'Grimm' Series Premiere Review

'Grimm' Series Premiere, October 28^th 2011 (NBC- Fridays 9/8c)

(As always, with windows you need to right click all links and choose open in new window/tab in order to stay on this page! At least until I figure out how to change that! Clicking pictures will take you to Amazon.com!)

My Synopsis: Grimm's scary tales are real! I f'n knew it!

For those that lament the state of the oldest and greatest broadcast network they have a new offering for us! Some would say their jumping on the bandwagon by running a show steeped in monsters, special effects, and mystery. But for a network whose current best programming is limited to syndicated crime dramas, comedies, and reality competition shows, 'Grimm' could be the show that gives them back some legitimacy. Sure it's up against AMC's 'The Walking Dead,' ABC's 'Once Upon a Time,' 'Supernatural,' and countless CW Vampire et al dramas but it is the only one that brings the closest adaptation of the brothers Grimm fables into the modern world, and that is one thing I have to applaud. So how does the premiere to 'Grimm' look and is it worth tuning in to NBC on Friday, October 28^th?

The premier episode pays homage to Little Red Riding Hood. Now The Brothers Grimm's tales are a collection of fables told amongst the villages in which they lived. That is to say they are stories that convey a lesson of the time in which they were created. They are nothing like the Disney bastardizations we have come to love and abhor. So what does Little Red-Cap (aka Little Red Riding Hood) teach? On the surface it's pretty obvious... little girls who walk through the woods are likely to get themselves and their grandmothers eaten by wolves if they don't prove that they and grandmother aren't craftier. There is no Hunstman in this telling and The Big Bad Wolf doesn't get to eat grandma whole and therefore have his stomach ripped open to find a living, breathing grandmother inside. Instead Red and G'ma out smart Big Bad themselves.

In this premiere we have a Red Riding Hood serial killer, no grandma, but a couple of dinner leftovers and an abduction. Our hero Nick would be the Huntsman, out to save the abducted Little Red and rid the world of one Big Bad. It is a well crafted episode that has elements that harken back to Ledger and Damon's 'The Brothers Grimm' (2005). It almost feels like Nick is a present day descendant of the hapless reluctant heroes in that movie without all the frantic slapstick. The humor that does exist is dark and surprising, like we would expected from the producers of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'

Now it's not quite explained why it is that all of sudden rookie homicide detective Nick is capable of seeing the Grimm monsters that live among us but his creepy aunt does offer the explanation that everything we thought were fairy tales are real. He is a descendant of the Brothers whose famous stories were actually a chronicle of the monsters and how to beat them. This is pretty close to how the Winchester brothers got started in 'Supernatural' with the exception that Grimm's stories really exist. We also find out via Eddie that many of those creatures are 'reformed,' carrying on normal human lives, and that he is pretty much the narc of the monster world. In the end, with the help of his partner, his aunts info, and the wolf-narc Eddie, this Big Bad might get caught but the episode also leaves us with a chilling realization that there is more than one non-reformed Big Bad in the world looking for Little Reds to eat. The implication being we haven't seen the last of the Red-Cap chronicles.

Based on the pilot I would say this series has great potential. At first I was impressed and pleasantly surprised by the opening ten minutes which pretty much plays out like every crime show beginning- we meet the victim, the perfect song helps to set the scene ('Sweet Dreams' by the Eurythmics) and then a murder happens. Cut to meet the detectives! I want to comment on the use of 'Sweet Dreams,' normally when it comes to Little Red Riding Hood interpretations the most commonly used song is 'Li'l Red Riding Hood' by Sam the Sham & The Pharaohs. It is a pretty creepy song that implies something a lot more illicit than murder and I must admit I expected it to be used to define the setting of this episode and would have been disappointed by the cliché. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised, the use of both versions of 'Sweet Dreams' to open and close the episode tells so much! This episode is about Nick's transformation from the ignorant happy dreamer in The Eurythmics to the jaded and creeped out nightmares of Marilyn Manson. Kudos music department!

