Introducing Ash Hartwell [Archive] - Horror Express Forum

AshHartwell

03-14-2011, 03:45 PM

Hi, I am a new horror writer who has had 3 short stories accepted for publication.

I live in Northamptonshire in England and enjoy reading authors such as Richard Laymon, James Herbert and Neil Gaiman as well as a whole collection of short story writers.

I enjoy films such as Hostel, Drag you to Hell, Psycho, and was brought up on Hammer, Freddie Kruger and Halloween.

TheLurkingFear

03-15-2011, 09:28 AM

Hi Ash, I'm the Lurking Fear, pleased to meet you. I, too, am a writer and new to this forum.

What's your favourite Laymon book? I'm fond of Blood Games; I like Herbert and Gaiman, too. My favourite authors are Ramsey Campbell and Clive Barker. I need to catch up on the last few Campbell books and haven't started Barker's Abarat books yet - awaiting the third installment, and then I'll devour the trilogy without interruption!

I'm reading Shadowman by Dennis Etchison at the moment, and am also working on a screenplay.

ghostman

03-15-2011, 10:21 PM

Welcome to both of you to Horror Express Forum! :)

Miss Italy

03-20-2011, 01:16 AM

Hey there Ash :)

Welcome! I am new as well. I was also brought up on Freddy and am still a huge fan. I must say I was very disappointed by the remake ..

TheLurkingFear

03-20-2011, 03:55 AM

Hi Miss Italy: Haven't watched the new Elm Street yet (no Robert Englund?!?), perhaps too wary of being let down by it like yourself. I too grew up watching them, a total Elm Street obssesive in the 80's! I still own them all on VHS, for God's sake! What's your favourite of the series...?

Miss Italy

03-20-2011, 05:25 AM

No RObert Englund :( I think I'm a bit old school when it comes to remakes as I am always disappointed. Originals are always the best in my opinion. A little bit weary to watch the remake of I spit on your grave. I don;t know if you've seen the 70's original?

I love the Freddy's Nightmares series. I don;t know if you have seent them?? It was a TV series hosted by Freddy Kruger himself :)

What's your favourite series?

Miss Italy

03-20-2011, 05:27 AM

And my favourite Nightmare on Elm Street movie is definitely the first!! :)

Yours?

TheLurkingFear

03-20-2011, 06:50 AM

I would have to say the first Nightmare, too. It sure is the scariest of them, in my opinion, along with part 2. Freddy is still portrayed as a truly monstrous and frightening figure in these two, whereas later it's played for laughs; having said that, I love 3. 4 and 5 for their inventiveness. Not a big fan of Freddy's Dead, but loved Wes Craven's New Nightmare.
I do remember Freddy's Nightmares, although I ever got to see all of them. I have the first on video - the one that shows the origins of Freddy and the story about the school athlete who has the lucky charm...I must watch the rest! Have you seen the Masters of Horror series, with episodes by various horror directors, including Argento. They're great, also!
On the subject of remakes: why bother, unless there is something new to add? I have seen I Spit on Your Grave, a long time ago, but haven't watched the remake. One I did watch recently was The Wolf Man, which I enjoyed. I suppose I'm old school, too. Did you see the remake of Psycho? I mean, come on, why tamper with a classic such as that??!

Miss Italy

03-21-2011, 04:56 AM

I have heard of Masters of Horror but have never seen them. I must watch them.

The remake of Psycho was exactly the same and yes couldn't agree with you more.. how can you enjoy a remake of such a classic??

I highly advise you not to see the remake of Freddy !

Have u ever seen Sleepaway Camp??

TheLurkingFear

03-21-2011, 05:05 AM

Is Sleepaway Camp also known as Nightmare Vacation?

Miss Italy

03-22-2011, 03:17 AM

Yes I'm pretty sure it is :) The first three are good but don't bother with the fourth one. Have you seen any of them? I'd have to say the first id the best!

TheLurkingFear

03-22-2011, 06:59 AM

Then I have seen it, Miss Italy, a long, long time ago - must have been in the 80's! Can't remember much about it, except that it was about a camp-site psychopath a la Friday the 13th. I saw a lot of things when I was very young that I've had to search out in later years, films such as Kindred and the Stuff; I remember always being fascinated by the art-work on the covers in video rental shops, but never quite got round to watching the actual movies!:(
Another example is the Video Dead (have you seen this one? not very good, I'm afraid), which I watched only a few weeks back. I'm not averse to watching bad horrors or B-movies, but only in moderation!:) I much prefer the more imaginative and literate stuff, like Clive Barker's films. Have you seen Hellraiser, Candyman and Nightbreed?

