Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
I’m fixing to talk about a legend and when I say a legend that’s exactly what I mean. This guy, well vampire he’s been around for a very long time, there’s many books’ movies and tv shows about him and his true love. Yes, I’m talking about Dracula, now I’ve never read the book. I know. How awful! Shame on me! Hopefully one day I will get to it, just haven’t been able to read at all much lately. Though, I’ve seen a lot of versions of the Dracula movies, and two tv show versions which I liked both. "Dracula" from Netflix, which is my favorite adaption of it ever, and then NBC’s "Dracula" which was unfortunately cancelled as those things usually go. Also, there’s the "Dracula 2000". which Wes’s craven was executive producer on but as they’re in Mel’s favorites I’ll let her go into more detail with those, but I will mention the Bram Stoker's movie version as that happens to be my favorite movie adaption and I just saw it again recently. Now I’m sure we all know the original story. Dracula has found his true love reincarnated in Mina but he has to get Harker out of the way, who just happens to be Mena’s fiancé. This seems to be the case in many of the Dracula adaptions except the Netflix version, and like I said that one just happens to be the best and my favorite, so if you haven’t seen it. I highly suggest that you go watch that now, what are you waiting for. Now the other Dracula movies I haven’t seen and don’t know much about are the classics but classics like that are Dave's forte anyways.
Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"
The history of Dracula goes back to the 1897 publication of the novel and we are still talking about it over a 100 years later. It been done to death, possibly staked, over and over again, a billion different ways. You can't think about the character without thinking of the classic portrayal by Bela Lugosi, whose image is immortalized in Hollywood Wax Museum locations. This one is in Pigeon Forge; TN. Lugosi's 1931 version also spawned the sequels "Dracula's Daughter" (1936) and "Son of Dracula" (1943). Lugosi also went on to play the character one more time in "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein". Another classic portrayal by a well circulated actor is Christopher Lee in a series of projects for Hammer Films in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Leslie Nielsen even had a crack at him in the Mel Brooks parody "Dracula: Dead and Loving It". One of my personal favorites has to the Buffy version in the Season 5 premiere. Kind of an unexpected one episode appearance. You'd think a big name like that, Dracula, would be a season long arc and the big bad of the season. Nope, it takes a wild turn and makes it a one and done, never to be seen in the show again. With a whole slew of incarnations ranging from tv to movies, to comics, to cartoons, it is impossible to list them all or even all the ones we've seen without it being a mile long list. I'm sure we left out some of your faves. So let us know in the comments-- if they decide the comments are working this week.
Melanie -
Unless you are BRAND NEW to the site,(and well if you are then welcome,) then you will probably be aware of my fascination with vampires. I mean before I rebranded I was literally "The Vampire Loving Dork!" (and the name still fits). Of course you can't have vampires without Dracula and as Dave and Jenn already mentioned there are a LOT of versions to choose from, and for the most part I love them all, but let me break down a few favorites!
I love the movies, the TV shows, and the book (and various other book versions too). From movies Bram Stoker's version with Gary Oldman has to get a mention. Yes I know that Keanu Reeves was horrendous in it but even with that accent the movie is beautiful and exquisite! If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. Sticking with movies, as Jenn said, the Dracula 2000 with Gerard Butler as Dracula is a favorite - and Dracula II Ascension, whilst the Dracula character doesn't really work for me overall (Gerard Butler was unavailable for the sequel and it is such a shame), this is possibly one of my favorite stories! Without spoilers - this is modern day Dracula for me! (And we will just pretend that 3rd abomination doesn't exist). From movies I'll swiftly touch on TV - although Dave and Jenn really covered them beautifully. I am one of the few that love the NBC's failed version. The story is unique, and I don't know what the thinking was behind having Johnathon Rhys Meyers adopt an America accent - but the costumes, the scenery, and the attention to details is exquisite. I watch those special features on the DVD often. More recently there was a highly anticipated Netflix adaptation created by Sherlock creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat (both of whom are well known in the Whovian world too) which many thought it failed to live up to the hype - but I adored it and its original take on the ending. And finally in TV as Dave already mentioned - Dracula in Buffy! This story was incredibly well executed and unexpected - and I think one of the best TV portrayals that is often overlook. And then we get to books. I could write forever and a day on the various Draculas that appear in book form. From the original, to an excellent version that appears in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series (that goes on to have his own spin off series), to the Dracula - The Undead (Written by Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt using notes from Bram Stokers original sequel plans). Dracula - The Undead may perhaps be my favorite written Dracula story out there (although I enjoy many). Whatever your thoughts on vampires, one thing is certain, and that is you will have heard of Dracula in one way or another. His presence, like his original character idea, is eternal. Check out the various trailers for the movies and shows mentioned above and then scroll down for the giveaway! No pineapple word this week - so no you didn't miss it lol.
