I’m Back

I used to love writing; I took a lot of pride in my work and spent a lot of time on it. Not only was it a way for me to connect with those of similar interests, it was also a way for me to channel the frustrations of the day into something creative.

A lot of things have happened in my life starting in 2019 with the death of my father, and things continued to slip downhill from there. I have lost a lot of myself over the last few years, and along with that , the drive to do something I once loved to do. I let the darkness occuring in my own life coupe with the elitist views of some in the profession get to me and put out the passion I once felt.

After a lot of self reflection and discussions with myself, I have decided to end this hiatus I have been on. I don’t know how frequently I will be releasing content in the next couple weeks, but I am back and will be working in to a more steady content schedule.

If you have any article requests or have any other business inquiries, feel free to email me at lipstickandgore@yahoo.com.

‘Dark Night of the Scarecrow’ Returning for 40th Anniversary

On October 24, 1981, horror classic Dark Night of the Scarecrow premiered on CBS the CBS Saturday Night Movie at 9pm EST. This Sunday, the 40th anniversary of the original air date, Bubba returns.

This made-for-TV turned classic was written and directed by Frank De Felitta, and stars Academy Award nominee Charles Durning (Tootsie; When A Stranger Calls) and Emmy winner Larry Drake (Darkman; L.A. Law).

Plot:

In a small Southern town, four vigilantes wrongfully execute a mentally-challenged man, but after the court sets them free mysterious “accidents” begin to kill them off one by one.

Original Trailer

When and where can you catch this underrated gem? Sunday, October 24 at 9pm EST.

The free linear Midnight Pulp channel is available on Samsung TV Plus (Channel 1445), The Roku Channel, Plex, Stirr (Channel 226) and on the Midnight Pulp app.  Midnight Pulp, part of the growing Digital Media Rights OTT Channels group, is available at www.midnightpulp.com, and as an app on popular mobile and connected TV devices, streaming all things strange and on demand.

Review: Ian Messenger’s ‘Wendigo Falls’

The horror genre is possibly the most diverse film genre with many types of sub-genres. One of those sub-genres has become the most difficult type to create, the found footage horror film; these types of films are either fantastic or a complete nightmare. Writer/director/actor Ian Messenger has become a master of found footage. Messenger’s first film of this style that I had the pleasure of viewing was his 2017 film Monkey Farm, but he has again made gold with Wendigo Falls.

Wendigo Falls was written and directed by Ian Messenger (who also stars as Blaine) and stars Amy Beckwith as Charlotte, Robert Irwin as Adam and Cameron Wagoner as The Wendigo.

Plot:

A group of up-and-coming social media influencers attempt to locate the largest geocache of all time but are instead met with the horrific mysteries of Wentiko Falls. Will they come face to face with the legendary Wendigo of Algonquin lore? Or is this just a case of psychosis?

What makes this film even more impressive is the short runtime, Wendigo Falls is just over 20 minutes long. In such a short span of time, Messenger and the cast were able to create a very believable, organic found footage film. There was no over the top acting attempting to sell a gimmick; from the beginning it is easy to forget that the three people on screen are actors in a short and not three friends stumbling into a terrible situation.

If a film of this style is to be believed, super steady camera work should probably not be used. The camera work with this film was a tad shaky, as it should have been and the occasional glitches add to the paranormal aspects.

If you have 20 minutes and want to see an indie horror project that is startling and well done, Wendigo Falls is the film for you. I will stop blabbing and simply send you over to watch this found footage masterpiece. Catch Wendigo Falls on the A Ruined Heart Pictures YouTube channel (yes…it’s free).

Stream Your Favorite Troma Titles & More with Troma Now

In a society that demands everything be available at its fingertips at any given moment, Troma has joined the streaming service boom. If you’ve exhausted the lackluster horror category on other streaming services (not going to mention any names for “legal purposes”), a new savior is born with Troma Now.

