basementofthebizarre

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Mosquito: A B-Movie Buzz That's Hard to Swat Away

Mosquito, also known as Blood Fever, is a 1994 American science-fiction horror film directed by Gary Jones. This B-movie, with its blend of campy horror and sci-fi elements, has garnered a cult following over the years. Here’s a detailed review: Premise The film’s plot revolves around a small town terrorized by giant, mutated mosquitoes. The cause of this mutation? An alien spaceship…

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The Foundational Tome: A Review of The Overlook Film Encyclopedia: Horror (1985)

The 1985 edition of The Overlook Film Encyclopedia: Horror, compiled by Phil Hardy, stands as a monumental and often-cited work in the annals of film scholarship, particularly for aficionados of the macabre. Published at a time when comprehensive genre encyclopedias were less common than they are today, this volume quickly became an indispensable resource, offering an ambitious and largely…

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Welcome Back to Shadyside: A Celebration of the Fear Street Trilogy

The Fear Street movie trilogy was released on Netflix in the summer of 2021. It was a thrilling and innovative addition to the horror genre. The trilogy left a significant positive impact on both longtime fans of R.L. Stine’s books and new audiences alike. This ambitious project was directed by Leigh Janiak. It delivered a unique cinematic experience by releasing three interconnected films –…

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This Saturday on Svengoolie (July 12, 2025): INVADERS FROM MARS (1953)

Get ready for some classic sci-fi scares this weekend! Svengoolie is bringing you the chilling 1953 film “Invaders from Mars” this Saturday, July 12th. Prepare for a mind-bending tale of alien infiltration and paranoia as a young boy uncovers a sinister plot. Tune in for retro frights and out-of-this-world fun with Sven! Don’t forget to read my CELEBRITY INTERVIEW and HORROR HOST SPOTLIGHT on…

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UFOs by the Laws of Physics: A NASA Scientist's Analysis

Paul R. Hill’s “Unconventional Flying Objects” is a groundbreaking and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the topic of UFOs. Hill, a former NASA scientist, doesn’t delve into the question of whether UFOs exist, but rather explores how they might function, based on the laws of physics as we understand them. This approach sets the book apart from many others in the…

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New Book Dives Deep into Bigfoot Phenomenon: Skeptic and Believer Unpack Decades of Evidence

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – July 9, 2025 – For centuries, tales of a hulking, elusive primate roaming the North American wilderness have captivated imaginations, fueled folklore, and sparked countless debates. Now, a new book from Visible Ink Press, “Bigfoot Sightings: True Tales from Across America” by Jim Willis and Michael A. Kozlowski, promises to be the definitive exploration of the creature known…

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A Compassionate Lens: An In-Depth Look at "Somewhere in the Skies" by Ryan Sprague

Ryan Sprague’s “Somewhere in the Skies: A Human Approach to the UFO Phenomenon” is an absolute triumph. It shines in the often-crowded and frequently sensationalized world of UFO literature. This is a meticulously crafted exploration. It is deeply empathetic toward a subject. The subject is so often mired in skepticism and wild speculation. This approach truly distinguishes itself. Far from being…

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Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide - A Bloody Good Bible for Undead Aficionados

Glenn Kay’s Zombie Movies: The Ultimate Guide is an absolute must-have for any self-respecting fan of the undead. This isn’t just a casual overview; it’s a deep dive into the shambling, rotting, flesh-eating world of zombie cinema. From the classic voodoo zombies of yesteryear to the fast-moving hordes of modern blockbusters, Kay leaves no tombstone unturned. What makes this book so…

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Midnite Movies Mania: A VHS & DVD Journey into B-Movie Bliss

Midnite Movies is a line of B movies released first on VHS and later on DVD by MGM Home Entertainment. MGM began the line in March 2001. This followed its acquisition of Orion Pictures. Orion Pictures bought out Filmways, the owner of American International Pictures. AIP had a library of B movies from the 1950s and 1960s that were science fiction, horror, and exploitation films. The Midnite…

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Shadows of the Mesozoic: The Persistent Myth of Living Pterosaurs

The idea of living pterodactyls in the modern world is captivating. It is fueled by cryptozoological claims and anecdotal sightings. There is also an enduring fascination with these prehistoric flying reptiles. However, despite persistent reports and imaginative depictions, the scientific consensus remains firm. Pterodactyls, along with all other non-avian dinosaurs, went extinct approximately 66…

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"Sinners": Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Deliver a Masterpiece of Southern Gothic Horror

Ryan Coogler is a filmmaker synonymous with impactful storytelling. His compelling character work has once again captivated audiences with his latest original offering, “Sinners.” This 2025 release, starring his frequent collaborator and undeniable talent Michael B. Jordan in a captivating dual role, is a genre-bending triumph. It blends the rich tapestry of 1930s Mississippi Delta. This is…

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This Saturday on Svengoolie (July 5, 2025): RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE.

Get ready for a classic bite of horror this weekend! Svengoolie is sinking his teeth into “Return of the Vampire” this Saturday, July 5th. Join our favorite horror host for a chilling tale starring the iconic Bela Lugosi as a reanimated vampire unleashed upon London during the Blitz. It’s a perfect way to keep cool with some old-school thrills, so don’t miss out on the frights! Tune in for this…

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Dinos and U-boats: A Wild Ride Through Time in "The Land That Time Forgot"

LEAD Technologies Inc. V1.01 Sized3000 “The Land That Time Forgot” (1974) isn’t just a movie; it’s a time capsule of 1970s adventure cinema. Kevin Connor directed this film. It is based on the Edgar Rice Burroughs novel. This film takes you on a wild journey to a prehistoric world. It is filled with dinosaurs, primitive tribes, and a surprising amount of World War I-era action. A Plot That’s…

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Fulci's Zombie: A Gore-Soaked Masterpiece

Introduction This retrospective examines the 1979 Italian horror film Zombie, directed by Lucio Fulci. The film is celebrated for its boundary-pushing graphic violence, groundbreaking special effects, and unsettling surreal atmosphere. While often marketed as a sequel to George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, it presents its own narrative and style. It carves out a unique and notorious place in…

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Creep It Real: Exploring the Hidden Horrors of Our National Parks

I am thrilled to share a review. It is about a truly captivating book, “Legends of the National Parks: Creepy Mysteries, Monsters & Myths.” If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, a history buff, or someone who enjoys a good chilling tale, this book is a must-read. It perfectly blends the majesty of America’s national parks with the eerie folklore that often lurks just beneath the…

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Bite-Sized History: The Vampire Almanac's Delightful Deep Dive

Ah, The Vampire Almanac: The Complete History by J. Gordon Melton, Ph.D.! Where do I even begin to praise this truly monumental and fascinating work? Calling it merely a “book” feels like a disservice. It’s more akin to a meticulously curated museum exhibition. The work is a comprehensive and engaging journey through the sprawling landscape of vampire lore, history, and cultural impact. You…

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The Mysterious Starchild Skull: A Fascinating Enigma That Continues to Baffle Scientists

The Starchild Skull is a mysterious skull discovered in Mexico in the 1930s. It is an ancient relic that has baffled scientists and archaeologists for decades due to its unusual shape and size. The skull is said to be approximately 900 years old and is believed to have belonged to a child who lived in Mexico during the time of the Aztecs. The Starchild Skull was discovered in a mine in the…