Miss Italy

03-23-2011, 03:55 AM

YES! :) I remember the Video Dead when I was a kid and must say I loved it back then!! I haven't seen it for years though!! I love Hellraiser but not much of a Candyman fan I'm afraid :(

I was also fan of covers of horror movies and posters and cardboard cut outs around the store. I remember one in particular of Freddy's glove when Nightmare on Elm Street 3 was released .. I had to have that one!! :)

Have you seen Chopping Mall? I used to always want that one becasue of the cover haha :)

TheLurkingFear

03-23-2011, 05:54 AM

Hello Miss Italy,

The cover art for the Video Dead was much better than the actual film!:) I used to have the poster on my bedroom wall when I was eight!
All those 80's horror covers were amazing, I must say. The Elm Street art-work was always an inspiration, especially the ones by Grahame Humphreys. He was the guy who also did the Evil Dead art - a fabulous artist!
Like you I would also lust after posters at the local video rental shop. I was always annoyed that I was too young to see the Nightmare films at the cinema, and would stare longingly at the posters there too, only imagining what the movies were like.
Other covers that affected me were Demons, parts 1 and 2, and unlike the Video Dead these films actually delivered a film that was equally scary! (I don't mean to bash the Video Dead so much; I thought the first ten minutes was great: the sight of the zombie rising from the broken TV set wreathed in smoke is a glorious image!:shock: Have you seen David Cronenberg's Videodrome? I think this films uses the same sort of concept to better effect).
Miss Italy, you're not a fan of Candyman?:( Have you read Clive Barker? If not you should do so forthwith! Try his Books of Blood, among which is The Forbidden, the short story upon which the film Candyman is based. Barker's other books, such as Weaveworld and The Great and Secret Show, are awe-inspiring! Okay, my rant is over.:)
You mentioned Chopping Mall. I do remember that cover - another 80's gem! Haven't seen that yet.
While I'm on the subject of 80's horror, have you seen Return of the Living Dead? This is the one with Linnea Quigley, who is also in Night of the Demons - scream-queen extraordinaire!
There's a question: the greatest scream-queen; or, your top-ten list?
Untill next time....:)

Miss Italy

03-24-2011, 03:10 AM

Hello!! :)

No, I haven't read Clive Barker and I am a big reader so will have to check him out. Which one would you suggest I read first?? You mentioned you're a writer too? Have you ever published anything? I write also .. lots of mystery and horror. I think my love of horror movies at a very young age is what got me started! :)

Videdrome sounds very familiar .. does it have Deborah Harry in it by any chance or am I way off track??

I'm sure I have seen Return of the Living Dead but cannot remember it .. What year was it made?? Did you ever see Carnival of Souls?

My top ten list? Hmmmmmm .. will have to get back to you on that one .. so many to name and so many to think about!! :) Nightmare on Elm Street one is definitely tp there though! What are your favourites?

Have you ever seen Prom Night? If so what is your favourite one??

TheLurkingFear

03-24-2011, 05:18 AM

You should check out Barker's Books of Blood. There are about six or seven of them, each containing about five short stories. They are quite gruesome - I'm sure you would enjoy! Having said this, read anything of his you can find - the guy is incapable of writing anything bad!
I know that you are a writer. I used to write a lot in my teenage years, but don't do much nowadays. I am an artist also, and am concentrating more on this recently. (Check out my profile picture - this is one of my pastel sketches).
I did come up with a great idea for a screenplay recently, though, and have started to put a few words down.
You're right about Videdrome - it is the one with the marvelous Deborah Harry. James Woods is also in it, who I love; did you see him in King's Cat's Eye movie?
If you like Videodrome you should search out other David Cronenberg films such as Shivers, Rabid, Scanners and The Fly (a rare incident of a remake being better than the original!)
Return of the Living Dead is a great 80's zombie movie, recommended!
Regarding Carnival of Souls. (Do you refer to the original?) This is a movie I keep reading about and hear other people say how great it is, but have not yet watched it. I will do soon!
Haven't seen Prom Night. It's another 80's, isn't it? I always suspected it was a rip-off of Carrie.

Miss Italy

03-25-2011, 04:28 AM

Oh I love the Fly! :) I haven't seen the remake though .. what year was that released?? Have you seen The Stuff??

I will have to check out Barkers Books of Blood. Writing short stories are my specialty also. What type of screenplay are you writing?? Is it a horror one? :) I have written a screenplay and found it very challenging which makes it even more interesting.

Yes, watch Carnival of Souls. I would like to know what you think?? Original is a bit better im my opinion.

Prom Night isn't really like Carrie .. Jamie Lee Curtis is in the first one :) I like Carrie a lot better though.

Do you remember the first horror movie you ever watched??

