9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day

Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)

Blood, death and love are in the air this Valentine’s Day. For those who prefer to keep things spooky when February 14th rolls around, I’ve curated just the list for your viewing pleasure. If your plans are to stay in and watch a movie, why not make it a horror movie? As the holiday of romance draws nearer, I got to thinking about creepy and tragic love stories. Of course my incessant need to give every holiday a macabre makeover is part of it too. So, following is a selection of films I’ve personally handpicked and seen that I find appropriate for Valoween. They’re a delightful mix of dark comedy, gothic and scary, and I present them here in chronological order. Enjoy!

Continue reading “9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day”

The Mystic Museum Presents 90s Slashers Immersive Experience

Scream photo op at The Mystic Museum's 90s Slashers Immersive Experience
Scream photo op

The Mystic Museum in Burbank, Calif., has unleashed an all-new immersive experience that pays bloody tribute to 90s slashers! My interest was piqued when the oddities shop announced the event, and I had the chance to attend the recent grand opening. Horror fans are in for quite a treat, and I’m giving a peek inside for those dying to find out more.

Continue reading “The Mystic Museum Presents 90s Slashers Immersive Experience”

7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Wondering how you can celebrate Goth Day on May 22nd? Set the mood with a list of binge-worthy, macabre films. Following are a few of my favorite flicks that either feature goth characters or exude a dark vibe. By no means an exhaustive compilation, this should at least give you a good start. So, drape yourself in black, dim the lights and enjoy the feature presentation. Continue reading “7 Films to Watch on Goth Day”

House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum

The House of Salem's The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts
House of Salem’s The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts

It’s gone down in history as one of the most controversial films of the 20th century and set the bar for the slasher genre. Upon release, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was not only met with polarizing critical reviews but was also banned in more than six countries. From being described as “despicable” by one Los Angeles Times reporter to being said to possess “redeeming social merit” by Stephen King, there’s no doubt this horror movie elicits strong reactions from audiences, down to the present day.

To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the motion picture, House of Salem, in collaboration with Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California, debuted The Texas Chainsaw Museum this past weekend. The pop-up features hundreds of memorabilia and artifacts from the 1974 film, including many never-before-seen items—until now. Continue reading “House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum”

LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The notorious shower scene—a pivotal moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” where Marion Crane is stabbed to death by a shadowed figure. The only thing more terrifying than the blood-splattered bathtub and close-up of the victim’s lifeless stare is the screeching of the strings as the knife repeatedly pierces her flesh. It’s “The Murder” by composer Bernard Herrmann and one of the most unforgettable instrumental scores to grace a horror film.

For 2019, as part of its annual Halloween tradition, LA Opera’s Off Grand presents “Psycho” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Off Grand is an extension of the opera company that showcases more experimental performances across the city. Making this event extra special is the live orchestra, conducted by Louis Lohraseb, that provides the soundtrack as the film plays on the silver screen. Continue reading “LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra”

Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge

Sinister Pointe Spirit Lounge reserved seating
Sinister Pointe Spirit Lounge reserved seating

Sinister Pointe is renowned for bringing terrifying haunts to Orange County, and for the first time this year, the production company has introduced a horror-themed pop-up bar that is absolutely chilling in all the right ways. Welcome to the Spirit Lounge! Continue reading “Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge”

Inside The “I Like Scary Movies” Experience

In the
In the “It” room of I Like Scary Movies experience

Let me begin by saying that what I am about to describe is a horror fan’s nightmare come true. In a nutshell, I Like Scary Movies is an immersive art installation featuring five classic horror films — “The Shining,” “It,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Beetlejuice,” and “The Lost Boys.” But, it’s not your typical exhibit. Here, guests can experience and, literally, dive right into some of the most iconic scenes from these movies. Continue reading “Inside The “I Like Scary Movies” Experience”

Mystery Mansion: Winchester Film Review

Helen Mirren as Sarah Winchester
Helen Mirren as Sarah Winchester (Photo courtesy of moviestillsdb.com)

Who has seen the film Winchester?

If you’re interested in haunted houses, you may have heard of this mysterious mansion located in San Jose, California. It is notorious for its complex construction, which was spearheaded by widow and owner, Sarah Winchester. It’s said that she maintained nonstop construction on the house 24 hours a day, seven days a week from 1884 to 1922, the year of her death. Continue reading “Mystery Mansion: Winchester Film Review”