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By Michael Lopez

Had a chance to see any pictures of Joseph Baena yet? If so, you'll know that the 14-year-old love child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his Latina housekeeper bears a striking resemblance to dear old Dad. But even more striking, is seeing Arnie 2.0 in a full Conan the Barbarian costume! Yup, Joseph dressed up like one of papa's most famous characters over Halloween weekend.

Spotted making his way into Six Flags' Fright Fest, Baena was accompanied by his mother Mildred and an unnamed family member. TMZ got some close up shots of the two, which show Joseph posing with a giant plastic sword.

Of course, some could argue that Baena was emulating the modern-day Conan, Jason Momoa. But we don't seem to think so. With his fuzzy vest, black bandana, and huge boots, he's the spitting image of Schwarzenegger's 80's sword slinger.

Judging by all the chisme he's been surrounded with, we doubt Arnold made a popular Halloween costume this year. But on the flipside, Baena's mom has become a very trendy personality to emulate…just ask George Lopez.

What do you think about Joseph's Halloween costume? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Arnold Schwarzenegger, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Conan the Barbarian, Halloween, Joseph Baena, Mildred Baena, popnews

By Michael Lopez

Yes, we know Halloween on a Monday can be a bit of a drag. But even if work and school obligations keep you from partying your heart out tonight, you can still enjoy a scare at home with the newly released DVD, Atrocious. Written and directed by Mexican filmmaker Fernando Barreda Luna, it's reality-based horror puts Paranormal Activity and Blair Witch to shame. Fernando spoke to us exclusively about what went into his monstrous masterpiece.

"This is my first movie," Barreda Luna told us. "And I'm really enjoying the reactions I’ve been receiving. It seems to have already built quite a following both in the U.S. and overseas."

Shot entirely in Spanish, Atrocious follows the lives of a brother and sister who delve into a creepy local legend. Could a missing girl from the 1940's really be haunting the woods outside their parents' summer home? The two adventurous teens are determined to find out and bring their home video camera to document their explorations.

We think you can imagine what happens next. In the tradition of all those "found footage" horror movies, the audience sees the siblings' tapes after their vicious slaughter. Was the ghost in the woods behind it? Fernando's unique shooting style will keep you guessing until the very end.

"I had a lot of inspiration from other movies when making Atrocious, particularly in the suspense genre," he said. "If you don’t see the monster, it can be a much scarier experience. I wanted to keep that idea of not knowing the monster. Our imagination can be much more scary than what’s showing on the screen."

Barreda Luna also confessed that budgetary limitations prevented him from creating intricate CGI ghouls. But, he felt that worked to his advantage and ultimately challenged him to create a better film.

"The original idea was for a much more straightforward movie," he said. "But because of budget limits, we decided to make a much smaller film. We adapted it to this 'found footage' style and it worked. Paranormal Activity kind of follows the same mold. There's a lot of suspense and a lot of drama, but it wasn't expensive to do."

Having seen the film, we can definitely vouch for Fernando's fright tactics. A lifelong scary movie fan, he's picked up some great techniques from the cinema's best horror directors. And seeing how it's Halloween, we had to ask what his favorite films from the genre are.

"I have like 40 favorite horror movies," he jokingly said. "Rob Zombie's stuff is great. But I also really love the classics, like the original Alien, John Carpenter's The Thing, and Poltergeist."

You can find out more of Barreda Luna's horror inspirations (and even download the movie) by visiting the official Atrocious website.

What's your favorite scary movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Atrocious, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Fernando Berreda Luna, Halloween, Horror Movies, Movies & CineMás, Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

Sure today may "technically" be Halloween, but this past weekend was when all the true partiers dressed up and celebrated. And that includes the Hollywood circuit too. Saturday night, tons of celebs hit the Twitterverse to show off their costumes and post shout outs from their favorite fiestas.

Sofía Vergara may have taken a few pointers from our costume blog. This past weekend, the Modern Family star posted a very cute picture of herself dressed up like an Angry Bird. Tweeting the message, "Ready for Halloween!," she gave a friendly wave from her home bathroom.

Zachary Quinto wasn't shy about sharing his costume with the world either. The recently outed actor decided to dress himself up as "fireworks" this year. But rather than spend a ton at the local Halloween shop, he improvised and went the budget route.

Lindsay Lohan was all smiles this weekend too. Just Jared posted some very sexy pictures of the future Playboy centerfold at a Saturday night costume party. And, for the record, she did not go as a jailbird this year, but rather a scantily dressed French maid.

And though J. Lo wasn't sharing her costume secrets, her image was still all over the Twitterverse. Sporting a velvet pink jumpsuit and oversized sunglasses, Nicole Richie posed as Jennifer this year alongside her hubby Joel Madden (who went as writer Hunter S. Thompson).

