAE0lHrRdPl3PoMI7hzaA9N9mWAv1lbFplYjzLQoA16iWJXuvcB5MSDhvy8dzKxRydHNdkMyNAegQpxPuAIdBR0LJTCpCgseoK64wtgLcD7iGdlB5XbpkjRDR867xrdLeikoqhwEDN/s300/windthrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1zBLik6xg_aQPGqh98rY0144BQTaDJHk8-wDDdIaUOqY_POlFgHAE0lHrRdPl3PoMI7hzaA9N9mWAv1lbFplYjzLQoA16iWJXuvcB5MSDhvy8dzKxRydHNdkMyNAegQpxPuAIdBR0LJTCpCgseoK64wtgLcD7iGdlB5XbpkjRDR867xrdLeikoqhwEDN/s1600/windthrow.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Windthrow - Katabasis</i></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Released in the sterility of early December, this record came and went last year with zero fanfare. I can understand why this Swedish one-man project is obscure, but that doesn't mean it should be. I'll do my part in singing its praises. So what are we dealing with here? Windthrow peddles black metal that borrows liberally from traditional heavy metal. Expect to hear a wealth of guitar harmonies and solos that polish off each composition. The well-endowed production ensures that your ears can isolate each instrument. I'm picky as hell when it comes to black metal (okay, I'm a fastidious fool with all subgenres), so the fact that I've given <b>Katabasis</b> several spins should clue you in on something.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm using the word "spins" informally, as this record doesn't seem to be available on CD. If you have a turntable, this is an easy recommendation. Sample "Stygian Halls" or "New Light."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmNINMH6bkGSrqeyvtJdShVv8Jjvj7kcno08mFJ3lhYZ-e_g9FPBxspFDcw-qkHNu9-eO_iIwdmJONff3jW9exss6ALRhYQJJKrywKZ3S46eEmo_YStrSP7SHwMbvDFYcqqTDNAV4SHhQwrp8SZLjsZ7V38yQS4Kb8R1fGJLDK1cnNVVLgWVzBYpC01nG/s300/solitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmNINMH6bkGSrqeyvtJdShVv8Jjvj7kcno08mFJ3lhYZ-e_g9FPBxspFDcw-qkHNu9-eO_iIwdmJONff3jW9exss6ALRhYQJJKrywKZ3S46eEmo_YStrSP7SHwMbvDFYcqqTDNAV4SHhQwrp8SZLjsZ7V38yQS4Kb8R1fGJLDK1cnNVVLgWVzBYpC01nG/s1600/solitude.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Solitude Aeturnus - Downfall</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">When I was hospitalized at the midpoint of 2022 (I call it the "deep torso of doom"), Solitude Aeturnus is one of the bands I can remember jamming on my headphones in an effort to obviate currents of anxiety. I distinctly recall listening to 1994's <b>Through the Darkest Hour</b>, which I rate as my favorite SA album. And even though <b>Downfall</b> has to settle for second place, I've been enjoying it quite a bit lately. Can someone please explain to me in plain, elementary English why it's considered to be the worst of the bunch? I don't get it. Okay, it doesn't replicate the epic, haughty atmosphere of <b>Into the Depths of Sorrow</b> or <b>Beyond the Crimson Horizon</b>, but the songs are there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The chorus of "Chapel of Burning" simply cannot be denied. What about the moody hooks of "Only This (and Nothing More)" or the driving riffs of "Deathwish"? The latter tune is a Christian Death cover, but I couldn't tell. It doesn't intercede on the natural flow of the music despite its whereabouts in the tracklist. I reject the notion that <b>Downfall</b> entertains alternative rock. That's just bogus, man. Listen to "Concern" and tell me it's not irrationally infectious. Bogus!</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-80558491303224324782024-01-19T15:55:00.002-05:002024-01-19T15:56:12.896-05:00Album Cover of the Whatever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfenrTwpp39ZKeBErI4onJasINAUOiQrTc1XMSbxDXmMZ2op0PtuLRDjakYgC8jkzujMuzQsjfVpopONy3JYHEHC7yArLvCcnUOE6lhXH1mJGQfj7-ufWFZdgZvwA6mquawhAeUhN2QR4eiaZojDTtnF_NtuxLElvpSQzjE7XP-hOfq5J0a1s2Zy5xm9s3/s300/tyrant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfenrTwpp39ZKeBErI4onJasINAUOiQrTc1XMSbxDXmMZ2op0PtuLRDjakYgC8jkzujMuzQsjfVpopONy3JYHEHC7yArLvCcnUOE6lhXH1mJGQfj7-ufWFZdgZvwA6mquawhAeUhN2QR4eiaZojDTtnF_NtuxLElvpSQzjE7XP-hOfq5J0a1s2Zy5xm9s3/s1600/tyrant.