"Arsenic and Old Lace": Horror or Comedy?

    During my undergrad, I was blessed with a great group of friends. One year for Halloween, I had the opportunity to dress up for Halloween and go one of these friend’s apartment dressed for Halloween and we proceeded to watch, what was considered for them, to be a classic Halloween film, “Arsenic and Old Lace.” It was memorable and enjoyable. I have watched the film only once since then, but I still recall with fondness some of the things I enjoyed from that movie. Here are some of the key elements that I enjoyed from what has become a classic Halloween movie.

First of all, the basis of the movie is about murder, but the murder is occurring by two elderly women who genuinely believe they are doing a favor for the elderly men then are killing! It is so asinine that it becomes humorous. They host gentlemen who are widowed or lonely or otherwise in what they consider a bad state of being and then proceed to kill them with arsenic in their tea! Think about that! How is this not a horror movie!? Well, I guess it’s all in the presentation. These old women are not malicious in their actions, they believe they are being benevolent and therefore they do not come across as being the antagonists for the plot.

Of course, upon finding out about what his aunts are doing, main character, Mortimer Brewster, played by Cary Grant, is mortified (see what I did there?)! And of course this happens on the same day that he, a newspaper columnist and self proclaimed bachelor for life, has gotten married. He is frantically trying to get ready to leave for his honeymoon when he finds out that his elderly aunts are in fact murderers. This frantic nature contributes to the hilarious nature of the film.

This film is adapted from a play of the same name and in the original casting of the play, Boris Karloff portrays Jonthan, Mortimer’s brother with a penchant for law breaking and ill-doing. Boris Karloff is well known for his portrayal as the original monster in Frankenstein. His appearance in the play is such that he is often told that he looks a lot like “Boris Karloff” which is a very clever means of allowing the actors to have fun during their performance. Karloff was not able to be in the film, but the resemblance of Jonathan in the film to Frankenstein’s monster is unmistakable. 

Lastly, there is Uncle Teddy. Teddy is convinced that he is actually Teddy Roosevelt. This leads to hilarious interactions between him and other members of the cast. Every time he goes up the stairs, he yells, “Charge!” as if he is Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juaquin hill. He is also employed by his well meaning, but murderous sisters to “dig the panama canal” every time they have “saved” another poor, lonely, elderly man from his mortal state through a tonic with such serious consequences.

Again, as I write this down, this sounds like a horror film and in the hands of another film director, it certainly could have been but the conglomeration of so many factors leads to what I found to be a fun and enjoyable comedy that was an enjoyable Halloween treat.

Brandon Sanderson's Dark One and Dark One: Forgotten

Image taken from Brandon Sanderson YouTube Channel

For fans of fantasy and horror alike, Brandon Sanderson's Dark One series is an unexpected and thrilling dive into the dark, blurring the lines between villainy and heroism, reality and myth. Released as both a graphic novel and an audio drama, Dark One and Dark One: Forgotten explore the shadows within us, making them perfect for the Halloween season.

Dark One: A Hero-Villain Origin Story

The Dark One graphic novel, a creative collaboration between Sanderson, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly, introduces us to Paul Tanasin, a young man from our world who has long been plagued by visions of another realm. In this parallel world, known as Mirandus, he’s not a savior or chosen hero but rather destined to be the dreaded Dark One—a villain foretold to bring chaos and destruction. However, this destiny is far from straightforward. As he grapples with his identity and inner darkness, Paul is pulled into Mirandus and forced to confront the horrific prophecy that others believe him destined to fulfill.

Dark One challenges our perceptions of what it means to be "good" or "evil," revealing that morality is often shaped by those who wield power and by the expectations that society places on us. Paul’s journey is complex and multidimensional, and the graphic novel format beautifully captures this darkness and internal struggle. With gorgeously rendered, often foreboding artwork that vividly illustrates the terrifying world of Mirandus, the story explores themes of destiny, identity, and power, immersing readers in a high-stakes battle between light and dark. The artwork and storytelling style make it an ideal read for Halloween, offering dark, atmospheric visuals and a brooding tale that asks how much of our fate is truly in our control.

