Monster Mashup: Horror movie stars ready to press flesh in Cherry Hill
By Matt Chimento, Courier-Post Staff
Oscar fever is in the air so it's high time all the elbow rubbers and groupies slink out from hiding and try to hobnob their way into all the hottest parties and gala events.
Click here to view the Courier-Post photo gallery of the 2009 convention, and read the rest of this article after the jump...
For anyone aiming at the rarefied air, here are a few helpful hints: Fly out to Los Angeles, make sure you're always wearing sunglasses indoors, mention how underappreciated Jeff Bridges is and always wait in line at the club with someone prettier than you.
Or, you could skip the cross-country trip and head to the 14th (re)incarnation of the Monster-Mania Con at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, running March 12 to 14.
Monster Mania, a horror convention that has been growing exponentially over the years and is renowned for pooling together the genre's biggest -- and sometimes most unlikely -- names, is a great opportunity for film buffs to meet icons of the big screen.
"We bring the friendliest stars, have a tremendous dealer's room featuring items that you just can't find anywhere else, and the show is built specifically with the fan in mind," says Dave Hagan, convention president.
In past years, the convention has drawn some of the biggest names in the industry, including horror guru George Romero; Bruce Campbell, star of the cult classic "Evil Dead"; and Freddy Kruger himself, Robert Englund.
And the trend certainly is in check this year, with an all-star lineup of horror who's whos planning to peel back the latex masks and press the flesh -- in a good way.
The big names on the list include legendary actor Malcolm McDowell, who, of course, is famous for his role in Stanley Kubrick's film "A Clockwork Orange" and more recently has starred in Rob Zombie-directed Halloween films as Dr. Loomis, says Hagan.
"We also have renowned Italian horror director Dario Argenton, (known) for films like "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage' and "Suspiria.'
Father-and-son combo Gary and Jake Busey, recognized for their roles in "Silver Bullet" and "Predator 2" and "The Frighteners" and "Starship Troopers," respectively, also will appear alongside evil dentist Corbin Bernsen; Mafioso tough guy from "The Dark Knight," Eric Roberts; and "Hellraiser" Doug Bradley.
"I think fans have a definite place in their hearts for a good horror film," says Hagan. "At our show, I can honestly say that the vast majority of the stars truly enjoy giving back to the fans. I've been around the horror circuit for some time so we try to bring the stars that we know really enjoy the experience."
The festivities -- autograph signings, film screenings, a pair of special one-time cast reunions of screamer fan favorites "Night of the Creeps" and "My Blood Valentine," which recently was revisited by Hollywood as a 3-D affair -- are spread over three days, with the big draw being the question-and-answer segments.
"The highlights of our show always include the great Q&A sessions with the stars," says Hagan. "The fans get to participate and everyone really enjoys."
The convention snowballs each year and gets bigger in conjunction with mainstream box office trends, as horror flicks continue to put people in the seats.
"I think people truly love the feel of a good scare," adds Hagan. "It's the same reason why kids tell scary stories around the campfire and the same reason why people love the thrill of a roller coaster. A good horror film is like a 90-minute roller coaster ride through hell."
Between the eclectic gathering of talent -- heavy metal monsters Powerman 5000 are set to rock and Beetlejuice, of Howard Stern Show lore, will wander aimlessly through the crowds -- Monster-Mania Con is poised to put any Kanye West party to shame.
"It's a really fun time for everyone," adds Hagan. "Basically, if you like horror films or even pop culture, Monster Mania is definitely the place to be."
Reach Matt Chimento at (856) 486-2442 or machimento@gannett.com.
IF YOU GO
- The 14th semi-annual Monster-Mania Con will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2349 W. Marlton Pike (Route 70), Cherry Hill. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. March 12, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. March 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14. Tickets are $20 per day and $40 for a weekend pass. Visit http://www.monstermania.net.