The Critic And The Cryptic Visitor

Social media, evened the playing field after the recent century turned, allowing the public the opportunity to broadcast their views, using worldwide video technology. Decades ago, movie critics monitored, the most overrated story telling format, 'Filmmaking', filing one-week journalistic reports. Advising interested information gathers on whether the new cinema experience was a sound, time, and financial investment. But many asked, did these promotional warning gimmicks miss anything the camera captured?

Staring at his computer, removing glasses, Schtick Seagull pushed the send button and off went his latest electronically composed review. For another time, the legendary critic commented, "realistic casting fairly introduces vital society messages". Sitting back, Schtick remembered the days when watching half a horror movie featuring academic talent picking up tuition money at the local Gentlemen's Club, acted scared, screaming being models and viewed the screen appearance as a marketing career steppingstone.

"It still presented a message," Schtick thought, hearing the doorbell ring.

Rising, Schtick reflected upon when he had a daytime talk morning program, interviewing all the celebrities who visited Skyscraper Island, known for its staged theatrics. They would walk the photogenic carpet mile the night before and discuss the work a few hours later, following sunrise, during a live telecast.

"No, one knew what I would do next," Schtick smirked, opening the door, seeing the plastic bag sitting there innocently waiting for a formal invitation, "ah, yes Italian tonight," he acknowledged sensing a warm breeze, filter through, assuming its position.

Carrying the takeout package into the kitchen Schtick witnessed an incredible special effect, mimicking a 1960's galactic television traveling presentation, a figure materialized right before the paid viewer's eyes.

"Francine Cunningham," Schtick exclaimed, tightening his grip on his delivery bags.

"Where did the grub come from?" Inquired, the mysterious voice.

"Mansion of Enchantment Italian Fantasies, Moe for short'," explained Schtick, "each entree comes with two finger food sides, Curly Fries and Larry Lardo's Italian curled pork fatback."

Schtick continued journeying to the kitchen table where he struck a match, making Francine take a step back, "you know I was on the fast track when I got the role in the musical, 'We Go Together' playing Fifi who always had a frog in her throat."

"Oh, yeah," Schtick started putting food on his plate, "the fifties production, who knew something like that would be a hit?"

Resting, arm comfortably braced against the chair backrest, Francine accepted the snooty comment, "vulture you still are,"

"I am a Seagull,"

"Vulture,"

"An honest Seagull," Schtick insisted, "call it like I see it."

"Of course, you saw me get the role in the Creature of The Creepy Campground Cook," "Once again," Schtick repeated, "who knew?"

"I was dying," Francine reminded the critic, "but the camera got all my good sides."

"It did?" Questioned Schtick.

"Yeah, before I came down here," Francine mentioned, "I posted the Director's Extra Rare Cut with newly found really pink and purple footage inside."  

"I will update my opinion," Schtick offered.

"I am sure you will," Francine started to disappear.

Cleaning up the bloody red sauce mess Schtick Seagull returned to his computer, performing a google search, finding the new selection, called 'Creature of the Creepy Campground Cook, uncut director's personal collection.'

Chuckling and grinning Schtick spent the next ninety minutes looking for things that were not there during past generations. When the credits rolled, he added to his column, 'after further review I must say those cameras show much more when the creative creator discovers different angles'. Finally, shutting everything down, Schtick headed towards the bedroom. Securely underneath the safe covers he detected a friendly sensation presence, "well thank you for the nice words," Francine interjected, "did you know if you are kind and rewind, I come back to life despite the predator's action?"

"I did,"

"And I had the same beauty that I did, when I was alive,"

"Your right,"

"Tell me, did you enjoy watching credible magazine cover beauty getting axed, tortured, eaten and whacked?" Francine asked, "or did you get an emotional tearful response like watching a romantic comedy?"

Finding a book by his nightstand Schtick opened and found the page he stopped, the prior night, "you know if you read written words, then the characters can look any way you want, since it is your imagination, describing the tale."

"Are you saying film steals the audience's imagination?"

"Not if there is a strong message," Francine defended, "what are you reading?"

"Something by HP Lovecraft,"  

Realizing Schtick was getting fully immersed with other authors' fantasies she departed from the peaceful resting quarters.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to haunt the new 'Creature of the Creepy Campground Cook' prologue prequel set," Francine paused, "make sure all the plotlines are accurate. And what are you going to do?"

"Enjoy these stories from over a century ago, and wonder if anyone will show up like you," Schtick answered.

"They have to be dead first," the ghost replied, venturing into the mystical mist.