The 139th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, I just wasn't feeling it.... and it shows. Not the best episode ever, but the music is good! This week's topics include: muscle memory, 'Trailer Park Boys' and remodeling. It may not be the best, but it's a show. ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) Don't Wanna Dance by Juliana Hatfield
2) I Like You More Than I'd Like To by Jim From The Moon
3) Changed by Pets In Trees
4) What Do You Know by Pets In Trees
5) Beauty Queens In Skinny Jeans by Jim From The Moon
The 138th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's all about the music. 6 songs by artists who experienced minor radio success in the early 2000's and where they are now, musically. It's an experiment in sound and growth as an artist. ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) The Mixed Tape by Jack's Mannequin (2005)
2) People, Running by Jack's Mannequin (2011)
3) Bandages by Hot Hot Heat (2003)
4) 21 @ 12 by Hot Hot Heat (2010)
5) I Woke Up In A Car by Something Corporate (2002)
6) Space by Something Corporate (2003)
7) Existentialism On Prom Night by Straylight Run (2004)
8) The Words We Say by Straylight Run (2007)
9) A Decade Under The Influence by Taking Back sunday (2004)
10) Better Homes And Gardens by Taking Back Sunday (2014)
The 137th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, I'm feeling good about things. Topics include: paying it forward, the perfect man and death of major fictional characters. It's a decent little ride.... ENJOY!
The 136th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's a show about having too much creativity to manage, a review of the film 'Foxcatcher' and the art of never stopping the desire to learn. It's a decent little show, I hope you ENJOY!
The 135th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's all about The Smith Street Band and The Juliana Hatfield Three! Topics include: LEGO's, 'Dumb and Dumber To' and my recent attempt to see The Juliana Hatfield Three. It's a shorter show, but it's a show. ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) I'm Shy by The Juliana Hatfield Three
2) Surrender by The Smith Street Band
3) Now That I Have Found You by The Juliana Hatfield Three
4) I Don't Wanna Die Anymore by The Smith Street Band
The 134th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's all about my epic journey with Comcast, adopting my new puppy and a sort of tribute to Roger Ebert. It's a return to form. ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) The Irony Of Choking On A Lifesaver by All Time Low
The 133rd episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's upbeat music and a bit of downbeat topics. I talk about having to give up my dog, getting a massage for the first time and what makes a good person. It's quite an interesting episode. ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy by Fall Out Boy
2) No One Can Touch Us (featuring Alex from All Time Low) by Sing It Loud
Everyone keeps complaining about how the found footage genre is dead. However, every new film maker out there seems to want to take a stab at the genre. (All puns intended.) You get big budget film makers wanting a piece of the pie too and soon you have an over saturated marketplace. Where everyone seems to think that the whole thing is just played out. There's still a few of us die hard fans out there that are hoping that there is still life in this half dead horse. 'The House October Built' was making some pretty big promises that I wasn't sure it could keep. It also had some reputible critics behind it, championing it. Saying that it was bringing something new and different to the world of found footage. This peaked my interest. I mean, I've watched as many of these as I can find. Good ones, bad ones and ones that just didn't need to be made. They're like that meth habit that you just can't quit. One more hit. Maybe this one will be the one that satisfies me forever, but that hit never comes and that high never lasts. Was this the movie that finally caught the red dragon? Answers lie below.
The basic premise of this movie is simple, a group of 5 people are out to find out if the underground haunted houses are real. The ones that are hands on, in your face, realistic haunts that are only one step away from a real life horror film. Filming the entire adventure, they document the quest for the unknown. As they start their journey, they learn that it won't be as easy as they thought to find one of these mythical houses. But each and every mile that passes and the more haunted houses they attend, the deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole they go. Soon they're being harrassed by some of the workers from the haunts. They seem to be following them from town to town. Eventually the harrassment becomes all too real, but at the same time.... they get the invite to what they've been waiting for. On Halloween night, it finally happens. With one crew member already missing, they soon get split up and thrown in the nightmare they were looking for, but never really expected. What happens next, is something only you can find out.... if you're willing to take the journey.