"Don't be fooled by the rocks dat we got! HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Love JLo & Hunter S. Thomson," Richie tweeted.

Over in the posh Pacific Palisades section of Los Angeles, Kate Hudson hosted some very famous costumed faces at her annual Halloween bash. Stars like Jessica Alba, Rashida Jones, and David Arquette dropped by, but it was Gwen Stefani's Cinderella ensemble that attracted the most attention.

And the winner for the craziest celebrity costume of 2011 was undoubtedly Heidi Klum. This year she hosted a huge party at The Venetian in Las Vegas and came dressed as a skinless model! Yup, her muscles, limbs, and organs were all on display, making for a freaky red carpet experience.

What was the best Halloween costume you saw this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, Gwen Stefani, Halloween, Heidi Klum, Holidays, Joel Madden, Kate Hudson, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, popnews, sofia vergara, Zachary Quinto

By Michael Lopez

It may be hard to believe, but Halloween has been known to bring out racial undertones. Usually it's never intentional, but certain outfits that party stores deem as "funny" or "topical" can actually be offensive to various minority groups. And now, a student organization at Ohio University has started a campaign to call out politically incorrect costumes.

Using the slogan "We’re a Culture, Not a Costume," the school's Students Teaching Against Racism (STARS) organization has created a series of ads that may make you rethink what costumes cross the boundaries of good taste. Broken down into a series of five posters, the images depict Latinos, Asians, African-Americans, Native Americans, and Middle-Eastern cultures.

For the Latino-inspired ad, a student of Mexican origin is seen holding a picture of a derogatory Halloween costume. The imagery depicts a stereotyped ranchero, happily riding a donkey. For the Middle-Eastern ad, a somber teen is flashing a picture of a terrorist with a bomb strapped to his chest.

STARS issued a statement along with the posters (which has gotten a huge amount of viral attention),

"[Our mission is] to educate and facilitate discussion about racism and to promote racial harmony and to create a safe, non-threatening environment to allow participants to feel comfortable to express their feelings."

Bloggers across the web have picked up on the campaign and lent their support. And many have expanded STARS motto well beyond the theme of Halloween.

"The We're Not a Costume campaign may be timed for Halloween, but it's a reaction to an attitude that's accepted every day as normal," Arizona University newspaper columnist Kristina Bui wrote. "[Racism] manifests itself not in slurs and exclusion, but in stupid jokes and really inaccurate costumes. It doesn’t announce itself, and it’s complicated."

We couldn't agree more. Plus, with so many other costume ideas out there, why even go down the poor taste route? Just throw on an Angry Birds outfit, get some candy, and have fun!

Have you seen a lot of racist costumes on Halloween? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Halloween, Kristina Bui, Ohio University, STARS, Students Teaching Against Racism, We're A Culture Not A Costume

By Harry Pagancoss

Halloween is upon us and so are the coolest and most terrifying parties around. If you have not made any plans yet or, if you have, here are some options you may still want to consider. After all, they are the best and meanest as they promise to scare you a little or a lot. Beware!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, The Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and at and Disneyland both have a family-friendly after-hours event called "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party".  The Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade includes Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction and begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman. There's also Happy HalloWishes, a fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky, and visitors can see many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes. Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows. Dates remaining for Walt Disney World’s celebration are October 27, 28, 30, and 31, and November 1.

Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios in Hollywood & Orlando

Lady Luck is the force behind this year's event, and she awaits those brave enough to challenge her and take a chance.  Her main weapon is choice, and her desire is for you to make yours.  But no matter what you decide, you can't escape the terror she has in store at Halloween Horror Nights. Remaining days are October 27-31.

Forest of Fun and Howl-O-Scream, Busch Gardens Williamsburg

The Williamsburg theme park celebrates its 13th anniversary of Howl-O-Scream with resurrected fan favorites from years past and new haunted houses, scare zones and shows built around the theme The Dark Side of the Gardens. The motto is "Not for the faint-hearted" with parental guidance strongly encouraged. Howl-O-Scream's evil clowns are back and they have taken over Festa Italia in the Fear Fair haunted house and the Grin and Scare It scare zone. New haunted houses like Dead Line offer a modern spin on some classic scares while 13: Your Number's Up, which is returning after a 13-year hiatus, forces guests to face their darkest fears. Remaining days are October 28-30.

Thrills by Day and Fright by Night Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey

Just 90 minutes from New York City, Six Flags offers Fright Fest, one of the most terrifying Halloween events in the world! With numerous horrifyingly delightful haunted terror trails, shows and rides, you and your friends will have the fright of your life. Remaining dates: October 28-30.