Miss Italy

03-25-2011, 04:29 AM

Oh and where can I view your pastel sketch? :)

TheLurkingFear

03-25-2011, 02:30 PM

The Fly came out in 1986, or therabouts. It's the one with Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis. I do love the orginal with Vincent Price also, who is one of my heros, I must say.
The screenplay is horror, although I've not written much yet, just the beginning, although I do have an ending in mind. I'll get back to you on it!
You can view the sketch on my profile, at least I think you can. Just click on TheLurkingFear.
I didn't know Jamie Lee Curtis was in Prom Night, and I'm definitely going to give it a watch now, perhaps I mis-judged it. I bow to your superior knowledge, Miss Italy!:)

TheLurkingFear

03-25-2011, 02:35 PM

Oh, and yes I have seen the Stuff, Miss Italy - I bought it on VHS last year, along with Kindred (do you know this one?), which isn't on DVD yet.
Have you seen the Stuff. What did you think of it? I have been aware of it for years but never had the chance to watch it untill recently! I enjoyed it a lot. kindred is good, also.:)

Miss Italy

03-25-2011, 09:16 PM

Yes, I really enjoyed the Stuff but haven't seen it in years so I would really like to watch it again :)

The Kindred sounds very familiar .. I don't think I have seen that one though? What's it about?

Miss Italy

03-25-2011, 09:20 PM

I viewed your sketch and it looks great :) I would've love to have a talent for drawing but I don't and sure hope my writing makes up for it :)

Yes, watch it and let me know what you think .. I quite like Jamie Lee Curtis. She is very good in Halloween too!!

Good luck with your script too!! Horror is the most interesting genre in my opinion and so good to write. Let me know how u fo when you're futher along into it :)

I have only seen the Fly with Vincent Price in it. So it's worth checking out the other as well then?

TheLurkingFear

03-26-2011, 03:30 PM

Hi, Miss Italy. :) I watched Prom Night last night on Youtube! I really enjoyed it - a good thriller! I didn't know Leslie Nielson was in it too. Thanks for directing my attention to this. I love Halloween too, although not a fan of the many sequels, though I do love the third installment, Season of the Witch; this is the one about the evil toy-maker who manufactures all those deadly masks - do you know this one?
You must watch the David Cronenberg remake of the Fly, I can't recommend it enough. I envy you never having seen it! Oh to be able to watch it again for the first time. Luckily it is still as disturbing now as it was when it first came out all all those years ago, so you're in for a treat!
Are you a fan of John Carpenter? Have you seen the Fog?

Miss Italy

03-26-2011, 09:39 PM

Hi :)

I'm glad you enjoyed it!! :) The rest of them aren't as good as the first but the second one is still worth a view. The last 2 aren't too entertaining!!

Yes, I did enjoy the third one as well. I liked the first 4 of the Halloween films with number 1 still being my favourite :) What did you think of the remake of Halloween 1?? I actually quite enjoyed it as it wasn't based on the original Halloween.

Ok, I will definitely see The Fly!! :) What year was it made in again?

Yes, I am a John Carpenter fan but no I havne't seen The Fog. Was it good? And as you already know I like Halloween and Christine :) Have you seen his late 70's movie I think it's callled Someone's Watching Me? And what about The Thing?

Are you a fan of Child's Play?

TheLurkingFear

03-27-2011, 12:59 PM

I do love the Rob Zombie version of Halloween, and its sequel. You're right, he does bring enough original ideas of his own to make it different from Carpenters.
I love all the Child's Play movies! I think Brad Dourif does a great thing with the voice-over in these films. I saw the first one way back in the 80's when it first came out, been a fan ever since. What's your favourite?

TheLurkingFear

03-27-2011, 01:03 PM

Oh, and Miss Italy,

The Fog is excellent - a spine-tingler! I have seen Someone's Watching Me ages ago - must watch again soon! The Thing is a classic (another rare remake that is better than the original - they do exist, then:)).

Miss Italy

03-28-2011, 05:10 AM

I'm yet to see the sequerl of the remake .. Is that one based on Halloween 2 the original?

I loved all the Child's Play movies :) I think the first three are my favourites. They brought a bit of comedy into Bride of Chucky and Seed of Chucky. Which one is your favourite?

Are you a Final Destination or Saw fan?

Miss Italy

03-28-2011, 05:11 AM

Ok, definitely must check out The Fog then. I will let you know what I think! :)

TheLurkingFear

03-28-2011, 01:45 PM

Halloween 2 is loosely based on the original, but with a few newer Rob Zombie touches. I like the first two Child's Play movies the best, I think. I love the idea of evil dolls; do you know the scene in Poltergeist when the boy is trying to sleep through the thunderstorm but his attention is constantly drawn by the toy clown at the end of his bed...? Creepy!
I like Final Destination a lot. I have seen one of it's sequels but can't remember which one it is - the one with the rollercoaster? I haven't seen the Saw films yet but mean to watch them. Are they good? I've seen the first Hostel movie, have you? Gruesome!
I recently watched the Abominable Dr Phibes, do you know this movie? It's the one starring Vincent Price. Apparently the Saw films are supposed to be similar to this.
:)

Miss Italy

03-29-2011, 04:29 AM

I will have to watch Halloween 2 then. Is it worth the watch?

