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TMP: Halloween Edition: Snow / Winter Horror

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It’s Thursday! That means another list for Thursday Movie Picks. The rules are simple; based on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them. All October long the prompt is Halloween themed! Now is the perfect time to join in on the fun.

Krampus (2015)

I have a feeling this movie might be on a few lists. It was the first one that popped into my head. I’ll be honest, the main reason I wanted to see it is because I love Adam Scott (AKA Ben Wyatt). I wanted to see it in theaters but never made it, but I have watched it on TV! Look, it’s not perfect and it’s weird but I found it entertaining. That’s really all I ask for these days. It was even released on my birthday.

The Good Son (1993)

Not 100% sure this would be considered a horror movie but is there anything scarier than a killer kid? Especially when played by Macaulay Culkin? I might actually try and revisit this movie soon. I don’t remember a lot about it and honestly, I feel like the 90’s were filled with killer kid movies. I swear Neil Patrick Harris was in one too?

The Shining (1980)

I don’t think I really need to explain this one! I actually had a hard time coming up with winter/snowy horror movies for some reason but obviously this one sticks out. Just the thought of being stuck somewhere in the winter is kinda terrifying. Then add to it all the weird shit going on, that’s a no from me. It has been a minute since I’ve seen “The Shining,” I might have to revisit soon.

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Like I said before, I had a hard time coming up with movies for this list. I think part of it is I just don’t pay that much attention to the season/weather in films? Or those horror movies just don’t reach me for some reason. But I know there are a ton out there. I might have to try and make more of an effort to watch them. As soon as I read some other lists I know I’ll have my brain rattled and go “Why didn’t I think of that one?”

TMP: Halloween Edition: Based on a True Story

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Time for another round of Halloween related Thursday Movie Picks! I feel like this weeks theme could go a number of ways. There are tons of movies out there that claim to be based on a true story, but really just take something and twist it and mold it into something that barely resembles the actual events. Looking at you “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” I’m very curious to see how the lists go this week!

1. The Conjuring 2

This film in the franchise is based on the case of the Enfield poltergeist. The events took place between 1977 and 1979 in London. You can learn more about it here. I have to say, The Crooked Man in this film freaked me out. I have a thing with monsters/spooks that walk in weird ways. My brain just hates it and can’t handle it. I was a little late to The Conjuring franchise and I think this might have been the first one I saw in theaters. I really enjoyed it and recommend checking it out if you’re looking for something spooky this October.

2. The Exorcism of Emily Rose

I remember trying to watch this in bed one night and just being 100% freaked out. It’s a bit of a slow burn and a mix of supernatural and court room drama. Jennifer Carpenter plays Emily Rose and just killed the role. She was even able to contort her body for the role. The real life story is about a girl named Anneliese Michel who was forced to deal with 67 various exorcisms, which ended up causing her death. Michel’s parents and the two priests were found guilty of negligent homicide and were sentenced to six months in jail but their sentence was reduced to three years of probation. They were also issued a fine.

3. Zodiac

I feel like this one might lean more thriller but it does carry a certain feeling of dread. The movie is based on the book of the same title by Robert Graysmith. It has such a star studded cast including Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Jake Gyllenhaal, and John Carroll Lynch. It’s not an action packed film and I think that’s what makes it stand out. Plus the case was never actually solved. It just has a natural cliffhanger which I enjoy. They didn’t try and change it and force a fake ending. I know I’ve seen people complain about the fact that it just ends but that’s real life bro. I’m very much into true crime and this movie is one of my favorites.

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That’s it for this week. I thought about doing a 4th movie but again, don’t want to end up needing a certain movie for other lists! Thanks in advance for any comments!

TMP: Halloween Edition: Horror Movie Houses

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I couldn’t pass up taking part in Thursday Movie Picks this month since it’s Halloween themed! If you know me, you know I love Halloween. If you don’t normally take part, now would be a great time to jump in! It’s very simple, based on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them. See, I told you it was easy!

1. Amityville Horror (112 Ocean Avenue)

The original “Amityville Horror” terrified me as a kid. Don’t ask why I was allowed to watch it but I did. There was a house in my neighborhood that had the same style windows and it always creeped me out. What’s actually very sad about the house is that it was a place of a mass murder. I think some people forget about that since the movie took over the story. Ronald J. DeFeo Jr. murdered his entire family while they were asleep, which included his parents and four siblings. Do I believe the house is haunted in real life? I don’t know. But I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s just a weird feeling in the air there based on the history of the house.

2. Poltergeist

I mean, what could possible go wrong when you build a house on top of a cemetery? I do love a movie that sticks to one location, especially a scary movie. I think it just adds to the dread. You can’t really escape. Plus your home is supposed to be your safe space. Is there anything worse than being trapped in your own home? And look, another movie that I watched when I was way too young!

