MasterChugs Theater: ‘An American Werewolf in London’
Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under MasterChugs Theater | 1 Comment |
Often, there’s a fine line between horror and humor. That’s because a natural defense mechanism of the human psyche is to laugh at something that causes discomfort. Hence, while some people are shocked and horrified by a film like The Exorcist, others chortle and giggle like they’re watching an Adam Sandler comedy. On rare occasions, directors attempt to exploit this link. Most of the time, they fail miserably, and the results can be painfully unfunny and non-frightening. However, a few filmmakers defy the odds and mine the right vein of ore. The list is disappointingly short, and includes names like Sam Raimi (The Evil Dead and its two sequels) and John Landis.
Landis came to An American Werewolf in London riding the crest of a wave of popularity. His two previous movies, National Lampoon’s Animal House and The Blues Brothers, had proven to be huge box office successes. An American Werewolf in London would make it a trifecta. Afterwards, the director’s career began a slow downward slide, beginning with the on-set disaster associated with his segment of The Twilight Zone (in which actor Vic Morrow was killed). Landis rebounded briefly with Trading Places, but, by the advent of the 90s, he was mostly regarded as a has-been and proof of how easily even a proven filmmaker can fall out of favor in a fickle industry.
In terms of storyline and plot structure, there’s nothing new or surprising about An American Werewolf in London. What makes this film different (if not unique) is its successful marriage of comedy and horror. The humorous sequences are funny enough to laugh at, while the gruesome scenes retain the power to shock. From time to time, Landis strays close to the line of camp, but never quite crosses over. This is in large part due to our identification with the main character, whom we hope against hope will find some way out of an impossible predicament. Had this individual been imbued with less humanity, he would have turned into a caricature and the entire film would have devolved into the kind of grotesque farce that characterized An American Werewolf in London’s 1997 sequel, An American Werewolf in Paris. Read more
Written by Chris "Chugs" TaylorIt’s like the news was written for SG
Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under Sex Sells | 1 Comment |
When it comes to the news, The Guys mostly peddle smutty stuff like when strippers attack or animals learn to dial phones. It appears that the news has finally noticed:
1) Not quite the perfect crime
Despite eating all the evidence, a German court upheld the original life sentence of convicted cannibal Armin Meiwes. Meiwes attempted to appeal, trying to knock his homicide charge down to whatever those freaky Europeans call a “mercy killing.” His case looked good until, when asked if he would do it again, Meiwes said, “I had a ball.”
2) Nobody likes hand-me-downs.
Amar and Kundan Singh Pundira share a wife in keeping with the tradition of their village in Himchal Pradesh, India. When it comes to — ahem — intimacy, the brothers alternate nights with Indira Devi, their wife.
“To run our families we have to do this, overcome the hurdles as well and then we have to control our hearts from feeling too much.”
Sex without feeling? Sounds like a normal marriage to us! (Bah-zing!)
Written by Rick SneeYou Missed It: Yes, they are legal edition
Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under You Missed It | 5 Comments |
It’s Friday, which is known in some countries as the end of the work week. Fortunately, it is not the end of the news cycle–there is no end to that. Is everyone else getting sick of election-related stuff yet? We are, and if you’re looking for updates on the election this week, look somewhere else. If you were busy faking an attack on you because you’re a McCain supporter, odds are you missed it.
The games have just begun
Today is a big day for the moving picture industry. In the much anticipated sequel, the stars of Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year are back for yet another choreographed romp through the halls of their school. This time, Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad and Taylor wake up in what appears to be the lair of the notorious Jigsaw. The Wildcats must spring from their elaborate traps and fight to the death in order to survive, but it’s so hard to sing with those metal clamps in your mouth.
Hey, at least we don’t have to listen to cowbells
Sure, our beloved Red Sox may be out of the playoffs, but believe it or not, Major League Baseball still keeps playing anyway. So far, two games have been played in the World Series, and it’s even at a game apiece between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies. The series now heads to the home of the Philadelphia, where if they are anything like their local NFL team counterparts, the fans will harass, heckle and pummel Rays fans all in the name of good fun.
Everybody hates tourists
Richard Garriott, the latest space tourist, returned to Earth safely on Thursday. He is the sixth tourist in space and the first second generation astronaut. Garriot’s father was on Skylab 3. The incredibly rich man paid $30 million for his 10-day stay in space. Upon his safe arrival back to the planet, Garriott said, “It really reminded me of Space Mountain.”
Hell hath no fury like an online wife scorned
Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under Regular Post, Tokyoh-no! | Leave a Comment |
No one likes to be lonely. Even the worst misanthropes want to have someone. It’s understandable, though not entirely possible all of the time. That’s why there’s the Internet!
Yes, the Internet has given way to such wonderful communication devices, like MMORPG’s. From electronic social interaction, to casting yourself into a “Mary Sue” type character, there’s not much that these things can do. Why, even “online marriage” is possible! Of course, with that comes the concept of “online divorce”, also known as the e-Dear John. Sadly, not everyone can separate the MMORPG from the real world-and that’s where Japan comes into play.
A woman went on a rampage in the free MMORPG Maple Story after her virtual husband “online divorced” her. The results of her rampage? The horrible death of her former online husband’s character via L33T skillz and MAD HAXX … oh, and the possibility of five years in jail. Somehow, given personal information still counts as something akin to ID theft?
Sweet mother of crap, we absolutely love you Japan. Whether it’s using monkeys as waiters, to demonstrating the latest fashion via adult diapers, or even murdering real dolls, you’re always there to prove to us that there’s someone more socially inept than us.
Written by Chris "Chugs" TaylorBeans, beans, they’re good for your heart, the more you eat them …
Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under It Must Be Science!, War on Animals | Leave a Comment |
Gentlemen rejoice! Your old-pizza smelling flatulence is now excused by saying it may help regulate your blood pressure. The study tested this theory on mice, which really kills two birds with one fart for SG. In order to continure the war, we need to study these creatures. The research showed that flatulence in mice actually lowered their blood pressure. So, now our new goal is to keep the mice from farting. If they stop farting, they build high blood pressure, which leads to an early death, and means they can’t hurt us/steal our cheese.
Written by Bryan SchoolsShoot on sight
Posted on October 24, 2008
Filed Under War on Animals | Leave a Comment |
It is well documented at this point that our animal foes, raccoons in particular, have no respect for the law. A burglar (we don’t have to say “suspected” because animals are not subject to traditional courts) broke into an 85-year old Texas woman’s home and police responded.
Upon finding out the burglar was a raccoon the police officer took out his Taser, and when the raccoon came after Officer Daniel Ek, he fired and shocked the crook. Unfortunately, the raccoon ran up the chimney with the Taser prongs in its back. Details aren’t very clear at this point, but it seems the raccoon has escaped justice–for now.
Our enemy’s disregard for our law enforcement, and much more shockingly, our little old ladies, is shocking. We must end the animals before they rise up against us.
Written by Bryan McBournie