Phil attends MONSTERPALOOZA 2014 at the Marriot Hotel and Convention Center in Burbank-March 28-30, 2014

Greetings and salutations from Burbank!! Oh, why yes, I am back down in SoCal for another one of my many adventure! But this was no ordinary adventure! No, no, no my friends! I was there attending the convention known as MONSTERPALOOZA, which was held at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. For almost three days, yours truly (along with my friends Michelle and her boyfriend Bobby) had once again the most amazing time! I got to meet cool horror celebrities, saw some amazing make up effects and designs, got a ton of autographs, bought a bunch of cool stuff.

I had the pleasure of meeting several horror actors and actresses during this weekend. Of course I don't want to brag, but here's who I got to meet: Nancy Allen from DRESSED TO KILL, BLOW OUT and the ROBOCOP series, Bela Lugosi Jr., Ron Chaney and the rest of the Chaney Family, the cast of the HELLRAISER series, Courtney Gains and John Franklin from the original CHILDREN OF THE CORN, Sara Karloff, historian Bob Burns, just to name a few. Now there was a lot to see and do for those three days! Lucky for all of you , I took an insane amount of pictures! So for all of you out there on the world wide web, sit back, relax, and have fun checking out my favorite pics from this year's Monsterpalooza!!

Outside the Marriott waiting to get in.

The guys at the Midnight Syndicate Films were on hand to offer up some excellent chills and thrills. They had several movies on hand to purchase, as well as their awesome soundtracks like the newly released MONSTERS OF LEGEND! I picked up their 3 Disc Deluxe Edition of THE DEAD MATTER. For more info check out their website at www.midnightsyndicate.com.

Scares That Cares is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization that "fights the REAL MONSTERS of childhood illness, burns and breast cancer by helping families that are experiencing these extraordinary hardships cope with the financial burden." To help make a donation, please visit them at www.scaresthatcare.org.

Oh the sea of humanity!!

Me with actress Nancy Allen from CARRIE, BLOW OUT, and the ROBOCOP series.

Genie from the Bottle. How cool looking is this?

This is Christopher R. Mihm. This talented writer/director is based out in Minnesota & makes the ultra cool retro 1950's sci-fi & monster movies! I recommend them all! Check out his website www.sainteuphoria.com.

The main entrance to the Exhibit Area.

And let the draining of my bank account begin!! Look at all this cool stuff I need to buy!!

Composer  John Harrison was on hand to sign the newly released CDs of CREEPSHOW and DAY OF THE DEAD!! I of course bought DAY OF THE DEAD because it's my favorite!

Amazing detailed models and statues on display for collectors to purchase.

Awesome custom made dioramas for your action figures.

Here I am along with cult actor/director Greydon Clark! He stared in the cult classic SATAN'S SADISTS. He went on direct other classics such as SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS, JOY STICKS, FINAL JUSTICE, and ANGEL'S REVENGE. The last two films become popular on the hit TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000. Go check out his website at www.greydonclark.com and pick up his new autobiography On The Cheap: My Life in Low Budget Filmmaking!

Rotten Cotton "is the best Underground Horror, Sleaze, & Exploitation T-Shirts in the Universe!" And it's based out in Antioch, CA! So check them out at www.rottencotton.com. And remember kids: If it ain't Rotten Cotton, it ain't shit!

Alien space babes! Why yes, I would like to mate with you!

The autopsy table with the body of the late, great Frankenstein's Monster.

Hey it's Mia from the EVIL DEAD remake. This awesome replica comes from Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights and it was made by Patrick Magee of MAGEE FX!

The Reaper wants your soul!

This is what happens when you fall asleep in a tanning bed kids.

What's scary than a freaky looking puppet? Two freaky looking puppets! Want these two to add to your collection? Then head on over to www.thescarycloset.com today!

Another awesome creepy looking product courtesy of the fine folks over at www.thescarycloset.com. This of course is from the incredibly scary James Wan film INSIDIOUS.

Me again with another beautiful model who's name I can't recall. Well, this explains why I don't have a girlfriend. I can't remember beautiful women's names!