The episode is also visually stunning. The colors are dark and vibrant, like a fairy tale should be (this could be partly due to the Oregon setting, forget 'Twilight' was also shot there, please), and the effects don't feel strained or over done. My greatest concern with the episode is the acting. With the obvious exception of the masterful Silas Weir Mitchell as Eddie, the others seemed wooden and out of place, Especially Nick's aunt who looked and sounded more like she was reciting the Gettysburg Address than giving important background information. Upon reflection I realize I felt the same about 'Buffy,' 'Angel,' and 'Supernatural' so my hope is that, like them, with a few more episodes the actors will fall more casually into their roles and maybe grow on me more. Of course with NBC's record let's hope the show lasts long enough to get comfortable with itself!

Again, though I do see minor failings with this premiere I have great hopes and expectations for the future of the show. The premise is fantastic, anything that has to do with real life Grimm's monsters would be! In time the show could prove to be worthy of joining the ranks of its predecessors and with over 200 tales to choose from the series could easily last 5 seasons without repeating a story. So if you love closer than normal interpreted fairy tales I suggest not missing the premier when it airs on October 28^th and give NBC some love in the hopes they won't shoot themselves in the foot. They have to be running out of feet by now.

As always, check out the links and I welcome comments! I may follow this show for awhile just because I think it would be fun to compare the Grimm's tales to each episode.

'Til next we bleed,

J.P. (Jeff) Hunt

For more interpretations of Little Red Riding Hood...

Top 5 EXTREME Sex Scenes in a Film

Random Top 5 of the Month!

October 2011

Top 5 EXTREME Sex Scenes in a Film
by J.P. Hunt

The rules: So the goal was to come up with five EXTREME sex scenes and one honorable mention. All genres were acceptable EXCEPT porn, because that would be too easy. In this case we have 2 horror, 2 action, and 1 psychotic drug film. EXTREME is defined by the fact that they aren't your normal chick flick, romantic moment or candles and sheets scenes. They are crazy, unrealistic, and despite the circumstances they take place in... strangely erotic. I'll let the choices below explain what I mean... (click their picture to order the film from Amazon.com. As is with all links - right click and choose open in new tab/window to avoid leaving this page)...

Honorable mention goes to:
Dance of the Dead (2008)

This is just an honorable mention because it isn't really a sex scene. It's really just a make out scene between two teenagers in the middle of a zombie outbreak at their high school prom. What makes it extreme is that they are in the process of turning into zombies themselves. So instead of the normal kissing and tongue action they get really turned on by eating each others faces! Ahhh, young zombie love. Check it out here.



#5: Spun (2002)

Mad, kinky, drug sex! Did I mention kinky? Duct tape, tie down, and even forget her for awhile. It's all good in this messed up meth film. It's an interesting mix of drugs and bondage that I wouldn't suggest actually practicing but makes it extreme enough to make the bottom of the list! Sorry there's no link/video of the actual scene(s) but check out the trailer anyway...


#4: Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

This isn't a much loved film despite its spectacle of gun-play and stars. But its that eclectic spectacle that helps make its sex scene one of the most extreme ever! Clive Owen and Monica Bellucci have mad passionate sex that can't even be interrupted by a hoard of assassins! Clive is so good with both guns he can kill twenty attackers without missing a stroke! Such control and concentration is something most men only dream of having! Watch “Talk about shooting your load.”


#3: Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)

This one is pretty obvious. A sexually frustrated married couple that just realized they were competing assassins try to kill each other, destroying their home in the process, find themselves uncontrollably turned on. Well who wouldn't in their circumstances! It's easy to see why Brad left Jennifer if sex with Angelina is always like this! If you haven't seen it





#2: Dead Alive (1992)

Zombie sex! Here we have exhibition, face eating, and best of all... an immediate zombie baby! If anything this scene should prove as a public service announcement to horny zombies everywhere on the importance of practicing safe sex!






#1: Crank (2006)

If you were Jason Statham injected by a poison that would kill you if your heart rate falls beyond a certain point what would be the best way to keep your blood pumping? I'm thinking a full on sexual performance in the middle of a city street with Amy Smart can't possibly hurt! In this case it makes it the most extreme on my list. Honestly, depending on my mood at the time, any one of these movies could have made #1. Crank gets it today for three good reasons... 1. Jason's jogging suit is far from sexy; 2. It totally convinced me I was in love (lust?) with Amy Smart; 3. the gathering crowd around them applaud! Finally, like Clive, Jason can multi-task by answering his cell phone. Well, ok, he's not in control since the phone call eventually breaks his concentration, but exhibitionists take note... this is how you do it and get cheers!

