HOUSE Turns 37

If you're a fan of 1980s Horror, the folks who made this one are always in your thoughts. After all, it was written by Fred Dekker (THE RETURN OF GODZILLA, NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, THE MONSTER SQUAD), Produced by Sean S. Cunningham (THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK, FRIDAY THE 13th [all], DEEPSTAR SIX), Directed by Steve Miner (FRIDAY THE 13th Part 2, FRIDAY THE 13th 3D [introduced the hockey mask], WARLOCK), and the music is by Composer Harry Manfredini, who did FRIDAY THE 13th [all], ZOMBIE ISLAND MASSACRE, SLAUGHTER HIGH, CAMERON'S CLOSET, DEEPSTAR SIX, and this one, HOUSE.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ali Larter (HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL [1999], FINAL DESTINATION, FINAL DESTINATION 2, CONFESS, HEROES [TV], RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION, RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, LEGENDS [TV], THE DIABOLICAL, RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER) is 47.
Look for Ali in the upcoming 2022 Thriller, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN.
Thankee / Producer Aine Leicht (THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], THE DEVIL'S REJECTS. Producer: O.C. BABES AND THE SLASHER OF ZOMBIETOWN, PLATOON OF THE DEAD, CREEP CREEPERSIN'S ERECTION, VAGINAL HOLOCAUST, ORGY OF BLOOD, and over 150 home video extras) is 43.
"Thankee?" Yes! One of the most thanked people in Hollywood Horror - 51 listed on IMDb as of 2023. Seriously - scope her imdb credits!

GOTHIC Turns 37

And unfortunately as of today, actor Julian Sands is still missing in America.

Horror author Nicholas Kaufman (THE HUNGRY EARTH, IN THE SHADOW OF THE AXE) stepped in to give his love to Ken Russel's GOTHIC.

And -

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS is 36

This was the first movie that New Line Cinema released nationally. It's also the first of the NIGHTMARE movies to open at #1.

I've never met a fan of the A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise that loves them all. In fact, I've never met anyone who didn't hate at least one of them. If you don't like this movie it doesn't matter what you think. Part 3 proved itself to fans over 30 years ago.

However, if you haven't seen it, Horror author Paul V. Wargelin (V. for Victor) is a blood-dyed-in-the-fabric fan of the movies and this is what he thinks of A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS.

Plus -

DARK CITY is 26

This was director Alex Proyas personal project after his incredible success with THE CROW: A movie that belongs to a special club that no one ever wants to be a part of. A movie beset with horrific tragedy.

Thanks to the popularity of then hit TV show, THE X-FILES, movies with alternate realities were all the rage in late 1990s Hollywood and all coming from the same source. Not X-Files Producer and show runner Chris Carter, but an old Science Fiction writer named Daniel F. Galouye. Daniel did things like co-write novels with Alfred Hitchcock's most favored writer, Robert Bloch (PYSCHO [all]). Daniel's style was like an odd cross between the psychos that move among human society that an authoritarian government holds together, which Robert Bloch favored and the human society that helplessly falls through the metaphysical universe that an authoritarian government is helpless to control, that Philip K. Dick preferred.

They were all heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft in that they embraced creating their own fictional worlds that leaned into science, instead of playing in the hoary old sandbox of well-worn ancient myths, ghosts, goblins, witches, vampires, changlings, and other assorted and sundry revenants.

Back in the 1960s Daniel wrote a Science Fiction Horror novel called SIMULACRON-3. Crazed German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder made a two part 2 movie out of it called WORLD ON A WIRE, and that became the roadmap that Columbia Pictures used for THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR (Daniel's novel is credited), Warner Bros. used for THE MATRIX, and both of those movies used many of the crew and sets from New Line Cinema's DARK CITY.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

Actor Adam Baldwin (PREDATOR 2, DEAD BOLT, COLD SWEAT, BITTER HARVEST, TREACHEROUS, SAWBONES [TV], SHADOW-0PS, FIREFLY [TV], GARGANTUA [TV], INDISCREET [TV], GACY, EVIL EYES, SERENITY, THE THIRST, SANDS OF OBLIVION, SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY, INSIGHT, TRANSFORMERS PRIME [TV], THE LAST SHIP, MASS EFFECT: LEGENDARY EDITION [VG], and more) is 61.
Actor Christopher Landon (BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE, DISTURBIA, BURNING PALMS, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 5, SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, VIRAL, HAPPY DEATH DAY [all], FREAKY, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: NEXT OF KIN, WE HAVE A GHOST) is 48.
Christopher shares a birthday month with his PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Producer, Jason Blum.
Actor Lindsey Morgan (DETENTION, CHASTITY BITES, ETXR, BEYOND SKYLINE, LASSO, THE 100 [TV], SKYLIN3S) is 33.
Actor Charlotte Stewart (THE NURSE KILLER, ERASERHEAD, BITTER HARVEST, HUMAN HIGHWAY, UFOria, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH [1989], TREMORS, TWIN PEAKS [TV], DARK ANGEL: THE ASCENT, TREMORS 3, THE INNER CIRCLE, TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES) is 82.
SFX MUA, Writer, Actor, Director Gary J. Tunnicliffe (SHE-WOLF OF LONDON [1990], WAXWORK II, CHILDREN OF THE CORN II, HELLRAISER III, CANDYMAN, FRANKENSTEIN [1992], WARLOCK: THE ARMAGEDDON, AMERICAN CYBORG: STEEL WARRIOR, BEYOND BEDLAM, TO CATCH A YETI, AMANDA & THE ALIEN, LAST GASP, LORD OF ILLUSIONS, HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS, HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE, CHILDREN OF THE CORN: THE GATHERING, SOLO, MENNO'S MIND, WISHMASTER, BLADE, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER II, SLEEPYHOLLOW [1999], TWIN FALLS IDAHO, CANDYMAN: DAY OF THE DEAD, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II, HELLRAISER: INFERNO, GINGER SNAPS, DRACULA 2000, MIMIC 2, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, MEGALODON, HANSEL & GRETEL [2002], HELLRAISER: HELLSEEKER, MIMIC: SENTINEL, DRACULA III, THE PROPHECY: FORSAKEN, HELLRAISER: DEADER, HELLRAISER: HELLWORLD, FEAST [all], RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: RAVE TO THE GRAVE, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: NECROPOLIS, INCUBUS, PULSE [all], PUMPKINHEAD: ASHES TO ASHES, WHITE NOISE 2, PUMPKINHEAD: BLOOD FUED, THE SEEKER, MY BLOODY VALENTINE [2009], X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, THE COLLECTOR, THE DETAILS, DRIVE ANGRY, HELLRAISER: REVELATIONS, SCREAM 4, DINOSHARK, APOLLO 18, STRAW DOGS [2011], PIRANHA 3DD, THE COLLECTION, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, SCARY MOVIE V, KILLING SEASON, BENEATH, ANIMAL, THE HIVE, GONE GIRL, MOST LIKELY TO DIE, PET, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEEP WATCHING, THE HATRED, HELLRAISER: JUDGMENT, AGENDA: PAYBACK, DELIRIUM, TRICK, THE BIG UGLY, PLAY DEAD) is 55.
Look for Gary's work in the upcoming 2023 Horror movie, Norman Partridge's DARK HARVEST. Directed by David Slade (HARD CANDY, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE).

SUNDAY -

Actor Shiloh Fernandez (INTERSTATE, JERICHO [TV], RED, DEADGIRL, RED RIDING HOOD, EVIL DEAD [2013], WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD, RETURN TO SENDER, EDGE OF WINTER, QUEEN OF CARTHAGE, GYPSY [TV], TREMORS [2018], BURN, BIG GOLD BRICK, TATTERED HEARTS TORN HEARTS) is 38.
Shiloh shares a February birthday month with his WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD alumni, Thomas Jane, as well as this month for his TREMORS producer, Jason Blum.
Look for Shiloh in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller THE KNOCKING DON'T OPEN THE DOOR, starring Doug Jones (HELLBOY, PAN'S LABYRINTH, UNIVERSAL DEAD, JOHN DIES AT THE END). Also in 2023, HELLBENT ON BOOGIE, and AMERICAN METAL.
Writer, Director, Producer Drew Goddard (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], ALIAS [TV], CLOVERFIELD, LOST [TV], THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, WORLD WAR Z, 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, THE DEFENDERS [TV], THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE) is 48.
Cthulhu help us, Drew has an Untitled Cloverfield sequel in production.
Actor Barbara Niven (FATAL ENCOUNTER, HIRED TO KILL, PSYCHO COP RETURNS, ILLEGAL ENTRY: FORMULA FOR FEAR, THE SISTER-IN-LAW, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP [1996 TV], I MARRIED A MONSTER [TV], ALONE WITH A STRANGER, SERIAL KILLING 101, THE DRONE VIRUS, SUMMER'S BLOOD, ACCUSED AT 17, HOME INVASION, SUBURBAN GOTHIC, CROSSWORD MYSTERIES [all], and more) is 70.
Actor Teresa Palmer (WOLF CREEK, THE GRUDGE 2, RESTRAINT, I AM NUMBER FOUR, WISH YOU WERE HERE, WARM BODIES, LIGHTS OUT, MESSAGE FROM THE KING, BERLIN SYNDROME, 2:22, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES [TV], THE TWIN) is 37.
Look for Teresa in the 2023 Horror series, THE CLEARING [TV].
Teresa shares the same birthday with her LIGHTS OUT Producer...
Writer, Director, Producer, James Wan (SAW [all], DEAD SILENCE, DEATH SENTENCE, INSIDIOUS [all], THE CONJURING [all], DEMONIC, ANNABELLE [all], LIGHTS OUT, THE NUN, THE CURSE OF LLORONA, SWAMP THING [TV], SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW, MALIGNANT, THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE, ARCHIVE 81 [TV], M3GAN) is 46.
Look for James' upcoming 2022, 2023 Horror movie, 'SALEM'S LOT. Also in 2023, THE THE NUN 2, and INSIDIOUS 5.
Read my interview with James Wan and Leigh Whannell as they reminisce about their very first franchise, SAW.

