Category: science fiction

Haunt- Tober Day 14 2023: The Faculty

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

There’s something about The Faculty that evokes nostalgia, an irreverent sense of fun, and a cool cast of young stars that perfectly captures the essence of its time. For me, it has become a film that I can watch over and over again.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez (and written by Kevin Williamson), this teen sci-fi/horror movie is an exhilarating and youthful take on the genre mix.

Strange things are happening at Herrington High School, affecting both the student body and the faculty. Drastic changes in personalities are occurring, and a group of eclectic teenagers, who usually keep their distance from each other, start noticing the patterns and become the best defense the community has.

When in doubt, look to the movies

As I mentioned before, the cast is outstanding. We have the rebellious Zeke (Josh Hartnett), the class nerd Casey (Elijah Wood), the outcast Stokely (Clea DuVall), the popular Delilah (Jordana Brewster), her boyfriend Stan (Shawn Hatosy), and the new arrival to the school, MaryBeth (Laura Harris).

The film oozes with style and pays homage to past works. While some argue that it borrows from previous movies, I believe The Faculty stands as a fair contributor of homages. It offers a “modern” take that incorporates the 90s vibe and includes clear references to films like The Thing and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

source: Miramax, Dimension Films

The adult cast is also remarkable, featuring longtime horror talents such as Famke Janssen, Robert Patrick, Salma Hayek, and the late, amazing Piper Laurie.

Are there issues with the film? Yes, but The Faculty deserves its place among the classic and influential films of the 90s. It feels unapologetic and possesses a charm that aligns with the portrayal of teenage movies from the past.

The movie includes some wonderfully grotesque sequences, including a shower scene with lumpy flesh and hair that will linger in your memory. At the end of it day it can get a bit funky with its effects, and I love it.

With a soundtrack that truly rocks and an undeniable feel of foreboding scares, The Faculty also possesses a unique blend of creativity and an engaging mix of talent that sets it apart as its own strange organism.

The Faculty is an engaging story that breezes by with an energetic fervor that doesn’t slack on bringing on the horror when it needs to.

Today’s winner:

Much more to come!

Haunt- Tober 2023 Day 9/Comic Corner: John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: The Envoy

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Ah, the perils of science fiction, inflated egos, and of becoming too intelligent for our own good…

The Envoy revolves around two colleagues who were once inseparable, but have now been burdened by jealousy and competitiveness. These two brilliant minds, who were best of friends during their college days, have embarked on different paths in their respective careers. However, in the captivating world of Envoy, their destinies intertwine once again.

Meet Steven Allard and Ben Raines, both esteemed men of science. Steven, driven by the pursuit of financial gain, channels his focus into finding cures for life’s afflictions, such as cancer. On the other hand, Ben Raines, having tragically lost his wife to cancer, is on a relentless quest to establish a means of communication with the departed.

While The Envoy incorporates fresh themes and incorporates elements from other sources, it manages to retain an enthralling sense of novelty. The vivid colors and mesmerizing artwork employed in the book serve as masterful tools in constructing the atmosphere, while also providing distinct visualizations for each character. Our two protagonists, though distinct in their individuality, are equally captivating and driven in their own unique ways. The rivalry between these two goes from moderately safe to wildly unhealthy, and fast.

Is anyone out there?

They make contact with an extraterrestrial and also get success in testing this strange blue box that seems to cure cancer. How? Why? Maybe we don’t need to know…

It’s a clever concept, one that feeds our science fiction fix while also delving into some horrifying depths.

The comic is more dialogue heavy than many and could use more entertainment driven sequences. It never feels too talky, but it borders it. Still, the artwork is fantastic, and the character work is top notch.

With electrifying cover art (pun intended) that smartly ensnares the reader, you’re immediately intrigued.

The narrative brings a lot of exposition and yet leaves a lot mysterious which can challenge a reader who needs to know each distinct detail. The artwork by Esparza is mesmerizing though, and I only wish there were more action to show it off.

John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: The Envoy is a valued addition to the lineup of work with a clever story and transportive designs.

Today’s winner:

Stay tuned for more coverage and winners!!

Bestselling Comics

Comic Corner: Tales of Science Fiction: Civilians

Posted on by Crockett Houghton

Science fiction (when done well) has always held a special place in my heart. If you think about it, most of the DNA you’ll find in the best horror stories factor heavily into everything that makes for a great science fiction tale.

