Scary Movies to Binge This Weekend

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There’s a lot of viewable content out there which is why a watch list is so important. With Halloween on Sunday, time is of the essence, we need scary movies and we need them now. Here are 6 movies to binge this weekend that may or may not have been on your radar.

1. Werewolves Within (2021)

A fun twist of a werewolf movie. Full of delightful comedy and scary bits, it is perfect for anyone looking for a werewolf who-done-it or just a great comedic horror movie.

2. The Birds (1963)

Hitchcock got it all right with this suspenseful slow burn. So right that it still holds up today. Despite having some dated moments that may get a chuckle more than when it was released, The Birds still builds anxiety like a true horror should and is definitely worth a rewatch or a first viewing this time of year.

3. Arachnophobia (1990)

A spider, ew! Or yay, depending on your taste. But what if there are a lot of them? Like, way too many? This may be a movie forgotten, but one viewing and you’ll see why you’ll never forget it again. John Goodman plays an exterminator who is hired by arachnophobe Jeff Daniels to help clean his new house of, well, more than a few deadly spiders.

4. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)

They came from outer space and they aren’t here to make friends. Another fun, creepy movie that will have you enjoying every minute. Unless you are deathly afraid of clowns, then… then this movie might be too much.

5. Nightbreed (1990)

From legendary Clive Barker and Danny Elfman, this fantasy, monster mash-up will hit all your light-hearted horror needs. And if after watching it you need something scarier, there’s always Hellraiser (1987).

6. The Faculty (1998)

School is scary enough but this school is ridiculous. Somewhere between From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and Spy Kids (2001), Robert Rodriguez brought you The Faculty which follows a group of kids who band together to try and figure out what’s coming over their school. It features an amazing cast and promises to offer some spooks and chills!

In addition to this list there’s always the great Halloween staples and their sequels: Halloween (1978), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and Friday the 13th (1980). What scary movie(s) should we add to our watch list? Let us know below or on our social media: IG @Blastftp, Twitter @BlastFTP, or on Facebook @blastfromthepastinc.

You Might Be a ’90s Kid If…

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Whether inspired by animations, comic books, or originally imagined action figures before their spinoff tv shows, the ’90s filled our childhood hours with fun and imagination. They bat-a-ranged into our hearts and never let go. To us, they defined the 90s. Here’s a countdown of action figure lines that made us and defined us as ’90s kids.

5. SPAWN

4. BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES

3. THE SIMPSONS

2. REN & STIMPY

1. HE-MAN

 

There’s a whole lot of other toys from the ’90s that inspired us. What were the lines that called to you? If you haven’t had a chance, make sure to watch “The Toys That Made Us” on Netflix. It features some of these lines and has really great insider information on the lives of these figures. And the more you watch, the more likely the powers that be will grant us more episodes!

 

Till next time, friends!

 

6 Bad A** Women Lead Movies to Watch

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As Black Widow hits screens everywhere we took a look at what other women lead movies to recommend. If you are looking for fun, bad a** women movies, we decided that these are the six to start with. Do keep in mind they may not be suitable for all ages, after all, it’s hard to be a lady all the time when you’re kicking butt.

Black Widow (2021)

Just released, we love the strength and feisty attitude of Scarlett Johannson as Natasha Romanova, aka Black Widow. What’s even better is that there are many women making their mark in this movie which shows that not only one woman can take names but many.

The Hunt (2020)

This movie was a surprise hit for me. It is subtle, funny, full of action, and features Betty Gilpin who, since I love Netflix’s Glow, is everything. Keep in mind this is a movie with people being hunted so it’s not for every age, but if you are in the mood for a strong female lead with dark comedy and blood, you are golden.

