By Mark Trammell

Unless you’ve been hiding under the bed and avoiding the internet at all costs, then you know that “Paranormal Activity” is the current talk of the town. It’s setting off waves of buzz the likes of which haven’t been seen since perhaps “The Blair Witch Project,” the film with which this film will draw the inevitable comparisons. Really, though, the only thing this has in common with that film is a cast that knows how to sell the material and a DIY approach that proves that literally anyone can make a movie with a little ingenuity. The fact that PA is getting so much attention online is because it’s different from most of the horror clogging the theatres these days, and that’s a good thing.
Think about it. The torture porn movement typified by the “Saw” series has been losing steam as of late, with many of its brethren tanking at the box office, including the latest installment of that franchise, which saw itself roundly trounced by the young upstart this past weekend at the box office. PA, like TBWP, has a lot going for it. With excellent word of mouth, it’s an internet buzz topic that has people debating whether it is, in fact, the scariest movie in many a moon, if not one of the scariest of all time. What’s more, no less a name than Steven Spielberg gave it a big thumbs up, helping the filmmakers get a theatrical deal and even going so far as to help them tighten up the original cut and change the ending.
The story is a simple but effective one. It revolves around a couple living in a sweet piece of real estate who suspects they may be the recipients of a ghostly visitor. They call a psychic type, who confirms it, then proceeds to get the eff out of dodge while the getting’s good, in one of the film’s funnier scenes. Then things proceed to get even worse. Much worse. That’s about it, really.
Ultimately, the film succeeds mostly because of the cast. Katie Featherston, in particular, steals the show as the main heroine, who suspects the entity of concern has actually been stalking her for some time, even before she moved into her current residence. Her matter of fact attitude, coupled with her palatable fear, is what gets the audience into the film. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, played by Micah Sloat, provides the color commentary, joking around at first before calling out the specter later in a way that tends to get the audience cringing. If there’s one thing you don’t want to do in a horror movie, its tick off the evil in question, and Micah practically begs for it. Once that happens, you know it’s only a matter of time before the crap hits the ceiling, and boy, does it ever.
The effects are mostly pretty lo-fi, and on the cheap, to be sure. People expecting, say, the next “Poltergeist,” are bound to be disappointed. We’re talking mostly minimal scares here: creepy noises, slamming doors, and the like. Certainly nothing that’s gonna gross anyone out or make them cringe. Yet, many of the classic old horror movies rely on mood and simplicity to achieve their scares, and PA is no exception. It’s cheap, to be sure, and really is the sort of thing most anyone with access to a decent camera and few computer programs could do themselves. The trick is, PA simply thought of it first. Or if not first, per se, then they got the most attention doing it. Having Spielberg in your corner can do that.
It also had that novel “demand it” internet approach going for it, in which people all over the US voted on whether the film should receive a wide release. People voted in droves, and the film has gone from potentially going straight-to-video to a limited release to going wide as of this past weekend, where it preceded to whomp the tar out of Jigsaw and his cronies in the latest “Saw” flick.
All of which, of course, means Hollywood will inevitably want a sequel. It’s hard to say how the filmmakers would proceed from where it ends, but no doubt, they’ll find a way. Interestingly enough, the film has already amassed three endings to date, with alternative versions making the rounds on the internet, alongside debates as to which of the three is better. Having seen two out of three, I would say the original ending is more disturbing and sticks with you more, whereas the theatrical one is more of the “let’s get in one last scare before we roll credits” type of cheat. In actuality, the one I haven’t seen sounds potentially the most disturbing of them all, but it’s hard to say which is the most effective. I suppose all three have their merit. That said, I think the theatrical cut is ultimately the more polished and most audience-friendly of the bunch, whereas the other one I saw is more disturbing more than anything else.
Whatever you think of the ending, the verdict is already in. The film is a huge success, especially given its non-existent budget. Like “The Blair Witch Project” before it, “Paranormal Activity” and the filmmakers that made it are no doubt laughing all the way to the bank. Whether you choose to follow is your call, but it beats the stuffing out of another lackluster installment of the increasingly ludicrous “Saw” series. I’ll take a well-engineered fright flick to yet another torture flick any day of the week. Those who don’t, well, there’s undoubtedly yet another remake or sequel headed your way any day now. For those of us who like our horror intelligent and well-thought out, “Paranormal Activity” will fit the bill just fine.

