Creature Feature: All Creatures Here Below…

Gettysburg’s Creature Feature Weekend debuted in 2019, and presented a modest alternative to bigger and more crowded East-Coast horror conventions.

The con brought a fine group of guests and quality vendors to an out-of-the-way venue, while signaling a burgeoning interest in Pennsylvania-based horror cons.

Return of the Weekend

After a pandemic-imposed hiatus in 2020, Creature Feature Weekend returned to the Gettysburg Wyndham from August 27 – 29, bringing out stars from horrors as varied as Children of the Corn, Trick ‘r Treat, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise.

This week on The Last Knock, Jonny Numb shares his experiences with guests and vendors alike, and what it was like to return to the convention scene after a too-long hiatus.

 

SCREAM OUTs to:

@FeatureWeekend @SuzeLeighton @Strangepodnet @jfranklinactor @Jamplas @tedraimi @MisterLobo @cinetredici @PizzaPartyDudes

 

The plot sickens: Holy Hell! We talk about Saint Maud!

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes and Spotify (and more) with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner, gif, and all THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

The Last Knock always supports independent cinema!

Note: What’s up with the one-man shows as of late? Never fear, Jonny Numb and Billy Crash are still The Last Knock duo! But due to work demands, COVID-19 vaccine recovery, jury duty (both at the same time!), Numb’s script writing, Crash’s novel writing, and film pre-production, time has been demanding. The pair will get on the same wavelength soon enough!

(Creature Feature Weekend photo from Jonny Numb.)

Saint Maud: All Hail

If you haven’t seen Saint Maud as of yet, have no fears, we won’t spoil a thing for you.

But we will explore what sets Rose Glass’ film apart from the rest of the horrors flirting with religious overtones – or undertones. The first-time feature film writer/director delivered an intriguing dramatic for those looking for something maybe a whole lot different.

No Trope Zone

When writing Saint Maud, Glass said that if she’d seen it before, she didn’t put it into her script. This “no trope” approach presents an engaging character study of Maud (Morfydd Clark) as she cares for the fading with flare, Amanda (Jennifer Ehle).

Billy and Jonny will look at the film, it’s themes and philosophies, and the atmosphere Glass and company conspired to create on-screen. 

SCREAM OUTs to:

@Strangepodnet @morales_ej @sarahsweets83 @stryker_von @AlexVorkov @PromoteHorror @MibIH @SuzeLeighton @BoldenSkip @HallowsSchool @SSeeley92 @MoviesFilmsFlix @screening_space @BleedingCritic @saintmaudmovie

 

The plot sickens: Welcome aboard to Nautical Horror!

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes and Spotify (and more) with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner, gif, and all THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

The Last Knock always supports independent cinema!

Note: What’s up with the one-man shows as of late? Never fear, Jonny Numb and Billy Crash are still The Last Knock duo! But due to work demands, COVID-19 vaccine recovery, jury duty (both at the same time!), individual writing projects, and film pre-production, time has been demanding.

The pair will get on the same wavelength soon enough!

(Saint Maud movie still shot from A24.)

Jonathan Chance: Storyteller 

Jonathan Chance is a creator, writer, and storyteller.

I finally met John in person at Shriekfest in 2016 and one couldn’t meet a kinder, gentler contributor to the horror genre.

We discuss his life since his wife Cam’s untimely passing in 2018 and how he ultimately rose above the grief. And yes, that meant that his love of the genre, including film and comic books, helped carry him through.

Comic Book Master

While waiting for financing to come through for his film The Rectory, John didn’t remain idle. Instead, he took his storytelling prowess to another visual medium: comic books.

Now, John has many stories appearing in comic anthologies, such as his latest in Horror Comics, as well as the classic Heavy Metal magazine, among others.

And you can always visit his website to learn more and keep up with his latest ventures.

 

The plot sickens: The Last Knock explores better alternatives to Army of the Dead!