THE CRAZIES Turns 13

There are so few remakes that match the original, let alone surpass it. Breck Eisner's 2010 version surpassed George A. Romero's original

SACRILEGE!

and this is what made 2010's THE CRAZIES better.

SATURDAY -

Actor Alexis Denisoff (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], DOLLHOUSE [TV], THE AVENGERS, H+, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, GRIMM [TV], LEGACIES [TV], CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA [TV], LEGACIES [TV]) is 56.
Writer, Actor Carey Van Dyke (DIAGNOSIS MURDER [TV], MURDER 101: NEW AGE, THE DAY THE EARTH STOPPED, MEGA PYTHON VS. GATOROID, A HAUNTING IN SALEM, THE SACRED, THE CHERNOBYL DIARIES, THE SILENCE, DON'T WORRY DARLING) is 57.
Actor Gerran Howell (YOUNG DRACULA [TV], THE SPARTICLE MYSTERY [TV], THE SONG OF NAMES, SUSPICION [TV]) is 27.
Writer / Director Neill Jordan (THE COMPANY OF WOLVES, HIGH SPIRITS, THE CRYING GAME, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, IN DREAMS, THE BRAVE ONE, THE GOOD THIEF, RIVIERA [TV], GRETA, RIVIERA [TV], MARLOWE) is 68.
Neill shares a February birthday with GRETA alumni, Chloë Grace Moretz.
Actor Noah Jupe (THE NIGHT MANAGER [TV], HOUDINI & DOYLE [TV], THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER, THE MAN WITH THE IRON HEART, THE TITAN, A QUIET PLACE [all], THE UNDOING, NO SUDDEN MOVE) is 18.
Look for Noah in the upcoming 2023 Horror movie remake, THE LOST BOYS.
Actor James Phelps (HARRY POTTER [all], WARD 3, PATCHWORK, CADIA: THE WORLD WITHIN, LAST NIGHT IN SOHO) is 37.
Actor Oliver Phelps (HARRY POTTER [all], LAST NIGHT IN SOHO) is 37.

IT'S A COCAINE BEAR Kinda Day!

North America Fans, check your local theater listings for today's release of COCAINE BEAR in your area! Actor Ray Liotta's last Horror movie.

And -

GET OUT Turns 6

Jordan Peele wowed us all with his comedy TV shows. His Comedy movies? Not so much. Then he decided that if he couldn't make us laugh, he'd scare us. This is what happened when he made GET OUT.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer / Publisher / Editor and Feo Amante alumni, Monica J. O'Rourke (SUFFER THE FLESH, DECADENCE volumes 1 & 2) is 57 today.
Actor Billy Zane (CRITTERS, DEAD CALM, DEMON KNIGHT, CLAIM, DARK HARVEST, SILENT WARNINGS, VLAD, SILVER CITY, THREE, MEM-O-RE, BLOODRAYNE, KURTLAR VADISI-IRAK, ALIEN AGENT, THE MAD, SURVIVING EVIL, MAGIC MAN, THE ROOMMATE, MYSTERIA, THE SCORPION KING 3, THE GANZFELD EXPERIMENT, LEPRECHAUN'S REVENGE, THE EMPLOYER, BORDER RUN, GHOST OF GOODNIGHT LANE, SCORNED, THE GANZFELD HAUNTING, ZOMBIE KILLERS: ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD, TROUBLE SLEEPING, GHOSTS OF WAR, THE BELIEVER, HELLBLAZERS, THE BOYS [TV], RUPTURE, and more) is 56.
Look for Billy's 2022 Mystery Thrillers, BLUNT and THE DOWNSIDE OF BLISS.

THE ABANDONED Turns 16

Pretty much all movies that appeared under the old and nearly forgotten After Dark Film Festival banner and have faded into obscurity: What I've labeled as modern Cinema Obscura.

That doesn't mean they deserve to and Nacho Cerda's 2007 THE ABANDONED is a good reason why they should be rediscovered.

And -

THE NUMBER 23 Turns 16

Taste is subjective. You may not like what I like and vice versa. But of all the criticisms a movie should endure, this one doesn't deserve the "Unbelievable concept". The fact is, the Number 23 Enigma, as profoundly damaging as a gambling addiction or Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), is all too real to the people who become affected by it and we still aren't sure why it happens. That is the incurable syndrome that terrifies character Walter Sparrow in THE NUMBER 23.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Emily Blunt (IRRESISTABLE [2006], WIND CHILL, THE WOLF MAN [2010], THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, LOOPER, EDGE OF TOMORROW, INTO THE WOODS, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, A QUIET PLACE [all]) is 42.
ME! Horror writer / WebCeb / Film Maker E.C.McMullen Jr. aka Feo Amante (Feo Amante's Horror Thriller. Writer [featured in the following magazines, anthologies, and collections]: BIKER, DECADENCE ONE, DECADENCE 2, RANDOM ACTS OF WEIRDNESS, SATAN'S 3-RING CIRCUS OF HELL, PERPETUAL BULLET, FEAR THE REAPER, WILLOW BLUE, and more.
Movies: PRIMITIVE RECALL, LAST CALL, THE CRUSADER, UNIVERSAL DEAD, A SIERRA NEVADA GUNFIGHT, MINE GAMES, BUSHIDO, THE NIGHT MY MONSTER DIED, A BITE BETWEEN SISTERS) is 62.
Visit E.C. at Stage32.com, and Twitter.com.
Writer Dwight L. MacPhearson (Writer / Creator: EDGAR ALLEN POO) is 45.
Horror Artist / Writer Nate Southard (DRIVE, Brian Keene's FEAR, A TRIP TO RUNDBERG) is 45 today.

BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR is 32

Stuart Gordon's 1985 RE-ANIMATOR was an underground hit. Fans kept going back to it, it made the midnight movie circuit, and held a high ranking in home video rentals up against major competition from big budget studios. But 1991 was still in the era of cheap shit sequels cranked out quickly. Back when studio heads considered their audiences beneath contempt and loved treating them that way.

Except for one thing, RE-ANIMATOR was already a low budget flick from Schlock-miester Charles Band and his boutique production and distribution company, Empire Pictures. Charles didn't have to bow to no one unless it pleased him. What's more, he couldn't afford the massive expense of test audiences and tailor-made marketing in the form of studio edits - which castrated any art out of every production.

Charles Band, like all low budget independent companies, had to roll the dice and take the risk every time. Big Studios strive to give the audiences what they want to see. Low budget indies have to give the audiences what they've never seen.

The Writer creator and Producer of the original RE-ANIMATOR, Brian Yuzna, was in the director's chair for the sequel. He was certain he knew all of the elements that attracted the audience in the first place. He understood why such a low budget exploitation movie was attracting a slice of Horror fans. But did he know how to bring them back with RE-ANIMATOR 2 (in UK) aka BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR?

And -

QUEEN OF THE DAMNED Can Legally Drink in the U.S.

Warner Bros. wanted to try again with a successful sequel to INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE. Lucky for them, creator Anne Rice not only wrote it, but the sequel was a best selling smash hit. Not only that, but they had the hottest star at the time in the lead role as the Queen herself, Akasha. Then they gave her second billing to the 10th hottest star of that time in QUEEN OF THE DAMNED.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror Artist Eddie Allen is 62 or something.
Check out Haunted Memories.
Writer, Actor Thomas Jane (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, NEMESIS, THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS, FACE/OFF, DEEP BLUE SEA, ORIGINAL SIN, DREAMCATCHER, THE PUNISHER, THE TRIPPER, THE MIST, MUTANT CHRONICLES, KILLSHOT, THE DARK COUNTRY, THE EXPANSE [TV], WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD, INTO THE GRIZZLY MAZE, STANDOFF, THE VEIL, BEFORE I WAKE, 1922, THE PREDATOR, THE VANISHED [2020], HUNTER'S MOON, BREACH, WARNING, MURDER AT YELLOWSTONE CITY, DIG, SLAYERS) is 54.
Thomas shares a February birthday month with THE PREDATOR alumni Lochlyn Munro.
Thomas also shares a February birthday month with his THE EXPANSE alumni, Jay Hernandez.
Look for Thomas in the 2022, 2023 Thriller, SALVATION. Also in 2023, BOSCO.
Actor Dichen Lachman (SAFETY IN NUMBERS, TYRANNOSAURUS AZTECA, BLED, DOLLHOUSE [TV], BEING HUMAN [TV 2011-2014], THE 100 [TV], AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., TOO LATE, THE LAST SHIP [TV], ALTERED CARBON, SEVERANCE [TV], JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION) is 41.
Look for Dichen in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.
Dichen shares a birthday with her AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. alumni...
Actor Kyle MacLachlan (BLUE VELVET, THE HIDDEN, TWIN PEAKS [TV], TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME, ROSWELL, VAULT OF HORROR I, WINDSOR PROTOCOL, THE TRIGGER EFFECT, THUNDER POINT, XCHANGE, MIRANDA, NORTHFORK, MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., TWIN PEAKS [TV 2017], THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS) is 64.
Look for Kyle in his upcoming 2023 Thriller, PUSSY ISLAND. Also in 2023, FALLOUT [TV].

THE HITCHER Turns 37

By 1986 Screenwriter Eric Red hadn't proven himself. He had a short film to his credit but now had the opportunity to write a feature film.

By 1986 movie still photographer, Robert Harmon hadn't proven himself. He had a short film to his credit, but now he had the opportunity to direct a feature film.

