11/11/2006

In the words of SCTV’s Count Floyd (Joe Flaaherty)- “Saturday night, kids! And we’ve got a scary movie for you!” It’s true- our deal with Universal not only will bring us the classics, but some more modern horror flicks as well- and tonight at 9 on WCIU, that’s the case. It’s a solid scarefest, under the umbrella of the “Tales from the Crypt” franchise- but this was the first full-length made –for-theaters film they produced-“Demon Knight!” You just get a quick taste of the CryptKeeper (actually a guy in make-up, not the usual puppet at the beginning!) –wrapped around a great horror story- of a guy whose job it is to fight the demons of Hell. That guy is William Sadler, who was the executioner in the first story in our “Tales” show last week-and was the Grim Reaper in “Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey!” He’s being pursued by a mysterious guy in a cowboy hat (Chicago’s own Billy Zane) who wants a special artifact that he holds- which can protect against demons- and keeps the evil forces from taking over humanity! You’ll see lots of ghastly hellspawn, as Sadler and some folks are trapped in a hotel, that used to be a church, by the evil demons. Plenty of familiar faces, too- CCH Pounder, Jada Pinkett Smith, the future “SpiderMan III” Sandman- Thomas Hayden Church, John Schuck, “Roger Rabbit” voice Charles Fleischer- and famous graduate of the Roger Corman school- Dick Miller! He starred in the old Corman epic “Bucket of Blood” as the nebbish guy who finds fame by coating dead things in clay…appeared in lots of other Corman films, and has since been hired by many directors who loved him from those old films-he was even in the “Gremlins” movies! The “Demon Knight” movie itself has good special effects, lots of suspense, and an interesting premise. Plus- the CryptKeeper does show up at the end of the flick for a wacky wind-up piece. Of course, you get yours truly through-out the entire film-with schtick a’plenty. Get your eyes in front of the tv tonight at 9-and, good news for you night owls- it will also run tonight at 1 am on our sister station- Me-TV ! Meanwhile, enjoy your Saturday- and keep coming back here for the blog. I’ve got some news about a radio appearance this upcoming week that you’ll want to stay up for- and maybe even call in to! You can write to me at svengoolie@wciu.com - and just watch the show tonight for our “snail mail” address, information about ordering your own glow-in-the-dark Sven t-shirt (the commercial doesn’t mention it, but- yes, we now have size medium! If you’re interested, I’d order now, because it’s a limited time deal!)-and commercials from some of your favorite local pitchmen (Sorry- Harry Schmerler, your “Singing Ford Man” is no longer available…)…”Rock-a-bye your bay-beeee…” # # #