By Mark Trammell

In my fourth and likely final year here at UAB (let’s hope…), I’ve done a Halloween list every year, and at this point, the trick is finding a fairly obscure horror movie I haven’t mentioned in a previous article! So, I did some heavy duty web-searching, and here’s what I came up with. Enjoy!

1. “Let the Right One In”- Sick of all those wussy teen vampires clogging up the movie and TV screens? Check out this nifty Swedish shocker about a pre-teen female vamp that’s way more disturbing than anything you’ll see in the likes of the “Twilight” movies. And don’t worry if you fear subtitles more than vamps- there’s a dubbed option on the DVD.
2. “Dead Snow”- Another Swedish import, this one revolves around the ever-popular zombies, also still making waves with the recent “Zombieland.” However, this one features Nazi zombies! How can you go wrong? Not here, with the flick that stole the show at the recent Sidewalk Festival. It’s equal parts “Evil Dead” and “Scream,” with an amusingly tongue-in-cheek, self-referential tone that translates into any language.
3. “Martyrs”- Just when you thought it was safe to avoid torture porn comes this belated entry in the much-maligned (often deservedly so) genre. This French import is far superior to most films of its ilk, adding a dense psychological subtext that makes it cut deeper than most horror movies. That said, it is definitely not for the faint of heart, least of all in its super-gory unrated version. The French have been on a roll as of late- see also the excellent “High Tension” (by the director of the “Hills Have Eyes” remake), “Inside,” and “Frontier(s).”
4. “Blood and Chocolate”- Gore-fests not your cup of tea? Try this underrated flick, based on a young adult novel of the same name, which tried to do for werewolves what “Twilight” did for vampires before that film was released. It’s flawed, but beautifully shot, and well-acted. More for those who prefer lighter horror or so-called “paranormal romance” than die-hard horror fans- in other words, it’s much more girl-friendly than the other films on this list if you’re looking for date night material. If you like this, see also the excellent French period-piece werewolf flick “Brotherhood of the Wolf” or the Canadian teen-wolf series “Ginger Snaps.”
5. “The Woods”- Like “B&C,” this also features rising starlet Agnes Bruckner, plus horror stalwart Bruce Campbell, of “Evil Dead” fame and celebrated indie actress Patricia Clarkson (“Six Feet Under”) . Revolving around mysterious happenings at a girl’s school in the mid-60s, it’s a subtle, mood-driven chiller that makes up in atmosphere what it may lack in gore. See also director Lucky McKee’s fantastic “May,” featuring a rare straight performance from funny girl Anna Farris (“Scary Movie”), and for more girl-school thrills, check out the tres-campy “Satan’s School for Girls,” with- who else?- notorious bad girl Shannen Doherty.
6. “Tale of Two Sisters”- Sure, Asian horror is old hat by now, to the point that the recent remake of this film, “The Uninvited,” wasn’t even promoted as such. But this one is well worth a look, even for those burnt out on Asian horror. For one thing, it’s not your typical Asian horror movie. It’s actually grounded in reality, and though there are ghosts of a sort, it’s not anything like “The Ring” or “The Grudge” or what have you (not that there’s anything wrong with those films). This one is more of a psychological thriller than a ghost story, and it makes all the difference. See also the excellent Mexican chiller “the Orphanage,” presented by Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) for a similar flick that moves as much as it chills.
7. “The Funhouse”- Director Tobe Hooper has taken his lumps over the years, somewhat deservedly, despite having created two of the all-time best horror movies, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Poltergeist.” However, there are a few hidden gems in his repertoire that few talk about, including this shocker, set largely in a carnival ride- hence the title. The main monster’s gruesome makeup is by Academy-Award winning FX man Rick Baker (“Hellboy,” “An American Werewolf in London”). Other Hooper movies worth checking out: “Eaten Alive,” featuring a pre-Freddy Robert Englund and a hungry crocodile; and “Lifeforce” about space vampires (!). For an ideal double feature, check out the also-carnival-set flick “Dark Ride,” with “Sopranos” siren Jamie-Lynn Sigler.
8. “Videodrome”- Before there was torture porn, there was “Videodrome.” This ahead-of-its-time flick features James Woods and a post-Blondie Deborah Harry (as a redhead!) as a couple who run afoul of a pirated cable network that shows nothing but torture films with no plot or recurring actors. Might they be real snuff films? You’ll just have to see for yourself, but with David Cronenberg (“The Fly”) in the director’s chair, suffice it to say things only get weirder. This film single-handedly warped my childhood irrevocably, and I mean that as a compliment. See also Cronenberg’s “Existenz,” which could be a bigger-budgeted sequel to the film and makes a perfect double feature.
9. “Angel Heart”- Believe it or not, there was a time when Mickey Rourke (“Sin City,” “The Wrestler”) looked like a normal guy. Granted, he never was anything remotely resembling normal as a person, which is why he’s such a perfect fit for this proto-M. Night Shyamalan chiller. A modern-day film noir, the film is directed by Alan Parker, of “Fame” fame, as well as “Pink Floyd: The Wall,” and features a post “Cosby” Lisa Bonet, never hotter. It revolves around a P.I. investigating a disappearance in New Orleans at the behest of the mysterious Robert DeNiro, at his creepiest this side of “Cape Fear.” Great ending, beautifully shot, and excellent acting all around. A must see, but try and get a hold of the unrated version. See also the equally underrated “Jacob’s Ladder” for a similar nightmarish vision with a twist.