Dark One: Forgotten: A Mystery Wrapped in Fantasy

Taking the world of Dark One a step further, Sanderson with the help of Dan Wells expands his storytelling with the audio drama Dark One: Forgotten. This story veers away from Paul’s main arc, instead delving into the experiences of a young investigative journalist named Lin Yang, who is drawn to an unsolved murder. She begins to piece together the mystery surrounding an enigmatic and terrifying figure from the otherworldly realm of Mirandus, tying her findings to events that defy rational explanation.

As Lin uncovers more details, she is confronted with the dark truth about Mirandus and its link to our own world, discovering just how deeply these two worlds intertwine. While Dark One: Forgotten functions as a standalone piece, it’s also the perfect companion to the graphic novel, adding layers to the world-building of Mirandus while drawing readers into an eerie Halloween-worthy mystery that escalates into the supernatural. The audio format plays with soundscapes and voice acting to create an immersive experience that feels unsettlingly real, enhancing the suspense and sense of dread.

Dark One is Perfect for Halloween

Both Dark One and Dark One: Forgotten lean into the haunting and mysterious, making them ideal Halloween reads for several reasons:

1. Dark Exploration of Identity: Paul’s journey into his potential role as a villain and Lin’s deep dive into a sinister mystery compel us to face our own fears about identity, destiny, and the parts of ourselves we’d rather not acknowledge. Halloween is, after all, a time for exploring both the supernatural and the shadowy corners of human nature.

2. Atmosphere and Mood: The artwork in Dark One and the sound design in Dark One: Forgotten create an immersive atmosphere that draws readers into worlds filled with danger and despair. These elements make both the graphic novel and the audio drama perfect for a late-night, Halloween binge.

3. Themes of Fate and Horror: Halloween stories often center around inevitable fate, haunted pasts, and the struggle between good and evil. Sanderson plays with these tropes in unexpected ways, offering a unique spin on the “chosen one” narrative. He weaves horror into the storyline through the suspenseful pacing and psychological depth that make readers question their own alignment in the dichotomy of light and dark.

Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One and Dark One: Forgotte are more than just horror-fantasy stories; they’re reflections on destiny and the duality of human nature. Whether you're a graphic novel aficionado or an audio drama enthusiast, both are perfect picks to usher in a season of thrills, mystery, and just a touch of the sinister. So, as the nights grow longer, prepare yourself to explore the shadowed realms of Mirandus, where nothing is as simple as it seems, and even heroes might be villains in disguise.

Pokemon Nicknames: Bluey (Gen I)

It's been over a year and a half since I last did a Pokemon nickname post. In that time, I restarted playing Yellow (a couple times, because I keep having excessive breaks between plays) and I got obsessed with Bluey. Inspired by many parents who've made Bluey their whole personality (there's a whole Facebook group of us dads trying to be more like Bandit), I've returned to Pokemon nicknames with some Bluey-inspired nicknames. Funny how many of these come from random obscure parts of the show.

Squirtle as Turtle Boy

Pikachu as Bob Bilby

Growlithe as Rusty

Shiny Arcanine as Pat

Golem as Raiders

Shiny Rapidash as Unicorse

Doduo as Shaun

Krabby as Tickle Crab

Disney Halloween Movies for a Spooky Fun Family Night

Every Friday night we have movie night and since Halloween just around the corner, it was time to choose a spooky fun movie. But I didn't want my kids to be scared so I was looking for a fright that's more fun than frightening. While I was browsing Disney's lineup of Halloween movies, I found it perfect for the occasion. From magical adventures to eerie theater mishaps, here are three fantastic Disney Halloween movies that will get everyone in the spirit without giving anyone nightmares.

Halloweentown

When you think of Disney Halloween movies, Halloweentown is often the first to come to mind. This timeless classic transports viewers to a whimsical world where witches, goblins, and all manner of magical creatures live together in harmony. The movie follows Marnie Piper, a seemingly ordinary girl who discovers that she’s actually from a long line of witches. As she embarks on an adventure in the magical Halloweentown, she must help her family protect their world from a dark force.

