06 Nov 14

Terror

Thrills

Chills

Horror ...now scream, blogspot readers, as this musician warps the mind and soul with his horrific, terrifying eerie musical sounds within his EDM spectacle - Terrorvision! Inside the darkest of Logan Square's Concord Music Hall, no one will hear you scream when Figure lets the blood (and body parts) fly all around you amidst his heavy bass DJ music performance. Yet it wasn't just the music creating this ominous atmosphere tonight. It was the montage of horror movie clips behind Figure providing the additional spooky creepiness to scare the bejesus out of you, blogspot readers.

That, in a nutshell, blogspot readers, is a fair description of what Terrorvision is all about without giving too much away in this review. Well, SouthSide can mention one more thing - be prepared to dance all night long while listening to the haunting music and viewing the movie clips. Being amongst the spectacle of neon lighting within the dark setting and video, this popular venue was totally transformed into a dark version of Spring Awakening as the fashionable (and mostly costumed) crowd bounced, jiggled etc to Figure's dark EDM sound.

From Chucky to the classic three - Jason, Freddy, Michael to horror classics like Nosferatu and everyone and everything else in between, Figure's Terrorvision was nightmarish trip into the darkest reaches of this musician's twisted mind, blogspot readers. Take caution. It's very, very dark and scary in there. And if you have a weak heart condition, well, don't say SouthSide didn't warn you when you experience this dance scene event yourself. As frightening and terrifying as Terrorvision was, this reviewer loved it! It was like experiencing all the creeps and spookiness of Halloween one week later. 

It was amazing what Figure could do during this show. For example, while showing scenes of  lycan/werewolf transformation (think American Werewolf in London), the rhythmic beats and techno sounds were running in sync to the video clips. Like zombies? Well, so does Figure, blogspot readers, and he gave them their big moments on screen by showing every zombie movie you could think of. Hey, there's a brief (more like a "blink and miss" moment) scene of SouthSide's friend - Kyra Schon aka ghoul girl from Night of the Living Dead!

Not scared yet? Well, you will be the longer you stay within Terrorvision's horrifying realm. And according to Figure, "...there's no turning back..." This reviewer enjoyed how this musician found movie clips rarely shown on tv or found in the local video store. Scenes so disturbing with its many terrifying ways to die at the hands of demented psychopath, blogspot readers. Just remember, you're only getting a small glimpse of what's churning inside Figure's head. Peek any further we all might die from the madness that lurks within. His brainwaves are indeed supersonic ...and should not be taken lightly.

Time for SouthSide's Freddy (of Nightmare on Elm Street - the original with actor Robert Englund) moment. It was so awesome that Figure paid homage to this pop culture horror icon ...even used the iconic Freddy nursery rhyme as part of his music was quite creepy. Oh wow - he pulled out another horror classic ...The Creature from the Black Lagoon ...then it was The Munsters ...and some Beetlejuice - just for fun, blogspot readers. Totally loving the iconic Danny Elfman theme remixed. Wait, since when are Ninja Turtles scary? SouthSide guesses when they're the original movie version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sort of dancing on screen to Figure's dark music. And for the crowning touch - Dario Argento's Susperia! Besides Profondo Rosso (Deep Red also by Argento), this reviewer was backing happily within Figure's love for the horror and terror. Then it was onward to sci-fi horror scenes like Event Horizon and the Alien movie montage.

Ek ...it's The Blob ...creeping all over the screen!

More just for fun - Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas...

Before SouthSide gives too much away, she'll stop here by recommending all horror and EDM fans to check out Figure's Terrorvision when and where he brings the screams and heavy bass madness to venue near you! For more information including tour dates, visit his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/ImFigure. You can find free music tracks at http://www.soundcloud.com/figure.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide

12 Apr 14 - Sci-Fi Spectacular 2014

Let’s go to the movies, blogspot readers!

