Top 5 Kickstarter Tips

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

After raising over $54,000 on our first Kickstarter campaign, we learned quite a lot that we didn’t know before. Here are our top 5 tips!

5. Build a Team
There’s a lot of work that goes into running a Kickstarter campaign. There’s emailing all of your friends, posting social media updates, writing Kickstarter updates or blog posts, reaching out to bloggers and journalists, possibly making update videos, creating sexy graphics and more. Trust me, you don’t want to do this alone. With people on your team, you can get more work done, reach more people faster, have someone to bounce ideas off and definitely have someone to share your pain with. If you’re making a film project, your team might include your producers, crew members & cast members. Get them on board from the start, so you can start doing way more than you would otherwise.

4. Offer Rewards That You Would Want
No matter how cool your project is, it’s really hard to get people to spend money. So you really have to put yourself in the shoes of the people checking out your page. Some folks back projects on Kickstarter because they know the creator personally. They want to support their friends. Others really like the concept. It speaks to them. And other people want something really cool that they might not be able to get anywhere else. When we made our initial limited run of Awesome Asian Bad Guys t-shirts before launching our Kickstarter, strangers on the street responded right away. They would tell us that the shirt was cool and would ask where they could get one. I think that’s what you want to offer in your rewards, something that really gets people excited and stands alone as independently awesome.

3. Reach out to Find Supporters
When you launch a Kickstarter campaign, it’s not like all of a sudden pledges are just going to start flooding in by themselves. You have to get the word out. Initially, this might mean emailing your friends and family, who you know have your back. You might even find yourself contacting old college and high school friends. That’s what I did. But you should also have an idea of blogs and websites with existing readers and followers that might like your project. We knew Awesome Asian Bad Guys would appeal to the Asian American community, so we researched lots of Asian and Asian American bloggers. We sent them brief emails explaining the project, why we were passionate about making it and why it was relevant to their audience. While most emails we sent were never replied, some were. And the plan is to stay in touch with these bloggers and journalists, so they’ll help us get the word out as we prep the shoot and eventually put the project out into the world.

2. Regularly Update Your Supporters
At first, the number of supporters you have is going to be really small. These first backers will likely be people you know, family and friends. My brother, best friend and college buddy were some of the first backers we had on the first day. Honestly, it felt strange to write regular updates about our progress at first because there were so few people supporting us. But writing Kickstarter updates can be very powerful. They help you celebrate all of the success you’ve had thus far in positive and personal manner. They allow you to share snazzy graphics and new videos that you might have posted to FB or Twitter that your backers haven’t seen yet. They also make it easy for your backers to follow your story and stay updated on your progress. Your backers are really a huge help in getting the word out about your project. If you don’t keep them informed and excited, they’ll stop talking about your cool project. Don’t let that happen. Give them the ammo they need to fight for you!

1. Prepare to be Stressed Out
Launching a Kickstarter campaign that gets funded can be incredibly exciting and rewarding. You can get increased exposure, new fans and money to make your project. However, there’s going to be ups and downs throughout the entire process. The middle part of your campaign will likely be very slow with not much activity. This part sucks big time. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re still far away from your goal. But hang in there because it gets better. Don’t stop believin’!

What did you think of Kickstarter and our Kickstarter campaign? Leave us a comment, and let us know! Or feel free to send me at tweet at @Dypiangco.

Tagged as: Awesome Asian Bad Guys, crowdfunding, Kickstarter, Stephen Dypiangco

April Screening: ‘C.H.U.D’ (1984) & ‘The Stuff’ (1985)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

We’re proud to announce that April 24th is MUTATION NIGHT!

That’s right, the atrocities bestowed by man upon the earth and their effect on us are some of the most terrifying known to science. And what better platform to exploit these fears than the horror genre!

First up we will be screening the wonderfully titled 1984 cult classic C.H.U.D (that’s Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers for those of you who are curious), a terrific little B-movie that’s garnered quite the loyal following in the years since its arguably flaccid theatrical release. An awesome cast (including John Heard and Daniel Stern), gritty NYC setting, charming rubbery creatures and a firmly tongue-in-cheek approach make this often unseen flick a true keeper.

We will then close the night with Larry Cohen’s similarly obscure 1985 midnight movie The Stuff! The bonkers little film tells the tale of a mysterious goo that oozes from the earth and is sneakily packaged and sold to the public as a new taste sensation, all the while slowly turning the population into brain dead zombies! This is easily one of Cohen’s most underrated – and gooey! – efforts to date.

In addition to the above gems we’ll also have some nifty giveaways in tow and other gnarly nonsense to keep us all amused. Oh, and they serve booze at the bar too!

So what the hell are you waiting for, fellins? Mark down the date and exorcise all your plans – Bar303 and its horrific inhabitants await you on April 24th at 7pm!

$10 for an annual membership to the best horror film society in Melbourne or a gold coin donation at the door.

- Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

August Screening: ‘The Exorcist III’ (1990) and ‘The Manitou’ (1978)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Three screenings down, three more to go. Is it us or is this year creeping by uber fast? Somehow it feels like there’s just not enough horror in the galaxy to satisfy our diseased palettes. However, we’re hoping our devilish August double feature will change all that!

That’s right, fellins. Next month we aim to lead all of you into the confessional booth with a devious pairing of unholy abominations fit to deliver even the most sinful among you from the evils of bad cinema. That is, anything that isn’t horror cinema! We feel everybody needs a little divine intervention from time to time and why not do so in the company of a rockus crowd of fellow fright fans?

Oh yes. The Melbourne Horror Film Society is proud to bring you: POSSESSION NIGHT!

First up we’ll kick off the evening’s festivities with one of the most underrated genre titles of the 90s – William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist III. Before you can say “another lame sequel about a possessed little girl?” this bad boy will rip the rosary beads right out from under your neck before you even get to your first Hail Mary. A gritty, sombre and unforgivably moody detective thriller, the film tells the story of Georgetown police lieutenant Kinderman (George C. Scott) on the hunt for a serial killer who targets victims connected to the catholic church. Through the consultation of a mental patient dubbed ‘The Gemini Killer’ (the always reliable Brad Dourif), Kinderman puts his life on the line in a last ditch effort to catch the maniac and put an end to the unspeakable evil. Critically and commercially misunderstood upon its initial release, The Exorcist III has since garnered quite the cult following among a devoted legion of fans who recognize the film for its philosophically challenging subtext and impressively sinister atmosphere, standing alone as a distinctly unique entry from its more renowned original.

To cap the night off we will then treat you all to the sheer lunacy that is William Girdler’s terminally bonkers possession flick The Manitou. Sure to be one of the most absurdly entertaining 104 minutes you’ll ever spend at the movies, this one details the unfortunate events surrounding a psychic’s girlfriend (Susan Strasberg) who finds out that a gestating lump on her back is a growing reincarnation of a 400 year-old demonic Native American spirit, hell bent on wrecking havoc upon the earth for the decimation of mankind. Think we’re kidding? Let’s just say the inclusion of a hopelessly confused Tony Curtis only makes the nonsense all the more enjoyable.

So what are you waiting for? Mark the date and join us for a drink and some eclectic sinema at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday August 28th at 7pm sharp! As usual our membership fees are minimal: a mini membership will cost you $10 while a full membership will only set you back $20.

Oh, and there’ll be giveaways too

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

Beasts of the southern wild-Thursday, January 10th

I can not tell you how I'm excited to see this film. I first saw the trailer several months ago and it literally got chills. Watch the trailer and you'll see what I mean. So needless to say, I can't wait for Thursday night (10 January) when we show it to StageNorth. In fact, this movie seems so great that we show it twice: ago one morning at 5: 30, where children under 12 years can get in for $3, and our regular screening at 7: 30 and I would not be surprised if the two indices are exhausted.