3. Paranormal Activity




I’m actually not sure I’ve ever seen the entire movie. I don’t scare easy but again, having your home taken over by ghosts or demons doesn’t sound like a fun time. I’m not trying to bring that energy into my nightmares. I do love a good “found footage” style move though. Did you know this movie was originally an independent feature that was completed for just $15,000? Paramount made a few changes/additions for $200,0000 but even that is a small budget. It just shows that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to scare the crap out of people.

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I could have listed one or two more, but wanted to keep it short this week. I don’t want to repeat any movies during the challenge! What are some of your favorite horror movie houses?

Thursday Movie Picks: Female Buddy Movies

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I don’t mean to go on blogging breaks but it happens. But it’s Thursday and that means it’s time for Thursday Movie Picks. The topic this week is Female Buddy Movies. The rules are simple: based on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them.

1. Girls Trip

Four best friends, known as the Flossy Posse, have grown apart over the years. Yet when one of the friends is offered an opportunity to be a keynote speaker at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, she decides to bring along her friends to turn her work vacation into a girl’s trip. Along the way, they rekindle their wild side by dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to excess.

I thought this movie was hilarious. The cast is great and the movie really did have some heart. If you haven’t seen it, check it out!

2. The House Bunny

Playboy Bunny Shelley Darlingson has lived a life of luxury at Hugh Hefner’s mansion. Disaster strikes, however, when Shelley turns 27 and is deemed as too old to be a Bunny. Kicked out into the real world, the girl ambles onto a college campus and tries to join a sorority. Finding a sorority made up of geeky, awkward girls – Zeta Alpha Zeta – Shelley teaches them the art of attracting boys, as only a Playboy Bunny can.

I thought this movie was cute. The cast is pretty stacked when you look back at it. Colin Hanks, Emma Stone, Kat Dennings, and Anna Faris! I always find myself watching this whenever I stumble across it on TV.

3. Wine Country

Six women question their friendships and futures when they travel to Napa Valley, California, to celebrate a 50th birthday.

This movie was fine. It’s on Netflix and I checked it out one day when I couldn’t find anything to watch. I almost feel like it’s the “ultimate female buddy movie” because Amy Poehler just filled the cast with her friends.

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Keeping the list short this week as I try to get myself back into a blogging groove. I tried to mix it up a bit. I feel like these films all show different types of women and friendships. I can’t wait to see what movies everyone picked this week. Hopefully I’ll learn about some new movies!

TMP Television Edition: Book to TV Adaptations

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I’m back from a little break. The world is just on fire right now and blogging didn’t seem that important or needed. Writing about silly or non-important things just felt weird or wrong even. But I’m trying to slowly get back into it. I thought taking part in another round of Thursday Movie Picks might help. As the name suggests, Thursday Movie Picks is held every Thursday. The rules are simple; base on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them.

1. Dexter

I’ve read most of the books and only skipped the last season of “Dexter.” I actually had a really hard time reading the first book because I tried to do it after watching Season 1. I found myself comparing everything and going “But that’s not what happened in the show!” Thankfully, after Season 1 the books and show really start to separate and I was able to enjoy most of the books just as much! They’re a pretty easy read. If you’re looking for something new to check out, I recommend them. I believe there are 8 books in the series and they’re by Jeff Lindsay. There was even a comic book at one point!

2. Bones

One year my Aunt bought me a bag full of these books and I joked that she bought me a bag of bones. The books and the TV show are pretty different, so if you’re a fan of the show the books shouldn’t cause too many issues. You should be able to enjoy them on their own. The books are by Kathy Reichs and there are a number of them! It’s been awhile since I’ve read them. I might have to revisit them soon! Kathy even had a cameo on an episode of “Bones.”

3. Rizzoli & Isles

From what I remember the books and series are a little close in story lines. Again, it’s been awhile since I’ve picked up the books. There are some differences though like with most book to series offerings. I loved the TV show and that’s what lead me to check out the books. I really enjoyed them and they were a pretty easy read! Honestly, I say that a lot but it’s true. Most of the books on this list are pretty quick reads and don’t require too much thinking. Tess Gerritsen is the author of this series.

I’m sticking to a short list this week as I get back into the swing of things. I can’t wait to see what pops up on other lists. There are some bigger name shows out there based on books, so curious to see how many of them pop up, like “Game of Thrones.”

My Top 5 “Mentalist” Episodes

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I don’t know what’s going on lately but I can’t stop re-watching “The Mentalist.” I’ve watched the Lisbon/Jane wedding 18 times over the course of this pandemic. And I’m not even sorry. I loved the show when it was on and it’s been nice to just revisit. I love playing “Spot The Guest Star” and the Red John build up. Now I’m going to try and pick just five of my favorite episodes. The show was on for seven seasons. I thought about picking seven but let’s see how this goes. They’re in no real order though as far as the list.

