the secret’s in the telling
A brief note before we begin (tech/snobbery alert 
Is it just me, or do Christians use AutoTune more than real musicians? Why is every freaking worship leader now drenched in AT? Why can’t we figure it out that we don’t need to “sound perfect,” and that AT’d vocals ALWAYS ALWAYS sound AT’d and ridiculous.
Alas, forsooth, and anyhoo. Today was a gorgeous day to be alive, and I feel quite pleased with my accomplishments. I got my support letters for El Salvador written and ready to give out, I had a great interview at a really cool coffee shop nearby (heavens to betsy I miss pulling shots and steaming milk,) and I started work on a very near-and-dear personal project: The Midnight Society. Allow me.
For the past few weeks, a select few representatives have gathered in my living room following small group to watch a scary movie. It began with Halloween (the real movie, 1978, not Rob Zombie’s retarded attempt at the medium of film,) and was an instant success. Soon came Identity, the bizarre and unexpected John Cusack number which proved a rousing hit; we were also blessed to welcome new members who were jumping at shadows and covering their eyes in a delightful and entertaining manner. We jump, we talk about the twists and turns afterwards, and we have a great time. I realized last night during the great debacle of Saw that what we had was a great group of people having an awesome time. So late last night I began drafting a charter and refining by-laws pertaining to our selection of films, discussions, and membership. Today I started cooking up a blog (no link just yet,) and will try this week to secure a night when we can gather regularly without disturbing my roommates. (Non-members, you see.) This is by far one of the geekiest undertakings I’ve ever sojourned, and I’ve never felt more alive.
Just to throw in my 2 cents, I think this is one of the greatest things I have heard in quite awhile. I think that is a fantastic idea. I have done similar movie appreciation groups, of a much smaller scale, with friends while in college. Some people seem to forget how fun movies can be, until they watch them with a group of friends. Drafting a charter and making laws really takes it to a level that I think is inspired. I find that there are few things in life comparable to the joy of watching horror/suspense films with a group of good friends. The discussion, laughter and satisfaction is unparralleled. I’m glad to see that someone else is celebrating what these films are supposed to be all about, a reason to connect with others and think. Any good, or even bad, film can bring about such a connection. Great idea. Two thumbs up. I only wish I could be a part of it. I am totally new to this whole blogging world. Check out my movie reviews if you ever feel like it. I even mention the Midnight Society in the newest.
Will
I’m very excited! The idea behind the rules is to obviously discourage people from showing up late or foreshadowing/talking over the movie, but also to keep the whole thing lighthearted. I’m also going through any and all suggestions of movies to watch to find films that will be enjoyable to everybody who comes without making someone feel uncomfortable. We’re sticking to more “classic” movies, although movies like Identity and Saw were chosen because of the great jump scenes and plot twists and utter lack of real gore. We won’t be playing any movies that are excessively violent/gory or just full of sex or any weird spiritual themes, just movies that can make you jump or are just freakin’ well-made. Thanks for the response!
If you’re looking for great horror films, Saw should never be included in that list. The Shining is a must.
I would like to be in this group if you’ll have me. Let me know what the initiation is…haha. It will be easier to participate when I live there.
I agree with mark, the Shining is an absolute must, also:
Event Horizon
Seven (maybe?)
Sunshine
Dawn of the Dead (the original)
28 Days Later
I think it would be fun for us to have a general movie appreciation group. It seems like there are a ton of people in our group that are really into movies. It might be fun; we can use my blockbuster online thing.
@Mark: while I agree that Saw is a crappy, crappy movie, there are several scenes that are thought out brilliantly (the camera flash sequence is a very smart way to create tension.) Saw has also, for all of its utter awfulness, become a landmark horror movie and I think will always need mention when discussing or dissecting the genre.
@josh: one thing I’m trying to do with this group is make sure we choose movies that are scary and fun to watch but won’t be excessively gory because some of our founding members have only seen the horror movies we’ve shown and I do not want to alienate or discomfort anyone. also, I do plan to have this develop into a more general movie group where I’ll lead a little discussion and share my passion for movies, but I want to weigh a little heavy on the side of movies that scare the juices out of everyone because it is just so g-darned fun.
did you think some of those movies I mentioned were over the top? I thought they were pretty general. I suppose event horizon might be a little much for some people.
no, I love all of those ideas, though I still have never seen EH. Seven is actually pretty high on my list, because it is one of those films that leaves almost everything to the imagination. I haven’t seen all of 28 Days Later, is it really gory? I like it a lot, I just don’t recall how bad it was.
it’s not too bad at all.
28 Days Later wasn’t that bad in terms of gore. Event Horizon is an absolute must. There is some gore but not a ton. It’s just the way the small bit of it is presented that is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever witnessed.