"WHERE TO?" is a Compelling Journey

Jennifer Monahan wrote a thought-provoking and fascinating account of her journey to become a shamanic healer in her 2016 memoir, This Trip Will Change Your Life. She shares the next chapter of her incredible story in her new book, WHERE TO? How I Shed My Baggage and Learned To Live Free. Jennifer’s personal odyssey continues as she makes the courageous decision to leave her successful job in the corporate arena. She shifts her focus and follows her heart in a quest for personal and spiritual rebirth. This new chapter of her story involves travel to sacred sites in places such as Japan and Cambodia, on a self-described “global walkabout.” She opens up her soul to the wonders and gifts our world has to offer her, and truly accepts the messages the universe is sending to her soul with an open heart.

As Jennifer re-invents herself and renews her spirit, she makes plans to live in Guatemala for a few months while writing her new book. Inspired by the beauty and positive energy she finds there, Jennifer ultimately decides to stay in Guatemala for an extended period. Not only does she have some life-changing moments working with local shamans and spiritual guides, she forges meaningful personal relationships with her neighbors and fellow residents. As readers, we get to experience Jennifer’s awakening to a more authentic style of living. We share the joy she feels as she immerses herself in the beauty of Guatemalan culture, and this portion of the book provides some truly enjoyable and enthralling moments.

But Jennifer’s journey is not without its difficulties. As the title of the book suggests, she needs to “shed her baggage” both literally and figuratively. There are some roadblocks obstructing her development, in the form of difficult events in her life from the past, which are still affecting her. She needed to make peace with these negative experiences and move beyond them, before attaining true balance and harmony in her life. Jennifer candidly conveys these powerful, reflective and transformative moments in the book’s most emotional and moving passages. I know this part of her story will strongly resonate with anyone who’s had to overcome adversity in their own lives.

WHERE TO? How I Shed My Baggage and Learned To Live Free is a beautiful, engaging and insightful book. What you realize after reading this amazing story is that Jennifer’s journey isn’t over yet. Her lovingly written account of her adventures just might empower you to reflect on your own life experiences, and start your own journey of discovery. WHERE TO? How I Shed My Baggage and Learned To Live Free is now available on Amazon, in both print and digital formats. Jennifer's first book is also available there for purchase. You can learn more about her shamanic work at her website: https://spiritevolution.co. I highly recommend sharing this awe-inspiring journey with Jennifer by reading her remarkable books.

Very Good "Bad Times at the El Royale"

I first became a fan of Drew Goddard’s work back when he was writing episodes of the television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel and Lost. The talented and prolific writer, producer and director also created the Netflix version of Daredevil. He wrote the first two episodes of that series, and scripted an episode of the Netflix super-team spinoff, The Defenders. Goddard also penned the screenplays for Cloverfield (2008) and The Martian (2015), and made his directorial debut with the entertaining genre-bending horror film The Cabin in the Woods (2012), which he co-wrote with Buffy creator Joss Whedon. His most recent film, Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), is a noir-infused thriller set in the late 1960s. The story concerns a disparate group of people who come together at the El Royale, a hotel that sits on the border between California and Nevada, which has seen better days. There's a dark history hiding behind its doors.

As the story begins, several people arrive at the hotel, including Daniel Flynn, a priest; Darlene Sweet, a singer; Laramie Sullivan, a salesman, and a tough young woman named Emily Summerspring. After the clerk, a nervous young man named Miles, checks them in, we begin to learn about the backstories of these characters, and what brings them all to the El Royale. Not everyone is who or what he or she seems to be, and everybody has an agenda. When the charismatic (and murderous) Billy Lee shows up, things spiral towards a climactic confrontation. As a rain-drenched night drags on, alliances will be formed, secrets will be revealed, and conspiracies will be unearthed. When the dust settles, not everyone will leave the El Royale alive.