Oh Brittany! You've done it again!!

This is what happened to Snoopy during the zombie outbreak.

OK, I am trying to recall her name right now, but I cannot recall what it was. Mainly because I was so enthralled with her! I mean, c'mon! Look how hot and spooky she looks! I wanted to marry her right then and there!

Yup, it's just me hanging out with my old friends Jason Voorhees, Leatherface, and Freddy Kruger.

This was such a kick for me! To see this young girls (who was about 10 years old) got dressed up to meet her idol Tippi Hedren, star of Alfred Hitchcock's THE BIRDS. I thought this was fantastic, especially since she wasn't even born when the film first came out!

Here's actor Russ Tamblyn autographing my original one sheet poster of the cult classic SATAN'S SADISTS. The other signature on the left is by Greydon Clark.

THIS WAS THE BEST WEEKEND I HAVE EVER HAD!! (OK I know that I saw that phrase a lot, but look at all the fun things I do!) I met so may icons in the horror genre, saw some great movies, party hard with all my friends, stayed up way too late, got up way too early, drank, ate, everyday was party!! This was such a blast! No you're all probably wondering when's the next convention? Glad you asked! There's gonna be a show called Son of Monsterpalooza and it'll be held on September 12-14, 2014! As soon as more details are released. I'll let you all know! In the meantime, to see who else was there, and to learn more about the event, check out their website at www.monsterpalooza.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil's Top Ten Horror Films of 2013- January 1, 2014

Since I am a horror fanatic, I decided that I would also give you, my fellow horror hounds, my list of my favorite horror films that I saw last year. Now this was really a daunting task, due to the fact that there were some truly incredible and remarkable films that I saw both in theaters and on DVD/Blu-Ray. So boils and ghouls, here are my Top Ten Horror Films of 2013!

1) THE CONJURING: Based on true events, the film's about married couple and paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson from THE WATCHMEN and INSIDIOUS) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga from ORPHAN and SOURCE CODE), who must help a family in Harrisville, Rhode Island from being haunted by a demonic spirit. Director James Wan (SAW, DEAD SILENCE) employs some of the old traits of filmmaking that were used back in the 1970's the make the film look and feel like it was made in that decade. With it's smart script and outstanding acting, THE CONJURING is, without a doubt, THE best horror film of 2013!! If you're sick and tired with the recent bombardments of crappy remakes, re-imagines, and reboots, then you're gonna love this film!

2) INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2: Another James Wan film! The haunted family Lambert have moved into the home of dad Josh's (Patrick Wilson) mother Lorraine Lambert (Barbara Hershey), after he plunged into the eerie netherworld The Further to pluck back his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) from the clutches of the infernal Mother Crane. But wife Renai (Rose Byrne) believes that her husband did come back and thinks something else has possessed Josh. Wan has done his homework, lifting the good ol' thrills and chills from classic horror films from the past. The movie continues to showcase his ability to really creep the audience out with simple things such as eerie sounds, long pauses of silence, and scares that will get under your skin.

3) MAMA: Sisters Victoria (Megan Charpentier) and Lilly (Isabelle Nélisse), abandoned in the woods after losing both parents in tragic circumstances, are found after 5 years in horrible conditions, but when their uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and aunt Annabel (Jessica Chastain), helped by a shady psychiatrist, take them in, the frightening truth comes out. This is one of those rare horror films that feature character development all throughout the film. Jessica Chastain performance is fantastic, and both Megan Charpentier and Isabelle Nélisse turn in outstanding performances as well. With Guillermo del Toro as executive producer, director Andy Muschietti does a tremendous job with creating some genuine chills, scares, and screams.

4) AMERICAN MARY: Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle) is a medical student, who dreams of becoming a surgeon once she's done with school. However things are not going well, but her life gets turned upside down when she gets sucked into the underground world of surgeries that she dubs "Body Modifications," which proves to be very lucrative trade for the former starving med student. The film shows off the maturity of Jen and Sylvia Soska (aka the Twisted Twins) which is far and away a major step forward in their evolution as writers and directors. Isabelle's acting is simply captivating! Overall the film ranks as one of the best modern horror films of the past 20 years and a fine example of independent filmmaking!

