Midnight Lace (1960)

 

Synopsis From Rotten Tomatoes:

When the American wife of a wealthy London-based financier starts receiving frightening phone calls, she believes her life is in danger, but when she protests to her family following a near-fatal accident, they and the police doubt her claims and even her sanity. 

I'm not sure when I first watched Midnight Lace, but the scene with Doris Day in a fog-filled park while an invisible stalker whispers death threats stayed with me for years. It's one of those scenes that sends chills up your spine, and Doris Day absolutely sold me on her fear and panic as her life was being threatened.

As a kid, I grew up on the Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies, so I wasn't expecting her performance as a woman whose life is slowly unraveling to be so captivating, as I had prejudged the type of actress she was based on my limited knowledge of her. She was mesmerizing — just staying this side of paranoid madness.

The supporting cast is just as good — but what would you expect from Rex Harrison, an actor who can swing between hero and villain effortlessly? Watching Myrna Loy as Aunt Bea reminds me of just how little the studios made use of her gifts as she aged. She was brilliant in the 1930s, and she was just as good here, albeit in a much smaller role than she deserved. John Gavin, despite his politics, was a talented actor who drew an audience in and never let them go. I'm pretty sure it had just as much to do with his good looks as it did with his talent — he was always easy on the eyes. His performance in Midnight Lace as the man who swoops in and saves the day could give some of our current action heroes a point or two.

If you've had the pleasure of watching Grace Kelly in Dial M for Murder or Barbara Stanwyck in Sorry, Wrong Number — two of my favorite movies — it's not hard to guess who's behind the murderous scheme. But don't let that stop you from watching Midnight Lace — it's a thrilling romp through the streets of London, and Doris Day proves she was more than a brilliant romcom actress. It's just sad that she didn't do more movies like this, because I would have become just as addicted to them as I am to this one.

Libeled Lady (1936)

Synopsis From Rotten Tomatoes:

When a major newspaper accuses wealthy socialite Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) of being a homewrecker, and she files a multi-million-dollar libel lawsuit, the publication's frazzled head editor, Warren Haggerty (Spencer Tracy), must find a way to turn the tables on her. Soon Haggerty's harried fiancée, Gladys Benton (Jean Harlow), and his dashing friend Bill Chandler (William Powell) are in on a scheme that aims to discredit Connie, with amusing and unexpected results. 

There are few on-screen pairings that will ever come close to the chemistry shared between William Powell and Myrna Loy. Watching the way they play off each other is almost a cinematic religious experience. I remember the first time I watched The Thin Man (1934) and how utterly enchanted I was by them. I was so enchanted, in fact, that I immediately went out and bought The Thin Man box set, which included all six films. When I finished those, I went on to watch all fourteen movies Powell and Loy made together between 1934 and 1947. That’s the kind of hold they have on me.

Their wit and playful banter are in full display in Libeled Lady (1936), a classic screwball comedy with romantic hijinks thrown in for good measure. It’s a fast-paced romp packed with more marriages than you can count, a barrage of one-liners flying through the air like heat-seeking missiles, and a fishing scene that has me laughing so loudly I’m convinced they can hear me seven counties over.

The chemistry between Powell and Loy is already a force to be reckoned with, but when you add Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy into the mix, it becomes something truly special. The four of them work so effortlessly together that it’s no surprise Libeled Lady earned a Best Picture nomination, ultimately losing to The Great Ziegfeld—another William Powell and Myrna Loy film, no less.

The pace of the movie is exactly why this review is going to be short on specifics and heavy on demands that you go watch it for yourself. I’m struggling to single out moments without giving anything away, and this is very much a movie best experienced firsthand. If for no other reason, watch it to see William Powell and Myrna Loy at the absolute peak of their powers. You won’t regret it.

Favorite Fictional Character --- Felix Bassenak

 

There are certain movies I have to watch every Christmas season, and near the top of that list is Christmas in Connecticut (1945). It stars one of the greatest actresses of all time, Barbara Stanwyck, a screen goddess with a filmography so solid I honestly can’t think of a single movie of hers I don’t love. Still, Christmas in Connecticut will always be special to me, and a big part of that is thanks to "Uncle" Felix Bassenak.