If you are not familiar with the film, it is the story of Hushpuppy (Quvenzhane Wallis), a fearless 6-year-old girl who lives with her father, wink (Dwight Henry), in the bathtub, a community of southern Delta on the edge of the world. Tough love blink of eye make him for the break-up of the universe; for once, when it is no longer there to protect it. When Wink contracted a mysterious disease, nature bird out of whack, the temperature increases and melting ice caps, raising an army of prehistoric creatures called aurochs. Waters rising, the coming of the aurochs and fading health of Wink, Hushpuppy goes in search of his lost mother.

And any evidence, William and Henry, and many other members of the cast, absolute knockout performances in this fantastic story strange and moving. Don't Miss It!

Go to the cinema.

 

December Screening: ‘Christmas Evil’ (1980) and ‘New Year’s Evil’ (1980)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

For every horror fan, the inevitable wake after a wild Halloween involves much pain and heart break. Spooky spirits dwindle. Evil grins fade. A once-great appetite for life and death fades away, leaving nothing more but a mere metaphorical tapeworm withering away in its own filth.

It’s true. We live in slime.

With that said, the close of one devilish year brings forth the birth of a new and horrorphiles still have some bite left in their bit. Thus, we’ve compiled a killer double feature you’re bound not to find on any hokey wish list. Matter of fact, if you pay close attention it may even teach you the true meanings of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The Melbourne Horror Film Society is proud to bring you: FESTEVIL NIGHT!

First up is Lewis Jackson’s oddball black comedy chiller Christmas Evil (aka You Better Watch Out!). Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggert) is obsessed with Christmas. In fact he wants to “be” the authentic Santa Claus with a real suit, sleigh and reindeer. Ever since his childhood he’s wanted to make Christmas a reality, despite naysayers and critics who mock him for his yuletide beliefs. Thing is, Harry feels he owes it to those around him to give them the gifts they deserve…even if the gift is murder! Falsely marketed at the time as a conventional slasher film featuring a bonkers maniac in a Santa suit, Christmas Evil is far more a bizarre psychological character study injected with pitch black humor than anything resembling the cheap shocks of the later Silent Night, Deadly Night. It also features one of the most surreal endings to ever come out of a stuffed stocking.

After you’ve all had your jolly fat man fix we’ll round things out with the nihilistic stalker flick New Year’s Evil. While hosting a televised New Year’s Eve concert, Blaze (Roz Kelly) receives an on air call from a mysterious man going by the name ‘Evil’. The man (Kip Nivan) informs the show’s viewers of his plan to kill someone every time the clock strikes midnight in each time zone.  With the police on the madman’s tail and the city in a panic, Blaze does everything she can to stop from becoming ‘Evil’s final victim of the night. On the surface one could discount Emmet Alston’s film as a relatively straightforward stalk-and-slash outing. However, the screenplay diverts from many of the sub-genre’s more established conventions and instills a rather palpable sense of unease and gritty atmosphere rarely seen in films of its ilk. A true buzz-killer for anyone looking to walk the streets at night at 2am on January 1st, 2013!

2012 is nearly over, Rover! So why not round it out with us by way of a drink and some fiendish festive thrills at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday December 18th at 7pm sharp. As usual our membership fees are minimal: a mini membership will cost you $10 while a full membership will only set you back $20.

Giveaways in tow!

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

February Screening: ‘The Burning’ (1981) and ‘Pieces’ (1982)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Happy New Year, fellins!

Firstly, we would like to thank everybody who showed their support for the society during 2011; we appreciate you all very much and hope you enjoyed our demented program and all the subsequent sleepless nights endured. Don’t worry, there’ll be more of those to come in the year ahead!

Speaking of coming attractions, 2012 will see the Melbourne Horror Film Society making a few changes to its usual yearly line up of screenings. Firstly, we’ve decided to run our gatherings on a bi-monthly basis with the intention of making them more of an ‘event’ rather than a routine series of screenings. Furthermore, we will now be programing double features instead of standard single sessions, so more bang for your buck! And to add to the suspense (that’s right, we can hear you quivering in your boots) we will also keep these films a secret until official announcement through our various social networking platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) so as to keep you all guessing what horrors will be unleashed upon your unsuspecting minds come movie night! We’ll also be treating you all to the chance for prizes and other ghastly goodies should you decide to join us in our frenzied nerdiness. And honestly, why wouldn’t you?

Thus, this would make for an opportune moment to unveil our first double feature for 2012!

Drum roll, please…

The Burning and Pieces take the cake!

Oh yes, February will see a deliciously nasty pairing of slasher classics take the screen, both famous and infamous titles in their own right. For those yet to have embraced their brilliance, the former showcases some of FX maestro Tom Savini’s finest work while the latter is perhaps the most insane Spanish-US stalker epic to ever be birthed from the minds of a cluelessly inept film crew. In plain English, they’re AWESOME.

Well, that’s enough gibberish from us for now! So please, mark down the date of February 28th in your diary and come on down to Bar303, Northcote from 7pm (yes, we’re starting half an hour earlier from now on to make time for two features) and enjoy a night of fine film, fine wine and even finer eclectic personalities.

See you then!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

Film for a short duration of Attention Saturday, April 14 @ 19: 30

It is here. It's finally here. A short Attention span film is this Saturday, April 14 at StageNorth. At 19: 30 (or a bit earlier, if we get amped completely and do can not wait more) we'll start to play a short film after another until we can't frickin' the supporter. And it's going to be awesome. We have happy sad and those that are not too terribly much sense, but they are super cool yet somehow. Make all the plenary Shootin' match' is free. You heard me: free! So stop now, take a beer and stitch. Who knows, maybe even drink signature short...

First Position-Tuesday, December 11 @ 19: 30

We will show the latest film in our fall 2012 season this coming week. Wow, this season has been very rapid. Join us at StageNorth on Tuesday, December 11 for the first Position (2011, 90 minutes), a documentary that follows six young dancers who are preparing for one of most prestigious competition of ballet in the world, the Youth America Grand Prix. The film, by Bess Kargman, captures not only the struggles and challenges of these young artists, but also their immense talent, passion and dedication. The event, starting at 19: 30, will also feature performances of two groups of the school of dance of Ashland (just before the movie). Admission is $ 7 for general public, $6 society members/students and free for the Northland College students. To learn more about the film, go to: www.balletdocumentary.com

Go to the cinema.

November Screening: People Under The Stairs (Dir Wes Craven 1991)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

“In every neighborhood there is one house that adults whisper about and children cross the street to avoid.”

This month film is Bob’s favourite; People Under The Stairs. About 10 years after releasing Swamp Thing, Wes Craven delivered this over the top urban myth. Everitt McGill and Wendy Robie from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks play the insane ma and pa who run the classic scary-looking house that’s every foster kids worst nightmare. For some reason this film reminds me of the Goonies….perhaps its the ending. Either way, Craven delivers social commentary, child abuse, incest, gimp suits, a very large dog, pant-wetting over the topness and best of all; kids outwitting crazy adults and I think we can all get behind that!

Join us at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 29th November at 7:30pm to catch the craziness, incest and gimp suits. As usual our membership fees are minimal: a 3 film pass will cost you $10 and a 12 film pass will only set you back $25.

See you then, maniacs!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

October Screening: Trick ‘r Treat (Dir Michael Dougherty 2007)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Thanks to all those who came along to last months screening of A Tale of Two Sisters! Might we say it was an awesome turn out and great discussion was had afterward about the twisted masterpiece in question – just ask James the bartender!

