Movie Review – 7 Thoughts About 3 from Hell

SPOILER WARNING – THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR LIONSGATE’S NEW FILM 3 FROM HELL

I am a massive fan of pretty much everything Rob Zombie does.

That’s not to say that I think every movie, comic book, and album he has produced is perfect. Far from it. But I love his style and his ability to make even the most bizarre concepts seem somehow mainstream. The man is a pop culture icon; there’s no denying that.

Among all of Zombie’s creations, the Firefly family of House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects are particularly special to me. Not because they’re aspirational or admirable characters – they absolutely are not. They’re awful, nightmarish people. But there’s something compelling to me about these people and their relationships to one another, as well as the world that Zombie has built around them.

I saw House of 1000 Corpses in the theater on opening night. I had been following its troubled production for years at that point and didn’t really believe it would ever be released. I’ll always have a soft spot for Lionsgate just for making that happen.

The film blew me away with its over-the-top style and outrageousness, and my respect for Zombie increased due to his willingness to do seemingly anything, and damn the system.

While I enjoyed the heck out of House, I can’t say that I expected a masterpiece as a follow-up. At best I thought The Devil’s Rejects would be another ninety minutes of schlocky, gory music video. I was so very wrong.

The 2005 sequel was a fantastically shot, brutal piece of despair. With not a single virtuous character to be found, the movie relied on style and grisly action to keep the viewer engaged. For me, it succeeded. The Devil’s Rejects is one of my favorite movies and Bill Moseley’s Otis Driftwood is one of my favorite villains. I’ve dressed up as him on multiple occasions and we named our first dog after him back in 2006.

Since the release of that film Zombie has experimented with a range of other subjects. From his vision of Michael Myers to the psychedelic witchcraft of Lords of Salem to a Ralph Bakshi-esque animated feature, Zombie has dabbled in many corners of genre film. Some I’ve loved and some I haven’t, but Zombie’s name always guarantees a compelling watch.

After fourteen years away from the Firefly family I had no idea what their creator might have in mind or if he even still had the same gusto that made them so compelling in the first place. In my personal experience getting older means getting gentler, but a toned-down Otis, Baby, and Captain Spaulding simply would not work. As such, I went into 3 from Hell full of uncertainty. Beyond the characters, would Zombie even be able to harness the brutal energy of the previous films? Did he still have it in him to create that relentless tone?

3 from Hell was released as a limited theatrical experience via Fathom Events. As soon as tickets went on sale I ordered for the first night, despite the fact that I had to work the next day. Nothing less than an opening night viewing would be good enough for me, and there was no way I was missing the third entry in this series on the big screen after experiencing the first two that way.

Do Zombie and the cast still have what it takes? Was this a worthy follow-up or should the Firefly family have stayed as dead as the conclusion of The Devil’s Rejects suggested? Read on and find out! Continue reading “Movie Review – 7 Thoughts About 3 from Hell” →

Toy Review – One:12 Collective Gomez – Agent Edition from Mezco

Who loves roaches?

NOT ME.

I don’t know why Mezco chose a roach as their mascot (mezcot?), but whatever the reason I have to admit that it’s a notable and immediately recognizable figure. In this case, a literal figure.

Mezco offered this Agent Edition of their mascot, Gomez, as a Toy Fair exclusive way back in February. If you ordered early enough you got actual existing stock; if you didn’t, it was a preorder. Mine was a preorder, but that’s okay because I find as I get older I have plenty of patience to wait for good toys. Better a long wait than a crappy toy.

For instance, I have no effing clue when the William Stout Collection of Masters of the Universe figures will arrive from Super 7, but I’m not sweating it because I’ve been waiting decades for them and I want them to be perfect.

But I’m not here today to talk about Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella. I’m here to talk about this bug.

You know you’re a toy addict when you look at a figure that you not only aren’t familiar with, but are actively repulsed by, and think to yourself, “Man, that’s a really good figure. I’m going to be mad at myself if I don’t get it.” There have been a few One:12s that hit me that way so far and Gomez is the latest. With his plethora of accessories, wonderful suit body, and Chuck Taylor knock-offs I knew it was a figure that I’d regret not having on my shelf if I didn’t jump on the preorder.

Was it worth it or will I be ordering a One:12 Collective Orkin Man to get rid of this guy? Read on and find out! Continue reading “Toy Review – One:12 Collective Gomez – Agent Edition from Mezco” →

Needless Things Podcast 282 – Nicolas Cage Match Live from Dragon Con 2019

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-h2vet-bf482d

This episode of the Needless Things Podcast was recorded LIVE at Dragon Con 2019 for the American Sci-Fi Classics Track!

Which Nicolas Cage is the best Nicolas Cage?
This is the question that Dave West, Ryan Cadaver, Gary Mitchel, Joe Crowe, and a track room full of frothing lunatics will answer on today’s episode!
Listen in as complete gibbering madness ensues in a sixteen Cage tournament with NO HOLDS BARRED!
Be sure to join the Needless Things Podcast Facebook Group and get in on the conversation for this week’s episode! Let us know what you think!

“Procrastibate” by LeSexoflex.com

Interstitial music provided by The Mystery Men?
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Beth’s Dragon Con Recap – Part 1

Ah Dragon Con. There really isn’t anything else like it. Granted I’ve never been to Comic Con or anything else that big, but I have been to some smaller cons. I guess most cons are smaller compared to Dragon Con. This was my 6th year getting a media badge, but my first year getting a hotel in the convention area so I was extremely excited. Showers and naps on demand are the most wonderful thing in the world. I didn’t stay in a host hotel so it was quiet(er), but that also meant we didn’t have raves happening below us at five in the morning. I had such a great hotel experience that I’m already on their list for a room for next year. If I had a first born child I might consider parting with it to stay in a hotel at Dragon Con again. It was that great. I’m not going to tell you which hotel because I want it to stay quiet as long as possible, but with over a 6% growth in attendance this year I don’t think any hotel will be quiet for too much longer. Continue reading “Beth’s Dragon Con Recap – Part 1” →

Comic Book Wednesday: Previews September 2019 “Look at the Banana Person”

If you don’t know, Previews is the catalog that Diamond Comic Distributors use to offer the products they distribute to comic book stores around the country. This is where you can view and order (through your favorite Local Comic Book Shop) comic books, trade paperback collections, t-shirts, books, media, and toys and other collectibles from hundreds of different vendors that deal in geek-oriented merchandise. The genius part is that you actually have to pay for your copy of Previews for the privilege of ordering other things to pay for.

It’s like the Ren Fest except without the horse poo smell.

So every month a new edition of Previews is sent out to comic book stores. Contained in the pages within are products that might be currently available or could be released anytime in the next year; but are typically about two months away.

Now it’s time to discuss a few of the weird and/or wonderful items offered in this month’s edition! Continue reading “Comic Book Wednesday: Previews September 2019 “Look at the Banana Person”” →