I do like Final Destinataion and own the DVD box set :) The Roller Coaster one is the third one. I think the second one was my favourite. Saw 1 and 2 are definitely worth watching but the ones after that I did not enjoy so much. I think you should give them a go :) Should I watch the Abominable Dr Phibes?

Hostel 2 had some very grusome scenes. Hostel 1 was also grusome and I enjoyed that one much better than the second.

Have you ever seen a movie called Happy Birthday to Me? It's an old movie.

Are you a fan of the Exorcist?

TheLurkingFear

03-29-2011, 12:35 PM

Yes, watch Halloween 2 and Dr Phibes; there is also a sequel: Dr Phibes Rises Again. Not as good as the first, but it's worth watching Vincent Price in anything!:)
Happy Birthday to Me? I don't know this one; rings a bell, though. What's it about?
Love the Exorcist! Still scares me witless!

Miss Italy

03-30-2011, 05:18 AM

Hey!! :)

Happy Birthday To Me is your typical 80's horror who done it type of movie. A killer killing everybody and you're guessing throughout the movie who you think done it. Another good one is Evil Laugh. I recommend you see both :)

I am also an Exorcist fan. Have you seen the Exorcism of Emily Rose? I really enjoyed that one. The Last Exorcism on the other hand not so good!

I will definitely check out the Abominable Dr Phibes :)

TheLurkingFear

03-30-2011, 02:12 PM

The Exorcist 3 is great too. It is actually based on the book Legion by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the Exorcist, and is really the follow-up.
It stars Brad Dourif (Chucky's voice in Child's Play) and George C Scott as the detective Kinderman. It's very scary.:shock:
Miss Italy, are you a fan of the old Universal classics like Frankenstein and the Wolf Man, the ones with Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney? What about the Bride of Frankenstein? Probably one of the greatest horror films ever made, in my opinion. It would definitely be on my top-ten list!

Miss Italy

03-31-2011, 05:03 AM

Yes, I LOVE Frankenstein!! Very creepy!! :) I really enjoyed the Wplfman too!! What did you think??

What year was the Bride of Frankenstein made in? Who starred in it??

I am yet to see Exorcist 3 so must wtach that. I really enjoy Exorcism movies. Can you recommend some other good ones??

Are you a Paranormal Activity fan?

TheLurkingFear

03-31-2011, 01:14 PM

Hello Miss Italy:)

Bride of Frankenstein was made not long after the orginal film back in the 1930's. It's Boris Karloff again with Elsa Lanchester as the bride: she has the big bee-hive hair with the silver lightning streaks running through it, an iconic image! It's a great film. If you've not seen, watch!:)
Love the Wolf Man too, and the Mummy (Karloff again). It's hard not to like all the Universal classics, really.
Have you seen An American Werewolf in London? This is another superb film, very frightening. It's a kind of up-dated spin on the Wolf Man. I'm sure you know it.
There are so many favourite movies to recommend, old and new. I'm a big Hitchcock fan so would say Vertigo, Rear Window, the Birds...there are so many great Hitch films! Frenzy is another.
Haven't seen Paranormal Activity, but it sounds like something I might like.

Miss Italy

04-01-2011, 05:14 AM

Hello :) :)

I like Alfred Hitchcock as well. Psycho and the Birds are my favourite.

Paranormal activity is probably something you will like .. it wasn't too scary I don't think but there were 2 parts in particular that were freaky. Once you've seen it I think you'll be in the same mindset as me and know which parts I am talking about! :) I am yet to see part 2.

I have seen an American Warewolf in London and it's one of my favourites also. I always think of the themse song Bad Moon Rising :)

Have you seen Blair Witch Project? I must say I'm not into the video camera type films!

Are you a fan of Scream?