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes and Spotify (and more) with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner, gif, and all THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

The Last Knock always supports independent cinema!

Note: What’s up with the one-man shows as of late? Never fear, Jonny Numb and Billy Crash are still The Last Knock duo! But due to work demands, COVID-19 vaccine recovery, jury duty (both at the same time!), and individual writing projects, time has been demanding. The pair will get on the same wavelength soon enough!

(Jonathan Chance photo from Jonathan Chance.)

Epic Horror: What in Hell Does that Mean? 

Epic horror can mean different things to different fans. We’ll provide our definition – as well as the actual definition of epic – and see how the horror genre makes this happen.

For instance, an epic is long poem about a hero’s journey. Together, we’ll explore the many machinations of “epic” in horror form and how certain films meet that criteria. We’ll look at story and character, and yes, even length’s involved.

 

It’s About Depth

Classic horror films, like The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, and Dawn of the Dead come into play as being epic. But we’ll also look at other cinematic ventures, from Bone Tomahawk to Kwaidan, and from The Devils to Crimson Peak, that come into play.

Of course, there’s more – much more! We’ll check out directors and screenwriters, as well as their intent, and see if these epics truly hold up to the demands of horror fans.

Let us know what horror films you consider to be “epic” in scope. In the meantime, we hope you’ll find this episode worthwhile, and maybe you’ll be able to add a few titles to your own “must watch” epic horror movie list!

 

 

SCREAM OUTS!

Here’s a list of very cool souls you can follow on Twitter…

@bmeads17 @DeviStareCalmo @ValenSinn @brianna_ashby @douglasssteve @AutumnL1722 @PennilessScribe @PromoteHorror @horrormuseum @BleedingCritic @theCoffeeeSquad @EllyBarbolini

The plot sickens: The Last Knock celebrates its fifteenth installment of our longest running series, Hodgepodge Horror!  

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes and Spotify with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK gif art from Palko Designs.

(The Island of Lost Souls image from Paramount Pictures.)

Hodgepodge Horror XV: Ten Films to Praise? 

Yes, Hodgepodge Horror XV – yes fifteen – brings you ten new films from across the horror universe to engage. This has been our most popular series on The Last Knock and we can’t thank you enough for keeping it going! We’ll discuss horror comedies like One Cut of the Dead, Lo, and Dave Made a Maze. The Last Knock will also discuss the Angela Bettis helmed comedy/horror, 12 Hour Shift. Plus, we’ll revisit Demi Moore’s first film, Parasite, directed by the puppet master himself, Charles Band. But wait! That isn’t ten…

 

More than Comedies

In Hodgepodge Horror XV we’ll also look at the artsy science-fiction horror, Little Joe. And although Hong Kong’s Corpse Mania may sound like a wild, comedic venture, it’s far from it. Finally, we go back to Deep Rising, The Unseen, as well as the original And Soon the Darkness.

 

And Something Extra

If you’re a Killing Joke fan, you’ll find a couple stories about the band from live experiences with both Jonny Numb and Billy Crash – at separate venues and years apart. Hell, it’s Hodgepodge Horror XV – and anything can happen! Enjoy the show and we hope you’ll add some new horror films to your must watch list!  

 

SCREAM OUTS!

Here’s a list of very cool souls you can follow on Twitter… @ShonenFlopCast @BrookeLewisLA @zbudgetdirector @Ldy3lu @docmentillo @screening_space @MyChoiceIs666 @mrbluelouboyle @PhoenixFiery7 @LordsPrayer6 @strangepodnet @AfiendOnFilm @davidmwein @elsapoblanco @palkodesigns @killingyouguy  

 

The plot sickens: The Last Knock interviews interviews Mark Ricche, Christian Stavrakis, and JB Destiny of Iron City Asskickers!  

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

(Lo image from Drexel Box Productions.)

