Doctor Sleep Read-Along - Final Thoughts #SomethingWickedFall

Yes, I am dreadfully late with this final post for the Doctor Sleep read-along. So sorry!

Did you finish? What did you think?

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a solid sequel to The Shining. Finding out what happened to Danny when he grew up was one of life's big unanswered questions for Stephen King fans. He granted our wish. It was a fitting choice for Danny to have become an alcoholic, just like his father. We also learn that both of them took to drinking as an escape from the "Shine," as we find out that Jack Torrance probably had a bit of the shine himself. What worked in this book was how Dan was not doomed to repeat the legacy of his father, but instead found a way to heal himself and really live a life that matters.

The True Knot was a brilliant addition to the story. What a scary bunch of creeps. SK really knows how to invent some interesting villains. Loved the twist on vampirism too. Rose the Hat and that tooth. Ugh!

Really looking forward to the movie next week. It's apparent that the film is going with what happened to the hotel in Stanley Kubrick's version of The Shining, in which the hotel does not burn to the ground, as it did in King's novel. It's going to be an interesting change from this book. We shall see how well it works.

Let me know what you thought of the book, and if you're planning to see the movie.

Thanks for joining me for the read-along, and for Something Wicked Fall. See you next year!

30-Day Horror Movie Challenge - Favorite of all time...

Tagline: Just because you're invited, doesn't mean you're welcome.

Synopsis: Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined. (Google)

You might ask why I would choose a relatively new movie as my favorite of all time. Well, I love smart horror films and this movie, in my opinion, is one of the smartest ever made. Mildly funny at first, it soon descends further and further into disturbia. I think it almost could be considered folk horror, as this "secret society" looks for strong African American men and women for their nefarious purposes. I won't go into further details, as to avoid spoilers.

I knew this movie was becoming a favorite as I found myself watching it over and over again. The story never gets old. Jordan Peele took a risk with this one, and it paid off. His next offering was this past summer's "Us," which I also liked, but perhaps not as well as "Get Out." I hope Peele keeps coming up with brilliant films in the future.

What is your favorite horror film of all time?

Well, that's it for this year, and it has been fun! A big thank you to Leah for introducing me to this challenge. I wonder what horror movies will make the list next year? Exciting to consider.

Happy Halloween...Blessed Samhain!

30-Day Horror Movie Challenge - Least favorite of all time...

Tagline: Seeing is believing

Synopsis: A young woman spends her days renovating the Victorian mansion that she lives in with her husband in the countryside. When a stranger knocks on the door one night, he becomes an unexpected guest in their home. Later, his wife and two children also arrive to make themselves welcome. Terror soon strikes when the beleaguered wife tries to figure out why her husband is so seemingly friendly and accommodating to everyone but her. (Google)

I really don't find myself hating too many movies, but when I do, it's usually vehemently. When I first started seeing the previews for Mother!, I was so psyched. It looked intriguing. It had a fantastic cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Michelle Pfeiffer. However, what started out promising soon became...I still don't even know what. I sat there thinking, "What the hell am I watching?" After it was over, that became "What the hell did I just watch?" I remember there was a guy who left well before it got really bad and I thought, as I always do, "How can someone leave a movie before it's over." Later, I wished I had done the same. Disappointing. All things considered, when the movie popped up on Hulu, I thought about watching it again...just to see if my opinion might change, as it has before, on a second viewing. I still haven't worked up the courage to watch it again. I know it's supposed to be this sweeping epic allegory on climate change, and since I care about the environment, I should consider the movie genius story telling. Maybe I'll get there eventually?

What is your least favorite horror film of all time?

30-Day Horror Movie Challenge - A film no one’s ever heard of...

Tagline: Take a trip… into the past

Synopsis: Two men capture a small group of deserters during England's civil war. After the captives ingest some wild mushrooms, they fall victim to the powerful energies of a mystical field.

I was going to go with Hagazussa: A Heathen’s Curse, but then my friend (Heather) mentioned she had it on her list to watch so...had to choose something else. As Hagazussa is, A Field in England is also considered folk horror. It really is a weird movie. It has some creepy moments, and some rather grotesque ones as well. It's worth a watch if you like weird, obscure movies like I do. (Google)

What's your favorite film no one's ever heard of?