Cruella (2021)

The animation style of the 1961 One Hundred and One Dalmations is one of my favorites and has a special place in my heart. Watching Cruella de Vil careening down the road with her crazy hair and maddening eyes made me scared and excited. That’s why I was over the moon to see Emma Stone hunched over the driver’s wheel just like the animation in the Cruella trailer. The movie also didn’t disappoint. Have some punk fun and root for the girl who doesn’t apologize for being bad.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

Atomic Blonde is a non-stop thrill ride of woman bad-a**ery. Charlize Theron did her own stunts in this movie and they are incredible. Also a movie not suitable for youngins’, this movie is packed with ’80s dressed spy-ness. So grab some pink lipstick because this ride is going to be killer.

Wonder Woman (2017)

When DC’s Wonder Woman hit theatres in 2017 we were unprepared. Suddenly a blockbuster action movie that did well in the box office featured a strong female lead. Now it’s not like female leads didn’t exist before 2017, but it was the first time a whole world of strong women didn’t rely on another sex to tell a story. Despite the story falling into the realm of love stories, Diana Prince and her Amazonians showed that if you believe in truth and love you can kick meanies butts. After all, besides an invisible jet isn’t that what most of us want anyway? If you’ve been waiting to watch this movie, do it now. And if you’ve already seen it, watch it again. Then go back and watch some Geena Davis movies, women film education people.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Speaking of Geena Davis, if you want a powering women duo, Thelma & Louise is a must-see. I can never get enough of this movie. It is quirky and familiar, strong and unapologetic, it’s the right actors with the right dialogue and story, and yes, even has the famous Brad Pitt abs. Though the dynamics between Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis is enough a reason for me.

You may be asking yourself, “This is July? Shouldn’t this be a list of 7 Bad A** Women Lead Movies?” The reason for there being no #7 just as there are no numbers marking this list, is that any film that features a powerful lady is #1 in our book, and we want to know what your favorite movies are to watch! Let us know which movies we missed below or on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Stay classy collectors. Your bad a** blogger,

Diane

6 Disney Animated Movies That Scream Summer

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Summer is officially here and we want to know, what are 6 Disney Animated Movies that just scream summer? Luckily for us, we have this list.

1. Lilo + Stitch

If you read no further, this one movie will have you summer wooed. Lilo + Stitch features Hawaiian beaches, loveable aliens (Homer not included), and a heartwarming story. It will make you want to surf, turn your backyard into a luau, and remind you why Elvis is king. This movie is summer.

2. The Little Mermaid

While our minds are on the ocean, nobody sings the summer waters better than Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Swim with the fishes in a good way by diving into this movie. And even after 32 years (yikes. I know, right!?), Ursula is still one of the best Disney villains of all time.

3. Finding Nemo

Keeping with the ocean theme, you can’t mention the high summer seas without talking about Finding Nemo. This movie takes us down under which always brings to mind warmer weather and sunny days. We also love the “road trip” feel which hollers summer vacation, and if you forget… just keep swimming, because that’s what summer is for… swimming.

4. The Lion King

After all that water, we should dry off on land. A movie that has plenty of sandy land, sun, and beautiful plants is The Lion King. It will leave you feeling the heat (hopefully in an air conditioned room) and with no cares in the world. Just keep repeating, “Hakuna matata,” while tapping your heals three times… oh, wait.

5. Moana

That’s enough dry land, let’s jump back into the water, and back to Hawaii, with Moana. Moana hits the summer vibes hardcore. Tropical inviting beaches, warm Hawaiian waters, and a blinged out crustacean. It even has a cute volcano and was originally accompanied with the short film Lava. A volcano falling in love in a tropical paradise? Hello summer!

6. A Goofy Movie

Bringing our list to an end is A Goofy Movie. This may seem a little bit different then our other picks, but it fits in like a rubber duckie in water. A personal favorite, we can all recall that feeling of the last day of school before summer vacation, having to go on a road trip with our strange yet loveable father, detouring it to fit our needs and win the hand of our high school crush– did I mention there’s a life-size opossom? This road trip movie will have you laughing and singing just like a real summer road trip would all from the comfort of your own home. Hello staycation!