By 1984 Producer Kip Ohlman had been working for years to bring her vision of a THE FLY remake to the screens. But in the world of showbiz, she needed to prove herself low budget to earn the big budget.

David Bombyk just launched in 1985 with Co-Producer credit on WITNESS and Producer credit on THE EXPLORERS.

They all worked in relative obscurity for years. Their hard work was finally paying off. They were all ready to fly and their first project together was the 1986 Rutger Hauer feature film, THE HITCHER.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ashley Greene (OTIS, TWILIGHT [all], SUMMER'S BLOOD, THE APPARITION, KRISTY, BURYING THE EX, URGE, AFTERMATH, ONE SHOT) is 34.
Look for Ashley in the 2022, 2023, Thriller, SOME OTHER WOMAN.
Writer and Feo Amante alumni, Nicholas Kaufmann (JACK HARINGA MUST DIE w/Anthology, CHASING THE DRAGON w/Erik Mohr) is 62 or something.
Writer / Director Joe Monks (Books: STUFF OUT'A MY HEAD, CRY FOR DAWN, THE NIGHT TERRORS, NIGHTCRY, TALES OF THE DEAD, ZACHERLEY'S MIDNIGHT TERRORS, and more. Movie: THE BUNKER) is 54.
Writer Chuck Palahniuk (FIGHT CLUB, INVISIBLE MONSTERS, SURVIVOR, HAUNTED, RANT, SNUFF, PYGMY, DAMNED) who is 61.
Visit Chuck's official ChuckPalahniuk.net.
Actor/ Writer/ Director Jordan Peele (GET OUT, US, TWILIGHT ZONE [TV - 2019], CANDYMAN [2021], WENDELL AND WILD, NOPE) is 44.
Look for Jordan's upcoming 2019 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror movie, ABRUPTIO.
Jordan shares a birthday month with his fellow GET OUT and US alumni, Jason Blum.
Actor Scout Taylor-Compton (CHARMED [TV], WICKED LITTLE THINGS, AN AMERICAN CRIME, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, APRIL FOOL'S DAY [2008], OBSSESSED, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, LIFE BLOOD, TRIPLE DOG, 247°F, THE SILENT THIEF, FLIGHT 7500, RETURN TO SENDER, GHOST HOUSE [2017], FERAL, CYNTHIA, THE LURKER, ETERNAL CODE, STAR LIGHT, GETAWAY, PENANCE LANE, ROOM 9, AN INTRUSION, THE LONG NIGHT, A STALKER IN THE HOUSE, A DAUGHTER'S DECEIT, THE LONG NIGHT, EDGE OF INSANITY, TRIPLE THREAT, CHARIOT, ALEGORIA) is 34.
Look for Scout in the 2022, 2023 Horror movie, CAPTIVE. Also in 2023, BURY THE BRIDE, THEY TURNED US INTO KILLERS, and MODEL HOUSE.

BODY SNATCHERS is 28 Today

So you're watching a movie. It has okay to good to great acting, depending on the actor and the scene. As someone who loves to watch movies you realize the problem is with the Director. The storyteller of the flick can't keep everyone on the same page. The Cinematographer is doing all they can - great job there. The script from Raymond Cistheri and Larry Cohen (IT'S ALIVE) is, by turns, groan and cringe worthy, but occasionally a great moment happens and you wish the whole movie was this good, instead of having to sit through the occasional diamond in a landfill.

Anyway, Abel Ferrara's BODY SNATCHERS was released in the U.S. this day in 1994.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

Producer Jason Blum (PARANORMAL ACTIVITY [all], INSIDEOUS [all], SINISTER [all], THE RIVER [TV], THE LORDS OF SALEM, THE BAY, DARK SKIES, THE PURGE [all], THE GREEN INFERNO, OCULUS, 13 SINS, CREEP [2014], NOT SAFE FOR WORK, UNFRIENDED [all], THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN [2014], MOCKINGBIRD, MERCY, OUIJA [all], JESSEBELLE, ASCENSION [TV], THE BOY NEXT DOOR, EXETER, THE LAZARUS EFFECT, AREA 51, THE GALLOWS, THE GIFT, VISIONS, THE VISIT, CURVE, MARTYRS [2015], SOUTH OF HELL [TV], HELLEVATOR [TV], THE VEIL, SLEIGHT, HUSH, THE DARKNESS, VIRAL, SPLIT, INCARNATE, 12 DEADLY DAYS [TV], GET OUT, STEPHANIE, THE KEEPING HOURS, AMITYVILLE: THE AWAKENING, HAPPY DEATH DAY [all], UPGRADE, TRUTH OR DARE [2018], DELIRIUM [2018], GHOUL [TV], HALLOWEEN [2018], SACRED LIES [TV], BLOODLINE, SEVEN IN HEAVEN, TREMORS [2018], GLASS, RELIVE, SWEETHEART, INTO THE DARK [TV], US, PREY, MA, BLACK CHRISTMAS, RUN SWEATHEART RUN, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT, FANTASY ISLAND, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT, THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE HUNT, NOCTURNE, THE CRAFT, M3GAN) is 54.
Actor Jay Hernandez (JOY RIDE, HOSTEL, GRINDHOUSE, SIX DEGREES [TV], HOSTEL II, LAKEVIEW TERRACE, QUARANTINE, LAST RESORT [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV], SUICIDE SQUAD, SCANDAL [TV], BRIGHT [TV]) is 45.
Writer, Actor Joel Hodgson (Creator: MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000) is 62.

SUNDAY -

Actor Millie Bobby Brown (INTRUDERS [TV], STRANGER THINGS [TV], GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, GODZILLA VS. KING KONG) is 19.
Look for Millie in the 2023 Thriller, DAMSEL.
Musician Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH, MASTER OF REALITY, PARANOID, SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH, SABOTAGE, WE SOLD OUR SOULS FOR ROCK & ROLL, and way more) is 73.
Actor Quinn Lord (WHITE NOISE 2, Masters of Horror: WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM, TRICK 'R TREAT, VIRTUALITY, THE HOLE [2009], SECOND CHANCES, VIRTUAL LIES, IN THEIR SKIN [2012], THE POSSESSION, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], IKÉ BOYS) is 22.
Actor Luke Pasqualino (THE BORGIAS [TV], THE APPARITION, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: BLOOD AND CHROME, LOVE BITE, SNOWPIERCER, SHADOW AND BONE [TV], MEDUSA DELUXE) is 32.

ARMY OF DARKNESS Turns 30

What is there left to say about Sam Raimi's ARMY OF DARKNESS that hasn't already been said?

Plenty if you're rating the copious number of Director's Cut Edition, Limited Edition, Special Edition, Bootleg Edition, and on and on and on releases. Once distributor, Anchor Bay, got ahold of this title, they went mad with their endless releases and diminishing returns on the disc extras. Seriously! How many different Director Commentaries can we hear from the same guy about the same movie?.

Yet, oddly enough, this marketing madness became part of the EVIL DEAD franchise's strength. So follow me through the gloating, gory, glory of a small distributor that hit gold where major studio Universal could only find dust in ARMY OF DARKNESS.

SATURDAY -

Writer Denise Dumars (LOVECRAFT SLEPT HERE, LETTING IN THE DARK) is 57.
Actor / SFX Artist Gigi Fast Elk Porter (PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION, BUBBA HO-TEP, DEAD THINGS, SONG OF THE DEAD, THE MANGLER REBORN, LAST RITES, FALLEN ANGELS, NECRONAUT, THE RAGE, SPRING BREAK MASSACRE, ZOMBIE HUNTER, SATAN HATES YOU, CARNIES, THE QUIET ONES, DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER, WALKING DISTANCE, PRIMITIVE, THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X, BLOODY BLOODY BIBLE CAMP, PHANTASM: RAVAGER, BOJANGLES, KILLER WAVES 2) is 63.
Gigi shares a February Birthday with her PHANTASM IV and BUBBA HO-TEP boss, Don Coscarelli.
Actor John Travolta (THE DEVIL'S RAIN, CARRIE, BLOW OUT, BROKEN ARROW, FACE/OFF, MAD CITY, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER, BATTLEFIELD EARTH, SWORDFISH, DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE, BASIC, THE PUNISHER, LONELY HEARTS, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, FROM PARIS WITH LOVE, SAVAGES, KILLING SEASON, THE FORGER, THE FANATIC) is 68.

PITCH BLACK Turns 23

Borrowing extensively from Isaac Asimov's NIGHTFALL (the movie was originally called "Nightfall", and Dan O'Bannon and Ron Shusett's ALIEN, a David Twohy (CRITTERS 2, WARLOCK, THE ARRIVAL, IMPOSTOR, BELOW, A PERFECT GETAWAY) screenplay, adapted from a pitch by the Wheat Brothers (Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET IV: THE DREAM MASTER, THE FLY II, THE BIRDS II, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE II, THE STEPFORD HUSBANDS), was also repurposed Twohy's unused script for ALIEN3.

This amalgam didn't result in a movie that was anywhere close to the equal of Asimov's tale or ALIEN. In fact, the movie as we see it is a direct result of actor Vin Diesel's performance that so surprised the Director (also Twohy) and the film crew that it was decided to change the movie so that Diesel's character, Riddick (who was a member of the body count), could be explored in future, hoped for, sequels. This is how the RIDDICK franchise was born, how the Fast and Furious franchise was born, and why PITCH BLACK remains on the map for Horror fans.

HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL Turns 65

I know people who swear by director William Castle and his original HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, starring Vincent Price. However, Bram Stoker Award winning Horror writer, Mike Oliveri (DEADLIEST OF THE SPECIES) is not one of them.

He explains why in his take on the 1958 chiller, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL.