Jeff Bridges and Cynthia Erivo

Goddard’s clever screenplay both hews to and subverts the conventions of multiple genres. The story takes some unexpected twists and turns, weaving together elements of film noir, heist thrillers, conspiracy tales, and music industry stories. Even with all of those elements, Bad Times at the El Royale still manages to throw a couple of other thematic curve balls your way. The performances are letter perfect, with Jeff Bridges offering his usual strong work as Father Flynn, and Chris Hemsworth doing a fantastic job as Billy Lee. Cynthia Erivo is excellent as Darlene; she contributes several amazing vocal performances throughout the course of the film. Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny and Lewis Pullman are also impressive in supporting turns. Hamm is a particular delight in a role that plays on his Mad Men persona in humorous and surprising ways.

Goddard’s direction is excellent, and he’s got a stellar crew behind the scenes. The stunning production design by Martin Whist and the incredible cinematography by Seamus McGarvey contribute immensely to the film’s success. The El Royale is a masterpiece of set design and the use of color is outstanding; the hotel really becomes another character in the film. The music choices are inspired, from the songs performed by Erivo to the selections played on the hotel’s jukebox throughout the film. The one factor that works against the movie is its length. At two hours and twenty minutes, it does feel a bit overlong. But that’s a minor quibble. If you are a fan of film noir or neo-noir, Quentin Tarantino films, or twisty tales with multiple characters, you definitely need to book a visit to Bad Times at the El Royale. The movie is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and streaming. Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7wzBVARwaU.

"Poppies" Delves Into Psychedelic Rock

Rock and roll’s psychedelic era produced quite a bit of memorable music. Though the genre has gone in and out of fashion over the years, it has a cadre of loyal fans, including bands such as Tame Impala, Pond and The Flaming Lips, who celebrate the cool vibes of this classic music, and are the current keepers of the flame. There have been some excellent collections of psychedelic music, including the seminal Nuggets series. Craft Recordings, the label responsible for well-received archival releases from artists like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Otis Redding, has put together a fantastic compilation from the era of incense and flower children entitled Poppies: Assorted Finery From The First Psychedelic Age. It’s a wide-ranging collection, featuring a wide range of artists, including singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie, and some early work from performers best known for other genres, including Jerry Jeff Walker, of “Mr. Bojangles” fame.

Cover image courtesy of Craft Recordings

You’ll find touches of rock, pop and folk resonating throughout the thirteen tracks on the record. Influential alt-folkie Sainte-Marie provides the ethereal title tune. The pop-flavored “Smell of Incense” by Southwest F.O.B. floats along on lovely harmonies and Farfisa organ. Two members of that band, singer and sax player Dan Seals, and keyboardist John Coley would later re-invent themselves as England Dan and John Ford Coley. They scored some chart success in the 70s with songs like the Todd Rundgren penned “Love Is The Answer.” The foreboding “Sorcerella” by Jefferson Lee, is a darkly hued slice of garage band-style rock. Circus Maximus, featuring country icon Jerry Jeff Walker (who started the band with guitarist Bob Bruno), is represented by “Bright Light Lovers,” a track that begins as Beatlesque pop, then explodes into guitar-driven, down and dirty, Rolling Stones-style rock and roll.

Other standouts include “Stand In The Shadows” by the Michigan-based outfit The Frost, an epic, eight-minute protest song powered by the guitars of band members Dick Wagner and Don Hartman. Sot Weed Factor’s “Say It Isn’t So,” a fantastic psyched-out folk rocker, comes from a band who originally hailed from the wilds of Tuscon, Arizona, and later moved out to Hollywood to find fame. The Pasternak Progress, fronted by Jeff Pasternak (son of famed movie producer Joe Pasternak) provides us with “Flower Eyes,” a track that feels like a combination of Doors-style poetic rock laced with some early prog-rock flourishes. “Oracle,” by California’s Chapter VI, is one of the most striking tracks on the disc, featuring philosophical lyrics and layers of spiraling, spacey sound.

