October Horror Challenge - Repeat Viewings

Despite not posting I have been taking part in watching flicks for the October Horror Movie Challenge. While I still will do my reviews for new flicks, Here's a list and quick thoughts about repeat viewings. 

Re-Animator (1985)

Bride of Re-Animator (1990)

Beyond Re-Animator (2003)

Ernest Scared Stupid  (1991)

Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)

Evil Dead (2013)

The Re-Animator trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies. Jeffrey Combs portrayal of Herbert West is flawless. Beyond is my favorite, mainly because it was the first I watched. Ernest Scared Stupid is my favorite Halloween movie (yes even more so than Trick'r'Treat). Demon Knight is an underrated flick and if you haven't watched it, you definitely need to. Finally y'all know Evil Dead (2013) is my favorite in the franchise.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 21
First Time Views: 10

October Horror Movie Challenge - Helloween (2025)

   

Synopsis

During Halloween 1997 young Carl Cane commits several grisly murders. He is locked in a maximum psychiatrics institute.  Jump forward to the present and a series of progressively more hostile clown sightings lead an investigator to believe that somehow Cane is involved.

Review

I would describe Helloween as a British horror flick about the Joker (he even has a Batman: The Animated Series Joker laugh) with a dash of Halloween, IT, and The Purge thrown in. Despite being derivative of several existing franchises, Helloween is a fun mix of them all. When I initially saw the trailer I was expecting British Terrifier. That's really not what this is. Cane monologues several times and is not the silent menace Art is. Additionally while there are deaths and blood in this one, it's no where near as graphic as Terrifier. It's actually subtle at times, which I appreciated. I recommend this one, especially to Batman fans. The film sets up sequels and I hope it was popular enough that they happen.

In Your Game

I don't think any knew stats need to be made based on this one. However, I do think you can definitely steal the idea. If you want to add a Joker to your supers game without actually using the Joker, Cane would be a perfect stand-in. 

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 15
First Time Views: 10

October Horror Movie Challenge - Brute 1976 (2025)

  

Synopsis

In 1976 a group travels to the California desert for a photoshoot and decided to stop into a (not so) abandoned town.

Review

Brute is appropriate because this film is brutal as fuck. It's definitely inspired by Texas Chainsaw Massacre (which it references directly) and The Hills Have Eyes. The big difference between this and TCM is that this movie actually shows all the disturbing violence. Also unlike that film, the victims... er protagonists of this one are actually likable. I don't think there are any bad performances in this one. 

As I mentioned, the flick is brutal. It has one of the top 5 nastiest slasher kills I've ever seen. I don't want to go into too many details but it involves a drill and a reproductive organ. Even censored (yes the body part is blurred) it's messed up. Fun fact, I'm friends with the victim of this kill. He and I went to school together and he drove me to school senior year. I didn't realize Mark was in the movie until I started watching it, which made the kill an even bigger surprise. T

This one isn't for everyone but if you are a slasher fan and gorehound check it out. It's a great tribute to some classic slasher flicks.

In Your Game

Mama Birdie and her family would fit right into a Bloody Appalachia game. You could even move them from the desert to Kentucky and make them a third faction. 

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 14
First Time Views: 9

October Horror Challenge - Good Boy (2025)

   

Synopsis

A man with a trouble past moves into a family home. His faithful dog Indy is the goodest boy and seeks to save his friend and master.

Review

This is the best horror movie I've seen this year. The film is shot from a dog's perspective, so all the camera shots seem lower than normal. Additionally, other than the very end you don't see any human characters' faces, well except for images on the tv. The lighting, music, and effects are all fantastic. There is a palpable sense of dread throughout. Indy is phenomenal. He's a very expressive dog. The director and his wife shot the movie with an extremely small crew in over 400 days in their home. Because of the nature of the lead, they only shot 3 hours a day and had to get creative to get him to do what they want. 

Thus far I've talked about the technical side of things and not the story. Despite have a non-speaking protagonist the story, its a very emotional tale. There is a lot of background and history to the tale, but it's revealed in small bits. I was hooked to the screen the other time. I found myself saying "Good boy, Indy" in a few scenes and this is only the second horror film I can think of that brought me to tears. 

In Your Game

The Rabid Dogs zine has DCC has a DCC dog class. I thought it would be fun to stat Indy out using them. He could be an interesting character for Horror Cinema Classics. 

Indy (2nd level Dog): Init +2; Atk +3 bite (1d6+1); Crit I/1d6; AC 14 (small and agile, dex); HD 2d6+2; HP 12; Mov. 40'; Act 1d20; SP dog skills, luck die d4; SV Ref +3; Fort +2; Will +1; AL L

Dog skills: Sneak Silently +5, Hide in Shadows +3, Detect/Follow Scent +5, Pounce +3, Tenacious Grab +3

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 13
First Time Views: 8

October Horror Challenge - Sadistic Intentions (2019)

  

Synopsis

A psychotic drug dealer lure one of his customers and a bandmate to a secluded mansion for a mad ritual performance.