Halloweentown is a delightful blend of mystery, magic, and humor. The film’s quirky characters and colorful setting make it the perfect introduction to Halloween for younger viewers. At the same time, the movie offers valuable lessons about family, bravery, and embracing your unique identity—whether you’re a witch or just a regular human!

The mix of fantasy and light-hearted scares ensures that Halloweentown is a film that can be enjoyed by both children and nostalgic adults alike.

Phantom of the Megaplex

If your kids love mysteries, Phantom of the Megaplex will be a hit. This Disney Channel Original Movie takes place at a local movie theater, where strange things start happening on the night of a big premiere. A film-obsessed teenager, Pete Riley, works at the theater and begins to suspect that someone—or something—is sabotaging the event. The blame falls on a legendary “phantom” said to haunt the megaplex, but is it just a myth, or is there something more sinister at play?

Phantom of the Megaplex is full of fun twists, making it perfect for young mystery lovers. The movie captures the excitement of being at the movies, while blending in just enough spooky moments to keep viewers on their toes without scaring them away. It's also packed with plenty of humor, thanks to the eccentric staff and patrons of the theater.

What makes this film stand out is its ability to provide a fun and engaging mystery with a spooky twist, while still maintaining the light-hearted Disney vibe. It’s perfect for an October movie night without venturing into overly scary territory.

Twitches

For those looking for a magical adventure, Twitches delivers a dose of sisterly love with a side of witchcraft. Starring twin sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry, this film follows two girls who were separated at birth but reunite on their 21st birthday—only to discover they are actually powerful witches destined to save their home dimension of Coventry. With their newfound powers, the sisters must learn to work together to fight the forces of darkness and save their world.

Twitches is packed with magical moments, sibling bonding, and just the right amount of suspense. The movie’s message of sisterhood and the importance of working together in the face of danger is heartwarming and empowering, especially for younger viewers. The mystical elements, like magical spells and parallel dimensions, create an enchanting world for viewers to dive into, all while keeping the scares mild and the adventure fun.

With a good balance of humor and magic, Twitches offers a slightly more mature storyline compared to Halloweentown, making it a great pick for families with older kids or tweens who enjoy fantasy with a spooky twist.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood for witchy adventures, a spooky mystery, or a tale of magical sisters, these three Disney Halloween movies are perfect for a night of family-friendly frights. Halloweentown delivers the whimsical magic of an alternate world full of mystical creatures, while Phantom of the Megaplex offers an exciting yet lighthearted mystery. Finally, Twitches provides a thrilling ride with twin witches learning to harness their powers and save their realm.

So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let the Halloween spirit take over with these spooky, yet charming, Disney classics!

LDS Geeks Podcast #28: Third Doctor Villains

In honor of Halloween and spooky season, we're going out of order again with our Doctor Who podcast series so that we could talk about the Third Doctor's most notable villains. We've got some good ones who've kept recurring through the last fifty years since the Third Doctor's era.

--Spencer

PS: I know I've apologized for technical issues in the past, but I felt like it was particularly bad this time. Please give us your feedback on how this episode went and thank you for being patient with us being amateur podcasters.

Good Movie Additions: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Book-to-movie adaptations get a bad reputation from years and years of Hodge podge work (see fans of Percy Jackson and their movies) but I still stand behind the apple pie metaphor from a blog post TJ did years ago. It’s an adaptation, after all, not a direct translation. So some artistic liberties are taken. Some adaptations cause fans to die a little inside (see the Burrow burning in Half-Blood Prince) because they’re unnecessary, but some enhance the feeling and theme of the story (see Stephen’s post about Dawn Treader). I guess my point is that not all creative additions to book-to-movie adaptations are bad. That’s what I want to delve into with some of these blog posts. Today’s example: Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Edmund and Lucy’s Insecurities

The opening scenes of the movie beautifully (and awkwardly) set up the youthful angst of King Edmund and Queen Lucy in England. Always being second-best to Peter, it’s understandable that Edmund would feel slighted. And when Lucy’s grown up hearing how beautiful her older sister is, it’s easy to start the comparisons. These insecurities weren’t front and center in the book, but they’re the natural progression of these two, especially having to experience puberty for a second time. 

