Sunday, July 31, 2016

Interview with filmmaker Paige Joy. Director of Don't Fall Asleep!

Interview with filmmaker Paige Joy. Director of Don't Fall Asleep!

I had the absolute pleasure  of getting a chance to talk with up and coming filmmaker Paige Joy on her new film Don't Fall Asleep. Paige is a massive Nightmare On Elm Street fan and decided to pursue her passion into making a spin off film following one of horror's most beloved final girls Nancy Thompson. The movie picks up right after the original and gives Elm Street fans a view into a story that's never been told. What exactly did happen to Nancy between part 1 and 3? I have been following the production of this film and was thrilled when the film's official  trailer premiered as well as the release date was announced for September 5th. Read here to see what inspired Paige to make this film, and what fans can expect to this chilling new tale of the first person to ever defeat Mr. Krueger.


1) Which Nightmare movie do you remember seeing first? What drew you to the franchise to begin with?

I think I was maybe 4 years old. Its the typical story, my mom was at work, and my dad was babysitting me. He sat me in front of HBO and A nightmare on elm street part 3 came on. I  was instantly hooked. Funny story, I had an advance viewing of Don't Fall Asleep for my parents. My mother has never seen any of the films so I made her watch the original before ours. She was so mad lol I quote "I can't believe my 4 year old watched this." 

I was drawn to the series because of Nancy. She was such  a strong character, always fighting for what was right and fighting for survival. We all have our personal Freddy's and Nancy showed us that you could fight them. Its the whole Be Nancy Mantra. I think the one thing about the Nightmare films that stands out against other horror films is that there is always a Female Heroine. The Characters were smart, beautiful, and strong. They were really good role models for women growing up. Wes wanted to make sure his leading character wasn't a dumb girl tripping and falling. She was a warrior. So that is what I looked up to my whole life. 

2) Favorite sequel in the series and why?

Dream Warriors by far. I think its because it was the first film I saw, it was my first introduction to Nancy. I just hold such a bond and special memory with watching Dream Warriors over and over again. My grandmother recorded it on a vhs for me. I forever have Apocalypse Now burnt into my head (the ending). Because that was what was first on the tape. So every time I wanted to watch Dream Warriors (which was daily) I would forward the tape to the part when the bulls head is getting cut off. Its burned into my brain lol. Truth be told, I still have that tape in  a bin in storage. 

3) You have cosplayed several characters from these movies. Which was your favorite to do? Any plans on re-creating any others?
Kristen Parker holds such a special place in my heart. She will forever be my favorite to do. There is nothing like running down the halls of conventions scream "you can't take Nancy away from us she's all we have. You stupid bitch your killing us!" lol but by far the fan favorite is Jennifer Caulfield. That was such a process to do. Finding an old tv and gutting it, attaching it to poles, sculpting the Freddy head, and transporting it was so tedious. That thing was so heavy. I totally commend my friends that weekend for helping me. I was strapped into it and could barely move.  Seeing the crowd reaction at Horror Hound made it all worth it. 

Future plans? I don't think I would cosplay anyone else from Nightmare. I currently am working on the pink power ranger ninja, and a pipe dream is to cosplay American Mary. 

4) Top three moments from the original movie for you?

3: Nancy walking in the hallway looking for Tina's body bag. (I went to a school that looked exactly like that and I would play pretend like I was Nancy everyday)
2: The Glen and Nancy bridge scene.
1:When Nancy lays down for her final dream, says the Now I lay me down to sleep rhyme, and you hear her conversation with Glen.

5) What inspired you to make Never Sleep Again? 
I'm laughing because everyone is calling it Never Sleep Again. We purposefully didn't name it that because of the documentary, but now looking back we should have named it that.

I always wanted to share what I felt was Nancy's story. Last year during Horror Hound we watched Nathan's film. Confessions of Fred Krueger. Nathan Thomas Milliner is a friend of mine, through Diandra. It sparked something inside me and made me realize now was the time to share Nancy's story. I told Diandra and Michelle that weekend my idea and we kinda joked around about it. When I got home I texted them that I was serious, and that if anyone was going to make a Nancy fan film, it should be us.  I wrote the first scene and sent it over. They both immediately came back with a YES LETS DO THIS. Michelle then sent over a several more pages, I then wrote and sent more back, Diandra then wrote some stuff. It was a merry go round of a script for months until we locked everything in. With each week each of us adding more to the script. 

