FEO NEWS FOR SPRING 2023: - MARCH - The detritus of old Horror/Thriller history can be found here.
These are archived news items, many of them linked outside of this website.
Eventually the links may not work. Everything's Eventual.
March 31
THE MATRIX is 24
Lana Warchowski brought nothing new to the table with MATRIX RESURRECTIONS, it was just revisiting characters for auld lang syne. It didn't fix any of the problems with the two sequels (but thankfully it didn't introduce bonehead nonsense like General Jar Jar Binks, Midichlorians, a dysfunctional galactic family, or Mary Sue saviors). The 5th in the series made its money, and now it's a DVD 5 pack in Walmart.
Ah, but in 1999, the future was a whole other story for the freshly minted and deliriously excited fans of THE MATRIX.
And -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Director Alejandro Amenábar (TESIS, OPEN YOUR EYES, THE OTHERS, REGRESSION, LA FORTUNA [TV]) is 51.
Writer / Director Adam Green (HATCHET [all], SPIRAL, FROZEN, HATCHET 2, CHILLERAMA, HOLLISTON [TV], DIGGING UP THE MARROW, HORRIFIED [TV], VICTOR CROWLEY, ADAM GREEN'S SCARY SLEEPOEVER [TV]) is 48.
Musician Angus Young (AC/DC: HIGH VOLTAGE, JAILBREAK, POWERAGE, IF YOU WANT BLOOD YOU'VE GOT IT, HIGHWAY TO HELL, DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP, LET THERE BE ROCK, BACK IN BLACK, FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK: WE SALUTE YOU, FLIP THE SWITCH, FLY ON THE WALL, WHO MADE WHO, RAZOR'S EDGE, BLOW UP YOUR VIDEO, BALLBREAKER, STIFF UPPER LIP, TNT, BLACK ICE, PWR/UP, Movies: IRON MAN 2) is 68.
For fans of Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman, this movie seemed to cement in place the idea that these two need to work together. Yet in 35 years its never happened. Oh sure, a Burton collaborator, Henry Selick (THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS) worked with Neil on CORALINE, but Burton and Gaiman? Nope.
What is the roadblock after 35 years? Is it possible that Tim is too morbidly whacky for Neil's nightmarish whimsy (I'm leaning in that direction)?
Whatever the case, Tim Burton probably never came closer to making a Neil Gaiman movie than he did with BEETLEJUICE.
And -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor John Astin (THE ADDAMS FAMILY [TV], THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, TEEN WOLF TOO, RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES!, NIGHT LIFE, GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH, KILLER TOMATOES STRIKE BACK!, ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES! [TV], EERIE, INDIANA [TV], KILLER TOMATOES EAT FRANCE!, STEPMONSTER, THE ADDAMS FAMILY [Animated - TV], THE FRIGHTENERS) is 93.
Look for John in the 2022, 2023 Thriller, STARSHIP II: RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMSES.
Writer Scott Edelman (THE GIFT, WHAT WILL COME AFTER, THE HUNGER OF EMPTY VESSELS) is 62 or something.
Actor Juliet Landau (NEON CITY, ED WOOD, RAVAGER, LIFE AMONG THE CANNIBALS, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], TOOLBOX MURDERS, ANGEL [TV], FATAL REUNION, HACK!, BIOSHOCK [VG - all], HAUNTED, INSIGHT, THE YELLOW WALLPAPER, STRANGE FRAME: LOVE AND SAX, DARK HEARTS, FAIRFIELD, THE TERROR OF HALLOW'S EVE, A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD) is 58.
Shinehouse releases NIGHTMARE RADIO THE NIGHT STALKER
Arriving this April 16 on VOD and Digital
And -
GORGO is 62
I don't know how old that is in megafauna terms but this movie nearly holds its own against the original GODZILLA. Something that most Big Horror movies can't do including many Godzilla flicks! This is how GORGO wowed your grandparents!
Plus -
PANIC ROOM is Old Enough To Drink
David's previous work was on ALIEN3, which few liked (and for good reason). His movie after that was SE7EN, which nearly everyone liked, but what he needed now, with his next movie, was to prove he wasn't a One Hit wonder. So if you've never seen this movie this is why you should: PANIC ROOM is how David Fincher became David Fincher.
Finale -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Brendan Gleeson (TURBULANCE, LAKE PLACID,
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II, THE TAILOR OF PANAMA, 28 DAYS LATER, DARK BLUE, THE VILLAGE, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, BEOWULF [2007], HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1, SAFE HOUSE, THE RAVEN, EDGE OF TOMORROW, STONEHEARST ASYLUM, ASSASSIN'S CREED, MR. MERCEDES [TV]) is 68.
Writer, Director Jeremy Kasten (THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, ALL SOUL'S DAY: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, THE THIRST, THE WIZARD OF GORE, SUICIDE GIRLS MUST DIE!, THE DEAD ONES, 11-11-11, THE EXORCIST FILES [TV], I'LL HAUNT YOU WHEN I'M DEAD, MY HAUNTED VACATION, THE PROFANE EXHIBIT, ANGELUS, THE DEAD ONES) is 52.
Writer J.A. Konrath (WHISKEY SOUR, RUSTY NAIL, DIRTY MARTINI, FIZZY NAVEL, FLOATERS, HORROR STORIES, TRUCK STOP, AFRAID, and more) is 62, I think.
Actor Lucy Lawless (GINGER SNAPS, SPIDER-MAN, BOOGEYMAN, LOCUSTS, VAMPIRE BATS, DARKROOM, ANGEL OF DEATH, SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA [TV], SPARTACUS: WAR OF THE DAMNED, THE CODE [TV], SALEM [TV], THE CHANGEOVER, ASH VS EVIL DEAD [TV], THE DEAD ONES, THE SPINE OF NIGHT) is 57.
Look for Lucy in the upcoming 2021, 2022, Thriller, MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU.
Actor Christopher Lambert (SUBWAY, HIGHLANDER - all of them, KNIGHT MOVES, FORTRESS - all of them, BEOWULF, RESURRECTION, ABSOLON, METAMORPHOSIS, TRIVIAL, THE CHAUFFEUR, GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, BLOOD SHOT, THE BROKEN KEY, SHADOW OF THE WOLF, LA VOCE DEL LUPO, SOMEONE DIES TONIGHT, IT'S NOT OVER) is 67.
Look for Christopher in the 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, SOMEONE DIES TONIGHT. Also in 2023, THE CREEPS and ZONERS.
Writer/Director Victor Salva (CLOWNHOUSE, NATURE OF THE BEAST, JEEPERS CREEPERS, JEEPERS CREEPERS 2, ROSEWOOD LANE, DARK HOUSE [2014], JEEPERS CREEPERS III) is 65.
Actor Marina Sirtis (BLIND DATE, WAXWORK II, GARGOYLES [TV - all], STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT, TERMINAL ERROR, STAR TREK: NEMESIS, NET GAMES, SPECTRES, THE GRUDGE 3, 31 NORTH 62 EAST, ANNIHILATION EARTH, SPEED DEMONS, KEEPERS, A DARK REFLECTION, LITTLE DEAD ROTTING HOOD, 5TH PASSENGER, THE LAST SHARKNADO, RILEY PARRA: BETTER ANGELS, MAX WINSLOW AND THE HOUSE OF SECRETS, UNBELIEVABLE!!!, A THOUSAND LITTLE CUTS) is 68.
This movie in acting, directing, editing, and more is as rough and unpolished as it gets. There is nothing developed and committee compromised, and all of the other professional major studio gloss to this one. No big city artistry here in expensive rigs, lighting, sight or sound. And yet, creator Don Coscarelli did the impossible. He somehow committed an actual nightmare to film. A movie that continues in your dreams to haunt and threaten you, for years to come.