It sounds good on paper, right? Well.... in actual execution, not so much. This is part of the reason I keep coming back to this genre. There's so many neat ideas that would work really well, but that just seem to fail time after time. Found footage is the new zombie movie. It used to be that the zombie movie was the type of movie every young film maker wanted to do. They were cheap, simple make up's and seemingly endless script ideas. Now, found footage is the way to go. It's even cheper, no make up needed for most of them and endless ideas. The problem is, anyone and everyone can make a movie like this. All you need is an off the shelf camera and some actor's. That's it. You're a film maker! However, that doesn't mean you've made a good film. It just means that you've edited a bunch of stuff together and created a narrative.... sometimes not even that much. The other problem is that no matter how unique and cool the idea sounds on paper, getting it to play out the way it was in your head and to have a satisfying finale, is a tick most can't pull off. So many movies (even big budget ones) fall flat on their faces in the third act, therefore I can't blame this movie for having the same issue. But if you're going to set out to make your dream project come true, make damn sure you have all the pieces of the puzzle. Otherwise, you're wasting your time and the viewers.
With all of that in mind, maybe the creators of this movie, Bobby Roe, Zack Andrews, Jason Zada and Jeff Larson thought they had an air tight finale. You'd think that the 4 of them would have come up with something more original. Something less 1st year film student. I'm not saying I have the first clue what that would be or that my view might not be warped because of being a jadded horror film lover. If I had all the ideas, talent and skills to make a movie, I'd be doing that instead of this. I fully aknowledge that I'm not on the other side of the lens and don't know all of the in's and out's. I competely respect anyone that loves an idea so much, that they invest themselves 100% in bringing it to life and this movie had a lot of good things going for it. Based on those factor's, I would still recommend this movie to the horror fan looking for something a little different. I'm giving it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. Concept, execution and overall tone were there.... it was just the ending. Go out, spend some time with it and I think you'll find something enjoyable there. Even more so on Halloween night, before you go out to the local haunted house. You might just think twice.
If you like this, check out some other smaller found footage movies: 'The Poughkeepsie Tapes', 'Atrocious', and 'The Tunnel' (2011)
Every once in a while, you want a movie that's a slow burner. A movie that takes it's time and is simple in it's execution. There is a time and a place for a slap you upside the head, movie going experience. There's other times where you want to savor the mood, the background, the characters and the tone. 'In Fear' was one of those movies. This is one that you sit back, turn the lights off and just sink yourself deep into the world presented.
This is a fairly small budgeted thriller. It basically features a cast of three. Our two main characters and their tormentor. But what it lacks in actor's and big budget explosions, it makes up for in beautifully shot landscapes and the pure feeling of claustrophobia while driving through the winding roads. You never know when something will hit you upside the head. You aren't ever quite sure what's real and what's being imagined in our main characters paranoid minds. It makes you feel like you're almost there with them. However, it's the basic premise and low-fi approach to things, which is what creates a unique movie going experience. You keep expecting for the curtain to open up and reveal the master plan.... but it never happens. It feels like something is humming under the surface and that at any moment something horrible will happen.... but it all just ends up being simple. That's what made me love this that much more. There's no need to have a franchise building, main villain or a giant demon possessed monster pulling the strings of our hero's. It's just 3 people put into a situation that they have to decide how to get out of alive.
The simple storyline here is this, a couple are on their way to a hotel out in the middle of nowehere. This will lead into a music festival that they wish to attend. A nice get away for the two of them and a chance at a romantic weekend. While stopped at a pub on the way, they have a run in that creates drama. They leave, unaware of what that simple action has created. Soon, they're making their way down winding back roads and thinking all is right with the world. However, as the day wears on and the roads continue to keep winding and they don't seem to be getting anywhere, they realize.... something is terribly wrong. It's not immediately obvious to them. At first it seems like human error, then maybe something more, then maybe something supernatural and eventually they start to wonder if the harmless incident at the pub has come back to haunt them. It keeps getting progressivly worse, until it all culminates in a confrontation with the source of their fear. That's about it.... without giving away the milk for free, if you know what I mean?
Overall, it's a wonderfully refreshing feeling to come into a movie that takes you by surprise. One that crept in under the radar and punched you in the back of the head. I was really taken for an unexpected ride. One that was both amazing to look at and one that didn't require a lot of big effects or storyline. Something that plays on some of our basest fears. Those of being lost, hunted and unsure of where to turn when you're all out of options. No cell phone. You're running out of gas. Everything you knew is still right there in front of you, but you can't find it. This hit all the right chords and made me ride a roller coaster of real world emotions. I would highly recommend this to those of you who like your horror simple, slow burning and without all the bad guys with a gimmick. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If I had one complaint, it would be the ending. Not that it was bad or unsatisfying. It just felt a bit short sighted. Too simple. I'm not sure what other way it could have ended, but it seems like there was a bit more that needed to be there. A little more padding. All in all, a diamond in the rough and something that I would recommend to any horror fan looking for something just a little bit different.