10.”Pieces”- What would a Halloween horror list be without a guilty-pleasure slasher flick? One of “Hostel” director and “Inglourious Basterds” star Eli Roth’s faves, this so-trashy-it’s-great gore-a-palooza has to be seen to be believed. Featuring stalwart horror husband and wife team Christopher and Lynda Day George (“Day of the Animals”), plus Paul “Bluto” Smith, this would-be murder mystery is sleazy but fun, with loads of gratuitous nudity and gore, plus an ending to end all horror movie endings, “Sleepaway Camp” notwithstanding. For more Georges fun, check out the underrated “Mortuary,” featuring a young Bill Paxton, and for more guilty pleasure 80s slashers, check out the recently re-released “The Prowler” with FX by the guru of gore, Tom Savini (“Dawn of the Dead,” “Friday the 13^th”) and the underrated original “My Bloody Valentine,” which features restored unrated gore.

Well, there you have it! Have a great Halloween, and remember to lock your doors and bolt your windows, because you never know who- or what- might be lurking out there in the dark!

By: Lindsey Little

Halloween is not the only great thing between fall break and Thanksgiving. There are several other attractions in and around the great city of Birmingham.

First off is a murder mystery theatre play. The event started on October 16^th but will be playing until October 25^th. At the ATCA Theatre in Trussville, And Then There Were None directed by Shari Olm is a cheap option. The tickets are available on their website, and are $10 for adults, $8 for senior adults and $6 for students. The play is similar to Survivor with the exception of being voted off the island. What is different is that while the non-survivors are off the island, their lives are also off the realm of living.

Another event that is less spooky is Scarecrows in The Gardens. Aldridge Botanical Gardens will be holding a judging contest over 25 scarecrows that are have been assembled by local organizations, schools, individuals and businesses. The event is cheaper than the last - it is free, although to enter the contest, it is $25. The winners will be announced on the 25^th, during their Harvest Celebration. The awards will be given out in $100 increments. While a few of the scarecrows will be losers, you can still see them until the 31^st, when they will be taken down. If you have never been to Aldridge Botanical Gardens, head south on Lorna Road and look to your left to get there.

