I am back from the grave (literally; had to lay a parent to rest). Personal pain, and my blogging absence, aside, over the past few weeks I joined THE NIGHT CREW, a terrific webcast created/hosted by follow Fango writers Sean Smithson and Thom Carnell (with a little backup from our editor, Mr. Alexander). When I was asked to contribute, my first words to “Butcher” Smithson were, “Can I talk about Westerns?” He may have scratched his head a second—then said “Yes!”

Considering that in the latest FANGORIA (#304, on stands this week), Steven Spielberg is subjected to a thoughtful analysis regarding his “dark side,” I thought it appropriate to chat up a film we neglected to discuss in depth in that piece, one that may in fact be Spielberg’s grimmest work.

This spring, from April 20 through May 1, I attended the ever-growing Tribeca Film Festival again (see more here, including info on the fest’s new distribution platforms). It’s always a gas when you have a major film fest in your town and just a short subway ride away. I thought I’d share some of my experiences and screening comments based on the movies I took in during Tribeca’s 10th edition run.

Ever reach out  to touch the person next to you during a horror flick? Ever reached out for a complete stranger? I have. It’s a funny feeling. That need to assert reality and connect with someone else during those moments we’re most uneasy is so natural that sooner or later all of us end up with that little embarrassed smile. It’s a reasonably good segue into some thoughts on the nature of cultural community.

Welcome back to another edition of Face Riff. It’s been a while since my last installment, and I would like to apologize to my New Year’s resolution for slacking on my productivity. Better luck next year, I suppose. All procrastination aside, The Dillinger Escape Plan is about a week deep into a two month-plus tour with The Deftones, and already we have collectively devastated vast portions of the Pacific Northwest and Canada. The weeks to come will undoubtedly bring more of the same, and for those lucky enough to have gotten tickets to this mostly sold-out tour, expect to have your mind blown like that dude in Cronenberg’s SCANNERS.

A few months ago, we raved about singer/songwriter/horror enthusiast Nicole Atkins and her latest album, the dark Southern Gothic mood piece MONDO AMORE. Now she has some more video to share with us.

I’m boycotting DEAD ISLAND, and you should too. I’m serious. Never in my life have I seen such a blatant use of false advertising to gain buzz for a product that is literally nothing like what was originally promised.