I've met so many people who told me they weren't scared the entire time they watched it, yet it came back in their memories to give them scariest nightmares they ever had. Crazier still: over the years when they least expect it, it returns in their dreams. Once you watch Don Coscarelli's masterpiece, it may haunt you for the rest of your life. This is the uncanny power of PHANTASM.
It doesn't have everything animation fans cherish in a Pixar movie, but it also doesn't have all of the fast aging, topical preachy trendy pop-culture see it coming a mile away jokes of a Dreamworks movie (which this is). Instead it has Illumination-style surprise, cheese, and cornball humor lightly varnished with Dreamworks' brand Eu de fluvia.
It's not great, but it's fun and you might even laugh out loud a few times. Even better, you can watch it more than once without muttering, "Why did I buy this shit?" like you've done so many times with various other Dreamwork animation: think less Shark Tale or TUrbo and more Madagascar and How To Train Your Dragon. We know that Dreamworks can do it when they want to, so why don't they want to do it more? You know, like they did with MONSTERS VS ALIENS?
And -
THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT Turns 14
Okay, just what the hell was going on in 2009 on March 27? Because theaters opened the weekend with MONSTERS VS ALIENS for the leedle kiddies and this movie for the older young'uns and the adults. Yet both were family monster movies!
I enjoyed both, though I never understood the whole bit about identifying who is possessed by sitting at a table for a seance and seeing who suddenly pukes up a bedsheet. But that's only one of the mysteries in THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT.
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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO - By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Nathan Fillion (DRACULA 2000, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], FIREFLY [TV], WATER'S EDGE, SERENITY, SLITHER, WHITE NOISE 2: THE LIGHT, DR. HORRIBLE'S SING-ALONG BLOG, SUPER, CASTLE [TV], PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, GRAVITY FALLS [TV], YAMASONG: MARCH OF THE HALLOWS, A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS [TV], THE VENTURE BROS. [TV], SANTA CLRIATA DIET [TV], THE SUICIDE SQUAD, BRIDGEWATER [Pod], RESIDENT ALIEN [TV]) is 52.
Horror Writer Steven L. Shrewsbury (GODFORSAKEN, THOROUGHBRED, WHORE OF JERICHO) is 53.
No introduction needed here, The Man:
Writer / Director / Producer / Actor Quentin Tarantino (RESERVOIR DOGS, PAST MIDNIGHT, PULP FICTION, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, LITTLE NICKY, KILL BILL Vol. 1, KILL BILL Vol. 2, SIN CITY, HOSTEL, GRINDHOUSE, PLANET TERROR, DEATH PROOF, DJANGO UNCHAINED, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES [TV]) is 60.
Actor Michael York (MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, LOGAN'S RUN, THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU [1977], FINAL ASSIGNMENT, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [TV], DARK MANSIONS [TV], UN DELITTO POCO COMUNE, KILLING BLUE, DISCRETION ASSURED, NOT OF THIS EARTH, DARK PLANET, THE RIPPER [TV], THE OMEGA CODE, THE HAUNTING OF HELL HOUSE, MEGIDDO: THE OMEGA CODE 2, CRUSADER, MIKA I ALFRED, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, THE JUSTICE OF WOLVES) is 81.
Actor Caroline Williams (STEPFATHER 2, LEATHERFACE: TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE III, DECONSTRUCTING SARAH, LEPRECHAUN 3, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, THE UNLEASHED, ABOLITION, MONSTERPIECE THEATER VOLUME 1, HATCHET III, CONTRACTED, THE PROFANE EXHIBIT, SEED 2, TALES OF POE, TALES OF HALLOWEEN, MARTIAN LAND, BLOOD FEAST, BLOODY BALLET, PSYCHO GRANNY, VEROTIKA, BLIND, GREENLIGHT, HANUKKAH, TEN MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT, COLD BLOODED KILLERS, CUDDLY TOYS).
Look for Caroline in the upcoming 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, RENFIELD.
SATURDAY -
Thriller, Suspense, and Mystery Writer, Lawrence Dagstine (ESPIONAGE FIRST, SPENER PRAGUE, DEATH OF THE COMMON WRITER, VISITATION RIGHTS, ALLEGIANCE TO ARMS) is 44.
Writer, editor Peter Giglio (BALANCE, THE DARK w/Scott Bradley, ANON, A SPARK IN THE DARKNESS, HELP! WANTED: TALES OF ON-THE-JOB TERROR, JESTER WORLD: TWISTED ENCOUNTERS IN THE FUN PARK) is 62 or something.
Actor Tinsel Korey (IT WAITS, UNNATURAL & ACCIDENTAL, POST MORTEM [2007], TIN MAN [TV], HYBRID [2007], RABBIT FALL [TV], WYVERN, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, STAINED, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, BLACK BOX, BLACK FOREST, SUPERGRID) is 43.
Actor Erik Knudsen (TRIBULATION, SAW II, JERICHO [TV], SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD, BEASTLY, SCREAM 4, THE BARRENS, CONTINUUM [TV], THE MIST [TV], BLINDSIDED, STICKMAN) is 35.
Actor Elizabeth Lail (ONCE UPON A TIME [TV], DEAD OF SUMMER [TV], UNINTENDED, COUNTDOWN) is 31.
Actor Kari Matchett (TRAIL OF A KILLER, EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT [TV], A COLDER KIND OF DEATH, ANGEL EYES, CUBE²: HYPERCUBE, A NERO WOLFE MYSTERY [TV - 2000], THE GLOW, CYPHER, 5IVE DAYS TO MIDNIGHT [TV], PLAGUE CITY: SARS IN TORONTO, CIVIC DUTY, INVASION [TV], INTIMATE STRANGER, 24 [TV], METEOR STORM, LEVERAGE [TV], COVERT AFFAIRS [TV], COVERT AFFAIRS: SIGHTS UNSEEN, THE RIVERBANK, MAD MOM, CODE 8) is 53.
Writer, Actor Richard O'Brien (THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, FLASH GORDON, SHOCK TREATMENT, DARK CITY, ELVIRA'S HAUNTED HILLS, NIGHT TRAIN, ROCKY HORROR SHOW LIVE) is 81.
Actor Lee Pace (THE FALL, THE GOOD SHEPHERD, POSSESSION, THE RESIDENT, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part 2, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY [ALL], GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, THE KEEPING HOURS, REVOLT, CAPTAIN MARVEL, FOUNDATION [TV], BODIES BODIES BODIES) is 44.
Actor Édgar Ramírez (¡AQUÍ ESPAANTAN!, YOTAMA SE VA VOLANDO, ELIPSIS, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, GREETINGS TO THE DEVIL, WRATH OF THE TITANS, ZERO DARK THIRTY, DELIVER US FROM EVIL, BRIGHT [TV], THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, WASP NETWORK, THE UNDOING [TV], THE 355) is 47.
Look for Édgar in the 2022, 2023 Thriller, Eli Roth's BORDERLANDS.
On whether you live in England or the U.S.A. In any case, Bela Lugosi the actor is still talked about among Horror fans - and gets movies made about his life - because while forever considered the "Ultimate Dracula", he was no one-off actor.
Unfortunately, Bela chose to let his one time shot as Dracula with Universal dominate and damage his life. Which is too bad because Bela died in poverty with a treasure chest of Horror movies that are every bit the equal of Universal Pictures DRACULA, even if they'll never have the Big Studio push that U.P. can afford. Bela just would not call it in no matter how low the budget. The man was Consumate!