In light of all hallow’s eve (the juiciest time of the year of course), we’ve decided to switch movies around this month in favour of Michael Dougherty’s halloween-themed anthology romp Trick ‘r Treat! No matter if you’re a newfound newbie, a modest fan or a seasoned veteran of the fright scene, Dougherty’s film has something for everybody and is by far one of the most enjoyable times you’ll have being scared (no, we did not intentionally rip that from the tagline of Creepshow. Honest).

In addition to our spooktacular feature, we’ll also be screening a short horror film entitled T is for Talk Radio, the latest work by local Melbourne aspiring filmmaker Paul Anthony Nelson. It’s a deliciously nasty little nightmare and is sure to set the scene nicely for the ensuing mayhem thereafter. We’ll also have some neat giveaways afterward

So! Join us for a drink and some eclectic sinema at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 25th October at 7:30pm. As usual our membership fees are minimal: a 3 film pass will cost you $10 and a 12 film pass will only set you back $25.

See you then, cretins! Happy Halloween!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

Queen of Versailles Thursday Jan 24 @ 19: 30

Please join us Thursday, January 24 for the Queen of Versailles documentary. We will screening of the movie at 19: 30 in StageNorth. The film follows a billionaire couple they begin construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles. Over the next two years, their empire, fueled by the housing bubble and the cheap money falters because of the economic crisis. As usual, admission is $ 7 for general public, $6 for students and members of the society and free to Northland College-level students. Check out the trailer (above) or learn more about the film on IMDB.

The best hotel in Marigold exotic-September 25

Starring Bill Nighy, Judy Dench and Maggie Smith, the exotic Marigold Hotel Best (2011, PG-13, 124 minutes) tells the story of a group of British retirees who move to India to live in what is presented as a majestic and newly restored hotel. While they discover the ease to be less that perfect, Marigold hotel is always be a wonderful place in an unexpected way. Join us for this first film in our line up fall 2012 and monitor the other films coming soon. Go to the cinema.

The neophytes and a farm (with food) mixer - Tuesday, November 13

On Tuesday, November 13, we show the critically acclaimed documentary the neophytes, the movie 2012 Pam Troxell Memorial. As the site bed movies: film neophyte The, completed after almost 3 years in production, explores the life of the community of young farmers of America, his mind, practices and needs. It is the hope of the filmmaker through the stories and the voices of these young farmers, we can build the case for those considering a career in agriculture - emboldened to encourage and recruit them in agriculture.

To learn more about the film and the plu movement it represents, go to www.thegreenhorns.net.

But wait there is more. We do not show only the film, we are also holding a mixer of farm with a start to the meal (from pork and three sides vegan/gluten-free) local food at 18 the cost of lunch is $ 10 per person. It is a chance only to connect with our Community farmers, old and new. Cat. Share a meal. Ask questions. Find out where does your food come from.

Then, we will show the film at 19: 30 ($5 per person) followed by a discussion of agricultural experts immediately after the movie. Join us for this evening of cinema, agriculture and conversation. It will be a great. The event is also sponsored by the Chequamegon food co-op.

Go to the cinema.

The wall-Friday 30 March @ 19: 30

Your life is too normal lately? All around you has been done far too much sense? We have the solution to your problem. Come join us for a screening of classic film Pink Floyd The Wall. It's weird. Super Weird. And awesome at the same time. If you've never seen it check out the trailer below to get a little vague idea of what I'm talking about the subject. If you have seen it...well, you know what I mean.

The official description of the film reads: "the wall is a 1982 live action/animated musical film directed by Alan Parker based on the Pink Floyd album 1979 of the same name." The screenplay was written by Pink Floyd vocalist and bassist Roger Waters. The film is highly metaphorical and is full of sounds and symbolic images. It has very little dialogue and is mainly explained by the music of Pink Floyd".

That's all right, but it does not even begin to describe the film. She is asked, it is dark, it is nuanced. Somehow, the words chaotic and melancholic both come to mind. But before all its weird. And I mean that in the best sense absolute. I really don't know what else to say about this film, it kind of defies description. Come and see, okay? Saturday, 30 March, at 19: 30 in StageNorth. Admission is $7 for general public, $6 for students and members of the company and free for the Northland College students.

Overall, you're just another brick in the wall.

 

August Screening: ‘The Exorcist III’ (1990) and ‘The Manitou’ (1978)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Three screenings down, three more to go. Is it us or is this year creeping by uber fast? Somehow it feels like there’s just not enough horror in the galaxy to satisfy our diseased palettes. However, we’re hoping our devilish August double feature will change all that!

That’s right, fellins. Next month we aim to lead all of you into the confessional booth with a devious pairing of unholy abominations fit to deliver even the most sinful among you from the evils of bad cinema. That is, anything that isn’t horror cinema! We feel everybody needs a little divine intervention from time to time and why not do so in the company of a rockus crowd of fellow fright fans?

Oh yes. The Melbourne Horror Film Society is proud to bring you: POSSESSION NIGHT!

First up we’ll kick off the evening’s festivities with one of the most underrated genre titles of the 90s – William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist III. Before you can say “another lame sequel about a possessed little girl?” this bad boy will rip the rosary beads right out from under your neck before you even get to your first Hail Mary. A gritty, sombre and unforgivably moody detective thriller, the film tells the story of Georgetown police lieutenant Kinderman (George C. Scott) on the hunt for a serial killer who targets victims connected to the catholic church. Through the consultation of a mental patient dubbed ‘The Gemini Killer’ (the always reliable Brad Dourif), Kinderman puts his life on the line in a last ditch effort to catch the maniac and put an end to the unspeakable evil. Critically and commercially misunderstood upon its initial release, The Exorcist III has since garnered quite the cult following among a devoted legion of fans who recognize the film for its philosophically challenging subtext and impressively sinister atmosphere, standing alone as a distinctly unique entry from its more renowned original.

To cap the night off we will then treat you all to the sheer lunacy that is William Girdler’s terminally bonkers possession flick The Manitou. Sure to be one of the most absurdly entertaining 104 minutes you’ll ever spend at the movies, this one details the unfortunate events surrounding a psychic’s girlfriend (Susan Strasberg) who finds out that a gestating lump on her back is a growing reincarnation of a 400 year-old demonic Native American spirit, hell bent on wrecking havoc upon the earth for the decimation of mankind. Think we’re kidding? Let’s just say the inclusion of a hopelessly confused Tony Curtis only makes the nonsense all the more enjoyable.

So what are you waiting for? Mark the date and join us for a drink and some eclectic sinema at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday August 28th at 7pm sharp! As usual our membership fees are minimal: a mini membership will cost you $10 while a full membership will only set you back $20.

Oh, and there’ll be giveaways too

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

December Screening: Black Christmas (Dir Bob Clark 1974)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

“Agnes, It’s Billy! Don’t tell what we did!”

It’s CHOPPING TIME! Oh yes, the Christmas spirit has arrived and will soon be dispatched with a trusty ice sculpture to the heart! Moreover, we thought we’d celebrate the new years fear with a relatively illusive Canadian classic, a nasty little tidbit we know you’re all bound to find more than a might delectable

One of the most influential horror movies ever made, Bob Clark’s Black Christmas (not to be confused with the godawful Glen Morgan-directed remake from 2006) was a litte-known genre oddity when it was released back in 74' but would go on to arguably give precedence for almost every slasher flick produced this side of Carpenter’s Halloween. Featuring cemented staples of the subgenre such as a house chock full of nubile unsuspecting prey, camera work shot exclusively from the killer’s point of view, red herrings, hapless law enforcement…the works. It’s also uniquely atmospheric and genuinely creepy (something sorely lacking in many contemporary stalker pics) and propositions one of the most unforgettable villains in recent (or any!) memory.