Have you ever seen I am Nancy, Heather Langenkamp's documentary? In it she talks about how Nancy doesn't get the same love as other horror heroines and Freddy. We wanted to show the world, and show the horror scene that Nancy is a force to be reckoned with. That her story and character matters to the horror buffs. We feel like there is that unknown of what happened to her between the 1st and 3rd film and we wanted to show how she became who she was. 

6) Don't Fall Asleep focuses on the timespan between part 1 and 3 for Nancy. What can fans expect with this movie? Will there be references to the original?

Don't Fall Asleep is the untold story of Nancy Thompson. We want to make it very clear that this is not your typical horror film. Think more along the lines of New Nightmare. In our film fans can expect to laugh, be scared, be proud, but also be sad. There are some really amazing actors on this project, and there are some scenes between Diandra and Chad (our male lead) that are so sad. The chemistry of the entire cast was just so amazing. 
We wanted to bridge the gap, and our film picks up directly after the first one ends. There is so much we are going to explain, so many things that never got explained that we wanted to piece together. I can't spoil anything but something I can say is, who ever the wardrobe supervisor was in Nightmare 3 totally missed the mark on Nancy's grey streak. We even explain why it flips sides.... The fans are in for some super cool surprises that we can't wait to see the reaction to.

There are going to be several references to the original in the first half of our film. Our film takes place right after the first film, and then right before the third film. So there will be references from both films in ours. 

7) Best memory on set?

I have 2. 

Calling action for the first time on set and seeing Diandra in those pajamas was so surreal. She was no longer my friend, she was Nancy. And to call action on my baby, my project, something I have dreamed for my entire life..... it was just amazing and emotional.

The other best memory was just getting to hang out with our cast and crew. We are so fortunate to have an amazing crew and cast. The down time (though there wasn't many) was great. Vicki Andronis is playing a character in our film that I cannot talk about until after the premier, but she is by far one of the most amazing actresses I have ever seen. Her comedic timing on stuff was great. She plays  a very serious character but inbewteen takes we were cracking up laughing. We were all crying with laughter from her. After our film comes out we are going to release a blooper reel, behind the scenes footage, and deleted scenes and I cannot wait for you guys to see her comedy on camera lol.

8) Top five favorite horror movies and why?

5: IT (ummm pennywise still haunts me... "They all float")
4:The Ring (so scary)
3: The exorcist (anything about possession just really freaks me out)
2: Scream (the fact that it could really happen, and that Wes directed it, just holds so dear in my heart)
1: Nightmare on Elm Street (obviously lol)

9) What appeals to you about Nancy? 

Her strength and beauty. She was and is a fighter. She put others before herself. Shes into survival. In my darkest moments I think "What would Nancy do?"

10) What's next in line for you?

Sleep. Lots of Sleep. This past year has been such a whirlwind. I told Diandra, Kim, and Michelle that we need a girls vacation trip. I would truly be lost without them, they are my best friends, and even though we talk everyday, I think we need a nice beach with mimosas lol

We will be launching our film production company this fall, and we have a short film lined up to film this October, contractually I am not sure what I can say about it, other than its a psychological thriller and original idea. So next up is just to rest before we start our next project. We have a bin of ideas and over the next 2 years want to start production on them.

Thanks so much for having me and I cannot wait for the fans to see Don't Fall Asleep!

- Thank you Paige! Amazing to see more  women kicking ass in the filmmaking business. Also side note, I called Don't Fall Asleep Never Sleep Again more than once during this interview. Dear Lord...only me ha, ha, ha. Thanks Paige! Can't wait to see this movie!!!



Saturday, July 30, 2016

Top 10 pieces of artwork based off John Carpenter films!

 Top 10 pieces of artwork based off John Carpenter films!
To close off our John Carpenter themed week I decided to hand pick 10 of my all time favorite pieces of artwork based off John Carpenter movies. Mind you there are hundreds, and I mean hundreds that I absolutely love but here are the top ten that I found that truly stuck out. What are your favorites?











Thursday, July 28, 2016

Carpenter cocktails!

 Carpenter cocktails!

To celebrate our John Carpenter week, and with keeping in tradition with some of my recent posts for Sensational Summer, I decided to post some yummy cocktails Carpenter style. So bottoms up and enjoy!