No matter what your prefered Disney Animated Summer Watch List, we can all agree that summer vibes need to be had. So why not live it up Disney-style? What are your must-watch Disney animated movies for the summertime? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on social media: IG @Blastftp, Twitter @BlastFTP, or Facebook @Blastfromthepastinc.

Sipping on our pink lemonades,

Your Friends at Blast From the Past

4 Must-Read Comic Book Series 4 April

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As we know, April is the 4th month of the year which makes these 4 comic book series even more special. This time of year may make you think of several things: springtime, Easter, taxes… and that’s why when trying to pinpoint which comic book you should read next, we recommend these following 4 gems. 4 series 4 you to read in 4 of 2021, still following me here? Good. Then, read on.

4. Spring Break Wolverine

Now, this is a tricky one which is why it makes our #4 spot, but “Spring Break Wolverine,” a fan story by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriquez released in 2012, hits our party time curiosity. It had a short run online and has since been pulled but the available pages make it an itch in my want-to-read-more cap. It is said that it was unsuitable for work, but with a premise like Wolverine finds himself accidentally in the thralls of kids partying during spring break I’m sold. If anyone knows where we can find a copy, please comment below or reach out to us on social media (links below).

3. Lenore

Hitting our #3 spot is Roman Dirge’s Lenore because it is to die for (pun intended). Lenore is the cute little dead girl who lives her life not fully aware of her surroundings which usually ends up in fatal accidents. It’s a series that’s been running since 1998 and it’s the cutest and most twisted thing… I love it. Why Lenore makes our April Comic Book Series List is because in one story she accidentally catches the Easter Bunny in a bear trap. Helping out, she dons a “bunny suit” and goes around delivering eggs to children… well, she tries at least. We will just say this is the friendly version of how this plot goes down, but the original is just as dark and lovely as one can imagine.

2. Superman

April is the time for the terrible T-word, taxes, and flying into our #2 spot of comic book series you should read in April is, yes, Superman. It seems odd at first, but Superman had at least 2 issues that rehashed a similar tale of Superman never paying his taxes and owing the IRS a billion dollars. Superman No. 114 released in July 1957 which featured the story on the cover and then in October 1961, the recycled story made an appearance in Superman No. 148. Somehow I find it comforting that the man in blue even had trouble with the government, but that could be just my glass-half-full wanting to come through rather than the alternative.

1. Swamp Thing

Bringing this list home is one of my favorites, Swamp Thing. As we approach Earth Day who better to remind us of what happens when you mess with nature than Swamp Thing. Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson planted this wonderful creation in 1971 and then broke out his solo self-titled series in 1972. And if you still haven’t watched the DC hit television series based on the comic/original movie, go watch it — now. It’s one of the best adaptations that’s ever come out of the DC Universe.

If our 4 for month 4 list wasn’t enough to hold you for this month just remember… Don Cheadle was Captain Planet before he became War Machine.

“With our powers combined [we can read more comic].”

– Busy Reading Diane

Have other comic book series that just scream April to you? Let us know! Leave a comment below or give us a shout-out on social media. IG @Blastftp, Twitter @BlastFTP, or find us on Facebook at Blast From the Past.

Dear Galaxy I Love You #NotAshamed

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We all have a story behind our pop culture loves that indefinitely link us to the toys we hold so dear. One world that is big in our store is Star Wars. We carry action figures, original 70s/80s/90s and new, memorabilia, promotional items, unique items, you-think-it-and-they’ve-probably-made-it items, enamel pins and everything in between. To the point, we love Star Wars. I love Star Wars and my connection to it goes back to, yes, when I was wee.

My father started it, my connection with Star Wars. It was the late 80s by the time I discovered his copy of the original VHS release of the trilogy. I was already familiar with the figures. We had quite the collection: action figures, an Ewok mask, a cork board featuring the cast, a lunchbox and even a tiny, kid-size Star Wars desk. The movies, however, blew me away. And even though I was of the in between generation, between the release of Episode IV-VI and the release of the prequels, I loved them all.

