Midnight Madness Blog

- 2008
- 2007
Archival footage
Film Nerdery - How Criterion Does Whatever It Is That Criterion Does
Chocolate Intro & Q&A;
Two Girls, One Movie
CITYNews Does Midnight Madness
J.T. Petty Holding A Large Dog!

Biography
Blogging By The Numbers
Movie Theatre Memories
Geeking Out At Not Quite Hollywood (warning: Leprechaun inside)
"He has his own music"

Celebrities
JCVD's New Film - "FULL LOVE"
Sexykiller and The Horror Mashup
Who is Macarena Gómez?
Meet The Ladies Of Martyrs
JCVD, JT and the "Re-Emergence" Film

Cinematography
Orphans - The Lost Films of Midnight Madness 2008
FLASH POINT: Who is Donnie Yen?

Directors
JCVD's New Film - "FULL LOVE"
Sexykiller and The Horror Mashup
Genre Down Under: An Email Roundtable
"The Burrowers" Joins Revisionist Canon
"Ozploitation": A Model for Canada?

Distribution
"Ozploitation": A Model for Canada?
Deposit More Coins!
So THAT's How Much a Zombie Costs...
MM Flashback: ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE

Free Speech
THE CIRCUIT - Film Festival Reviews From Space
Conversation From The Line Reaction to Deadgirl
In The Rush Line For JCVD

Humour
Love and Madness
"He has his own music"
Training like a MADMAN!!!
We Love You Too, Suzie.

Memories
Midnight Madness: Year One
Day Ten
Sexykiller and The Horror Mashup
More Conversations From The Line
Detroit Metal City and Japanese Duality

Music
Cue Theme Music
What's That Sound?

Panels
Devil's Chair video
Sukiyaki opening!

Parties
The Burrowers Intro & Q&A;
Deadgirl Intro & Q&A;
Detroit Metal City Intro & Q&A;
JCVD Intros & Q&As;
Flash Point: no longer just an overlooked Rolling Stones live album

Picks
Movie-d out from the Festival? Play A Horror Game!
Tear the roof off the suckah
What to doin the event a giant bouncing, squeezing baby eyeball attacks your city
And now for something completely different...
And that was the best beating I've ever seen

Politics
"Ozploitation": A Model for Canada?
Detroit Metal City and Japanese Duality
Horror as a Political Platform

War & Conflict
Detroit Metal City and Japanese Duality

Posts by: Shane McNeil
September 16, 2021
Tear the roof off the suckah
Posted By Shane McNeil At 8:11 PM
File under: Picks
Well, at least now we know that Colin would never lie to us. Inside delivered on all fronts, making us laugh, flinch, scream, cheer and generally be glad we don't have a uterus (ok, maybe that last one was just me). The crowd got into it early and often, amazing directors Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury from minute the first with the beachball antics.  I think a little piece of Julien's heart was broken when that sad, deflated beachball was thrown at his feet.  We spoiled a good thing just then,...

(more...)
• Comments (5)
September 15, 2021
What to doin the event a giant bouncing, squeezing baby eyeball attacks your city
Posted By Shane McNeil At 12:02 PM
File under: Picks
We were taught a great many lessons by Mastumoto last night in Dainipponjin, and I plan to outline just a few of them.  For anyone who missed out, you're just a plain chump.  I'm tired of being nice.  We've warned everyone how awesome these last few screenings are going to be, and by now you should just know to show up.  Don't give me that, that's no excuse. Dainipponjin taught us that the male nipple does have magical and...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Flash Point: no longer just an overlooked Rolling Stones live album
Posted By Shane McNeil At 11:51 AM
File under: Parties
So, just to keep everyone rolling in fresh material, our good friend Bob was nice enough to send us some stills from the Flash Point screening the other night. Wilson Yip was blown away by the response, and we were just plain blown away by Wilson Yip.  Also we have a great shot of the true star of the night... Colin's laptop!  His mac has been the underappreciated star of this year's fest, and were it not for that computer, we'd never know that we're all on a first name basis...

