The CW Offers Many Bloodsuckers Tonight in "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals"

Photo Credits - The CW

The Vampire Diaries was once my favorite series and even though it is aging (the fifth season begins tonight at 8:00pm ET on The CW), the series still has a lot of (undead) life in it. Part of the success of the show lies in the continuity of the cast which includes Nina Dobrev (Elena/Katherine), Ian Somerhalder (Damon) and Paul Wesley (Stefan/Silas). The fifth season finds Silas using Stefan's likeness to infiltrate the town of Mystic Falls while Stefan is stuck to the bottom of a lake. Meanwhile, Elena and Caroline (Candice Accola) are off to college and Tyler (Michael Trevino) returns to town. In addition, Bonnie's (Kat Graham) death will not stop her from appearing as a ghost throughout the season and it will be interesting to see Elena and Damon as an actual couple, with no mind tricks. I would like to see more attention paid to the interpersonal relationships between the characters and less action/adventure stories and how about a Halloween themed episode? Please?

The Originals, a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, debuts tonight at 9:00pm ET on The CW before moving to its regular time slot on Tuesday, October 8 at 8:00 pm ET. Three characters from The Vampire Diaries, Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gilles) and Rebekah (Claire Holt), have moved from Mystic Falls to New Orleans, where Klaus intends to retake the city that his original vampire family built centuries ago. However, he will have to dethrone his protégé, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), in order to become the leader. Klaus is also expecting a child with Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), but has mixed feelings about becoming a parent. I cannot think of a better setting that the magical city of New Orleans for a series about vampires.

Classic Monsters Wave 2 Blu-ray: "Dracula," "Frankenstein," "The Bride of Frankenstein" and "The Wolf Man"

The following Blu-ray releases are scheduled to drop on September 17 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Synopsis: The original Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, launched the Hollywood horror genre and defined the iconic look and frightening character of the famed vampire. Towering ominously among the shadows of the Carpathian Mountains, Castle Dracula strikes fear in the hearts of the Transylvanian villagers below. After a naive real estate agent succumbs to the will of Count Dracula, the two head to London where the vampire hopes to stroll among respectable society by day and search for potential victims by night. The inspiration for hundreds of subsequent remakes and adaptations, this classic film directed by Tod Browning is the signature adaptation of Bram Stoker’s story with its eerie passion, shadowy atmosphere and thrilling cinematography.

Synopsis: An unforgettable masterpiece, the original Frankenstein stars Boris Karloff as the screen’s most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Tampering with life and death, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) pieces together salvaged body parts to bring a human monster to life. The mad scientist’s dreams are shattered by his creation’s violent rage as the monster awakens to a world in which he is unwelcome. Featuring groundbreaking makeup by Jack Pierce, director James Whale’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece novel blends themes of horror, isolation and compassion, and remains one of the most shocking movies of all time.

Synopsis: In one of the most popular horror films of all time, The Bride of Frankenstein, Boris Karloff reprises his role as the silver screen’s most misunderstood monster who now longs for a mate. Continuing exactly where the original left off, the critically acclaimed sequel introduces Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) as a deranged scientist who forces Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) to help him create a companion for the monster. Once again directed by James Whale and adapted from Mary Shelley’s classic novel, the sequel features outstanding makeup and special effects, instantly making the Bride of Frankenstein (Elsa Lanchester) one of the most recognizable monsters of all time.

Synopsis: “Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright." In 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and the mythology of the werewolf was redefined forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, this story of a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full has not only become a masterpiece of the horror genre, but of all time.

Giveaway! Win a Copy of "If You Like True Blood....." by Dave Thompson

Updated 7/16/13 - The giveaway has ended. Winners will be announced when confirmed.

PopCultureGuy, in conjunction with Hal Leonard Books and Limelight Editions, would like to give three lucky readers an opportunity to win the new book If You Like True Blood......Here Are Over 200 Films, TV Shows, and Other Oddities That You Will Love by Dave Thompson. You can read my thoughts on the book here.

Description: If You Like True Blood... is a popular history of vampires in classical and popular culture, by an author who has been reading and watching such things since high school, and who seriously believes The Hunger is one of the best things David Bowie has ever done.

With chapters embracing silent movies and modern erotica, mist-shrouded myth, and gothic rock, If You Like True Blood... transports the reader from the moss-drenched wilds of Louisiana to the mountain haunts of Transylvania, via introductions to some of history and literature's most accomplished bloodsuckers. More than 200 new-to-you stories, movies, adventures, and eccentricities are staked out in the sunlight. Exclusive interview material stirs fresh plasma into the pot, and selections from the author's own collection of vampirabilia are among the many illustrations.