Shake The Pillars Of Earth
1 1/2 oz Malibu coconut rum
1/2 oz creme de bananas 
1/8 oz grendine syrup
1/2 oz pineapple juice
1/2 oz Midori melon liqueur 
Sliced Pineapple for the top

All Outta Bubble Gum
16 pieces of bubble gum cut in half
2 cups vodka 
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1 cup ice

Spiced Haddonfield
1 part vodka
4 parts sparking wine
Dash of simple syrup
1 tablespoon of pumpkin butter
1 pinch of pumpkin spice
1 sliced dried apple

Enjoy!!!




Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Top 5 best Carpenter themes.

 Top 5 best Carpenter themes.

John Carpenter is a master of his craft. Not only is he a very talented writer and director, he also is one hell of a composer, having written countless themes to his own movies that are still remembered today. Just recently Carpenter released two albums of newly synth songs for Lost Themes I and Lost Themes II. This year he's been touring around the world, performing his music and showing clips from his movies in the background. Sadly things fell through last second and I was unable to go to his New York show. I'm praying he tours again and this time does Boston. I looked up several songs he did on Youtube and for a guy his age, he's still rocking out just as he did 30 plus years ago in his Big Trouble In Little China music video. Here I decided to post my top five favorite themes of his. Which are yours?

1) Assault On Precinct 13.

2) Halloween.

3) The Fog

4) Christine

5) In The Mouth Of Madness.


Rock On!

Top 5 best Carpenter themes.

 Top 5 best Carpenter themes.

John Carpenter is a master of his craft. Not only is he a very talented writer and director, he also is one hell of a composer, having written countless themes to his own movies that are still remembered today. Just recently Carpenter released two albums of newly synth songs for Lost Themes I and Lost Themes II. This year he's been touring around the world, performing his music and showing clips from his movies in the background. Sadly things fell through last second and I was unable to go to his New York show. I'm praying he tours again and this time does Boston. I looked up several songs he did on Youtube and for a guy his age, he's still rocking out just as he did 30 plus years ago in his Big Trouble In Little China music video. Here I decided to post my top five favorite themes of his. Which are yours?

1) Assault On Precinct 13.

2) Halloween.

3) The Fog

4) Christine

5) In The Mouth Of Madness.


Rock On!

Monday, July 25, 2016

Top 5 Carpenter endings!

 Top 5 Carpenter endings!
Ah, over here at Staystillreviews we are still rolling out with our new week's theme which is John Carpenter movies! (Does anyone else love the fact I completely threw the schedule out the window?) Well, to celebrate my all time favorite director I decided to post his top five endings to his movies. Let's see which ones you agree on!


5) Assault On Precinct 13
- "I have moments." After a night long standoff at the police station only three survivors are left standing still protecting the poor stunned father who lost his daughter earlier and was the cause of this gang war. The smoke clears and the one in a million chance of them living actually panned out for the best. With the haunting heartbeat of a theme going, Leigh is walks out after giving one last glance at Napoleon. Knowing that he's still a criminal, Bishop is overcome with emotional when he sees the police try to handcuff Napoleon. Telling him it would be a pleasure if he walked out with him, Napoleon and Bishop seem like old friends that helped each other survive. They smile, laugh and Napoleon replies he knows it would. Bishop grins saying he's pretty fancy and Napoleon states as he did earlier in the film he has moments. With that both police officer and criminal walk side by side and up the stairs alive.

4) In The Mouth Of Madness
- "This is not reality!" - After the very strange and unusual road trip John Trent goes on, he leaves the metal asylum he was committed to and sees that author Sutter Cane is in fact more powerful than he ever expected. The book has casted a spell over it's readers causing world wide madness. As he wanders about he finds a movie theater where the mind controlling book has been made into a movie. Going into the empty audience, John enjoys a nice popcorn as he watches his very own story unfold knowing that anyone who sees this film will be just as effected as they were reading the book. Throwing his head back, he laughs with madness as the world around him ends. Carpenter's killer theme to this is what makes the ending so epic.