Those original three movies drew me in, as it did so many others, but why? Was it that it took you on an adventure over and over? Was it that good always won out no matter how appealing the dark side became? Was it the ridiculous creatures that somehow captured our hearts? For me, I believe it was all of the above. It didn’t matter how clunky some of the machinery or droids seemed to be, it didn’t matter how many side swipes jumped you from story to story, it had passion and heart from everyone who touched those films. It was the love of the people making those films that I believe in turn reached me and unleashed my imagination. It whisked up my hair into oversized cinnamon buns and said, “hey, this is pure fun and it’s alright.” And still to this day, the amount of ultimate joy I get by seeing a Jumbo Kenner-inspired Gamorrean Guard by Gentle Giant is an extension of that welcoming imagination. The figures and collectibles allow that rush of feeling, of love, and of awe I received from those films to wash over me like a kiss from a Bantha.

February is a month for many celebrations, but I think as we talk about love around Valentine’s Day we should speak about the love of our passions. After all, the love we feel for the movies, tv shows, and comics that made us is forever. To the artists who made them, we love you. You are astounding and we are not ashamed to say, yes, we probably will be dressed in head-to-toe cosplay and sleep in a several day, nay week(s), line the next time a Star Wars premiere is releasing in theaters and we are allowed to go.

Until then…

Stay Classy, Friends

– Movie Marathon Diane

Roundup the Troops It’s Game Time

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Whether you are spending more time indoors with family these days, your 60-year-old roommate, or your three cats, we have some fun items in stock to help you pass the time.

1. Puzzles

No matter your pop culture delight of choice, we probably have a puzzle for it. One of my particular favs is the Gremlins Collage puzzle by Aquarius, not pictured (and it may be gone by the time I finish this blog). We have many White Mountain Puzzles for the nostalgic puzzler and other Aquarius puzzles.

2. Board Games

Bring out your dice! These board games will have you rolling (get it!?)! Have fun with 1-5 players with these games based on your ultimate movie favorites like Horrified: a Universal Monsters Strategy Board Game. It allows you to play as the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, the Invisible Man, etc. which hits all our classic horror bones. However, keep an eye out because some of these games are recommended for ages 10+.

3. Video Games

While we don’t specialize in retro video games, we do get in a collection from time to time. So, if you are wanting to play an old school game with your roommate or sister, or just ignore everyone in your family all together, then these games are vintage gold. It’s best to call our store directly to see what we still have available in stock.

4. Model Kits

You love your collectibles and you love creating them yourself, or you’ve always wanted to build a model kit but never had the time, and well… now you do. Then these guys are for you! We love model kits ourselves like this Aurora King Kong kit! They are perfect for filling that artsy itch and whittling away some hours. They also look beautiful on the shelf when complete! Check-in with us to see what we still have in stock as our inventory is always shifting on these unique items.

5. Playing Cards

Whether you’re in the mood for playing solitaire or tricking your father out of a few M&Ms in poker (you scallywag), these pop culture cards are sure to add a little twinkle to your smile. We have horror-themed, superhero-themed, or fantasy-themed playing cards just to name a few.

So gather the troops and pass the skittles, it’s time for a little play and relaxation Blast From the Past style.

– Reliably Retro Diane

10 Movies That You Can Watch for Halloween and Christmas

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​The pumpkin is lit, the lights are dimmed low, the popcorn is in hand… now, what movie to watch? With so many options to choose from nowadays, we thought we would help you out. Here are 10 movies that work for Halloween and Christmas because why not double down, am I right?

1. GREMLINS (1984)

GREMLINS (1984) always holds a place in my heart. It’s funny, it’s weird, it’s spooky, and jolly all rolled into one. I almost always forget how dark it is, which makes it perfect for Halloween. The mom cooking the gremlin in the microwave– classic! Yet, it’s hard not to feel a warm, soft spot for little Gizmo when he’s singing along in a Santa hat. Though the first on our list, I would be so bold to say it may reign supreme for Christmas horror movies in my book.