Review

I've wanted to watch this one for a while. I love Jeremy Gardner (Stu, the bandmate). His flick After Midnight, is one of my top 10 favorite movies of all time. The performances in this one are solid. Stu and Chloe, played by Taylor Zaudtke, have fantastic chemistry. Michael Patrick Nicholson, the psychotic drug dealer, chews scenery in all the right ways. This film has some excellent shots and a great score/soundtrack. In ways it feels like two movies. The first half of the flick focuses on the mystery and interactions between Chloe and Stu. The latter half of the film is balls to the wall crazy. The ending is quite cathartic. Overall I enjoyed this one, but not sure it was what I was expecting. 

In Your Game

The antagonist(s) of this flick aren't exactly expert killers. My recent Frendo stats are appropriate.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 12
First Time Views: 7

October Horror Challenge - Haunt (2019)

Synopsis

A group of friends get more than they bargain for when they go to an "extreme" haunted house.

Review

This is a very solid modern horror flick. You root for some characters, while you can't wait for others to bite it. The performances are solid. In particular there are some excellent shots of silent shock and grieving that are so well done. The deaths are brutal and the haunted house itself is pretty interesting. Not sure how I felt about the twist and motivation of the villains, but it was at least interesting. Also, the ending is perfect. 

In Your Game

Haunt Worker
Armor Class: 13
Hit Dice: 4 HD
Move: 12
Actions: 2
Attack: By weapon
Bonuses: +2 to melee attacks, +2 to melee damage, +3 to Athletics: Basic, +4 to Stealth

Alignment: Evil

Morale: 8

Madness: 7 (12)
Terror: 11 (when unmasked)

HDE: 3

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 11
First Time Views: 6

October Horror Challenge - Dangerous Animals (2025)

I've been watching movies, but behind on posting. Instead of being longwinded I'm going to just be brief and let y'all know what I thought.

  

Synopsis

American surfer, Zephyr, is kidnapped by a shark obsessed serial killer, Tucker.

Review

This survival horror flick is a lot of fun. There's a scene towards the beginning that had me laughing my ass off. Hassie Harrison's Zephyr is a strong, independent lead. The film has some great humor. She's charismatic, strong, and doesn't take shit. Her love interest Moses (played by Josh Heuston) is sweet. While initially appearing as a creep, he add some softness to the film. Finally Jai Courtney is perfect as the antagonist, Tucker. The character had interesting motivation too. This is Courtney at his finest. And by that I mean this is Courtney at his absolutely sleeziest. That's where Courtney thrives. For a while there was a push to have him play American action heroes, like Live Free Or Die Hard, but it's his portrayals in movies like this and Suicide Squad where he really shines. 

In Your Game

Want to add a shark obessed serial killer to your game? If your answer is yes, then you're in luck!

Tucker
Armor Class: 12

Hit Dice: 3

Move: 12

Actions: 1

Attack Damage: By weapon

Bonuses: +2 to melee attacks, +2 to Persuasion checks, +4 to Piloting (Basic) checks

Alignment: Evil    

Morale: 7

Madness: 3 (9)

Terror: -               

HDE: 2

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 10
First Time Views: 5

October Horror Movie Challenge - Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

 

Synopsis

British sound engineer Gilderoy arrives at the Berberian film studio to work on what he thinks is an equestrian film. Soon his grip on reality starts slipping as he discovers he's working on a giallo.

Review

This one is my typical horror movie. It's a psychological one and doesn't actually contain any blood or violence (that I can remember). Toby Jones gives an outstanding performance in the lead. The fact he starts the film knowing little Italian makes him (and English speaking viewers) out of his element. His slow decent into madness is inspired. There is some ambiguity in the character that I appreciate. Was he always a little off or did the production his circumstances drive him insane. Did he drive Elisa away out of malice or to save her? The director leaves the questions to the viewer. As you might expect audio plays a very important part of this film. Gilderoy's mental state is reflection by the music and sound effects and things become more erratic and ominous as the film goes on. If you want something out of the ordinary, I highly recommend it.

In Your Game

I don't feel there is much in the way of new game content with this one. However, I think you can take a lesson to how important sound is onomonopeaoia storytelling. If you're tech savvy then you can queue up appropriate music. This worked particularly well for me when I ran Curse of Strahd. Even if you don't want to play music and sound effects, use onomonopeaoia when you describe your scenes. Mention the squelching, shrieks, and other sounds. It makes the experience more immersive and enjoyable for everyone.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 9
First Time Views: 4

October Horror Challenge - V/H/S: Halloween (2025)

 

Synopsis

Six tales of Halloween terror.

Review

This film follows the franchises standard format. There are six found footage short films with one framing short. 

Diet Phantasma

The film's framing short is framed as research test videos for a soda company. Throughout the film the test subjects meet escalating horrific ends because of the special ingredient in the formula. The pop deaths are pretty cool.