One of the best things about this release is that most of this music hasn’t been featured on previous compilations, so you’re not getting the umpteenth inclusion of “Incense & Peppermints,” undeniably a great song, but pretty familiar to fans. You’ll be exposed to a whole new world of psychedelic masterpieces on this well-curated collection. The album features informative and comprehensive liner notes by producer Alec Palao. The disc will be released in several configurations, including an exclusive translucent red vinyl version for Record Store Day on April 13, followed by CD and digital versions on April 19. Poppies: Assorted Finery From The First Psychedelic Age is one of the best archival releases I’ve heard this year. It should have strong appeal for devotees of 1960s rock. These tunes and their kaleidoscopic vibes will definitely get stuck in your head, and the album is truly worth adding to your music library. The folks at Craft Recordings promise us there’s more to come, so start your hallucinatory journey now! You can get more info at the Craft Recordings website at: https://craftrecordings.com.

The Bellero Shield: The Outer Limits Mixes Aliens, Shakespeare & Noir

The Outer Limits remains one of the most inventive and groundbreaking science-fiction anthology series of the 1960s. The brainchild of writer-producer Leslie Stevens, the show presented serious-minded tales of science fiction, liberally sprinkled with elements of gothic horror, fantasy and a touch of film noir. Stevens was assisted behind the camera by a talented team including fellow writer-producer Joseph Stefano (of Psycho fame), cinematographer Conrad Hall and composer Dominic Frontiere. Actors such as Robert Culp, Nick Adams, Robert Duvall and David McCallum all appeared in the series. One of my favorite episodes is “The Bellero Shield,” which features Martin Landau and Sally Kellerman. This Shakespearean story is a richly textured tale about power, greed and the complicated relationships between fathers and sons and husbands and wives.

Landau plays Richard Bellero, a scientist who never seems to be able to impress his iron-willed father, a man who heads up the company that bears their name. Richard’s father is planning to give control of the company to someone else, and pass over his son for the “throne.” Richard’s scheming and power-hungry wife Judith (played by Kellerman) pushes her husband to talk with his father and change the man’s mind. His attempt is unsuccessful. Richard’s father then has a confrontation with Judith, whom he despises due to her controlling role in her relationship with his son. Then, an experimental laser beam, which Richard has aimed into outer space, brings an alien being down from the skies into the lab. Judith sees this as her husband’s chance for unlimited power and glory, especially when the alien demonstrates an impenetrable shield, which he uses to protect himself.

Martin Landau and John Hoyt

Richard wants to share and exchange knowledge with the alien before he has to return his own world. Judith implores him to go get his father and bring him back to the lab, so he can see what has transpired. Unlike her husband, Judith definitely doesn’t have humanitarian goals in mind. She sees the alien’s shield as a means to gain power and influence. While Richard is gone, she tries to prevent the alien from leaving and shoots him. With the aid of her housekeeper, Mrs. Dame, she hides the body in the cellar and removes the shield activation device from his hand. Judith plans to present it as her husband’s discovery, secure him the stewardship of the company, and propel him into being a mover and shaker. The act of violence perpetrated by Judith sets in motion a series of events that will have lasting consequences.

Sally Kellerman gives a richly textured performance. The clever and devious Judith will flirt, cajole, argue and even resort to murder to reach her goal of obtaining power for Richard. She is ably assisted by Chita Rivera, who’s marvelous in a supporting role as Judith’s partner in crime, the mysterious (and barefoot) Mrs. Dame. Neil Hamilton (best known to modern audiences as Commissioner Gordon on the 1960s Batman series) is very good as Richard Bellero, Sr. and gets to deliver the episode’s best line: “Great men are forgiven their murderous wives!” Hamilton had a long Hollywood career dating back to the 1920s; if you only know him from Batman, you may be surprised at his assured, low-key work here. Martin Landau perfectly brings across Richard’s decency, meekness, and quiet nature. He plays off Kellerman, Hamilton and John Hoyt (who portrays the alien) quite well.