And -

ALIEN RAIDERS Turns 17

This "Made for Direct to Video" movie took the film festival circuit anyway, ostensibly to drum up support for Warner's new 2006 line of Video Rental collections.

The fact that Warner chose to do this in the midst of the Video Rental stores stagger and crash in the mid 2000s*, added to the fact that this movie actually had the legs to sweep up awards and nominations in film festivals where it was only meant to make a promotional appearance, combines to create the abyss that I call a modern day Cinema Obscura: Great movies that, due to various reasons - like in this case, haphazard handling by a studio of "experts" that allegely should've known better - fall by the wayside.

Such was the case with Ben Rock's ALIEN RAIDERS.

*Hollywood Video crashed in 2005 and was bought out by Movie Gallery (in a failed attempt for MG to resuscitate itself). Movie Gallery closed over 500 stores the following year, 2006. That was the year West Coast Video and Tower Record / Video crashed: the year of ALIEN RAIDERS release. Blockbuster lost its #1 spot to the Redbox kiosk the following year, 2007.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Director / Producer Michael Bay (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2004], THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], THE ISLAND, THE HITCHER [2007], THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, TRANSFORMERS [all], THE UNBORN, FRIDAY THE 13TH [2009], A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET [2010], I AM NUMBER FOUR, THE PURGE [all], OUIJA [all], HORROR AT THE CECIL HOTEL [TV], A QUIET PLACE, THE PURGE [TV], 6 UNDERGROUND, SONGBIRD, A QUIET PLACE II, THE FOREVER PURGE, ) is 59.
Look for Michael's upcoming 2022, 2023 Thriller, TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS. Also in 2023, APARTMENT 7A. And in 2024, A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE.
Meanwhile, ROBOPOCALYPSE enters its 12th year of pre-production with an anticipated release of 2020 come and gone. In 2018, Steven Speilberg got out of the director's chair and the minion to his mentoring, Michael Bay (TRANSFORMERS), has sat on the throne of development hell ever since. Screenplay is still by Drew Goddard (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], ALIAS [TV], CLOVERFIELD, LOST [TV], THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, WORLD WAR Z, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE). 12 years of Development Hell.

The original animated ad for author Daniel H. Wilson's NYT's best selling novel, ROBOPOCALYPSE

Not the first time for Spielberg. After 13 years of pre-Production, Steven released the remake of WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE in 2020 - not to theaters - but to signed Producer and director, Stephen Sommers (DEEP RISING, THE MUMMY) who took the Producer's chair and where the movie remains in its own Development Hell.
Oh, and for those Indie filmmakers who think life would be "so much easier" if they were only Steven Spielberg? Stephen Sommers? Michael Bay?
HA!
Just because you're a successful movie billionaire like these guys doesn't mean investors are throwing money at you.
So stop whining about who you Aren't and work on who You Want To Be!
Writer, Director, Producer Don Coscarelli (PHANTASM [all], SURVIVAL QUEST, BUBBA HO-TEP, Masters of Horror INCIDENT ON AND OFF A MOUNTAIN ROAD, JOHN DIES AT THE END, DEAD NIGHT) is 68.
Writer Michael Laimo (DREGS OF SOCIETY, ATMOSPHERE, DEEP IN THE DARKNESS, THE DEMONOLOGIST, DEAD SOULS) is 57.
Writer, Director, Actor Alejandro Jodorowsky (Comics: L'INCAL Trilogy, BORGIA
Movies: EL TOPO, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, TUSK, SANTA SANGRE, RITUAL: A PSYCHOMAGIC STORY) is 94.
Actor Dominic Purcell (SILENT PREDATORS, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II, EQUILIBRIUM, VISITORS, BLADE: TRINITY, THE GRAVEDANCERS, PRIMEVAL, BLOOD CREEK, ESCAPEE, THE KILLER ELITE, STRAW DOGS, HIJACKED, THE GANZIELD EXPERIMENT, BAD KARMA, ICE SOLDIERS, THE GANZFELD HAUNTING, ELIMINATION GAME, ABANDONED [2015], ISOLATION, THE FLASH [TV], BLOOD RED SKY) is 53.
Look for Dominic in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, INFORMANT.

FIVE MILLION YEARS TO EARTH aka QUATERMASS AND THE PIT, is 55

"Hmmm... so how did Hammer and 20th Century Fox sell this movie back in 1960s Merry Olde England?
'SEE The holocaust that...'
Mm. Hm.
"Women defiled by..."
Wait. Do WHAT Now?!?"

I first saw this on TV way back when I was but a pup. The movie captivated my Pop and when that end came he was thoroughly wigged out. Many months later he drove me to an Art house theater in Orlando where the movie was playing. In the dark, as the movie barreled toward its conclusion, I could sense him tensing up. He was squirming in his seat next to me and the end, without the movie being chopped up by commercials every five minutes, hit him theater screen-style with its full impact.

Years later, I was an adult and watching it on DVD before I understood the full force of the Horror that my Pop must have felt. This has adult scares, it seems. What's more, being the third movie in the trilogy, the second sequel, it's considered the best of the three QUATERMASS movies (Like James Bond, they increased the budget with every sequel, imagine that!). In England it was originally released in 1968 as FIVE MILLION YEARS TO EARTH, but in the U.S. that sounded more like a sequel title to the then still popular 1957 SciFi movie, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, so now we call it, QUATERMASS AND THE PIT.

And -

THE NIGHTBREED Turns 33

NIGHTBREED is 33 and is old enough to be your GrandMonster!

If you haven't seen the 2014, NIGHTBREED Director's Cut, it's available now at SHUDDER. Read why you should move it to the top of your watch list!

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Allyson Bird (BULL RUNNING FOR GIRLS, WINE AND RANK POISON, ISIS UNBOUND, Editor: NEVER AGAIN) is 62 or something.
Actor Christopher Eccleston (DEATH AND THE COMPASS, SHALLOW GRAVE, eXistenZ, HEART, THE OTHERS, 28 DAYS LATER, DOCTOR WHO, HEROES [TV], THE SHADOW LINE [TV], NATIONAL THEATER LIVE: ANTIGONE, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, THE LEFTOVERS [TV]) is 59.
Actor Elizabeth Olsen (SILENT HOUSE, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, RED LIGHTS, THERESE RAQUIN, KILL YOUR DARLINGS, OLDBOY [2013], GODZILLA [2014], AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, WIND RIVER, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: END GAME, WANDA VISION [TV], DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS) is 34.
Writer / Director Eric Red (THE HITCHER, NEAR DARK, COHEN AND TATE, BLUE STEEL, BODY PARTS, BAD MOON, UNDERTOW, THE HITCHER II, THE HITCHER [2007], 100 FEET, NIGHT OF THE WILD) is 62.
Writer Nina Wright (WHISKEY Mattimoe Mysteries, SENSITIVE) is 62 or something.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jessica De Gouw (UNDERBELLY [TV], THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB, ARROW [TV], THESE FINAL HOURS, DRACULA [TV], CUT SNAKE, THE REZORT, OTHERLIFE, GRETEL AND HANSEL, THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS [TV], PENNYWORTH [TV]) is 35.
Look for her 2022, 2023 Thriller, THE PORTABLE DOOR.
Writer, Cartoonist Matt Groening (SIMPSON'S HALLOWEEN SPECIAL [TV], FUTURAMA. Comics: SIMPSON'S TREEHOUSE OF HORROR. Video Games: BART vs. THE SPACE MUTANTS, BART'S NIGHTMARE) is 69.
Horror Writer Paul Kane (ALONE, TOUCHING THE FLAME, FUNNY BONES, SIGNS OF LIFE, SHADOW WRITERS) is 50.
Actor Renée O'Connor (NIGHT GAME, FALSE IDENTITY, DARKMAN II, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS [TV], ALIEN APOCALYPSE, GHOST TOWN, BOOGEYMAN 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO, MONSTER ARK [TV], BITCH SLAP, ARK [TV], 2010: MOBY DICK, DEADRISE, WATCH THE SKY) is 52.
Actor Ashley Cafagna- Tesoro (LORD OF ILLUSIONS, DEMON IN THE BOTTLE, MYSTERY MONSTERS, THE WEREWOLF REBORN!, Dean Koontz MR. MURDER, FRANKENSTEIN & THE WEREWOLF REBORN!) is 40.
Writer / Director / Producer Hark Tsui (DIE BIAN, DIYU WU MEN,DI YI LEI XING WEI XIAN, SUK SAN: SUN SUK SAN GEEN HAP, ROBOFORCE, SINNUI YAUWAN III: DO DO DO, A CHINESE GHOST STORY, WICKED CITY, TIME AND TIDE, ZU WARRIORS, THE ERA OF VAMPIRES, DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME, and way more) is 73.
Actor Sarah Wynter (SPECIES II, LOST SOULS, THE 6TH DAY, FAREWELL MY LOVE, 24 [TV], THE DEAD ZONE [TV], CIRCADIAN RHYTHM, DEAD LIKE ME: AFTER DEATH [TV, DAMAGES [TV]) is 50.

Valentine's Day Horror!

DRACULA Turns 92

F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent picture, NOSFERATU came before Tod Browning's 1931 DRACULA, but life isn't always a race over who got there first, but who did it better. After nearly a century, it's clear that Bela Lugosi's Count made a slam dunk not only in Western culture, but world-wide. Wherever you go in the world, and however stylized and cartoonish the Vampire, the Draculas, with their vague Eastern European accent, will be a pale but sharp dressed blood-sucker with high collar black cape and a sharp widow's peak (an affectation which Bela sported in nearly every movie but DRACULA).

It's actually that pronounced widow's peak style, that Bela's Dracula doesn't have, that cinches Lugosi as the actor over character that we earthlings think of when we think of Dracula. That was his style in many movies like WHITE ZOMBIE and Tod Browning's MARK OF THE VAMPIRE (Bela played the vampire, Count Mora) that came after, not before Dracula. In movie after movie, particularly with Universal, he was billed as Bela "Dracula" Lugosi even when he wasn't playing the role.