Coochie Coochie Coo

Two teens spend their last Halloween before they go off to college together. They find themselves trying to escape a spirit seeking to make them into children. This one is pretty disturbing and Mommy would make a great legend to add to your game.

Ut Supra Sic

Set in Spain, the survivor of a mysterious mass murder is taken back to the place  it occurred to help the police solve the case. This is one is a standard but solid possession short. 

Fun Size

When they take more than one candy from a bowl a group two couples find themselves trapped in a horrific candy factory. This one is my favorite. The candy mascot, Fun Size, is super creepy and the candy is bizarre. The deaths are particularly fucked up and gross. There is a fun meta joke with this one. Two of the characters are dressed as found-footage horror filmmakers. 

Kidprint

A gentleman named Tim creates videos to help with the missing and murdered children epidemic in his community and learns he has a connection to the deaths. Of  all the shorts this one is distressing. The subject matter is disturbing and the ending is extra upsetting. I had problems finishing it.

Home Haunt

This short has a great premise. A Halloween obsessed father plays a stolen Halloween record that brings his haunt to life. There are some fun deaths in those one, though like Kidprint, there are murdered children, so it will be too much for some. 

In Your Game

Diet Phantasma

Made with real poltergeists, this soda is deadly.  Anyone drinking it must make a difficult fortitude, constitution/poison/death save to avoid being killed by the Diet Phantasma in a particularly brutal way. Those that make a successful save are possessed and pliable to suggestion. Anyone that dies from drinking the possessed pop will rise as a zombie.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 8
First Time Views: 3

October Horror Challenge - Clown In A Cornfield (2025)

  

Synopsis

Teenager Quinn and her father move to a quite Midwest town to start a new life. The town has fallen on hard times. Soon she and her new friends are being targeted by a local mascot, Frendo the clown.

Review

Based on the Adam Cesare's young adult novel of the same name, Clown in a Cornfield is a fun teen slasher. While a lot of the cast feel like stock slasher victims, a few stand out. Katie Douglas is fantastic as the lead, Quinn. Aaron Abrams is funny and likable as her father, Glenn. I also think Carson MacCormac does a fantastic job as the young oligarch of the town, Cole. 

For slasher fans there is some gore, though it's not excessive. While at times the film is predictable to genre fans, there were some nice twists too. There was a lot more comedy than I expected. There are a few truly laugh out loud moments. My favorite involves the teens not understanding how to use a rotary phone. Now to be fair, I'm 41 and never used one so maybe it's not that strange that they didn't know how to use it.

Also I really like the themes and topics addressed in this one. I don’t want to spoil anything by saying what they are, just that I think it works.

If you want a fun slasher that isn't over the top, check this one out. As of time of post, it's available to stream on Shudder.

In Your Game

I won't go into any details for these stats, but if you want to add Frendo to your SURVIVE THIS!! game here's how to do it.

Frendo the Clown

Armor Class: 12

Hit Dice: 2

Move: 12

Actions: 1

Attack Damage: By weapon

Special: Inept

Bonuses: +1 to melee attacks, +2 to Stealth checks

Alignment: Evil    

Morale: 7

Madness: 3 (9)

Terror: -               

HDE: 2

Inept: When Frendo rolls a 1 on his attack roll the attack hits himself or an ally. 

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 7
First Time Views: 2

October Horror Challenge - Full Eclipse (1993)

 

Synopsis

An L.A. cops is recruited into a special task force as his life seems to be falling apart. Task force members take a serum that gives them werewolf-like traits.

Review

If you haven't heard of this one, that's because it's a made for HBO flick from the early 90's and not streaming anywhere. I watched it based on the recommendation of my friend Stew. Given the werewolf ties I expected this to be an action horror flick. I wouldn't really call it that. There's a reference to X-Men and its spot on. This is a comic book action movie with a horror connection. Instead of mutant abilities, the lead gets injected with werewolf serum. 

Mario Van Peebles isn't a great actor, but he's a perfect gruff action hero. The movie isn't subtle, but that's part of the charm. The protagonist's name is Max Dire and the head of the taskforce is Adam Garou. The action has a John Woo quality and it works. The effects are fine, though the actual werewolf fight is cheesy af. If you can find this one, I say check it out. I do want to warn that towards the end of the movie there is a rape scene. You only see the very beginning, but I know that can be triggering so I wanted to point it out.

In Your Game

Since the movie feels like a superhero flick, I've decided to give him the DCC supers treatment.

 
Max Dire: Init +3; Atk +8 bit (1d4+3) or +8 claw (1d6+3) or +6 Pistol, hi-power (1d10, range 70/140/210) ; Crit IV/1d16; AC 14; HD 5d12; HP 60; Mov. 30'; Act 1d20+1d14; SP regeneration, infravision 60', pheromones ; SV Ref +5; Fort +7; Will +2; AL L

Pheremones: Max can use his senses of smell and taste to detect changes in creatures. He can learn their general emotional state. He can also tell if someone is lying by tasting them (typically done via sweat).

