Best Five Horror/Scary Animated Shorts

I love the feeling of being scared, of having my heart missing a bit, of holding my breath and covering my eyes in complete and unashamed cowardice. Not in the real world, of course, but in the fantastical world of my imagination--You may doubt it but I'm not that crazy.--Whenever I want to kick back, relax, and have a fun time, my mind inevitably drifts to the genre. Books, TV shows, movies, short movies, anything and everything good enough to cause any of the things I told you before brings me joy. So, it is no wonder that many of my Friday Fun posts relate to the genre and I hope you enjoy them as much as me.

Today I want to share with you more awesome animated shorts. Most of them were made by small independent filmmakers just trying to reach viewers. In that aspect we, writers, are no different than the hordes of artists fighting to make a living off their art.--Not that I can call what I do "art" but you get my drift.--In an effort to bring what little recognition I can to those unknown artists, I highlight today five of the horror/scary/suspenseful animated shorts that have given me the most joy to watch. Hope they do the same for you and you decide to share their work with someone else.

5. IN SICKNESS - This short has been critically acclaimed for the message of love it conveys. Though not strictly horror, it has a preternatural element and it is indeed scary and sad--being that it talks about sickness and death.


4. THE LADY AND THE RIPPER - Another short that's not really horror but that deals with the theme of death, this time in lighthearted manner that will get more than a chuckle out of you.


3. THE GIRL WHO WAS FORGOTTEN - This one is more into the gothic spectrum and hauntingly beautiful. Not horrific at all and even a little sad.


2. THE PASSENGER - This short is scary and hilarious all at the same time. It made me jump a couple of times and what fun I had!


1. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS - In this case the subject matter gets darker dealing with domestic abuse and monsters--both, imaginary and real.-- It gave me the creeps and I hope it does the same for you. =)


Bonus. THE BLACKWATER GOSPEL - This short is not only scary and disturbing, but gruesome. The pacing is phenomenal, the writing amazing, and the animation a treat, so I couldn't pass it. I think it has a deeper message that is worth repeating but I do have to say it gets bloody towards the end. Totally worth it, still: Viewer be warned.

Have an awesome weekend, everyone!

A Different Tuesday, The Five Best Pixar Shorts to Date

I usually do book reviews every Tuesday but ever since those vacations up in Mexico, I've been chasing my tail trying to go back to my usual rhythm. Unsuccessfully, I should add.

With the kids out of school and in the house, I'm still trying to develop a new routine that will fulfill everyone's idea of a happy summer: Mommy's time to write and read, kid's fun stuff, house chores, and new puppy's training... easier said than done. But I'm happy to report I'm half way there. Today I sent a new review to Dark River Press, I'm finally reading another of the books I committed to review, and I'm writing for the blog, so I guess a happy dance is in order. And though I can't post my usual review here (since I'm behind my reading schedule), I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite Pixar shorts. These always make me smile and will go perfectly with my happy dance.

Hope you enjoy.

The Five Best Pixar Shorts To Date.

5. Jack Jack Attack.


Jack-Jack Attack. from gabrielhalivon on Vimeo.

4. Lifted.


Lifted - Pixar Short from Will Fletcher on Vimeo.


3. Partly clouded.


Partly Cloudy from Kristien Coteur on Vimeo.

2. Knick Knack.


knick knack from aplady on Vimeo.

1. Presto.


Presto from ithang on Vimeo.

Friday Fun: Best Five Hilarious Shorts

Another friday comes our way and we are already thinking of all the fun stuff we can do in this long weekend that officially opens the summer season. Pools will be open, Grills will take its righteous place on thousands of patios, and gas/airfare prices will not stop us from going somewhere while complaining all along the way. Hail to the most revered season for students all over the country, and longest three months of the year for parents across the northern hemisphere.

In accordance to such a momentous weekend, I decided to share with you a list of my favorite five, most entertaining and hilarious animated shorts I've seen. I hope you will make the most of this long weekend and that this humble post will kick start it with a welcome laugh. Enjoy!


5. Heavenly Appeals. What I like about this short is that it delivers laughs with a message of hope that fits perfectly our current spirits. After our naughty summer, there's still hope for us to be redeemed. Grated that we find ourselves a mean angel... but hope still.



4. Project Alarm. When I was younger I used to set five different alarms throughout my room. I still managed to be late for work quite often. My girls have proven to be a much more effective alarm, specially if they're hungry.



3. Oktapodi. Next time you decide eating octopus, think about it twice. They have feelings, too, you know?



2. Pigeon: Impossible. Tom Cruise ain't got nothing against this pigeon.



1. The Lady and The Ripper. I chose this animated short directed by Antonio Banderas as my number one because it has it all, heart, laughs, and a sweet old lady that won't play nice.



What do you think about these videos? Do you have any favorite shorts to share with me? Well, that's what the comments are for! Don't make me beg.