5) YOU'RE NEXT: The Davison family heads out to a beautiful remote home near the woods for a wedding anniversary/family reunion. But when they come under attack by a vicious gang of masked killers, it's up to an unlikely family guest to take them all down. Originally filmed in 2011, it toured on the festival circuit and received numerous praises until it was finally picked up for distribution by Lionsgate. The film is basically a slasher film disguised as a crime thriller. But let me just state that, in my humble opinion, the movie doesn't try to be scary at all. Rather, it's very reminiscent of the old 80's slasher films I used to love to watch. Overall it's a fun, cool, gory, and entertaining flick!

6) EVIL DEAD: Producers Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Robert Tapert revisit their horror roots by remaking their original EVIL DEAD. This time they turn the directing reigns over to newcomer Fede Alvarez as he just paints the silver screen blood red! Young Mia (Jane Levy), is a recovering drug addict who, along with her brother and friends, heads to the old remote family cabin in the woods. While there the kids discover the Book of the Dead in the basement, read some of the passages, and summon the dormant demons that live in the woods. One by one the kids are picked off until there's only Mia left to fight off the evil dead spirits. The film is a fun-filled gorefest ride of death that will please fans of the original.

7) HATCHET III: Victor Crowley returns one last time in this, the final installment of the series! Creator and director Adam Green turns the directing duties over to BJ McDonnell, who was his cinematographer for the first two films. Danielle Harris reprises her role as Marybeth Dunston, who must travel back to the Honey Island Swamp with an armed SWAT team to take down Victor Crowley (once again portrayed by the icon Kane Hodder). The action comes fast and so does the bloodshed! The climatic ending is one that fans of the series will go crazy over! Harris once again turns in a excellent performance, and to see Kane Hodder take on Derek Mears, the new Jason Voorhees from the FRIDAY THE 13TH remake, you've got yourself one awesome horror movie!

8) ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE: Originally this fright flick was filmed in 2006 and it premiered at several film festivals shortly thereafter. The movie was going to be released in 2007 by the Weistein Company, but because of the failure of GRINDHOUSE at the boxoffice, they sold the film to Senator Entertainment US. However, that company went out of business and the film was stuck in limbo. Thanks to the blockbuster success of director Jonathan Levin's recent film WARM BODIES, the film was finally released to theaters. The entire cast turns in a fantastic, but it's Amber Heard who really shins in the film, who was only 20 years old at the time! She's gone on to act in films like THE RUM DIARY, DRIVE ANGRY and THE WARD.

9) THE LORDS OF SALEM: Rob Zombie goes witchcraft. After taking Michael Myers as far as he could go in his HALLOWEEN remake series, Zombie switches gears in this eerie, surreal and disturbing film. Sheri Moon Zombie portrays Heidi Hawthorne, a local radio station DJ who receives mysterious wooden box containing a vinyl record. She plays it and then experiences a flashback to a past trauma. Then things really start getting weird! Sheri really goes for it as Heidi, and Zombie changes his style of directing and goes for a more dramatic, art house look and feel. But remember, this is a Rob Zombie film so expect the unexpected. A really underrated horror gem of a flick.

10) THE BLACK DAHLIA HAUNTING: I had the privileged of seeing the film last year at Miss Misery's Days of Terror Convention. With the release of the film on the home market, I was so excited to watch it again and again. The film's about a young woman named Holly Jenson (Devanny Pinn) who's investigating the murder of her father by her blind younger brother Tyler (Noah Dahl). During her investigation, she accidentally awakens the spirit of Elizabeth Short (Alexis Iacono), better known as the infamous Black Dahlia. Soon Tyler's physician Dr. Brian Owen (Britt Griffith) begins to suspect something different about Holly, which triggers a deadly secret from his past. Written and directed by Brandon Slagle, the movie is a great indie horror gem that all of you should definitely see!

