Review: WNUF Halloween Special

File this one under WTF! I stumbled across WNUF Halloween Special while browsing through Shudder late one night, which is probably the best time to watch this curiosity piece of a movie... or should I say "movie?"

Presented as a Halloween night local news broadcast in 1987, WNUF Halloween Special follows a TV news personality as he leads a team of paranormal investigators and an exorcist into an abandoned home with a notorious past. The broadcast has the look, feel and commercials those of us who grew up during the 80s, and watched this kind of thing, would expect. And, on a nostalgia level, this is pretty entertaining stuff.

The film's six directors shot this on vintage tape stock, so WNUF Halloween Special looks like it was pulled from the era. And they captured the tone of those smaller market news casts, commercials, and production values perfectly, while poking gentle fun at them as well.

Is WNUF Halloween Special (I just liking writing that out) scary? No. And it does overstay its welcome despite the short running time. There's only so much of this kind of thing one can take. Remember how frustrating commercials could be, especially when the broadcast kept cutting to them at crucial times? Yeah, me too. I get that was part of the joke, but it did start to piss me off.

WNUF Halloween Special is worth watching once for the kitsch factor, and to be reminded of simpler times. But I'm not sitting through it again, so it's a Bad.

Comments

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends. With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher. When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up. Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila! Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink. The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink. The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices. In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors. The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort. It was refreshing enou

Marcus Flor vs Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

In film, there's nothing I enjoy more than passionate creativity. Compared to the sea of mediocrity surrounding it, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is practically overflowing with it. This animated movie is vibrant, kinetic, and extremely inventive with its art style. On top of all that, this is just a solid movie. It tells its story with sincerity and tact, always focusing on the important aspects of Miles' emotional journey. The script wastes no time on pointless scenes or moments, which also gives the film an energetic rhythm that draws you in. One of the other great aspects of this movie is its reinvention of the Spider-Man story. It's clever writing demonstrates a true understanding of the webslinger, and offers commentary on the current state of his movie adaptations. In the end, you get a film both Spidey fans and non-fans can enjoy. Above all other aspects, what I like most about Spider-Verse is how fun it is. It demonstrates quality animation and filmmaking doesn

From The Basement - the "final" three

Just a gentle reminder From The Basement returns next Friday -- June 11 -- to the mighty Radio NL with an all-new episode! That's the good news. The bad news it'll be the first of our final three prime-time shows. What, you might ask? Are you bastards quitting AGAIN!?!? No. No we're not. We learned our lesson the last time. Shawn and I's long-running show will return to being "just a podcast," and not adhering to any set broadcast schedule. Why, you ask? Our lives are becoming increasingly busy outside of The Basement, and it's getting harder for Shawn and I to keep up with the latest movies, TV shows and entertainment news. We'd rather cease our weekly duties than produce an inferior product. Simple as that. Much thanks to Howie Reimer and the Radio NL crew for hosting us the last three years, first as a Friday morning segment, then as a prime-time series. It's been a blast! Don't worry, we're not coasting on these last three episodes. T

Search This Blog