That’s how SouthSide recently spent her Saturday. Munching on buttery popcorn, snacking on yummy Raisinettes, and drinking cool refreshing soda while watching her cinematic favorites on the big screen inside the Patio Theatre during Sci-Fi Spectacular 2014. This one-day movie-a-thon had a little something everyone, blogspot readers. There were monsters in space (George Melies’ A Trip To the Moon) and on land (Godzilla vs King Kong), fantasy (Legend and Pan’s Labyrinth), sci-fi adventure/action (Buckaroo Banzai and Escape From New York) and horror (Night Of The Living Dead and Dead Zone). Over fourteen hours of movies as well as a Buffy The Vampire Slayer episode, “Hush” and indie movie shorts in between attracted avid moviegoers of all ages. PLUS there were special appearances by Doug Jones (of Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy I & II) and Kyra Schon (aka Karen Cooper from Night Of The Living Dead). Besides viewing movies, fans could hang out ...browse and shop the many vendors such as Horribles, Kutcha Galleries participating at this event.

SouthSide with Doug Jones

Upon arriving, SouthSide spent a few minutes chatting with Doug Jones about his roles in Pan Labyrinth and Hellboy I & II wondering how he felt being the only English-speaking actor in a Spanish-speaking movie. He mention it was hard learning a language he doesn’t speak but he did learn his lines in Spanish “...though it was hard concentrating...” after hours of makeup and costuming. Did you know, blogspot readers, that Doug was also the White-faced monster (the one with eyes in its hands) in Pan’s Labyrinth? Yep, that was him. After the movie’s showing on the big screen, Doug noted something that this reviewer hadn’t noticed before. His “Faun” character in the movie ages backwards (from old to young with more agility in the end) as Ofelia continues to believe in herself and the moon princess tale. For SouthSide, to finally see this Guillermo Del Toro masterpiece on the big screen was one of the many highlights of her Sci-Fi Spectacular experience. It was more enjoyable than watching it on DVD because on a large screen she could totally immerse herself into the majestic fairy tale world as well as the realistic horror of the Spanish countryside during World War II created by this director. There was a funny moment during the screening of Pan’s Labyrinth in which a guy shouted “...there’s pizza in the lobby...” after the tense scene when Capt. Vidal’s men were shot by the rebels. Speaking of Guillermo Del Toro, Doug Jones just finished another movie with him in Toronto (currently in post production) however the actor was only allowed to reveal it’s about a haunted house. Here’s another movie fact about Doug Jones ...he was “Billy” in the Disney movie Hocus Pocus. Oh yeah - don't be afraid to get a special hug from this actor. He's a GREAT hugger who loves to give everyone cool doggie pets on the head!

Kyra Schon

At the opposite end of the concession hallway, Kyra Schon aka Karen Cooper from Night Of The Living Dead was setting up her photos and trowel jewelry for fans to purchase. Recently, this reviewer was lucky enough to interview the woman behind the iconic horror character but meeting her in person was a chance of a lifetime, blogspot readers. SouthSide could simply spend hours with Kyra chatting about trivia bits and pieces about NOTLD as if the George A. Romero movie had just finished wrapping up yesterday because every memory is still fresh in Kyra’s mind. She remembers observing her friend Mimi jumping in her seat during the scene when the zombie hands came through the window of the farmhouse as well as the day Romero was delivering the movie to the distributor in New York when the news broke that Martin Luther King was assassinated. Kyra mentioned he (Romero) was worried it wouldn’t be shown because of the movie’s ending. She also mentioned that Duane Jones wasn’t the first choice to portray the character “Ben”. According to her, the role was designed for a burly trucker type until Duane Jones was given the opportunity to audition for the part which immediately blew everyone including the original guy picked to play the trucker character. Sadly, she never got the chance to see him again yet on the day of the premiere, Kyra received a dozen of roses that her first instant thought was they were from Duane. Her mother

