Article on My Soul to Take

My Soul To Take  (2010)
Release date: February 8, 2011 - Format: DVD & Blu-ray.
107 min - Thriller | Horror   - Originally in Theaters October 8, 2010 (USA).  
Internet Movie Database rating:  4.5/10 (3,005 votes)
Synopsis:
A serial killer returns to his hometown to stalk seven children who share the same birthday as the date he was allegedly put to rest.
Director & Writer: Wes Craven
Stars: Max Thieriot, John Magaro and Denzel Whitaker

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2883388953/Official Movie Trailer

http://www.iamrogue.com/mysoultotakeOfficial Movie Site

Opinions on this movie range from love to hate. Perhaps since Wes Craven was the writer, viewers expected a major horror/slasher film, but that was not Craven's intent.
To read the rest of the article, go here:

http://www.examiner.com/speculative-fiction-in-st-louis/my-soul-to-take-review

Being Human - BBC - Odd Episode

Last night's episode of Being Human on the BBC network was really awkward. Maybe I was distracted because I have another project bouncing around in my head, but I don't think so. Almost everything about the show seemed "off". The acting, the storyline, the normal bits of humor thrown in, everything! I didn't fall asleep or nod off during it, either. I was wide awake. All the scenes were torture to watch. It felt disconnected, didn't flow like it normally does. The interaction between the characters was also whacked out. The "boy" vampire was no doubt creepy, and meant to be that way, and it was an episode of angst and heartache and decisions. I understand, but, wow! I kept glancing at my husband and shrugging my shoulders. A few times I think I commented on how something seemed weird or I couldn't understand what they were even saying. I truly love the show and this episode won't force me to say goodbye to Mitchell (mmm...), George (hilarious) or Annie (so cute & lovable) but I can't wait to see what rabbit the producers and writers pull out of their hats for next week!

Favorites

Vampire Diaries is on tonight. It sounds like Katherine is back in action. I read there will be another hiatus until April...pouting...I hate breaks as I'm sure everyone does. It's so easy to forget what the heck is happening in the storyline when the show finally returns. I suppose with the April return, that will then take us directly up to a season finale near the end of May.
Finished reading Karen Marie Moning's Shadowfever...LOVED it. Very deep. The world (s) she creates for her characters absolutely astounds me. I feel sad and a wee bit lost after finishing her book, knowing it was (I'm assuming) the last in that series. And that's a huge compliment to her writing!
Will be starting Amanda Hocking's book - Switched - The Trylle Trilogy. Her success with eBooks has me totally intrigued! I've been reading her blog/website and actually shed tears of happiness for her. Exciting!

BBC Being Human & Primeval

Last night I watched BBC's Primeval season finale. Loved it. Love Connor's facial expressions. Surprised to see Danny brought back & that his brother is Ethan. Phillip is up to no good...didn't like Connor driving off in the car with him. Talk about a cliffhanger leading us into next season! Following Primeval was the season premiere of Being Human. Glad to see Mitchell got Annie back from purgatory...of course it sounds like it will cost him his life at some point...and by a werewolf - George? Wondering if the fighting ring will end up featuring George thrown in there during the time of the month he "turns"? Either that...or George & his friends & those 2 other werewolves might put a stop to the "werewolf put on display so we can watch him tear apart a human" show initiated by the vampires? Ah, it's good to have the old gang back!

Paranormal Activity 2

This second movie doesn’t quite have the punch like the first one did. The first Paranormal Activity had many more horrifying events that made you jump, scream or hesitate walking down your hallway at night. But, the camera angles are better in this movie, though, and you know what rooms you will be shown...over and over.

To read the rest of MY article, click here:
http://www.examiner.com/speculative-fiction-in-st-louis/paranormal-activity-2

The Rite

My latest article:
The Rite  (2011)
Synopsis: Inspired by author Matt Baglio’s nonfiction book of the same name, director Mikael Håfström’s supernatural thriller traces the experiences of a young seminary student who discovers the true power of faith after being drafted into the Vatican’s Exorcism School and confronted by the forces of darkness.
Follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While he’s in Rome, Michael meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith, uncovering the devil’s reach even to one of the holiest places on Earth.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/speculative-fiction-in-st-louis/the-rite-2011

Being Human vs. Being Human

Talk about strange! I had started watching Being Human on BBC when it first came out. And now, SyFy is offering a Being Human Americanized version, which I am watching, too. As I sit on my comfy couch viewing Aidan, Josh and Sally, I can't help but visualize Mitchell, George and Annie! And you know what's coming up in future episodes since it is virtually the exact same story! Oh sure, there are differences, but the main story lines are being followed. And to make things more confusing, the BBC version begins Saturday, Feb. 19!! My husband and I aren't sure if we will continue to watch the SyFy show, as we think our brains will be conflicted with both playing at the same time! But...I have kinda gotten hooked on the American crew, too. After several weeks, even though I can guess what's due to pop up next, I'm not sure I can quit now. The actor that plays Josh is really comical. The last episode was superbly written and all the actors seemed more at ease, especially with their humorous quips thrown in. We'll see...

Resident Evil-Movies & Games

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010), 97 min.  -  Action, Adventure, Horror   -  September 2010 (USA), Rated: R | Blu-Ray & DVD.

Actors: Milla Jovovich, Wentworth Miller.

It's amazing how many video games have been transformed into movies. Most become huge hits and have fabulous special effects. The Resident Evil movies have become a worldwide phenomenon.  What would be interesting to know is how many of the people who have watched the movies have played the actual video games?  Some people may not have even known the movies were based on a video game!  

A sneaky type of promotion for new movies that flusters people -- the preview starts out appearing every bit as real as the computer you're sitting at...then it slowly morphs into animation; no longer with live actors performing stunts or scenes but is the new game itself coming alive onto your screen. You're staring at a video game, not the latest, greatest movie to keep your eyes peeled for. Frustrating!

To read the rest of my article, click here:

http://www.examiner.com/speculative-fiction-1-in-st-louis/gina-boekhout

Let Me In (2010)

Let Me In (2010)
Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Kodi-Smit McPhee, Richard Jenkins | Rated: R | Format: DVD & Blu-Ray,
Run Time: 115 minutes. Released on February 1, 2011.
I wondered how this story, how Abby's life, as a so-called vampire began. Researching the internet, the director states that Abby was infected some 250 years ago. She/It must maintain the 12 year old body as permanent residence, although during a feeding frenzy or anger her eyes and skin change. Another interesting trivia piece, a few times when she was screaming at her "father" (which wasn't really), it was not a girl's voice but a man's distorted voice that could be heard. Also, her handwriting is old-fashioned and she has a very old puzzle that is similar to the Rubik's Cube.

Read my entire article here: http://www.examiner.com/speculative-fiction-1-in-st-louis/gina-boekhout