“The Bellero Shield” has several allusions to Shakespeare and mythology, in both character and story. Judith is quite similar to Lady Macbeth, and her fate in the episode’s climax will bring that character to mind. Richard’s father is much like a king, ready to turn his business (or throne) over to a worthy successor, but not to his own son. The laser “light bridge” which brings the alien to Earth is compared by Judith to the Bifrost, the bridge between Earth and Asgard (home of the gods) in Norse mythology. The excellent teleplay was written by Joseph Stefano, from a story by Stefano and Lou Morheim, loosely based on a story by Arthur Leo Zagat. But you can tell from the rich dialogue and darker elements of the story that it’s primarily Stefano’s voice here.

The other MVPs in the episode are director John Brahm and cinematographer Conrad Hall. Brahm helmed several memorable films, including The Lodger and Hangover Square. He also did a lot of fine work for television, including episodes of The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Thriller. Hall went on to win Oscars for his work on Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, American Beauty and Road To Perdition. Both artists provide strong work here; with Brahm balancing the work of the stellar cast and Stefano’s fine script with Hall’s superb framing, stunning use of shadows and deep, noir-ish visuals. “The Bellero Shield” is one of the best episodes of The Outer Limits. Landau and Kellerman both appeared in another episode of the series: Landau in the wonderful “The Man Who Was Never Born” and Kellerman in the eerie “The Human Factor.”

This post is part of the Favorite TV Episode Blogathon hosted by my fellow blogger Terence over at A Shroud of Thoughts. I’d like to thank him for having me join the party. Be sure to check out the other entries by following this link: http://mercurie.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-5th-annual-favourite-tv-show.html.

This Movie Is Caught in a "Spider's Web"

Claire Foy in The Girl in the Spider's Web

The adventures of the brilliant hacker Lisbeth Salander in author Stieg Larsson’s Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series have captivated readers all over the world. The original trilogy of novels was adapted for a trio of Swedish films starring Noomi Rapace (who was excellent as Salander) in 2009. Then David Fincher directed a dark and stylish American version of the initial book in the series in 2011. Rooney Mara played Salander for this film, which co-starred Daniel Craig. She earned an Oscar nomination for her riveting, transformative performance in the role. Despite good reviews, the film was only moderately successful at the box office. A planned sequel that was to be helmed by Fincher, and once again starring Mara and Craig in the roles of Salander and her ally and occasional lover Mikael Blomkvist, was never produced.

Then in late 2018, a new movie featuring Salander, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, co-written and directed by Fede Alvarez, was released. The film is based on the fourth book in the series, penned by David Lagercrantz, who took over writing the novels after Larsson’s passing. In this story, Salander takes time out from her activities as a vigilante avenger aiding victimized women to help out a computer expert who created a program that can access all of the nuclear codes in the world simultaneously. He’s worried that this program, code named Firefall, will fall into the wrong hands, and asks Salander to help him steal it from the NSA. But there are others who wish to obtain Firefall, including a shadowy figure with ties to Salander’s past. Lisbeth Salander not only needs to save the day, but she’ll have to confront some dark secrets from her childhood.

The film travels along at a frenetic pace, hardly taking a breath for you to figure out what’s what and who’s who. It’s a streamlined version of the book, and some characters and situations have either been altered or dropped. The movie assumes that you’re familiar with the main characters from the previous books or film adaptations of the “Dragon Tattoo” saga. Though it’s not quite a full reboot, the movie is something of a reset which acknowledges that there have been previous Salander stories. The Girl in the Spider’s Web is briskly directed by Alvarez (who helmed the well-received 2016 thriller Don’t Breathe) but it pales in comparison to the Swedish made films and Fincher’s sole entry in the series. Claire Foy (The Crown) gives a powerful, effective performance as Salander, and compares favorably with her predecessors, but it does feel like some of the characters darker edges have been smoothed off this time around.