And that, my fellow children of the night, is a wrap! I sincerely hope you enjoyed my Top Ten Horror Film list and I really hope this encourages you all to check out these incredible fright flicks! Remember, if you get scared from watching these cinematic nightmares, keep repeating yourself: It's only a movie...only a movie...only a movie...only a movie....BOO!!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming. 

Phil sees AMERICAN MARY at Monsterpalooza-April 13, 2013

For Screamfest's third and final film of the night, they screened one of the most talked about films of the past year! A film that has won critical and numerous awards from several respected film festivals from all around the world. The film won five awards at last year's Screamfest alone! In 2009, filmmakers and twin sisters Jen and Sylvia Soska (aka the Twisted Twins) unleashed upon the world their debut film DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK, a beautiful and gore-soaked homage to exploitation films. Now the Soska Sisters return with their latest cinematic endeavour entitled AMERICAN MARY.

Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle) is a medical student, who dreams of becoming a surgeon once she's done with school. However things are not going well for Mary; she's in severe debt, has bill collectors calling her, and one of her professors keeps demeaning her in front of the class. All this pressure and stress thrusts Mary into applying for work at a strip club just to pay the bills. However club owner Billy Barker (Antonio Cupo) has another job in mind for her: save the life of a bloodied and tortured man and receive $5000 cash. This one event sets off a chain reaction that engulfs Mary into the underground world of surgeries that she dubs "Body Modifications," which proves to be very lucrative trade for the former starving med student.

Miss Isabelle's acting is simply captivating; one has to see her in the film to believe just how incredible she is! Riveting, stunning, and outstanding; she just radiates up on the big screen! Her ability to convey a wide array of emotions is marvelous. One moment we are sympathetic for her, the next we are shocked to see her go completely insane. Now if you think that Katharine Isabelle looks familiar, there's a very good reason for that. She is most famous for starring as Ginger in the beloved GINGER SNAPS Trilogy. In 2003, she broke into the American mainstream portraying Gibb in the major Hollywood horror blockbuster FREDDY VS. JASON. With this film, Katharine proves without a shadow of a doubt that she belongs in the world of the Hollywood elite! She's that goddamn talented and that goddamn good!

The film also shows off the maturity of the Soska Sisters, which is far and away a major step forward in their evolution as writers and directors. While their first film utilized the standard hand-held style of directing (which is very common in the low budget indie film world), AMERICAN MARY enjoys of having a bigger budget, which enabled the Twisted Twins to really stretch out as directors and prove what they are capable of doing. From a technical standpoint, the film is just marvelous: beautiful sets, smooth and precise directing, top notch production values, exquisite lighting, and awesome editing. Sylvia and Jen have time to really hone their skills on the film, proving that they are more than just a one trick pony and the end results are a just incredible! Writers, actresses, directors; these ladies prove that they are a force to be reckoned with!

As I previously mentioned, the film won five Screamfest awards last year, including best Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Picture. It's played at prestigious film festivals all across the globe such as Toronto After Dark, Shudderfest, and Fantastic Fest. It has also received critical acclaim from numerous media outlets, including Fangoria, FEARnet, and Ain't-It-Cool News. The film was distributed by Universal UK overseas and it will be hitting American shelves on both Blu-Ray and DVD on June 18th.

AMERICAN MARY ranks as one of the best modern horror films of the past 20 years! In an age where Hollywood is cranking out endless remakes that lack integrity and intelligence, Jen, Sylvia, and Katharine have contributed to the horror genre a cinematic feminist fright film that has it all! It's beautiful and yet tragic, funny and subversive, insightful and bloody, this is a film that we need now more than ever! Let this be a wake up call to all other aspiring female filmmakers; get out there and make your movies because I can't wait to see them! And I can't wait to see what the Soska Sisters do next! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

AMERICAN MARY will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD on June 18, 2013. To pre-order a copy, visit the Amazon website at www.amazon.com or visit your local retailer once it's released. Also follow the film on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 73 at Monsterpalooza-April 13, 2013

After the screening of THALE, I was more than ready to see the next film. The Screamfest folks then screened a short film entitled INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 73. Right away I fell in love the film, mainly because it had the number 73 in the title and I was born in 1973. So I had a good feeling about the film already.

