True Blood Season 3, Episode 10: “I Smell A Rat”
Sookie finds out that she is a fairy. Bill explains that it is likely that a fairy coupled with one of her ancestors and that Claudine was worried about Bill “taking her light” because fairies are believed to have been wiped out by vampires.
Bill also tells Sookie that fairy blood is intoxicating to vampires and he thinks that it has helped him stay alive longer in the sun. He has to reassure Sookie that he isn’t with her just because of her blood and what it does for him.
Bury the Body
Jason and Tara stand in the aftermath of killing Franklin. They hide any evidence that he was killed.
Later on, Tara reveals to Sookie what happened to her at Franklin’s hand. The two seem to make up once Sookie understands what went on.
Jason and Tara have a heart-to-heart later on where Tara thanks Jason for saving her life. He feels guilty, and tells her that he shot and killed Eggs. Tara rushes from the room.
Healing Effects
Lafayette and Jesus are still driving Calvin – Crystal’s father – to the hospital after he was beaten by Sam. Lafayette realizes that the hospital is too far away and that they will not make it before Calvin dies. He stops and gives Calvin vampire blood. He heals and Crystal is overjoyed. Calvin turns on her, cursing her for letting them feed him vampire blood. What a piece of crap this guy is.
We learn more about Sam when he is at home nursing his wounds from punching Calvin. We see a flashback that shows Sam using his shifting powers to steal jewelry. His girlfriend — who had no idea how Sam was able to steal so effectively — turns on him and robs him with another man. Sam takes revenge and kills both of them when he finds them. Wow. I never could have guessed Sam had such a dark past. He is beginning to get a little more interesting.
Later on in the episode, we return to Lafayette and Jesus. The pair do V together and have hallucinations of their relatives. We see Jesus’ grandmother, a powerful healer, and his grandfather, an evil sorcerer. I am definitely still feeling like Lafayette is some type of witch and Jesus is as well. I’m looking forward to seeing this develop.
Updating His Will
Eric believes that he will soon have to engage with Russell and that he may be killed. He updates his will in front of an attorney and names Pam as his sole heir. Pam is torn up over the experience, telling Eric that she doesn’t want his property and money. She wants him to live.
Afterwards, Eric shows up at Bill’s house and confronts him. Eric reveals that he knows Sookie is a fairy. He inquires as to whether her blood could allow him to walk in the sunlight. Bill tries to downplay how powerful Sookie’s blood is. Eric says that Sophie-Anne will be disappointed to know Sookie’s blood isn’t valuable. To me, it seems that Sophie-Anne may have been involved with Hadley to find out this information as well. Eric also tells Bill about how he killed Talbot. Sookie walks up at that moment and Eric insists again that she cannot trust Bill, but that it doesn’t matter because he won’t be around much longer.
Rejection
Jessica lashes out at Arlene for her continued prejudice against vampires. Afterwards, Tommy tries to kiss Jessica. She pulls away. We know she is definitely still interested in Hoyt. Later in the episode, Hoyt reveals that he has broken up with Summer. Hoyt punches Tommy in the face when he confronts him about Jessica. Tommy turns into a pitbull and attacks Hoyt. Jessica races to his rescue and punts Tommy as the dog into the woods. She forces Hoyt to drink her blood to heal.
At the end of the episode, someone has placed a burning cross on Bill and Jessica’s lawn. Bill convinces Jessica it isn’t worth paying attention to, and that they can’t do anything about it anyways because of the publicity Russell caused.
Arlene tells Terry that the baby inside of her isn’t his, but Rene’s. Terry — the good guy he is — says that it doesn’t matter and that he will raise the baby as his own. Arlene still doesn’t seem to feel very good about the baby and goes to Holly to help her miscarry. Holly is Wiccan, so I’d bet she will give Arlene a type of potion to help a miscarriage happen. I’m surprised that Arlene is doing this, as she firmly believes abortion is wrong. It’s a loophole in her mind, I guess.
Lost Love
We find Russell as he picks up a male prostitute. They have sex, and Russell gets weird and we can tell he is mourning Talbot. The prostitute begins to feel uncomfortable, but before he can get away Russell stakes him. This seems to be Russell re-enacting Talbot’s death to feel like they were together when he died. This scene is intensely emotional and we see how much Russell is hurting. Eric is in for it.
Fangtasia
We end the episode with Sookie arriving at Fangtasia to try and help Eric. Eric tells Sookie that he would hate to meet the true death without kissing her. They begin to make out and are interrupted by Pam. She pulls Eric aside and tells him that they should exchange Sookie for his life. Eric returns to the room and drags Sookie to the basement, tying her up.
Complications
Jason’s life becomes more complicated when he walks into his bedroom to find a panther sitting there, eyes orange and mesmerizing. Before his eyes, the panther transforms into Crystal. Well, at least Jason has the prior knowledge of Sam’s shifting so it isn’t too weird. We shall see.
