New Column On Horror Video by Gary Scott Beatty Debuts Today

EDITOR'S NOTE: Strange and weird (in a good way) indie comics creator/publisher Gary Scott Beatty is a friend of the blog, and has agreed to infrequently contribute a column on horror video to Pop Culture Podium. Look for new features and additions to the blog throughout 2019 as we expand our boundaries beyond comics and books. I've long wanted to write about horror video (films and television) for some time. I'm very happy and appreciative to get some help from a knowledgable source. Thanks, Gary! The podium is yours from this point on . . . . . .


Strange and Weird Horror Lives on Netflix
by Gary Scott Beatty
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/garyscottbeatty/gods-of-aazurn-creepy-cosmic-horror-comics-lovecra/

Running a Kickstarter can be stressful. That's why I love taking time for a little horror on Netflix. My recommendations: have a look at my strange horror at http://strangehorror.com/ then check out these weird Netflix flix.

STRANGER THINGS.
In "Stranger Things," Matt and Ross Duffer explore what made horror and sci fi unique 30 years ago. It's interesting that Steven Spielberg and George Lucas did the same thing in the '70s, resurrecting '40s movies tropes that hadn't been seen in cynical Hollywood for some time.

What we learn from "Stranger Things" isn’t just that quotes from late '70s movies are fun, we also learn current movies have lost a sense of child-like wonder. Remember when we were wowed by concepts, not just things blowin' up real good? I do, and I miss that wonder.

Tight writing, characters to cheer for, stand out performances, and finales that will blow you away, Stranger Things is one to watch. Two seasons are now on Netflix. Stranger Things season three comes to Netflix July 4.

THE WAILING.
Slow burn done right! I thoroughly enjoyed The Wailing (2016), a South Korean movie now on Netflix. The premise is simple -- a curious sickness spreads, a local policeman is drawn in when it infects his daughter, and a foreign stranger is suspect.

Writer AND director (always a good sign) Hong-jin Na gives us information mostly through the experiences of the policeman, making his confusion OUR confusion. If you don't like having to figure things out, this film is not for you. Personally, I like revelations coming to me in the shower the day after I see a movie.

The characters are so damn real the horror is supremely effective -- these are non-heroes attempting heroic things. The simple buildings most people live in and the imposing, green mountains around them added to the eerie.

Yes, this is over 2 1/2 hours long, but you can view it as a miniseries in chunks, if you like. If you'd rather watch a movie with things blowin' up real good, this is not for you. Recommended!

TRAIN TO BUSAN.
Train to Busan is a study in theme and timing. The plot itself is basic and nothing all that new, although the "zombies on a train" aspect is interesting. What makes Train to Busan worth study is the balance: just the right amount of build-up, action and character development, a perfect balance that leads to an emotional climax.

It's nice to see the obvious "work together or we're all doomed" theme played so well. The first scene with a zombie, when one flashes past a window so quickly the little girl that sees it isn't sure what she saw, is directing brilliance.

Sang-ho Yeon, director. S. Korean, with non-intrusive subtitles. Recommended!


In glorious service to our Aazurn overlords, enjoy your horror!



Gary Scott Beatty is a writer and illustrator. His "Gods of Aazurn" Kickstarter, with creepy, cosmic horror comics, is now at http://strangehorror.com/ His "Number One," with "Adventures of Aaron" artist Aaron Warner, was named one of the best indie comics of 2014 (Shawn Perry, Bleeding Cool News). Several of his books are offered through Caliber Comics. Gary is happy to live in a world with access to '70s B-movies and classic horror comics. He resides in Michigan with a beautiful wife and a questionable past.