The film's official plotline is as follows: Five years ago, newly engaged couple, Jeff Bedict (Ian Alda) and Kelly Moga (Elizabeth Schmidt), took a trip through the desert from San Diego to New Mexico and mysteriously disappeared never to been seen or heard from again.

At a mere running time of just 27 minutes, director Brian Thompson packs on helluva punch with this short! First off, we have great characters to feel for. Both Elizabeth Schmidt and Ian Alda are perfect as couple Kelly and Jeff. They look, feel, and sound like a real couple, so right there I'm hooked. Next is the film's location, which was shot at scenic Desert Hot Springs, California! If you have never been there yet, don't! It looks like a place where cannibalistic hillbillies from THE HILLS HAVE EYES would live! It's just looks creepy! And speaking of creepy, the creepy meter goes haywire, especially towards the end of the film!
Needless to say, I felt sorry for Kelly and Jeff, but that's what I liked about the film. By the end, we are sympathetic for them. We don't want to see them come to any harm. But remember, this is a horror film after all!

And now for some fun facts about the film, the cast and its crew: It was shot in eight days under extreme weather conditions. Ian Alda is the nephew of legendary actor Alan Alda (TV's M*A*S*H and various films). This film was written by first time screenwriter Michael Kirkm, who is well known for producing big budget horror films like THE GRUDGE, THE GRUDGE 2 and BOOGEYMAN. Brian Thompson has directed videos for bands like As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage. Elizabeth Schmidt has acted in a number of short films, but she maybe recognized for her role as Carol on the day time soap opera As The World Turns.

INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 73 is a creepy, nail biting, nerve racking little slice of cinema that really delivers the goods in such a short time. This is a perfect example of what a short horror film should be and what it can accomplish. 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 73 is still playing at film festivals across America. To learn more about the film, visit their official Facebook page and follow the film on Twitter as well!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THALE at Monsterpalooza-April 13, 2013

So during my trip to Monsterpalooza, the fine folks at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival were on hand to screen a couple of really outstanding and eclectic films. I had heard of both films and I was very excited to see them. The first movie of the night was THALE, an interesting Norwegian horror/fantasy film written and directed by Aleksander L. Nordaas.

Meet Leo and Elvis (Jon Sigve Skard and Erlend Nervold repectively). They run a crime scene cleaning business. When they are sent out to clean a crime scene where only half a body was found (which in itself is a bad sign), they discover in the basement a Thale, a mythical character in Nordic folklore called the "huldra." Leo and Elvis soon discover that the Thale has been captive there for a number of years and now someone (or something) wants her back.

The movie is an interesting hybrid, channeling both the fantasy aspect (the mythical Thale) and the horror (the mysterious creatures that want the Thale). Nordaas does an excellent job of creating beauty, mood, and tension within the film. The cinematography was excellent, capturing the beauty of the Norwegian countryside. As the movie progresses, we the audience become sympathetic to both Leo and Elvis, who were just doing their job and as well as with the mute Thale, who can only remember bits and pieces of her life before becoming a captive.

The budget of the film was so small that not only Nordass directed the picture, he was also the writer, producer, cinematographer, and editor! In fact, the basement where the film takes place is actually his father's basement! Now that is low budget filmmaking at its finest!

Both Jon Sigve Skard and Erlend Nervold are great and have perfect on-screen chemistry. However, hats off to the stunning Silje Reinåmo, who as Thale didn't have any lines, but was able to convey a wide array of emotions using just her eyes, hands, and body movement. And yes, she is naked throughout the film, but her acting is so mesmerizing I forgot that she was naked. Now that should tell you just how talented she is!

In the end THALE is an astounding, intriguing, and original film that captures the imagination and wonder of what the possibilities of what movies can be! The film appeals to both horror and fantasy fans who want something different. Truly an unique and visually captivating film! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!

