The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
Welcome to my strange world of Blogs, Books, Movie Reviews, Podcasts, Stories, and Art!
The latest entry in the found-footage horror franchise presents several short films themed around Halloween, but struggles with coherence and originality. While one episode excels in creepiness, others fall flat or feel silly. Overall, the collection lacks depth and connection to Halloween, leaving the reviewer disappointed and unable to recommend it.
In this episode, I interview author Michal Bardavid about her book "Becoming a Peacock: Strut Yourself into Self-Love." We discuss the themes and insights of her work, highlighting its value in promoting self-love. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
On this episode I have another great conversation with author JC Vande Zande, who returns to talk about his newest novel: "Blood on the Witness Tree," a sequel to "The Dance of Rotten Sticks." It's a great conversation that gets into book promotion, how Van writes, the new book, and his advice for someone interested in writing.
It feels like it was a quiet year for me, but really, it wasn't. Not really.
MANOR OF DARKNESS follows a desperate brother and sister aiming to rob a posh estate to finance their ailing mother’s care. As they uncover secrets within the home, the film evolves from a typical horror narrative into something more intriguing. Despite some flaws, it offers a unique, suspenseful experience worth watching.
BODY & SOUL is a found footage film depicting police officers on duty, initially engaging with the public effectively. However, it falters when the plot shifts to a tense chase in the woods, becoming disjointed with two bickering officers and lacking narrative depth. Despite its promising concept, the film ultimately disappoints.
As more information comes out about when the people of Flint may see payouts from the Flint Water Crisis, the stark reality of what that looks like becomes clear.
THE CHILDREN UNDER THE HOUSE is an analog horror film presented through VHS interviews between a therapist and a non-verbal girl who claims to see deceased children. This unique storytelling technique evokes imagination and fear, despite some emotional delivery issues. It's a chilling, low-budget film worth watching for horror enthusiasts.
The author was approached to write a "Cozy Mystery" and created "A Shadow on the Violets" in a tight timeframe. Despite initial publishing setbacks, the author cherishes the book and considers a sequel. The beautiful cover, crafted by artist Zophael, includes a crochet pattern for readers interested in recreating it.
In a discussion with author Jeff Gibbons, we explore the impact of AI on our interactions and work dynamics, alongside insights from his new book, "Critical Intelligence: Strengthening Human Thinking in the Age of AI." For more podcasts, visit spookychris.com.
The tale of "Frankenstein," penned by Mary Shelley, transcends its origins and is now a cultural symbol often recognized during Halloween. Various adaptations have emerged, each reflecting contemporary values. Guillermo del Toro's recent film adds a unique interpretation, exploring themes of humanity and monstrosity, yet it leaves room for the original’s enduring legacy.
Found Footage military horror is uncommon, yet this film stands out with a British patrol during the Afghan War facing both moral dilemmas over stolen money and sinister threats. While the pacing and camaraderie are strong, the climax confuses, leaving viewers lost. Ultimately, it’s a unique and creepy experience worth exploring.
In this podcast episode, the host interviews author Barry Maher regarding his horror novel "The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon." The discussion highlights the book's entertaining aspects. Listeners can purchase the novel on Amazon and learn more about Maher at his website, http://www.barrymaher.com.
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 