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Released in 1997, it would be understandable if you confused this Jack Frost with the movie of the same title that was released in 1998 and starred Michael Keaton. We are not talking about the Michael Keaton Jack Frost because it’s not horror. It’s also not good.
(Look at that, you’re getting two reviews in one today. Merry Christmas.)
No, today we are talking about Jack Frost, starring Christopher Allport and Scott MacDonald. And it is possibly the most bonkers Christmas movie I have ever seen.
The story
We begin our tale in a very messed up fashion. A little girl asks her uncle for a bedtime story on Christmas Eve. The uncle tells her about a serial killer named Jack Frost who was caught after leaving bits of his victims inside pies. But there’s no need to worry, the uncle explains. Because Jack Frost was caught and is being executed that very night.
And we won’t be hearing from these two characters again for the whole movie.
Instead, we cut to Jack, being transported to his execution. Somehow he manages to escape, only to be doused with some sort of acid and melted into the snow.
Meanwhile, the sheriff who caught Jack Frost, Sam, is trying to come to terms with his death. He’s thankful that he’s gone, but the nightmare just doesn’t feel over yet.
Then, of course, people start turning up dead in his little town. And in spectacular ways.
Slowly, Jack Frost seems to work his way through a family called the Metzners. Even though it appears that this family didn’t have a single thing to do with him. First, he murders their son, then proceeds to stalk the entire family.
Sam is joined by an FBI agent named Agent Manners and a scientist named Stone. Together they fumble around the tiny little town, trying to figure out how to kill Jack. Bullets do nothing. He can melt and slip through cracks. But hairdryers seem to do the trick.
What worked
I’m going to be honest here. Nothing in this movie was good. The effects were bad. The writing is bad. The constant snow puns are bad. The acting is bad.
But it is this exact combination of bad aspects that makes Jack Frost funny. It is so intentionally bad that it is hilarious. None of the characters are likable, so we’re not overly upset when they’re murdered in horrific ways. None of the effects look real, but they look fun. The writing is awful, but it’s hilarious.
And here’s the greatest thing about Jack Frost. Everyone working on it is having fun. You can just tell that every single actor is having the time of their lives. Nobody was having a single bad day on stage here. And that alone makes Jack Frost enjoyable to watch.
What didn’t work
One thing I have to say here is that the acting was just bad. It was not, I believe, intentionally bad acting. That is to say, it wasn’t a talented actor acting badly for comedic effect. This was just bad acting from almost everyone in the cast. The two exceptions are Allport and Marsha Clark, who plays Marla. Everybody else is overacting so hard that they’re pulling muscles. They’re chewing the scenery so much that they’re not going to have room for Christmas cookies.
Or oatmeal.
To enjoy Jack Frost, you need to have a deep appreciation for campy effects, bad snow puns, and really inappropriate humor. It’s one of those movies where you turn off your brain, make sure all loose items are secured and your lap bar is completely locked, and enjoy the ride.
If you can do that, then you’re going to have a great time with this movie. If not, don’t worry. There’s lots more holiday horror to come.
(4 / 5)
Movies n TV
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023), a Film Review
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023) is an award-winning sci-fi horror film directed and written by Bomani J. Story.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023) is a sci-fi horror film directed and written by Bomani J. Story. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this unrated and award-winning film stars Laya DeLeon Hayes, Denzel Whitaker, Chad L. Coleman, Reilly Brooke Stith, and Amani Summer. As of this review, interested viewers can enjoy this film from Shudder with additional availability through purchase or rent.
After a sequence of tragedies and loss, Vicaria (Laya DeLeon Hayes) seeks to cure death. Despite her genius earning her a private school education, few take this ambition seriously. Those who see it think of her only as an example of a girl separated from reality. But all that changes when she has a breakthrough. Unfortunately for her, the systemic issues that oppress her neighborhood can’t be solved as simply as curing death.
What I Like about The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster and Recognition Earned
This film received nominations from four separate film festivals. It won Best Narrative Feature by the Calgary Underground Film Festival and Best Horror / Sci Fi from Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival. In addition, it received nominations for Best Narrative Feature from the Atlanta Film Festival and a nomination from the SXSW Film Festival.
The beautifully shot scenes earn respect, and the cast remains strong throughout. While Laya DeLeon Hayes executes the most demanding role, Reilly Brooke Stith (Aisha) and Amani Summer (Jada) elevate their material.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster dips its commentary into several hot topics. While I would have liked to see further exploration, it deals with scientific responsibilities, systemic issues facing Black Americans, and more. Needless to say, this film has ambition.
While particular elements vary in execution, this remains a unique approach to the dehumanization of these racist and systemic issues while telling an engaging story in the process. While I wouldn’t consider this an arthouse film, it dips into that category in many ways.
