Random Ramblings from the Vault...

• Looks like Shutter Island has given Martin Scorsese the biggest weekend opening by far of any flick in his illustrious career. See Marty, forget all that avant garde Oscar-bait drama--genre entertainment is where the big bucks are at!

• I was blown away by the trailer for the remake of The Crazies, which was attached to the The Wolfman when I saw it last week. Another remake that tops the original (forgive me, George)?

• You know what could use a really great modern interpretation? Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. I think it would work great as a modern-day retelling. Perhaps the good doctor would be a genetics researcher or something. And Ivy could be a stripper. Casting ideas, anyone? And please don't bring up that 50 Cent/Forrest Whittaker abortion, either.

• Time to get infuriated, it's the Saturn Award nominees! Last year, Hellboy II won for Best Horror Movie. Yeah, I know... And this year's nominees include New Moon, kids!

• So, what, are we up to about... 347 zombie short story anthologies now? Just wondering.

• If you had told me a couple years ago that there would be a remake of I Spit on Your Grave, let alone one with a theatrical release, I'd have said you were crazy. Actually, I probably would still say you were crazy even if you didn't tell me that.

• It's official. There is no such thing as a bad Hammer film. Even their more mediocre entries are well worth my time.

• I was finally able to watch the Spanish-language Universal Dracula. I'd have to say, a bit better shot than the Tod Browning version. Most of the supporting players are superior, especially Eduardo Arozamena as Van Helsing. Pablo Alvarez Rubio approaches the greatness of Dwight Frye as Renfield, with a totally different interpretation. But Carlos Villarias is unworthy of tying Bela Lugosi's cravat. Plus, I knew enough of the plot to watch it without subtitles, which I think is pretty cool.

• Cyber Horror Awards Reminder: Two weeks to go until winners are announced for the best in 2009 horror movies. Bloggers/writers, make sure to get those ballots in!

• Congratulations go out to the Vault's sister blog, Day of the Woman, which celebrated its first anniversary yesterday! In celebration of the event, BJ-C has officially launched Tea Party of the Dead (that's TPotD to you), a new conglomerate of female horror bloggers.