An other-worldly presence, a mysterious figure pulling the strings from the shadows, an end of the world type scenario, it’s all there front and center in both. In John Carpenter’s: Tales of Science Fiction: Civilians (the latest from Storm King Comics) we get plenty from each of those buckets.

The opening words, the very first thing we see on page one, set the tone nicely and let us know exactly what kind of a journey we were in for. It begins, “it was a nice day for a mass casualty event,” I think that sums up quite perfectly everything that followed. The ending to that scene was chilling and had a beach full of people walking helplessly into the ocean, not knowing why they were doing it, yet, powerless to stop themselves. A crackpot on YouTube has a theory as to why that happened (as crackpots on YouTube tend to do) but nothing that could be taken seriously… could it?

After the tragedy at the beach we are introduced to the mother of one of the victims as she’s making her way through the airport the following day. Elsewhere it’s raining homeless people off of an overpass. That event was followed up by a group of seemingly normal people going blank and trying to steal anything that wasn’t nailed down in Beverly Hills. These events bring together three very different people, all who have a good reason to get to the bottom of what’s going on. What follows is one strange happening after another while these strangers search for the truth, for the cause of all this madness.

The architects of the apocalypse

Civilians was written by Duane Swierczynski and the influence of the great science fiction shows of the past is apparent on every page. Maybe this is only me projecting but this book felt like a top-tier episode of The Twilight Zone. Swierczynski wasted no time jumping right into the story with a wild event that sucked me in from the word go. Even the way the mystery was slowly unraveled, like a ball of yarn slowly being unwrapped, was reminiscent of that 1960’s sci-fi staple. No, he doesn’t leave the ending or the cause of the crazy up to us, the reader, the information is very deliberately withheld until we needed to know. It wasn’t what I was expecting and for that I loved it all the more.

Besides the great story that was told here, the book itself is absolutely beautiful to look at. For that we have several people to thank, the first being the man behind the pencil, Andrea Mutti. His character designs were, as always, on the border of animation and live action. He somehow manages to make these 2D people feel real even though we know we’re reading a comic. It’s always a pleasure getting to look at his work. With that said, we have to give credit where it’s due, to the inker on the book, Gigi Baldassini. The lines were always tight and the shadows were always deep, it was great work.

Valerio Alloro followed those two by bringing the color to the page. One thing I’m always interested in when I read a book like this is how the artists choose to use color. It can vary greatly from title to title from very muted and moody to bright and fun. Civilians falls somewhere in the middle of those and has the perfect balance of both worlds. Like I said, it’s a beautiful book. The final piece of this puzzle is of course the lettering and it was laid in with expert precision by Janice Chiang. I don’t have the best vision in the world and I never found myself squinting or trying to guess a letter, that’s a huge win in my book. It was fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Civilians was a throw back to the science fiction tales of the past that managed to keep a modern day feel. Once it started (on page one) it didn’t let up until the horrifying conclusion, and even then, it only relented because it was over. This was very much a quick and fun read where I never once found myself bored or wanting to do anything but propel forward—the mark of any great story. It had been a while since I’ve been able to read a science fiction story that I cared to finish so this was a great breath of fresh air.

Some people believe that if it doesn’t involve space or aliens or time travel then it can’t be a science fiction story and I never understood that stance. Sci-fi is as broad a medium to work in as drama or comedy or horror and when it’s done well, you can’t beat it. This is very much one of those times so, if your life has been missing a good science fiction yarn, if your heart has been yearning for an original tale to make you think and keep you entertained, then you need to give this book a chance. Civilians was the best sci-fi story I’ve consumed this year.

Comic Corner: Tales of Science Fiction: Redhead

Posted on by Kstrouse

This particular redhead writer couldn’t help but be instantly intrigued by the gorgeous artwork on the newest Storm King comic.

The fact that it was part of John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction was a wonderful bonus. And, wow, what a lovely breeze of a read.

Marnie Young is our protagonist: a mild-mannered executive assistant. Things change when one day she has a horrible seizure and from there, her life takes a wild and dangerous turn.

There’s a lot hidden within the pages, which feel layered and delicately delivered in a way that’s certainly intellectual and nearly subliminal.

From Sweet to Savage

When she wakes up in the hospital days later, several nurses are dead and she comes to the sinking conclusion that this may have been done by her hand.