Many actors have lived by their one favorite role (Yul Brynner preferred his King of Siam over his Cowboy), but no one captured the world's imagination as well and so long as Bela Lugosi. How did it do it? DRACULA

And -

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Turns 32

Some movies are so entrenched in Western culture that it couldn't matter what a reviewer or worse, a critic, thinks of it ten or more years down the road. You hate Anthony Hopkins' performance of Hannibal Lector?

Tough!

The man owns it and nothing you can ever say will change that.

Oh wait. You haven't actually seen it yet and you wonder what all the memes are about?

Well, when it comes to super twisted love, or at least something that could pass for love to a twisted mind, this is why THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS should be our Valentine's Day viewing!

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Zach Galligan (GREMLINS [both], NOTHING LASTS FOREVER, WAXWORK, MORTAL PASSIONS, RISING STORM, ZANDALEE, THE PSYCHIC, WAXWORK II, WARLOCK: THE ARMAGEDDON, CAROLINE AT MIDNIGHT, CYBORG 3: THE RECYCLER, STORM TROOPER, RAW NERVE, G-MEN FROM HELL, THE TOMORROW MAN, INFESTED, MOMENTUM, LEGION OF THE DEAD, CUT, NIGHTBEASTS, HATCHET III, BAD CANDY, MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW, SACRED GROUNDS: FORBIDDEN) is 58.
Zach shares a February birthday with fellow CYBORG 3 alumni, Joe Estevez.
Look for Zach in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, PREACHER SIX.
Actor Freddie Highmore (THE MISTS OF AVALON, FINDING NEVERLAND, FIVE CHILDREN AND IT, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, AUGUST RUSH, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, ASTROBOY, BATES MOTEL [TV], WAY DOWN THE VAULT) is 31.
Look for Freddie in the 2023 Horror Thriller, THE CANTERVILLE GHOST.
Actor Erica Leerhsen (BOOK OF SHADOWS: BLAIR WITCH 2, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003], WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END, LIVING HELL, LONELY JOE, THE BUTTERFLY ROOM, THE MESSAGE, PHOBIA, MISCHIEF NIGHT) is 47.
Actor Simon Pegg (DANGER! 50,000 ZOMBIES!, SHAUN OF THE DEAD, LAND OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ, GRINDHOUSE, DIARY OF THE DEAD, STAR TREK [2009], BURKE AND HARE, PAUL, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL, A FANTASTIC FEAR OF EVERYTHING, STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS, STAR TREK BEYOND, THE WORLD'S END, THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX, KILL ME THREE TIMES, READY PLAYER ONE, SLAUGHTERHOUSE RULEZ, THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE [TV], INHERITANCE, THE BOYS [TV], TRUTH SEEKERS [TV]) is 53.
Actor Mindy Robinson (DARK SPIRITS, THE HAUNTING OF WHALEY HOUSE, KILLJOY GOES TO HELL, MANSION OF BLOOD, THE DEVIL'S DOZEN, V/H/S/2, BOUNTY KILLER, VERONIQUE VON VENOM: HORROR HOSTESS HOTTIE [TV], THE AMERICAN GHANDI, FORK YOU, LIZZIE BORDEN'S REVENGE, THE IMPALER, TEACHER'S DAY, BLOODSUCKA JONES, EVIL BONG 420, MANSION OF BLOOD, THE BITCH THAT CRIED WOLF, BALLET OF BLOOD, BLOODY ISLAND, EVIL BONG 666, ABADDON, and a whole lot more) is 43.
Mindy shares a February birthday with fellow alumni, Joe Estevez.
Actor Meg Tilly (PSYCHO II, ONE DARK NIGHT, IMPULSE, AGNES OF GOD, MASQUERADE, CARMILLA, BODY SNATCHERS, CAPRICA, ANTIBIRTH) is 63.

SCARE B&B Hits VOD on Feb. 28

And -

The Last FRIDAY THE 13th movie turns 14

While ownership rights are fought in court, current franchise steward, Sean S. Cunningham, let Jason sleep. Ken King "The Fan Behind the Mask", gives you a F13 fan perspective of Producer Michael Bay (THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], THE HITCHER [2007], A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET [2010], THE PURGE) and Director Marcus Nispel (THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE [2003])'s FRIDAY THE 13th.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Andrew Bryniarski (BATMAN RETURNS, CYBORG 3, STREET FIGHTER, ROLLERBALL [2002], SCOOBY-DOO, BLACK MASK 2, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003], THE CURSE OF EL CHARRO, SEVEN MUMMIES, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, DRACULA'S GUEST, MOTHER'S DAY [2010], CHOPPER [TV], SOME KIND OF HATE, 2016, CHUCK HANK AND THE SAN DIEGO TWINS) is 52.
Actor Joe Estevez (HUMAN ERROR, FATAL PULSE, THE PLATINUM TRIANGLE, MURDER IN LAW, SOUL TAKER, DEMON LOVER, BLOOD ON THE BADGE, PSYCHIC DETECTIVES, CYBER SEEKER, BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND, DARK UNIVERSE, THE MOSAIC PROJECT, INNER SANCTUM 2, STAR STRUCK, LETHAL SEDUCTION, LOLA'S GAME, SILENT SCREAM [1999], TALES FROM THE GRAVE, MIND GAMES [2003], SCARY TALES: THE RETURN OF MR. LONGFELLOW, ZOMBIEGEDDON, DEAD THINGS, VOICES FROM THE GRAVES, EVIL EVER AFTER, ZOMBIE FARM, NECRONAUT, SIGMA DIE!, KILLA ZOMBIES, HORRORWEEN, DOCTOR SPINE, SEBASTIAN, THE HAUNTING OF PEARSON PLACE, LITTLE CREEPS, ABADDON, and way more) is 76.
Actor Kelly Hu (FRIDAY THE 13th PART VIII, SURF NINJAS, STRANGE DAYS, THE SCORPION KING, X2, DEVIL'S DEN, SUCCUBUS: HELL BENT, DEAD SPACE: DOWNFALL, FARMHOUSE, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], ARROW [TV], TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [TV 2012-], WAREHOUSE 13 [TV], HIGH SCHOOL POSSESSION) is 54.
Look for Kelly in the 2022 Mystery, FALLEN ANGELS MURDER CLUB: FRIENDS TO DIE FOR (TV).
Oscar winning SFX Artist David Marti (THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE, DAGON, ROMASANTA, DARKNESS, LA MONJA, FRAGILE, DOOM, PAN'S LABYRINTH, EL ORFANATO, HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY, OPEN GRAVES, THE SKIN I LIVE IN, PARANORMAL XPERIENCE 3D, THE IMPOSSIBLE, MAMA, CRIMSON PEAK, DOWN A DARK HALL, MUSE, AMIGO, WESTWORLD [TV], MALSAÑA 32) is 50.

SUNDAY -
Writer, Director, Producer, Darren Aronofsky (Pi, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, THE FOUNTAIN, BELOW, BLACK SWAN, NOAH, MOTHER!, AFTERMATH, SPHERES) is 52.
Actor Afshan Azad (HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS part 1, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 2) is 35.
This man has horrified and terrified billions of people in the last one hundred fifty plus years. People like the dead Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Jim Baker, Tim F. LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins, Kirk Cameron, and so many others, who all claim to have both studied his work, AND enriched themselves rich writing and speaking bald-faced lies about him.
Yet the truth endures. Evolution is a fact, and the theory of evolution explains HOW it works better than any other theory out there. What's more, Darwin was Mary Shelley's Science Advisor when she novelized FRANKENSTEIN!
So Happy Birthday to
Scientist Charles Darwin (ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES DARWIN 1809-1882) whose remains, what remains of them, is 213.
For extra fun, here are a few SF/Horror movies made by people who have no idea how evolution works: 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED, EVOLUTION, PLANET OF THE APES, HIDEOUS SUN DEMON, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, A SOUND OF THUNDER, X-MEN (Sorry Jean Grey, but the next stage of Evolution isn't based upon any single mutant, but whether or not that mutant can survive long enough to successfully pass their mutation onto their progeny).
Actor Cliff De Young (THE NIGHT THAT PANICKED AMERICA, SHOCK TREATMENT, THE HUNGER, THE AWAKENING OF CANDRA, DEADLY INTENTIONS, F/X, FEAR [1988], PULSE [1988], FORBIDDEN SUN, DR. GIGGLES, THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, TERMINAL VOYAGE, REVENGE OF THE RED BARON, CARNOSAUR 2, THE CRAFT, 2012 DOOMSDAY, SOLAR FLARE, and way more) is 77.
Actor Enver Gjokaj (THE PATH TO 9/11, EAGLE EYE, TALE OF THE TRIBE, DOLLHOUSE [TV], STONE, THE AVENGERS, WOULD YOU RATHER, WITCHES OF EAST END [TV], EXTANT [TV], AGENT CARTER [TV], 3022, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. [TV], RESIDENT ALIEN [TV]) is 43.
Actor Michael Ironside (STONE COLD DEAD, DOUBLE NEGATIVE, SCANNERS, VISITING HOURS, AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, THE SURROGATE, HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II, WATCHERS, TOTAL RECALL, THE VAGRANT, KILLER IMAGE, NIGHT TRAP, STARSHIP TROOPERS, THE OMEGA CODE, HEAVY METAL 2000, MINDSTORM, THE SHAFT, CHILDREN OF THE CORN: REVELATION, DEEP WATER, Masters of Horror: THE V WORD, TERMINATOR: SALVATION, THE BEACON, HARDWIRED, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, BURDEN OF EVIL, TRANSFORMERS PRIME [TV], ICE SOLDIERS, EXTRATERRESTRIAL, 88, DESECRATED, TURBO KID, SYNCHRONICITY, ELEMENT, CHILDREN OF THE FALL, PATIENT SEVEN, STILL/BORN, THE HARROWING, ALTERSCAPE, KNUCKLEBALL, THE ALIENIST [TV], FRAN K.: FRANKENSTEIN, HERETIKS, THE CONVENT, HELLMINGTON, BLOODTHIRSTY, TIN CAN, DRACULA: THE ORIGINAL LIVING VAMPIRE) is 72.
Look for Michael's upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller JESTER FROM TRANSYLVANIA.