If you can stand the drive, there is a grape stomping festival in Harpersville off Morgan Creek Lane. This event lasts until December 13. In celebration, grapes will be stomped barefooted (clean feet only) , wine will be tested (ages 21 and above only), winery tours will be given, and there will even be a “Lucy Look-A-Like” contest (dress like Lucille Ball) with cash prizes. There will also be music by Bonus Rounds. Music samples can be found here.

If you are still bored, you can go and learn Burlesque Strip Aerobics. You can really put an impression on anybody you want to tell with these classes. Burlesque Strip Aerobics are opened to all adults with a punch card. There are three different punch cards ranging from bronze (four dance session for $25), silver (nine sessions for $50), and gold (15 sessions for $75). To go without a punch card, the single sessions are $10. The dance sessions are from 7 to 8 on Tuesday nights before the Hip-Hop Fusion dance classes. Thursday night at 7 is their Introduction to Group Ballroom dancing. The studio is off John Hawkins Parkway in Birmingham. The website claims “You are not behind if you sign up today!  Classes works on different things each week, so you are never behind if you have to miss a class.  Come and go as you please cafeteria style.  We work with your schedule!” Classes end July 24, 2010.

From murder mysteries, scarecrow voting, and grape stomping to burlesque dancing, Halloween isn’t the only interesting event between October and November.

An inside look at the legendary Sloss ghoul-fest auditions

It is that time of the year once again. Every year, the Halloween season rolls around and brings out all of the ghouls, goblins and ghosts.
The biggest Halloween attraction in Birmingham has returned to put fear back in its guests.
Sloss Furnace has been a national historical landmark since 1981. The furnace has had a history of supernatural experiences that have led some to claim it to be one of the most haunted sites in America. It has been featured in several TV shows about the paranormal.
The story goes that at the turn of the 20th Century, James “Slag” Wormwood, a ruthless night foreman, encouraged dangerous work conditions that cost nearly 50 workers their lives. The foreman himself died when he fell into a vat of molten ore.
Some say “Slag” was murdered by his own men. To this day, workers still claim to be haunted by the spirit of the cruel foreman.
Since 1998, Sloss Fright Furnace has opened up its gates every fall to the general public, and this year looks to be its most frightening. Sloss Fright Furnace 2009 has pulled out all the stops and has created a terrifying experience that takes you into the deepest, darkest parts of the furnace.
Highlights of the trail include bloodthirsty zombies, a 3-D maze and rooms dedicated to the fear of bugs and tight spaces. While you are waiting to enter the trail, make sure to visit the Roadkill Cafe. There you can grab some grub while watching your favorite gore-filled horror movies.
The trail is a half mile of terror and opens Saturday, Sept. 26.
I got the opportunity to witness the orientation process and talk with the horrifying cast firsthand.
I asked Sloss Fright Furnace’s seven-year veteran actress Sara Knight what keeps her coming back year after year.
“Everybody who works in the world spends their time catering to people,” Knight said. “We get to spend one month scaring the hell out of them and that makes it worth it.”
I managed to also get an interview with four-time “Sloss Fright Furnace Actor of the Year,” Leah Pharo.
“It is a way to get connected with Birmingham,” Pharo said. “I can see people around Birmingham and say, ‘I probably scared the heck out of that person right there.’”
Both actresses agreed that this was the best time of the year.
“When you feel a chill in the air, you know it is Sloss time,” Pharo said.
Sloss Fright Furnace production manager, Grant Thomas, said this year’s Sloss is going to be the scariest ever.
“We’ve extended our trail, which has made the experience longer,” he said. “We have brought back some old favorites from years ago and also have several new additions.”
I asked the vital question on how guests should plan on surviving this horrific trail to which Thomas replied, “Run.”
Open - Sept. 26 through Nov. 1
Cost - $15 (cash or checks only)
Hours of operation -  Opens at sundown and closes when the last group leaves. Sloss stops selling tickets at 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Check calendar for days.
Need more details? visit http://www.frightfurnace.com