For example, from Edgar Wallace, the writer who created the original KING KONG, came this creeper of a feature, THE HUMAN MONSTER.
And -
BLOODSHOT Turns 3
Aw! Only three? What a cute little movie! And what a lost opportunity to be something awesome. That's how I feel about Vin Diesel's BLOODSHOT.
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HAPPY HORROR BIRTHDAY TO - By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Nicholas Campbell (THE OMEN [1976], THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME [1979], THE BROOD, VIRUS: THE END, THE AMATEUR, BAKER COUNTY U.S.A., KILLING 'EM SOFTLY, THE DEAD ZONE, TERMINAL CHOICE, RAMPAGE, SHADOWS OF THE PAST, NAKED LUNCH, BETRAYAL OF TRUST, JUNGLEGROUND, FULL DISCLOSURE, DA VINCI'S INQUEST, INCONCEIVABLE, THE CRY OF THE OWL, ANTIVIRAL, AWAKENING THE ZODIAC, THE SOUND, NEVERKNOCK, THE OAK ROOM, BOOKS OF BLOOD) is 71.
Look for Nicholas in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, EUMENIDES
FALLS.
This was a difficult sell to Science Fiction Horror fans as well as fans of Dystopian stories (and what a fun bunch THEY are!). All of us who are into what NYT Best Selling author, Suzanne Collins, was selling in her books and what Lionsgate was selling in their movie, felt that we'd already read it in Koushun Takami's brutal novel or seen it in the movie of the book, BATTLE ROYALE.
The fact that this Battle would take place for basically the same reasons (suppress rebellious youth), but in a toned-down domesticated Hollywood glitzy cgi liberal future of happily blithe celebrities and excitedly indifferent journalists, all parroting the faux compassion that we saw in Roger Corman's DEATH RACE 2000, didn't compel many of us.
However, I saw it and liked it. For a fact it was no BATTLE ROYALE, nowhere close, but this is what I enjoyed about THE HUNGER GAMES.
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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor, Writer, Producer, Director Larry Fessenden (HABIT [1982], NO TELLING, HABIT [1995], WENDIGO, SESSION 9, THE LAST WINTER, DEPRAVED, BENEATH, ZOMBIE HONEYMOON, AUTOMATONS, SISTERS [2006], TRIGGER MAN, I SELL THE DEAD, BITTER FEAST, SATAN HATES YOU, STAKE LAND, HYPOTHERMIA, THE INNKEEPERS, STRAY BULLETS, LIKE ME, MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND, PSYCHOPATHS, THE RANGER, HEADSPACE, CABIN FEVER: SPRING FEVER, YOU'RE NEXT, HELLBENDERS, THE MIND'S EYE, NIGHT OF THE WOLF, THE TRANSFIGURATION, CLARA'S GHOST, JAKOB'S WIFE, and way more!) is 60.
Actor, Producer, Director Joe Lynch (TERROR FIRMER, WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END, THE BLACK BOX, CHILLERAMA, HOLLISTON [NetTV], KNIGHTS OF BADDASSDOM, EVERLY, GHOUL, MAYHEM, POINT BLANK, CREEPSHOW [TV]) is 53 or something.
Actor Sal Lizard (FEEDING THE MASSES, CREATURE FROM THE HILLBILLY LAGOON, ABE'S TOMB, ANDREW SAWYER'S ICHABOD, WICKED BUSINESS, HILLBILLY BOB ZOMBIE, NEXT DOOR, YOUNG BLOOD: EVIL INTENTIONS, ALL SINNER'S NIGHT) is 61.
Writer Zak Penn (X2: X-MEN UNITED, INCIDENT AT LOCH NESS, SUSPECT ZERO, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, THE AVENGERS, ALPHAS [TV], READY PLAYER ONE) is 53.
Which is worse for a gaggle of gay guys in a haunted house? A Dead straight woman or a Live straight man? Find out in SUMMONING SYLVIA, as Larry and his three best friends on a bachelor weekend getaway, sashay through the dusty corridors of a Haunted House. SUMMONING SYLVIA is a Horror comedy by Broadway Stalwarts, Wesley Taylor & Alex Wyse. Presented by The Horror Collective.
And -
BLADE II is Old Enough to Drink
Some of you may not have been alive when this movie came out. You've heard that it's awesome, but you've yet to discover why. This is why you should see /BLADE II.
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US Turns 4
Fans who watched the Key and Peele show never saw an episode go by where there wasn't a vignette or three that deconstructed a facet of Hollywood tropes. Whether it was the progression of the villain in movies, narrative TV or Reality TV, Key and Peele would bring the cliches with hilarious and sometimes even chilling results: proving that the cliches still had power even when you could see behind their curtain.
No wonder at all then, that Jordan Peele was able to tap into that in all the ways we grew up watching, to deliver the mystery, shocks, scares, and wonder in US.
Finale -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
We say a last Happy Birthday in a fond goodbye to
Composer Angelo Badalamenti (BLUE VELVET, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS, TWIN PEAKS [TV], THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN, LOST HIGHWAY, ARLINGTON ROAD, FOREVER MINE, MULHOLLAND DR., SUSPENDED ANIMATION, RABBITS, L' ADVERSAIRE, CABIN FEVER, EVILENKO, DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST, DARK WATER, THE WICKERMAN [2006], TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES, TWIN PEAKS [TV - 2017], HERE AFTER) who would have celebrated his 86th Birthday today.
Look for Angelo's 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Supernatural Thriller (and Carrie Fisher's final movie), WONDERWELL.
Wonderwell was originally shot in 2016 for a 2017 release, however, the death of Carrie on December 27, 2016, dying just 6 weeks after finishing her scenes, with the movie still in production, put it in limbo. It was eventually completed by 2019 but, due to COVID-19, remains unreleased as of this year today. Angelo's contribution to the soundtrack is the song, Violet's Theme.
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Jason Brannon (PUZZLES OF FLESH, FIVE DAYS ON THE BANKS OF ARCHERON, WINDS OF CHANGE, THE CAGE, LAKE OCTOBER, QUARTET, RUSTY NAILS, THE ORDER OF THE BULL, THE MISUNDERSTOOD AND OTHER MISFIT HORRORS, THE MAZE) is 45 years old today.
Writer Scott A. Johnson (AN AMERICAN HAUNTING, THE MAYOR'S GUIDE TO THE STATELY GHOSTS OF AUGUSTA, DEADLANDS, GHOSTS OF SAN ANTONIO, CANE RIVER: A GHOST STORY, HAUNTED AUSTIN TEXAS, CITY OF DEMONS, VERMIN: BOOK ONE OF THE STANLEY COOPER CHRONICLES, PAGES: BOOK TWO OF THE STANLEY COOPER CHRONICLES, THE JOURNAL OF EDWIN GREY, DROPLETS, ECTOSTORM: BOOK THREE OF THE STANLEY COOPER CHRONICLES) is 52.
Director Producer Karyn Kusama (ÆON FLUX, JENNIFER'S BODY, THE INVITATION, XX, DESTROYER, YELLOW JACKETS [TV]) is 55.
Actor Gary Oldman (Bram Stoker's DRACULA [1992], TRUE ROMANCE, ROMEO IS BLEEDING, LEON, THE FIFTH ELEMENT, THE CONTENDER, HANNIBAL, SIN, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, BATMAN BEGINS, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, THE DARK KNIGHT, THE UNBORN, THE BOOK OF ELI, RED RIDING HOOD, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 2, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, PARANOIA, ROBOCOP [2014], DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, CHILD 44, CRIMINAL, TAU, MARY, A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD, CRISIS, and more) is 65.