Regeneration: Max regains 1d3 HP at the start of each round unless he is touching silver.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 6
First Time Views: 1

October Horror Movie Challenge - The Terrifier Trilogy (2016, 2022, 2024), Trick 'r Treat (2007), Tales of Halloween (2015)

I know its strange that it's the 6th and I'm just now posting about the challenge. A week ago today, I had a surgical procedure done that laid me out for a few days. I've been watching flicks but not had the energy to talk about them. Consider this a rapid fire catch up post.

Terrifier (2016)

This is the gory flick that introduced many horror fanatics to Art the Clown. It's bleak, mean, and shocking. It's also one of my favorite horror flicks. Ironically, it wasn't when I first watched it years ago. I thought it was masterfully made, but just to mean spirited for my taste. Obviously my views have changed and this is now one of my bedtime comfort flicks. Fun fact:  This isn't Art the Clown's first movie, though it is the first to feature him played by David Howard Thornton. Art originally appeared in 2013's All Hallows' Eve.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

If Terrifier introduced horror fans to Art, then Terrifier 2 made the rest of the world take notice. While starting out as a pretty limited release, the movie saw so much recognition and praise theaters across the country began to screen it. The sequel doesn't really give too many answers, but expands Art's lore and introduced the series protagonist, Sienna Shaw. I really like the sequel and it's even more mean spirited than the original. However it also brings some hope to the world with the introduction of Sienna, the one person who just might be able to end Art's reign of terror. 

Terrifier 3 (2024)

Last year's Terrifier movie some how escalated things even more. It was more shocking than the previous films combined and delved deeper into the lore. It also has one of the most nerve wracking opening scenes I've ever seen. Next year's sequel is reportedly the end of Art's story and I can't wait to watch it.

If you'd like to add Art to your D&D games, you can find 2024 monster stats for him here.

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

If you haven't seen this Halloween anthology, what the Hell is wrong with you?  This movie has a great cast and contains four interwoven tales set in a fictional Ohio town. My favorite one is probably the school bus massacre story. While this one is dark, it had a comedic slant at times. At one point I remember saying that it's like Goonies if the kids could actually die and I think that's still appropriate. Also the movie gave us Sam, one of my favorite horror icons.

Tales of Halloween (2015)

While the stories tend to be goofier, I feel like this Halloween anthology is the spiritual sequel to Trick'r Treat. There are ten tales in this one and some are connected. Like Trick'r Treat, there's a great cast here and horror fans will recognize many of them. This Means War is my fav, followed by Sweet Tooth. If you haven't checked it out, you should. You can watch it on Tubi for free.

October Horror Movie Challenge 2025 

Viewed: 5
First Time Views: 0

Revisiting Brightburn (2019)

I reviewed Brightburn when it first came out. You can check that out here. As I mentioned the other day, because of Superman’s release I wanted to revisit it. Beyond the obvious plot connections, Brightburn was produced by James Gunn. Also two of his brothers (Brian and Mark) wrote the script. 

Art by Vile Consumption

While the world doesn't need a Superman that's not full of hope, I still think this is a solid flick. The gore and violence is honestly used less than I expected, but when it does happen it's intense. There are some great performances. 

David Denman and Elizbeth banks both shine and Brandon's parents. They each have their own dynamic with him and it feels organic. I already really enjoyed Matt Jones and Meredith Hagner as Brandon's aunt and uncle. Jackson Dunn is fantastic as Brandon. He feels like a normal kid in the beginning, but then starts becoming more cold and manipulative. 

Dunn has started that Brandon is a normal kid before he starts being influenced/brainwashed by his ship. That's always been my take on it and honestly my only gripe with the movie. I wanted his heel turn to be more organic, but it seems that once he starts hearing from his ship he becomes a monster posing a kid. There is a slight transition, but it doesn't take long for him to go from breaking an arm to downing a plane full of people. Doing some research I've found some alternate theories though that have caused me to reconsider things. It is possible that Brandon has always just been a sociopath and pretended to be a normal kid just to get his way. He is a genius and early on he talks about a type of parasitic wasp that uses other species to provide for their young. Maybe that's what Brandon's species does. Not sure if I totally buy it, because he seems genuinely surprised at parts in the film. Still it's definitely an interesting thought.

While Brightburn 2 never happened (and most likely never will), the end teased more evil counterparts to DC's heroes. Michael Rooker plays a conspiracy theorist named Big T that mentions a "half man, half- sea creature" causing terror in the oceans and a supernatural woman choking victims with a rope. There's also a costumed character that looks like Crimson Bolt, a character played by Rainn Wilson in James Gunn's movie Super. 

Finally I wanted to mention the movie is very reminiscent of "Bump in the Night," a story from DC House of Horror (2017). In that story the Kents encounter an evil young Kal-El who kills them and (is implied) to go on to destroy humanity and take over Earth.

And now for some game material. Here are Brightburn stats for Evolved and other DCC games.