did confirm her instinct was correct even though she would learn the truth years later. During the NOTLD screening, SouthSide mostly sat in the darkness of the theatre wondering if Kyra was watching us and our reactions while watching the movie especially her scenes. Still, to finally view this Romero horror classic was a big thrill for this reviewer. From  Johnny’s iconic line “...they’re coming to get you, Barbara...” to Karen Cooper’s only line “...I hurt...” in which had many within this packed theatre cheering. More cheers were aplenty while Kyra did her iconic zombie scenes but then suddenly you could hear boos and jeers when Ben died. No matter how many times Kyra has seen this movie, she still cannot watch this one particular scene. After the screening, she talked about her time on the NOTLD set (in which she mentioned it was boring but fun) and the basement scenes were filmed in the basement of Romero’s studio while the farmhouse scenes were done 30 miles north of Pittsburgh in Evansville. You may (or not) have noticed there weren’t any scenes of Kyra’s character actually stabbing her mother with the trowel. She was stabbing into a pillow. And believe it or not, Kyra never had any bad dreams after filming this movie though The Omen and Carrie did disturbed and scared her, blogspot readers. However, it took conventions and events like Sci-Fi Spectacular that she learned to finally accept it was okay to be a part of the horror culture even though before (as a young teen) she didn’t like being the center of negative attention (Kyra was teased by a boy after the NOTLD premiere).An audience member asked if she (and/or Romero) ever thought about the movie’s societal significance back then to which she said that she hadn’t since they were simply making a horror movie not a statement about society.

“...all the dreams of youth are regrets of maturity...” ~ Dark Lord (Tim Curry), “Legend”

Tom Kelly

Besides oohing and ahhing the fantasy world of unicorns, fairies and sprites as well as gigantic horns of Dark Lord (Tim Curry) of "Legend" (also starring a young Tom Cruise and Mia Sara) or laughing at the comical antics of John Big Booty and Jeff Goldblum’s surgeon character in a cowboy costume in the 80s cult classic Buckaroo Banzai (also starring Peter Weller, Ellen Barkin, John Lithgow), SouthSide also spent some time browsing amongst the many vendors at Sci-Fi Spectacular 2014. One vendor in particular caught her eye, blogspot readers, because the sign read “Orphan Kitties”. And for $7, you could take home a unique Hello Kitty creation by illustrator Tom Kelly (a comic book artist by day) who dresses them up as your favorite comic superhero or villain. He told this reviewer that it started about 8 years ago at a comic convention in which he had drawn a Hello Kitty as Batgirl for a vendor’s young daughter. Before it was over, he had approximately 50 orders. “...all I was really doing was something nice fore this little girl...” Tom stated before adding that his creations are quite popular with people all ages from kids to women and men (evil super villains are his biggest sellers with them). What he does is called “upcycling” because he turns the cardboard (he gets from electronics stores) into art which is mostly geared for comic conventions but around Halloween, he does create Hello Kitty witches, Freddie (Krugers) and more. For more information about Tom Kelley and his art, check out his site at http://www.tomkellyart.deviantart.com. SouthSide had to say “hi” to the guys at the shop where local horror personality, Svengoolie, get his rubber chickens flown for his Saturday television program – Horribles. She highly recommends checking out this horror collectable shop for its many rare to “hard to find” movie memorabilia to add to your collection. Next, she had to check another vendor who beautifully captured your favorite horror villains and heroes through this artist’s custom illustrations and designs. This reviewer also highly recommends checking out Chris Kuchta of Kutcha Galleries

  (http://www.horrorartist.com) from Lafayette, IN, blogspot readers. She liked how this artist paid close to every intimate detail of each main character from movies like Big Trouble In Little China, Candyman (that was her favorite design), Hellraiser and many more including Nosferatu to which you could have framed for display. Chris’ art grabbed plenty attention throughout the Sci-Fi Spectacular with few of the attendees taking home some of his lovely artwork. Other vendors included two from comic shops that would make any fanboy (or fangirl) squeal with excitement over the various array of comic selections for sale (some were discounted too) and jewelry vendors like Asunder (http://www.asunder.deviantart.com) who will be also at Convergence 20 happening soon.