Actor Jill Schoelen (Wes Craven's CHILLER, STEPFATHER, THE BITE, CUTTING CLASS, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, POPCORN, STATE OF MIND, WHEN A STRANGER CALLS BACK) is 60.
By 2004 George A. Romero's DEAD trilogy was more than canon, it was the template by which all subsequent zombie movies adhered, nearly to the letter.
And yet, then Troma famous writer, James Gunn (SLITHER), looking to fend off the stain of being the Scooby-Doo live action movie writer, took a monologue from Ben in the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and expanded on it.
"...a big gasoline truck came screaming right across the road! There must've been ten, fifteen of those things chasing after it, grabbing and holding on."
Gunn used that for a movie that had zombies that wouldn't slowly walk or crawl toward you, but run at breakneck speed as if they felt no pain or exhaustion.
Romero didn't like it and made it clear in interview after interview that he'd forgotten that part of his movie that put him on the map.
But George did co-write it, he did shoot it, and he never challenged it for the decades before 2004 when the world saw the way that Zack Snyder directed what James Gunn wrote. It's now nearly 20 years later and DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], remains the only worthy remake or sequel of the original trilogy. This is why.
REPO MEN Turns 13
What if you were a Monty Python fan and you wanted to make a dystopian Terry Gilliam/Python-esque movie?
It's 2003, you have the unpublished novel, and you work on the screenplay. The wheels turn slow for newbies but, by Cthulhu, come 2010 you've got your A-List actors and your movie release!
Only then do you realize that your distributor doesn't get what the movie is about and doesn't know how to sell it. So Universal released what appears to be trailers that encapsulate the whole story, Beginning to End, in 3 minutes. Even if there might be a twist ending, who is going to pay theater prices for a 30 second denouement before end credits? That's kind of how it went for the folks who made REPO MEN.
SATURDAY -
Actor Lily Collins (PRIEST, ABDUCTION, MIRROR MIRROR, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, EXTREMELY WICKED SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE, INHERITANCE, WINDFALL) is 34.
Actor Brad Dourif (EYES OF LAURA MARS, BLUE VELVET, CHILD'S PLAY [all], THE EXORCIST III, HIDDEN AGENDA, GRAVEYARD SHIFT, DEATH MACHINE, ALIEN: Resurrection, URBAN LEGEND, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Two Towers, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, BORN OF EARTH, JUNKYARD DOG, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN 2, DEATH AND CREMATION, FADING OF THE CRIES, LAST KIND WORDS, BLOOD SHOT, PRIEST, END OF THE WORLD, GINGERCLOWN, CURSE OF CHUCKY, AVARICE, MALIGNANT, THE CONTROL GROUP, THE WILDING [2016], WILDING [2018], AMERICAN DREAM, OBSESSION, CHUCKY [TV], DECRYPTED) who is 73.
Look for Brad in the upcoming 2023 Horror movie, HERBERT WEST: RE-ANIMATOR.
Actor Sophia Myles (GUEST HOUSE PARADISO, FROM HELL, UNDERWORLD, OUT OF BOUNDS, UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION, MOONLIGHT [TV], DRACULA [TV], OUTLANDER, MI-5 [TV], GALLOWS HILL, THE DAMNED [2014], TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, BLACKWOOD, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES [TV]) is 43.
113 Years Ago Today the Creature Came To Life On Screen: FRANKENSTEIN
Watch the restored version of FRANKENSTEIN at Feo Amante Theater.
THE RING 2 is 18
Dreamworks/Paramount had a full, layered, and deep backstory both from the novel and the many Japanese sequels that expanded the world of Sadako / Samara (U.S.). Would Dreamworks make the superior sequel to their hit or would they go full Hollywood and crank out a paint by numbers sequel in a cynical grab for those first weekend box office receipts?
This Horror classic ushered in the new millinneum with a smart style, concept, and of all things, the ultimate unseen killer: Death itself!
E.C. McMullen Jr. takes you back to the cinema and how the original SCREAM generation reacted to the first ever nationwide theatrical showing of FINAL DESTINATION!
And -
V FOR VENDETT Turns 17
What V FOR VENDETTA, the Alan Moore comic was: a protest against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, wasn't and couldn't be what V FOR VENDETTA the movie was. And originally it was supposed to be a heavy handed protest against President George W. Bush - except in England. In the future. Which made no sense. So Warner Bros. took it away from the then Warchowski Bros., re-edited the movie and added or re-shot some scenes, causing a long delay in release. But did this make V FOR VENDETTA better?
Plus -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Mark Boone Jr. (BORN IN FLAMES, FILM HOUSE FEVER, FORCE OF CIRCUMSTANCE, FEVER, THE PAINT JOB, SE7EN, THE GAME, HACK [1997], John Carpenter's VAMPIRES, I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, MEMENTO, ORDINARY MADNESS, DEAD BIRDS, FRANKENFISH, SAWTOOTH, BATMAN BEGINS, THE LEGEND OF LUCY KEYES, WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY, UNKNOWN, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, THE DONNER PARTY, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, GHOST HOUSE, AMERICAN SATAN, BY THE RIVERS OF BABYLON, IDA RED, PARADISE CITY [TV], THE GATEWAY) is 68.
Look for Mark in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, BY THE RIVERS OF BABYLON Also in 2023, ATRIBILIOUS.
Actor John Boyega (BECOMING HUMAN [TV 2011 - 2012], ATTACK THE BLOCK, 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY [TV], MAJOR LAZER [TV], THE CIRCLE, PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING, WATERSHIP DOWN [TV], 892,) is 31.
Look for John in the 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller Mystery, THEY CLONED TYRONE.
Actor Gina Holden (FANTASTIC FOUR [2005], FINAL DESTINATION 3, DA VINCI'S CITY HALL [TV], THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT 2, AVPR: ALIENS VS PREDATOR: REQUIEM, BLOOD TIES [TV], FLASH GORDON [TV], MESSAGES DELETED, SCREAMERS: THE HUNTING, HARPER'S ISLAND [TV], MYSTERIOUS ISLAND [2010], SAW 3D: THE FINAL CHAPTER, SAND SHARKS, R.L. STINE'S THE HAUNTING HOUR [TV], THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT [2012], SINK HOLE, DRACANO, AVALANCHE SHARKS, DOOMED PLANET, THE EXORCISM OF MOLLY HARTLEY, WHERE'S MY BABY?, SECRETS IN THE ATTIC, A WOMAN'S NIGHTMARE, STRESSED TO DEATH, SLEEPING WITH MY STUDENT, HIS DEADLY AFFAIR) is 46.
Actor Kurt Russell (THE DEADLY TOWER, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, John Carpenter's THE THING, SILKWOOD, THE MEAN SEASON, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, UNLAWFUL ENTRY, STARGATE, EXECUTIVE DECISION, ESCAPE FROM L.A., BREAKDOWN, SOLDIER, VANILLA SKY, DARK BLUE, POSEIDON, DEATH PROOF, BONE TOMAHAWK, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2) is 72.
Look for Kurt in the upcoming GODZILLA AND THE TITANS upcoming Untitled TV Project
for 2023 (?). Maybe?
Actor Gary Sinise (THE STAND [TV], THE QUICK AND THE DEAD, ALBINO ALLIGATOR, RANSOM, SNAKE EYES, THE GREEN MILE, MISSION TO MARS, IMPOSTOR, THE HUMAN STAIN, THE FORGOTTEN, CSI: NY [TV], 13 REASONS WHY) is 66.
In 44 years: Never a Remake. Never a Sequel. Never an Equal.
This is why TOURIST TRAP is one of the best Horror movies ever made.
