I love discovering indie films that surpass the quality of their garish counterparts. A grand case in point is "The Dinner Party", directed by Marco Capalbo and written by Eric Gorlow. It may not sound edgy (and other productions do sport the same name), but its unpretentious title fits it to an unnerving, ironic tee.
The film stars Kelly Decker, aka Kelly Kitko of "Loon Lake" fame, who produced it with Capalbo and Gorlow. As in "Loon Lake", Decker displays a range of convincing reactions, in this instance playing Sima, a woman who prepares a home-dinner date for a poet named Jack (Nick Holmes). Per her opening narration, Sima is obsessed with Jack and yearns for a richer relationship with him: something that will set her further apart from the banality of everyday life, something that will perhaps make her life perfect.
Her plans are derailed when her brother, Calvin (Gorlow) and his girlfriend, Bridget (Erica Rhodes) show up unannounced before Jack's arrival. It's obvious that Sima and Calvin harbor a strained relationship. Though she insists that the couple leave, Jack soon appears and out of politeness suggests the two remain. What then ensues is a mixing and clashing of personalities, in which Sima's obsession with Jack takes an alarming turn.
The disintegration of Sima's mental state makes "Dinner Party" identifiable to anyone who's lost an impassioned opportunity by cruel circumstance. In this lies the film's brilliance, for it expertly transforms a common mishap (what appears to be at most and worst an uneasy gathering) into a calamity of no return.
Decker's performance ignites the emotional action. She's sexy, vulnerable and intense, injecting Capalbo/Gorlow's concept with all the subtle oddness that it requires. And once her ulterior intent (her spice of insanity) is exposed, Decker cements Sima's fate with a sublime deftness that most actresses can only dream of achieving.
Gorlow is great, too, as her self-indulgent brother, rendering a character who at one moment makes us snicker and the next sparks our rage. Holmes is equally effective as the level-headed Jack, who establishes enough erudite affability to make us fear for his welfare. Rhodes' Bridget buffers her companions with just the right, perky doubt to build a convincing air of worry: a character who might have been dismissed as mere ornamentation, but instead projects empathetic credibility.
"Dinner Party" also grafts elements of "Psycho", "Rope", "Kissed", "May" and "Fatal Attraction" to its credit. Its common-day "horror" is strengthened by Capalbo's grim angles and sinister score, as well as Paul Fenkart's cozy but melancholic photography. The culmination works. Like fine wine, I've no doubt that "Dinner Party" will age well, attracting enough fans to become a cult classic.
For those interested, "Dinner Party" is now available for purchase or rental via Amazon Prime. Trust me, it's well worth the psychological time and investment.
"Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol 4" has arrived, and like those Airship 27 volumes that preceded it, it's filled with thrilling chills.
The stories include Lance Stahlberg's "The Case of the Hellbent Thief"; Dewayne Dowers' "The Rabbi's Scourge"; Michael Black's "Voice in the Darkness"; and from yours truly, "Kincaid's House of Altered Cats".
The haunting cover was rendered by Adam Shaw (who gives the crystal-balled detective a nifty, George Sanders look), and the spellbinding, interior illustrations were fashioned by Ed "Captain Action" Catto.
As a result of this latest volume, Frederick C. Davis' occult investigator continues his popular ascent, with more Ravenwood tales having sprung within current times than during the '30s.
I'm honored that Ron Fortier asked me to add to Ravenwood's paranormal activities, and it sure feels great to be among the Stepson of Mystery's remarkable raconteurs.
"Ravenwood, Stepson of Mystery Vol 4" can be purchased at
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1946183792/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
Diversions #1 is a comic-book anthology from Blue Moon. It's of special interest to me since it features the writing talent of my good buddy, Lloyd Smith (of the Unbeatable Brick fame). Diversions covers an eclectic range of topics, as JW Erwin's spectacular cover artwork conveys. Wow--what an image!!!
For "Night Spider: ...Men and Monsters", Lloyd supplies the narrative and dialogue for Erwin's dynamic panels. In this instance, the eponymous superhero investigates a mysterious cargo, which proposes a threat to the citizens of New Constantine. The story not only unfurls a hard-hitting scenario for the here and now, but offers an insightful flashback into Night Spider's poignant past.