If you like this, I'm not sure what else to recommend. It's really kind of it's own thing.
The 132nd episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, the music is sedate.... but the topics aren't. I spend the hour talking about dial up internet, modern day ignorance and a review of 'Let's Be Cops!'. It's a jam packed episode. ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) What The Heart Wants by Beth Thornley
2) Marlboro Reds by Hamish Batten
3) Sunday Eyes by Amee Chapman and the Velvet Tumbleweeds
The 131st episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's all about 'GI Joe'! From the movies, to the toys, to the cartoons and a little more! It's a never ending battle, but one that I don't wanna win. Gear up and ENJOY!
The 130th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's a bigger than normal show! How did that happen? This weeks topics include, a review of 'Frank' (2014), my love of 'The Smurfs' and why we love celebrities like we do? It's a unique one.... ENJOY!
The 129th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's a new year and a new episode! Topics include 'Back to the Future 2', nostalgia sites I love and the top 10 most common resolutions. It's a 2015 miracle! ENJOY!
The 128th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, a voicemail, Christmas, how I spent my last two weeks and how aggravation breeds aggravation! It's a slightly shorter one kids. Merry Christmas and ENJOY!
The 127th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, topics include: potlucks, being sick and a duel review of '13 Sins' vs 'Cheap Thrills'! It's a fun one kids. ENJOY!
The 126th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's a little more back to form. I talk about politics and religion, 'Snowpiercer', handling upset customers and collecting stuff! It's a bit better, so I hope you ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) The Golden Ticket by Leah Jee
2) Leaves by Ballerina Black
3) Ain't It Funny by The New
4) You Can Run But We'll Find You by Matchbook Romance
The 125th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's complete randomness and not in a good way. Topics include the reality of Thanksgiving, shaving and the joy of the hunt.... or lack there of. ENJOY!
The 124.5th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, an entirely musical episode. Songs to fit a mood. Sorry for the lack of regular show. I'll be back with 125 next week. Thank you.
Songs played this week:
1) Balloon by A New Way To Live Forever
2) Love You All The Time by Ghost Children Of Calico
The 124th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, I take time to talk about Val's 75th birthday and a WHOLE lot about urban legends! It's one that may keep the lights on.... ENJOY!
The 123nd episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, we're finally here! The 123rd episode! This weeks topics include, milestones, life lessons from jobs and the series 8 finale of Doctor Who. Plus, a voicemail from Luke in Chicago! It's a big one kids, ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) The Beginning by Melissa Li and the Barely Theirs
2) Girlface by Get Back Loretta
3) Be There by Ex Norwegian
4) Half Of Me by Derek Clegg
5) Girls Who Make Mixtapes by Me and the Horse I Rode In On
The 122.5th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, an entirely musical episode. Songs to fit a mood. Sorry for the lack of regular show. I'll be back with 123 next week. Thank you.
The 122nd episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's the Halloween special! My favorite time of year, as I talk about the origins of the season, why I love horror and legendary monsters! It's a jam packed horror extravaganza! ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) Maybe Someday by Sweet Diss and the Comebacks
2) Fall Together by Escape Directors
3) My Barista by Sweet Diss and the Comebacks
4) The Distant Past by Escape Directors
5) You Make My Day by Sweet Diss and the Comebacks
The 121st episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's a free for all! Topics include peeing, coloring as an adult and Doctor Who: series 8. It's a hodge podge folks! ENJOY!
The 120th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
This week, it's just an okay show. Overall, fun and educational. This weeks topics are a buffet of fun! Tune in and ENJOY!
Songs played this week:
1) Geared For Action by Jet Leg Gemini
2) Turning The Tide by Teen Idols
3) You Don't Need Me by Royal Treatment Plant
4) Oh No by Truth In Fiction
5) Dear Small Town by Sweet Diss and the Comebacks
The 119th episode of 'The Sunshine Happy Kpants Hour' is uploaded and now available through iTunes, Talkshoe, Stitcher Radio and streaming LIVE right here.
I'm a little under the weather, but soldiered on. This week, I talk about being sick, the Ebola virus and colorizing photos.... plus a voicemail from Nikki in NZ! ENJOY!