So there you have, my top 5 extreme sex scenes in a film. Its only right that I add the disclamer that I am not a proponent of anyone trying any of the things in these films and if you do I refuse to take responsibility for the possible outcomes, be it a beating, jail, death, or even instant zombie baby. I welcome questions, comments, concerns, arguements, suggestions, etc. I also must send out a special thanks to Will and Brian for their suggestions, notice they did make the list! If you have ideas for other such lists you'd like to see me create let me know by commenting here, emailing me at jphunt.write@gmail.com or friend me on Facebook. Since I intend to come up with a new list every month or so I will always be looking for and appreciating your ideas and thoughts!

'Til next we bleed,
JP (Jeff) Hunt

Headshot! Darabont fired from ‘The Walking Dead’

Ok folks, its time for the Creepercast to weigh in on the latest ‘Walking Dead’ news. Quiet frankly the position here at the creepy writing staff is pretty clear and obvious. It begins with a profound exclamation of WTF! But, before I tirade it’s probably best to fill you in on the actual news, just in case, like me, you’ve been out of the loop for a few days. So here it is…

Prior to Comic Con San Diego, rumors abound declared Frank Darabont was stepping down from the show. He reportedly was at odds with AMC’s desire to cut the shows budget while still requesting 13 episodes for the second season. They even wanted them to be made for less money than the 6 of the first season. Darabont argued it was impossible to maintain the creativity and quality of the show if such cuts were implemented and that the show would suffer creatively. Anybody else thinking duh? After all, the greatest asset of the show is the fantastic cinematic scope Darabont has brought to the small screen. Lets also not forget that Darabont has been a hundred percent invested creatively from the writing (lest we forget he fired his original writing staff seemingly because he was doing all the writing himself anyway) to promotions. I don’t know how much he was getting paid to do his job but it didn’t seem to matter since apparently he lived and breathed ‘The Walking Dead.’

Fortunately for Comic Con these rumors seemed to have been laid to rest as Darabont and crew took the stage and promised more than a fantastic future season. I can almost hear the collective sighs in the calm before the storm. The storm being the news that just came out of the AMC camp a few days ago… ‘Show Runner Frank Darabont Fired from The Walking Dead.’

So lets consider this for a moment… prior to the overwhelming success of the show, who would have ever dreamed a cable TV series about zombies, based on a graphic novel series with a cult following, and in the midst of a decade long resurgence of zombies in film, ever had a chance? Who would dare to believe they could create a TV show that had action, comedy, drama, and zombies, balanced perfectly into 50 minute cinematic segments? Answer: Frank Darabont. And he delivered.

Now lets try this one… Who would dare to ask that such a show, after it broke all time cable premier AND finale records making it their greatest commercial success – perhaps even THE greatest commercial success in cable – to scale back on the cinematic, show less zombies, use inside locations over outside locations, shoot in less time (4 out of the 8 current days per episode), and create 13 episodes with half the budget of the first six? Answer: The wise folks at AMC.

That my friends is how we get to where we are today. You see Mr. Darabont refused to stifle the creativity in himself or the cast. He understands that a show of this magnitude, especially after the success of the first season, needs to be as good or better. He was a trouble maker that needed to be headshot, but did they also kill the show?