So, if you’re feeling a little joyless and devoid of any Christmas purpose this year then why not let us give you a gift! Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 27th December at 7:30pm is where we’ll be and as usual memberships are available on the night for all yet to be corrupted/converted.

See you then, little elves. Don’t drink too much Kool-Aid!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

November Screening: People Under The Stairs (Dir Wes Craven 1991)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

“In every neighborhood there is one house that adults whisper about and children cross the street to avoid.”

This month film is Bob’s favourite; People Under The Stairs. About 10 years after releasing Swamp Thing, Wes Craven delivered this over the top urban myth. Everitt McGill and Wendy Robie from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks play the insane ma and pa who run the classic scary-looking house that’s every foster kids worst nightmare. For some reason this film reminds me of the Goonies….perhaps its the ending. Either way, Craven delivers social commentary, child abuse, incest, gimp suits, a very large dog, pant-wetting over the topness and best of all; kids outwitting crazy adults and I think we can all get behind that!

Join us at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 29th November at 7:30pm to catch the craziness, incest and gimp suits. As usual our membership fees are minimal: a 3 film pass will cost you $10 and a 12 film pass will only set you back $25.

See you then, maniacs!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

August Screening: ‘The Exorcist III’ (1990) and ‘The Manitou’ (1978)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Three screenings down, three more to go. Is it us or is this year creeping by uber fast? Somehow it feels like there’s just not enough horror in the galaxy to satisfy our diseased palettes. However, we’re hoping our devilish August double feature will change all that!

That’s right, fellins. Next month we aim to lead all of you into the confessional booth with a devious pairing of unholy abominations fit to deliver even the most sinful among you from the evils of bad cinema. That is, anything that isn’t horror cinema! We feel everybody needs a little divine intervention from time to time and why not do so in the company of a rockus crowd of fellow fright fans?

Oh yes. The Melbourne Horror Film Society is proud to bring you: POSSESSION NIGHT!

First up we’ll kick off the evening’s festivities with one of the most underrated genre titles of the 90s – William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist III. Before you can say “another lame sequel about a possessed little girl?” this bad boy will rip the rosary beads right out from under your neck before you even get to your first Hail Mary. A gritty, sombre and unforgivably moody detective thriller, the film tells the story of Georgetown police lieutenant Kinderman (George C. Scott) on the hunt for a serial killer who targets victims connected to the catholic church. Through the consultation of a mental patient dubbed ‘The Gemini Killer’ (the always reliable Brad Dourif), Kinderman puts his life on the line in a last ditch effort to catch the maniac and put an end to the unspeakable evil. Critically and commercially misunderstood upon its initial release, The Exorcist III has since garnered quite the cult following among a devoted legion of fans who recognize the film for its philosophically challenging subtext and impressively sinister atmosphere, standing alone as a distinctly unique entry from its more renowned original.

To cap the night off we will then treat you all to the sheer lunacy that is William Girdler’s terminally bonkers possession flick The Manitou. Sure to be one of the most absurdly entertaining 104 minutes you’ll ever spend at the movies, this one details the unfortunate events surrounding a psychic’s girlfriend (Susan Strasberg) who finds out that a gestating lump on her back is a growing reincarnation of a 400 year-old demonic Native American spirit, hell bent on wrecking havoc upon the earth for the decimation of mankind. Think we’re kidding? Let’s just say the inclusion of a hopelessly confused Tony Curtis only makes the nonsense all the more enjoyable.

So what are you waiting for? Mark the date and join us for a drink and some eclectic sinema at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday August 28th at 7pm sharp! As usual our membership fees are minimal: a mini membership will cost you $10 while a full membership will only set you back $20.

Oh, and there’ll be giveaways too

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

October Screening: Trick ‘r Treat (Dir Michael Dougherty 2007)

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota

 

Thanks to all those who came along to last months screening of A Tale of Two Sisters! Might we say it was an awesome turn out and great discussion was had afterward about the twisted masterpiece in question – just ask James the bartender!

In light of all hallow’s eve (the juiciest time of the year of course), we’ve decided to switch movies around this month in favour of Michael Dougherty’s halloween-themed anthology romp Trick ‘r Treat! No matter if you’re a newfound newbie, a modest fan or a seasoned veteran of the fright scene, Dougherty’s film has something for everybody and is by far one of the most enjoyable times you’ll have being scared (no, we did not intentionally rip that from the tagline of Creepshow. Honest).

In addition to our spooktacular feature, we’ll also be screening a short horror film entitled T is for Talk Radio, the latest work by local Melbourne aspiring filmmaker Paul Anthony Nelson. It’s a deliciously nasty little nightmare and is sure to set the scene nicely for the ensuing mayhem thereafter. We’ll also have some neat giveaways afterward

So! Join us for a drink and some eclectic sinema at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 25th October at 7:30pm. As usual our membership fees are minimal: a 3 film pass will cost you $10 and a 12 film pass will only set you back $25.

See you then, cretins! Happy Halloween!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

Oscar Watch: A Dangerous Prediction

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On December 31st, 2011, the New York Times published its three top film critics’ picks for the 2012 Oscar nominations. After a month of seeing every film in theaters, I excitedly awaited a lovely sense of accomplishment at having seen most of the movies on the list. Oh, how wrong I was. To my shock (and disappointment), added to my obvious predictions (Tree of Life, The Descendents, Hugo, etc.), were many films that I had missed. And some that I hadn’t even heard of. Even more shocking than the movie list, however, was the complete lack of agreement between the three critics. The only film that A.O. Scott, Manohla Dargis, and Stephen Holden could agree on was David Cronenberg’s A Dangerous Method. I had to see that movie. 

A Dangerous Method has some wonderful attributes. I’m a particular sucker for a period piece and Method’s sets, costumes, and make-up were all up to par (especially after seeing J.Edgar, a movie where I couldn’t wait for the main character to die so that the film would be over). Michael Fassbender and Viggo Mortensen both deliver thoughtful and entertaining performances. And I must say that I was impressed by Cronenberg’s variability, especially after seeing Videodrome, which I can safely say is one of my least favorite films of all time. The film also did a nice job of laying out Freud’s principles, his relationship to Jung, and what the field of psychology would have been like at the time that the film is set. Unlike J.Edgar, I felt that I actually knew enough about what was going on to compliment the film. 

Yet, for me, A Dangerous Method failed to elicit any true catharsis. No matter how much I liked or disliked the main characters, I never felt with them, and barely ever for them. On the part of Keira Knightly, this was merely due to poor acting. Although Knightly has never been my favorite, I’ve never been offended by her presence on screen. Until now. From the very beginning, her portrayal of Jung’s patient was forced and unrealistic. Her accent was almost as distracting as the age makeup of J.Edgar. In terms of Fassbender’s character, Jung, acting was not to blame, but rather the character’s overall development. The unsympathetic nature of the main character hindered the plot. I wanted to see the pains of making his decision— to watch him weigh the costs and benefits. Instead, I only saw his decisions’ consequences. In terms of Viggo Mortensen, he was barely in the film at all. I can safely blame the lack of Freud’s character development on script problems rather than completely on acting or directing. Perhaps, in reality, the small character of Jung’s wife, Emma, was actually the film’s most well developed character. I sympathized with her, even though I didn’t necessarily support her viewpoint, desire the same outcome as she did, or really even like her.  

Yet another problem with the film, one that I feel Cronenberg must have had something to do with, was the insistance on bringing telepathy into the plot. In the film, Freud himself says that any preoccupation with telepathy is foolhardy and detracts from the scientific nature of psychology. I would agree with Freud, and advise Cronenberg in the same manner about the use of telepathy in his film: junk it. It made a perfectly realistic, serious film seem flimsy and meandering. 