Brightburn: Init +8; Atk +10 slam (2d6+6) or +8 heat vision (1d8, range 120'); Crit V/2d20; AC 16; HD 8d12+48; HP 101; Mov. 60', fly 90'; Act 2d20; SP super strength, super durability, super speed, super intelligence, telekinesis, heat vision, technopathy, metal weakness; SV Ref +10; Fort +10; Will +6; Path PoV+1d

Telekinesis: At will, Brightburn can manipulate up to 4 objects within 100', each weighing no more than 100 pounds. 

Technopathy: At will, Brightburn can cause electronics within 100' to malfunction. This effects equipment, but doesn't effect gadgets.

Metal weakness: Brightburn's only known weakness is from the metal from his spaceship. Successful attacks by items of this substance are automatically considered critical hits.

Superman (2025)

 

Synopsis

Superman must deal with his actions and the perception of those around him.

Review

While I love Christopher Reeves, David Corenswet is my Superman. He is hope for a better world in material form. He really does believe people are inherently good. This Superman wants to save everyone and James Gunn lets him try. If Snyder's Man of Steel took Superman and adapted him to the real world, then Gunn took the real world and adapted it to Superman. He seemed genuine as both Clark and Superman, something that not all actors can pull off. Also, like me he's a millennial. I can't fully explain why but when he was frustrated and says, "Dude..." to Krypto I felt a connection. Speaking of Krypto, he steals the movie. His scenes are funny, he's adorable, and you care about him. 

Rachel Brosnahan is also perfect as Lois. She's a tough ex punk and capable of handling herself. She takes initiative and isn't a damsel. I'm going to say this about pretty much everyone, but Nicholas Hoult was a perfect Lex Luthor too. He was exactly the write amount of smug and petty. He was a tech bro too, which made me laugh. Honestly, I'll put the performance up there with Clancy Brown's DCAU Lex. 

The Justice Gang all made me laugh. Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner was spot on. Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl reminded me of the DCAU's Shayera Hol. Edi Gathegi was really a standout with his Mister Terrific performance and gave the character more personality that he usually has in the comics. Gunn is thinking about giving him a spin-off show. Also there's a Max Lord cameo that made me laugh. Anthony Carrigan's Metapmorpho performance was full of heart. Daily Planet folks were great too. Beck Bennett's Steve Lombard was hilarious and I loved this take on Jimmy Olsen. He did have a habit of hooking up with random ladies in the comics so seeing him as a lady's man was fun. The rest of the crew did great too.

I could go on and on, but I'll just sum it up by saying this movie has great action, lots of heart, and an important message. With everything going wrong in this world, Superman was a refreshing uplifting flick. 

Remember, being kind is punk rock.

In Your Game

Superman and his fellow Kryptonians are well beyond Evolved power levels, but Krypto could fit into the game.

Krypto: Init +4; Atk +6 bite (1d4+6) or +6 slam (1d6+6) or +4 heat vision (1d6); Crit M/1d14; AC 16; HD 8d6+16; HP 53; Mov. 60', fly 90'; Act 1d20; SP Kryptonite weakness, Kryptonian regeneration; SV Ref +6; Fort +8; Will +4; Path WtL

Kryptonian regeneration: At the beginning of his turn Krypto regenerates 1d3 HP when in yellow sunlight. He does not heal if he's within 20' of Kryptonite.

Mr. Buzzkill (2025)

 

Synopsis 

People go missing near the seemingly quiet town of Silver Grove. Many attributed to a slasher known as Mr. Buzzkill. While sitting around a fire telling the story a group of friends are about to found out the truth about their town's local legend.

Review

Full disclaimer, I helped fund this one on Indiegogo and am online friends with the writer and some of the cast, so I'll admit some bias. The acting in this one is not A24 by any means, but that's not why you watch a flick like this one.  The movie has what you want from a slasher: gore, tits, and a menacing antagonist.

Writer and producer, Shawn Burkett portrays the adult Mr. Buzzkill. He cuts and imposing figure and is utterly brutal. While there are several blood soaked deaths my favorite involved the travel bong (which gets its own song), followed by the final camp massacre death.

The rest of the cast do a good job as the victims. You know not to get too attached because of the style of flick, but that's part of the fun. If you're a fan of the filmmakers, Ohio's very own Concept Media Films, you'll recognize several of the folks from their previous flicks Don't Fuck in the Woods, Don't Fuck in the Woods 2, and Stranded (among others).

Mr. Buzzkill is an indie slasher that doesn't even remotely try to reinvent the wheel. It wears its slasher roots on its sleeve. There are elements of all the Friday the 13th, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Halloween, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre in this one. The kills are bloody, brutal, and would do Jason, Michael Myers, and Leatherface proud. The mystery surrounding Mr. Buzzkill reminded me a lot of how Springwood dealt with Freddy. 