So, which one are you going to attend? Send me your coolest Halloween custom pictures to: hpagancoss@facebook.com

Tags Disney, Halloween, Halloween Horror Nights, Harry Pagancoss, Mickey, Six Flags, Universal Studios

By Michael Lopez

It's hard to believe that Halloween is just a week away. Before you know it, the fiestas will be in full effect and tricks-and-treats will be flying fast. But if you're still struggling to find that "perfect costume," don't worry. Several of the nation's top party store sites have broken down the best getups of the season and here's a few we think are definitely worth putting on your radar.

Angry Birds – Was there any doubt that the biggest stars of the Smartphone era would dominate Halloween? Sites like Party City are offering full-blown red feather get ups, Bird-faced masks, and even giant green heads meant to simulate the piggies. Just be careful though, if the alcohol starts flowing you may find yourself bashing into walls.

Sue Sylvester – Straight from the halls of McKinley High comes this very creative Glee getup. Featuring a short blonde wig, red track pants, and that notorious neck whistle, this is one costume you can have A LOT of fun with. And if you're going out with a group, why not add some cheerleaders and jocks to the mix for a full-blown Karaoke ensemble?

Charlie Sheen – Sure he had his meltdown over eight months ago. That doesn't mean the Warlock-inspired Charlie Sheen getup is any less inspired. Several mask makers have constructed rubberized versions of Charlie's face and, we have to admit, the resemblance is uncanny. Of course the real kicker with this one is, Sheen has vowed to go as "himself" too!

Steve Jobs – Definitely a timely costume idea, expect to see a ton of tech geeks don the turtleneck and glasses this year. Since his passing earlier in the month, Jobs tributes have been pouring over the internet. And if you think about it, what better way to honor the Apple genius than by simulating his likeness on the trick-or-treat circuit?

Occupy Wall Streeters – We've got to admit, there is a lot of creative potential with this idea. You could simulate the Occupy Gotham City version of Batman, dress as a bongo-playing rebel, or just turn yourself into a bloodsucking version of a Wall Street exec. Whatever your choice, it can be done cheaply and it'll surely stir up conversations around the punch bowl.

Walter Mercado – Guanabee definitely had us roaring when they came up with this idea. The legendary Puerto Rican astrologer may now be neck-and-neck with Michael Jackson in the nip/tuck department. Add to that his bright blonde hair and outrageous clothes and you've got a costume that’ll have everyone talking. Plus with all of Mercado’s trademark makeup, this getup could work for a guy or a girl!

What are you planning to dress as this Halloween? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Angry Birds, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Charlie Sheen, glee, Halloween, Halloween Costumes, Occupy Wall Street, Party City, Steve Jobs, Walter Mercado

By Michael Lopez

Good news Halloween fans. You can actually keep the parties going two days longer next week. Traditional Día de los Muertos celebrations are popping up more and more in the U.S., which means the dancing skeletons, wild costumes, and yummy treats will continue through November 2!

For anyone unfamiliar, Dia de los Muertos (or "Day of the Dead" as it's also known) falls on the first two days of November and is meant to honor those who have passed on. Its origins can be traced back to the Aztecs, who would create makeshift altars to attract the spirits of their lost loved ones.

Throughout the centuries, symbols like flowers, incense, and the famous "sugar skull" have been used to build the homemade shrines. As the legend goes, November 1 would mark El Día de los Inocentes for the departed children’s souls and November 2 would be El Día de los Difuntos, accounting for everyone else.

Though its roots are in Mexico, Día de los Muertos has extended throughout Latin America. Countries like Guatemala, Ecuador, and Brazil organize huge festivals and prayer services to mark the occasion.

And even more interesting is the boom that Muertos has been experiencing in the U.S. States like California, New Mexico, and Texas have seen its popularity grow to rival that of Halloween! In Houston, for example, there is now a "Day of the Dead Rock Star" event, where party goers dress up like their favorite deceased music celebs. Tupac Shakur, Johnny Cash, and "El Marvin Gaye" have become popular staples of the celebration.

"It's everywhere now," said Carlos Hernandez, who launched the " Rock Stars" event. "You can even get Dia de los Muertos stuff at Wal-Mart!”

Over in Albuquerque, the holiday is getting an "artistic" touch. The city's National Hispanic Cultural Center is hosting a "Dia de los Muertos Community Gathering," which features some of the most famous Day of the Dead art from around the world. There will also be recreations of traditional altars and lectures on Muertos' religious origins.

And in L.A., the holiday is getting a star-studded touch. Of course none of the celebrities attending the event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary will be alive, but they'll be "present" nevertheless. Legends like Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks have made Forever their final resting place and, for one night only, their graves entire will be transformed into traditional Dia de los Muertos altars. There will also be live music, moonlight ghost stories, and tons of delicious Mexican food.

We highly recommend looking up the local Muertos events in your area. They're fun, they're educational, and they can let you live out your Halloween festivities for just a wee bit longer.