Apparently the Academy was just as confused as I was about the NYT critics’ selection. Although there were nine Best Picture Nominees, A Dangerous Method was not one of them. In fact, the film actually received a grand total of ZERO nominations. Just what was it about this movie that caused such praise, and then such disappointment? I can’t be sure. Thoughts, film society?  

By Becca Edelman

Dispatch from Paris - no. 1

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If the state of Today’s Cinema has you lying awake at night, weeping softly into your pillow as you mourn the imminent death of the Seventh Art — if you despair of ever again living in a world where movies are appreciated and enjoyed and valued, as products of human creativity and cultural expression that are worthy of both study and celebration — if such ruminations are putting you into a depressive state, then drop everything and pack your bags: the Cinema is alive and well and thriving, and all you need to get in on the fun is a plane ticket, a French phrase book, and a wallet full of euros.

The City of Light is a city deeply in love with the screen. While New York and Los Angeles may lay claim to being superpowers of film production, Paris is indisputably the world capital of the movie audience. In a land that struggles with an international reputation for cold aloofness and hoity-toity arrogance, the affection and enthusiasm that Parisians display for the movies is disarming: with a warm, earnest, inclusive and utterly un-self-conscious puppy-love, the people in this mecca of cultural sophistication devour every scrap of celluloid that can be projected onto a screen, scarcely discriminating between obscure Romanian melodramas and the latest Adam Sandler cringe-fest. All are eagerly anticipated, publicized, reviewed, discussed, and weighed with equal interest and respect, if not always admiration. There’s a frankly charming innocence and an open-mindedness in the French attitude and the way that each new release is received, a genuine interest, and a sense that movies are being enjoyed for all the right reasons, regardless of cultural or commercial pretensions.

There are spots in Paris — the block around the Odeon Metro stop on the throbbing, stylish Boulevard Saint Germain, for instance, or the narrow, fabled alleyways of the student-centric Latin Quarter — where you can stand within sight of three movie theaters, all showing a different slate of films on a given night. There are a few mega-multiplexes — one that I’ve frequented has a dozen screens, plus a chic cafe and a large classy shopping area that sells books, DVDs, and home decor — but the majority of theaters have two or three screens and different screenings each night of the week. Some specialize in mainstream Hollywood and French blockbusters, others in contemporary, “serious” international offerings, and still others in retrospectives of classics, both well-known and obscure. Last night I went to a 7 p.m. showing of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” (here translated as “La Taupe” - The Mole) in a packed multiplex theater, then walked a few blocks to a two-screen moviehouse in a quiet back alley, in time for the 9:30 screening ”The Magnificent Ambersons” in 35mm, part of a two-week RKO festival. A couple weeks ago I saw “L’Amour dure trois ans” [“Love Lasts Three Years”], a popular, mildly irritating French romantic comedy, in a packed room with stadium seating; a few days later, it was ”Hugo” in 3D at an old-timey filmotheque, where the lobby was decked in dark red wallpaper and hanging lamps and the original projection equiptment was visible behind glass as you made your way up the cramped staircase to the theater.

And there’s no end in sight. The moviegoing culture here is thriving, because going to the movies is a cherished and vibrant mode of participation in the culture itself. In America, industry executives may be wringing their hands, fearing impending doom — but they have only to hop across the pond to see that, in fact, the movies are alive and well: it’s the audience that makes the difference.

By Madeline Whittle

October Screening & Book Launch: ‘Cujo’ (1983) and ‘Alligator’ (1980)

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AppId is over the quota

Why hello there, fellins!

As we sit here eagerly typing this post we also actively undergo a seasonal transformation. Our goosebumps pulsate, the hair on our noggins rises and our beating hearts pump faster than ever before. No, we are not experiencing the symptoms of onset diabetes (at least we bloody well hope not), rather we are merely in the throws of an unrivaled excitement distinct only to this period of time! What the hell are we talking about? It’s almost the HALLOWEEN season, dummy!

That’s right; rotting pumpkins, razor blades in apples, creepy old man giving children candy…you know, the fun stuff. Any way you look at it, this is the horror fan’s holiday in every sense and we all go a little mad sometimes. Okay, all the time.

So, in keeping with the season’s hijinks we’ve decided to treat you all to a little something extra. In addition to our usual double feature screening we’ll also be combining the night with a special book launch for local author – and Fangoria scribe – Lee Gambin! A horror aficionado and devotee in the truest sense, Mr Gambin will be in attendance on the night to promote his new epic Massacred By Mother Nature: Exploring The Natural Horror Film, of which we will have several copies to give away! But it doesn’t stop here, fellow fans. The night will also be themed with horrific decorations in addition to a duo of beautiful bikini-clad gals offering up delicious nibblies to those in attendance! Oh, the pleasures of being a genre fan.

Ah yes – the films! Hand-picked and introduced by Lee himself, we will be screening two glorious nature-run-amok classics: Cujo and Alligator! These bad boys are arguably two of the finest examples of the sub-genre, both thematically very different but also wonderfully similar in their sharp-minded satire.

First up and based upon the popular bestseller by Stephen King, Cujo tells the nightmarish story of frustrated suburban housewife Donna Trenton (Dee Wallace Stone) whose life is in turmoil after her Vic (Daniel Hugh Kelly) husband learns of her having an affair. Whilst away on business, Donna and her 5-year-old son Tad (Danny Pintauro) decide to take the family Pinto to friend Brett Camber’s house – whose father operates a car shop – to get fixed. When the car fails on the way Donna and her son become tapped inside and risk becoming potential chow to the family dog ‘Cujo’, a hulking Saint Bearnard recently bitten by a rabid bat. With terrific performances, taut suspense and a genuine sense of menace and desperation, this one still stands as one of the best King adaptions to date.

Following the pesky hound’s antics, we will then screen the awesome giant reptile bonanza Alligator. Written by renowned B-movie scribe John Sayles (Piranha, The Howling, Battle Beyond The Stars), this drive-in favorite has the city of St Louis under attack by a thirty six-foot alligator after having been flushed down the toilet has a baby several years earlier. Police officer David (the forever reliable Robert Forster) leads the hunt for the creature in an effort to stop its killing spree, that of which includes many a stunning animatronic puppet in true low-budget fashion. Funny, clever and skillfully tongue-in-cheek, Alligator stands high and mighty as one of the premier monster movies of its generation.

IMPORTANT: For all of you maniacs out there looking to join us in the ghoulish festivities, we ask that you please note the change of venue. As opposed to our regular jaunt of Bar303, we will be holding this event at Melbourne’s beloved Tote bar located at 71 Johnson Street, Collingwood. This is so that we can manage a space large enough to cater for the night’s requirements. Plus it’s a terrific hang out!

We’re looking at you, cretins! So pull out your diary and mark Thursday October 25th at 7pm as your prime location for occupation and the best place to start your Halloween celebrations! Also, entry to the event is a simple gold coin donation. From there we invite you to purchase all the booze and bubbles your evil little heart desires.

You can also pre-order Lee’s book through Midnight Marquee at www.midmar.com

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

December Screening: Black Christmas (Dir Bob Clark 1974)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

“Agnes, It’s Billy! Don’t tell what we did!”