Anne Rice, Peter Cushing, Sookie Stackhouse, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Marvel Comics, Bram Stoker's Dracula-all flit not-so-silently through these pages; Vlad the Impaler, the Countess Bathory, Mina Harker, and Roman Polanski. too. In addition, authoritative appendices offer up a guide to best movie, TV, and literary vampires out there. If You Like True Blood... may not grant you eternal life, but it knows plenty of people who can.

To enter the giveaway, send an e-mail to don.sauer@gmail.com, place "True Blood" in the subject line and tell me the name of your favorite vampire film or book or series, etc.. The contest begins July 1, 2013 and runs through July 14, 2013. Three winners will then be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter and will need to provide a shipping address at that time.

Open to residents of the U.S., 18 years of age or older.

Good luck and thank you for reading PopCultureGuy!

Visit Hal Leonard Books here.

"If You Like True Blood…Here Are Over 200 Films, TV Shows, and Other Oddities That You Will Love" by Dave Thompson

 
Author Dave Thompson offers over 200 suggestions of vampire themed fun in the new book If You Like True Blood......(Limelight Editions). True Blood is the focus of the opening chapter and the author is clearly a fan of the HBO series that has just begun its sixth season. From there, Dave Thompson suggests other television shows, films, music and books that fans of the vampire genre may enjoy. I am familiar with many, but not all of the referrals, and was pleasantly surprised at the inclusion of the short lived British television series Demons (a paltry six episodes!) that was far batter than its ratings ever reflected. I also appreciated the nod to the film Let the Right One In, from Sweden, which the author describes as the best vampire film of all time. I am not sure I quite agree with that proclamation, but it sure is an outstanding effort. The American version, Let Me In, is also quite good and manages to perfectly capture the mood of the original.

Some of the blood sucking suggestions are expected (Nosferatu, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), while others and a bit surprising (the aforementioned Demons and the 2004 film Van Helsing, which did not attract very good reviews from most critics), and the author relates interesting and sometimes little known information about each of them. Fans of the genre will undoubtedly appreciate the entire chapter devoted to the Hammer studios films that featured Christopher Lee as Count Dracula and Peter Cushing as Van Helsing. Despite poor reviews, the films made the studio a great deal of money and sustained it for many years.

Two chapters are devoted to music, including the True Blood theme song "Bad Things" by Jace Everett, as well  as many others songs that have provided the soundtrack to the series since its debut in 2008, along with other obscure releases that I was not previously acquainted with. Additional chapters focus on vampires in erotica and the greatest Dracs of all. The author also includes an appendix for movies, novels and music for further exploration. While the timing of this release is clearly hoping to capitalize on the return of True Blood, it may be appropriate to revisit If You Like True Blood......Here Are Over 200 Films, TV Shows, and Other Oddities That You Will Love and its many suggestions around Halloween, when vampires are celebrated all over the world in various ways.

Television Spotlight: "The Vampire Diaries" Hopes to Spin-off "The Originals"

Photo Credit: The CW

Now in its fourth season, The Vampire Diaries remains one of the highest rated television series airing on The CW, so it makes sense to try to capitalize on that popularity by creating a spin-off series. The episode airing tonight, entitled "The Originals," is a pilot for a potential new series that features Klaus (Joseph Morgan), his sister Rebekah (Claire Holt), and their brother, Elijah (Daniel Gillies), who are the original vampire family and have been regular or recurring characters on The Vampire Diaries for some time. 

Set in New Orleans, "The Originals" features Klaus reuniting with his former apprentice, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), and will also feature Hayley, (Phoebe Tonkin), a werewolf, who viewers will recognize from The Vampire Diaries. The potential series will also feature witches, as well as human characters. The New Orleans setting is very appealing and Klaus has become a breakout character, so I am looking forward to watching the pilot episode and hope "The Originals" will be picked up as a regular series. 

"The Originals" premieres tonight at 8:00pm ET on The CW. 

The CW Renews "Arrow" "Supernatural" and "The Vampire Diaries"

Photo Credit(s): The CW

The CW has announced early renewals for three of its most popular series; Arrow, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries. The trio also happen to be among my favorite television series that I have followed since their debuts. Arrow (pictured above), which is based on the Green Arrow character from DC Comics, debuted last fall and quickly emerged as The CW's highest rated series. Arrow leads into Supernatural on Wednesday night and, as a result, viewership for the long running series has risen above last year.

