Missed the Bloody Cut: 2026 (Part 1)

After a raucous Saturday crowd, CAPE, or the Cornwall and Area Pop Event, had what has to be its biggest second day turnout yet. Excited crowds, many dressed in costume, flooded the Benson Centre, primed to explore its many booths. . . ranging from Funkos and vintage toys, to original artwork and literature, while others were looking to meet their favourite celebrities from film and television. With The Walking Dead continuing its reign as one of the supreme draws to any pop culture type weekend, organizers extraordinaire Randy Sauve and Carol Grant were able to bring in heavy hitters Cooper Andrews (who plays fan favourite Jerry... the right hand man of King Ezekiel, who first arrived on the scene in season seven)

As a special treat for Halloween, I’ve got two interviews for you. At this year’s CAPE (Cornwall & Area Pop Event), which was held on the weekend of April 23-24, 2022, I was fortunate enough to spend quite some time with William Ragsdale and Amanda Bearse, the two leading teens of the iconic 1985 horror cult classic Fright Night, written and directed by Tom Holland (no, not of Spider-Man fame – he wasn’t born yet). I hope you enjoy these inside looks into this quirky horror movie this Halloween, and keep an eye out for upcoming Star Pick interviews with both, which will reveal their favourite movies.

The first Missed the Bloody Cut horror selection of this 2022, here are some horror movies that did not meet my strict criteria (a rating of 7.0 or higher). . . but are still entertaining films (horror fanatics may enjoy) that do not deserve to be ignored like the drunken, scantily clad college girl wandering off into the woods after a bush party – and that they are definitely worth a watch (just maybe not several re-watches).

An honest housewife by day who transforms into a kinkier than Betty Page by night. . .this could only be the main character in an Italian giallo. A very late entry into the mystery/thrillers coming out of the boot, director Stelvio Massi brings some seediness to the big screen with Arabella, the Black Angel (1989). Poor Arabella (Tinì Cansino) is a loving housewife to a very unlovable author, Francesco (Francesco Cesale). Dealt a big blow on their honeymoon (double entendre meant), a punishing car accident has led to him being wheelchair bound for life.

Coming off as a low grade imitation of a Steven Seagal style movie... but without the flair, 1989's Red Surf, co-written and directed by H. Gordon Boos, is perhaps most intriguing for featuring George Clooney in one of his first cinematic starring roles, and Gene Simmons as his demented moral compass and kick-ass compatriot (or maybe it should be kiss-ass). Beating Point Break to the surfer storyline by a full two years, Clooney plays former hang ten icon Remar, who, after some knee issues, has decided to get his highs from smuggling and using drugs instead. Surrounded by a team of just as impressive low lifes, including number two Attila (Doug Savant) – funnily enough, ‘hun’ works quite well to describe him

After two years of cancellations, hardship and frustration, CAPE made its triumphant return this past weekend (April 23-24, 2022). The Cornwall and Area Pop Event, which has become a yearly staple in the city since its inaugural one day event back in 2015, was a rousing success. . . its two day attendance estimated somewhere north of 4000 people. One of the first large events hosted in Cornwall following the conclusion of the mask mandates, it brought some much needed normalcy to the city and its people... an expo filled with passion, hope, and comradery. For the first time in a very long while, most patrons’ smiling visages could be seen, children ecstatic, while the young at heart seemed equally as buoyed thanks to the enlivening event.