Reepicheep’s Expressions of Faith

I love Reepicheep, especially the movie version. Instead of the blind courage he tends to display in the book, movie Reepicheep shows more faith in Aslan and his mission. Maybe it’s how he’s voiced and animated in the movie compared to how he’s narrated in the audiobooks, but Reepicheep’s thirst for adventure appears more centered in finding Aslan when I watch the movie.

The Lone Islands

Discussions that are engaging and exciting in written form don’t always translate to film. So while book Caspian avoided sharing his royal lineage at first and plotted the takeover of the Lone Islands, the market scene in the movie quickly gives more action and excitement for your viewing pleasure. Plus, I love the score from that scene–It’s perfect for a workout playlist.

The Seven Swords and the Green Mist

I’ve heard plenty of fans complain about the obvious addition of the seven swords in the movie. While the swords never appeared in the book and the mist only appeared briefly, they gave continuity to the story. While I love the Narnia books, the individual plots on each island and vaguely looking for the lords don’t exactly translate well to the big screen. So despite gripes I’ve heard, I like the additional plot points to tie the movie together, even if it also meant rearranging the order of the islands too.

Rhince and Gale

Instead of first-mate Rhince being simply another crew member on the Dawn Treader, the movie gave a simple backstory to the sailor. While he may have just been a civilian sailor in the movie, he was a family man and rescuing his wife gave me a greater reason to invest in him. In addition, his stowaway daughter Gale gave a nice foil to Lucy’s insecurities. So once Lucy had fought her fears, she was able to positively affirm Gale moving forward.

Didn't even get into things here with Caspian's insecurities or Eustace's time as a dragon (maybe those'll be future blog posts, but we'll see). But I know I've been controversial here to some extent, so I want to hear where you agree/disagree with Dawn Treader.

For Narnia and for Aslan!

Salt Lake City FanX: A Solo Experience

Last month, I went to Salt Lake City FanX after not attending for the last five years. I went with a coworker on Thursday and again on Saturday by myself. Going on Saturday was my first time ever solo, and I wondered what it would be like. I ended up enjoying myself. I discovered three reasons why I liked it, but also one reason why I didn’t.

Likes: 

1. Prioritizing What I Wanted

At every FanX I’ve gone to, there are certain celebrities that I want to meet and souvenirs to purchase to commemorate my experience, and this one was no different. I planned to meet the actresses, Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) from the 1970s and 80s television show, Little House on the Prairie, and to attend their panel. I also wanted to meet the host of a tv series I watched as a boy, Reading Rainbow’s Levar Burton. In addition, I anticipated purchasing a Disney lapel pin, Funko Pops (a FanX favorite), and possibly a piece of artwork for my souvenirs. Prioritizing whom I wanted to meet and what souvenirs to get helped me know how to spend my time at FanX.

2. Setting my Own Pace

Once I had secured the registration band to my wrist, I entered the main floor of the Salt Palace where FanX was being held and set a casual pace. Usually, I grow frustrated with how slow or fast and the directions the masses of people take, but this time I tried to remain calm and relaxed. As I did, I found myself smiling as I leisurely followed the flow, soaking in the atmosphere. I walked the aisles of vendors’ stalls, enjoying taking time to explore what interested me. I went early to celebrities’ booths, so I had time to meet and briefly chat with each of them. In an effort not to feel rushed, I decided when I wanted to leave the convention, and then gave myself plenty of time to look for souvenirs. 