3) Halloween
- "As a matter of fact...it was." - The ultimate slasher was actually quite the elegant film back in it's day. After Loomis comes to the rescue, shooting Michael several times before he falls out a second story window all seems to be safe and sound. Laurie, the babysitter sits on the floor weeping before looking up at Loomis as a child would and says "It was the boogieman." Loomis sighs and replies "As a matter of fact...it was." Going to the window, Loomis looks down only to see Michael is no longer there. Knowing that he's unstoppable and still out there Loomis glares out into the night as Laurie continues to cry and the heavy breathing of Michael surrounds the peaceful sleeping town.


2) The Fog
- "Why not six Blake? Why not six?" After it seems that Blake and his men have returned back to their grave after receiving the gold they were killed over, the fog slowly returns back to the ocean and all seems at peace. That is until the priest, still riddled with grief wanders back into the church and asks out loud why wasn't he killed? Everyone else who was released to the men who killed Blake's crew were murdered, he was the last. Why not him? Well royaly fucking himself, the ghosts appear out of the glowing fog. Stunned, the priest stares before he turns and SWOOSH! His head is cut off just as the camera goes to black and the beautiful theme begins to play. 

1) The Thing
- "Let's just wait here for a while, see what happens." This iconic ending is one of the MANY reasons why John Carpenter's The Thing is one of the greatest movies ever made. After the station has been blown to holy hell, and the creature has been killed, MacReady stumbles among the wreckage only to find Childs. The two collapse in the snow, and remark that the fires surrounding the camp won't last long and they won't survive. Here MacReady claims maybe they shouldn't. Childs tries to defend himself saying that he isn't the creature in which MacReady tells him both aren't exactly in the best of shape for any surprises. Sitting there, waiting for death the two men look at the burning fires before Childs asks what should they do? MacReady says the epic "Let's just wait here for a while, see what happens." and with that an unspoken closure is settled between the two. They pass a bottle back and forth and await death. 

Friday, July 22, 2016

If Stranger Things had been made in the 1980's.

 If Stranger Things had been made in 1980's
I'm sure I'm not the only person around here that absolutely LOVED Stranger Things. Tonight I decided to have a little fun and toss in some actors from the 1980's (the decade this show takes place) that I feel would have been perfect had the show been shot in the mid to late 1980's. Now I understand not all of the actors ages matches up (mostly from 1983) but humor me. This was a struggle since at least ten times I wanted so badly to put either Zach Galligan or Damon Matin in here. After a good snooping about on the internet while the first episode played in the background I decided these would be the perfect people to play these kick ass roles!


Joyce - Adriene Barbeau

Hopper - Tom Atkins

Mike - Jonathan Brandis 

Eleven - Soleil Moon Frye

Dustin - Corey Feldman

Lucas - Jaleel White (grasping at straws for that one, can you tell?)

Nancy -Jean Louisa Kelly 

Jonathan - River Phoenix 

Dr. Brenner -  David Warner

Steve - C. Thomas Howell

Will - Wil Wheaton 




Thursday, July 21, 2016

Stephen King themed cocktails part 1!

 Stephen King themed cocktails part 1!

This may or may not be the greatest post simply because Mr. King himself battled being an alcoholic for the better part of his career. King has said he was so heavy into drugs and booze and he can't remember writing the novel Cujo AT ALL! He even claims a lot of his writing back then (certain parts in books, via the child sex in IT, is something he deeply regrets.) Hey buddy, as awful as this sounds Cujo is one of my all time favorite books. If that was a result of the darkest time in his life, more power to him.

No, over here at Staystillreviews we keep things light hearted. During our Sensational Summer, you might have noticed a pattern of themed cocktails. This is just a fun little idea for fellow fans simply by re-naming drinks. So next time you have a Stephen King marathon and wanna tip back a few, here are some ideas!

Derry 1990
1 ounce grenadine
6 ounces ginger ale
2 ounces vodka 
2 ounces of orange juice

Derry 1957 (for younger readers)
1 ounce sprite 
1 ounce ginger ale
A splash of grenadine
Add a maraschino cherry on top!

A bloody Carrie
2 ounces of vodka 
3/4 teaspoon of horseradish
2 or 3 dash of hot sauce
2/3 dash of Worcestershire sauce
A pinch of celery salt
A pinch of pepper
2 ounces of tomato sauce
Celery stick to top it off!

The Plymouth 57
1 part vodka
2 parts cranberry juice
1 lime

The Maximum Overdrive
4 oz lemonade 
4 oz apple juice
1 shot apple vodka 
1 thinly sliced apple piece

Enjoy!!!