The film’s action is very much in the mold of a Bond or Bourne movie, with fight scenes and car chases that wouldn’t seem out of place in either of those franchises. In fact, the main titles recall Maurice Binder’s work for the Bond series, and the score by Roque Banos feels very 007-inspired. The Girl in the Spider’s Web is worth a look for the solid work of Foy as Lisbeth Salander, and actress Sylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner 2049) in a key supporting role, but it’s one of those films that won’t stay in your memory too long after you’ve seen it. In a way, it feels like the movie is caught in a web of the previous adaptations of the Lisbeth Salander character, and can't quite get past the expectations set by those previous films. The movie is now available on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as for digital download. Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKMSP9OKspQ.

It's a Terrifying "Trilogy of Terror!"

The late Richard Matheson was one of our most talented and prolific writers of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His career spanned from the 1950s right on through the early 2000s. He created such enduring classics as the novels The Shrinking Man, I Am Legend, Hell House and A Stir of Echoes, all of which were turned into movies. Matheson also wrote for television, including episodes of Have Gun, Will Travel, Wanted: Dead or Alive, and sixteen segments of the original Twilight Zone, including the classics “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” and “The Invaders.” In the 1970s, Matheson teamed up with producer-director Dan Curtis (of Dark Shadows fame) on several projects. They collaborated on a television adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, starring Jack Palance, as well as The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler, a pair of classic telefilms featuring Darren McGavin as intrepid reporter Carl Kolchak, who battled supernatural menaces in both movies.

Karen Black and Robert Burton in "Julie"

Another project the Matheson/Curtis dream team worked on is Trilogy of Terror, a 1975 ABC Movie of the Week starring Karen Black. The movie features adaptations of three Matheson stories, the first two scripted by Matheson’s friend William F. Nolan (co-author of the novel Logan’s Run) and the third written by Matheson himself. The first segment “Julie” (based on Matheson’s story The Likeness of Julie) concerns an egotistical college student named Chad, who initiates a date with his English professor. He then drugs and takes advantage of her, snapping photos of her in compromising positions. Chad (played by Black’s real life husband at the time, Robert Burton) uses the pictures to bribe her into continuing their relationship. But Julie has a deadly surprise in store for him as the story comes to a close. Look fast for Gregory Harrison in a bit part, and pay close attention to the “French vampire” movie Chad and Julie go to see on their date: it’s a clip from producer Curtis' The Night Stalker!

The second tale “Millicent and Therese” (based on Matheson’s story Needle in the Heart) concerns two sisters who are polar opposites. Millicent is prudish and conservative; Therese is provocative, sensual and carefree. Both sisters interact with the family physician, Dr. Ramsey. Millicent insists that Therese is evil, has done terrible things, and must be punished. Therese feels her sister is foolish and predictable. Millicent plots to kill Therese using voodoo. When Millicent hatches her plan, the ultimate truth about the siblings and their dark family history is revealed. Black plays both sisters, and George Gaynes (Tootsie, Police Academy) appears as Dr. Ramsey. While you’ll probably guess the ending of this one in advance, it’s still worth watching, thanks to Black’s effectiveness in the dual roles of Millicent and Therese. Dark Shadows veteran John Karlen also appears in this entry.

Karen Black (and friend) in "Amelia"

The third and final segment of the film is the one most viewers remember. “Amelia” is based on Matheson’s story Prey. Amelia (Black) lives alone, and returns home with a package containing a gift for her boyfriend. It’s a doll crafted in the image of a Zuni warrior, named “He Who Kills.” The doll supposedly contains the actual spirit of the warrior, which is kept in check by a chain around its neck. After Amelia has a phone conversation with her overbearing mother, the chain falls off. The doll comes to life, and begins hunting Amelia. The rest of the story features Amelia and the sharp-toothed, spear-wielding (and seemingly indestructible) Zuni doll facing off against each other each other in her apartment. It’s an intense, one on one confrontation that escalates and climaxes with one of the most chilling images in the annals of horror television.