Tired Tropes, Trigger Warnings, and Considerations
For a better viewing experience, don’t take the film with the utmost realism in mind. An example of what I mean is how easily and unnoticed bodies are moved and hidden. As a metaphor or motif, it works better to serve the overall message.
As mentioned, many systemic issues come to light within the story, with varying levels of depth. Some examples include racial profiling, police violence, and microaggressions that stretch the “micro” aspect of the word. I also want to clarify that the film focuses on Vicaria’s personal story, using these experiences when applicable to the plot.
Drug addiction and gang violence play prominent roles in the plot. As mentioned above, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster addresses many of the systemic issues that make a thriving drug industry as opposed to dehumanizing those participating in it.
The titular Monster evokes levels of realistic body horror. While it’s not particularly extensive, the rot remains present and vivid. Partly related, the film creates a surprisingly gory story.
What I Dislike about The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster
Several plot points remain underdeveloped or underexplored. This choice might indicate sequel material, but I don’t think that’s the case here. For example, viewers hear about a “body snatcher,” but the narrative doesn’t build the mystery until the end. Perhaps this requires a slightly longer run time, but it also could be cut with some edits to the script.
Her Monster didn’t particularly evoke fear. The rot evokes disgust but not terror. The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster remains more focused on the story than the horror.
Final Thoughts
For those looking for horror rooted in real issues but not afraid to delve into the absurd, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster remains a strong choice. While it might not evoke the terror and haunting we horror fans hope for, the bittersweet film certainly provides many reasons to give this film a view. (4 / 5)
Movies n TV
Blood Flower (2022), a Film Review
Blood Flower (2022) is a Malaysian supernatural horror film directed by Dain Said. Originally titled Harum Malam.
Blood Flower (2022) is a Malaysian supernatural horror film directed by Dain Said. Originally titled Harum Malam, the film stars Idan Aedan, Bront Palarae, and Remy Ishak. As of this review, the film is available on Shudder and AMC+ with additional availability for rent or purchase.
After a family tragedy, Iqbal (Idan Aedan) has trouble finding focus as an apprentice healer. His family remains in shambles, and Iqbal struggles to find a purpose in the wake of this change. As his father (Bront Palarae as Norman) finds temporary work helping a family friend, a terrible horror becomes unleashed. Now, Iqbal must overcome his internal turmoil or lose even more.
What I Like in Blood Flower
The horror evoked here has some elements of fabulism with a heavy emphasis on the supernatural component. In general, I like the established world and how this supernatural element connects to the characters’ development.
Throughout Blood Flower, the acting remains consistent and engaging. The relationship between Norman and Iqbal, which provides the heart of the film, remains a particularly well-executed point. Even when the writing falls short, the acting wins me over more often than not.
The film builds up its horror, which elevates the execution and overall effect. I won’t claim that the horror truly haunts the viewer, but it remains unsettling and, even uncomfortable, throughout.
As for the design of the monster, it works. There are points that remain strong, forcing a rather uncomfortable visual or experience that provides an effective execution of Blood Flower’s vision. One especially effective choice is including stop motion in some of the scenes. This visual creates a somewhat jarring feel to the supernatural entity that still lingers in my mind.
Tired Tropes and Trigger Warnings
Blood Flower includes sexual assaults that remain clunkily included in the plot. When dealing with such material, especially when it remains essential to the story, the execution makes or breaks the quality. Unfortunately, the execution feels rushed and more for the shock of the reveal.
Possession-assisted suicide remains an element within the film. While I think the distance between such harm and the context of the film doesn’t rise above confusion, it deserves a mention in this section.
There are general decisions made for the sake of the plot. While this can fall into the dislike section, it’s within a range so as to not completely distract or undermine the viewing experience.
If any of these are deal breakers, then Blood Flower might be a skip.
What I Dislike in Blood Flower
Where this movie falls short is building up some of its elements to their conclusion by the end of the film. The previously mentioned sexual assaults make for a strong example, but another remains the human villain. As they are the reason for the monster, I am surprised by the general lack of attention and presence the character receives.
Iqbal unlocking his power feels underwhelming and lacks any real visuals or style. We have magic and special effects, but his power consists of holding out his hand. The issue lies in the execution, not the actor, as Idan Aedan does everything he can with the given command.
Going into the previous points, a spiritual master helps Iqbal train to become a healer. This person isn’t the one who unlocks their power. I still wonder why so little development on this important point remains in the film.
Final Thoughts
Blood Flower, or Harum Malam, remains an interesting supernatural horror that drops its execution towards the end. It provides a unique viewing experience with equal parts ingenuity and creativity to provide an effective horror. But it remains a flawed work with some wasted potential. Still, it earns its runtime for those interested in Malaysian horror.
(2.5 / 5)