A terrifying premise for sure, Redhead also plays with mind-bending and stimulating ideas that fracture the stability of what’s real and force us to embrace the unreliable narrator. The disconnect between reality and our social existence is a strong one, touched on here perfectly as Marnie admits her own loneliness in “the real world.”

When I started reading I felt like I was in a feverish sorta dream, filled with pastels and mayhem. As I continued, it only filled me with more adoration for the delectable visuals. I commend the team for the immersion and honestly would love to have some pages and panels printed and hanging on my wall.

I love a strong female lead and the artwork is so beautiful that it makes each moment pop off the screen and her personality with it. The soft tinting of the artwork gives an almost blurred feel, so when there are moments of colorful decadence, they sizzle. The use of red (from her hair to the sun, to a twisted, bloodied limb) and the consistence focus on eyeballs are two of the most enduring qualities. Jason Felix, you’ve got a hell of a design.

The story from Duane Swierczynski is formidable in and of itself, utilizing this empathetic character and allowing us to go on this riveting journey with her. I never felt as if the story lagged. In fact, the combination of these two made it so I was able to devour this comic quite fast with anticipation for more.

Redhead solidifies another hit from Storm King Comics whose level of genre-bending, diverse storytelling, and alluring illustrations is unmatched.

Let’s hear it for the redheads.

Tales of Science Fiction: Redhead are currently for sale. For more information click here.

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Bestselling Comics

Haunt-tober 22, Day 8: Significant Other

Posted on by Kstrouse

Alright, beasties. It’s that time of year again. For this edition of Haunt-tober, I’m going to do a post a day but, like a great haul after trick or treating, I’m hoping to mix it up and deliver some surprises. There’ll be reviews, new or old, seen/unseen, TV or film. Depending on my wicked mood, there may also be lists, audio, or video. I hope you’ll enjoy it and remember: stay weird.

While many were probably watching the Hellraiser yesterday, I was watching this newly dropped Paramount+ film that seemed to have gotten no attention or advertisements beyond those within its own app (that I saw). It stars horror queen (at this point, she has stepped into that role) Maika Monroe and the generally charming Jake Lacy. It’s mostly a picture that takes place in the Oregon Woods and primarily focuses on this couple, making it an isolated film that digs into its science fiction and horror inspirations. It reminds me to some degree of another under-seen film: Honeymoon.

The two are Ruth and Harry, headed into the woods for a romantic camping and hiking trip. Ruth is hesitant about the endeavor, filled with anxiety about the trek. In the opening shot of the film, we see a strange orange object rocketing from the sky and entering the woods. We know that’s where they are headed, and thus, that it’s not spelling happy-go-lucky times, but our leads are completely unaware.

source: Paramount+

This is a tightly wound thriller that really benefits from its star leads who carry the film and keep us invested. Despite it being a limited locale, there’s a depth that stretches within these tall trees and between our two leads. Harry wants to get married, and Ruth wants things to stay as they are. But, beyond their own relationship is a growing evil in the wilderness around them, lurking and spreading. At first, it’s witnessed by a deer split in two and covered in what appears to be black sludge. Personally, I’d be hightailing it out of there after such a bizarre and disturbing find, but they continue with their plans.

When things don’t go quite as well with an engagement as Harry had hoped, other things start feeling a little off. There’s something amiss here, and who and what is at the center is at first unsure, but the twist is worth waiting for. Especially because Monroe and Lacy keep us engaged and are both eventually, eerily… off. It keeps you guessing. Against the gorgeous background of the Pacific Northwest woods, Significant Other creates an atmospheric and dreary sensation that tricks you into it seeming simple but eventually proves to be a tense, thrill ride with some hidden tricks up its sleeve.

Co-directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen create a not entirely original but intriguing cinematic experience. It doesn’t reinvent the mold, but it is a worthy addition to the genre, and more should uncover its secrets. I also love the considerable lore by its conclusion, which even leans into a sequel. Or, just further thought upon its credits. Maybe it’s the science fiction fan in me, but I love a little (in locale), and that turns out to be a lot (in the scope and impact of the world). Also, less is so often, inevitably more. Some of the exposition in the third act didn’t all work, but still kept me very enthralled. Also, sign me up for anything Maika Monroe does, because she’s a consistent force.

The fantastic performances from Monroe and Lacy and the twisty fashion of the science fiction/horror yarn unspool into a heady trip with an earned payoff.