2. KRAMPUS (2015)

What a pleasant surprise KRAMPUS (2015) was when it came out in theatres. It hits all the seasonal buttons: family, snow, presents, and the mythology of Krampus. As someone who was always wary of toys coming to life in a PUPPET MASTER (1989) tone rather than a plucky Disney one, KRAMPUS gives me chills just thinking about it. The special effects are spot on and the story doesn’t disappoint.

3. SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984)

A joyous, timeless romp in all 80s splendor. SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (1984) shows how taking a symbol like Santa and turning him deadly can have negative effects later on in life. That’s putting it mildly, but hopefully, it gets your mind churning.

4. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

For a bit of a lighter touch on the holiday, you could opt for Tim Burton’s THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993). A beautiful stop-motion film, this movie brings Christmas together with the darker, twisted stylings of Tim Burton. It’s engaging, spooky, and will leave you humming the songs all season long!

5. BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

This movie still gives me the creeps. I suppose it’s that feeling that you should be safe somewhere but really anything could happen. That’s what makes BLACK CHRISTMAS so disturbing and wonderful for Halloween. Yet, with all the Christmas decorations you’ll be yelling, “Where’s the eggnog?”

6. RARE EXPORTS (2010)

This Finnish movie is one of the scariest takes on Saint Nick. It will have you repeating to yourself, “I am good. I am good.” It will stick in your mind like any great story does and will leave you haunted well past Christmas.

7. CHILD’S PLAY (1988)

There’s a reason CHILD’S PLAY (1988) and its demonic doll, Chucky, are cult classics. This movie punches all our childhood fear buttons. Chucky is the perfect present for any boy, unfortunately, this one just happens to be possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Want to play? Um, not really, but we’ll watch the movie over and over again!

8. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

Another story on the lighter side of Halloween, but fitting nevertheless. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990) brings Tim Burton’s knack of odd and unique characters into the heart of a suburban neighborhood. It’s one I always love watching and one I always forget how wonderful it is until I watch it. Dianne Wiest as the mother– I mean, come on– genius!

9. THE SHINING (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s THE SHINING (1980) may not seem like a Christmas movie to you but it meets our requirements: family, snow, well wishes… What is more endearing than the love of a father who allows his family to vacation at an incredible resort while he works? Sure he’s going to cut them up into little bits, but it’s not like it’s going to hurt. His love will go on forever, and ever, and ever…

10. CRONOS (1993)

Guillermo Del Toro is a master of monsters and CRONOS (1993) is no exception. It brings a 600-year-old monster to the surface in an incredible visionary dance. As always, Del Toro combines the macabre and dark with a childlike wonder that is delicious for Halloween and magical enough for Christmas. Just watch it and let us know what you decide.

There are many other wickedly horrific Christmas-centered movies that we sadly could not fit on this list. What’s your favorite? Let us know below or give us a shout out on social media! @Blastftp

Why We Love NECA’s 8-Bit Video Game Figure Line

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NECA’s 8-Bit Video Game Figure Line hits so many of our joy buttons. They are retro, nostalgic, but modern and so rad. Honestly, I want them all. We currently have several of these action figures in store along with our other collectibles from NECA. For those that we don’t currently have– like the Jason Voorhees V. 1, which was an SDCC exclusive years back– we are always on the lookout to swipe them up. So, it’s always good to keep a pulse on our store for that special item you’re looking for! Here’s a highlight of 5 of our favorite 8-Bit Video Game Figures from NECA’s line.

#1. Batman

Flying in at #1 and standing 7″ tall is Batman! Based on the 1989 NES Game following the Michael Keaton BATMAN (1989), this dark knight brings all that 80s-awesomeness from the side-scrolling game that we absolutely love. He’ll have you saying, “POW! BAM! BANG!” all-day-long no matter your age.