Lets see… just before the ax fell Darabont was said to be hard at work fixing the latest episode completed because it contained unusable footage. He did not direct that episode. That’s the kind of guy Darabont was too this show. Now his replacement joined the team near the end of the first season. In fact he penned episode five entitled ‘Wildfire.’ This is the episode where we learned all about the Wildfire project and that Jenner was a hopeless case ready to take the entire cast with him when the CDC blew up. Clearly not the best episode of the six but we did learn a lot about how the zombie virus worked and that Shane is a real bastard when it comes to Laurie. But lets look a little more at writer/producer/director Glen Mazzara’s resume…

‘Nash Bridges’ had a two year run, not bad but the show wasn’t much. Now ‘The Shield’ was a class A award winning show, I’ll give him that one, even though its ending was as satisfying as ‘The Soprano’s’ and ‘Criminal Minds’ is still kicking even without him although no where near as good without Mandy Patinkin. Maybe that’s a sign when you consider his last two projects. Ok, so I cant say much about ‘Hawthorne’ since I haven’t seen a single episode. I do know it stars Mrs. Will Smith and its another one of those medical procedural dramas, right? That’s why I haven’t seen it. It did survive two seasons though and I can only guess its because people still cant get enough of these shows. His latest and greatest failed despite having Dennis Hopper in the cast. ‘Crash’ spun off from the Academy film and barely lasted two seasons. I saw one episode but from what I hear it had great potential in season one that was wasted in season two. This does not bode well for ‘The Walking Dead.’

In the last few weeks AMC has proven themselves really bad decision makers. Some would say it’s a good idea ‘Breaking Bad’ is going to end before it gets bad, but I’m of the opinion that they may be throwing their engine out of the boat. That would leave ‘Mad Men’ and ‘The Walking Dead’ to get them through the coming rapids. The problem is they’ve now crippled ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Mad Men’ is another of those shows that may have run its course. So what’s next AMC? Back to reruns of classic movies?

Originally I had this conspiracy theory that involved Mazzara’s and AMC’s ties to New Mexico (‘Crash,’ ‘Breaking Bad’) and that this sabotage of ‘The Walking Dead’ was a way to save tons of money by combining resources. But with the recent news of ‘Breaking Bad’ and USA’s ‘In Plain Sight’ ending (also made in New Mexico) I’m not so sure. I have received insider information that implies that if ‘The Walking Dead’ survives the next season it will most likely move to New Mexico. But that’s not confirmed anywhere, even here. Here’s what I am sure of…

The first season of ‘The Walking Dead’ was brilliant! A TV show about zombies that looked and felt like mini-movies. Each episode was awesomely crafted with the perfect blend of action and drama enough to please any television fan. Under the expert direction of Greg Nicotero it has the best zombies ever seen on any screen. As any true fan would have to attest, there are only three good reasons why the show was so successful, and their names are Robert Kirkman (obviously), Frank Darabont (even IMDB lists him as the ‘creator’ of the show, and Greg Nicotero. The overwhelming success of the show has even gone so far as to cause horror master Stephen King and Joe Hill to want to pen an episode! But what usually happens when you remove possibly the most important force behind the shows existence? You get a very disillusioned crew that fails to give their best. You get far less than what you had before. You have a failure waiting to happen.

Ok, so truth be told, as a fan of the show I will of course be watching the new season and reporting on its inevitable demise. The Creepercast WILL still present the ‘The Walking Dead’ live fancast every Sunday night that it airs. After all, it is the only zombie show on TV and like we are going to miss it. But I sincerely hope AMC reconsiders their position before it really does Crash. Or maybe, by some miracle, the show might survive being castrated. I wouldn’t be against hoping for it to happen.

Farewell for now from the beasts and I,
til next we bleed…
Jeff (JP)
http://sayviorssermons.blogspot.com

Help Fund the Completion of a Horror Slasher Film!

That's right folks, I'm asking for help to complete a script that has taken 3 years to get completed. Your monetary donation will give me the ability to take the time necessary to get it done! Here's the info...



Currently seeking funding toward supplementing the completion of the script for 'No Trespassing,' a horror/slasher/thriller intended to be filmed in Oregon upon completion.

Loglines

Bickering brothers lead their clueless friends on a camping adventure that finds them in a struggle for survival as they are hunted for trespassing.

OR

It’s more than mere sport when an irate hermit struggles to keep wayward misfits from trespassing on his hunting ground.

In a world of horror franchise reboots it's time for something different! 'No Trespassing' uses a blend of traditional and original story telling techniques that pay homage to the masters of the genre while seeking its own place amongst them.