One thing I appreciate about the flick is one of the characters is constantly poking fun at the logic of the story being told. This is a valid critique of slasher flicks in general. I was surprised that some characters' deaths were mentioned, but you don't see them or know how (or truly if) they go. Maybe we'll get to see them if the flick gets a sequel. 

Mr. Buzzkill isn't for everyone, but there's an audience for it. Obviously, I'm a member of that audience.

In Your Game

As I mentioned Mr. Buzzkill is very familiar to other famous slashers. If you'd like to add him to your Bloody Appalachia, What Shadows Hide, or We Die Young game you could just use one of the Jason Vorhees stat blocks from my free Friday the 13th SURVIVE THIS!! fan supplement.

Kraven the Hunter (2024)

Synopsis 

Sergei Kravinov is the son of a ruthless crime boss. After nearly dying on a hunt and given a magic elixir, he gains superpowers that give him the abilities of nature's greatest predators. Years later he's become a vigilante of sorts. When his little brother is kidnapped, Kraven goes on the greatest hunt of his life.

Review

This one was delayed a few years and received universally negative critic reviews, so I went into it with low expectations. I also want to admit that Kraven is one of my favorite villains which could color my opinion. Okay so what did I think of this one? In my opinion Kraven is way better than Morbius or Madame Webb (which is an admittedly low bar), but isn't as good as the Venom trilogy (which I absolutely adore). I think it's comparable to a better than average pre-MCU Marvel flick. The action is solid (and brutal). The effects are fine (though Rhino does look silly). I love Aaron Taylor-Johnson. This is actually the third comic book character he's portrayed. I also really enjoyed Fred Hechinger's portrayal of Kraven's half-brother Dimitri. Russell Crowe was fine as their father Nikolai, but didn't do anything outstanding. Sadly Ariana DeBose's Calypso was underwhelming. She does save Kraven's life twice, but she wasn't the force of nature she should be. One other issue I had is that Kraven's identity being unknown until Rhino was tipped off is ridiculous. Facial recognition software would have ID'd him in a second. 

I appreciated the comic references in this one. Aside from Rhino, there's a lesser known Spidey villain in the mix. Kraven is being hunted by the Foreigner. Going to be real, I had to look him up because I'd never heard of him. He's a merc that was married to Silver Sable at one point. There are a few more comic connections. The Daily Bugle's website can be seen on a computer screen at one point. Also a mad scientist, while not shown, is the source of the superpowers of two characters. This scientist is Miles Warren, aka the Jackal. 

This is the last of the Sony "Spider-Man Without Spider-Man" franchise. I would have been cool with another Kraven movie and as I said I loved the Venom flicks, but I'm okay with it being done. 

In Your Game

While I'd say the comic version of Kraven is Lawful Evil, the movie version seems more Lawful Neutral to me. Yeah he's a killer, but he just kills really bad guys. 

Code Name: Kraven the Hunter

Real Name: Sergei Kravinoff

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: -

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral 

Armor Class: 15 (Dex)

HP:  114 (12d8+60)

Speed: 50 ft.

Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 20 (+5) Con 20 (+5) Int 12 (+1) Wis 20 (+5) Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Str+9, Wis+9 

Damage Resistance: Poison

Skills: Acrobatics +9, Athletics +9,  Perception +9, Stealth +9, Survival +9

Senses: Passive Perception: 19

Languages: Russian, English 

Keen Senses: Kraven has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks.

Second Wind: On his turn, as a bonus action, Kraven can draw on his stamina reserves to heal 1d10+12 hit points. He can't use this ability again until he takes a short or long rest. 

Actions

Multiattack: Kraven makes two spear attacks.

Spear: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6+5)  or 9 (1d8+5) piercing 

damage.

Spear: Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) piercing 

damage.

Stranded (2023)

 

Synopsis

When their mother passes, three siblings take a road trip south to spread her ashes. While driving through a forest their car breaks down and they find themselves besieged by the legendary Fouke Monster.

Review

I will start by admitting I most likely have some bias here. Concept Media are an Ohio based film company and I helped crowdfund this one. That being said this is probably the best bigfoot horror flick I've seen. I think this is the best looking bigfoot I've seen in a movie. Note, it doesn't look like the image shown above. I believe one of the reasons I dig this more than most other bigfoot movies is the focus here is on the family dynamic. Most of the movie focuses on three siblings and a spouse. In particular, Dale Miller and Brittany Blanton really shine. The family trapped in their vehicle takes up a good portion of the flick. This gives the film a really claustrophobic feel. Unlike most Concept Media films I've seen this one doesn't have much gore or blood. Much of the horror comes from the atmosphere and tension of being stranded in the woods with something inhuman. Some of the events are telegraphed early on, but I don't feel its detrimental to the film overall. The ending surprised me too. 

As of the time of posting, you can stream it for free on Tubi. You can also grab it on Blu-Ray or VHS on the Concept Media Merch page.