 

#2. Mohawk

He’s up to no good in your neighborhood, it’s Mohawk from the GREMLINS 2: A NEW BATCH (1990) NES Video Game! He wreaks havoc at 7″ tall and is painted to replicate the game’s pixelated look. This one we definitely recommend getting wet and feeding after midnight.

 

#3. RoboCop

Call him Murphy. He’s here in his 8-Bit blues to serve the public trust, defend the innocent, and uphold the law while being totally tubular. He’s part man, part machine, and all heart. Yes, please!

 

 

#4. Godzilla

Stomping in above 6″ tall and nearly 12″ long from head to toe, Godzilla is rockin’ his 1980’s look. His paint deco is a throwback to the pixelated look from the 1988 classic video game. RAWR hell yasss! This guy is going to fight all my action figures.

 

#5. Freddy Krueger

The man of our dreams, Freddy Krueger, looks amazingly killer in his classic video game colors. He’s fully articulated like the other action figures in this line and even comes with his dashing smile. It’s prime time!

 

 

 

NECA’s 8-Bit Video Game Figures Line makes me so happy I think I may break out the NES, grab some Tab and Pixie Stix, sit curled up surrounded by these action figures, and live my best narly vintage life. Who’s totally boss? NECA.

Stay groovy friends!

8-Bit Diane

•••

Give us a call at 818-557-7724 or Email us at blastfromthepastinc@yahoo.com to learn more about what NECA figures we have in store. You can also hit us up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blastfromthepastinc, Instagram @Blastftp, or on Twitter @BlastFTP.

Comic-Con@Home?

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I do not consider myself a veteran of San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), however, I have been going nearly every year since 2012. There are others, like the owner of Blast From the Past, Larry Ross, who have been attending for over twenty years. It has been a staple of “going home” every year. A place and event to look forward to, and once there, a place where one can get caught up in their passions and momentarily escape— no matter how sleep deprived one might get. So, with the development of COVID-19 and the suspension of the in-person SDCC, today marks the first day of Comic-Con@Home.

The programming for Comic-Con@Home started earlier in the day, and while it is a limited selection of what you could experience in person at SDCC, it does offer a taste of the panels that would normally be available. Yet it will be interesting to see how long people at home attend these online panels.

For one, the overload of information that is the joy of going to panel after panel does get tiring. As much fun as it is to hear from industry leaders in comics, tv, or film, there’s only so much listening a person can do. On top of it, while someone might be an extraordinary artist, that doesn’t mean they are at all interesting to see in person– or in this case, on video. From my experience, Game of Thrones is an amazing show. To see a panel of the hit show is incredible and awe inspiring. However, having George R.R. Martin hosting a panel is weird, awkward, and something you just want to run away from. Trust me on this. So, it will be interesting to see which panels are out-of-the-park, so to speak, and which ones flop.

Secondly, part of what makes SDCC such a delight is being around friends sharing in common interests. The enthusiasm your friend has for Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo and Sailor Moon somehow, whether it was true beforehand or not, suddenly becomes intoxicating and a passion of yours. Together you are on a celebration of a creative art form and how it has positively effected your lives. It pushes you through long hours, hot days, insane crowds of people, and in the end, not only do you have your passions that exhilarate you, lifting you up to be productive and go for your dreams, you have what is the SDCC experience. You have survived it together. You have built memories that will last a life time.

So, will I attend Comic-Con@Home? Probably. But only certain panels and screenings here and there. It’s not going to be an all consuming weekend that’s for sure. And somehow the idea of me sitting alone at home in cosplay just makes me feel sadder and more aware of the predicament we find ourselves. Maybe I can find away to turn my room into Hall H during a Warner Brothers reveal…

Are you attending Comic-Con@Home? Let us know on our social media. Tag us @Blastftp #comicconathome #blastftp For the Comic-Con@Home schedule click HERE.