And -
RAVENOUS Turns 24
Cannibal zombies, Cannibal primitive tribes, Cannibal criminals hiding in plain sight. What about just Cannibals as a pronoun? Someone may not have been born a cannibal but feels as though they are a Cannibal and that has to be respected. Because only food wouldn't accept cannibalism.
This movie came out back in 1999, takes place in the century before that, and if it wasn't for the dark humor, it likely would have made Horror fans even more uncomfortable. Mike Bracken The Horror Geek, saw it in the theater lo these many moons ago and this is his take on RAVENOUS.
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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Tara Buck (TRUE BLOOD [TV], THE LIFE ZONE, TOMORROW YOU'RE GONE, THE NIGHT VISITOR, AT THE DEVIL'S DOOR, NOISE IN THE MIDDLE) is 48.
Actor Victor Garber (MONKEYS IN THE ATTIC, GRAND LARCENY, THE FIRST CIRCLE, WOMAN ON TRIAL: THE LAWRENCIA BEMBENEK STORY, EXOTICA, KLEPTOMANIA, HOSTILE ADVANCES: THE KERRY ELLISON STORY, INVISIBLE CHILD, LOVE AND MURDER, DEADLY APPEARANCES, THE WANDERING SOUL MURDERS, A COLDER KIND OF DEATH, TORSO: THE EVELYN DICK STORY, HOME ROOM, ALIAS [TV], ReGENESIS [TV], JUSTICE [TV], DAMAGES [TV], THE LAST TEMPLAR [TV], ICE QUAKE, EVERYTHING SHE EVER WANTED [TV], THE ENTITLED, DECEPTION [TV], I'LL FOLLOW YOU DOWN, THE HUNTERS, CONSUMED, SELF/LESS, VIXEN: THE MOVIE, THE FLASH [TV], DC's LEGENDS OF TOMORROW [TV], POWERBOOK II: GHOST) is 74.
Actor Sienna Guillory (THE LAST MINUTE, SUPERSTITION, RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE, MARPLE: A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED, SILENCE BECOMES YOU, VIRTUALITY, PERFECT LIFE, RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, THE LIST, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, BEING AMERICAN, THE WICKED WITHIN, ABDUCT, HIGH-RISE, DON'T HANG UP, FORTITUDE [TV], CRYSTAL'S SHADOW, A BANQUET) is 47.
Look for Sienna's upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, MEG 2: THE TRENCH.
Writer, Artist Todd McFarlane (VENOM [Comic], SPAWN [Comic], SPAWN [TV], SPAWN [Graphic Novel], SPAWN [Movie], VENOM [Movie]) is 62.
Writer Amanda Stevens (THE DOLLMAKER, THE DEVIL'S FOOTPRINTS) is way, way old! Visit her at Amanda Stevens.
Producer and Director Gore Verbinski (THE RING, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, A CURE FOR WELLNESS) is 58.
I watch this and I see a Nayfack movie that compells me, but one that was flawed even for its time, and I'm not only talking about it being nearly half exposition.
"Here is where the Krells would come to to play a game remarkably similar to our Bowling. Their extraordinary skill at ball handling was millions of years in advance of our own. They accomplished this stunning achievement through the use of..."
GAH!
It's flaws grow larger with age, and if it was at all possible to make things right without adding more wrong, this is a story that could be ageless.
Of course, some folks already think FORBIDDEN PLANET is ageless.
If you ever wanted to escape Back to New York, if you were ever Mad for Max, and you didn't want to wait 28 Days Later for it to happen, this is a Neil Marshall (DOG SOLDIERS, THE DESCENT) movie you are going to want to see but quick. That's the opinion of reviewer Bishop Bettini and I can vouch for DOOMSDAY.
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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Michael Caine (THE IPCRESS FILE, FUNERAL IN BERLIN, BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN, THE MAGUS, GET CARTER, SLEUTH, THE BLACK WINDMILL, PEEPER, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED, THE SWARM, THE ISLAND [1980], DRESSED TO KILL, THE HAND, DEATHTRAP, THE JIGSAW MAN, THE FOURTH PROTOCOL, THE WHISTLE BLOWER, JAWS: THE REVENGE, WITHOUT A CLUE, A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM, BLUE ICE, ON DEADLY GROUND, BLOOD AND WINE, QUILLS, GET CARTER [2000], THE QUIET AMERICAN, QUICKSAND, THE STATEMENT, BATMAN BEGINS, CHILDREN OF MEN, THE PRESTIGE, FLAW, LESS, SLEUTH [2007], THE DARK KNIGHT, HARRY BROWN, INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, NOW YOU SEE ME, ELIZA GRAVES, INTERSTELLAR, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER, COME AWAY, TENET) is 90.
Writer John Everson (CAGE OF BONES AND OTHER DEADLY OBSESSIONS, VIGILANTES OF LOVE, FAILURE, COVENANT, SINS OF THE SIRENS [EDITOR], SACRIFICE, THE 13TH) is 57.
Actor Daniel Gillies (NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU, SPIDER-MAN 2, TRESPASSING, Masters of Horror: DREAM CRUISE, CAPTIVITY, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], THE ORIGINALS [TV], OCCUPATION: RAINFALL, COMING HOME IN THE DARK) is 47.
Daniel shares his birthday with THE VAMPIRE DIARIES alumnis, Writer Kevin Williamson and a Birthday month with Rick Worthy.
Actor Mercedes McNab (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES, THE FANTASTIC FOUR [1994], BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], HATCHET, VIPERS, XII, DARK REEL, THIRST, MEDIUM RAW: NIGHT OF THE WOLF, HATCHET II) is 43.
Writer Kevin Williamson (SCREAM [all], I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, THE FACULTY, TEACHING MRS. TINGLE, GLORY DAYS [TV], CURSED, HIDDEN PALMS [TV], THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], THE FOLLOWING [TV], TIME AFTER TIME [TV], TELL ME A STORY [TV], SCREAM [2022], SICK) is 56.
1942 and Horror movie icon, Boris Karloff turned in his Frankenstein creature flat top. Gone forever was the gaunt, towering, death come to life, monster that he portrayed. Universal Pictures, under a new and confused management that wanted Monster Movie money without the stain of making monster movies, brought in Long Chaney Jr. Junior's old man did Horror, Junior did Horror, and who was going to tell the difference between a wasted, sunken cheeked creature and one built like a 2 years after retirement pro football linebacker?
Plus, it had Bela Lugosi as Igor!*
More to the point, who cared? Not the new owners who practically stole Universal Pictures from the Laemmle family after their own Junior acquired a seriously bad loan to make a picture.
Early 20th Century Universal Pictures has so many grim lessons to teach modern filmmakers. THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN (now the name of the creature itself) may have run on fumes, but they were powerful enough to represent Mary Shelly Wollstone's monster in our cultureal zietgiest nearly a century later.
*It also had Cedric Hardwicke and Lionel Atwill, who were monster movie masters back then, lending a gravitas touch of sophisticated theater acting to these otherwise Young Adult movies much the same way Christopher Lee did to Count Dooku or Peter Cushing did for Grand Moff Tarkin or Alec Guinness with Obi-Wan Kenobi, or...
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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Chris Ashworth (AQUARIUS, THE WIRE [TV], LOVE LIES BLEEDING, SEX AND LIES IN SIN CITY, TERMINATOR SALVATION, THE DEMENTED, 13 SINS, 2020) is 48.
Look for Chris in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller, DAY LABOR.
