DARK BITES

JACK KETCHUM'S THE GIRL NEXT DOOR To scream without a voice - a film in review CAUTION:  Readers may find some of the following pics disturbing in their depictions of child abuse from within the film which some may find offensive.  You've been warned. To steal the rhetorical question from the opening line of the book, “you think you know pain?” Well, until you’ve seen this movie, you don’t know shit about pain. THE GIRL NEXT DOOR offers a rare and sobering experience that is not built for the sole intention to entertain you. Sure, you’ll enjoy watching these young and veteran actors alike pour their talents into an important body of work and you’ll be moved to tears by the effectiveness of their performances even before the rage sets in. You should also be sure to appreciate the beautiful imagery captured in the opening sequences as there is beauty aplenty to enjoy. That said, to consider this film entertainment value alone, th...

Although the intended purpose of Dark Bites is to provide bite sized entertainment  I couldn't help but think this was the perfect time of year to offer you this conversation I had with the man who Stephen King hails to as the scariest guy in America, Jack Ketchum.  This interview, one of my personal favourates if I may so so, gives a intimate glimpse inside of Ketchum's apartment and his head at that time. Also if you would have enjoyed reading this lengthier interview as a series of smaller portions, please do let me know as it's your feedback that will ultimately drive what and how stuff gets posted here.     Thirteen (or so) Terrible Questions for Jack Ketchum  Originally interviewed for Dark Recesses Press, 2008 If THE LOST came like a blood stained bullet that tore through the minds of all that witnessed it then surely JACK KETCHUM’S THE GIRL NEXT DOOR pulled the plug on all that ever felt safe when it came to watching a film based...

Originally published by Fear Zone , 2007 What do Jeff Strand, headless chickens, and screaming babies all have in common? Well, even in the darkest times, at moments when life seems grey and overburdened and a clear way is nowhere in sight, each of these wonderful creatures has the ability to make you smile and even laugh a little despite what angst you may be otherwise facing. But as cute as babies can be and as hilarious as a dancing headless chicken might appear, it’s Jeff Strand that delivers the goods each and every time. Seriously, the guy can’t miss. I first came to know Jeff Strand through the pages of Insidious Reflections during his days as the Seriously Whacked Point Of View columnist and he’s never ceased to make me laugh. With about ten novels under his shiny belt, from his Andrew Mayhem series to a fistful of chapbooks to one or two more serious pieces of work, it’s clear the man is here to stay with us for a very long time. This is a very good thing, really...

ANIMOSITY by James Newman Animosity.   Defined by the Webster’s dictionary as:   “Ill will or resentment tending toward active hostility; an antagonistic attitude.”   James Newman’s definition is much more terrifying, through the heart and unforgiving.   We’ve all been there at some time or another during our lives.   The way people stare.   The way they point and whisper behind our backs.   Maybe some of them were once friends, good friends that we had come to know well and have even cared about once upon a time, but now they are in opposition of us and we don’t know why.   Could have been a rumor blown out of proportion.   Maybe the result of unrelenting peer pressure from someone who dislikes you for whatever reason and feels the need to convince others to feel the same way.   Or it could have been as simple as saying the wrong thing at the wrong time and thus having the very people around you spreading their mi...