3. Interacting with Fellow FanXers

In the past, I went to FanX with friends. We would talk about the actors and actresses we’d met, panels attended, and the merchandise and cosplayers that we had seen. When I was nervous before meeting a celebrity, they gave me needed encouragement. With them present, I wasn’t inclined to step out of my comfort zone and speak to other attendees beyond complimenting their costumes. This time however, in addition to praising some on their cosplays, I engaged in conversations with others. As I waited in line at “Celebrity Row” to meet Levar Burton, I spoke with one person about the shows in which he appeared. We also talked about other famous guests we met and our interactions with them. While exploring “Artist Alley,” I spoke with Zack Smith about the works he was selling as I perused his portfolios. Curious, I asked him about the process of getting a spot at FanX, if business was going well, and praised his clever artwork. I ended up purchasing two of his pieces; they were too irresistible to pass up. Whether waiting in line with another attendee or speaking with a seller, interacting with them reminded me that others were just as enthusiastic as I was to be at FanX.

Check out more of Zack Smith's art on Instagram and Facebook

Dislike: 

Being Unable to Share the Experience In-Person

As much as I enjoyed attending FanX solo, it was still different from the other times I’d gone. I was unable to share my experiences with friends or family in-person. Happy over meeting the stars of Little House on the Prairie and Reading Rainbow, I texted the selfies that I took and brief descriptions of my interactions with them to my family. They were delighted for me and asked what it was like meeting the celebrities. I also periodically texted a friend with whom I’ve attended FanX in past years. I told him about the cosplays I saw and my observations of the event after being absent from it for five years. Yes, I was sharing my experiences in real time with loved ones, but an iPhone can only communicate their words, not their tone, facial expressions, and body language.

I had a great time going to FanX by myself. I plan to go again next year. Now that I know what it’s like to attend solo, I will prioritize my time to meet whom I want and to shop. I will pace myself so that I can take in as much of the experience as I can. I will step out of my comfort zone by talking with other attendees. And I’ll remember that there is a drawback of not being able to share the event with others in-person.

Loads, Burdens, and Weights

I guess it’s no surprise that I like music. I must admit that my music appreciation has grown since being married to my wife who is much more musically inclined than myself. The song I would like to write about today is called “The Weight” by a group called, “The Band.” As I have heard the song, mostly at work, I have imagined the words being spoken by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Here is the chorus:

“Take a load off, Fanny

Take a load for free

Take a load off, Fanny

And (And, and)

You put the load right on me (You put the load right on me)”

Can’t you see the connection between these lyrics and these words from Matthew 11:28-30 in the New Testament? 

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I love the image of the Savior calling out to me and inviting me to lay my burdens on Him. There have been times when I have not been as willing to do that. I feel a measure of accountability for my mistakes and feel like I have to hold onto them and suffer for those mistakes. I have learned that while I still suffer the consequences of my actions, I can repent and turn to the Lord and lay my burdens at His feet. The application of the laying my burdens at his feet is still something that I am working on. I suppose that is the challenge of a lifetime. He has the ability to take our burdens on Himself, but am I willing to give that burden to Him?

 

  One way of laying that burden on the Savior is through repenting. I love the description of repentance that Elder Lynn G. Robbins gives in his April 2018 General Conference address titled, “Until Seventy Times Seven.” He said, “Repentance is God’s ever-accessible gift that allows and enables us to go from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm.” This is a hopeful means of looking at repentance. The Lord Jesus Christ is strong enough to take our burdens on Him over and over and over again. The invitation to lay our burdens on Him is not restricted by number of times a sin is committed or however often we need to lay than burden on Him. I referenced the chorus of “The Weight” earlier. I think it is significant that the chorus is repeated 5 times throughout the song. I think this could be symbolic of how we need to repeatedly place our burdens on the Savior.

Let me conclude with a couple of quotes and thoughts from Elder Holland. The first one is about how there is no burden too heavy for the Savior to bear, or at least that’s how I think of it. He said the following in April 2012, ““It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.” There is no place we can go where the Savior can’t find and help us. There is nothing too heavy for Him to bear. When he bore our sins and griefs and sorrows and temptations (see Alma 7:11-13), He bore them all. He took the full weight upon Himself. Here’s another thought from Elder Holland that summarizes the fact that we don’t have to carry our “weights” alone. This is from 2019:  “One way to “always remember him” would be to join the Great Physician in His never-ending task of lifting the load from those who are burdened and relieving the pain of those who are distraught.” This quote stood out to me among other reasons, because of the similarity in wording between it and the chorus of “The Weight.” We all have loads and burdens that we are carrying. I hope that we can look around and find ways to lift the burdens of others through serving or even just praying for them. I also hope that we remember the importance of turning to the Savior who is always willing and able to help us carry the burdens we have.