Supernatural will enter its ninth season this fall and I assume that stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki (pictured above) will return as the demon hunting Winchester brothers. It looks like Supernatural may shadow Smallville and enjoy a decade long run on The CW.

The Vampire Diaries remains a popular entry for The CW, but has fallen to second place in overall viewership since the arrival of Arrow. The Vampire Diaries' fourth season has been uneven so far, but the last few episodes appear to signal a return to form for the exciting series that is not afraid to kill off characters on a regular basis, which helps to reset the relationship dynamics among the talented cast. The Vampire Diaries will return for a fifth season in the fall and, if the show can remain consistent and retain its most popular stars, it may have a shot at enjoying a decade long run as well. 

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" - The End is Finally Here

The Volturi are coming! The Volturi are coming! Too bad they did not bring a better screenplay and an acting coach with them. The final entry in the immensely popular Twilight film series, Breaking Dawn - Part 2, is also the weakest. I have reviewed the previous four Twilight films and liked them for the most part, but the final chapter is not nearly as good. The story picks up shortly after Breaking Dawn - Part 1 ends, with Bella (Kristen Stewart) fully transformed into a vampire and trying to adapt to her new powers and abilities. She appears to be happy, but her bliss does not last long. Jacob (Taylor Lautner) has information about his connection to Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella's newborn daughter, Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy), which infuriates her and results in a physical confrontation between the close friends. It is refreshing to see more drama between Jacob and Bella, but now that they are seemingly connected forever, they must find a way to mend their differences.

Bella and Edward are going to need Jacob's help when they learn from Alice (Ashley Greene), courtesy of a vision, that the Volturi are coming to kill them because they have broken the law of creating an immortal child. However, Renesmee is half human and half vampire, so she is not immortal. Regardless, the Volturi are going to need proof that Renesmee is not immortal, so the Cullen family go about finding witnesses from their many contacts from around the world. As they gathered allies, I could not help but think of the episode of The Flintstones that featured a boy scout jamboree, complete with children from nations around the world. Of course, in Breaking Dawn - Part 2, the characters do not sit around a campfire and sing songs.

When the Volturi finally arrive, they meet the Cullen family and their assembled friends and allies in an open, snow covered field. Testimony is then given regarding Renesmee, but the Volturi leader, Aro (Michael Sheen), still believes that child poses a risk to vampires. Alice continues to try to persuade Aro that the threat simply does not and will not exist, but tensions are running high between the assembled forces and a battle seems inevitable. To divulge any more would spoil the already rotten ending even further.

To his credit, director Bill Condon keeps the film moving at a brisk pace and the technical aspects of the production are impressive. However, the screenplay, by Melissa Rosenberg and based on Stephanie Meyer's book, features groan inducing dialogue from start to finish and a bait and switch scene that almost led to my departure from the screening. I waited for nearly two hours for something substantial to occur and when the story appeared to be taking chances and shaking things up, the rug is pulled out from under viewers. Making things worse is the phoned in performances from the lead trio, who have clearly grown a bit too comfortable in their respective roles. Frankly, I was not expecting an award winning effort, but I assumed that the quality would match the previous installments, but that was not meant to be. Regardless, the franchise is too popular and lucrative to be hurt by a below average final effort, as is evidenced by the film's huge worldwide box office take that may reach a billion. Although I do think fans who have stuck with the franchise deserved a better final act. 

Animation Spotlight: "Hotel Transylvania" Channels Classic Movie Monsters

"I bid you welcome"

Many classic monster movie characters are brought to live via 3D animation in the recently released film Hotel Transylvania. The usual suspects, Dracula, Frankenstein, a mummy and a werewolf are featured, as are some unusual suspects, including Bigfoot, The Blob and a giant tarantula. The majority of the characters are based on monsters who appeared in motion pictures from the 1930's through the 1950's, but some are taken from folklore or created from general representations, such as a Cyclops and a human skeleton. The monsters are all guests of Count Dracula, who is throwing a birthday party for his "young" daughter, Mavis (who is about to turn 118).

The screenplay, by Peter Baynham and Robert Smigel, is clearly targeted at the younger demographic with its message of tolerance and acceptance, but older viewers who are familiar with the characters will likely appreciate their representations and smile at familiar references to their legacies. The central plot revolves around Dracula (Adam Sandler), who is afraid that his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), will leave the nest once she turns 118. He goes to great lengths to keep her close to him, especially since he is a single parent and is extremely protective. However, his efforts are sometimes deceptive, which causes problems between father and daughter when the truth is finally revealed. Adding to Dracula's misgivings is the arrival of a young man, Johnny (Andy Samberg), who is human and somehow finds his way into the "monsters only" hotel.