Many fans, writers and reviewers feel the first two stories are weak, and the final one saves the film. I think the first two entries are pretty effective in their own right, and offer a slow buildup of suspense until the visceral thrills of the climactic tale. Curtis and Matheson did the same thing in 1977’s Dead of Night, another horror anthology showcasing a trio of stories. The final entry in that film, “Bobby,” starring Joan Hackett, was easily the scariest of the three, but the two that preceded it had their charms as well. Trilogy of Terror is truly a showcase for Karen Black. She offers a bravura performance throughout the film, adding some subtle nuances to her multiple roles. Dan Curtis’ direction is assured and effective, and you’ll definitely spot the influences that “Amelia” had on later films in the horror genre. Curtis’ favorite composer, Robert Cobert, provides the eerie score.

Dan Curtis directed a belated sequel to the film, titled (what else?) Trilogy of Terror II. The movie aired in 1996 on the USA Network, and starred actress Lysette Anthony, who also appeared in Curtis’ short-lived prime-time version of Dark Shadows.  The film featured three more tales of the macabre, including a remake of “Bobby” and a sequel to “Amelia” titled “He Who Kills” which takes place shortly after the events of the original story. Trilogy of Terror stands out as one of the most memorable films from the classic era of the TV movie, and it succeeds in no small part thanks to the wonderful stories of the legendary Richard Matheson. The film is currently available on DVD and Blu-ray from Kino Lorber home video. This post is part of the Richard Matheson Blogathon, hosted by the very talented bloggers at Wide Screen World and Moon in Gemini. I’d like to thank them for letting me join in on the fun. You can get more info on the blogathon and view the posts here: https://debravega.wordpress.com/2019/03/09/the-richard-matheson-blogathon-day-1-recap/.

Juliana Hatfield Goes Pop on a Loving Tribute to Olivia Newton-John

At first glance, indie rocker Juliana Hatfield (a veteran of the Blake Babies and The Juliana Hatfield Three), might seem an odd fit with the music of Olivia Newton-John. In 2018, she released Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John, a collection of songs originally recorded by the Grammy-winning songstress. Hatfield has explained in a number of interviews that she’s a lifelong fan of Newton-John’s music, and relished the opportunity to work on this album as a tribute to her. The 13 songs Hatfield selected to cover for the disc run the gamut from early hits like “I Honestly Love You” to later tracks like “Xanadu,” originally featured in the movie of the same name. The artist's love and respect for Newton-John's music is very much in evidence throughout this well-made record. 

Hatfield, who also produced the album, mostly sticks to the original arrangements of the songs. However, she adds a little instrumental heft here and there, including a slightly tougher guitar sound on “A Little More Love” and edgier vocal takes on “Physical,” and “Make A Move On Me.” Another cool aspect of the disc is that in addition to the expected hits like “Have You Never Been Mellow” and “Magic,” Hatfield also includes her versions of some less well-known Newton-John tracks such as “Suspended in Time” and “Dancin’ Round and Round.” The backing band is excellent, with Ed Valauskas playing some nimble and expressive bass, and Pete Caldes providing a rock-solid foundation on drums.

Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John should appeal to fans of either artist. This affectionate tribute to the pop music songbook of Olivia Newton-John, lovingly crafted by one of the heroines of the 1990s indie rock scene, is very much worth a listen. Hatfield's enjoyment at working on this project is truly infectious. Please note: for every album sold, one dollar will be donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre. You can purchase a physical copy or get a digital download of the album at the artist's label American Laundromat Records by following this link: https://www.alr-music.com/products/juliana-hatfield-sings-olivia-newton-john. And here's a link to the music video for Ms. Hatfield's fantastic version of "A Little More Love": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkp-rtW-vp8.