Actor Steve Bacic (DEADLY SINS, THE X-FILES [TV], VOYAGE OF TERROR, HEAVEN'S FIRE, QUARANTINE [2000], THE 6TH DAY, BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER, THRESHOLD, X2, STARGATE SG-1 [TV], ANDROMEDA [TV], Masters of Horror: HAECKEL'S TALE, DECEPTION, SAFE HARBOR, THE TOOTH FAIRY, AFGHAN KNIGHTS, BATTLESTAR GALATICA: RAZOR, THE FINAL STORM, 5 SOULS, FATAL PERFORMANCE, GHOST STORM, A HAUNTING AT SILVER FALLS, 5 SOULS, SUDDENLY, SPOOKSVILLE [TV], GARAGE SALE MYSTERY [TV], BLACKWAY, GET OUT ALIVE, DEADLY SORORITY, COLD ZONE, ALTER) is 58.
Actor Noel Fisher (VALENTINE [2001], I WAS A TEENAGE FAUST, KILLER BEES!, FINAL DESTINATION 2, X-MEN: EVOLUTION [TV], LIGHTNING: BOLTS OF DESTRUCTION, RED, BATTLE LOS ANGELES, THE BOOTH AT THE END [TV], THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2, CASTLE ROCK [TV]) is 39.
Writer / Actor Joe Knetter (SUCKED UP FHIT, TRAPDOOR, TWISTED LONELINESS, ZOMBIE BUKKAKE, DOOMED TO CONSUME, TERROR OVERLOAD, STRIP CLUB SLASHER, THE HORROR CONVENTION MASSACRE, NIGHT ON HAS BEEN MOUNTAIN, NIGHT TERRORS, MONSTERPIECE THEATER VOL. 1, MY UNCLE JOHN IS A ZOMBIE, MONSTERLAND, CHAINSAW MAIDENS FROM HELL, CYNTHIA, HANUKKAH, DESERT MOON, HORRORTHON VOLUME 2, BEARRY, and more) is 47.
Actor Harry Melling (HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1, WAR OF THE WORLDS [TV], THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME [TV], THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, THE PALE BLUE EYE) is 34.
Look for Harry in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, PROMISED LAND.
Actor Kaya Scodelario (MOON, CLASH OF THE TITANS [2010], TWENTY8K, THE TRUTH ABOUT EMANUEL, SOUTHCLIFFE [TV], CRAWL, THE PALE HORSE [TV], RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY, THE KING'S DAUGHTER) is 31.
SUNDAY -
Actor Jaimie Alexander (THE OTHER SIDE, REST STOP, HALLOWED GROUND, KYLE XY [TV], THOR, INTERSECTIONS, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, BLIND SPOT [TV], BROKEN VOWS, LONDON FIELDS, THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, THE MINUTE YOU WAKE UP DEAD) is 39.
SFX Artist Eric D. Christensen (THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, JURASSIC PARK III, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, DREAMCATCHER, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, VAN HELSING, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, THE VILLAGE, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, LEMONY SNICKET'S: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, WAR OF THE WORLDS [2005], 2012, BUNRAKU, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, THE HOST [2013], WHITE HOUSE DOWN, PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS, THE MAZE RUNNER, THE MUMMY [2017], THE MIST [TV 2017], TOMB RAIDER [2018], BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE, GODZILLA, CLOAK AND DAGGER [TV], DROPA, LUCY IN THE SKY, DAY SHIFT) is 54.
Cinematographer Dean Cundey (SO EVIL MY SISTER, CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE, ILSA: HAREM KEEPER OF THE OIL SHEIKS, SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS, HALLOWEEN, THE FOG, GALAXINA, WITHOUT WARNING, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, JAWS OF SATAN, HALLOWEEN II, THE THING [1982], HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, PSYCHO II, INVITATION TO HELL, BACK TO THE FUTURE [all], WARNING SIGN, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, PROJECT X, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?, NOTHING BUT TROUBLE, DEATH BECOMES HER, JURASSIC PARK, CASPER, WHISPER, THE GIRL IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS) is 76.
Actor Aaron Eckhart (SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS, THE PLEDGE, THE CORE, PAYCHECK, SUSPECT ZERO, NEVERWAS, THE BLACK DAHLIA, THE WICKERMAN, THE DARK KNIGHT, BATTLE LOS ANGELES, ERASED, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, I, FRANKENSTEIN, LONDON HAS FALLEN, INCARNATE, WANDER, PANTHEON [TV]) is 55.
Look for Aaron in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, MUZZLE. Also in 2023, RUMBLE THROUGH THE DARK.
Actor Masuimi Max (CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV, CORNMAN: AMERICAN VEGETABLE HERO, TALES FROM THE CRAPPER, UPSIDE DOWNTOWN, INLAND EMPIRE, THE DEVIL'S MUSE, UNLUCKY CHARMS, GINGERDEAD MAN VS EVIL BONG) is 45.
Look for Masuimi in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror, PROTEGE MOI.
Writer, Director Jim Sharman (SHIRLEY THOMPSON VS THE ALIENS, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, SUMMER OF SECRETS, THE NIGHT THE PROWLER, SHOCK TREATMENT) is 78.
Actor Frank Welker (SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU? [TV] - In fact, let's cut to the chase. From the beginning, Frank has always been the voice of Scooby-Doo in EVERYTHING SCOOBY-DOO! Voice of Fred in everything Scooby-Doo animation - DYNOMUTT [TV - all], FANGFACE [TV - all], THE FANTASTIC FOUR [TV], BLACKSTAR [TV], STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK, GREMLINS, CAT'S EYE, INSPECTOR GADGET [TV - all], DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS [TV], TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE [voice of Magatron, Soundwave - all], GALTAR AND THE GOLDEN LANCE [TV], SECTAURS [TV], MUNCHIES, HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY, TRANSFORMERS [TV - all - Voice of Megatron, Galvatron, Soundwave], BIONIC SIX [TV], SPIRAL ZONE [TV], WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, ARENA, SLIMER! AND THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS [TV - all - voice of Slimer, Ray Stantz], GREMLINS 2: THE NEW BATCH, GRAVEDALE HIGH [TV], TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II: THE SECRET OF THE OOZE, THE LAST HALLOWEEN, DARKWING DUCK [TV], THE PIRATES OF DARK WATER [TV], DOLLMAN VS. DEMONIC TOYS, THE SHADOW, STARGATE, GARGOYLES [TV - all - voice of Bronx], TANK GIRL, FUTURAMA [TV - all - voice of Nibbler], SPECIES, VIRTUOSITY, BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES [TV], SEAQUEST DSV [TV], FREAKAZOID! [TV], MARS ATTACKS!, ANACONDA, SPAWN, GODZILLA [1998], PINKY AND THE BRAIN [TV - all], DEEP BLUE SEA, PYTHON, DEXTER'S LABORATORY [TV], HALLOWEENTOWN HIGH, EVIL CON CARNE [TV], WORLD OF WARCRAFT [VG - all], ALICE IN WONDERLAND [2010], SPLATTERHOUSE [VG], MIRROR MIRROR [2012] - over 860 acting credits!) is 77.
Actor Rick Worthy (EYE OF THE STALKER, THE TRIGGER EFFECT, MURDER ONE [TV], STEEL, STAR TREK: INSURRECTION, ANTITRUST, HOLES [2003], BATTLESTAR GALACTICA [2004 - TV], FALLEN [2006], EYES [TV], FALLEN [TV], BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE PLAN, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], THE MAGICIANS [TV]) is 56.
Charles Band's PARASITE Turns 41
What can be said about this movie that hasn't already been said? Besides the fact that it stars Demi Moore and was released in 3D? Besides the fact that she is the only person or thing on the poster who/that is actually in the movie?
If you're wondering whether or not you should see it, watch the trailer first. If you're still undecided, this is what I thought of 1982's PARASITE.