Pink Pokemon for Breast Cancer Awareness

The basis of this blog post started as my preschooler discovered a certain pink balloon Pokémon. Since her favorite color is pink, I started wondering if I could make a completely pink Pokémon team for her that was still competent. My ADHD brain jumped to “Island of the Pink Pokémon” but eventually landed on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve taken a particular interest in breast cancer this year, so I thought this post was only too appropriate. So here are some of my picks for the most notable pink Pokemon.

Jigglypuff 

I honestly don’t even know why Jigglypuff became so iconic. I’m guessing it’s mostly because of the running gag in the anime, in which Jigglypuff puts the characters to sleep repeatedly. But that doesn’t explain why Nintendo decided to add the puff ball to Super Smash Bros. My respect to anyone who plays Jigglypuff as their main character in Smash. But yeah, Jigglypuff’s appearances in their anime are wonderful, especially when I realized she came back into the picture during the Sun/Moon anime.

Milktank

Anyone who’s played through Gold/Silver/Crystal or Heart Gold/Soul Silver will likely remember Whitney’s infamous Miltank. That rollout attack is killer and is nearly unstoppable. I mean I suppose you can use a rock-type Pokemon to limit the damage… but it makes more sense to try to knock it out before it can knock you… But unfortunately, like its name says, it’s a tank. So next time you play through Johto again, may the odds be ever in your favor.

Audino

It’s such an odd Pokemon in many ways. Based on its Pokedex entries, it’s a super-hearing Pokemon that can read emotions and honestly would make a pretty good therapist. Going into the Unova anime, I didn’t know anything about Audino so I was perplexed as to why it replaced Chansey in the Unovan Pokemon Centers. Based on the Pokedex entry, it makes sense that it’s Nurse Joy’s companion. All the same, I think it’s pretty random that Audino has a mega evolution and nothing in the Pokedex entry indicates why Audino gives such a massive payout in stardust on Pokemon Go--not that I'm complaining.

Sylveon

I suppose Sylveon is as much white as it is pink, but it still fits the bill here. Who doesn’t love a good Eeveelution right? Sylveon is the most recently released and that was three generations ago. Appropriately introduced as the fairy type became a thing, Sylveon was a great addition to X/Y. That being said, it’s a weird process to go through to evolve it from an Eevee. For the first two generations it was available, you needed fairy-type moves and “affection”. Not friendship. Affection. Even on Pokemon Go the evolution method was a little weird, compared to Espeon/Umbreon. Thankfully the last couple generations have made it more friendship-related and not so convoluted.

Mew

Though not easily obtained, unless you do the glitch in Red/Blue (No, I’m not talking about moving the truck), Mew is central to Pokemon lore in many ways. The first of the mythical Pokemon, some say it was the first Pokemon of all and that Ditto is a byproduct of trying to clone Mew. It wasn’t until adulthood that I slowed down enough playing Red/Blue/Yellow to realize the mythology of cloning Mew was in the games, just like in the movie. I still remember when I got a Mew card for my birthday as a kid… and made the mistake of trading it. Childhood naivety. 

There are plenty of other pink Pokemon to love and collect (especially if you’re my four-year-old) so let me know which is your favorite. While you’re at it, post your favorite pink Pokemon to your social media for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

LDS Geeks Podcast #27: Disney Songs (Part Two)

Spooky season has begun. Despite the fact that neither of us are into horror (though I'm enjoying Agatha All Along), Russell and I got together to discuss some notable Disney villain songs. Perfect additions to your October playlist.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 27 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

    Spencer's Recommendation:  Halloweentown (1-2)

    Russell's Recommendation: 

    Be Prepared (The Lion King)

    Hellfire (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

    Mother Knows Best (Tangled)