Grr Argh . . .The Graveyard Book

Yes, so I've been incredibly lax on the whole blogsphere. I normally try to do at least three posts a week or something, even if it is frequently drunken-fueled banter. My qualms about having the lack of ID is a prime example. Yes, one day I hope I can conjure the motivation to actually seek sufficient ID -- I am getting annoyed at having to rely upon friends (and blackmailing various family members) to get me booze and horror films. Sad, I know, but that's the price for having such a youthful appearance . . . sigh

I'm better keeping my trap firmly shut; no doubt thirty will hit me, and I'll look like this:

Uhuh, that's the consequence of an extended student lifestyle right there, albeit with slightly less boob sagage (well, I really do hope . . .) Man, I'm now in the mood to watch Stardust. What a wonderful film -- I do love Neil Gaiman. Speaking of, I recently read The Graveyard book, and it was a lovely read. Obviously nothing entirely deep or intense, but it was delightful -- like a dark, modern day fairy tale. The type of offbeat story which is ideal for kids and adults alike. As I'm aware, there are a variety of editions of The Graveyard Book available (yes, one isn't enough for this publication); a children's edition illustrated by Chris Riddell, an adult edition illustrated by Dave McKeane, a limited edition slipcase edition, and one bound in human skin and inked with the blood of virgins (kidding, obviously).

For more info, scoot on over to The Graveyard book website

Oooh, recommendations!

Right, so basically highlighting how bloody cool and rock-solid I was as a kid, I asked 'Santa' to bring me this for Christmas;


See no Evil was a great find. I first heard of it from a review in Empire, and sought it out afterwards. I was 13, and totally looking forward to dipping into it on Christmas day (yes, that would be ma highlight. Screw the chocolates, and the family-togetherness). Imagine my disappointment when my Mum reported that dearest Dad had flicked through the pages, and then put it down in disgust; "We can't give this to our darling daughter; there's naked women in this . . . and a certain degree of violence."
Heh. No shit. It was the best book ever. Well, in all honesty, my outlook wasn't quite like that; I was interested in banned film and video controversy, particularly in relation to the notorious Video Nasties, which I was too young to have known about. This book was a goldmine, opening my eyes to a plethora of films that I had to get my hands on including: The Beyond, The Evil Dead, The Last House on the Left, Shogun Assassin, Zombie Flesh Eaters, Dead and Buried, Cannibal Holocaust and Tenebrae.

See no Evil gives a history of the subsequent Video Nasties and the Video Recordings act 1984, which followed. Giving a detailed synopsis of the films on the list -- including such utter shite as Don't Go in the Woods . . . Alone! (1980), which is one of those rare films that makes you wanna gouge out your eyeballs with a rusty knife. Got your doubts? Go Here.

Next on the list is the Eyeball Compendium, a fantastic book from FAB press. It contains articles from Eyeball magazine 1989 - 2002. With interviews, reviews and other features, it's definitely worth checking out their website, and eBay as some of their books are now out of print.

Again, stemming from my interest in video nasties, is this simple, but informative pictorial reference to 70s 80s exploitation film. Ignoring the ghastly content of the 'nasties' in question, Shock! Horror! Astounding Artwork from the Video Nasty Era examines the censorship surrounding the films themselves, and raises interesting arguments. Also has an extremely handy note regarding DVD availability in the UK.

Nightmare USA: The Untold Story of the Exploit Independents is a detailed encyclopedia of trash/horror/exploitation cinema. Packed within it's 528 LARGE pages, is a variety of interviews, essays and reviews. Scoot over to the FAB Press website to have a more detailed look. It's a must have for anyone interested in Grindhouse cinema.

Note: I don't actually own this. But I'd really, really like to. If any of my FANTASTIC friends are reading this, I'd just like to point out that my birthday is coming up. It's £40.00, (£25.00 on Amazon!) and you can probably pick it up from any good retailer. I asked a friend to buy me it last year, and she was all like; "I'm no' spendin' forty quid on a bloody book!" Ha, good times . . .