John Otteni

I made a mockumentary about hunting vampires

Shocktober Day 8: Nightbreed

Nightbreed (1990)

I really wasn’t looking forward to following up Hellbound: Hellraiser II with yet another Clive Barker-related project. Thankfully, I’m glad to say Nightbreed is a better film. Not significantly better, but better. Based on Barker’s 1988 novel Cabal, Nightbreed was as well adapted for the screen and directed by Barker. A film of great ambition, Barker dreamed of making the “Star Wars of horror” with an epic story of man vs monster. Unfortunately, the edit of the film was massacred by the studio and dumped into theaters with little to no marketing. The end result was a bomb that few people liked before it vanquished into obscurity.

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Shocktober Day 7: Hellbound: Hellraiser II

Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

Hellbound: Hellraiser II is a miserable experience. I doubt any other film I watch this Shocktober will come close to the unpleasantness of this confused, sadomasochist clip show. Not to mention how disappointed I was considering I was interested in watching this film. I enjoyed the first Hellraiser. Written and directed by Clive Barker, based on his own novella The Hellbound Heart, Hellraiser was a film with a disturbing yet unique mythology and amazing practical effects. The film was no doubt cheesy with dopey speeches and melodramatic characters, but it was original–think Nightmare on Elm Street by way of H.R. Giger.

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Rokk Talk Ep. 05: Eight Days a Week

Help! I need a podcast! Help! Not just any podcast! Help! You know I need a podcast, HELP! Well, help is on the way with Rokk Talk. This week, John and Colin review Ron Howard’s 2016 Beatles documentary, Eight Days a Week: The Touring Years. Additionally, John and Colin list their top ten favorite early Beatles songs. Oh you know it’s true.

Click continue reading below if you want to see John and Colin’s lists without listening to the podcast. Because who has time for that?

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Shocktober Day 6: Angel Heart

Angel Heart (1987)

Angel Heart is the film your smug film buddy name drops and then says, “Wait, you haven’t seen Angel Heart?” Well, I’ve got news for you, buddy, I have seen it. I think the reason not many people have seen Angel Heart is because it’s a difficult film to sell. It’s kind of noir, kind of horror, kind of fantasy, kind of all over the place. Also, it stars Mickey Rourke who’s career fell into limbo not long after. Though Rourke did do some interesting work. I’m not sure if I love Angel Heart but it holds my attention. I mean, this is Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke at the top of their game.

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Shocktober Day 5: Jaws the Revenge

Jaws the Revenge (1987)

Jaws the Revenge has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. Only a handful of films share this distinction. We’re talking about films like; Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever, Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser, Look Who’s Talking Now, etc. Is Jaws the Revenge as bad as those films? The answer is no. Jaws the Revenge isn’t even the worst Jaws movie. That distinction goes to the laughably cheesy Jaws 3-D. Though Jaws the Revenge is the most depressing. It’s depressing because it’s a desperate attempt to squeeze whatever’s left from the wrinkled teat of a once promising cash cow. It’s not as bad as everyone says, but that doesn’t justify its existence.

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Shocktober Day 4: Children of the Corn

Children of the Corn (1984)

Though many consider Children of the Corn a bad film (I do) it’s a perfect example of Stephen King’s ability to world-build. Chew on this kernel, Children of the Corn has a made-for-TV-remake and SEVEN SEQUELS with another on the way! This was a short story with a strong enough concept to generate nine adaptations. A story short enough to fit in a 1977 issue of Penthouse. If that’s not the product of a talented mind I don’t know what is. It’s a shame not much of that talent translates to the screen.

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Shocktober Day 3: Jaws 3-D

Jaws 3-D (1983)

Some things aren’t built to last. Case in point: Jaws 3-D. But how did we get here? On June 20th, 1975, a film about a killer shark from a fledgling filmmaker was released. The film cost 9 million dollars and made 470 million dollars. Due to its action, suspense and high box office return, the film is known today as the first blockbuster.

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