THALE is currently available on Video On Demand as well as on both Blue-Ray and DVD. To purchase a copy, visit your local retailer or visit the Amazon website at www.amazon.com. To learn more about the Screamfest Film Festival, visit their website at www.screamfestla.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends MONSTERPALOOZA 2013 at the Marriot Hotel and Convention Center in Burbank-April 12-14, 2013

Greetings and salutations from Burbank!! Over the weekend I headed on down to sunny Southern California to attend my very first MONSTERPALOOZA, which was held at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. For almost three days, yours truly (along with my friends Michelle and her boyfriend Bobby) had one of the most amazing times I have ever had! I got to meet cool horror celebrities, saw some amazing make up effects and designs, got a ton of autographs, bought a bunch of cool stuff, hung out with my LA friends (Dave Reda, Jessica Cameron, Joe Flynn, and Pat Jankiewicz)as well as with all my other friends that came down from NorCal (Miss Misery, Lord Blood-Rah, John Gillette, Adam Richardson, and Ken Constantine), and made some great memories.

There was so much to see and so much to do and so many people to meet I was in overload mode the entire time! I met so many of my idols (and got a TON of autographs), it's best that I list them:

1) Tom Savini: One of THE most influential make-up artists of all time! This legendary SFX wizard was responsible for the cool make-up and special effects on George Romero's 1978 film DAWN OF THE DEAD, Sean Cunningham's 1980 FRIDAY THE 13TH as well as MANIAC, THE BURNING, THE PROWLER, CREEPSHOW, and DAY OF THE DEAD. He also directed the 1990 remake NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and has acted in such films as TWO EVIL EYES, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and GRINDHOUSE: PLANET TERROR.

2) Camille Keaton: You can't tell by looking at this breathtaking actress, but Keaton stared in one of the most controversial exploitation films of all time; 1978's I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. A beautiful woman, inside and out.

Kenneth J. Hall, Ginger Lynn, me, and Linnea Quigley.

3) Linnea Quigley: Here is an actress that I grew up with. Having watching Linnea's films on USA Up All Night, I have been a fan for over 20 years. Meeting her was such a thrill! She has appeared in so many classic B-movies such as CREEPOZOIDS, VIRGIN HIGH, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, VICE ACADEMY, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS, and SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA.

4) Ginger Lynn: Another actress I've been watching for the past 20 years, Ginger started off in the adult film world, appearing in such classics like TABOO IV, NEW WAVE HOOKERS and BLAME IT ON GINGER. She crossed over into the mainstream in the late 1980s and that's when I first saw her in films like VICE ACADEMY 1-3, YOUNG GUNS 2, and BOUND AND GAGGED: A LOVE STORY. She made her triumphant return to adult films in 1999 with TORN, and soon starred in WHITE LIGHTENING, NEW WAVE HOOKERS 6, and SUNSET STRIPPED. She now has a radio show and acts in both mainstream movies (THE DEVIL'S REJECTS) and adult films (SEASONED PLAYERS 4).

5) Kenneth J. Hall: Screenwriter extraordinaire! Kenneth has written such classic genre films like NIGHTMARE SISTERS, DR. ALIEN, and PUPPERTMASTER. He's also written and directed his own films like EVIL SPAWN, LINNEA QUIGLEY'S HORROR WORKOUT, and THE HALFWAY HOUSE.

6) Donna Wilkes: This lovely lady starred in one of my favorite films from the 1980's: ANGEL! The tag line for the film was, "High School Honor Student by Day, Hollywood Hooker by Night." How can you not love a movie with that tagline? Donna also appeared in JAWS 2, ALMOST SUMMER and GROTESQUE (with Linda Blair). She also appeared in numerous television shows like Father Murphy, T.J. Hooker, and Days of Our Lives.

Yours truly with genre icon Danielle Harris.

7) Danielle Harris: This very beautiful and talented actress has been in numerous horror films like HALLOWEEN PART 4 and PART 5 as well as in Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN II. She's also been in HATCHET II, STAKE LAND, THE VICTIM, and the upcoming HATCHET III. She's also just released her directorial debut with the feature film AMONG FRIENDS!