All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
And Now For The Giveaway!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Dracula" Prize Pack featuring the 3 Wes Craven Dracula movies, and a paperback copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula sent in by Jenn, the Bram Stoker's movie version DVD from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard!!
For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Would YOU have stayed with Dracula?
Comments about the article are very welcome IF we can get it to work - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on November 7th (and then posted here on the blog as well on November 8th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
Dave -It’s been 2 long years since the last New York Comic Con. Much to my surprise, it is back with a reduced capacity. It sells out quickly on a regular basis. This just means it is selling out even quicker this time around. Even as tickets went on sale, I was expecting it to be cancelled or postponed like others before the date arrived. I still have tickets for 2 other comic cons from 2020 that were pushed back, moved to another location, pushed back again, one con was bought/merged with another con and moved back to its original location. I'm still waiting to see when that one will even happen. Hopefully next year. NYCC is one of the biggest on the east coast. Personally, I was intrigued on what a scaled back, stripped down con would even look like. For one weekend in October, the culmination of 2 years starved for a geek fest will come to an end. Of course, Friday, Saturday and Sunday sold out super fast. So, I could only get a Thursday pass.
Inside was just like any other NYCC, with a few minor changes. Being that this was a Thursday, it isn't as packed as other days. So, there is a little more walking room and you are not as pressed up against everyone else, looking for breathing room. Some usual NYCC vendors were missing. Most notably, the Funko booth was missing. Not that you could get into the booth anyway. You usually need to win a lottery pass to get in. But they normally have a couple giant Funko Pops to get pics of next to the booth. As you get toward the back, there a few empty spaces, which I am not used to seeing at the con. The celebrity list was pretty good but unfortunately for me, a lot of them weren't coming until later in the weekend. Some wrestling talent was there Thursday-- Jake "the Snake" Roberts (on oxygen for the first part of the morning!), Jim Ross, Jerry "the King" Lawler and Rob Van Dam. I'm not a big wrestling fan so it wasn't really anyone I needed to see. Star Wars is more my thing. They did have a couple guys that did Boba Fett stunts in Episode V & VI but priced at $60 each, I have to pass. Later in the weekend was Hayden Christensen. He would have been cool to meet if he was cheaper. $175! Even Shatner was only $100. Who thinks Hayden is worth twice as much as Shatner?  For all the reduced capacity, the lines for some things were still insane. The Sandman setup line was long first thing in the morning but when I went back a few hours later, it was much better. The Official NYCC Merch Shop and the Chucky bus were impossible to get through. If I had more time and more days to be there, I could have stayed in the line for a while. But limited time means no time to waste. This year's cosplays are much like others. Its like a "Who's Who" of the current fresh crop of shows and movies. Lots of Loki (with and without the Variant jacket), Sylvie, and Scarlet Witch adorned the show floor. Alas, the day had to come to an end eventually and time to leave my "home away from home" and catch bus back to Philly. The smile that was on my face at the beginning was leaving and disappearing as I had to leave the world of make believe behind and go back to the real world. Until next year, New York. Rock out with your geek out. Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"  GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER! Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "NYCC" Prize Pack featuring the swag Dave snagged at NYCC that you can see in the picture! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: If you were going to cosplay at a Con what would your costume be? Comment about the article are very welcome IF we can get it to work - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on November 7th (and then posted here on the blog as well on November 8th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
Halloween, right? What a fun time of year. Well to me it’s the best time of year. Candy, costumes and all those different creatures. I mean there’s all kinds. But now I want to talk about vampires and "Twilight", yes THAT "Twilight". Some of you may be groaning but that’s ok because I happen to like these movies. Though the first and last one is my favorites, and I happen to have never actually read the books. These movies, you either hate or love. There’s really no in between for them. Trust me, because I did go through a phase where I absolutely hated them but then they just kind of found a way back into my heart. Now one of the reasons these movies get a lot of hate is because sparkling vampires. I mean-- what the hell? And then they turn into crystal when they die.