(more...)
• Comments (0)
September 14, 2021
And now for something completely different...
Posted By Shane McNeil At 3:59 PM
File under: Picks
... some actual press.  My apologies to those who don't get tone, but my Sukiyaki Western Django round-up was entirely fictional.  Hard to believe that publications like "Japanese Western Quarterly", "Feathers of Fancy" and "Bow and Arrow! Magazine" don't exist, I know... but that's just the sad world we live in. First off, the program itself continues to get nice over-arching summations in the mainstream press which, after 20 years, is a nice bit of recognition.  Time and Reuters both gave us nice little write-ups, which are presently getting copied and...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

And that was the best beating I've ever seen
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:01 AM
File under: Picks
OK, maybe not ever, but Flash Point really delivered in the beat-down category.  Seriously, that last half-hour was totally rad.  First off, here's the video from last night, courtesy of my own personal Jesus, Sanjay Rajput.  The Intro is above, the Q&A below. Second, From the sounds of your reactions Donnie Yen is, in fact, the new black.  And, from the sounds of what Wilson Yip said about working with him he a) totally knows it and b) really loves that his job is to beat the holy hell out of everyone. It's pretty refreshing that given...

(more...)
• Comments (0)
September 13, 2021
The Devil's Chair is really about neither the devil nor a chair, discuss.
Posted By Shane McNeil At 12:09 PM
File under: Memories
So, here's a quick rundown on The Devil's Chair screening last night. 10 Things we've learned from The Devil's Chair: 10. It's funny to make fun of the Lord of the Rings:  not so much because it's cool, but because it makes you think of people that really think the movies are. 9. Anyone named Rachel probably didn't get much sleep last night. 8. Q&A, presence is necessary... standing, optional. 7. In horror movies, the blonde is always infinitely more trustworthy than the sluttier brunette. 6. Garbage bags, even those containing the mangled souls of the damned,...

(more...)
• Comments (4)

Devil's Chair video
Posted By Shane McNeil At 11:53 AM
File under: Panels
This is probably the first time I've had to slap a Parental Guidance warning on a Q&A, but The Devil's Chair director Adam Mason and star Andrew Howard used some fairly colourful language at times.  If you don't like the C-word, consider yourselves warned. This also goes down as my favourite Q&A thus far due to Howard's reaction.  Seeing his own performance for the first time unnerved him so much that he did most of the session crouched onstage, his knees to weak to support himself for too long a period. Again, a big thanks to Sanjay Rajput for getting us the...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Take My Picture
Posted By Shane McNeil At 11:31 AM
File under: Parties
Well, our good friend Suzie Maynard (whom you may remember recently narrowly escaped the clutches of many zombies after they accosted her at a Yonge St. bus stop) has provided us with some stellar shots from the duration of the Madness program. I especially appreciate this because in my struggle to man two cameras at once, I often end up screwing up the photos, for the sake of video documentation.  I know, inept isn't the word we're looking for, but it's frighteningly close to accuracy, no? Anyway, again a reminder...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

If we had ever actually run a contest...
Posted By Shane McNeil At 11:21 AM
File under: Memories
...This video surely would have won. Sheleigh Bober got wicked creative with us and not only made sure the song "George Romero" by the Sprites was heard at this year's Midnight Madness, but took it a step further and actually made it the soundtrack to a short film about their own trip to the Diary of the Dead screening. We'll find a way to reward you for your hard work, somehow. For now, here's an imaginary gold star.  Way to

(more...)
• Comments (0)
September 12, 2021
Catch That Rave!
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:50 AM
File under: Picks
Rarely these days can people come to a wide consensus on anything.  Especially when it comes to critical thought, there are too many factors in play for discerning minds to completely agree on anything.  This is particularly true in film. Too many elements go into filmmaking for every critic to agree on a film's merits and only three films in cinematic history have so captured hearts and minds alike:  Citizen Kane, Breathless and now... Sukiyaki Western Django! The reviews have been pouring in all day and they are nothing...

(more...)
• Comments (1)

Sukiyaki opening!
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:17 AM
File under: Panels
Hey everyone, here's pretty much everything you missed from last night's opening of Sukiyaki Western Django.  Y'know, aside from an epic, bitchin' Japanese western (laughs at those who missed out). The Intro footage has the Q&A as well, because for some wacky reason Colin decided to do it beforehand last night. We'll get the footage of Takashi Miike's awesome video intro up as soon as possible.  Yar, I be a pirate... but a pirate with permission. Thank you to our friends for not only coming up from Detroit to partake in the madness but for also providing us with this footage. ...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

So THAT's How Much a Zombie Costs...
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:11 AM
File under: Distribution
Well, everyone, your raucous applause and dedication to the cause of human-zombie integration has been recognized. Not only is the Midnight Madness audience officially nominated for the annual Colin Geddes Prize for the Promotion of Living-Undead Harmony, but it now seems that your reaction has helped George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead get sold. The Hollywood Reporter tells us that Romero sold the rights to Diary yesterday for somewhere between $2-2.5 Million to the Weinsteins (a fact we will NOT hold against him). Our congratulations go out to George...