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">How about some obscure death/thrash? I would buy a comic book with that cover. The band in question is Tyrant Trooper. <b>Insane Sickness</b> was their only LP, and while I'm not super familiar with it, I've heard it enough to recommend it.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-27414859113204088502024-01-18T19:07:00.001-05:002024-01-18T19:07:52.892-05:00Rassle Inn #48<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFKkbA4KshZhF0WlXJvX8Xwznda7YuhGnPiV2BeBQA-o0MN5rKvuZiFs2crgXY39XZh69vFK8p03XngdT6hzVsH_Q4Zj1zmbl9_VuYF8uf2kI91GkS_1TGP8va03nJwKpDS6qWfpBxtuTX0l7NnAyczsYKENd1dQoIb6FvG4KG8Tmr7LQj4g6B4GGDzIe/s400/youngbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFKkbA4KshZhF0WlXJvX8Xwznda7YuhGnPiV2BeBQA-o0MN5rKvuZiFs2crgXY39XZh69vFK8p03XngdT6hzVsH_Q4Zj1zmbl9_VuYF8uf2kI91GkS_1TGP8va03nJwKpDS6qWfpBxtuTX0l7NnAyczsYKENd1dQoIb6FvG4KG8Tmr7LQj4g6B4GGDzIe/s320/youngbucks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So what's going on with the Young Bucks?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Four years ago, I was on their side. In fact, I even bought their merch at Hot Topic. And y'know, a lot of people were on their side. Fans (and journalists, if they're not ashamed to admit it) were excited about the prospect of a new major wrestling promotion. Finally, Vinnie Mac was going to have direct competition. But that was four years ago. So many things can - and did - happen in four years. It could be said that the Bucks gradually dropped all gimmicks in that span of time, riding a wave of grim reality that reached a crescendo on last night's <b>Dynamite</b>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In what can only be described as a turgid interview segment, Matt and Nick Jackson essentially played themselves. All bets are off, as Matt delivered a wordy, yet ultimately ineffectual promo that made reference to certain "cancerous" individuals in the wrestling business. I guess I can't call it ineffectual. He came across as a douchebag, which was the whole point of the scene. The problem is that it's becoming clear to both doomsters and apologists alike that as much as AEW's roster would love to get credit from the Academy for theatrical performances, the dude wasn't acting. It appears that the Young Bucks are douchebags.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"Do you know them personally, Dom?" No, and I'm sure that they are great tippers. But here's what I do know...they are responsible, in part, for driving out the biggest star in the history of their little company. They may not be quite as responsible as Jack Perry or Tony Khan, but something tells me that they approve of AEW'S overall trajectory. If by some chance they aren't douchebags, they're stupid. I fear they may be both. I'm still not 100% clear on the kayfabe reason for singling out Darby Allin and Sting. Boredom maybe? What could have been a marquee money match will probably just be another Young Bucks match.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Look, I've been guilty of defending them. I have a high threshold for their "style" of wrestling, and in seasons past, one could argue that their most serious offenses were merely ridiculous high spots. That was before they held sway as executive vice presidents. Now, if they go down superkicking, they're taking an entire promotion with them. But hey, look at all the stars they have made. Like Private Party. And...those other guys.