#werewolfweekend

[qriousqrmudgeon]

#WerewolfWeekend wraps up with the required #PaulNaschy outing. Must say, while I have been a fan, sentimentally, since my early teens, the more work I see from this multitalented filmmaker, the greater my respect for him grows. This entry, for example: He starred, of course, but also wrote and directed. The result is an effective integration of gothic and contemporary horror styles, showing his influence from and affection for genre films from classic #UniversalMonsters through #MarioBava gialli. We'll be rewatching several of scenes for the innovative setup, cinematography and >ahem< execution. Also, his screenplay gives equal if not greater weight to the plotline driven by his female co-stars. The co-produced position of actress Julia Saly notwithstanding, her role as #CountessElisabethBathory along with her coven of acolytes (Erika, Barbara & Mircaya) and romantic interest Karen, are all almost groundbreakingly progressive for the time period and genre. I had chosen this film from the #PaulNaschyCollection for Werewolf Weekend, but we were so taken with it that we're continuing through other non-lycanthropic films. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjgr28crz4c/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[qriousqrmudgeon]

#WerewolfWeekend continued with the inspiration for the event: #WerewolfByNight . A deliciously ghoulish goulash of #MarvelComics references, #ClassicHollywood film styles, and homages to #HorrorMovie history. High hopes, further fueled by interviews with #MichaelGiacvhino , were all exceeded. The cast, in the best ways possible, just >ahem< ate up their juicy parts; I mean, as in roles. #HarrietSansomHarris continues her unbroken run of unforgettable characters. (BTW, to The Lady herself, #MarvelStudios & #DisneyPlus : as for #AgathaCovenOfChaos , one word: "Flashback".) Gael García Bernal makes Jack Russell a sweet everyman, likeable and relatable enough that it not only balances but substantially mitigates the inherent tragic basis for such a character. His scripted & evinced acceptance of his dual nature makes this #werewolf seem less accursed than action hero. Laura Donnelly as Elsa Bloodstone blends the best aspects of every comics version of the character. Her shadings of the role give a realism to a part that is undeniably unreal in origin. I am increasingly impressed with Carey Jones; one of a rarefied class of actors who are able to use prosthetics, CGI & costume as extensions of their physical and emotional performance…minus the advantage of actual dialogue. And Maestro Giacchino: what an incredible studio film debut. He will undoubtedly be directing more projects, but this will be remembered as his 'Duel'. The implied comparison to Speilberg is intended and appropriate. Now, we just need more #Marvel horror with Mr. Giacchino as the subgenres mini-Feige. #MkntersUnleashed #MidnightSons #Mephisto (had to) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjgEUeKLjCn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[qriousqrmudgeon]

Our #WerewolfWeekend began yesterday with the long-awaited #MonsterHighTheMovie . Whatever the reason(s) for the delay(s)…this was well worth the wait. We loved the original animated series and the movies spun off from it. But honestly not fans of the first reboot. With THIS take, however, all the adjustments and adaptations changed from the original make sense & work. (We do miss Clawd Wolf but hopefully he debuts as a cousin in the >SPOILER ALERT!< hinted-at sequel). The cast, screenplay, production design, effects…all combined in a pitch-perfect update & extension of the themes of the original. And speaking of pitch-perfect, the musical additions are actually seamless, logical…and, let's face it, super-catchy. TBH, it's sort of full circle of the Monster High > Ever After High > Descendants inspiration trail. Looking forward to the imminent animated series based on this movie; and as mentioned previously… >SPOILER ALERT!< the sequel set up at the conclusion. #BeYourselfBeUniqueBeAMonster #MonsterHigh #Mattel #Nickelodeon #ParamountPlus https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjf7paFLo_T/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=