TheLurkingFear

04-01-2011, 12:57 PM

Greetings Miss Italy

I will have to watch Paranormal Activity. I love supernatural movies, they always scare me immensely! The Poltergeist movies always gave me sleepless nights when I was younger.
Glad you like American Werewolf in London, it's one of my favourites too. I know what you mean about the Bad Moon Rising music, it forever reminds you of the film once you've watched it. It's full of great music, isn't it, like Blue Moon?
There's a British film called Creep, don't know it you've seen it. It's set in the underground London tube system, and it reminds me of the scene in Werewolf in London when the businessman is attacked! It's very good, very scary; I recommend it!
You mention the Blair Witch. I think the hand-held approach is alright in moderation; I think the Blair Witch is very frightening. It's one of those films that is all about what you don't see, and what your imagination sees all too well!! I liked the sequel too. You?
I love Scream. I'm a big fan of Wes Craven. Have you seen the People Under the Stairs and the Hills Have Eyes. I think these along with A Nightmare on Elm Street are his best films.
:)

Miss Italy

04-02-2011, 03:31 AM

Hey there! :)

What year was Creep made in? I actually do like British films. Have you seen a horror movie called The Children? It was freaky! :)

Hmmmm, not a huge fan of Blair withc I must say but I did like the first one better. I do recommedn you see Paranormal Activity if you found Blair Witch freaky.

I love Scream as well and also love Wes Craven films. I must say I was alittle disappointed by Scream 3. What did you think of it? It doesn't put me off wanting to see the forth though! I am definitely a fan of The Hills Have Eyes .. but more so the older one. Did you enjoy the remake or the original more?

Have you seen Wes Craven's latest film called My Soul to Take? It was ok. Have you seen Deadly Blessing and Don't Look Down?? They are a bit older but I really enjoyed them!! :)

Have you seen Wolf Creek or The Loved Ones? They are both Australian films which are good and I am not generally into Australian movies. Wolf Creek is a true story too :)

TheLurkingFear

04-02-2011, 04:37 AM

Creep was made in 2005, Miss Italy. It's very scary. I've heard of the Children but haven't seen. I will check it out.

Haven't seen the Hills Have Eyes remake either, or the new Wes Craven film; I'm very behind at watching new films at the moment!:)

I know Wolf Creek but not the Loved Ones. I haven't seen them but will definitely search them out now!:)

Do you know an Australian film called Frenchman's Farm? I saw this years ago and am currently contemplating watching again. It was made in the 80's I think...

Miss Italy

04-03-2011, 02:04 AM

No, I don't think I have I have ever even heard of Frenchman's Farm. What is it about?

Yes, please check out both Wolf Creek and The Loved Ones. I especially enjoyed The Loved Ones :)

I know what you mean about being behind in watching the more recent films .. it is sooooo hard to keep up with all of them :)

Have you seen I Spit On Your Grave? The old one is horrible and I don't think I would even consider watching that remake!

TheLurkingFear

04-03-2011, 03:22 AM

Frenchman's Farm is one of those films that was always in the video store when I was about seven back in the 80's. I did hire it out back then and watched it, but the memories are very vague, hence my wanting to see it again. Anyway, I looked it up not too long ago on google and discovered it is actually an Australian film, and that it is widely available of DVD!

I watched I Spit on your Grave a few years back, when there was a documentary on tv about all the video nasties that were banned in the 70's, and they showed the film. It is such a gruelling experience, Miss Italy, a disturbing film. Cannibal Holocaust was another film featured, I think. Have you seen this one? I must say I'm not a fan. I don't think it should be banned, adults should have the choice to watch what they please, but it feels to me like the filming of an autopsy, just still pictures of gore without the mechanics of storytelling, such as suspense and terror, and ultimately just boring!

Anyway, on a lighter note: I watched a film called the Lamp over the weekend, do you know this one. It's one of those 80's so bad it's good films!:)

TheLurkingFear

04-03-2011, 06:52 AM

The Tales from the Crypt movie I mentioned previously is from the 1970's. It's very good. There is also a sequel called Vault of Horror. They were made by Amicus, which was similar to Hammer. There is also another one called Dr Terror's House of Horror and The House that Dripped Blood. These are all anthology films like Creepshow. If you haven't seen them I would heartily recommend them!:)

There was also another Tales from the Crypt film made later on in the 80's I think, which has more or less the same stories, just up-dated, and another one from the 90's called Demon Knight, if I remember correctly, but I think this was just one long story. All worth a watch, Miss Italy:)

Miss Italy

04-04-2011, 06:31 AM

Hi Lurking Fear,

I am having trouble posting replies :( I hope you get this!!

I had no idea they made a documentary on I Spit On Your Grave. It isn't possibly a true story right?? I have heard of Cannibal Holocasut but haven't seen it. Is it an 80's movie? Have you seen Bloodsucking Freaks and Silent Night Deadly Night?? They are also movies that were banned.

Yes, I love The Lamp!! :) I watched it when I was younger. A similar movie that was made is the Wishmaster. Have you seen that one?

Oh, and by the way, I watched Tank Girl on the weekend .. I am still petrified of Lori Petty lols :)

TheLurkingFear

04-04-2011, 09:54 AM

Hi there Miss Italy, how are you today? Good I hope!:)

I think Cannibal Holocaust was from the 80's, and Silent night Deadly Night is on my movies-to-watch-soon list. Linnea Quigley is in this, isn't she? I've loved her since watching Return of the Living Dead, and will watch anything she's in.