It’s CHOPPING TIME! Oh yes, the Christmas spirit has arrived and will soon be dispatched with a trusty ice sculpture to the heart! Moreover, we thought we’d celebrate the new years fear with a relatively illusive Canadian classic, a nasty little tidbit we know you’re all bound to find more than a might delectable

One of the most influential horror movies ever made, Bob Clark’s Black Christmas (not to be confused with the godawful Glen Morgan-directed remake from 2006) was a litte-known genre oddity when it was released back in 74' but would go on to arguably give precedence for almost every slasher flick produced this side of Carpenter’s Halloween. Featuring cemented staples of the subgenre such as a house chock full of nubile unsuspecting prey, camera work shot exclusively from the killer’s point of view, red herrings, hapless law enforcement…the works. It’s also uniquely atmospheric and genuinely creepy (something sorely lacking in many contemporary stalker pics) and propositions one of the most unforgettable villains in recent (or any!) memory.

So, if you’re feeling a little joyless and devoid of any Christmas purpose this year then why not let us give you a gift! Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 27th December at 7:30pm is where we’ll be and as usual memberships are available on the night for all yet to be corrupted/converted.

See you then, little elves. Don’t drink too much Kool-Aid!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

June Screening: ‘Dead & Buried’ (1981) and ‘Dead Heat’ (1988)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Another screening down, another one to come! That’s right, fellins, our June double feature is set to be another killer compilation of chills, thrills and Joe Piscopo! Oh yes, you bet your ass we’re serious.

This time we felt it necessary to revisit a couple of old favorites and bring you a delightful pairing of horrors that we fell celebrates cinema’s true blue collar movie monster: the zombie! That’s right, June 26th is ZOMBIE NIGHT and whether you’re a seasoned fan or a nublie newbie, it’s hard to go past the broad sweeping appeal of the undead. Hell, George Romero certainly proved it almost forty five years ago and the horror community has shown their appreciation ever since. Who says we don’t all have a little bit of cannibal in us? ;-p

First off we’ll be treating you to the criminally underrated Gary Sherman shocker Dead & Buried. Co-written by the great – and late – Dan O-Bannon (Alien, Return of the Living Dead, Total Recall), this beautifully eerie chiller sees a small fishing town terrorized by a series of bizarre mob-driven murders, throwing the local community and its police force and into utter disarray. To make matters worse, the victims soon begin returning to life as sinister incarnations of their former selves; emotionless vessels with the intention of transforming the rest of the townsfolk into the same mindless ghouls. Applying a unique spin on the undead genre (with early FX work by a young Stan Winston) and fusing it with atmosphere aplenty, this moody little number somehow escaped the radar of most fans at the time of its initial release but has since become something of a cult favorite, and rightfully so.

To close off the night we will then be showing the awesomely off-beat 80s zombie-comedy Dead Heat, the directorial debut of regular James Cameron editor Mark Goldblatt! The film situates two mismatched cops, Roger Mortis and Doug Bigelow, whom are faced with the insurmountable task of taking down a city overrun with undead criminals. However, are two living enforcers of the law really of any concern to an army of hideous walking dead corpses? You’ll have to come along to find out, but boy is it worth it…

As usual we’ll have a giveaway (or three) and many a healthy alcohol-fulled discussion at the bar prior to and after the night’s entertainment. And remember, if you’re yet to sign up it’s $20 for a full membership (6 screenings) or $10 for a mini membership (3 screenings). All memberships are available for purchase in-person at any of our screenings.

So pull out your diary! Get your iPhone ready! Switch your brain on and mark down June 26th as your be-all-and-end-all evening of entertainment! Bar303 Northcote and its horrific inhabitants will be awaiting you eagerly from 7pm onwards… >:-D

See you maniacs then!

- Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

December Screening: Black Christmas (Dir Bob Clark 1974)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

“Agnes, It’s Billy! Don’t tell what we did!”

It’s CHOPPING TIME! Oh yes, the Christmas spirit has arrived and will soon be dispatched with a trusty ice sculpture to the heart! Moreover, we thought we’d celebrate the new years fear with a relatively illusive Canadian classic, a nasty little tidbit we know you’re all bound to find more than a might delectable

One of the most influential horror movies ever made, Bob Clark’s Black Christmas (not to be confused with the godawful Glen Morgan-directed remake from 2006) was a litte-known genre oddity when it was released back in 74' but would go on to arguably give precedence for almost every slasher flick produced this side of Carpenter’s Halloween. Featuring cemented staples of the subgenre such as a house chock full of nubile unsuspecting prey, camera work shot exclusively from the killer’s point of view, red herrings, hapless law enforcement…the works. It’s also uniquely atmospheric and genuinely creepy (something sorely lacking in many contemporary stalker pics) and propositions one of the most unforgettable villains in recent (or any!) memory.

So, if you’re feeling a little joyless and devoid of any Christmas purpose this year then why not let us give you a gift! Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday 27th December at 7:30pm is where we’ll be and as usual memberships are available on the night for all yet to be corrupted/converted.

See you then, little elves. Don’t drink too much Kool-Aid!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

June Screening: ‘Dead & Buried’ (1981) and ‘Dead Heat’ (1988)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Another screening down, another one to come! That’s right, fellins, our June double feature is set to be another killer compilation of chills, thrills and Joe Piscopo! Oh yes, you bet your ass we’re serious.

This time we felt it necessary to revisit a couple of old favorites and bring you a delightful pairing of horrors that we fell celebrates cinema’s true blue collar movie monster: the zombie! That’s right, June 26th is ZOMBIE NIGHT and whether you’re a seasoned fan or a nublie newbie, it’s hard to go past the broad sweeping appeal of the undead. Hell, George Romero certainly proved it almost forty five years ago and the horror community has shown their appreciation ever since. Who says we don’t all have a little bit of cannibal in us? ;-p

First off we’ll be treating you to the criminally underrated Gary Sherman shocker Dead & Buried. Co-written by the great – and late – Dan O-Bannon (Alien, Return of the Living Dead, Total Recall), this beautifully eerie chiller sees a small fishing town terrorized by a series of bizarre mob-driven murders, throwing the local community and its police force and into utter disarray. To make matters worse, the victims soon begin returning to life as sinister incarnations of their former selves; emotionless vessels with the intention of transforming the rest of the townsfolk into the same mindless ghouls. Applying a unique spin on the undead genre (with early FX work by a young Stan Winston) and fusing it with atmosphere aplenty, this moody little number somehow escaped the radar of most fans at the time of its initial release but has since become something of a cult favorite, and rightfully so.

To close off the night we will then be showing the awesomely off-beat 80s zombie-comedy Dead Heat, the directorial debut of regular James Cameron editor Mark Goldblatt! The film situates two mismatched cops, Roger Mortis and Doug Bigelow, whom are faced with the insurmountable task of taking down a city overrun with undead criminals. However, are two living enforcers of the law really of any concern to an army of hideous walking dead corpses? You’ll have to come along to find out, but boy is it worth it…

As usual we’ll have a giveaway (or three) and many a healthy alcohol-fulled discussion at the bar prior to and after the night’s entertainment. And remember, if you’re yet to sign up it’s $20 for a full membership (6 screenings) or $10 for a mini membership (3 screenings). All memberships are available for purchase in-person at any of our screenings.

So pull out your diary! Get your iPhone ready! Switch your brain on and mark down June 26th as your be-all-and-end-all evening of entertainment! Bar303 Northcote and its horrific inhabitants will be awaiting you eagerly from 7pm onwards… >:-D

See you maniacs then!

- Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

October Screening & Book Launch: ‘Cujo’ (1983) and ‘Alligator’ (1980)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Why hello there, fellins!

As we sit here eagerly typing this post we also actively undergo a seasonal transformation. Our goosebumps pulsate, the hair on our noggins rises and our beating hearts pump faster than ever before. No, we are not experiencing the symptoms of onset diabetes (at least we bloody well hope not), rather we are merely in the throws of an unrivaled excitement distinct only to this period of time! What the hell are we talking about? It’s almost the HALLOWEEN season, dummy!