If you’ve never seen the movie, Stanwyck plays Elizabeth Lane, a lifestyle columnist who has built her entire career around writing about her family and their idyllic life on a farm in Connecticut. She even waxes poetic about the incredible, home-cooked meals they sit down to every day. There’s just one tiny problem: she lives alone in a New York apartment, has no family, and can’t cook. Enter Uncle Felix, who owns a restaurant and quietly supplies her with a menu for every article she writes. As you can imagine, this little arrangement eventually spirals into chaos, and there’s no way Elizabeth survives it without her honorary uncle.

Over the course of a few days, Felix pulls Elizabeth out of one disaster after another. He pretends to swallow a gold watch. He repeatedly—and ingeniously—gets a judge out of the house. He plays matchmaker when it matters most and clears the way for true love. And he does it all with a larger-than-life presence that’s almost impossible to describe if you’ve never had the pleasure of watching S. Z. Sakall on screen. He even manages to hold his own against Sydney Greenstreet, which is no small feat considering Greenstreet’s ability to dominate every scene he’s in.

I know this post probably doesn’t give Uncle Felix quite the credit he deserves, but that’s because he’s one of those characters you really have to see in action to fully appreciate. So I suppose I’m left with only one option: gently (or not so gently) begging you to watch Christmas in Connecticut for yourself—preferably during the holidays, with something cozy to drink. 

Favorite Fictional Character --- Lock, Shock, and Barrel

 

"Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws?

I wanna do it

Let's draw straws

Jack said, "we should work together"

Three of a kind

Birds of a feather

Now and forever, whee (la, la, la)

(La, la, la)

(La, la, la, la, la, la)"

I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched The Nightmare Before Christmas, watching Jack fall into Christmas Town and love it so much that he decides to take it over, becoming the new and “improved” Santa Claws. You’ve got to love a man with ambition.

In his misguided attempt to “improve” a holiday other than his own, Jack enlists the legendary mischievous trick-or-treaters known as Lock, Shock, and Barrel to kidnap Santa Claus—and that’s when the real fun begins.

Those three little imps, who relish trouble and can’t help causing mayhem everywhere they go, have to be one of the most fun trios ever put to screen. The fact that they’re voiced by Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, and Paul Reubens is like having a bag full of trick-or-treat candy dumped in front of you and being able to do nothing but stare in awe at the abundance of riches.

There’s no way, despite their fumbled villainy, not to thoroughly enjoy every second they spend tooling around in their bathtub convertible as they follow the orders of Oogie Boogie. I absolutely adore these prank-loving hobgoblins who take such delight in the chaos they cause simply by being themselves.

Favorite Fictional Character --- Aloysius T. McKeever

 

I'm not sure how long it’s been since I first stumbled upon It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947), but I was ridiculously in love from the moment tonight’s favorite fictional character waddled down 5th Ave in New York City, whistling “It’s a Wonderful, Wonderful Feeling,” all while carrying his dog Sammy as he gets ready to break into the mansion of the second-richest man in the world to hibernate the winter away.

You see, Aloysius T. McKeever is a vagrant, a vagabond—a hobo, if you will—and he has this migratory routine he follows every year. As the weather turns cold, he heads to New York City and winters away in the block-long mansion of one Michael J. O’Connor, wizard of industry, as the O’Connor family moves south for the season. In the summer, Aloysius and the O’Connors switch places… though only one side of that arrangement has any clue what’s going on. Well, at least they didn’t until this particular winter.

Aloysius, played by Victor Moore, is a sort of street philosopher whose outlook on life might be a bit skewed given his circumstances, but whose heart is always in the right place. I think it’s fair to say McKeever isn’t just confident in what he believes—especially when he’s pontificating a wee bit—but genuinely thinks he has the life experience to back it up. He’s a character I would absolutely love to spend the winter with, even if only because I know he has some phenomenal stories to tell.

The movie is available on a few streaming apps, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed you’ll let Mr. McKeever and the rest of his new companions entertain you for a few hours this holiday season. I double–pinky swear promise you won’t regret it.

Favorite Fictional Character --- Fred Gailey

 

Thankfully I’m no longer doing it, but after working thirteen years in retail management, Thanksgiving became just another day to me. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy eating a good meal with family and friend, even when I’m the one cooking it, it’s just that any enjoyment of the day as a whole was beaten out of me years ago. That said, there were still two traditions I hung on to.

The first was watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, either while I’m cooking or just hanging out in my pajamas. This was the first year as an adult (I’m 49) that I didn’t do that because I canceled cable earlier this year, and Peacock+ is one of the few streaming services I don’t have. The second tradition, the one I did keep this year, is watching Miracle on 34th Street (1947) in the evening. I’m pretty sure existence would implode if I didn’t get my viewing in before Black Friday officially started.

Thankfully this is not a movie review, because I would struggle to even partially explain why I love this movie so much. It’s not my favorite Christmas movie; honestly, it’s not even in my top ten. But there’s just something about it that demands I watch it every year, and it never takes long for me to be swept up in the story of poor Santa Claus going on trial for being insane. A lot of my enjoyment is due to Edmund Gwenn’s portrayal of Kris Kringle—one of the best portrayals of the character ever filmed. Another reason, probably the biggest, is John Payne’s performance as Fred Gailey, the ever-charming lawyer who fights to prove Kris is indeed the one and only Santa Claus.

If there were ever a directory of “good guy” Christmas characters, I’m pretty sure it would be named after Fred, something like The Fred Gailey Compendium or The Gailey Encyclopedia of Christmas Characters. Hey, I never said I was good at coming up with names.

I would give you bullet points of all his good qualities, but I just used bullet points in a post a few days ago, so instead I’ll give you a massively long run-on sentence. Just joking—though I truly did think about doing it, just to see how annoying it would be to read. Anyway, Fred is, for lack of a better descriptor, a nice guy. He has a positive outlook on life. He’s comfortable with himself and confident in his abilities. He champions those who need his help, like Kris. He’s funny, affable, caring, supportive, and able to think outside the box when needed. He’s exactly who I’d want representing me if someone were trying to have me committed to an asylum against my will.

It also helps that he’s quite handsome. Not that looks should influence my opinion — but let’s be real, they do. Fred Gailey is the Christmas boyfriend archetype, and I will hear no arguments about this.

The 100 Best Comedy Movies of All Time, According to Variety

 

Variety came out with their list of the 100 best comedy movies of all time, and I'm going to state up front that while I agree with a lot of it, there are some glaring omissions. I'll even admit I haven't seen everything—maybe not even most of what's on the list—but I still think they missed the mark. Before I get to what I think is missing, or comment on what I think is a terrible pick, let me show you what they chose. I'll highlight the ones I've seen in red. 

1. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

2. Some Like it Hot (1959)

3. Annie Hall (1977)

4. The Great Dictator (1940)

5. Waiting for Guffman (1996)

6. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

7. Duck Soup (1933)

8. Fargo (1996)

9. Young Frankenstein (1974)

10. Groundhog Day (1993)

11. Sherlock Jr. (1924)

12. Tootsie (1982)

13. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

14. Sideways (2004)

15. Playtime (1967)

16. His Girl Friday (1940)

17. The Heartbreak Kid (1974)

18. This is Spinal Tap (1984)

19. It Happened One Night (1934)

20. Superbad (2007)

21. The Bank Dick (1940)

22. Caddyshack (1980)

23. Trouble in Paradise (1932)

24. Bridesmaids (2011)

25. M*A*S*H (1970)

26. Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

27. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

28. Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)

29. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

30. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

31. Pink Flamingos (1972)

32. Sullivan's Travels (1941)

33. Lost in America (1985)

34. Withnail and I (1987)

35. School of Rock (2003)

36. Ed Wood (1994)

37. The Princess Bride (1987)

38. The Nutty Proffesor (1963)

39. Clueless (1995)

40. Zoolander (2001)

41. A Hard Day's Night (1964)

42. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

43. Team America: World Police (2004)

44. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

45. Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

46. Coming to America (1988)

47. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

48. Bringing up Baby (1938)

49. Shampoo (1975)

50. The Waterboy (1998)

51. Being John Malkovich (1999)

52. The Tall Blond Man With One Black Shoe (1972)

53. Broadcast News (1987)

54. Elf (2003)

55. Safety Last! (1923)

56. The Odd Couple (1968)

57. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

58. House Party (1990)

59. Pillow Talk (1959)

60. Big (1988)

61. The Birdcage (1996)

62. Airplane! (1980)

63. Going Places (1974)

64. A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

65. Poor Things (2023)

66. Eddie Murphy Raw (1987)

67. Hellzapoppin' (1941)

68. In the Loop (2009)

69. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

70. Legally Blonde (2001)

71. Miracle at Morgan's Creek (1944)

72. The Big Lebowski (1998)

73. Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

74. Private Benjamin (1980)

75. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

76. Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)

77. Blazing Saddles (1974)

78. A Night at the Opera (1935)

79. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

80. Bamboozled (2000)

81. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

82. The Awful Truth (1937)

83. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

84. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

85. To Be or Not to Be (1942)

86. Idiocracy (2006)

87. Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

88. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy (2004)

89. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

90. Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969)

91. She Done Him Wrong (1933)

92. The Jerk (1979)

93. Hairspray (1988)

94. Clerks (1994)

95. Brazil (1985)

96. I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)

97. Born Yesterday (1950)

98. Pretty Woman (1990)

99. Wayne's World (1992)

100. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

I’ve been trying to decide where I want to start my commentary on this list, and I think I’ll start with what I love about it.

My sense of humor is definitely on the darker side—so much so that I laughed out loud when the guy slid down the deck and pinged off the propeller blade in Titanic (1997). So it was great to see Fargo in the top ten. It’s one of my favorite movies of all time and a terrific example of dark comedy at its best. I do think there was room for some others, though: Nurse Betty (2000), Very Bad Things (1998), Serial Mom (1994), Dogma (1999), Go (1999), Heathers (1988), American Psycho (2000), Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995), Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (1991), Knives Out (2019), and Game Night (2018) are all strong contenders that I love. There are actually two others, but they’ll come up later.

I loved seeing horror-comedy make the list with Shaun of the Dead, since it’s my second-favorite subgenre after dark comedy. And while I’ve never seen that particular movie, I’m not sure it’s the best example of the genre at its best. I’d put forth Jennifer’s Body (2009), Ready or Not (2019), Trick ’r Treat (2007), Happy Death Day (2017), Krampus (2015), House (1985), Gremlins (1985), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020), Ghostbusters (1984), Fright Night (1985), and The ’Burbs (1989) as either substitutions or additions.

I loved seeing Cary Grant all over the list, especially with His Girl Friday, which is my absolute favorite romantic comedy of all time. The chemistry between him and Rosalind Russell is off the charts. But I was really surprised that Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) wasn’t one of his selected movies. Three of my favorites were also skipped over: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), Houseboat (1958), and My Favorite Wife (1940).

I have to admit, given I haven’t seen a lot of these movies, that this isn’t a bad list overall—I’m just 1000% sure it’s not a list I would ever put together. So here are my proposals to fix it.

The inclusion of a Christmas movie would normally be something I’d celebrate, but I really don’t like Will Ferrell, so seeing Elf—when there are far better choices—felt like a stab in the back. These are the movies I’d propose instead: Christmas in Connecticut (1945), The Ref (1994), Christmas with the Kranks (2004), or The Holiday (2006). And while I may not necessarily like the next three movies, I’m still surprised they were passed over for Elf: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), A Christmas Story (1983), and Home Alone (1990).

This may be wildly unpopular, but I’m not a fan of Jim Carrey, Vince Vaughn (as a comedic actor), Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, or the aforementioned Will Ferrell, so I’d like to see all of their movies off this list. I’d replace them with any combination of the following: Lucille Ball in The Long, Long Trailer (1953); Lily Tomlin in Big Business (1988) and 9 to 5 (1980); Michael J. Fox in The Secret of My Success (1987); Diane Keaton in Baby Boom (1987); Melanie Griffith in Working Girl (1988); Mary Gross in Feds (1988); Jeremy Renner in Tag (2018); Goldie Hawn in Overboard (1987); and Elisabeth Shue in Adventures in Babysitting (1987).

Speaking of movies I’d like to get rid of, I’m annoyed that there are so many films on this list where cisgender male characters dress as women for laughs, deception, or both. Instead, I’d like to replace two of them with The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995). And speaking of bad stereotypes played for laughs, I’d replace The Birdcage with any of the following: Edge of Seventeen (1998), In & Out (1997), But I’m a Cheerleader (1999), Jeffrey (1995), Trick (1999), or Red, White & Royal Blue (2023).

While I may not like every movie I’m about to list, I’m still flabbergasted that not a single John Hughes movie—directed or written by him—is included. The Breakfast Club (1985), Pretty in Pink (1986), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Uncle Buck (1989), Sixteen Candles (1984), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), She’s Having a Baby (1988), Mr. Mom (1983), and Weird Science (1985) are all missing in action. It’s shocking and needs to be corrected. 

Before I list the movies whose absence feels like pieces of my soul are missing, I wanted to mention a few others I was surprised not to see, even if they aren’t favorites of mine: Beetlejuice (1988), 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Friday (1995), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), and Grumpy Old Men (1993).

Now we’re down to the four movies left off this list that not only shocked me but left me judging every single person who put it together.

Auntie Mame (1958) is just about my favorite movie of all time. Rosalind Russell is so damn funny here, as is the entire cast. I first watched this in high school on A&E, when those two letters actually stood for something, and it’s been my favorite movie ever since. I would do anything to have an Auntie Mame in my life.

Speaking of Rosalind Russell, she’s comedy gold in The Women (1939), which has an all-female cast including Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. I watch it at least once a year and will probably be doing so for decades to come.

How Death Becomes Her (1992) was passed over is beyond me. Goldie Hawn, Meryl Streep, and Bruce Willis act the hell out of these roles, delivering some delightful one-liners.

That leaves the biggest snub, in my opinion: Clue (1985). This movie shouldn’t just be on the list—it should be number one. I wouldn’t be surprised if flames appeared on many faces after not seeing this movie listed. The cast is full of comedy legends who know how to deliver a line. Rejecting them like this should be illegal.

What do y’all think of the list? What do you think shouldn’t be on it, and what do you think got brutally snubbed? No matter what, whether the movies are on the list or among the ones I mentioned, I hope you decide to give a few you’ve never seen a watch—and maybe even revisit an old favorite you haven’t thought of in a while. Happy watching!

Favorite Fictional Character --- Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar

 

As a young Gen X lad, I grew up with a lot of TV shows and movies that debuted years—if not decades—before I was ever born. I’d wager I’m not alone in that; most of my generation probably grew up watching the same shows I did: Perry Mason, Gilligan’s Island, The Big Valley, Bewitched, Batman, and The Addams Family, just to name a few. Syndication and reruns were king when I was growing up. In this regard, I actually feel a little bad for the generations that came after us, because they don’t really know what came before them. But I digress—that’s a discussion for another time.

Today’s Favorite Fictional Character doesn’t come from a TV show but from one of the many live-action movies Disney made in the 1960s. For the record, I think the 1950s through the 1960s were when Disney did their best live-action work. I’m not knocking what came after (though all these live-action remakes really aren’t my thing), but there’s just something about the movies they made in that era that sets them apart. Maybe it’s pure nostalgia since they’re what I was raised on, but I stand by it.

Charlie, the Lonesome Cougar came out in 1967, while I wasn’t born until 1976. I’m almost positive I didn’t see it until sometime in the early 1980s—but don’t quote me on that. What I can say, with absolute certainty, is that I loved it from the very first moment the orphaned cougar cub, who would eventually be named Charlie, appeared on screen. For 75 minutes, I watched as this cub was raised by a logger named Jesse. As Charlie grows into a young adult (in feline years), all kinds of hijinks ensue—he wrecks a kitchen or two, makes mortal “enemies” with one of the logging camp’s dogs, takes a ride on a few logs, and eventually gets lost and ends up on his own for an entire summer. He faces danger, finds love, and grows up just enough that it’s no longer safe for him and Jesse to stay together. Charlie eventually finds a home on a nature preserve where he can live his life without hunters—or annoying dogs.

I was obsessed with cougars/mountain lions after watching this movie, and I remember wanting one sooooo badly. I’m pretty sure I was extra annoying in all my begging for my very own Charlie. I don’t know if my underdeveloped psyche connected with him because we both lost a parent, or if it was simply because I thought he was beautiful and funny—especially when he was destroying the kitchen. Whatever the reason, I fell in love.

I don’t know if I should admit this or not, but I do have a Charlie of my own who almost never leaves my bed. A friend got him for me about ten years ago, and I absolutely adore him. And if you want to meet Charlie for yourself, he's on Amazon Prime and a few other streamers as a rental. 

Favorite Fictional Character --- Elvira

 

Jack-o'-lanterns are being carved, bats are hanging from the ceiling, and costumes are being finalized for Halloween night — just two more short days!

I’m sure a lot of us are also getting ready to watch our favorite scary movies (if you haven’t already started, like I have). I plan to spend Halloween night cuddled up in bed with the lights off, eating popcorn — a mix of butter and cheesy jalapeño — and watching way too many of those spine-chilling movies I love so much.

If you’re a horror-loving movie fan, there’s no way you don’t know tonight’s Favorite Fictional Character: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Played by the effervescent Cassandra Peterson, Elvira is both a horror and pop culture icon.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a full episode of her various TV hosting gigs where she introduced those glorious B-movies — but she was everywhere in the ’80s and ’90s. It was impossible not to know who she was. When she co-wrote her own movie, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988), my lifelong obsession officially began.

Elvira is drop-dead gorgeous, flirty, sarcastic, and completely in control of her persona. Some may see a vapid creature of the night; I see a vamp of a woman whose intelligence shines through every wink and slyly biting quip. I honestly don’t know how anyone resists her charms. Elvira is — and forever will be — my Queen of the Night.

I’ll leave you now, as I have a few final preparations to make. Happy Halloween! 🎃

Favorite Fictional Character --- Grace Le Domas

 

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a huge horror movie fan. At last count, I own over 500 physical movies, and I believe it’s safe to say that almost 70% of them are horror. Hell, it might even be more than that. When I go to the movies, nine times out of ten, it’s going to be a horror film. I saw Good Boy two weekends ago (and yes, the dog will absolutely get his own FFC post). This weekend, I think I may go see Shelby Oaks.

One of the best times I’ve ever had in a theater was in 2019 when I watched Ready or Not. For those of you unfamiliar with one of the greatest horror comedies of all time, let me set the stage. Samara Weaving plays our heroine, Grace Le Domas. She’s just married into a rich and powerful family who made their fortune through games—and a little secret deal on the side. When someone marries into the family, the newlywed has to draw a card from an ancient box in the family’s game room. Whatever game is drawn, everyone must play. When Grace pulls her card, it reads Hide and Seek.

Grace, like most of us would, assumes it’ll be a harmless game—she hides, someone finds her, everyone laughs, and the night ends. But she quickly learns that if she’s found, the seeker gets to kill her. If she survives until sunrise, she wins… and the rest of the Le Domas family loses. And trust me, they really, really don’t want to lose.

Grace is one of those characters you can’t help but admire in a huge way. She’s thrown into a situation that most people wouldn’t be able to handle. I’d like to think I have the same fire inside me that she does. Realistically, I’d probably be curled up in a ball, waiting for my time to come. She’s resourceful, quick-thinking, adaptable, and has a pain tolerance I’m downright jealous of. Grace is the kind of character who embodies the inner strength I want for myself. She’s amazing—and I revisit her story at least once a year. Hopefully, you’ll choose to meet her soon yourself.

And yes, I know I was being a little facetious with my opening line—because let’s be real, this isn’t the first (or the last) time I’ve mentioned my love of horror.

Favorite Fictional Character --- Michael Emerson

 

I’m not even going to pretend I picked Michael Emerson from The Lost Boys for any reason other than the fact that I had a massive crush on him during my adolescent years. I’m actually a little tongue-tied as I’m typing this because, while I’m not embarrassed to admit it, I feel like I should at least try to come up with one profound reason why I think he’s so damn dreamy.

Sorry—hot.

Holy hell, that’s not right either. What I meant to say is that I’m picking him for the way he’s always there for his brother, and for how he stepped up to help his newly single mom. Or maybe because he’s fearless when protecting his family from a nest of rampaging vampires. Actually, that just makes him even more attractive. So, I guess what I’m really saying is that I picked him because at one point in my life, I wanted to jump his bones.

Look at those eyes and tell me you wouldn’t get lost in them. Tell me you wouldn’t want him gazing into your eyes as you tell him about your day—really listening, not pretending. You wouldn’t want to run your fingers through his hair as he rests his head in your lap while you binge your favorite show, just because he knows that’s what would make you happiest in that moment?

I double dog dare you to even try to deny it. 

There’s no way you wouldn’t want to fall asleep next to him, knowing he’d keep you safe from any vampire trying to stake their claim.

I’m 49 now — no longer that kid with hearts and fangs in his eyes. But if Michael showed up on his motorcycle, looking at me like that, I won’t be responsible for my behavior.

Favorite Fictional Character --- Abraham "Brom Bones" Van Brunt

 

It’s not often that I change my mind about a character, but a book I finished last night has me seeing Brom Bones in a whole new light. Within twenty minutes of reading the last page, I found myself rewatching The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, and I honestly think Ichabod got what he deserved. Brom did what he had to do to protect Katrina—and his own heart—from that gold-digging schoolmaster.

Now, I’ll admit, I haven’t actually read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving yet, but I plan to fix that soon. The book that sent me down this rabbit hole was Horseman by Christina Henry. I haven’t written my full review yet, but it’s coming—so keep an eye out.

If you’re not too familiar with Brom, he’s basically the local hero of Sleepy Hollow, this quiet little village that doesn’t get many outsiders. Then along comes Ichabod Crane—the awkward, lanky schoolmaster with a bottomless appetite—who somehow decides he’s going to win over Katrina Van Tassel, the local beauty and daughter of the richest farmer in town.

Naturally, that doesn’t sit well with Brom, who’s been in love with Katrina since they were kids. And while he knows Katrina is just using Ichabod to make him jealous, he decides to make sure Ichabod gets the message loud and clear. Maybe scaring a man half to death was a bit much—but honestly, I can’t say I blame him.

In Horseman, which takes place a few decades after his run-in with Ichabod, Brom is older, a grandfather now, but still completely in love with Katrina. His family is everything to him. He’s still got that same temper and swagger, but it’s mellowed with age. I don’t want to say too much yet—I’m saving that for the review—but I really hope you’ll check out Horseman and maybe, like me, find yourself looking at Brom Bones in a whole new way.

Ten of the Sexiest Screen Vampires, Volume 7

 

Halloween has, over the years, crept past Christmas to claim the title of my favorite holiday. There’s just something magical about October: the nights grow cooler (even if the days are still too darn warm), the leaves shift into fiery shades, and my already horror-loving heart gets to revel in all things spooky. Because of that, I’ve decided to resurrect some of my old Halloween traditions here on the blog. And what better place to start than with the return of my annual list of sexy vampires? If you missed my earlier posts rising from the crypt, you can revisit the lists from 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Without further ado, I give you ten damn sexy vampires who’d love nothing more than to sink their teeth into you.

The Men

Vlad Dracula as played by Luke Evans in Dracula Untold (2014). Not going to lie, Luke Evans is just about the hottest man on the planet, and I would let his version of Dracula do just about anything to me. 

Louis de Pointe du Lac as played by Jacob Anderson in AMC's Interview with the Vampire. He's broody, emotional, and from all accounts a hell of a kisser. Brad Pitt's version as already appeared on these lists, but I think this version runs laps around him. 

Remmick as played by Jack O'Connell in Sinners (2025). Between his Irish accent and singing like a dream, Remmick is a catch. He's looking for a family, and he might just decide you'd fit right in. 

Edward Dalton as played by Ethan Hawke in Daybreakers (2009). Smart and sexy is always a winning combination. 

Raphael Santiago as played by David Castro in the TV show Shadowhunters. A religious family man to his core, Raphael loves with a conviction few others posses. It helps that he's hot too. 

The Women

The Girl as played by Sheila Vand in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014). An avenging angel who won't tolerate men mistreating women, The Girl is both gorgeous and deadly. Side note, if you've never seen this movie, do so. 

Mary as played by Hailee Steinfeld in Sinners (2025). Mary is walking contradiction of emotions, both vindictive and loving, Mary is just wanting to be loved by a man who will stay. Isn't that what we all want? 

Darla as played by Julie Benz from the TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Darla has the soul of a demon, but loves hard despite it. And she's smoking hot.

Lucy Weston as played by Frances Dade in Dracula (1931). As kind as she was beautiful, Lucy caught the eye of Count Dracula, and she was never the same again. 

Marya Zaleska as played by Gloria Holden in Dracula's Daughter (1936). Regal in manner Countess Zaleska commands attention, and she gets it.