Pagans, also known as Neopagans, follow a diverse range of religious and spiritual beliefs that are rooted in ancient polytheistic traditions. While there is no centralized belief system, there are common themes and practices among pagans. **One of the core beliefs of pagans is the reverence for nature and the natural world.** Pagans see nature as sacred and view all living beings, including plants and animals, as having spiritual significance. They often engage in rituals and ceremonies that acknowledge and celebrate the cycles of nature, such as solstices and equinoxes. **Another central belief of pagans is the existence of multiple deities or gods.
Though the opening scene starring Bell alongside The Curse of Wolf Mountain screenwriter and lead actor Keli Price seemed promising, my confidence quickly dissipated as the minutes progressed. If your draw to the film is Bell, then I am sad to report that you will be extremely disappointed. His moments on-screen reflect his brilliance, but he isn’t utilized enough and appears in the movie for less than five minutes. Unfortunately, Trejo suffers the same fate, and though his performance is fun, his appearances are few and far between.
The most apparent inspiration is the Friday The 13 th franchise , with The Curse of Wolf Mountain adopting a campsite setting while a vicious killer roams the forest. And when the killer does reveal himself, we aren t presented with a menacing Jason Voorhees-type character, but instead, an unknown perpetrator that hides its identity under a gimmicky wolf mask that isn t remotely scary.
**Another central belief of pagans is the existence of multiple deities or gods.** Pagans believe in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life and the natural world. These deities are seen as accessible and can be invoked or worshipped for guidance, protection, and blessings.
The Curse Of Wolf Mountain
Based on the title and poster for The Curse Of Wolf Mountain (aka just Wolf Mountain ), one would be forgiven for thinking it’s a werewolf creature feature. But no, the film, written by Keli Price and directed by David Lipper, is a slasher. It’s been a while since there’s been a camping-centric hack ‘n slash that offers where it counts — the pile of dead bodies left in the killer’s wake. So, does this film deliver on that front?
AJ (Keli Price) is haunted by memories of his parents’ death on Wolf Mountain. His caring therapist, Dr. Avery (Tobin Bell), believes that going there and confronting his past will help AJ move on. AJ’s supportive wife, Samantha (Karissa Lee Staples), wishes to join him, as they are in this together. Also coming along to help are AJ’s brother Max (David Lipper), his significant other Lexi (Fernanda Romero), Lexi’s sister Emma (Malu Trevejo), and her “idiot boyfriend” James (Matt Rife).
Once at the mountain’s base, the park rangers are eager to help, despite being very silly. It isn’t long before AJ, and his friends get to their campsite and discover the truth behind the old urban legend of a killer on Wolf Mountain. Soon, everyone is in danger, but who is the killer, and why is he targeting AJ, Sam, Max, Lexi, Emma, and James?
“… discover the truth behind the old urban legend of a killer on Wolf Mountain.”
Of note, The Curse Of Wolf Mountain sports a subplot involving two thugs played by Danny Trejo and Kenny Yates. They are on Wolf Mountain with an intended victim of theirs. While it is always fun to see Trejo in anything, his part here is largely pointless. Whether Yates and his characters, Eddie and Joe, are meant to be red herrings or help up the body count, they don’t do much. Their arc seems to build towards something but never does.
Horror hounds are a forgiving lot, allowing for simple characterizations or plot holes so long as the blood flows and bodies drop. In that sense, Lipper and company deliver a solid genre offering. Several of the deaths are either well-staged or inventive and fun. Beyond that, though, what truly makes this a good slasher is that there’s a true sense that every character is in danger. The rangers drop like flies, and not even one in the core group makes it to the end. This gives the story a sense of menace that other horror flicks of this kind don’t always achieve.
The Curse Of Wolf Mountain is also bolstered by its cast. As the writer, it is clear that Price understands the material and delivers a sympathetic and sweet performance. Lipper is terrific as Max, maintaining a sense of bravado and slight menace (is he the killer?). Staples shares good chemistry with Price, so audiences instantly buy their relationship. Rife is hilarious throughout, as are the actors playing the park rangers. Eddie McClintock is fun in a b-story that excitingly culminates with the main action as things draw to a close. Finally, there’s Bell, who is only in two or three scenes. But the man brings gravitas and empathy to the role.
The Curse Of Wolf Mountain is a decent slasher that horror hounds will eat right up. It features a strong cast and truly wonderful kills, which are the hallmark of the genre. Unfortunately, the subplot involving Trejo and Yates slows down the momentum and takes the focus away from AJ and his rather gripping predicament. Still, if one is in need of a slasher fix, there are much worse ways to kill 90 or so minutes.
The Curse Of Wolf Mountain (2023)
Directed: David Lipper
Written: Keli Price
Starring: Keli Price, Karissa Lee Staples, David Lipper, Fernanda Romero, Malu Trevejo, Matt Rife, Eddie McClintock, Danny Trejo, Tobin Bell, Kenny Yates, etc.
Movie score: 7/10
"…a decent slasher that horror hounds will eat right up."
**Pagans also emphasize personal spiritual experience and individual connection to the divine.** They believe in the power of rituals, meditation, and divination to establish a connection with the spiritual realm. This connection is often seen as a personal and subjective experience, allowing for individual interpretation and understanding of the divine. **Furthermore, pagans honor their ancestors and embrace ancestral traditions and wisdom.** They believe that the knowledge and wisdom of their predecessors should be valued and passed down through generations. Ancestral rituals and practices are often integrated into pagan ceremonies and celebrations. **Lastly, pagans believe in the importance of community and fostering a sense of belonging.** Pagans often gather in groups called covens or circles, where they engage in shared rituals, discussions, and celebrations. These communities provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging for individuals on their spiritual journey. In summary, pagans believe in the sacredness of nature, the existence of multiple deities, personal spiritual experience, ancestral traditions, and the importance of community. While each pagan may have their own unique interpretations and practices, these common beliefs form the foundation of their spiritual path..
Reviews for "Paganism and Feminism: Empowering Women in Spiritual Practices"
1. John - 1 star
I found the book "What does pagans believe in" to be very disappointing. The information presented was disorganized and lacked depth. The author seemed to repeat the same ideas multiple times without providing any real insights or new perspectives. Additionally, I felt that the book lacked proper research and relied too heavily on personal opinions rather than factual information. Overall, I was not satisfied with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 2 stars
"What does pagans believe in" did not meet my expectations. While the book intended to provide an introduction to pagan beliefs, I found it to be quite biased and lacking in objectivity. The author's personal beliefs seemed to overshadow the information presented, which hindered my understanding and appreciation of paganism. Additionally, I noticed multiple inaccuracies and oversimplifications throughout the book, which made it difficult to trust the information provided. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for understanding pagan beliefs.
3. Sarah - 2.5 stars
I wanted to learn more about paganism and its beliefs, so I picked up "What does pagans believe in." Unfortunately, I found the book to be a bit superficial in its exploration of this topic. The author briefly touched on various aspects of paganism but failed to delve into them with any depth. I was left with more questions than answers after reading this book. Additionally, the writing style was a bit dry and repetitive, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged with the material. While the book may be a decent starting point for absolute beginners, I would recommend seeking out other resources for a more comprehensive understanding of paganism.