George A. Romero – and Ricche, Stavrakis, and Destiny 

Mark Ricche: Besides writer, actor, and director of the brilliant Mortal Remains documentary, he worked the camera on Romero’s Iron City Asskickers.

Christian Stavrakis: He also wrote, acted in and directed Mortal Remains, sculpted the renowned George A. Romero statue, and also appeared in Iron City Asskickers.

J.B. Destiny: (aka Jason Winn Bareford), wrote and starred in Romero’s Iron City Asskickers and appears in Mortal Remains. Destiny is also the principal behind Image 987 Productions, a Pittsburgh based film and production company.

In addition, Ricche, Stavrakis, and Destiny all have vital ties with the George A. Romero Foundation to keep the man and the spirit of independent filmmaking alive.

Better still, Cryptic Pictures, the Ricche and Stavrakis enterprise, has also gotten into distribution, and has released Iron City Asskickers.

Hear Their Stories

These “Three Amigos of Horror” talk about their time with George A. Romero and share some very special stories. They discuss what it was like working on the set of Iron City Asskickers and what Romero had taught them when it comes to filmmaking. 

Ricche and Stavrakis will also talk about how Mortal Remains is nearing one-million downloads!

We’ll also learn much more about the forthcoming Mortal Remains sequel to be released during Halloween 2022!

Needless to say, this is one of the most entertaining interviews of all time for The Last Knock. We hope you listen in, spread the word, and don’t forget to keep up with the trio!

 

The plot sickens: The Last Knock interviews horror fan and self-help aficionado Jen Palko!

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.  

(Photo from The Last Knock.)

Bad Girls: Road Trip to Hell 

South Carolina-based filmmaker Christopher Bickel’s Bad Girls is currently taking the indie world by storm.

This tale of a road trip mired in sex, drugs, kidnapping and reckless violence brings a 1970s exploitation sensibility to modern times.

While many low-budget filmmakers fail to capture this magic, Bickel succeeds. Populated with multi-layered characters and style to spare, it’s a wicked journey worth taking.  

 

Reconsidering Bickel

Besides Bad Girls, Jonny also talks about Bickel’s 2017 debut, The Theta Girl, and how his opinion about the film changed on a second viewing.

At their best, independent films make a virtue of their low budgets, and Bickel’s efforts are no exception.

Regardless of your stance on these films, everyone should make a point to support those going out and “making their own damn movie.”

 

Good Women Behind the Bad Girls

Behind every bad girl in cinema is a good woman trying to bring them to life.

The Bad Girls are portrayed by actresses Morgan Shaley Renew, Sanethia Dresch and Shelby Lois Guinn. The women create a twisted version of “The Three Musketeers”.

But is it really “One for all and all for one”? Listen to Jonny’s review to find out more!

 

SCREAM OUTS to this must follow soul on Twitter: @AFiendOnFilm @Anakrid @TheREALsNemeth

 

The plot sickens: The Last Knock continues to celebrate “Women In Horror Month” with Woman Alone!  

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

(Bad Girls movie still from Films Colacittà.)

Woman Alone: Women in Horror Month Part I 

February is Women in Horror Month and we’re celebrating with films that feature a woman alone.

No, this isn’t about a woman alone in a desert or a field or on an alien planet, but a woman who becomes a predominately solitary figure in the narrative. Hopefully, she’ll thrive and rue the day and do her damnedest to keep standing.

It sure beats the female characters of not too long ago whose roles were filled with fainting, screaming, crying, and waiting to be rescued by a man.

 

Staying Alive

Whatever the odds, a woman alone does not mean “easy prey”. And many an antagonist will learn that fact the hard way.

In the end, the horror films we watch with feminine-centric characters are about surviving in the face of terror. They take a stand when logic and reason tells them to take flight. And sometimes, they must dig deep into their primal selves to unleash their own internal beast and stop a threat.

All of the movies we discuss wield power in one fashion or another.

Woman alone = woman to be respected. 