Dracula tries his best to make Johnny look like a monster and soon turns him into a mini-Frankenstein, so no one will realize that their monster ranks have been infiltrated. Adding to the Count's problems is the mutual attraction between Johnny and Mavis, who may be falling in love for the first time. These problems are difficult for a control freak like Dracula to handle, leading to many amusing moments. While the outcome of the various storylines are not difficult to figure out, the characters are well written, likable and beautifully drawn.

Hotel Transylvania is like heaven for a monster movie geek, as dozens are shown throughout the film. Among my favorites are The Fly (Chris Parnell), who is the hotel's fitness coordinator and, as you might expect, keeps throwing up on himself, The Invisible Man (David Spade), who is the victim of several practical jokes, and Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz), the hotel chef, who tries to cook Johnny when he discovers that he is a human. In addition, the animation is top notch and the use of lighting, particularly in the castle corridors, is reminiscent of classic horror movies and of the old View Master slides (for those old enough to remember them). Hotel Transylvania is a solid choice for Halloween viewing for parents/guardians and their children, who will all find something to smile about for the duration.

The Fourth Season of "The Vampire Diaries" Premieres Tonight on The CW

Photo Credit: The CW

The cliffhanger featured in the spring season finale, when Matt (Zach Roerig) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) were trapped inside a truck that had plunged into a lake, proves to be a game changer as The Vampire Diaries begins its fourth season tonight at 8:00pm ET, on The CW. What happens to Elena will cause the love triangle between her, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) to heat up considerably. While they are the lead characters, viewers may notice something interesting during the first two episodes, "Growing Pains" and "Memorial," as the entire cast play important roles when powerful new threats invade the town of Mystic Falls. What sets The Vampire Diaries apart from most other television series is its ability to keep the action moving all season long. In fact, the first two episodes of the fourth season seem like they could be finale episodes because so much is happening. Another reason the series works so well is the outstanding continuity and excellent use of history, especially the nods to former cast members, whether they are being spoken about or seen, in one form or another.

The new season features the arrival of at least two new characters, Connor (Todd Williams), a vampire hunter, and April (Grace Phipps), and old friend of Matt and Jeremy. Both play pivotal roles in the first two exciting, pulse pounding episodes. In addition, Caroline (Candace Accola) and Tyler (Michael Trevino) face obstacles in their path to happiness together, Bonnie (Kat Graham) makes a life changing decision and Matt has an important new role to play, which should keep his character front and center. If the first two episodes are any indication of what is to come, the fourth season of The Vampire Diaries may be the best one yet.



"House of Dark Shadows" and "Night of Dark Shadows" Arrive on Blu-ray and DVD October 30

Photo and information courtesy of Warner Home Video

Rejoice, night creatures! Drafting off Dark Shadows, the 2012 horror-comedy film directed by Tim Burton, and just in time for Halloween, two Gothic fan favorites, House of Dark Shadows (1970) and the sequel, Night of Dark Shadows (1971), creep onto Blu-ray and DVD October 30 from Warner Home Video. Based on Dark Shadows, the popular occult soap opera that originally aired weekdays on ABC from June 1966 to April 1971, both films have maintained a loyal cult following since their original release.

House of Dark Shadows features the talents of Jonathan Frid ("Dark Shadows," "Seizure," "The Devil’s Daughter"), best known for his role as the vampire Barnabas Collins in the original TV series, Grayson Hall (TV’s “One Life to Live,” “All My Children”) and Kathryn Leigh Scott ("Dark Shadows," "Parasomnia," TV’s “Huff”). In this film expansion, Vampire Barnabas Collins searches for a cure so he can marry the lovely woman who resembles his long-lost fiancée Josette.

Night of Dark Shadows, the sequel to House of Dark Shadows, centers on the story of Quentin Collins and his bride, Tracy, at the Collinwood Mansion in Collinsport, Maine. David Selby ("Dark Shadows," "The Social Network," "Inhale"), Lara Parker (TV’s “Dark Shadows,” “Dark Shadows,” “Race with the Devil”), John Karlen (TV’s “Dark Shadows,” “Cagney & Lacey”), Kate Jackson (TV’s “Scarecrow and Mrs. King,” “Charlie's Angels”), Grayson Hall (TV’s “One Life to Live,” “All My Children”) and Nancy Barrett (TV’s “Dark Shadows,” “Ryan’s Hope”) star.

"House of Dark Shadows" and "Night of Dark Shadows" Arrive on Blu-ray and DVD October 30, just in time Halloween!