Sci-Fi Spectacular fans

In between movies, there were movie trailers (like one for Chrysalis – this reviewer liked the premise for this movie ...can’t wait to see it), shorts (Jack was very creepy and twisted) and a 50s inspired movie trailer contest in which local aspiring directors created movies from themes within that nostalgic era shot in black-n-white. Movies like Leave It Creature (the creature being the Beaver character), Corn Stalk, Let’s Invite Satan To the Slumber Party and more were voted by audience applause and cheers, blogspot readers. And the winner was – Corn Stalk! “...everyone loves a killer corn movie...” It was a fun day for all but you don’t have to take SouthSide’s word ...simply read the following quotes from those who were there. “...I’m happy to be here...” says her friend Germ the Ripper who also stated that Sci-Fi Spectacular was good so far and movie marathons are his bread and butter. Meanwhile, Donita had this to say “...[it’s] a lot of fun...” though she’s not a big horror fan but she’s a big 80s fantasy fan and was excited to see her favorite Legend on the big screen. Kirsten, who was one of many arriving at noon for the official start, told this reviewer she was excited to see Buckaroo Banzai on the big screen. “...pretty good lineup this year...” though her favorite Return Of The Living Dead wasn’t on it. Then, SouthSide met a woman named Andrea who also arrived at noon who told her that she has attended most of Terror In The Aisles events. “...Pan’s Labyrinth is my favorite [but] seeing Buckaroo Banzai on the big screen was kinda thrill...”Yet she was most excited to see Kurt Russell in Escape From New York because she had never seen it at all, blogspot readers.

What a day watching her favorite movies. SouthSide can’t wait for next year...


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide

One On One With Kyra Schon

Ghouls, space monsters, evil spirits and more will be scaring up screams on the big screen this Saturday at Patio Theatre (located on Irving Park Rd near Austin). On April 12 th, cult classics like Legend, Buckaroo Banzai, Night Of The Living Dead including a showing of George Melies’ A Trip To The Moon and many others will once again get their cinematic due at this year’s Sci-Fi Spectacular. blogspot readers! This one-day fest features over 14hrs of movie madness, short films (such as Let’s Invite Satan to the Slumber Party, Hands of Fate, Jack), vendors and much more that’s sure to please any sci-fi / horror fan of all ages. Plus there will be vendors, prizes, surprises, live charity auction in support of Vital Bridges as well as special guest appearances by Doug Jones (Hellboy I & II, Pan’s Labyrinth) and Kyra Schon (Karen “ghoul girl” Cooper of Night Of The Living Dead). Fan will be able to take free pictures with them during this event. Romero’s 1968 classic Night Of The Living Dead is one SouthSide’s favorite horror movies and she had the extreme honor of interviewing Kyra Schon about her iconic role, opinion about horror movies of today and more.

Describing her role in Night Of The Living Dead as “...hungry, cold, empty, driven, persistent...”, this reviewer asked Kyra what was it like working with George Romero and how did she get the role as Karen “ghoul girl” Cooper. She told SouthSide that when she worked with George “...he wasn’t yet considered legendary...” and “...Night Of The Living Dead was his first feature film...” describing the director as a “...big, jovial man with amazing dimples...” And here’s an interesting movie fact in which fans may not know, George asked Kyra’s father to direct her when doing her scenes in the movie.  “...I don’t know why – maybe he thought I’d feel more comfortable getting direction from my dad...” Speaking of her dad, you might recognize his other NOTLD movie credits as co-producer (along with Russ Streiner), “...did makeup on the ghouls, and worked on aspects of the sound...” besides his role as Harry Cooper. Since it was so long ago, Kyra doesn’t remember if she and/or her father had to audition for their famous roles, blogspot readers, but she does suspect she got the role through solely on nepotism. However here’s another fact NOTLD fans may not know, her role was originally written as a boy named Timmy but “...nobody knew any boys the right age...” So the part was re-written and the rest is history. “...My dad owned a recording studio in Pittsburgh and [he] was a friend/colleague of the guys from Latent Image [Romero, Streiner, Russo and Hinzman]...” also mentioning this interesting fact, “....he had quite a lot of acting experience – all on stage – prior to NOTLD, but he always hated his performance in the film...” Then, this reviewer wondered if she ever felt her character would  be the most remembered especially amongst NOTLD fans to which she commented by saying “...Oh, no way, though I guess I can understand it on some level...” Kyra went on to add “...Little Karen’s gruesome matricide was a groundbreaker ...and I’ve heard it made people physically ill...” That makes her giggle, blogspot readers, when she thinks about it.