(more...)
• Comments (1)
September 11, 2021
Diary of a Photo Montage
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:27 AM
File under: Memories
You guys are really outdoing yourselves. Thanks for all the photos, videos and presents you guys are sending us.  We're doing our best to get as much of it up as possible.  The above clever montage from the Diary of the Dead premiere comes to us courtesy of Sarah Gopaul. We'll keep posting these things as we get them, so shoot our proverbial zombie heads off with your camera shotguns as much as you possibly can. Pictures below are courtesy of Mark McAlpine, Jesse Hill and Salar Madadi repectively.                   ...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Give Us All The Chair!
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:15 AM
File under: Picks
Well, it's time to sing our daily hymn of praise to the good people at Bloody Disgusting for providing us with yet more exclusive footage and goodies.  They're really making it difficult for everyone in town to NOT want to see The Devil's Chair when they keep throwing treasures like the Mason blog and this 5-minute clip our way. This from the exclusive Bloody Disgusting Review: "Mason and Boyes have truly proven they are forces to reckon with as THE DEVIL’S CHAIR is more a work of art than an actual...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Stuck: or as I like to call it, R.Kelly's 'Trapped in a Windshield'
Posted By Shane McNeil At 9:03 AM
File under: Parties
First off, much thanks to Sanjay Rajput for the video,  This does set a record for time on getting this video in.  The intro is in the first clip, the three following this post maked up the entire Q&A.  We thank you for opting to help us over the possibility of actually getting to bed before 4 a.m. "What's wrong with you?"  No, not you Sanjay.  That one line seemed to be wedging itself in everyone's mind last night like Stephen Rea's face through our collective dashboards as we sat in awe of our...

(more...)
• Comments (1)
September 10, 2021
Do Androids Dream of Electronica?
Posted By Shane McNeil At 12:01 PM
File under: Picks
 “Androids can’t behave irrationally.  It just doesn’t make any sense.”  Yet somehow, they did, and it was sooooo sweet.   The Madness got ratcheted up a notch last night with our screening of Sori’s Anime odyssey, Vexille.   This may have been the most tame of our programme in terms of gore, guts and creep factor- but it is the early odds-on favourite for the loudest film we’re going to show.  Colin said during the intro that this was a film he saw at...

(more...)
• Comments (2)

We Love You Too, Suzie.
Posted By Shane McNeil At 11:20 AM
File under: Humour
For the past couple days, we've been asking for your photos and videos from your own Midnight Madness experiences. We've received some good stuff, but so far only one that's made us stand up and say 'This needs to be seen by as many people as possible'. This comes courtesy of our friend Sue Maynard.  She informs us that both zombies were nothing but courteous, escorting her not only to the bus stop, but onto the bus and walking her the whole way home.  Tragically, upon arrival at her residence, they burst...

(more...)
• Comments (1)
September 9, 2021
Diary of The Diary of the Dead
Posted By Shane McNeil At 1:02 PM
File under: Parties
What do you get when you add screaming fan-boys, 50 live zombies and acute social commentary?   Naturally, you get a George A. Romero premiere.  He unleashed The Diary of the Dead onto the world last night and returned to the form that first put his name in horror history.  The film is a sharp, biting criticism on the information age and how much technology has come to govern our lives.   One of the key lines in the film, just as everything’s falling to pieces...

(more...)
• Comments (5)

Finally! Video from the Mother of Tears Premiere!
Posted By Shane McNeil At 12:05 PM
File under: Directors
Here it is, for those of you that missed out!  Exclusive footage from the Mother of Tears premiere.  We've got some kind words from Dario Argento, followed by Colin's intro and then Dario and Asia Argento introduce the film before the entire crowd sings Dario 'happy birthday'. Apologies for some shaking with the camera... it was my first day.  More video to come, I promise! For those of you that missed out, there is still another screening of Mother of Tears on Friday, Sept. 14 - 11:15 p.m. at Varsity Theatre

(more...)
• Comments (1)

I'll show you mine...
Posted By Shane McNeil At 11:42 AM
File under: Parties
If you show me yours.  Pictures and videos, that is. This is just a slice of what goes on every night at the Madness.  I'd love to see what all of you have captured on your phones, cameras, etc. If any of you out in the Midnight Wilderness have pictures or videos from any of our midnight screenings feel free to send them to us at [email protected] and we'll try to get some of the best of them up here soon. We look forward to your