 

 

SCREAM OUTS to these must follow souls on Twitter:

@ConnieJoJo2 @DOtDHorror @1977Chobson @ISOYG1978 @TwistedTuesday8 @LordsPrayer6 @AlissaLaylax @cripsyboomstick @KillerfromSpace @rural51 @mrbluelouboyle @The_Weirdling @strangepodnet @HorrorPixi @viragoergosum @BleedingCritic @nicolemalonso @OklahomaWard @SuzeLeighton @BabakAnvari @NargesRashidi @flanaganfilm @k8siegel

 

The plot sickens: The Last Knock exposes Worst Horror 2020!

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

(Hush movie still from Intrepid Pictures.)  

 

Worst Horror 2020: It’s a Buzz Kill! 

Last year gave fans some horrible horror movies to avoid at all costs!

When it comes to Worst Horror 2020, the choices were far more plentiful than The Last Knock‘s Best Horror 2020 list.

In this annual episode, Crash and Numb bring you their best of the year to leave in the dust.

Some were seen by many and others obscure, but all of them were abysmal.

 

How We Determined Worst Horror 2020

Crafting lists like this takes much effort, but combined, Crash and Numb watched nearly 100 films this year.

Determining Worst Horror 2020 comes down to both story and characters, as well as over-used tropes. We also take into account technical aspects, such as sound, editing, and cinematography. And, of course, acting and directing plays a huge role.

Most important, The Last Knock looks for regurgitated trappings we’ve seen too many times before – as well as recycled stories.

Both Crash and Numb present their top five of the year in reverse order for your listening pleasure.

Indulge in the count down and see if some of the ones you hated made the list.

We hope you enjoy our Worst Horror 2020, and please feel free to share your bad movies of the year!  

 

SCREAM OUTS to these must follow souls on Twitter:

@Strangepodnet @TonyTodd54 @SpookyMomTina @dkarner @svbell @Israel_Finn @CarryCockburn @1carolinagirl @Davorka1965774 @Rexhonk @k2kellykelley @DavidWilde66 @MarleneMeow @crimelordserial

 

The plot sickens: The Last Knock discusses Best Horror 2020!

 

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

(A Warning to the Curious image from Best Buy.)  

 

Best Horror 2020: Much to Choose From 

Last year gave fans much horror to love!

When it comes to Best Horror 2020, the choices were plentiful to say the least.

In this annual episode, Crash and Numb present their best of the year. Some may be obscure, but only one horror film made both lists.

How did those early films before quarantine hold up over time? What about all of those streaming releases? Did any film come in at the bitter end to take a top spot?

How We Determined Best Horror 2020

Crafting lists like this takes much effort, but combined, Crash and Numb watched nearly 100 films. 

Determining Best Horror 2020 comes down to both story and characters, as well as themes. Nasty tropes be damned! As always, The Last Knock looks for new, innovative stories devoid of age-old horror trappings.

Both Crash and Numb present their top five of the year in reverse order for your listening pleasure.

Indulge in the count down and see if some of your favorites made the list.

We hope you enjoy our Best Horror 2020, and please feel free to share your best films of the year!

 

SCREAM OUTS to these must follow souls on Twitter:

@Strangepodnet @DavidMurdochArt @DerekSykes17 @MsChaunceyKR @palkodesigns @morales_ej @DextertheIntern @byHoRRor @beyond_reviews @abhorrently_urs @uproarinhouston @KrewFilms @Myers_Helper @janoconnell @TommyDoyle47 @PromoteHorror @BantersCider @horrosreviews  

The plot sickens: The Last Knock takes a spoiler-free look at Possessor!

THE LAST KNOCK horror podcast is a Crash Palace Productions’ featured show. Besides this site, you can find THE LAST KNOCK on iTunes with new shows posted every other Sunday at 9 PM ET.

Crash Palace Productions website design and creation from Brian Yount Digital Enterprises with banner and THE LAST KNOCK art from Palko Designs.

(VFW movie poster from Fangoria.)