Ok, I mean, I get why some people just say no thanks, but for me it works. I like different and these vampires are definitely that. Our story starts when Isabella Swan, or just Bella, moves to a town called Forks to live with her dad. Starting school in the middle of the year can be hard, but Bella takes it very well, making new friends and meeting Edward Cullen. Yes, Team Edward and only because I’m not a huge werewolf fan, though Jacob is alright, and he’s a good friend to Bella. Bella is smart, and soon realizes that Edward and the Cullen’s are vampires which doesn’t stop her from falling for him, which happens pretty fast. But whatever girl, you do you. I’m sure you’ve seen these five movies by now, but if you haven’t then I highly suggest you at least give the first one a chance. I mean you never know it might just surprise you.
Susan says: I had to just comment that the best thing about the the Twilight series was the soundtrack! You had not one but two Paramore songs and Muse!!! Melanie -
Oh I have lots of thoughts on the Twilight Saga, but I will try and keep this kinda succinct. Back when the Twilight books came out Emily's friends wanted to read them, and their parents thought they were too "grown up". Em was about 10 I think at the time, but being the good parent that I am I decided I would read them and obviously they were fine. I was actually NOT a fan of the books although I can totally respect Stephanie Meyers world building skills. I am a sucker for rules and she never deviates from hers. That being said I found reading them rough - especially New Moon - but I did want to where the story went.
Then you have the movies - and for me this is one of those rare instances that I think the movies are better than the books. Although you get more insight into some of my favorites (Alice and Jasper) in the book, the movies for me are the way to go. I know people hate on Kristen Stewart, but if you do read the books she really is pretty much the perfect Bella. Bella is annoying as all get out too!
For me, the first movie is the best. It has a different director that then others, it has a particular blue hue that was used (I learned later), and for me it just works. I was as surprised as everyone else that I enjoyed the movie as much as I did and I can tell you if you get the DVD and listen to it with the commentary on - Robert Pattinson is hilarious! He has no issue poking fun at the movie that made his name. By far though the more popular movie in this house is Breaking Dawn part 2 - Mainly for the epic fight scene and the major deviation from the books! Please no spoilers in the notes for those that might not have read / watched but might want to now. As Susan jumped in to mention, the soundtrack, especially for the first movie is epic. Even if you never watch the movie I would suggest hitting up the soundtrack. I personally can't even hear Muse's Supermassive Black Hole without wanting to rewatch the baseball scene (which I included in the videos below) and which segues nicely into me saying I also LOVED Midnight Sun - which is the more recently released Twilight Book with the first story from Edward's perspective. Whilst I didn't like the original writing, the darker, more reflective side in this worked for me - and you get a whole new perspective on the Baseball scene. Check out my thoughts on Midnight Sun (full of spoilers), the Baseball Scene, and the Original Twilight Trailer below and then scroll down to enter the giveaway!