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-85251769718585693542024-01-16T21:16:00.000-05:002024-01-16T21:16:01.656-05:00Be All, End All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzjQxCX9I3ZtGXVa9BH6ug5DsApMjYxgADs5197YHuklGsCb94VhI9nTMt07-83zKmhxyN2qTK2BKGzSrzVo6J78vbmFFqC_BS4SXN3JmDaMvn0ya7VOefH2fThA93Kto-C76gK-PzzkEXkZ8ia-hcYwJ_89_a45y63US0JMUdE24zYCEAwVsB_HVNXmI/s300/anthrax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzjQxCX9I3ZtGXVa9BH6ug5DsApMjYxgADs5197YHuklGsCb94VhI9nTMt07-83zKmhxyN2qTK2BKGzSrzVo6J78vbmFFqC_BS4SXN3JmDaMvn0ya7VOefH2fThA93Kto-C76gK-PzzkEXkZ8ia-hcYwJ_89_a45y63US0JMUdE24zYCEAwVsB_HVNXmI/s1600/anthrax.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Just a small update...I've made definite progress on the book. It's taking longer to put together than I would like, but the end result is going to be sweet. As for the site, I have new editions of Now Playing and Rassle Inn comin' atcha soon. That should happen within a week or so. As for right this very second, I'm listening to Anthrax's <b>State of Euphoria</b> on cassette tape. I've always maintained that thrash saucers sound best on tape, and this one is no exception to the rule. And <b>Euphoria</b> is probably my least favorite Belladonna-era Anthrax outing, but it has more meat on its bones than I remembered.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In other news, I recently became an admin of an online golf tournament. How geeky is that? Alright, back to work on the manuscript. Keep those eyes juicy and peeled!</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2560059111367583638.post-72987943252037255292024-01-14T18:45:00.001-05:002024-01-14T20:58:06.499-05:00Blood Capsule #177<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TU-rTSU-tuZjpToWWZ84-aNAC3JqPgUutVrnODd1SVPQjhrG3gBZsyjLyTNQnSSMFZHv6NPNFYSv6EgDUcVaibNT2iWhsS2PiiHy6yFUbQY7BkyJdkoKupCehKCpDXtW9l2MJG69_CdhQDKLEo4MtF5Vd69ER9-Op81TRnlNkODB0wj2i7UfuJZDIpOM/s400/lordsofthedeep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TU-rTSU-tuZjpToWWZ84-aNAC3JqPgUutVrnODd1SVPQjhrG3gBZsyjLyTNQnSSMFZHv6NPNFYSv6EgDUcVaibNT2iWhsS2PiiHy6yFUbQY7BkyJdkoKupCehKCpDXtW9l2MJG69_CdhQDKLEo4MtF5Vd69ER9-Op81TRnlNkODB0wj2i7UfuJZDIpOM/s320/lordsofthedeep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>LORDS OF THE DEEP (1989)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The best thing about this film is its VHS artwork. If I wasn't low-key obsessed with the aquamarine slipcase (she's a beauty), I wouldn't have forked over ten bucks to own it. And yet, I'm glad it's in my possession. I dig this sub-subgenre. What kind of micro-niche are we dealing with here? Well, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, <b>Lords of the Deep</b> falls under the category of "undersea sci-fi/horror." Movie studios must have been under the impression that ticket buyers simply craved briny, thalassic entertainment. Either that, or they were staffed by would-be oceanographers because there were no less than six (!) of these brackish b-doodles made between 1989 and 1990. My favorite of the lot? <b>DeepStar Six</b>, which benefits from Miguel Ferrer and a cool monster.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll have you know that Ferrer doesn't star in <b>Lords</b>, and the monster? It's a benevolent manta ray. Doesn't exactly live up to the title, does it? I suppose that the effects are shipshape (pun intended), but we don't see them enough for it to matter. The script could have been ghostwritten by AI. There is a submerged laboratory, a mining operation, and several submersibles that...ugh, even the synopsis is bland. I wanted to like this flick. Priscilla Barnes overexerts herself as a goo scientist. Roger Corman appears in extended cameo capacity, and I'm sure that he considered <b>Lords of the Deep</b> a success. I'll let you in on a little secret; I disagree. Recommended to fans of smallbox VHS, reruns of <b>Three's Company</b> (post-Chrissy Snow), and saltwater.</span></div><div><br /></div>Dom Coccarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843380116571749866noreply@blogger.com0