Are you a fan of Dia de los Muertos? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Day of the Dead, Day of the Dead Rock Star, dia de los muertos, Halloween, Holidays, Hollywood Forever Cemetary

By Michael Lopez

We know what you're thinking. It's two more weeks until Halloween, where are all the horror flicks? Instead of Freddies and Jasons, we've got Winter the dolphin on our movie screen! But fear not gore fans, Universal has got a pretty creepy offering in theaters this weekend with its shape-shifting shock fest, The Thing!

For those of you unfamiliar, The Thing is actually a prequel to a beloved John Carpenter movie of the same name. Though it wasn't a big box office hit, the original Thing has become a cult classic. Not just for its creepy storyline, but for its disgustingly bloody special effects!

Well the good news about this week's release is that they've delivered in the creature feature department. The only problem is, the script needs some work. There's no doubt that die-hard Thing fans will eat up the homages to the first film, but for everyone else the plot may seem a bit thin.

The story revolves around Dr. Kate Lloyd (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), an American paleontologist who's recruited by Norwegian researchers in Antarctica. What she thinks is a routine gig soon turns into the discovery of a lifetime as the team unearths an actual alien trapped in ice.

Eager to study the creature, the team leader (played by Ulrich Thompson) orders it autopsied, much to the chagrin of Kate. But here's the kicker, the "deceased" monster is actually alive (and ready to devour some humans!).

From there, it’s your typical horror action fare. One by one, members of the cast get gobbled up. But the interesting twist is that the creature can replicate the humans it eats, adding a great "don’t trust anybody" vibe throughout the film. Yes the predictable ending may leave you a bit disappointed, but we dare you to make it through the whole movie without jumping up at least once!

Bottom line: If you're looking for a good pre-Halloween scare, you can't go wrong with The Thing. It's got mystery, gross out scenes, and even some sci-fi elements (that are put to much better use than Cowboys & Aliens). We say enjoy the ride, but don’t expect any Oscar-worthy performances.

Are you planning on watching The Thing this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Halloween, Horror Movies, John Carpenter, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, The Thing

By Michael Lopez

Orlando and So Cal Halloween fans are in for some extra special treats this season. The Universal Studios theme parks' famed Horror Nights are back in action and promising even more frights than in years' past. The 2011 setup includes fresh mazes, more monsters, and new state-of-the-art scare technology.

Running all month long, the Orlando version includes eight attractions, live shows, and over 1,000 employees dressed up as vicious ghouls. Some of the added themes include a maze based on The Thing, a haunted casino attraction called Lady Luck, and a ghost ship based on the voyage of Christopher Columbus. There will also be a comedic concert built around the movie, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

Over at Universal Studios Hollywood, the theme park wizards have cooked up a ton of high-profile haunts as well. There's a maze based on the twisted horror flick Hostel, an Alice Cooper attraction, and a haunted set featuring Benicio Del Toro's Wolfman. The park is also bringing back Latin America's creepiest ghost, La Llorona!

Obviously these late night frights aren't for everyone. But not to worry Halloween lightweights, there are plenty of theme park alternatives out there for you too. Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland have highlighted the "fun" aspects of the holiday with an attraction they call Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Both parks will also make special tweaks to their famous Haunted Mansion ride (that we're sure won't have any input from Guillermo del Toro).

And for the rest of us throughout the country, there are certain to be plenty of haunted hayrides, costume parties, and trick-or-treat events to keep those ghoulish urges satisfied. But don't wait on picking out that costume! Several high-profile celebs have already raided the Halloween store shelves and found some pretty interesting get ups.

How are you planning to celebrate Halloween this year? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alice Cooper, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Disneyland, Halloween, Halloween Horror Nights, Hot Stuff, La Llorona, The Thing, Theme Parks, Universal Studios

By Michael Lopez

Forget La Llorona, if you want a real Latin American scare this Halloween, look no further than the Mexican Vampire Woman! Maria Jose Cristerna has garnered attention across the globe for her drastic transformation from Monterrey housewife to fang-faced demon!

Sporting dozens of tattoos, sharpened teeth, and horn-shaped implants in her head, Maria is truly a sight to be seen! In fact, her look is so unique that Ripley’s Believe It or Not is creating a wax replica of her for their oddities museum.

And the 35-year-old divorcee doesn't seem to mind one bit. She said that surviving a marriage plagued with violence inspired her to create the "empowered" new look.

"Tattooing is my way of being immortal, of really being a vampire and not dying," Cristerna explained. "I had the fangs done because I loved vampires as a little girl and I changed the color of my eyes so they were how I really wanted them to be."

Obviously Maria will make one heck of a wax figure. Who knows? Maybe in time she'll wind up next to Fergie at Madame Tussauds!

What do you think of Maria Jose's “Vampire Woman” look? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Halloween, Maria Jose Cristerna, Mexican Vampire Woman, Ripley's Believe It Or Not