That’s right; rotting pumpkins, razor blades in apples, creepy old man giving children candy…you know, the fun stuff. Any way you look at it, this is the horror fan’s holiday in every sense and we all go a little mad sometimes. Okay, all the time.

So, in keeping with the season’s hijinks we’ve decided to treat you all to a little something extra. In addition to our usual double feature screening we’ll also be combining the night with a special book launch for local author – and Fangoria scribe – Lee Gambin! A horror aficionado and devotee in the truest sense, Mr Gambin will be in attendance on the night to promote his new epic Massacred By Mother Nature: Exploring The Natural Horror Film, of which we will have several copies to give away! But it doesn’t stop here, fellow fans. The night will also be themed with horrific decorations in addition to a duo of beautiful bikini-clad gals offering up delicious nibblies to those in attendance! Oh, the pleasures of being a genre fan.

Ah yes – the films! Hand-picked and introduced by Lee himself, we will be screening two glorious nature-run-amok classics: Cujo and Alligator! These bad boys are arguably two of the finest examples of the sub-genre, both thematically very different but also wonderfully similar in their sharp-minded satire.

First up and based upon the popular bestseller by Stephen King, Cujo tells the nightmarish story of frustrated suburban housewife Donna Trenton (Dee Wallace Stone) whose life is in turmoil after her Vic (Daniel Hugh Kelly) husband learns of her having an affair. Whilst away on business, Donna and her 5-year-old son Tad (Danny Pintauro) decide to take the family Pinto to friend Brett Camber’s house – whose father operates a car shop – to get fixed. When the car fails on the way Donna and her son become tapped inside and risk becoming potential chow to the family dog ‘Cujo’, a hulking Saint Bearnard recently bitten by a rabid bat. With terrific performances, taut suspense and a genuine sense of menace and desperation, this one still stands as one of the best King adaptions to date.

Following the pesky hound’s antics, we will then screen the awesome giant reptile bonanza Alligator. Written by renowned B-movie scribe John Sayles (Piranha, The Howling, Battle Beyond The Stars), this drive-in favorite has the city of St Louis under attack by a thirty six-foot alligator after having been flushed down the toilet has a baby several years earlier. Police officer David (the forever reliable Robert Forster) leads the hunt for the creature in an effort to stop its killing spree, that of which includes many a stunning animatronic puppet in true low-budget fashion. Funny, clever and skillfully tongue-in-cheek, Alligator stands high and mighty as one of the premier monster movies of its generation.

IMPORTANT: For all of you maniacs out there looking to join us in the ghoulish festivities, we ask that you please note the change of venue. As opposed to our regular jaunt of Bar303, we will be holding this event at Melbourne’s beloved Tote bar located at 71 Johnson Street, Collingwood. This is so that we can manage a space large enough to cater for the night’s requirements. Plus it’s a terrific hang out!

We’re looking at you, cretins! So pull out your diary and mark Thursday October 25th at 7pm as your prime location for occupation and the best place to start your Halloween celebrations! Also, entry to the event is a simple gold coin donation. From there we invite you to purchase all the booze and bubbles your evil little heart desires.

You can also pre-order Lee’s book through Midnight Marquee at www.midmar.com

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

April Screening: ‘C.H.U.D’ (1984) & ‘The Stuff’ (1985)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

We’re proud to announce that April 24th is MUTATION NIGHT!

That’s right, the atrocities bestowed by man upon the earth and their effect on us are some of the most terrifying known to science. And what better platform to exploit these fears than the horror genre!

First up we will be screening the wonderfully titled 1984 cult classic C.H.U.D (that’s Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers for those of you who are curious), a terrific little B-movie that’s garnered quite the loyal following in the years since its arguably flaccid theatrical release. An awesome cast (including John Heard and Daniel Stern), gritty NYC setting, charming rubbery creatures and a firmly tongue-in-cheek approach make this often unseen flick a true keeper.

We will then close the night with Larry Cohen’s similarly obscure 1985 midnight movie The Stuff! The bonkers little film tells the tale of a mysterious goo that oozes from the earth and is sneakily packaged and sold to the public as a new taste sensation, all the while slowly turning the population into brain dead zombies! This is easily one of Cohen’s most underrated – and gooey! – efforts to date.

In addition to the above gems we’ll also have some nifty giveaways in tow and other gnarly nonsense to keep us all amused. Oh, and they serve booze at the bar too!

So what the hell are you waiting for, fellins? Mark down the date and exorcise all your plans – Bar303 and its horrific inhabitants await you on April 24th at 7pm!

$10 for an annual membership to the best horror film society in Melbourne or a gold coin donation at the door.

- Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

December Screening: ‘Christmas Evil’ (1980) and ‘New Year’s Evil’ (1980)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

For every horror fan, the inevitable wake after a wild Halloween involves much pain and heart break. Spooky spirits dwindle. Evil grins fade. A once-great appetite for life and death fades away, leaving nothing more but a mere metaphorical tapeworm withering away in its own filth.

It’s true. We live in slime.

With that said, the close of one devilish year brings forth the birth of a new and horrorphiles still have some bite left in their bit. Thus, we’ve compiled a killer double feature you’re bound not to find on any hokey wish list. Matter of fact, if you pay close attention it may even teach you the true meanings of Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The Melbourne Horror Film Society is proud to bring you: FESTEVIL NIGHT!

First up is Lewis Jackson’s oddball black comedy chiller Christmas Evil (aka You Better Watch Out!). Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggert) is obsessed with Christmas. In fact he wants to “be” the authentic Santa Claus with a real suit, sleigh and reindeer. Ever since his childhood he’s wanted to make Christmas a reality, despite naysayers and critics who mock him for his yuletide beliefs. Thing is, Harry feels he owes it to those around him to give them the gifts they deserve…even if the gift is murder! Falsely marketed at the time as a conventional slasher film featuring a bonkers maniac in a Santa suit, Christmas Evil is far more a bizarre psychological character study injected with pitch black humor than anything resembling the cheap shocks of the later Silent Night, Deadly Night. It also features one of the most surreal endings to ever come out of a stuffed stocking.

After you’ve all had your jolly fat man fix we’ll round things out with the nihilistic stalker flick New Year’s Evil. While hosting a televised New Year’s Eve concert, Blaze (Roz Kelly) receives an on air call from a mysterious man going by the name ‘Evil’. The man (Kip Nivan) informs the show’s viewers of his plan to kill someone every time the clock strikes midnight in each time zone.  With the police on the madman’s tail and the city in a panic, Blaze does everything she can to stop from becoming ‘Evil’s final victim of the night. On the surface one could discount Emmet Alston’s film as a relatively straightforward stalk-and-slash outing. However, the screenplay diverts from many of the sub-genre’s more established conventions and instills a rather palpable sense of unease and gritty atmosphere rarely seen in films of its ilk. A true buzz-killer for anyone looking to walk the streets at night at 2am on January 1st, 2013!

2012 is nearly over, Rover! So why not round it out with us by way of a drink and some fiendish festive thrills at Bar303, Northcote on Tuesday December 18th at 7pm sharp. As usual our membership fees are minimal: a mini membership will cost you $10 while a full membership will only set you back $20.

Giveaways in tow!

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

February Screening: ‘The Burning’ (1981) and ‘Pieces’ (1982)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Happy New Year, fellins!

Firstly, we would like to thank everybody who showed their support for the society during 2011; we appreciate you all very much and hope you enjoyed our demented program and all the subsequent sleepless nights endured. Don’t worry, there’ll be more of those to come in the year ahead!