DEMONIC TOYS Turns 31
Few bad Horror movies age into classics. That doesn't mean they don't have their fans. It's just that their fans would rather watch the movie stream live than pay for it.
What does that mean? Movies that fans won't pay to see is what a Producer or Director or Agent calls "Interesting". In its own way through just the right skew of the eye and cock of the head, DEMONIC TOYS is Interesting.
RESIDENT EVIL Turns 21
I dunno. Maybe somebody cursed March 12? Because George A. Romero was going to direct this and he dropped out, so instead as I sat there in the theater, hoping for the best, I got Paul W.S. Anderson as a director. As it turns out, he got Milla Jovovich as his lead and wife. I wound up with his movie, RESIDENT EVIL. Read on to see who got the better deal!
SATURDAY -
Actor David Anders (ALIAS [TV], THE SOURCE, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION [TV], CHARMED [TV], LEFT IN DARKNESS, REVENANT, CHILDREN OF THE CORN [TV - 2009], 24 [TV], HEROES [TV], THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], ONCE UPON A TIME [TV], 24 [TV], iZOMBIE [TV]) is 41.
Actor Thora Birch (HOCUS POCUS, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, THE HOLE [2001], SHADOW REALM, SILVER CITY, DARK CORNERS, TRAIN, DEADLINE, WINTER OF FROZEN DREAMS, COLONY [TV], KINDRED SPIRITS, ABOVE SUSPICION, THE WALKING DEAD [TV]) is 41.
Writer/Director Christophe Gans (NECRONOMICON, CRYING FREEMAN, LE PACT DES LOUPS, HOUSE OF VOICES, SILENT HILL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [2014]) is 63.
Look for Christophe's upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, RETURN TO SILENT HILL.
Actor Gina Holden (REUNION [TV], DA VINCI'S INQUEST, FINAL DESTINATION 3, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT 2, ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM, MESSAGES DELETED, SCREAMERS: THE HUNTING, HARPER'S ISLAND [TV], SAW 3D: THE FINAL CHAPTER, SAND SHARKS, R.L. STINE'S THE HAUNTING HOUR, DRACANO, THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT [2012], SINK HOLE, AVALANCHE SHARKS, LA APOCALYPSE, THE EXORCISM OF MOLLY HARTLEY, BOY IN THE ATTIC, A WOMAN'S NIGHTMARE, STRESSED TO DEATH, DEADLY VENGEANCE, HIS DEADLY AFFAIR) is 46.
THX 1138 is 52
Star Wars fans are used to seeing this title in everything George Lucas does, and I don't mean just his theater sound system. Here's a look into the movie behind the title THX 1138.
OUTPOST is 15
There's a subset of Horror movies and that's Zombie. There's a subset of that and it's Killer Zombie. But there's even a subset of that and it's called Killer Nazi Zombie. And that's where the OUTPOST franchise came in.
It was Produced by Dario Argento (INFERNO) and Directed by Michele Soavi (CEMETERY MAN)? I said I'll take it!
It stars Asia Argento (THE STENDHAL SYNDROME)? Hey you MF! Stop F'n teasing me and give me the GD movie already!
That's kinda how I am with some Horror movies like THE CHURCH.
And -
DAWN OF THE DEAD is 19
The fast running zombies that George A. Romero could only write about and have Ben describe to the others in NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, was shot in stunning full color apocalyptic fury by Zack Snyder and happens in the first ten minutes of his and James Gunn's remake. I was lucky to have Zack Snyder show that ten minute clip to me and a small roomful of others at a convention, back when most folks never heard of Zack Snyder and he needed Guillermo Del Toro to introduce him.
Can you believe that Universal Pictures were going to release DAWN OF THE DEAD Direct to Video?
We went our separate ways at floor level, I got in the special line reserved exclusively for general audience, and while I chatted with my fellow Horror geeks we saw actor Michael Berryman (DEADLY BLESSING, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, PENNY DREADFUL, way more!) cut the line - as Pluto has every right to do. A young security guard blocked him and we fans were immediately offended.
"Hey! That's Michael Berryman! You can't block Pluto!"
we shouted, the whole line sharing the alarm.
Someone with a bigger wig rushed forward and guided Michael inside. He turned and waved to us all for our help. And of course, we cheered like the Mutants we are. So that put me in a good mood for watching the reboot that night and this is what I thought of THE HILLS HAVE EYES - 2006.
Also -
KONG: SKULL ISLAND is 6
In the original KING KONG, they were all sailing on their merry way to Skull Island!
Then KING KONG 1976 came out and they were all sailing and sniping on their misbegotten way to a mysterious cloud covered island with the most racist "woke" hero you ever saw.
Then KING KONG 2005 came out and they were all forced by circumstance to go and probably die on a godforsaken island of genetically damaged inbreds. But at least they filled the hour or so of sea travel with tedious conversations of sophomore philosophy.
If the next reboot was going to avoid being even worse, it had to stop pandering to the inherent sexism and racism of the latest celebrity and Ivy League activist trend and embrace what the original KING KONG was all about! And did it ever! This is the tale of how the wildly popular new KING KONG - GODZILLA franchise was born right under the noses of Disney's once thriving MCU and Amateur Hour Star Wars re-Moot.
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ryan Kiera Armstrong (IT CHAPTER TWO, BLACK WIDOW, THE TOMORROW WAR, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV]) is 13.
Look for Ryan in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, FIRESTARTER. Also in 2022, MATERNAL.
Actor Madeleine Arthur (THE TOMORROW PEOPLE [TV], GRACE: THE POSSESSION, THE FAMILY [TV], THE MAGICIANS [TV], COLOR OUT OF SPACE, SNOWPIERCER [TV]) is 26.
Look for Madeline in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, DEVIL IN OHIO [TV].
Starting in 2006, this Artist expanded her range in Horror, Thrillers, and Mysteries.
Actor Olivia Wilde (TURISTAS, TRON: LEGACY, COWBOYS AND ALIENS, THE WORDS, DEADFALL, HER, THE LAZARUS EFFECT, BLACK DOG RED DOG, A VIGILANTE, HOW IT ENDS, GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE, DON'T WORRY DARLING) is 39.
Not my thing. Not my thing at all. Maybe your thing, but this is why CHILDREN OF THE CORN (1984) is not my thing.
And -
300 Turns 17
If I wasn't already a Zack Snyder fan with DAWN OF THE DEAD (2004), I damn sure became one with Zack's 300. The wildest ride in the theater since I saw THE MATRIX in theaters in 1999, was the whooping and hollering that the audience got into with this movie in 2006. They went bananas for 300 and this is why.
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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror Writer Stuart Neild (A HAUNTED MAN, SPRING HEELED JACK AWAKES, TALES TO UNNERVE AND DISTURB, THE FIRST GHOST TOWN, GIANT KILLER EELS, SHOOT) is 54.
Writer / SFX Artist M. Zachary Sherman (Comic: SHRAPNEL. Movies: DEEP BLUE SEA, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE MUMMY RETURNS, JURASSIC PARK III, IMPOSTOR, SIGNS, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, HULK, THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, THE ISLAND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST) is 50.
Sherman shares a birthday with fellow SFX SIGNS alumni, Habib Zargarpour.
Actor Kerr Smith (FINAL DESTINATION, THE FORSAKEN, PRESSURE, CRITICAL ASSEMBLY, CRUEL INTENTIONS 3, CHARMED [TV], MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D, ELI STONE, CRITICIZED, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. [TV], RIVERDALE [TV]) is 46.
What do Horror fans do when their child wants to be an actor? I'm guessing they have her try out for Horror Thriller movies.
