Halloween is just a few mere days away, and a day that's usually full of good cheer and playfulness has become somber and uncertain.  What is the point if trick or treating and parties are gonna curtailed? Well, one thing about Halloween that MIGHT allow at least the trick or treaters to go out is that it's mask compliant!  So, with that in mind, here are my Top Five Halloween Masks to Wear During the Pandemic... Let's start with a simple one- Ghost Face from the "Scream" franchise.  It's simple (as I said) and fun- while also being roomy enough to allow people to breath freely without spewing potential germs, etc on those around them. The classic Michael Myers mask is a staple of the holiday due to the "Halloween" franchise.  Like Ghost Face, it's simple, but roomy and fun.  You don't even have to talk in order to be "in character"- which will cut down on the chances of inadvertently spreading COVID. "The Karen".  It...

The Basement Boys are back once more, having survived last night's social-isolation broadcast From The Basement. Now they've got the full podcast for your listening pleasure. And pleasure your ear holes they shall, as they've got the full 24-minute interview with veteran genre actor Marshal Hilton. Marshal starred in last fall's fright fest Echoes of Fear, and played a pivotal role in the movie. He talks about it, finding his character, and what it takes to be a working actor these days. It's an awesome conversation with an intelligent and interesting dude. Basement Dwellers will dig it! Jason and Shawn also put Netflix's big-action release Extraction on the chopping block. This flick is far removed from Chris Hemsworth's MCU role as Thor -- be him fat or otherwise. Does the star hold up in this relentless and brutal film? Stick with us! And stick around as the Dynamic Duo discuss Trump, bleach, zombie apocalypses and what streaming choices have been...

Remember when Samuel L. Jackson read Adam Mansbach's Go the F--k to Sleep? Great book. My wife and I have a copy. And yes, Jackson brought it to life. Well, Mansbach has penned a new book called Stay the F--k at Home as a way to encourage people to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let's face it, not everyone is getting the message, so Mansbach and Jackson decided to collaborate once more. Jackson gave a reading during last night's Jimmy Kimmel Live, and we decided to share it with you, as the message is an important one. The reading begins at about the six-minute mark, after Jackson and Kimmel catch up. The whole video is worth the watch, though. Hope you're all keeping safe, healthy and staying the f--k at home! Source: Jimmy Kimmel Live

I'm really glad Sony decided to unleash Vin Diesel's latest, Bloodshot, on the home market so quickly after COVID-19 forced us all inside. This way more people get to see it, and it's certainly a movie that should be seen. For one, it's probably Diesel's best work in years. I enjoy the Fast & Furious films, but they don't push Diesel -- who can be a really good actor -- to do anything new. But he delivers in Bloodshot, and could have himself a new signature role. Secondly, Bloodshot is a highly entertaining action/sci-fi flick. I'm not familiar with the comic book that inspired it, and the idea of a cybernetic-enhanced soldier is nothing new, but the concept is carried out with style and energy, and delivers several fun action scenes. My favourite involves a gunfight in a darkened tunnel... and lots of flour. Sounds weird, but looks great. Then there's Eiza Gonzalez, who looks like a comic-book heroine come to life. Not only does she look the...

Now more than ever, the world needs distraction. Let's face it, the focus of most news is bleak, people are stuck inside -- often with little to do -- and we have no idea when this current state will end. Thankfully we in The Basement aren't the only ones trying to brighten people's days with fun and entertaining content. Our brother from another mother, Jon Cross over at The After Movie Diner , continues to podcast throughout this crisis, and he's bringing past guests and other like-minded folks on his show to share the films they're watching. I sat down with Jon, and talked my Top 5 indie horror flicks of the last year or so. Much to my delight, Jon had only heard of a couple of them, and the discussion became a lively one about the the importance of independent film, the power of visual storytelling, and the key role cinematography plays in the filmmaking process. It's always fun talking film with Jon, and being a guest in The After Movie Diner. You...

In times of crisis, it's important we have someone to turn to to bring us hope and inspiration. During the last couple of weeks, we've seen many celebrities come forward on social media with words of encouragement. Heck, some have even broken into song, all to make us feel better about ourselves, and the world around us. Well, my man Ryan Reynolds took to Twitter to relay his thoughts on what we should be doing during this pandemic, and who he thinks the real heroes are. I'd paraphrase, but he says it best. Another important message from an important celebrity. Let’s spread the word not the virus. I happily nominate, @stevenpage @Sethrogen and @TerryR49776917 #PlankTheCurve #StayAtHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/IRJNI9Y6G9 — Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 23, 2020 Right on, Reynolds! He and his wife, Blake Lively, have also been donating millions to food banks to help those in need, for the record. Stay safe, stay healthy, and STAY HOME people! ...

Movies like Shaun of the Dead and 28 Days Later don't seem so far fetched now, do they? Everything has an end-of-the-world vibe these days. So you know what we need to do? Have some fun with it! That's what Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have done, recreating the famous "The Plan" scene from their classic Shaun of the Dead, and giving it a COVID-19 twist. And it's awesome. Here's the original scene, for a refresher: And now the new take: Much thanks to Pegg and Frost for this much-needed chuckle. Time to watch Shaun of the Dead again! Source: YouTube

Following in the footsteps of Universal Studios, Sony Pictures announced they will release Vin Diesel's comic-book inspired action flick Bloodshot to VOD next Tuesday... less than two weeks after it hit theatres! Universal already opted to bring The Invisible Man and The Hunt (which hit theatres within the last few weeks) home this Friday, and said the planned theatrical release of Trolls World Tour is off, and the movie comes home tomorrow. Movie theatres are closed around the world due to COVID-19, prompting studios to postpone some releases indefinitely, and bring others to the home market in unprecedented time. Bloodshot's digital purchase will go for $19.99. This is a bit different than what Universal offers, which is $19.99 for a 48-hour rental. Either way, the movie-distribution game just changed. Clearly, there is no need for a window between theatrical and digital release. I say unleash all movies at home and in theatres at the same time, and let audiences ch...

We know you're as crushed as we are, but Thrash Wrestling organizers have wisely decided to cancel upcoming events in light of the COVID-19 situation. Behold the official statement: "With a heavy heart, Thrash Wrestling has decided that all five upcoming events March 20th, 21st, 22nd and April 3rd and 4th will unfortunately be cancelled, including North Thompson Stompin in Barriere and Stand Your Ground in Kamloops Due to health concerns for our audience, staff, wrestlers, and the venues; the responsible decision is not to take any chance in risking the wellness of anyone during this pandemic. If you have purchased tickets, either from an outlet or online, we will see that you are refunded or you may hold them until we return. We apologize for the inconvenience, and will return as soon as possible." There you have it. And we look forward to the return of Thrash Wrestling. Source: Bean & Cider Productions