(more...)
• Comments (1)
September 8, 2021
The Final Frontiere(s)
Posted By Shane McNeil At 5:31 PM
File under: Directors
Before everyone gets too wrapped up in Romero Mania tonight, some words on Midnight Madness Round Two last night with Xavier Gens' Frontiere(s). Gens himself was there to introduce the film and answer questions afterwards and it's fresh to see a filmmaker so happy with what he's done and eager to get people seeing his film.  Last night was the first time an audience saw the film and the reaction was incredible. I got a chance to talk with Gens beforehand as the audience was streaming in and he was borderline giddy to get things underway.  Introducing the film he was appreciative and...

(more...)
• Comments (1)

Horror as a Political Platform
Posted By Shane McNeil At 4:52 PM
File under: Politics
MORE COMMENTARY AND EXCLUSIVE VIDEO ON LAST NIGHT'S SCREENING FROM DARRYL SHAW! What really disturbs and inspires modern horror directors? Surely they've been desensitized by the over saturation of violence in our culture, correct? Well, they should be! Anyhow, once you get used to the massive amounts of dyed Karo syrup and foam latex body parts, the only way to keep yourself motivated to sustain bone chilling horror is to take a quick look around and soak in what's really really wrong with the world... Besides the fact that you're lavishly exploiting situations of human torment (Hey! You're here aren't you?...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Read it in the Papers
Posted By Shane McNeil At 2:45 PM
File under: Memories
Well, it seems like everyone loves us today.  Both the National Post and the Toronto Star ran nice, long, features on the history and development of Midnight Madness after 20 years with TIFF. Both articles entertain for different reasons, so be sure to give both a look.  The Post works like more of a history of the program and comes from lots of perspectives, giving tonnes of perspectives on all the elements that make our midnights mad.  Everything from joint smoking and fireworks outside...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Bloody Disgusting Devil's Chair Bonanza
Posted By Shane McNeil At 1:41 PM
File under: Picks
The good folks at Bloody Disgusting have really outdone themselves this time! They're running a package of publicity and reviews surrounding our upcoming screening of Devil's Chair on Wednesday night. They've got a bunch of material from director Adam Mason, including an ongoing blog and a Podcast with co-writer Simon Boyes. Do give it a look, as it's always great to hear about the films directly from their makers and this one looks like it'll slay (sorry, really sorry 'bout that pun). In addition to the bonus materials, they...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Exclusive Romero doc trailer
Posted By Shane McNeil At 1:25 PM
File under: Directors
Does anyone else feel like it's Christmas Eve?  Tonight the first screening of George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead will go down at the Ryerson theatre- and, in honour of this, we have quite the scoop indeed. The above trailer (if you've not already basked in the glow of its awesomeness, I recommend you do so) is for Dead On: The Life and Cinema of George A. Romero, a new doc on the Diary of the Dead filmmaker. This is officially the WORLD PREMIERE of the film's trailer, so get a good luck and...

(more...)
• Comments (2)

Cue Theme Music
Posted By Shane McNeil At 8:07 AM
File under: Music
Well, it's about time Midnight Madness got its very own theme song.  Thankfully, fate aligned this year that we found something that completely works with our program and that we can use unofficially, so as to not have to pay for it. Our tune comes from a band called The Sprites, aptly titled "George Romero".  The song praises the Diary of the Dead director (left, opposite, talking to Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright) for the educational value of his back catalogue...

(more...)
• Comments (5)
September 7, 2021
As Promised...
Posted By Shane McNeil At 6:28 PM
File under: Parties
The videos may still ahve to wait a bit, I'm sorry to say.  However, here are some excellent shots from the Mother of Tears party, held before last nights' premiere. First off is the man of the evening, Mother of Tears director Dario Argento.           Argento greets Diary of the Dead director and Dawn of the Dead co-conspirator, George A. Romero with a great big hug.               L to...

(more...)
• Comments (0)

Exciting News From Jake West
Posted By Shane McNeil At 5:39 PM
File under: Directors
Great news, guys!  Jake West (Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes, Evil Aliens, Razor Blade Smile) gave us a sneak peek at his next film that may just end up in Midnight Madness ’08.  Check out these crazy early images… sure looks awesome.   From the man himself:   “I'm just in the very early stages of Pre-Production on Doghouse,  doing concept art. The film is being financed by Carnaby International in the U.K!   It should be finished for  Cannes...

(more...)
• Comments (2)