1. Red John – Season 6 Episode 8

I’m sure you can tell by the title what this episode is all about. Finally, after six season, Patrick Jane has finally unmasked Red John. If I had more space on my list I’d add the previous two episodes as well. It’s a really great three episode build to the final showdown. I imagine there was a lot of pressure to get the Red John wrap up right and I feel like they nailed it. After 10 years of announcing “I’m going to kill Red John,” Patrick did just that. I have to wonder if anyone watching back then was surprised by it. I think some of us were 50/50 on it but I never had any doubts. I was more curious about how he was going to do it. In order for Patrick (and the show) to move on, it had to be done. There was no way he was going to find happiness again without this step.

2. Blue Bird – Season 6 Episode 22

Finally, after waiting years to hear it, Patrick confesses his feelings to Lisbon. All it took was for some other dude to propose and for her to attempt to move to D.C. but hey, some of us need a real kick in the ass. Plus it’s just a fun episode with a classic Jane prank and Cho being 100% clueless about what’s going on. The speech he delivers to Lisbon on the plane is just amazing and heartfelt. Simon Baker did a great job of really bringing it to a scene that a lot of fans had been hoping would happen. And then, THEN, they finally share their first kiss while he’s being held for storming a plane in the first place. I can’t think of anything more perfect for those two.

3. Red Dawn – Season 5 Episode 99

I love when a show does a flashback episode to the early days. “Bones” has an episode like that and “Red Dawn” is The Mentalist’s. It goes back to before Patrick was a consultant, instead he was just a broken man trying to get answers to the murder of his wife and child. But it does a great job of showing his skills. He annoys someone at the CBI enough that he gets punched in the face and he uses that to help him gain access to the Red John files. By the end of the episode everyone is impressed and he’s offered the job. What I like about this episode is that it shows Jane as not very confident. When the series starts, the team is already a team, and Jane is already this “smarter than everyone in the room” guy. But not here. He’s still someone dealing with a horrible trauma.

4. Brown Shag Carpet/White Orchids – Season 7 Episode 12 & 13 (2 Hour Finale)

This might be cheating but oh well. Everything I love about crime shows happened in these two episodes. We have a weird serial killer, Patrick having to pretend to be a Physic again, a proposal and a wedding! That’s a lot for only two hours but they made it happen and made it work. Patrick having to make the rounds as a fake physic is such a great call back to his past, plus it puts you on edge a little bit. He has to use all his skills to get out of this pickle but of course Lisbon comes to his rescue, which then leads to such a sweet proposal. It’s not a shock that Patrick has a way with words, we’ve seen it for years at this point, but when it comes from the heart it just hits differently. Another scene that I love is when Lisbon and Cho go dress shopping. The fact she asked him for help just warms my heart, and then he nails it?? Amazing. Then later we have Lisbon in a wedding dress pointing a gun at a murderer? CHEF KISS. It was the perfect wrap up the series. I’m not always someone who’s down with a Happy Ending but knowing that Patrick found love again and gets to be a father for a 2nd time? *sobs*

5. White As The Driven Snow – Season 6 Episode 15

In this episode Grace is kidnapped by a past suspect and Rigsby has to try and keep it together in order to find her. What I love about this episode is we see how far Grace and Wayne have come. They’re both extremely strong people who have come miles since the Pilot episode. Grace doesn’t just sit around and wait to be found, she tries to save herself. We have Patrick and Wayne teaming up to pull one over on the suspect and man, even I was fooled during some of it! I should have known better but it’s refreshing when a show can keep you guessing a little bit. Rigsby has always loved Grace and it just really shows here. I mean, he was shot numerous times and was still able to save her. And you can’t go wrong with an episode that has a classic Jane set up.

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I’m actually surprised that I had so many favorites happen later in the series. While at the time I was sad to see the show end after only Seven seasons, in hindsight it made sense. Once you wrap up the Red John story line, there isn’t much more to do. The entire premise of the series was Patrick Jane getting revenge. They did a great job though of keeping it interesting and adding new members to the team, and even changing locations from California to Texas. I’m not sure the quality of the show would have lasted if it went on for another season or two. As far as the list goes, I can think of a few more episodes I probably would have added like “Red Badge” and “Red Sky in the Morning.”

I had fun coming up with this and I might do it for other shows I love! It’s been hard coming up with post ideas and well, these are easy enough to put together and it’s always a good time to revisit favorite shows. Did you watch “The Mentalist?” If you did, give me some of your favorite episodes!