In Your Game

If you want to use him in your SURVIVE THIS!! games, the Fouke Monster appears in The DP&D Cryptid Manual 2 and Ultimate Cryptid Manual. If you play OSE, DCC, or 5e the stats are in the Cryptid Manual (which has the same content as the Ultimate Cryptid Manual, just in a different system).

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Watched the new Cap movie Saturday with my kiddo. While there might be some minor details that weren't included in the trailers, there are no major spoilers here.

Synopsis

Sam Wilson has truly come in to his own as Captain America. He and his partner, Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon, find themselves drawn into political intrigue involving newly elected president, Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. 

Review

This flick is getting a lot of negative press online, but I really enjoyed it. Anthony Mackie does a great job of showing how Sam has grown into his new role. He still has doubts, but he's much more confident. He's not Steve Rogers, he doesn't have the super soldier serum. He does have some new tech to help even the playing field. Sam's Cap suit includes Vibranium. Danny Ramirez reprises his role  from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Joaquin Torres. Torres is the new Falcon. He brought of lot of heart and levity to the flick, which is overall a political thriller. Carly Lumbly returns as Isaiah Bradley, the "Black Captain America." He was my favorite part of the movie. His character is inspiring and tragic. Honestly there were a few of his scenes that left me heartbroken. Harrison Ford has taken over the role of Thunderbolt Ross since William Hurt's passing. I thought he did a good job. While flawed, this version of Ross seems like he's really trying to change. While I didn't feel as strongly as I did with Bradley, Ross has a few moments in the film that are emotional. We get a few new members of the MCU. The most important is Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph. In the comics Ruth is Sabra, mutant and agent of Israel. While the character is still Israeli, she works for President Ross and isn't an agent of her homeland. I personally think this was a good move. The final new addition to the MCU is Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder. Esposito is always fantastic and while I love the over the top costumes of the comic iteration of the Serpent Society, having them be an ultraviolet mercenary special ops teams makes perfect sense for the more grounded MCU.

The flick addresses a change to the world that took place in Celestials. The remains to Tiamut, dubbed Celestial Island, has become important in the global climate. Why? The reason is simple and exciting (especially if you're a fan of a certain feral short Canadian). A new element called Adamantium has been discovered. 

I've seen a complaint about the movie that it's just The Incredible Hulk 2. While the movie definitely has some call back, Brave New World is Cap movie, first and foremost. It's an entertaining mix of action, political intrigue, and heart. Is it as good as Winter Soldier? No, I personally think that's the best MCU movie. Brave New World is a solid superhero flick with heart though.

In Your Game

I love the character Isaiah Bradley. He originally appeared in the miniseries Truth: Red, White, and Black. In the 616 he's an underground legend among the African and African-American communities. He had visits from real life figures such as Malcom X, Richard Pryor, and Nelson Mandela. He was an honored at Storm and T'Challa's wedding. He's also the grandfather of the Elijah Bradley (the original Young Avenger's Patriot).

The MCU version first appeared in The Falcon and Winter Soldier. He's portrayed by Carl Lumbly. This isn't Lumbly's first foray into superheroics (having starred in the Fox series M.A.N.T.I.S. and as Martian Manhunter in Justice League/Justice League Unlimited). This is the version I'm going to stat out.

Code Name: Captain America

Real Name: Isaiah Bradley

Pronouns: He/Him

Team Affiliation: -

Medium, Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good

Armor Class: 15 (Dex)

HP:  95 (10d8+50)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 20 (+5) Con 20 (+5) Int 13 (+1) Wis 17 (+3) Cha 12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Str+9, Con +9 

Skills: Athletics +9, History +5, Insight +6, Perception +7, Survival +7

Proficiencies: Demolitions, Vehicles (Land)

Senses: Passive Perception: 17

Languages: English 

No Soldier Gets Left Behind: The first time an ally within 30 ft fails a Death saving throw, they may reroll it. This ability can't be used again until Isaiah takes a short rest.

Second Wind: On his turn, as a bonus action, Isaiah can draw on his stamina reserves to heal 1d10+10 hit points. He can't use this ability again until he takes a short or long rest. 

Actions

Multiattack: Isaiah makes three attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) bludgeoning 

damage.

Happily Never After

Watching this REC 3: Genesis has become one of the only Valentine’s Day traditions I have. I originally reviewed this one for the October Horror Movie Challenge in 2014. Decided to do a new review after watching it tonight. There are some spoilers, but the movie is 13 years old, so you've been warned. 

Plot 

Two young lovers have their wedding day ruined when a demonic zombie outbreak happens at their wedding.

Review

If you aren't familiar REC is a four film Spanish horror franchise. The first two movies are about an apartment building that sees some sort of zombie-like outbreak. The first two films are two of the best found footage movies I've seen. REC 3: Genesis starts out in the same found footage style, but once hell breaks loose one of the protagonist breaks the wedding videographer's camera and the film shifts to a standard cinematic flick.  In case you're wondering, the fourth and final film in the series is also shot in the standard manner. Of the four movies, REC 3 is my favorite. It is a departure from the other three in that it's a standalone story and it also has quite a bit dark comedy. 