What kind of titles can you expect to find? This service offers Hollywood classics as well as the Troma library. Browse a massive selection of films which includes titles like Maniac Cop, Killer Pinata, The Toxic Avenger series (yes, all of them) and many many more. There are new titles added every month. Some of June’s new additions include Grindsploitation 9: Revenge of the Schlock, Timemaster, Hillbilly Frankenstein From Hell, Frankie in Blunderland, Lloyd Kaufman’s Make your Own Damn Movie, In Less than Sixty Minutes and more.

Not only can you view all these awesome titles, you can also discuss them with fellow Troma fans in the forum.

Most streaming services only give you a week free to decide if you like it, but Troma Now gives you a full 30 days free. If you decide you like it (duh), it is only $4.99 a month after the trial. There are also individual titles available for purchase.

Sound like something for you? Head over to watch.troma.com and subscribe.

Top 3 Indie Alternative Makeup Brands

Have you ever been on the hunt for an eye shadow palette or lipstick shade that would take your beautifully spooky look to the next level? Large scale makeup companies have neutrals galore but not much in the way of pastels or beautiful dark, rich shades to achieve the quintessential vampy/witchy look. Independent small businesses are where it’s at for the alternative crowd; here are my top 3 favorite indie alternative makeup brands*.

*In no particular order. Article contains affiliate links & discount codes.*

Wicked Sisters Cosmetics

Created by best friends Lisa and Wendi in the fall of 2017. They offer vegan, cruelty free products (all made in California). Wicked Sisters Cosmetics offers everything from eye shadow palettes, foundations, perfumes and accessories. Many of their palettes are movie themed.

Website: wickedsisterscosmetics.com

Instagram: @wickedsisterscosmetics

Curst Kosmetics

Curst Kosmetics was established in 2018. They offer a beautiful range of cruelty free eye and lip products. Code MELISSAT at checkout will save you a little $$$.

Website: curstkosmetics.com

Instagram: @curstkosmetics

Medusa’s Make-Up

Medusa’s Make-Up is vegan and cruelty free. They offer everything from eye and lip products to hair dye. If you’re looking for a monthly subscription box that offers 5 premium products that will suit your vampy needs, Medusa’s Make-Up has you covered. The Beauty Box starts at $18.95 per month (depending on country). Code lipstickandgore will get you 10% off.

Website: medusasmakeup.com

Instagram: @medusasmakeup

Be sure to check into these beautiful companies. I will be expanding this list as I try more brands.

Axeman At Cutter’s Creek: A Gore-Filled Good Time

Fans of 80’s slasher films rejoice, Axeman At Cutter’s Creek is the trip back to the days of dark comedy and gore the genre has needed. Cinephiles, especially those fond of the horror genre, shutter at the work “reboot”, but this is a reboot worth watching.

Slasher films are known for specific characters, and they aren’t always just the killer. Axeman At Cutter’s Creek took me back to Friday the 13th Part III and the practical joke loving Shelly; the character Randy is very much the same. This only added to the enjoyment of the film.

The element of realness is refreshing. It’s not a ghost story or a legend of an unstoppable force, it is friends at a cabin in the middle of nowhere, aware of a legend of a man stalking the woods. This helps bring the 90’s slasher into the mix. The axeman may be just a man, but Scot Pollard (who stands roughly 6’11”) makes for a terrifying foe. Each member of the group will remind you of someone you know making it even easier to enjoy the film and connect to the characters.

The plot is well thought out and the script is well written, and both are translated on screen in slasher film dream. The kill scenes were original and imaginative (not to give away too much, but there is a scene that includes a rib bone, disgusting and amazing).

If you like your horror films to include a group of friends practically stranded in the middle of nowhere, drinking, sex, comic relief and vicious kills, Axeman At Cutter’s Creek is a must watch.

Axeman At Cutter’s Creek stars Tiffany Shepis (Victor Crowley), Brinke Stevens (The Slumber Party Massacre), Elissa Dowling (Girl on the Third Floor), Jamie Bernadette (I Spit on Your Grave: Deja Vu), Erin Maria Hogan (Hold Your Breath) and NBA star Scot Pollard.

Experience the laughs and the splatter yourself on May 7th.