In "Other Worlds: King of the Hill", Smith weaves harried tension into a tale of an astronaut who visits a planet that proves more vexing (and creepier) than he could have ever imagined. Lloyd's content is embellished by the artistic renderings of Donnie Page (pencils), Ken McFarlane (inks) and Mort Todd (lettering). Our crafty quartet creates an ambiance in line with classic "Outer Limits". Yeah, this one would have fit nicely into the original series' imaginative scheme, and if that's not a complement, I don't know what is.
Last but not least, we get "Guns & Rosa: Angel of Death", where Lloyd layers on enough explosive grit to please any western fancier. To help the adventure along, the no-nonsense Rosa is as attractive as she is skilled, thanks to Joe Koziarsky's stylish imagery, making Lloyd's valorous yarn a winner on all counts.
If one enjoys great writing matched by gorgeous artwork, Diversions is the must-have, comic sampler.
Order your copy at DriveThru Comics:
https://www.drivethrucomics.com/product/302055/Diversions-1.
Jim Main's Brain Freeze #1-B has reached completion!!!
For the prestigious second, introductory half of the publisher's spankin' new title, Main delivers another sci-fi spree, which includes exquisite, illustrated tributes to "Forbidden Planet", "Robot Monster", "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and a whole bunch more.
Such stellar homages are the result of Brain Freeze's talented contributors: Anthony C. Gray; Jon Lawrence; Tim Corrigan; Doug Holverson; Brian D. Leonard; Jason Bullock; John Lambert; Jerzy Szostek; Steve Shipley; Tony Lorenz; Jack Bertram; Matt C. Ryan; George Lane III; Carl Taylor; and Brad Foster. (Main also gives a cozy "From the Publisher" intro.)
Additionally, this issue's comic strips should prove of special interest to sci-fi buffs: Szostek's twisty "2 Much 2 Mulch" and Bullock's spacey "Bug Bytes" are memorable stand-outs, destined for high regard. (Gray's sleek, predatory cover does a great job in pumping up readers up for these swell sojourns, while Taylor's "RoboCop" meets "Westworld" salute is the ideal, cheerful crossover to cap 'em.)
No ifs, ands or buts, Brain Freeze's initial, two-parter creates an exciting, eclectic voyage, and (drum roll, please) more issues are coming. (A kaiju-steered sequel is already in the works.)
To purchase Brain Freeze #1-A and/or #1-B, email Mr. Main at mainjim23@gmail.com. You'll be dang glad you did.
You projected a distinct, burly swagger which caught the eye of audiences worldwide. You were also one helluva an actor, Mr. Dennehy.
You covered all bases, with drama, adventure and even the fantastic, with such varied titles under your belt as "First Blood"; "Cocoon"; "Cocoon: the Return"; "Gorky Park"; "Silverado"; "Presumed Innocent"; "The Man From Snowy River II": "The Next Three Days"; "Looking for Mr. Goodbar"; "To Catch a Killer"; "In Broad Daylight": "Voyage of Terror"; "Belly of an Architect"; "Knight of Cups"; "Twice in a Lifetime"; "Death of a Salesman (2000)"; "Dummy"; "A Real American Hero"; "Our Fathers"; "Skokie"; "The Challenger"; "The Jericho Mile"; "Semi-Tough"; and "Tommy Boy".
Your television appearances also deserve mention, which include "Darkroom"; "Masters of Science Fiction"; "Faerie Tale Theater"; "Tall Tales and Legends"; "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"; "Lou Grant"; "Hunter"; "Serpico"; "Kojak"; "Miami Vice"; "Sirens"; "Cagney and Lacey"; "Police Woman"; "Dallas": "Dynasty"; "Knots Landing"; "Dead Man's Walk"; "Thanks of a Grateful Nation"; "Category 6"; "The Last Place on Earth"; and a whole lot more.
You were a man's man, as the saying goes: stalwart, keen, mean and likable: an actor who never failed to entertain, a man who fulfilled his occupation to the highest mark.
You were a distinguished stage performer and a prestigious business leader, but to fans of the strange and macabre, you're best remembered for your cinematic contributions.
You starred in a couple big ones for the horror genre: "Violent Midnight" (aka "Black Autumn" and "Psychomania") and (with your creative husband, Del), the chilling "Curse of the Living Corpse." (You and Del also acted as contributing writers for "Descendant": an underrated, Poe-ish gem.)
Thanks to Peter Bogdonovich, you were also featured in "Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women": a surreal and fascinating UHF staple that entertained us for years.
Bless you for buttressing some of our all-time favorites, Ms. Hartman. They wouldn't have quite the charm without your input (before and behind the scenes). Through them, you're assured a hearty legacy of coveted fame.