OK this list is taking waaaayyyyyy too long. Let me just say that I meet a TON of celebrities in the horror genre: Linda Blair (SAVAGE STREETS, THE EXORCIST, and my favorite film ROLLER BOOGIE), Barbara Steele (BLACK SUNDAY), the Ladies of the NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Judith O'Dea, Kyra Schon, and Judith Ridley, Eric Roberts (THE DARK KNIGHT, CHILLERAMA), Eugene Clark (LAND OF THE DEAD), McKee Anderson (from Tom Savini's 1990 remake NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD), Virginia Madison (CANDYMAN), just to name a few. Also there were rock legends Lita Ford from The Runaways and Ace Freely from KISS!!

But the really cool part of my trip was meeting several of the living legends there. I met Sara Karloff, the daughter of Boris Karloff (FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY), Ron Chaney, the grandson of Lon Chaney Jr. (THE WOLFMAN) and great grandson of Lon Chaney Sr. (THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA), and Julie Adams (Kay Lawrence from THE CREATURE OF THE BLACK LAGOON)! However the biggest thrill for me was meeting the legendary Carla Laemmle!! For those of you who may not know her, Carla is the niece of Carl Laemmle, the founder of Universal Pictures! She has appeared in the 1925 silent film THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (with Lon Chaney Sr.) and she spoke the first lines in Universal's very first all talking supernatural thriller: DRACULA!! What made meeting her so special was that not only is she the link between  silent films and talking pictures, but the woman is 103 years old! And she's still making public appearances!! Plus she was one o the nicest person I have ever met! She even recited her opening line from DRACULA for me!! Meeting her was the highlight of my weekend!!

The "FX of the HATCHET Series" panel.

There were many cool panels to attend as well. Michelle, Bobby, and myself sat in on a couple. On Staurday we did was the "FX of the HATCHET Series" and it was amazing! Creator and filmmaker Adam Green was there along with Kane Hodder, makeup artist Robert Pendergraft, Danielle Harris, Derek Mears, and HATCHET III director BJ McDonnell. Then right after that was the HOLLISTON panel. Just in case you have been living under a rock or in a cave, HOLLISTON is the Adam Green's hilarious sitcom that you can see on Fear.net! Once again Adam Green, Robert Pendergraft and Kane Hodder along with Joe Lynch,
Laura Ortiz, and Oderus Urungus from the freaking awesome rock group Gwar!! After both panels, the entire gang signed HATCHET III and HOLLISTON Season Two posters for everybody! On Sunday we did THE MONSTER SQUAD Reunion! I first saw this film when it first came out way back in 1987, and it was so cool to hear all their stories and the hilarious anecdotes! A good time was had by all who attended these panels!!

Also worth noting was that the ultra cool Screamfest Horror Film Festival was there to screen two incredible and diverse films THALE and AMERICAN MARY along with the short film INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 73. I'll be reviewing each of those films separately so keep your eyes peeled for those!

The purpose of Monsterpalooza is to celebrate the art of monster makeup and special effects. In the main convention building, fans were treated to some of the most astonishing and awe-inspiring creature and makeup effects that must be seen to believe! There were live demonstrations throughout the convention from well respected schools like Cinema Makeup School, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, The FX Lab and such. There were suppliers there that were selling makeup paints and other cool products like Premiere Products, Inc., Silpak Inc., and Reynolds Advanced Materials. There were many sweet dealers there selling T-Shirts, movies, and such. My good friends from Time Tunnel Toys were on hand there, as well as Rotten Cotton, who have awesome T-shirts and posters to sell! They also have made a truly remarkable exploitation film called BLACK DEVIL DOLL!! So make sure you check these guys out! Remember kids, if it ain''t Rotten Cotton, it ain't shit!

THIS WAS THE BEST WEEKEND I HAVE EVER HAD!! I saw so many of my friends from LA as well as all my friends from NorCal that came down! I meet so may icons in the horror genre, saw some great movies, party hard with all my friends, stayed up way too late, got up way too early, drank, ate, everyday was party!! This was such a blast! No you're all probably wondering when's the next convention? Glad you asked! There's gonna be a show in October called Son of Monsterpalooza! As soon as more details are released. I'll let you all know! In the meantime, to see who else was there, and to learn more about the event, check out their website at www.monsterpalooza.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!