‘Axeman At Cutter’s Creek’ Receives Release Date

Fans of 80’s slasher films and the new films inspired by them can rejoice as #SinningWorks and filmmaker Joston “El Rey” Theney have announced a release date for their project, Axeman At Cutter’s Creek.

The film stars veterans such as Tiffany Shepis (Victor Crowley) and Brinke Stevens (The Slumber Party Massacre). Other names gracing the credits include Elissa Dowling (Girl on the Third Floor), Jamie Bernadette (I Spit on Your Grave: Deja Vu), Erin Maria Hogan (Hold Your Breath) and NBA star Scot Pollard.

If this legend sounds familiar, it may be because you have heard its previous title, Axeman. Axeman At Cutter’s Creek will serve as a reboot to the franchise. When asked about his film, Theney had this to say,

“Axeman was a fun movie to make and I’m so appreciative of the super supportive fanbase.  But, to no fault of the cast and crew, it got rushed and we never really put our movie’s best foot forward. This one’ll include never-before-seen footage and a slicker, faster 80 minute run-time”

“What really killed me was not wrapping up the film as originally intended.  It was envisioned as a trilogy from the outset and the ending we were forced to go with painted us into a corner.  But this release of Axeman At Cutter’s Creek course-corrects the ship and is our first step to putting us on a path to finishing the franchise strong.”

Axeman At Cutter’s Creek will be released to major VOD platforms May 7, 2021. Review coming soon.

Horror Survival Game, ‘The Shore’ Coming to PC

With the release of titles such as Friday the 13th, Until Dawn, Dead by Daylight, and more recently, Predator: Hunting Grounds, horror survival games have exploded in popularity. The previously mentioned titles were released across many platforms, but the newest title to join the survival game roster, ‘The Shore‘ will only be released on PC via Steam.

The Shore was developed by Ares Dragonis. The game will be for mature audiences due to disturbing moments such as human deformities that may be sensitive to some. The Shore is heavily inspired by the creations of famed horror author H.P. Lovecraft.

Synopsis:

Presented with a Lovecraftian style, As players dive deeper and deeper into the mystery, they’ll face overwhelming odds, Andrew’s moments that will make you question his sanity, and a series of slow burn scenes. It’s only by mastering the artifacts of the old gods combat mechanic that they can stay one step ahead of the darkness that tries to swallow the world of his, but will that be enough?

With the ghost of an action/mystery/horror play style and the mind of a psychological thriller, The shore’s dramatic atmosphere, deep and multilayered story, and exceptionally tense,horrific, combat sequences provide players with an overwhelming and stunning gaming experience.

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Trailer:

The Shore is set for release on February 19, 2021.

Killer Meals: Last Meals of 7 Notorious Murderers

True crime and serial killers have been the fascination of many throughout the world since Jack the Ripper. Everyone knows and are intrigued by the names, faces and the crimes and punishment of the most notorious, but what about the human side (though they may not have much of one)? What did these individuals cave, other than freedom, while they awaited their executions? Here are the last meals of 7 of the worlds most notorious murderers.

7. John Martin Scripps aka The Tourist from Hell

John Martin Scripps is known for murdering at least six people in multiple countries around the world. Martin was arrested on March 19, 1995 after presenting a fake passport at the Changi Airport. For his last meal he requested pizza and hot chocolate. He was executed on April 19, 1996 by hanging in Singapore.

6. Marion Albert Pruett aka The Mad-Dog Killer

Marion Albert Pruett went from being protected by law enforcement for testifying in a case in Atlanta, Georgia to being wanted by them. Pruett is known for murdering at least 5 people including his common-law wife. He was arrested on October 17, 1981. His last meal request was a lengthy one, it consisted of a Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza, 4 Burger King Whoppers, french fries, fried eggplant, fried squash, fried okra, a pecan pie and 3 2-liters of Pepsi. He was executed on April 12, 1999 by lethal injection in Arkansas.

5. Timothy McVeigh

Timothy McVeigh is known for killing 168 people and wounding more than 600 more during the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. He was arrested shortly after the bombing after being stopped in a car without license plates and for having an illegal firearm. He was later identified as the bomber and was indicted on 11 federal counts on August 10, 1995. For his last meal, he requested 2 pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream. McVeigh was executed on June 11, 2001 by lethal injection in Indiana.