Speaking of coming attractions, 2012 will see the Melbourne Horror Film Society making a few changes to its usual yearly line up of screenings. Firstly, we’ve decided to run our gatherings on a bi-monthly basis with the intention of making them more of an ‘event’ rather than a routine series of screenings. Furthermore, we will now be programing double features instead of standard single sessions, so more bang for your buck! And to add to the suspense (that’s right, we can hear you quivering in your boots) we will also keep these films a secret until official announcement through our various social networking platforms (i.e., Facebook, Twitter) so as to keep you all guessing what horrors will be unleashed upon your unsuspecting minds come movie night! We’ll also be treating you all to the chance for prizes and other ghastly goodies should you decide to join us in our frenzied nerdiness. And honestly, why wouldn’t you?

Thus, this would make for an opportune moment to unveil our first double feature for 2012!

Drum roll, please…

The Burning and Pieces take the cake!

Oh yes, February will see a deliciously nasty pairing of slasher classics take the screen, both famous and infamous titles in their own right. For those yet to have embraced their brilliance, the former showcases some of FX maestro Tom Savini’s finest work while the latter is perhaps the most insane Spanish-US stalker epic to ever be birthed from the minds of a cluelessly inept film crew. In plain English, they’re AWESOME.

Well, that’s enough gibberish from us for now! So please, mark down the date of February 28th in your diary and come on down to Bar303, Northcote from 7pm (yes, we’re starting half an hour earlier from now on to make time for two features) and enjoy a night of fine film, fine wine and even finer eclectic personalities.

See you then!

Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

June Screening: ‘Dead & Buried’ (1981) and ‘Dead Heat’ (1988)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Another screening down, another one to come! That’s right, fellins, our June double feature is set to be another killer compilation of chills, thrills and Joe Piscopo! Oh yes, you bet your ass we’re serious.

This time we felt it necessary to revisit a couple of old favorites and bring you a delightful pairing of horrors that we fell celebrates cinema’s true blue collar movie monster: the zombie! That’s right, June 26th is ZOMBIE NIGHT and whether you’re a seasoned fan or a nublie newbie, it’s hard to go past the broad sweeping appeal of the undead. Hell, George Romero certainly proved it almost forty five years ago and the horror community has shown their appreciation ever since. Who says we don’t all have a little bit of cannibal in us? ;-p

First off we’ll be treating you to the criminally underrated Gary Sherman shocker Dead & Buried. Co-written by the great – and late – Dan O-Bannon (Alien, Return of the Living Dead, Total Recall), this beautifully eerie chiller sees a small fishing town terrorized by a series of bizarre mob-driven murders, throwing the local community and its police force and into utter disarray. To make matters worse, the victims soon begin returning to life as sinister incarnations of their former selves; emotionless vessels with the intention of transforming the rest of the townsfolk into the same mindless ghouls. Applying a unique spin on the undead genre (with early FX work by a young Stan Winston) and fusing it with atmosphere aplenty, this moody little number somehow escaped the radar of most fans at the time of its initial release but has since become something of a cult favorite, and rightfully so.

To close off the night we will then be showing the awesomely off-beat 80s zombie-comedy Dead Heat, the directorial debut of regular James Cameron editor Mark Goldblatt! The film situates two mismatched cops, Roger Mortis and Doug Bigelow, whom are faced with the insurmountable task of taking down a city overrun with undead criminals. However, are two living enforcers of the law really of any concern to an army of hideous walking dead corpses? You’ll have to come along to find out, but boy is it worth it…

As usual we’ll have a giveaway (or three) and many a healthy alcohol-fulled discussion at the bar prior to and after the night’s entertainment. And remember, if you’re yet to sign up it’s $20 for a full membership (6 screenings) or $10 for a mini membership (3 screenings). All memberships are available for purchase in-person at any of our screenings.

So pull out your diary! Get your iPhone ready! Switch your brain on and mark down June 26th as your be-all-and-end-all evening of entertainment! Bar303 Northcote and its horrific inhabitants will be awaiting you eagerly from 7pm onwards… >:-D

See you maniacs then!

- Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave

October Screening & Book Launch: ‘Cujo’ (1983) and ‘Alligator’ (1980)

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

Why hello there, fellins!

As we sit here eagerly typing this post we also actively undergo a seasonal transformation. Our goosebumps pulsate, the hair on our noggins rises and our beating hearts pump faster than ever before. No, we are not experiencing the symptoms of onset diabetes (at least we bloody well hope not), rather we are merely in the throws of an unrivaled excitement distinct only to this period of time! What the hell are we talking about? It’s almost the HALLOWEEN season, dummy!

That’s right; rotting pumpkins, razor blades in apples, creepy old man giving children candy…you know, the fun stuff. Any way you look at it, this is the horror fan’s holiday in every sense and we all go a little mad sometimes. Okay, all the time.

So, in keeping with the season’s hijinks we’ve decided to treat you all to a little something extra. In addition to our usual double feature screening we’ll also be combining the night with a special book launch for local author – and Fangoria scribe – Lee Gambin! A horror aficionado and devotee in the truest sense, Mr Gambin will be in attendance on the night to promote his new epic Massacred By Mother Nature: Exploring The Natural Horror Film, of which we will have several copies to give away! But it doesn’t stop here, fellow fans. The night will also be themed with horrific decorations in addition to a duo of beautiful bikini-clad gals offering up delicious nibblies to those in attendance! Oh, the pleasures of being a genre fan.

Ah yes – the films! Hand-picked and introduced by Lee himself, we will be screening two glorious nature-run-amok classics: Cujo and Alligator! These bad boys are arguably two of the finest examples of the sub-genre, both thematically very different but also wonderfully similar in their sharp-minded satire.

First up and based upon the popular bestseller by Stephen King, Cujo tells the nightmarish story of frustrated suburban housewife Donna Trenton (Dee Wallace Stone) whose life is in turmoil after her Vic (Daniel Hugh Kelly) husband learns of her having an affair. Whilst away on business, Donna and her 5-year-old son Tad (Danny Pintauro) decide to take the family Pinto to friend Brett Camber’s house – whose father operates a car shop – to get fixed. When the car fails on the way Donna and her son become tapped inside and risk becoming potential chow to the family dog ‘Cujo’, a hulking Saint Bearnard recently bitten by a rabid bat. With terrific performances, taut suspense and a genuine sense of menace and desperation, this one still stands as one of the best King adaptions to date.

Following the pesky hound’s antics, we will then screen the awesome giant reptile bonanza Alligator. Written by renowned B-movie scribe John Sayles (Piranha, The Howling, Battle Beyond The Stars), this drive-in favorite has the city of St Louis under attack by a thirty six-foot alligator after having been flushed down the toilet has a baby several years earlier. Police officer David (the forever reliable Robert Forster) leads the hunt for the creature in an effort to stop its killing spree, that of which includes many a stunning animatronic puppet in true low-budget fashion. Funny, clever and skillfully tongue-in-cheek, Alligator stands high and mighty as one of the premier monster movies of its generation.

IMPORTANT: For all of you maniacs out there looking to join us in the ghoulish festivities, we ask that you please note the change of venue. As opposed to our regular jaunt of Bar303, we will be holding this event at Melbourne’s beloved Tote bar located at 71 Johnson Street, Collingwood. This is so that we can manage a space large enough to cater for the night’s requirements. Plus it’s a terrific hang out!

We’re looking at you, cretins! So pull out your diary and mark Thursday October 25th at 7pm as your prime location for occupation and the best place to start your Halloween celebrations! Also, entry to the event is a simple gold coin donation. From there we invite you to purchase all the booze and bubbles your evil little heart desires.

You can also pre-order Lee’s book through Midnight Marquee at www.midmar.com

See you then, fellins!
Bob, Matt, Sam & Dave