There are once in a lifetime Pledge rewards attached that include everything from heart felt love, adoration, and gratitude to copies of the script. Check out the link below to learn more and thanks in advance!
JP

Fund A Unique Horror Film that Urges 'No Trespassing'

I Saw the Devil (2010)

http://www.isawthedevilmovie.com/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588170/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Saw_the_Devil

My synopsis: This is a serial killer movie and a revenge movie. It’s mostly a revenge movie. The serial killer is the bad guy. Or is it the cop? It’s definitely the serial killer or the cop.

Comments:
Yeah, I've really been on this Asian film kick lately and this one comes highly acclaimed from Sundance, Toronto Film Fest and SXSW. It’s been billed as an action, thriller, and horror film. The 'horror' tag is what brought it to The Creepercast and honestly that description is tenuous. But you can hear Jason tirade about that on the podcast (Creepercast Episode 28: I saw the devil and he is Jason!). I am going to discuss all three tags and probably will end up defending it as a horror movie of sorts...

To read more visit www.creepercast.com!

No Trespassing (someday soon I hope!)

'No Trespassing' is a horror/thriller/slasher flick Jason and I have been working on since college. Some of you already know that I am an aspiring screenwriter and with Creepercast and all those horror reviews it's pretty obvious what my chosen genre is. If you look through older posts you'll even find loglines to script ideas currently in progress. Being the oldest of the stories working on, 'No Trespassing' haunts my every day/night since it is still more of a concept then a reality. In a world of remakes it's time for some original horror material so it's time to make it a reality! Check out the info...

Log Lines:
Bickering brothers lead their clueless friends on a camping adventure that finds them in a struggle for survival as they are hunted for trespassing.
OR
It’s more than mere sport when an irate hermit struggles to keep wayward misfits from trespassing on his hunting ground!

'No Trespassing' uses a blend of traditional and original story telling techniques that pay homage to the masters of the genre while seeking its own place amongst them. The story itself is comprised of themes like personal struggle, friendships and family, good times, the hunting culture, and the voyeuristic horrors that grace the pages of every daily newspaper. It is intended as a study of the human condition that uses the tried and true slasher style movie mold. It's not all seriousness of course. The script promises the same thrills, and more, than you expect from the genre! Upon completion of the script it is our goal to go into full production using the Oregon wilderness as our backdrop.

As we work to make this script come to life I will constantly keep all you awesome readers informed. Just keep visiting this page, because believe it or not in the end, it is all of you that can eventually make this film happen!

Some Guy Who Kills People (2011?)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568341/
http://www.someguywhokillspeople.com


My Synopsis: There’s this guy right, we’ll call him Every-Guy-Who-Has-Survived Childhood-Prosecution But-Not-Without-Several-Years-of-Therapy; or Some Guy works too. More importantly, he kills people. No, really, it’s in the title and this movie title doesn’t lie.

***Getting a hold of this movie was major for us at the Creepercast, written by Ryan Levin, Directed by Jack Perez, starring Kevin Corrigan, Barry Bostwick and Karen Black it is a truly entertaining dark comedic horror. For the full review we ask that you visit www.creepercast.com

Here's what the creators think of the review!
On Jun 13, 2011, at 2:36 PM, Ryan Levin wrote:

Thank you so much for the incredibly generous review. I’m extremely flattered you enjoyed the film as much as you did, and I’m extremely appreciative that you shared that enjoyment with your readers. I’m really just thrilled that someone would want write such an extensive and complimentary review of the film. Thank you both so much. The podcast will be a blast.
Talk soon.
--Ryan

Dear Jeff & Jason,

Just wanted to thank you for your extremely thoughtful and kind review of SOME GUY. Your examination was superb - you clearly "got" the movie in spades. So happy you enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to the podcast and speaking with you directly.

Many thanks again!

best,
Jack Perez

So if you do a Google search for the as yet unreleased dark horror comedy - Some Guy Who Kills People - you will find my Creepercast review as the 8th result! If you haven't checked it out yet you should, help make it number 1! ;-)

In the meantime i will keep you all posted on the upcoming podcast review, interviews with Jack Perez and Ryan Levin, and anything else 'Some Guy' related! Follow me here, on the Creeepercast site, or the Creepercast facebook fanpage (http://www.facebook.com/creepercast) for more info!