Koldo and Clara are the perfect protagonists. They are an attractive young couple, truly in love, and getting married. The cast of characters are pretty entertaining.  We have various family members, a videographer, Sponge John (a character that is legally distinct from Spongebob Squarepants), and a person that infiltrated the wedding reception to file a law suit against the happy couple for any copyrighted song played. Though I like the characters, they are flawed. Like most folks in horror flicks they make some really stupid decisions. For example, it's revealed that the infected zombies are possessed by demons. The demons can be seen in reflections. The creatures also can't enter holy ground, are harmed by holy water (at least that's what Koldo's grandmother says), and held at bay when they hear the priest praying or reading scripture. Do survivors stay in the church where it's safe? Of course not.

Watching Clara cut part of her dress off with a chainsaw and then fighting with it is one of the most badass and hot things I've seen in a movie.

Like many horror flicks, this one doesn't have a happy ending. Despite that I think it has a romantic one. I'm don't get me wrong it's fucked up, but it's still sweet. You can see gifs of it in here.

In Your Game

I recently got my pdf copy of SURVIVE THIS!! Zombies! Ultimate Edition so I thought I'd stat the demonic zombies out for that system. I'm also adding that book and several other Bloat Games books I have to my "to review" list.

Fallen

These zombies were created when demons cast out by God at Genesis returned to Earth and possessed mortals. 

Pack Size: 1-12

Armor Class: 13

Hit Dice: 2
Move: 12
Actions: 1
Attack: Bite (1d4-1 + fallen infection), claws (d4-1 + fallen infection), slam (d4), by weapon
Special: Undead (they can run), Unholy, toughness +2, Fallen zombie
Bonuses: +3 to melee attacks, +3 to damage, +2 to Spot & Listen
Alignment: Evil
Morale: 10

Madness: -

Terror: 12

HDE: 1

Unholy infection: If their bite or claws deal damage, the target must make a Poison Save, or they will become infected. If infected, they are at -2 to all attack & skill rolls, lose ½ their Move (rounded up), and lose 1 HP an hour until magically or psychically healed or until they make another Poison Save attempt. They may try another Poison Save every 3 hours. If they die while infected, they will become a fallen.

Undead-like: While they are technically living, like undead they are immune to Poisons, stuns, being sickened, Diseases & Critical Hits.

Unholy: While they appear as regular zombies, a Fallen's reflection reveals its true forms. Any Holy Man can spend their turn reciting prayers or quotes to cause all Fallen to become immobile while listening to the religious words. The Fallen cannot enter holy ground.

Fallen zombie: They will continue to try to eat the living until they are reduced to 0 HP. 

Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024)

The new Hellboy was on sale on Fandango so I snagged it.

Plot

While on a mission in 1957, Hellboy and rookie agent, Bobbie Jo Song, find themselves stranded in the Appalachian wilderness. They team up with a returning local to stop a coven of witches and local devil.

Review

Unconnected to any of the previous Hellboy flicks, this film is based on Mike Mignola's The Crooked Man miniseries. This is my favorite Hellboy story. This film adapts that story while adding new elements. Agent Song was created for the film. Additionally the movie dives into Hellboy's origin and I don't remember that in the original story.  

I loved Del Toro's supernatural action spectacles, but this movie isn't like that. It's an Appalachian folk horror movie, that also has Hellboy. The cast is solid. He's not Ron Pearlman, but Jack Kesy does a fine job. He felt like the comic Hellboy and honestly I didn't think he looked bad. 

Quite a few of the effects are practical, though there is some janky CGI. Still overall, I really like the look and style of the movie. There are a few title cards interspersed and I believe these come from the miniseries, though I don't have a copy to check. 

The new elements to the story didn't really bother me. Agent Song's banter with Hellboy was entertaining and adding someone that's partially skeptic to the mix adds a new dynamic to the story, without taking anything away.

If you're a Hellboy fan or like folk horror, I definitely recommend this one. Just make sure you go into it knowing that it's not a big budget action movie. 

In Your Game

Going to stat these items for 5e, but honestly they work for many systems.

Ephie Kolb's Horse Bit

Wondrous Item, Rare

Anyone wearing this magical horse bit turns into a horse. In horse form the wearer can't speak, but their words and strong emotions are translated to the horsey equivalent. 

Curse. Unlike many cursed items it doesn't require a Remove Curse spell, it can be be simply removed by anyone other than the horse. 

Tom Ferrell’s Shovel

Wondrous Item, Very Rare

This tool was imbued by Tom's lucky bone and the holy spirit by Reverend Watts. You can use it as a weapon against the damned. When you hit a Fiend, Undead, or someone under a fiendish contract (such as a witch or some warlocks), that creature takes 1d10 Radiant damage.

Simple Melee Weapon

                    Damage                                    Weight           Properties

Shovel        1d4 slashing or bludgeoning        5                  versatile (1d6)