At the of 11, Kyra did attend the NOTLD premiere calling it “...a fancy-shmancy affair, replete with limos and dressy clothes...”, blogspot readers. Plus, she was allowed to invite a few of her friends though having to sit in the center section of the theatre with her father. “...I spent a good part of that 90 minutes turned around, watching their reactions...” Why? “...Since I knew what was going to happen on the screen, watching them was more interesting and entertaining, and really, really funny...” to which she also added “...it was a blast!” SouthSide asked Kyra for her opinion on her performance as Karen while watching herself on the big screen and she commented saying “...I don’t really remember my reaction at seeing myself...” “...I was probably embarrassed...” Kyra added along with how watching her dad getting shot and dying in the film made her a little upset. “...I had been there when they filmed that scene [over and over and over again], but seeing it on screen bothered me...” And to this day, she doesn’t like to watch it. She can’t even watch the scene where Duane Jones’ character, Ben, gets shot too. “...I always look away...” Would she do anything different to her character if given the chance? “...I’m not sure I’d have done anything different with Karen, other than not having her eat her dad’s entire arm in a few minutes...” says Kyra before adding, “...I mean, really – what sort of teeth did that kid have?” Good question. Kyra also thinks it would have been nice to see her (Karen) get away. If you really think about it, blogspot readers, her character wasn’t killed in the field with the other ghouls. “...so I like to think she did sneak away and she’s still out there...” Kyra has written extensively about Karen Cooper’s “afterlife” in a form of an advice column called “Ghoulish Guidance”. “...She was my alter ego,  and I called her ‘Ghoulfriend’...” Kyra’s column appeared online on the website Dread Central as well as hers – http://www.goulnextdoor.com.

Does Kyra miss being part of the horror genre/movies of today and would she appear as a cameo if asked? She has been asked a couple of times to appear in various indie horror films however she turned them down because she’s not an actor. Her words and opinion, blogspot readers, not SouthSide’s. Let’s have Kyra explain further. “...people only remember my role because of its shock value, and not because of my acting was brilliant...” Yet, she did appear as a judge in 2007 in a film done by her friend called The Green Man. So what’s her opinion about horror genre and its movies? Is there too much gore and/or not enough surprise and suspense in them?  Kyra replied, “...there are some recent films I like, though I’m not a fan of excessive gore...” It’s not that she’s squeamish, blogspot readers, but she finds “...too often the gore is a substitute for a plot...” And since this reviewer mentioned suspense, she added “...anyone can make a head explode, but building suspense and tension is an art...” On that note, SouthSide then proceeded to ask Kyra if she had a favorite horror movie director to which she and this reviewer share the same likes, blogspot readers. Her favorite dead director is Alfred Hitchcock meanwhile her favorite live director is George Romero, of course, but she has one more – John Carpenter. “...After George, I really love John Carpenter’s older films ...my three favorites of his are Halloween, The Fog and The Thing...” adding “...I love them because of the tension he created in those films...” As SouthSide mentioned earlier, Kyra along with Doug Jones will be appearing at Sci-Fi Spectacular 2014 this weekend and she wanted her thoughts about the upcoming appearance. “...I’m looking forward to the weekend and to meeting the fans...” And before ending the interview, this reviewer asked Kyra had anything else she would like to tell fans to which she replied with the following:

“I am always grateful to the fans that come out the events I attend. Their love for the film is a great energizer for me, and they make all the events positive experience. Some of my dearest friends started out as fans I met at conventions. I can’t overstate my love for horror fans – NOTLD fans in particular.”

SouthSide would like to thank Kyra Schon for taking time out of her busy schedule for this extra special interview. It gave this reviewer a much deeper appreciation for her favorite horror movie. Pre-sale tickets for Sci-Fi Spectacular 2014 are on sale now for $20 and can be found at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/events/582946. It’s $25 at day of event.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide