Salutations once again, litter-mates! I have been saving these three monstrous choices, as they are the best in showcasing a variety of monsters in one nice celluloid film package. Sometimes, you want more than just one type of monster in a film. Sure, vampires are great, but then add werewolves and Frankenstein’s creation, and you have one heck of a monster mash-up!
So, as darkness falls across the land, spooky season is close at hand… Wait, I should let the master of horror introduce this meeting’s topic. Ladies and gentlemen, cats and kittens. Here he is from beyond the grave, Mr. Vincent Price.
Thank you, Mr. Price. In less poetic terms, it means it’s time to party! So let’s do the Monster Mash while we watch some monster mash-ups!
Zombies, Vampires, and Aliens… Oh My!
Our first monster mash-up burst from its grave in 2015. It’s called Freaks Of Nature. It was Directed by Robbie Pickering and was written by Oren Uziel. It stars Nicholas Braun, Mackenzie Davis, and Josh Fadem.
Plot:
Welcome to Dillford, where three days ago, everything was quiet and business as usual: the vampires were at the top of the social order, the zombies were at the bottom, and the humans were getting along in the middle. But this delicate balance was ripped apart when the alien apocalypse arrived in Dillford and ended all the harmony. Now it’s humans vs. vampires vs. zombies in all-out, blood-sucking, brain-eating, vamp-staking mortal combat – and all of them are on the run from the aliens. It is up to three teenagers – one human, one vampire, and one zombie to team up, figure out how to get rid of the interplanetary visitors, and try to restore order to this “normal” little town.
I originally wanted to see this film, because I am a big fan of Denis Leary. I have never seen a mash-up quite like this! A vampire, a human, and a zombie have to save their town from aliens. It’s a great joke with an unexpected punchline. One of the funny scenes is when the trio has to hide in the basement of Dag’s (the human) piano teacher’s basement.
“Wolfman’s Got Nards!”
This movie unearthed itself on August 14, 1987. It was directed and co-written by Fred Dekker and Shane Black. It stars Andre Gower, Robby Kiger, and Stephen Macht.
Plot:
12-year-old Sean Crenshaw and his best friend Patrick are die-hard monster fanatics. Along with their friend Horace (nicknamed Fat Kid), junior high tough guy Rudy, Sean’s kid sister Phoebe, and little Eugene come together and talk monsters. But when Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Gill Man, and The Mummy come to their small town to get an amulet to control the world, Sean leads his friends into action to protect their town from the forces of evil.
This movie brings me back to childhood every time I watch it! Duncan Regehr, as Dracula, is equally handsome and scary. There are so many great moments in this movie, including the opening credits. The special effect makeup was done by Stan Winston. Watch and find out if a bunch of kids can save their town by midnight.
For A Good Time Call Transylvania 6-5000
This film crawled out of the depths on November 10, 1985. It was directed and written by Rudy De Luca. It stars Jeff Goldblum, Joseph Bologna, and Ed Begley Jr.
Plot:
Tabloid reporters Jack Harrison and Gil Turner are sent to Transylvania with two choices: find the Frankenstein monster or find new jobs. But before the jumpy journalists can dig up their big story, they must first face the horrors of an extremely clumsy butler, a nymphomaniac vampiress, and a semi-mad doctor, as well as assorted mummies, werewolves, and more Transylvanian oddballs. Can these two bumbling heroes unravel this monstrous mystery, or are they in for some very scary surprises?
This is another one of my favorites. It’s just Halloween campy fun! Jeff Goldblum is a great straight man to Ed Begley Jr. It is reminiscent of Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Then there’s Geena Davis; I know there are a few who wouldn’t mind getting bitten by her after seeing this film! My favorite duo in this film are John Byner and Carol Kane. My favorite scene is Lupi helping her husband Radu in the kitchen. I am sure you will want to add this to your spooky film list!
Well, cats and kittens, I hope you enjoyed these monster mash-ups! I think your film library is now well-stocked in preparation for the spooky season! I have one more treat for you. You now have your own membership card! Just add your photo and how long you have been a scaredy-cat. Have a safe and not-so-scary Halloween!
Did you enjoy this series of articles? Would you like to see more?