Actor Lochlyn Munro (THE GIRL FROM MARS, NEEDFUL THINGS, TRANCERS 4: JACK OF SWORDS, MOTHER MAY I SLEEP WITH DANGER?, ABDUCTION OF INNOCENCE, THEM [1996], TWO [TV], HIGH VOLTAGE, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID [1998], A MURDER OF CROWS, CHARMED [TV], DRACULA 2000, SCARY MOVIE, BLACTOP, KNIGHT CLUB, KILL ME LATER, PRESSURE, THE INVESTIGATION, NET GAMES, FREDDY VS. JASON, THE KEEPER, CHASING GHOSTS, FINAL MOVE, THE TOOTH FAIRY [2006], HACK!, PERFECT CHILD, RIDDLES OF THE SPHINX, TOXIC, PENANCE, NOWHERE TO HIDE, LIES & ILLUSIONS, LET THE GAME BEGIN, THE TERROR EXPERIMENT, SEDUCED BY LIES, INFECTION: THE INVASION BEGINS, GONE, MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, FATAL CALL, HANSEL & GRETEL GET BAKED, SECRET LIASON, ASSAULT ON WALL STREET, HELL IN A HANDBAG, XTINCTION: PREDATOR X, POKER NIGHT, BADGE OF HONOR, RAMPAGE 2, THE BLACKBURN ASYLUM, BLACKWAY, THE UNSPOKEN [2015], JUSTICE SERVED, BEYOND [TV], THE PREDATOR, RIVERDALE [TV], SPIRAL, PEACE, RIVERDALE [TV], DEAD VOICES, BROIL, THE SINNERS, THE INITIATION, COSMIC SIN, APEX, MARGAUX, DETECTIVE KNIGHT [all], ) is 56.
Look for busy Lochlyn in the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 THE COLOR ROSE DWELLER. Also in 2023, CIVIL, VALARA, CHAPEL, TOTALLY KILLER,
Stunts, Actor Simon Northwood (ZOMBIE NIGHT, MUTANT X [TV], AWAKENING, 300, DIARY OF THE DEAD, OUTLANDER, CYBORG SOLDIER, FORBIDDEN SCIENCE [TV], DEATH WARRIOR, REPO MEN, SAW 3D, NIKITA [TV], CERTAIN PREY, IMMORTALS, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, THE COLONY, ROBOCOP [2014], 88, BITTEN [TV], X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, DARK MATTER [TV], SHADOWHUNTERS: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV], THE SHAPE OF WATER, THE STRAIN [TV], X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX, CODE 8, CLARICE [TV], THE BOYS [TV], THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE, CODE 8, CLARICE [TV]) is 54.
Normally this actress would never have her birthday celebrated here since only about 12 of her over 40 films are in our genre. And yet it is those very films she is most remembered for by filmgoers. So Happy Birthday
Actor Christina Ricci (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES, CASPER, BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA, SLEEPY HOLLOW, BLESS THE CHILD, MIRANDA, THE GATHERING, CURSED, AFTER.LIFE, LIZZIE BORDEN TOOK AN AXE, THE LIZZIE BORDEN CHRONICLES [TV], ESCAPING THE MADHOUSE: THE NELLIE BLY STORY [TV], THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS, 50 STATES OF FRIGHT [TV], MONSTROUS, YELLOWJACKETS [TV], WEDNESDAY [TV]) is 42.
Look for Christina in the upcoming Horror Thriller, THE DRESDEN SUN.

THE STEPFORD WIVES Turn 48

The late Ira Levin had the most curious knack for choosing a title that resonated across the widest spectrum of Western Society. People who have never read his books understand when, at the end of a lover's breakup, one will softly say, "A Kiss Before Dying?". In conversation, everyone gathered knows what someone means when they refer to someone else's child as a Rosemary's Baby, a Boy From Brazil, or a woman as a Stepford Wife. His novels are usually slim, just squeeking out the word count to avoid being a novella. So few pages in fact, that in a moment of self-mockery he chose the title, Sliver, and then wrote a book about it.

Overwhelmingly, however, forays into his work enmesh the reader into unknown, unconsidered Horrors. They begin and beguile as if they were only character dramas. However each one is a deathtrap maze, leading the reader toward a Horror that you never considered, and so have no idea how it could end. The trap is that you want to put it down but the story is too compelling. If you put it down you'll never know what happens. The end is the only release and, because they're such slim, small novels, there isn't that much left to read.

The end will be quick.

Then Hollywood goes and makes their "better" version of it by hiring directors who don't like those kind of books and don't realize how close they are to the fictional source material. Like what happened with 1975's THE STEPFORD WIVES.

THE WOLFMAN Turns 13

No matter how many years pass, this abortion of a Universal Pictures reboot will never achieve "classic" status. By the time it reaches its Silver 25th Anniversary, any 100 independent Horror movies with the combined budget of this one, and created by non-expert newbies, will have flown past it already. Nearly half that number already have.

This is the unbelievable tale of Big budget studio experts having no clue about their company's legacy or their current audience: THE WOLFMAN (2010).

SATURDAY -

Actor Sarah Butler (FLU BIRD HORROR, LUKE 11:17 [TV], I <3 VAMPIRES [TV], I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE [2010], NUCLEAR FAMILY, TREACHERY, THE DEMENTED, THE STRANGER WITHIN, STUCK [2014], I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE: VENGEANCE IS MINE, MOONTRAP: TARGET EARTHWOMAN ON THE RUNALL LIGHT WILL END, POINT DEFIANCE, REVENGE FOR DADDY, MY HUSBAND'S DEADLY PAST) is 37.
Actor Natalie Dormer (FLAWLWESS, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, THE FADES, POE, THE RIOT CLUB, GAME OF THRONES [TV], THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 1, ELEMENTARY [TV], THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 2, THE FOREST, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK [TV], IN DARKNESS, PATIENT ZERO, THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE [TV], PENNY DREADFUL: CITY OF ANGELS [TV]) is 40.
Look for Natalie in the upcoming Thriller THE WASP.
Actor Taylor Lautner (SHADOW FURY, TWILIGHT [all], MY OWN WORST ENEMY [TV], ABDUCTION, SCREAM QUEENS [TV]) is 30.
Actor Alexi Wasser (PARANORMAL GIRL, DARK STREETS, CABIN FEVER 2: SPRING FEVER, THE LAST LOVECRAFT: RELIC OF THE CTHULHU, GROWTH, CHOOSE, RETURN TO SENDER) is 31.

ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS is 66

Roger Corman was trying his damndest to be original. What the hell could he do with a monster that no one else was doing? He came up with this. A super creepy take on John W. W. Campbell's THE THING and Robert A. Heinlein's THE PUPPET MASTERS, only instead of aliens, it's a bizarre breed of Crab.

The budget was too low to realize its concept, which is why the concept is ripe for remaking ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS.

And -

THE NIGHT VISITOR is 52

Imagine a homicidal maniac so fiendishly clever that no detective can figure who is committing the crimes, because no one can imagine the insane risks and reasons behind so may unrelated killings, each with their own method of murder, and none of them having any connection other than taking place in the same area.

This is Max von Sydow at his most villainous: THE NIGHT VISITOR.

Plus -

THE RELIC is 25

One of the funniest insults Guillermo del Toro ever experienced as a young filmmaker was when he read an The Onion article headline that stated, "Man Watches THE RELIC and MIMIC - Cannot Tell Them Apart".

Though MIMIC went on to have two more Direct to Video sequels (it was just someting the Weinstein brothers did), that joke probably remains the best thing we can say about MIMIC, or THE RELIC for that matter.

Also -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer James Cheetham (FADE TO PALE, THE BEEKEEPER, SEASONS OF THE BRITTLE HARVEST) is 52.
Actor Chloë Grace Moretz (THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], WICKED LITTLE THINGS, ROOM 6, HALLOWED GROUND, THE EYE [2008], NOT FORGOTTEN, KICK-ASS, LET ME IN, HUGO CABARET, DARK SHADOWS, KICK-ASS 2, CARRIE, DARK PLACES, THE 5TH WAVE, SUSPIRIA [2018], GRETA, THE ADDAMS FAMILY [2019], SHADOW IN THE CLOUD, THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2, MOTHER/ANDROID, THE PERIPHERAL [TV]) is 26.
Writer/Musician John Shirley (Books: DEMONS, CRAWLERS, AND THE ANGEL WITH TELEVISION EYES, DOOM, DARKNESS DIVIDED, Music: Blue Oyster Cult, Film: THE CROW, TWISTS OF TERROR [TV]) who is 70.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Producer, Director Fede Alvarez (!ATAQUE DE PANICO!, EVIL DEAD [2013], DON'T BREATHE [all], THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB, CALLS [TV], TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2022]) is 49.
Look for Fede's upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, Untitled ALIEN PROJECT.
Writer Elizabeth Blue (DROWN IN FEAR, TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE HAUNTED MID-ATLANTIC REGION, ALL PRETTIED UP, MICANOPY MURDERS) is 55.
Actor Tom Hiddleston (WALLANDER [TV], THOR [all], THE AVENGERS [all], ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE, HIGH-RISE, CRIMSON PEAK, THE NIGHT MANAGER, KONG: SKULL ISLAND, LOKI [TV]) is 42.
Illustrator/Artist John Gallagher (GINGER SNAPS: UNLEASHED, GINGER SNAPS BACK, SANTA'S SLAY, FEAR ITSELF [TV], V [TV], APOLLO 18, THE GREY, ONCE UPON A TIME [TV], FALLING SKIES [TV], TASMANIAN DEVILS, THE TOMORROW PEOPLE [TV], PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS, PROOF [TV], MINORITY REPORT [TV], THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], BREED [2015], RIVERDALE [TV], THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], PROJECT BLUE BOOK [TV], THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR [TV], A BABYSITTER'S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING, THE EXPANSE [TV], AMERICAN GODS [TV], THE BOYS [TV], DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS) is 62 or something.
Look for John's work in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, IN THE LOST LANDS, based on the story by George R.R. Martin. Produced, co-wrote for the screen, and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Produced and Acted by Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich (of course).