Tim Melton
Staff Writer
tim35071@hotmail.com

Mark Trammell
Features Contributor

A remake of a classic is always a dubious prospect in the best of circumstances, but certain films have shown the old can be made new in clever ways, if done correctly. However, a remake of a sequel is even more groan-inducing, seeing as, more often than not, the original sequels themselves are almost always inferior retreads of the originals by definition, with only a few exceptions to the rule, depending on who you ask (i.e. “Aliens,” “Godfather 2,” and “The Empire Strikes Back”).
Give Rob Zombie credit then, at least, for getting rid of the source material from the original “Halloween 2” within the first thirty minutes or so. As it stands, the original was no great shakes, with the best bits being the fact that it was the rare sequel that picks up directly after the original ends, and completes the night begun in the first film. Well, that and the dubious revelation that Michael Myers was heroine Laurie Strode’s big brother. Zombie keeps the latter and scraps the former, opting for the old “one year later” approach after the whole hospital business is taken care of in the beginning.
Zombie’s world is, as ever, an ugly and unpleasant one. The buildings that the film takes place in, from the houses to the stores the characters work in, are all on the verge of ruin and seemingly one step away from outright condemnation. The exception is the places where Michael Myers’ doctor, Sam Loomis’ interviews and lectures take place, which are presented as sterile and blindingly generic, as if to represent the hollowness of the media, who aren’t exactly portrayed in the most flattering of lights. (Amusingly, however, the lone sympathetic voice in the entire film is Loomis’ agent!)
Likewise, the people are unrepentantly ugly and unlikable, even Loomis (Malcolm McDowell) and heroine Laurie Strode (Scott Taylor-Compton), who both curse like sailors on shore leave, as do the entire rest of the cast. At one point, Laurie even voices her beloved stuffed Paddington Bear as a foul-mouthed heathen! The original had memorable characters you cared about and genuinely hated to see killed. Here, you could care less who lives or who dies. In some cases, they couldn’t be killed fast enough for my tastes, which is not a good quality in a film to have.
The cinematography is likewise nasty and eye-searingly unattractive. When even a perfectly attractive girl like super-cute Danielle Harris (who played Michael Myers’ niece as a child in the original series, but plays Annie here) is made to look like death warmed over, you get the feeling Zombie even has contempt for beauty itself. The lone exception is—perhaps not unintentionally—Michael’s mother, played by Zombie’s own wife, Sherri Moon. She nonetheless looks like an angel of death in the film’s most laughable conceit, as she and the young Michael (and often a horse!) crop up from time to time to egg Michael on in his murderous intent, Mrs. Vorhees-style.
The film is not completely without humor. There’s an amusing sequence with, of all people, “Weird” Al Yankovic, who gets off a few funny zingers. There’s also some fun cameos for hardcore horror fans, including Margot Kidder (“The Amityville Horror”) and Caroline Williams (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”), but by and large, Zombie’s film is unrepentantly repulsive all around.
Nor does a lot of it make sense. Why does Michael go around mask-less for no apparent reason from time to time? Why does the film seem to take place in a world in which the 70s never ended, yet the younger characters speak as if they walked in off the set of “Juno”? Just what version of “Nights in White Satin” runs, like, fifteen minutes or more, and for that matter what TV station would be playing it in the dead of the evening on Halloween night? Oh, and when did Michael become Korean? (Don’t ask.) The film is filled with these ridiculous touches, which only serve to make the film more and more ludicrous as it goes on.
To be fair, Zombie is not without talent as a director. “House of 100 Corpses” had flashes of demonic brilliance, and a truly eye-popping color palette. It was like a nightmarish Technicolor version of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” “The Devils’ Rejects” had to grow on me, but I now respect what Zombie was going for. He was just trying to make horror movies scary again. Even his remake of “Halloween” tried its best to ground Michael in reality instead of the supernatural, even if it did use every serial killer cliché in the book. He reportedly refused to even consider a sequel, before being wooed back with the right to do whatever he wanted, and, no doubt, a big, fat pile of money. Let’s hope he uses that money to make something a little more original next time around than “Halloween 2,” which doesn’t just fall prey to every cliché in the horror movie book—it wallows in them.