I haven't seen Bloodsucking Freaks, have you?

I bought the Lamp from Ebay not so long ago and only just watched it. I remember the cover from years back but had never watched the movie! It's good fun!:)

Haven't seen Wishmaster, is Wes Craven involved with this? I know Peter Atkins wrote the screenplay, he's the guy who wrote Hellraiser 2 and 3. He's also wrote some novels, which are good.

So you watched Tank Girl. It has a great soundtrack, what do you think? Do you remember the comic? Lori Petty is not as scary here as she is in Freddy's Nightmares:shock:, that's for certain!!

Miss Italy

04-05-2011, 04:37 AM

Hi there LF :)

Im good and u?? I'm glad to see that my reply was sent!!

I have seen Bloodsucking Freaks but like many of the 80's horror movies I have seen a long time ago :) All I remember is seeing this girl being hung and just swaying back and forth .. very yuk :(

Yes, that's the one! :) I think you will enjoy Silent Night Deadly Night. The first one is definitely the best. I find Santa horror movies very scary. Have you heard of Don't Open Til Christmas?

Yes, Wishmaster is Wes Cravens :) He is an absolute master in horror!!

Lols, no definitely not as scary as Freddy's Nightmares but I think the thought of her freaks me out lols. The soundtrack is great and the movie wasn't so bad either. What did you think of it? Did you read the comics?

TheLurkingFear

04-05-2011, 07:25 AM

Hello to you, Miss Italy, I'm good also. Am glad to see your posts are still coming through!:)

Oh God, I shiver at the thought of a demonic Santa too!:shock: In fact when I was young I used to fear the normal Santa! Such a frightening idea, the concept of a stranger entering your home in the dead of night - it's a wonder every child doesn't fear him!!:)

Have you seen that episode of Tales from the Crypt about the escaped lunatic/serial killer who dresses as Santa? Just the thought of it...:shock:

Don't Open till Christmas? Haven't seen; is it good? And Wishmaster I will watch. You know I almost went to the cinema to watch it when it first came out but somehow missed it!:( I agree Miss Italy: Wes Craven = Horror Maestro!! You mentioned two early films of his, ones I don't think I've seen, or at least can't remember them too well. I will hunt them down!!!

I remember the Tank Girl comic but never read it properly. I enjoy the film; the soundtrack reminds me of the grunge era way back in the first half of the 1990's. The songs make me a little nostalgic for those times.

TheLurkingFear

04-05-2011, 07:28 AM

Oh, and Miss Italy:

Here's another great Christmas frightener: Gremlins!!!:)

Miss Italy

04-06-2011, 06:45 AM

Yay!! I am glad they are coming through too!!

Yes, I sure do remember that Tales from the Crypt. It was very freaky!! And yes, Santa scared me as a child too .. it must've been all those horror movies I watched in the 80's lol :) I actually don't remember Don't Open Till Christmas very well becasue SIlent Night Deadly Night is the one that stands out for me.

Another thing that freaks me out big time are clowns as well. Have you seen a movie called amusement? Do you know of any freaky clown movies?

Oh, and I love Gremlins!! :) I even like the evil ones lols :)

TheLurkingFear

04-06-2011, 07:09 AM

Killer Klowns From Outer Space!!:)

Know this one, Miss Italy?

I've never heard of Amusement. You must tell me about it...

TheLurkingFear

04-06-2011, 08:08 AM

Remember I told you about the Masters of Horror series, well there's an episode called We All Scream for Ice Cream, featuring a scary clown!:shock: (There should be a scary clown face icon amongst the panel on the right here, lol).

IT, of course. (Down here we float..we all float...:shock:).

And if you read Clive Barker's Books of Blood you will find a story there called Dread that has a nasty clown-scare awaiting!

There's Dean Koontz's Funhouse too, which I know you've read. Do you know another of his called Twilight Eyes? A great book! And what about Richard Laymon's Funland? I love the old amusement park settings in books too, like in Koontz's Hideaway, do you know it? Very creepy.

AshHartwell

04-06-2011, 04:52 PM

Sorry to interrupt you guys. Been unable to log in due to technical probs.

Not sure which laymon I preferred possible Endless Night which I read first or maybe The beast house trilogy. Have not read all of your conversation but agree that generally re-makes of classic films fall short.

Did see The Human Centipede recently. Bizarre but strangely captivating. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

Are you guys having success with your writing. I seem to be waiting for editors to make decisions at the moment. Not been writing long but I'm pleased by how it's gone so far.