The Code Word For This Article Is Alice
All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!) And Now For The Giveaway
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Twilight" Prize Pack featuring ALL 5 Twilight Movies on DVD, and a replica of Bella's ring sent in by Jenn, plus a Twilight Rubber Bracelet and various Vampire Themed Book Swag pieces from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard!! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Are You Team Vampire or Team Werewolf? (Or for TwiHards - Team Edward Or Jacob (or in my case Alice and Jasper lol)
Comment about the article are very welcome IF we can get it to work - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on November 7th (and then posted here on the blog as well on November 8th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!I’m not big on horror movies. I gotta say like the Chucky movies, but this one is not bad. I do admit it made me jump though, and that’s "Thirteen Ghosts". It’s basically about a guy inheriting a house that just happens to have belonged to a ghost hunter who locked these ghosts inside the house. This family doesn’t realize that until one by one they get released. The last ghost is the dreaded juggernaut. Can this family save themselves, get out of the house and stop these ghosts from being re-released into the world? Well, you have watch for yourselves and find out. I mean since its Halloween month, I'd say there’s no better time. Dave - Dave Christy loves horror, music, documentaries and more. He is also the co-runner of several fan based groups including Morningstars (THE Lucifer fan group also run by Melanie), and now is a member of the VIPers Spotlight Lounge team for Melanie's Muses. Other than "In The Spotlight" Features -check out his "31 Days Of Halloween Movies"All movies are a sign of the times of when they were made. With a lot of them, you can probably guess when they were made based on the actors, soundtrack, themes, etc. "Thirteen Ghosts" is no exception. Matthew Lillard, shortly after his breakout role in "Scream" and right before he found his calling as Shaggy in a slew of Scooby Doo projects shows off his multi-talented persona. He is starring next to Shannon Elizabeth, also coming off a breakout role in the first couple "American Pie" movies. Jenn described the plot so there is no need to rehash that. While the movie may not be a masterpiece or a classic by any stretch of the imagination, what it is Lillard just pure fun. A movie doesn't need to be made of gold. It just needs to be a release. You need to escape the real world for 90 minutes or so and look into a crystal ball of sorts. A good time flick can come in all sorts of size. It can be a fun, family film, or it can even be a horror movie. Each one can serve its purpose. The entertainment and kills are set at high levels, but some of the gore is pushing the threshold a little bit. One person cut in half. Ummm, probably not the way you are thinking. But that’s the kind of forward thinking horror fans are appreciative of. If Jason went around with a gun and just shot all his victims, those movies wouldn't be the same. Its the inventive ways the writers find to kill people that keep us coming back for more. The Code Word For This Article Is Thirteen! |
 | Welcome to our Win It Wednesday Feature! This week Jenn is talking about Halloweentown - Because it's that time of year! Don't forget to read all the way down to see details on how to enter the giveaway to win the "Halloweentown" Prize Pack! |
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!
We all have those favorite holidays, and mine just happens to be Halloween. So how could I not love this movie, with Halloween in the title. "Halloweentown" is one of those movies that you just need to watch. It usually comes on every year on Disney channel. So if you run across it and you’ve never seen it, I definitely recommend that you check it out. There’s four movies, and I love them all but I just want to talk about the first one.
There’s basically two worlds with this movie, Halloweentown, which has every kind of creature that you could possibly imagine, and then there’s our world, or as they call it the mortal realm. The creatures of Halloweentown created their own world so they could live in peace, and not be prosecuted for being different. The movies follow the Cromwell family. The grandmother goes to her daughter for help but is turned away, finding out that she’s a witch. Marnie follows her grandmother to Halloweentown, so she can learn and train to become a witch before her powers disappear.
She also ends up saving her family, and the creatures that live there from an evil that I’m not going to get into because spoilers. So since Halloween is right around the corner, definitely go check out this favorite of mine, and who knows it might become one of your Halloween favorites as well.
Rent on Amazon for as little as $3.99 or watch free with your Disney+ Subscription
The Code Word For This Article Is Spooky
All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
The Code Word For This Article Is Spooky
All Links To Buy / Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon in this article are Amazon Affiliate Links(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!)
And Now For The Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY DETAILS & HOW TO ENTER!
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Halloweentown" Prize Pack featuring the Double Feature Halloweentown 1 & 2 DVD, and Moon Necklace sent in by Jenn, plus cat ears, a little Halloween bag, and a Hocus Pocus mini keychain from Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard!!
For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us:
What is your favorite Halloween Movie?
Melanie's Muses will be giving away a "Halloweentown" Prize Pack featuring the Double Feature Halloweentown 1 & 2 DVD, and Moon Necklace sent in by Jenn, plus cat ears, a little Halloween bag, and a Hocus Pocus mini keychain from Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard!!
For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us:
What is your favorite Halloween Movie?
Comment about the article are very welcome IF we can get it to work - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the hat! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on October 17th (and then posted here on the blog as well on October 18th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below!
Good luck everyone!
Rules
Winner will be announced during the Live show on October 17th (and then posted here on the blog as well on October 18th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below!
Good luck everyone!
Rules
- Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered.
- This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited.
- Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry.
- Winner Will Be Picked At Random.
- One Entry Per Person / Household
- Void where prohibited. Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her.
- Winner will be announced during the live on Sunday October 17th posted on this post on Monday October 18th Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to
- https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. - 1st Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. 2nd for 60 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list!
- Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page.
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