4. Aileen Wuornos

Aileen Wuornos was a prostitute that murdered 7 men in the state of Florida. She was arrested on January 9, 1991 at The Last Resort, a biker bar, on an outstanding warrant for another crime. She did not request a last meal, she instead asked for a cup of coffee. Wuornos was executed on October 9, 2002 by lethal injection in Florida.

3. Fritz Haarmann aka The Butcher of Hanover

Fritz Haarmann was a serial killer from Germany that came to be known by many names like The Butcher of Hanover, the Vampire of Hanover and the Wolf-Man. He was found guilty of 24 (though suspected of 27) counts of sexual assault, murder, mutilation and dismemberment of boys and young men. For his last meal, he requested a cigar and a cup of Brazilian coffee. Haarmann was executed on April 15, 1925 by decapitation by guillotine in Hanover, Weimar Republic.

2. John Wayne Gacy aka The Killer Clown

John Wayne Gacy joined a group known as the Jolly Joker clown club with whom he portrayed characters Pogo the clown and Patches the clown, but what he became known for was not nearly as jolly. Gacy is known for the murder of at least 33 boys and young men, many of which were buried on his property. Gacy was arrested on December 21, 1978. For his last meal, he was rather precise with his request which consisted of 12 fried shrimp, french fries, a pound of strawberries and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Gacy was executed on May 10, 1994 by lethal injection in Illinois.

1. Ted Bundy

No matter what generation you were born into, you have heard the name Ted Bundy. Bundy has been the inspiration for many movies, television shows, documentaries and even crimes. Bundy was good looking, charming and well educated, even perusing a career as a lawyer; unfortunately he used those good qualities to help him murder at least 36 women (suspected of more than 100). He was arrested more than once, but was apprehended for good on February 15, 1978. While in prison, as one of his many attempts to escape execution, Bundy helped FBI create a profile that would eventually lead to the apprehension of Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer. Continuing his stubbornness, he did not request a last meal, so he received the “standard last meal” which consisted of steak, eggs, hash browns, toast, juice, coffee and milk; he didn’t touch any of it. Bundy was executed on January 24, 1989 by electrocution in Florida.

Would you try any of these?

Prop Collector Tim Shockey Wants to Bring Hollywood History to Ohio

Fans of Stephen King’s Maximum Overdrive may already know the name Tim Shockey, but for those of you that don’t, he is the man that restored the goblin head from the front of the Happy Toyz truck in the 1986 cult classic. Shockey debuted the newly restored goblin head at HorrorHound Weekend in Cincinnati in March of 2013 to hordes of excited fans and has been touring the country with it ever since.

I started restoring the Green Goblin head in 2011 and finished it in March of 2013. I spent nights and weekends restoring it. Less than a week after painting it we attended our first con with it. I have passionately been traveling the U.S. and Canada since March 16, 2013 sharing this great piece of movie history with fans.

I have attended 10-15 events a year. My journeys have allowed me to meet and hang out with many celebrities and to meet many thousands of fans. It has been a fantastic journey. 
I now have over 800 items in my collection. I’ve been  bringing a few of them with me on tour but I feel everyone should have a chance to see them all. If I don’t share these items with you than what good are they doing in my possession? I feel it would almost be a sin to keep them locked away in my private collection. 

 All of our events have been canceled this year so far and I want to make it where people can still get a chance to get out and see my collection. 

Shockey’s collection includes props from Scream 4, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, The Longest Yard and more. Due to Covid causing pretty much all conventions to shut down for the year, Tim has come up with a brand new idea; one that requires the help of all of you, the Hollywood Prop Museum. In said museum, you would be able to view not just the Goblin Head and all the other props normally on display at conventions, but you will be able to see the ones that he cannot bring along on the road.

Your help is needed to acquire the building that would be used to display the props (prospective building listed below). The goal amount is $60,000 which Shockey is hoping to raise via a Gofundme campaign.

For more information on TIm Shockey, his collection and mission and how you can contribute, please visit the Hollywood Prop Museum campaign.