Miss Italy

04-07-2011, 04:33 AM

How are you today LF? :)

Yes, I have read both Funhouse and Funland and enjoyed them both :) I will definitely get onto CLive Barker once I have finished my current novel. It's taking forever as there are 2 books in one lols :) I will definitely have to check out Twilight Eyes too!! What book are you reading at the moment??

Miss Italy

04-07-2011, 04:35 AM

Hi there Ash and welcome back :)

I am still writing my short story novel and it's taking a little longer than I expected :( What type of book did you write?

TheLurkingFear

04-07-2011, 08:27 AM

Hi Miss Italy, and welcome back Ash! Thought we'd lost you there for a moment:)

I'm reading Joe Lansdale's Drive-in books at the minute, Miss Italy, although I must confess I've not read much the past two weeks. I've finished the first (which I've actually read before) and am about to start the second (which I haven't read before).

I love Endless Night, Ash, though it was a few years back that I read it. What are you reading at the moment?

Miss Italy

04-08-2011, 05:20 AM

What are the drive in books about??

I am reading a book called Bone Cold at the moment. It is an absoloute page turner!! The author os Erica Spindler. I like to sometimes pick random novels and have a break from the well known ones. Even though they aren't as well recognised their work is just as good!! :)

TheLurkingFear

04-08-2011, 11:43 AM

The first Drive-In book is about a group of people who get trapped in a drive-in when a comet comes from the sky, leading to all kinds of strange and wonderful things, including violence and even a B-movie type monster that calls himself the Popcorn King! The book itself is really a kind of homage to B-movies. It's good fun, and not very long, only a wafer-thin volume.:)

Miss Italy

04-09-2011, 01:53 AM

A thin book sounds good :) I am so used to lugging around big thick books in my handbag lols :)

Have a read of Bone Cold if you get a chance. I'm about half way through and it's quite good!! :)

TheLurkingFear

04-09-2011, 08:47 AM

I sympathize with you having to lug around thick tomes, Miss italy!:) It does regrettably get harder as you get older to find the time to read, I know, and it becomes necessary to read whenever and wherever you can.

Who wrote the Bone Cold book again? What's it about? (without giving too much away!)

Miss Italy

04-10-2011, 12:05 AM

It's by a lady named Erica Spindler. It's about a little red head girl who gets kidnapped. She ends up getting away but her kidnappers chop of her little pinkie finger whilst they still have her. When she gets older she changes her identity and becomes an author of thriller novels. She then starts getting threatening letters and all these red head women begin disappearing .. very good so far and am about half way through it :)

Is horror popular where you are in Britain? It's not as popular as what I would like it to be in Australia unfortunately :( Do you celebrate Halloween?

TheLurkingFear

04-10-2011, 02:36 AM

I checked out Erica Spindler and will definitely try to get hold of some of her books. It's always nice to learn about an author you don't know. She's wrote quite a few so will keep my eyes open for them...

You mentioned Jack Ketchum previously; have you read many of his? I've only managed to get hold of two or three cos they're out of print now in Britain and it's difficult to get them except in US editions. I'd love to read more of his work - I think it's disturbing and unique.

I think horror is popular in Britain. There have been times when it has been made a scapegoat for things such as murder, but then horror has always had a hard time of it, don't you think? It's always going to be viewed as the lowest form of entertainment by narrow-minded people.

Miss Italy, everyday is Halloween as far as I'm concerned:lol:. I think Halloween has become more about dressing up as ghouls and goblins than celebrating ancient pagan festivals, if that's what you mean.

I myself do love Halloween. It's certainly harder to go trick-or-treating when you're 31, but I still try to find excuses to!:lol: Seriously though, I usually spend Halloween just watching favourite horror movies. How about you?:)

Miss Italy

04-11-2011, 06:00 AM

Hello ther :)

I am very glad you checked out Erica Spindler .. the book I am reading has 2 books in one but I am really enjoying the second one more which is the one I am reading now :)

Yes, I really enjoyt Jack Ketchum. The best book is definitely the Girl Next Door and Offspring is also quite good. Offspring is from the makers of the Evil Dead trilogy which I definitely think you would enjoy. Both of these Jack Ketchum books have actually been made into movies. Hae you read any of his novels at all?

Haha, I know what you mean about going Trick r Treating as you get older as I will also be turning 31 this year. When was the last time you went Trick r Treating? I see all these great horror movies about people celebrating Halloween and none of that happens here. I am in the wrong Country lols :)

Haha, like that!! Every day is Halloween!! :)

Have you seen Scream 4 yet??