THE RETALIATORS Hits Retail This Feb. 21st

And -

PLANET OF THE APES is 55

The movie bore little if any resemblance to the Pierre Boulett novel of the same name (which happens A. Lot. in Hollywood), but under the guidance of WWII hero, Rod Serling, it was suffused with modern day (late 20th Century) analogies and parables, among them being the threat of nuclear annihilation and racism.

And that's when an odd thing happened on the set.

Dressed in various ape costumes, the actors - themselves of different ethnicities - would eat their lunch with other actors who wore the same ape costumes as them. Gorillas, Orangutans, and Chimpanzees self-segregated to eat their meals with each other, regardless of the nationality of the person inside.

This was only one of the odd things that happened in PLANET OF THE APES.

Plus -

John Carpenter's THE FOG is 43

If John had his way, this might have been the last movie he ever made. But his producer partner, the late Debra Hill, called him back to California. They had to fix what they messed up and John couldn't give up, because it was her reputation too. To fix it with virtually no budget meant quiet negotiation and that brought the then unknown Rob Bottin into the picture. They didn't have enough budget to make it great, but at least they could make THE FOG seaworthy. This is how it all shook out.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Brooke Adams (WHO IS THE BLACK DAHLIA?, SONG OF THE SUCCUBUS, SHOCK WAVES, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS [1978], THE DEAD ZONE, THE STUFF, MAN ON FIRE [1987], THE UNBORN [1991], SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK, THE LAST HIT, PROBABLE CAUSE, THE LEGEND OF LUCY KEYES, BRAIN DEAD [TV]) is 74.
Writer John Grisham (A TIME TO KILL, THE FIRM, THE PELICAN BRIEF, THE CLIENT, THE CHAMBER, THE RAINMAKER, THE RUNAWAY JURY, THE PARTNER, THE STREET LAWYER, THE TESTAMENT, THE BRETHREN, A PAINTED HOUSE, SKIPPING CHRISTMAS, THE SUMMONS, THE KING OF TORTS, BLEACHERS, THE LAST JUROR, THE BROKER, THE INNOCENT MAN, THE APPEAL, THE ASSOCIATE, FORD COUNTY, THE CONFESSION, THE LITIGATORS, THE RACKETEER, THE FIRM [TV]) is 67.
Actor Anna Hutchison (CABIN IN THE WOODS, DRIVER FROM HELL, WRONG SWIPE, SPLITTING IMAGE, ENCOUNTER, KILLER REPUTATION, SECRETS AT THE LAKE) is 36.
Composer John Williams (KRAFT SUSPENSE THEATER [TV], THE KILLERS, LOST IN SPACE [TV], THE TIME TUNNEL [TV], LAND OF THE GIANTS [TV], GHOSTBREAKERS, THE SCREAMING WOMAN, IMAGES, DADDY'S GONE A-HUNTING, THE POSEIDEN ADVENTURE [1972], THE LONG GOODBYE, THE TOWERING INFERNO, JAWS, FAMILY PLOT, BLACK SUNDAY, THE FURY, DRACULA [1979], RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, INDIANA JONES [all], THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, PRESUMED INNOCENT, JURASSIC PARK [all], SLEEPERS, MINORITY REPORT, HARRY POTTER [all], Stephen Speilberg's WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE FEAR [2006]) is 91.

KOLCHAK THE NIGHT STALKER 50th Anniversary

Fans of Kolchak: If you've been holding off, kind of, you know, wondering if this comic will let you down like so many Kolchak comics that came before, I have good news in my KOLCHAK THE NIGHT STALKER 50th Anniversary review.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
The good die young but
Writer, Director, Actor Alejandro Jodorowsky (Comics: L'INCAL Trilogy, BORGIA
Movies: EL TOPO, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, TUSK, SANTA SANGRE, RITUAL: A PSYCHOMAGIC STORY) at 94 is still with us and He's Still Making Movies!
Actor James Spader (A KILLER IN THE FAMILY, STAR CROSSED, THE NEW KIDS, JACK'S BACK, DREAM LOVER, STARGATE, BAD INFLUENCE, STORYVILLE, WOLF, CRASH, DRIFTWOOD, KEYS TO TULSA, THE PRACTICE [TV], SUPERNOVA, THE WATCHER, SLOW BURN, THE STICKUP, ALIEN HUNTER, I WITNESS, THE PENTAGON PAPERS, SHADOW OF FEAR, THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, THE BLACKLIST [TV]) is 63.
Actor Victor Webster (WISHMASTER 4, MUTANT X [TV], CHARMED [TV], SANDS OF OBLIVION, HARPER'S ISLAND [TV], KILLER HAIR, HOSTILE MAKEOVER, SURROGATES, BURNING PALMS, CASTLE [TV], THE SCORPION KING 3, CONTINUUM [TV], RAGIN CAJUN REDNECK GATORS, EMBRACE OF THE VAMPIRE, THE SCORPION KING 4, FUN SIZE HORROR: VOL. 1, DEAD RISING: ENDGAME, MATCHMAKER MYSTERIES: A KILLER ENGAGEMENT, MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM [TV]) is 50.
Actor Cerina Vincent (POWER RANGERS [TV], FEAR RUNS SILENT, CABIN FEVER, MURDER-SET-PIECES, INTERMEDIO, IT WAITS, SEVEN MUMMIES, SASQUATCH MOUNTAIN, RETURN TO HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, FASHION VICTIM, TOXIC, MoniKa, TALES OF HALLOWEEEN, FREAKS OF NATURE, SECRETS IN THE WATER) is 44.
Look for Cerina's upcoming Horror Thriller for ... who knows when? BRING ME THE HEAD OF LANCE HENRIKSEN is now in its... what? 15th year of Post Production? Also expected in 2022, 2023, the Horror movie, FLESH and LEGEND OF THE WHITE DRAGON. New in 2023 is THAT'S A WRAP.
Actor Deborah Ann Woll (MOTHER'S DAY, TRUE BLOOD [TV], TRUE BLOOD: JESSICA'S BLOG [TV], GHOST OF NEW ORLEANS, THE DEFENDERS [TV], DAREDEVIL [TV], THE PUNISHER [TV], ESCAPE ROOM [TV], RELICS AND RARITIES [TV], ESCAPE ROOM: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS, CHILDREN OF ÉARTE) is 38.
Deborah shares a February birthday month with her TRUE BLOOD alumni, Dane DeHaan.

DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE Is 54

You may have been born in the new millennium, but it doesn't matter. As a Horror fan you are aware of England's old Hammer Studios and their Horror movies, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and large heaving breasts. This was Hammer's formula for success throughout the 1960s and it never worked better than when Christopher Lee was in the driver's seat as in DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE.

And -

THE NIGHT FLIER Turns 26

I remain amazed at how many Stephen King fans and vampire fans are either unaware of this, or have heard about it yet still haven't seen it.

In the category of good and bad Stephen King movies, this sits in the top 10 of the best, and I'll tell you why I feel this way about THE NIGHT FLIER.

Plus -

CORALINE Turns 14

Another fantasy about another child in another house who finds yet another mysterious portal in it or on the property. But Neil Gaiman is familiar with such stories, knows his way around them, and through his writing and Director Henry Selick's wonderful adaptation and storytelling, CORALINE became a frighteningly fun tale all its own.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Dane DeHaan (THE FRONT, TRUE BLOOD [TV], CHRONICLE, JACK AND DIANE, THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, LIFE AFTER BETH, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, A CURE FOR WELLNESS, VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS, LISEY'S STORY [TV], THE STAIRCASE [TV]) is 37.
Actor, Writer, David Hayter (GUYVER: DARK HERO, DRIVE [1997], SPIDER-MAN [TV], X-MEN, THE SCORPION KING, X-MEN 2, WATCHMEN, WOLVES, DEVIL'S MILE, THE CURSE OF BUCKOUT ROAD) is 53.
Actor Gayle Hunnicutt (EYE OF THE CAT, MARLOWE, FRAGMENT OF FEAR, RUNNING SCARED [1972], VOICES, SCORPIO, THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, K IS FOR KILLING, SHADOWMAN, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE, L' HOMMES SANS VISAGE [TV], FANTOMAS [TV], TARGET, DREAMLOVER) is 77.
Gayle shares a February birthday with her THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE alumni, Pamela Franklin.
Actor Kim Poirier (DANGER BENEATH THE SEA, PRETEND YOU DON'T SEE HER, AMERICAN PSYCHO II, THE RATS, DECOYS, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], DECOYS 2, SILENT BUT DEADLY, HOLLYWOOD'S INSIDER SECRETS: HORROR TECHNIQUES AND SPECIAL FX, NO SOLICITORS) is 42.
Actor Josh Stewart (JEKYLL, THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY, THE COLLECTOR, BENEATH THE DARK, REHAB, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE COLLECTION, THE WALKING DEAD [TV], EVENT 15, THE HUNTED, TRANSCENDENCE, INTERSTELLAR, COLD MOON, THE NEIGHBOR, INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY, MALICIOUS [2018], DISCARNATE, THE PUNISHER [TV], TENET) is 46.
Look for Josh in the upcoming 2023 Mystery Thriller, LIFELINE.