Significant Other is streaming on Paramount+

Shining Girls S1: A Dark, Loopy Sci-fi Mystery

Posted on by Kstrouse

Created by Silka Luisa Shining Girls (based on the book by Lauren Beukes) follows the mind-bending reality of Kirby (Elisabeth Moss) as she tries to navigate life after a devastating near-death attack. This series, which may very well only be one season (or at least I hope) can be head-scratching, nearly anxiety-inducing at times, but remains an intriguing, immaculately performed story that interweaves sci-fi elements with real character-driven drama.

source: AppleTV+

In part, this series focuses on Kirby and her frequently changing reality. She takes notes each day reminding her of her place and where she is within this world as it shifts unexpectedly. One day her desk is moved; another it’s her apartment, her lifestyle, her hair, her pet – you name it. After surviving a nearly fatal attack, she becomes aware of a recent murder that may be connected to her assault. This starts her on an investigative hunt for the truth, and for the assailant, played with expertly portrayed malice, by Jamie Bell as the elusive Harper.

The show takes place in Chicago in the 90s and while there is an element of time travel, it also believably lives in the world of journalism at the Chicago Sun-Times. As someone who wanted to be a reporter, but after her attack worked in the archives, Kirby is a character that embodies a woman you root for. Moss, who has proved she can really portray any role, does it again with a performance that doesn’t leave anything behind.

The case grabs the attention of struggling writer, Dan (Wagner Moura) whose career has taken some hits after dealing with addiction. The two form a unique team, discovering many grisly murders that point to a serial killer. Shifting realities often derail Kirby, and she is an unreliable narrator at times, but one who is also committed to figuring out the connections with these deaths. There are a lot of plotlines at work here, one of which is a very enthralling murder mystery and a psychological thriller. Even though we know the who, early on, the why and the telling of the events takes time to be discovered.

Harper’s character is really, truly despicable. He doesn’t generate much empathy; a clear villain. Yet, and kudos to the writers and Bell’s performance, he’s quite curious. What are his motives? Even if we don’t get all of the answers, like the novel delivers more of, we can’t help but wonder about all of the questions.

source: AppleTV+

What’s ultimately frustrating but somehow simultaneously stimulating is the constant differing realities. This is where the science fiction aspect becomes especially prevalent. You feel as if you are with Kirby, understanding her confusion and her relentless perceptions of what her life is. She has all of her memories, but her surroundings and the people involved, including her mother Rachel (Amy Brenneman) and her sometimes husband Marcus (Chris Chalk) make for an overly sympathetic protagonist that truly captures the damage and struggle of someone dealing with a traumatic event. The supporting characters are as equally important as they present a level of both sustainable empathy and disconnect. Shining Girls is nothing if not a vestibule for contemplation. At times, you may feel on par with Kirby, unsure of what you are seeing.

A Mysterious Take On A Serial Killer

While most of the victims are already gone, there is one that can potentially be saved, with a riveting performance by Phillipa Soo as Jin-Sook. The relationship with her and Kirby is one I could have used more of, but it provides a sense (much like her and Dan, but varied) of recluse from her loneliness. The pain and healing of such an event can make someone feel like they are on an island, and we get to see Kirby’s resurgence which is (by its end) is as satisfying as you could hope for.

Shining Girls may not be for everyone. It is an acquired taste because, much like the lead, you’re traversing a difficult situation. The fact that this series personified this so definitively is admirable. Personally, it took me a couple of episodes, but then I was hooked.

There is a lot to potentially spoil, and I won’t. Much like many of this genre, the value is in the experience. It also is a series that earns your approval, your investment, and in its end, proves to be worthy of it. AppleTV+, I feel, has been a streaming service that has very rarely let me down. I’ve had several I’ve written about admirably here and on my other site (filminquiry.com) and some I haven’t but appreciated all the same.

source: AppleTV+

Shining Girls mixes investigative mystery with science fiction in a way that never feels exploitative and it gives a voice to trauma and an inventive story to boot; an avenue for imaginative storytelling that still somehow feels grounded. Come for the intrigue, stay for the performances; everyone is at the top of their game, and Elisabeth Moss, again, proves she is one of the best actresses on television.

A perplexing series with no shortage of hard-to-watch moments, Shining Girls is an enthralling, bold tale.

I dug it.

Shining Girls Season One is available to stream on AppleTV+.