TheLurkingFear

04-11-2011, 11:07 AM

I see Scream 4 being advertised everywhere I go at the moment but haven't seen yet. I remember going to see the first three at the cinema as soon as they were released. It's hard to believe the first one came out so long ago! Time certainly does fly!!:)

The Ketchum books I've read are Only Child and Road Kill. I think these have different titles outside of the UK so you might know them differently. I know all of his other books but haven't read them yet; I know Offspring but did not know it was made into a movie. Must watch!!!:) He's a great writer; the two books of his I've read I rate very highly indeed!

As for Halloween, do you think it's different in Australia because of the weather? I know here in Britain we are not blessed with sunshine, even in the summer we're very lucky if the sun decides to show itself!:)

Here in England we also celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, which follows close behind Halloween. This is to mark a point in history when Guy Fawkes tried to burn down the Houses of Parliament. Children make effigies out of old clothes and cart them around the streets and ask people for money, very reminiscent of trick-or-treating. At the end of the night the effigy (or 'Guy', as it is called in honour of Guy Fawkes himself), is put atop of a huge bonfire and burned. It's a very creepy tradition!:)

Miss Italy

04-12-2011, 05:09 AM

Hello! :)

I want to go and see Scream 4 although I think I will be disappointed. The first one was the best I think. What was your favourite?

Jack Ketchum is great .. don't forget The Girl Next Door .. that one is highly recommended by me especially the movie.

Guy Fawkes night?? That sounds so exciting!! We have nothig like that here. What date does that fall on? Yes, I think the weather is definitely a part in making Halloween not seem as scary. I always imagine Halloween night being a cold and scary night. But the main thing I think is definitely the people .. we hardly even get any kids go trick r treating :( Have you ever heard of the movie Satan's Little Helper? Movie was ok but the mask was really freaky!! :) Take a look and let me know what you think :)

TheLurkingFear

04-12-2011, 09:00 AM

:)Greetings!:)

The first Scream is my favourite. I'm always disappointed that Drew Barrymore doesn't survive beyond the first ten minutes, though:). And Randy got killed in the second, didn't he, and he was a favourite chraracter; but I will probably go and see Scre4m.

Will check out Satan's Little Helper and get back to you.

Guy Fawkes Night is also known as Bonfire Night, and falls on the 5th of November. I know what you mean, Miss Italy, about the weather being more appropriate for a Halloween setting.

Have you seen Black Swan? This is another film I haven't seen yet but would like to.

Miss Italy

04-13-2011, 01:20 AM

HeLLo :)

Yes, Drew got killed off way too quickly in my opinion also!! :) I love the way she opened up Scream 1 though .. I first saw Scream without knowing anything about the movie so I enjoyed it even more as I had no idea what was going to happen lols :)

What do you think of I Know What You Did Last Summer with Jennifer Love Hewitt?

No, I am yet to see Black Swan either. Does it have Natalie Portman in it? I' afraid I don't know much about this one either besides that it's fairly recent.

TheLurkingFear

04-13-2011, 09:06 AM

I knew little about Scream when I first saw it too, and didn't know Drew had such a small part, hence the shock when she got killed right at the start!:)

I haven't seen I know What You Did...I've read enough and heard enough about it to know what it is about though. Is it good? I know it's written by Kevin Williamson, who also wrote Scream.

Black Swan is a psychological thriller in which Natalie Portman loses her mind. But like I say, I have yet to watch so that's all I know. I've seen the trailers and am intrigued.

Miss Italy

04-13-2011, 11:28 PM

I really like Natalie Portman as an actress so I would probably really enjoy that movie :)

I Know What You Did Last Summer is ok .. the first is quite good but the others aren't really the best!! I've read the book as well.

I actually really enjoy movies that have been made into books. I have read Nightmare on Elm Street 1,2 & 3 which I brought from ebay .. fantastic buy!! Have you read many??

TheLurkingFear

04-14-2011, 04:10 AM

I was reading not long ago about the screenplay for A nightmare on Elm Street 3, which was written by Wes Craven, and apparently the finished film actually differs quite significantly from the script. Also, I discovered that the novel of the film is actually more based on the original screenplay! I haven't read this novel - is this the case?

I also read the first Elm Street screenplay by Craven and there are quite a few differences in that too that are not in the film. I find it very interesting to see what and what doesn't make it to the screen.

There's a brilliant horror writer called Deninis Etchison who has written a number of novels from famous movies, only he uses the name Jack Martin for these. He's done things like Halloween 3 and Videodrome. They're very good.

What are the other Elm Street novels like?:)

Miss Italy

04-14-2011, 04:44 AM

The Elm Street novels are great :) They are pretty much the same as the movies though. I only have the first three parts and they are in the one novel. I also have a book of short stories by Freddy Kruger which I think are meant to be like Freddy's Nightmares but none I believe were made into episodes on the series. What other horror movie novels have you read? :)

Oh fantastic! :) I will need to look into Jack Martin. Do you know if all the Halloween movies were made into novels?