SUNDAY -

Actor Michael Sheen (MARY REILLY, DOOMWATCH: WINTER ANGEL, UNDERWORLD [all], THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN'S APOCALYPSE, TWILIGHT: NEW MOON, UNTHINKABLE, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, TRON: LEGACY, RESISTANCE, TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part 1, TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part 2, GOOD OMENS [TV], APOSTLE, SLAUGHTERHOUSE RULEZ, PRODIGAL SON [TV]) is 53.

FROZEN is 13 Today

When Director Adam Green made HATCHET, he did what Elvis did, what the Beatles did, what Led Zepplin did: He imitated the old masters. In his case, "Old School American Horror". Everyone could see he had Tobe Hooper and Wes Craven in mind. So when it came time to pursue his own identity, he wowed us all in 2010 with FROZEN.

SATURDAY -

Musician / Actor Alice Cooper (Music: KILLER, BILLION DOLLAR BABIES, SCHOOL'S OUT, WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE, POISON, DRAGONTOWN, WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE, TRASH, PARANORMAL, A PARANORMAL EVENING AT THE OLYMPIA PARIS, DETROIT STORIES
Movies: PRINCE OF DARKNESS, FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE, THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, SUCK, DARK SHADOWS, BIGFOOT) is 75.
Actor Jenette Goldstein (ALIENS, NEAR DARK, THE PRESIDIO, TERMINATOR 2, STAR TREK: GENERATIONS, CLOCKSTOPPERS, AUTOPSY) is 62.

VIDEODROME Is Old Enough To Be Your 40 Year Old Dad!

But how can it be that a 40 year old movie still foretells a possible future? With boxy old TV sets, old cars, and a city that resembles a crumbling Soviet-era bloc, how can such a movie possibly compete in the computerized television age?

Because back in 1983, David Cronenberg made his future look outdated even for it's time. We weren't looking at a faltering utopia, we were gazing into a garbage dump dystopia. Like Ridley Scott's 1982 BLADE RUNNER and Terry Gilliam's 1985 BRAZIL, David didn't depict a throw-away society, but a thrown-away society, past tense. The heroes that could have saved us, failed us, and this is how humanity stumbled toward the grave as they sputtered on the fumes of the stolen future that could have been. This is how Cronenberg's predators came out of hiding from behind bureacracy. Macabre, Horrific, and brutal, my review of David Cronenberg's unflinching prediction, VIDEODROME.

SCREAM 3 is 23

It could have stopped here. It should have stopped here. They had their trilogy. Instead, the Horror skyscraper of cool that Craven built cracker crumbled in on itself under its own weight.

The demolition team? Its own distributor as if, like HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13th, A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET, HELLRAISER, TREMORS, SAW, and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, it was despised by the very studio it enriched. According to writer Mike Oliveri, SCREAM 3 was good, but the writing was on the wall.

BABY RUBY Was Dropped Today

And -

IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS Is 28

Some John Carpenter fans are bored by this movie, others are bananas for it. Welcome to the polarizing world of John Carpenter, where practically every movie he makes doesn't quite satisfy his old fans, yet almost always brings him new ones.

John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN fans aren't his strongest THE THING fans and they aren't quite the BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA fans, and so on.

So if you've yet to see this movie, this is why you might become a IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS fan.

Plus -

THE INNKEEPERS Turns 12

Slow, but not as sloth as most Ti West movies, if you're looking for the perfect lonely (or even date) movie on a dark winter night, you might like THE INNKEEPERS.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Terry Chen (AFTERSHOCK: EARTHQUAKE IN NEW YORK, ROMEO MUST DIE, TRIXIE, SOLE SURVIVOR [2000], PARANORMAL GIRL, BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, I, ROBOT, DA VINCI'S INQUEST, SNAKES ON A PLANE, MEMORY, THEY WAIT [2007], HARDWIRED, STORM SEEKERS, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, BOREALIS, CONTINUUM [TV], BATES MOTEL [TV], TIME OF DEATH, ELYSIUM, EVIL FEED, VAN HELSING [TV], JESSICA JONES [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV]) is 48.
Actor Warwick Davis (LEPRECHAUN [all], HARRY POTTER [all], SKINNED DEEP, THE UNBROKEN, THE DAY THEY CAME TO SUCK OUR BRAINS! [TV], MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL, JJ VILLARD'S FAIRY TALES) is 53 today.
Actor Pamela Franklin (THE INNOCENTS, OUR MOTHER'S HOUSE, AND SOON THE DARKNESS, THE WITCHING, THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, SATAN'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, SCREAMER, WON'T WRITE HOME MOM I'M DEAD, THE FOOD OF THE GODS) is 72.
Actor Fredric Lehne (AMITYVILLE: THE EVIL ESCAPES, TERROR ON HIGHWAY 91, DEADLY GAME, DREAM LOVER, MEN IN BLACK, INFERNO, FORTRESS 2, TERROR TRACT, SUBMERGED, DYNAMITE, SUPERNOVA [2005], LOST [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE DARK NIGHT RISES, AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM [TV], DEXTER: NEW BLOOD [TV]) is 64.
Actor Stephen McHattie (THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR, LOOK WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ROSEMARY'S BABY, GRAY LADY DOWN, DEATH VALLEY, CARIBE, ONE MAN OUT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV], TERROR ON TRACK 9, THE DARK, DEADLOCKED: ESCAPE FROM ZONE 14, DEADLY LOVE, REMEMBER ME, VISITORS OF THE NIGHT, THE HIGHWAY MAN [2000], COLD SQUAD [TV], A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, SOLAR ATTACK, THE FOUNTAIN, THE COVENANT [2006], 300, THE DARK ROOM, KAW, PONTYPOOL, XIII: THE CONSPIRACY, WATCHMEN, SUMMER'S BLOOD, 2012, DIE, HAPPY TOWN [TV], RED: WEREWOLF HUNTER, KILLER WAVE, EXIT HUMANITY, THE ENTITLED, HAVEN [TV], IMMORTALS, A LITTLE BIT ZOMBIE, THE TALL MAN, EDDIE: THE SLEEPWALKING CANNIBAL, XIII: THE SERIES, WOLVES, HAUNTER, SEPTIC MAN, HELLMOUTH, TORMENT, THE STRAIN [TV], PAY THE GHOST, THE DARK STRANGER, ORPHAN BLACK [TV], MOTHER!, THE SOUND, COME TO DADDY, Z, RABID, OCTOBER FACTION [TV], NIGHTMARE ALLEY, MY ANIMAL) is 76.
Actor Bridgete Regan (HIDE [TV], BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV], JOHN WICK, AGENT CARTER [TV], DEVIL'S GATE, THE LAST SHIP [TV], PARADISE LOST [TV], BATWOMAN [TV]) is 41.
Look for Bridget in the 2022, 2023 Thriller, WEAK.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor, Writer, Director Oz Perkins (PSYCHO II, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, WOLF, SECRETARY, DEAD & BREAKFAST, EROSION, THE UTAH MURDER PROJECT, STAR TREK [2009], REMOVAL, COLD COMES THE NIGHT, THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER, THE GIRL IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS, I AM THE PRETTY THING THAT LIVES IN THE HOUSE, GRETEL AND HANSEL) is 48.

M3GAN Review

For all of you Horror fans who lament the 1980s Horror movies that weren't so serious and were so much fun? M3GAN is here.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor / Producer Michael C. Hall (PAYCHECK, 6 FEET UNDER [TV], DEXTER [TV], GAMER, COLD IN JULY, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON, SHADOWPLAY [TV], DEXTER: NEW BLOOD, JOHN AND THE HOLE) is 52.
Actor Brian Krause (SLEEPWALKERS, MIND GAMES, NAKED SOULS, TIES THAT BIND, CHARMED [TV], DEVIL'S DIARY, LOCH NESS TERROR, WARBIRDS, JACK RIO, TRILOQUIST, NOWHERE TO HIDE, GROWTH, 2012 SUPERNOVA, CYRUS, RAIN FROM STARS, PLAN 9, CAMEL SPIDERS, SNITCH, ABEO PHARISEE, RETRIBUTION, COFFIN BABY, ALIEN RISING [previously GEMINI RISING], POSIEDON REX, HOUSE OF PURGATORY, DARK RISING [TV], PLAN 9, RIBBONS, EARTHTASTROPHE, HAUNTED MAZE, UPLOADED, THE KILLING PACT, BE AFRAID, CUCUY: THE BOOGEYMAN, THE DEMONOLOGIST, TRAUMA THERAPY, SECRETS IN THE WATER, UPLOADED) is 54.
Look for Brian's expected 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller release of THE WINDIGO. Also in 2021, 2022, 2023, HOMESTEAD. 2022, 2023 should also bring, THE DESECRATED ONES.
Actor Rachelle Lefevre (BIG WOLF ON CAMPUS [TV], THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV - 1999], DEAD AWAKE, ABANDON, DECEPTION, GHOST WRITER [2007], TWILIGHT, DO YOU KNOW ME, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, THE SUMMIT [TV], THE CALLER [2011], A GIFTED MAN [TV], OMERTA, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part 2, WHITE HOUSE DOWN, HOMEFRONT, UNDER THE DOME [TV], HOLLOW IN THE LAND, RECLAIM, EDGE OF WINTER, HOLLOW IN THE LAND, THE SOUNDS [TV]) is 44.