Scary story 3.

The Crow-man.

The Crow-man is an ancient English folklore about a sinister and mysterious old man that wonders about towns and the countryside during the hours of darkness. It is said that he has long sliver hair, a long crooked nose, small yellow eyes, wrinkled unwashed skin, slightly pointed ears, long claw like fingers, and a mouthful of broken teeth. He also wears baggy clothing like that of a tramp, a long black coat, dark brown boots, and a black top hat. It is said that he also carries either an old fashioned oil lantern or a walking cane. If you happen to spot him, you’ll think that he had just stepped out from the late Victorian era.

Little is known about the Crow-man’s origins. Some say that he was once a magician that gained supernatural powers after summoning a demon. Others say that he is a lost soul that wonders about for all eternity. But whatever is the case, everybody agrees that he is not of this earth.

The Crow-man prefers to wonder about during the hours of darkness. From sunset to sunrise. Although he is not a vampire. His favourite places to hang out are alleyways, street corners, long countryside pathways through forests and/or fields, and any other places that are dark. But when morning comes, he quickly finds a dark place to sleep until the sun goes down. Like a hollow tree, a cave, a crypt, or someone’s cellar or attic. Some say that they can hear him whistling as he strolls about the empty streets of a village or town. The Crow-man prefers nights were the only light is from the moon. And also if it is stormy, windy, foggy, or cold.

Why is he named the Crow-man you may ask? Well it is because that he is constantly followed and aided by many crows. Sinister looking creatures that are jet black and have demonic red eyes. They are his minions and will do anything he asks of them. Either sending them to get food or to locate anyone who has the misfortune of crossing him. It is also a fact that he can transform into a giant crow if he wants to travel vast distances. And that his laughter is similar to that of a crow’s squawk. So if you see a large number of crows in your area, it is a sign that he is either been here or is nearby.

If you happen to encounter him one dark night, always remember to be polite if he comes over to you. Do not mock him, insult him, and above all us provoke him. He would transform you into a crow and forces you to join the ever growing flock that accompanies him.  Or worse he would place a curse on you and will constantly bring misfortune upon your head. If you are polite to him, he would pass you by and you would be able to continue your journey without fear.

The Crow-man is also known to grant miracles. Any horrible misfortune that might have fallen on you or your family, he would get rid of it. But there is a price you’ll have to pay. The Crow-man would often ask for something priceless or very valuable that you own. Either something shiny like a watch or a pen. But mainly your soul. If that is the case then you will be turned into a crow. But if you are luckily enough, he might grew sorry for you and will turn you back into a human. But this rarely ever happens.

So be warned of the Crow-man. Best not to go outside during the hours of darkness. Because you might never know… What is lurking in the shadows.

Film Review: U.S Marshals

Release date: March 6th 1998.

Story: In a spin off of the film The Fugitive, Tommy Lee Jones stars as United States Deputy Marshall Sam Gerald. He and his team are tasked to find a federal fugitive Mark Roberts (played by Wesley Snipes) who had escaped after an prison plane crashes. But what they don't know is that Mark had been set up months before his arrest and is seeking out those who had set him up. So it becomes a cat and mouse game between Sam Gerald and his team trying to locate and recapture Mark Roberts while Mark is trying to find out who had set him up.

My thoughts: I haven't seen the Fugitive starring Harrison Ford but this movie is great as a stand alone movie. All of the characters are great and memorable and the action scenes are also amazing. This film also stars Robert Downey Jr years before he became famous as Iron Man. If you are a fan of action films then I would recommend checking this out.

My score: Four stars.

Scary story 2

The Encounter.

The masked man walked down the alleyway late that evening. The alleyway was lit up by just a few street lamps and the only sounds were the distant traffic and his footsteps on the concrete path. He was about to turn a corner when he heard something behind him. The masked man turned around and... there was nothing. The man was about to continue his walk when he noticed someone in front of him. It was a woman around his height. She had dark messy hair, wide eyes, and was wearing a long dirty raincoat. But what was odd about her was the fact that she was wearing a surgeon's mask. She was walking quickly towards him and it was clear that she wasn't going to let him past.

"What do you want with me?!" the man said "will you stand aside so I may pass?" "I will" the woman said "but first answer me this, do you find me beautiful?" The man looked her up and down and (in the hopes that she'll leave him alone) said "yes you do look beautiful". The woman's eyes opened more wider than normal and she tore off her mask. Revealing a hideously scared face with slit cheeks and horrible cracked lips. "Do you still find me beautiful?!" the woman said in a more derange voice. The masked man looked at her. "That depends," he said removing his mask "what do you think of me?!"

Anime Reviews: One Punch Man

Release date: October 4th - December 20th 2015 (original release). July 16th - October 8th 2016 (English release). One series, twelve episodes, plus seven OVAs.

Story: Saitama may look like your average superhero. But in reality he is the extremely overpowered hero known as One Punch man. Named so because he is able to defeat even other extremely powerful super beings with just a single punch. But for him it is dull. Not being able to have a decent fight with a supervillain without smashing their brains everywhere. But soon he teams up with a cyborg named Genos as he fights evil and seeks out a worthy opponent.

My thoughts: This is a great and funny anime. The show is set in a world where superheroes are a thing (just like My Hero Academia) and where anybody could be a superhero if you have powers. There are a lot of funny moments in this (like Saitama trying to swat a mosquito) and there is going to be a second season coming soon. Like I said this is a good series and I would recommend it.

My score: Four stars.

TV Reviews: Robocop the series

Release date: March 18th - November 26th 1994 (one season, twenty one episodes plus one pilot).

Story: The many trials of Robocop and the Delta City police department as they battle crime although out the city.

My thoughts: This is an ok series. Many Robocop fans properly won't like the fact that the series drops the ultra violence from the movies in favour for a more family friendly audience. But apart from that it is a good series. Some of the things that I don't like about the series are the commercials with the Commander Cash. Which are basically adverts that are selling ultra realistic toy military stuff (like a mini explosive putty that when exploded, resembles a real war wound and even one where they criticises anti-pollution PSAs). Some of the villains are good like the recurring Pudface Morgan (who had been disfigured by Robocop in a previous episode and has the catchphrase "Not the face!" when ever Robocop delivers the final blow). This show may not be for all Robocop fans but it is a decent show and you can enjoy it.

My score: Three stars.

Film Review: Scream

Release date: December 18th 1996 (Los Angeles release). December 20th 1996 (US release).

Story: Someone has taken their love of horror movies too far and is going around killing people. Things get so bad that a small American town (where the murders take place) has placed a curfew. But the local teenagers (as you would expect in a horror movie) decide to ignore everyone and decide to have a party. But they should have listened as the killer finds his way to the party.

My thoughts: This movie directed by the late and great Wes Craven had brought back the slasher killer movies back from the brink of death with fresh new ideas and a likable cast. It also stars Courteney Cox (during her time on the hit comedy show Friends) while Neve Campbell is excellent in the role of Sidney Prescott. The movie mixes black comedy with a whodunnit type of mystery and makes fun of the clichés found in other slasher killer movies. This movie has three sequels, a television series, and has been parodied many times. Ghostface has been placed in the most recognisable horror movie killers alongside Leatherface, Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, Freddy Kruger, Pinhead, and Chucky. And it is because of the movie's opening kill that people have brought caller I.D devices for their phones.

My score: Four stars.