We Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (Novel)

This is a true classic, a psychological horror novel that gets into the mind of a demented teenager and the cruel town she lives in. It’s the story of sisters, Katherine andConstance, and how their dependent relationship evolves into one of isolation. It’s the story of the infamous Blackwoods, poisoned by their own children, and how because of their wealth and villainy become pariahs in their community. It’s Jackson at the heights of her powers crafting a memorable and complex character study that delves into jealousy both from a teenage girl wanting to protect her sister and a town from wanting to punish those they deem deserving of torment. There’s a lot to love about this book and while it’s not scary it’s dark and nasty in its psychological workings. When I finished the book I kept thinking of the documentary Grey Gardens. Except here there’s a darkness that’s truly tragic and beautiful and twisted. Grade: A

The Returned (2013)

A wonderful twist on the zombie story, here a cure has been found and those who are infected can live a normal life as long as they keep taking their medication, a drug that is becoming difficult to make because it’s made using infected blood. Emily Hampshire plays the doctor involved with caring for patients and making a synthetic version of the drug. Her husband played by Kris Holden-Ried is one of the infected. To save him they decide to go on the run, taking a stash of the drug that should last them for a good while. This is more of a thriller than horror film but it’s a good one, even if made by a small budget. Just when you thought everything could be conceived in the zombie genre this Canadian production directed by Manuel Carballo gives us a fresh spin. If you like zombie films certainly check this one out. Grade: B+

The Shinning by Stephen King [Revisited]

Before reading the sequel to this beloved classic from Mr. King, I decided to revisit the original with a re-read. I mean it’s been twenty-five years since I last read the book. I remembered a lot but there were some details I had forgotten as expected. All I know is having experienced the story again I can say it’s easily one of the greatest horror novels ever written. It’s easily one of King’s top five best. An evil hotel coercing an alcoholic to sacrifice his “gifted” son could be kind of cheesy, but here the tale is told by a master of the genre who knows how to develop characters to embrace and care about. Why is this story so frightening? For one the struggle to be a good father while at the same time fighting ones’ own demons of inadequacy is so relatable. Then there’s the mysterious and spooky gift (or curse) Danny has that gives me goose bumps even now. Add the seductive power of the hotel (like the drink Jack thinks he can avoid) and you have the makings of an emotional supernatural tragedy. Why is reading the destruction of a family so rewarding? I don’t’ know, maybe because in the end while evil wins from time to time, the power of love and hope beats it back again. If you haven’t read this book and only know the story from the watered down version from Kubrick then do yourself a favor and read this book. Grade: A

And with this blog entry begins my annal Month of Horror.  Let the celebration of the macabre continue . . . 

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Ben Stiller directs an updated adaptation of James Thurber’s short story which had been adapted before in Norman Z. Mcleod’s 1947 version starring Danny Kaye. The result is beautiful to look at, certainly. You can see the money that was spent on every frame. The big issue for me is the message is so obvious that the journey Mitty takes seems unnecessary. The twist at the end isn’t really that surprising either. There are some very funny moments scattered about the film and a skateboarding sequence that is just too cool not to jump up and take notice. But I just feel that a film that looks this good should have more depth. None of the characters feel developed past being a side joke. Mr. Stiller is a very talented director but in this case I felt he was so involved with making the film look awesome that he let slide the complexity of his character. Still I do recommend it as a fun film, especially for anyone stuck in the rut. It just feels like it could have been so much better. Grade: B

Orange is the New Black (Season 1)

Women in Prison the TV show. Based (loosely I’m assuming) on the memoir by Piper Kerman. From Jenji Kohan the creator of Weeds. Netflix soars with this one. It’s the kind of dramedy that makes you laugh and catch your breath with emotional tension. While packed with a wonderful cast of character actors to play the eccentric mix of prisoners and prison staff, it’s the lead played by Taylor Schilling that shines. Taylor is so likeable that you feel like you’re walking into prison with her. You feel her pain and humiliation and her triumph as she finds her way into this new situation. There are many standout performers from Uzo Aduba who plays Crazy Eyes, Taryn Manning as Pennsatucky, Laura Prepon as Alex (Piper’s ex-leisban lover), Jason Biggs as the understanding fiancée, Pablo Schreiber as Pornstache, and Laverne Cox as the transsexual Sophie. Every episode is well-crafted and delivers. If I had to be super picky I’d suggest that there are gaps in acting quality but that’s expected with a show with so many characters. Prison is not a happy place, not matter the gender. Yet it does make for the perfect setting for drama and humor. Grade: A-

Unbelievers (2014)

When I read there would be a documentary about great thinkers and atheists Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins I became really excited.  For one I’m basically an atheist myself (yet I really really want to be wrong) and I was looking forward to an intellectual dialogue from these two celebrated gentleman.  In the end this is just a clip show of their travels without much context.  There are way too many moments were these guys are being filmed walking through airports than actually talking about their ideas for my taste.   I guess I should be inspired by this celebration of science and reason, and I was to some degree, but this film never gets past being a commercial.  I was so disappointed by this film I don’t even want to recommend it.  Yet the ideas behind the film I really want people to experience.  So I suggest instead finding these two guys books and reading them.  Wait for a real documentary to come along that does what I wish this film had done.  Grade: C+

The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan (Novel) [Revisited]

The interesting thing about this fifth book in the Wheel of Time is that while a lot happens, it doesn’t feel as dense or as accomplished as the last book.  Perhaps this is because Perrin’s view point is missing.  Not that we need him, the guy deserves a break after what he does in the last book.   There are some great sections though as Rand, Mat, Moiraine and Egwene chase after the Shaido and head toward Cairhien.  Mat turns out to be a knowledgeable battle master (based on past memories he has stuck in his head) and Moiraine becomes a trustworthy advisor to Rand.  Meanwhile Nynaeve, Elayne, Thom and Juilian join a traveling circus upon escaping Tanchico as they search out the Aes Sedi rebels, where Nim and Siuan find refuge.  There are some exciting confrontations in Tel’aran’rhiod, the dreaming world and a shocking end for two supporting characters.  Again a very entertain book but this is the first book in the series where I felt it was a bit long.  Still as long-form epic fantasy story building goes, it’s an accomplishment.  Usually by the fifth book in a story like this the events starts to feel forced.  That’s not the case here as the momentum to tell this story keeps pushing forward.   I love seeing characters like Siuan evolve and set up some really great possible story threads for the future.  If I had to find something about this book to complain about is that Rand is starting to come across as unbeatable.  He needs to fail at some point or it will feel fake.  If memory severs that’s about to happen in the sixth book.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  I already greatly miss Moiraine.  It felt as if her story had come to its conclusion so it makes sense but her presence in this story so far has been so vital it will be interesting to see what happens without her in Rand’s circle.  Plus she was just a great wizard-type that these kinds of stories require.  What I also love is having the White Tower divided and yet not everyone is privy to this knowledge.  This is a technique Mr. Jordan uses a lot and it makes for great drama.