Actor Niamh Wilson (HAUNTING SARAH [TV], THE MARSH, SAW III, THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR [TV], THEY COME BACK [TV], SAW IV, SAW V, RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE) is 25.
SFX Artist Habib Zargarpour (THE MASK, TWISTER, STAR TREK: CONTACT, SPAWN, SNAKE EYES, THE BOURNE IDENTITY, SIGNS, BLADE RUNNER 2049, THE ADAM PROJECT) is 57.
Look for Habib's work on the 2023 Horror movie, VERTICAL. Also expected in 2023, DARK ASSET.
The Horror Collective Drops SUMMONING SYLVIA Trailer
The Horror Collective will release the Horror Comedy, SUMMONING SYLVIA, this March 31 at theaters nationwide and April 7 on Cable, VOD, and Digital HD.
A gaggle of gay men decide to kidnap their friend and throw him a weekend sausage bachelor party in an abandoned haunted house. But do they have more to fear from the Ghost of a Woman or the Life of a Straight Man? Written and Directed by Wesley Taylor and Alex Wyse, this will be their first Horror movie ever!
And -
TALES FROM THE CRYPT Is 51
The old Educational Comics Code (E.C.) TALES FROM THE CRYPT, born in 1950, could not stay buried. At 73 years old in its original form, this isn't your parents or grandparents comicbook movie. This is your Great-grandparents comic book and your grandparent's Horror movie, with all of the grim grins you discovered from everything that came after. Not only the old and still popular HBO TALES FROM THE CRYPT, but even R.L. Stine's Goosebumps, which took its cues from TFtC and gave them a bump up.
Marvel comics struggled so long to adapt their titles before they found their winning formula (which, amazingly enough, was a stricter adherence to the old comics and not dryhumping the latest windy trendy to blow through the heads of the studio experts). TFtC never struggled to find an audience in cinema or TV. This is how TALES FROM THE CRYPT hit the ground running with a 1970s generation full of rebellion and contempt for the 1950s.
Plus -
HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE Is 27
It surprises no Horror fan to read or hear that Horror movies are the profitable red-headed step child of the Hollywood studios.
Clive Barker's HELLRAISER found its cult theater audience, gained more traction in home video, and could have easily grown their audience with subsequent sequels.
But such is the Hollywood culture of that era that suits only sought to butcher their golden goose instead of thrive on it. After all, Studio heads are a revolving door job. And the value of what you ushered in will be remembered for crashing and burning when you leave. As you move to your next job, it pays to have the movies that were profitable under you, fail without you.
Or such appears to be the mindset. But I could be wrong. Maybe the studio bosses just had no imagination or creativity at all. It certainly feels like one of those two when watching the first Alan Smithee sequel in the Hellraiser franchise, HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE. But, there's an audience for everything.
Finale -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Nora-Jane Noone (THE DESCENT, DOOMSDAY, BEYOND THE RAVE, INSATIABLE [2008], LEGEND OF THE BOG, SAVAGE, THE DESCENT 2, DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS [2009 - TV], JACK TAYLOR [all], DECEPTION [TV], ESTRANGED, IDENTICALS, 12 FEET DEEP, THE CAPTURE, DARLIN', I HATE THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT) is 39.
Look for Nora in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, BRING THEM DOWN.
Writer Tim Waggoner (DYING FOR IT, LIKE DEATH, PANDORA DRIVE, DARKNESS WAKES, SEA OF DEATH, THIEVES OF BLOOD, FORGE OF THE MINDSLAYERS, NEKROPOLIS, DEAD STREETS, LADY RUIN) is 59.
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror Writer T.G. Arsenault (FORGOTTEN SOULS) is 47.
Writer, Director Gregg Bishop (THE OTHER SIDE, DANCE OF THE DEAD, SiREN) is about 62.
Writer Brett Easton Ellis (AMERICAN PSYCHO, GLAMORAMA, LUNAR PARK. Movies: AMERICAN PSYCHO, THE INFORMERS, THE CANYONS, THE CURSE OF DOWNER'S GROVE) who is 59.
Writer Kim Paffenroth (GOSPEL OF THE LIVING DEAD, DYING TO LIVE: A NOVEL OF LIFE AMONG THE UNDEAD, HISTORY IS DEAD, DYING TO LIVE: LIFE SENTENCE, and more) is around 62.
Comic Artist Tone Rodriguez (VIOLENT MESSIAHS, SATAN'S 3-RING CIRCUS OF HELL, CHASSIS, UTF, TYRESE GIBSON'S MAYHEM, THE CONVENANT) is 55.
Visit him at ToneRod.com.
Actor Peter Sarsgaard (THE CELL, HOUSEBOUND, THE SALTON SEA, THE DYING GAUL, THE SKELETON KEY, FLIGHTPLAN, RENDITION, IN THE ELECTRIC MIST, ORPHAN, ROBOT AND FRANK, THE KILLING [TV], NIGHT MOVES, THE LIE, THE BATMAN) is 52.
Look for Peter in the 2023 Comedy Thriller, COUP!
Comic Artist Ben Templesmith (HELLSPAWN [Image 2002], 30 DAYS OF NIGHT [IDW 2002], DARK DAYS [IDW 2003], SINGULARITY 7 [IDW 2004], SILENT HILL: DYING INSIDE [IDW 2004], SHADOWPLAY [IDW 2005], FELL [Image Comics 2005], DEAD SPACE [Image Comics 2008], GROOM LAKE [IDW 2009], CHOKER Image Comics 2012], TOMMYROT: THE ART OF BEN TEMPLESMITH, SQUIDGIRLS: EROTICA TENTACULAR) is 38.
Actor, Stunts Maria-Antoaneta Tudor (PUMPKINHEAD: ASHES TO ASHES, BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE, PUMPKINHEAD: BLOODFEUD, THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING, KRABAT AND THE LEGEND OF THE SATANIC MILL, AGAINST THE DARK, SAND SERPENTS, HELLHOUNDS, HIGH PLAINS INVADERS, BUNRAKU, ASSASSINATION GAMES, GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE) is 45.
When it comes to slow burn creepiness I can't think of any movie that beats this one.
The only misstep is a corny special effect applied at the wrong time when the actor was already commanding the threat of the moment. Other than that, this is why ANGEL HEART is classic Scary Horror.
And -
WATCHMEN is 17
The task was called impossible. Warner Bros. developed for years trying to bring Alan Moore's comic to the big screen.
It was a comic book. Every panel drawn by Dave Gibbons. It was practically a storyboard! The only impossible thing about making a movie of it was accepting all of the changes WB wanted to make, and make it a better story at the same time. All of the changes the Memo Suits wanted were all garbage and they knew it. When Writer Alan Moore got wind of it he wanted nothing to do with it, broke ties with Warner owned DC comics forever, and sued to have his name removed (it was, eventually).
Zack Snyder was brought on board and the only way the WB could do that was give him relatively free reign with this movie and make pie in the sky promises. Which, in fact, they followed through upon. Which all means that THE WATCHMEN we got in 2009 is as good as it will ever look.
Plus -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Shane Brolly (FLYPAPER, IMPOSTOR, DEADLY SWARM, UNDERWORLD [2003 - all], DEVIL'S HIGHWAY, ROOM 6, BOOK OF FIRE, LAZARUS) is 53.
Actor Nicole Kruex (TRINITY, TERROR OVERLOAD, THE CITY, NIGHT ON HAS BEEN MOUNTAIN, NEXT DOOR, AFTER THE DAWN, INSECTULA!, PARANORMALICE, PARANORMAL TAPES, CONFESSIONS OF A GRAVE ROBBER) is 62 or something.
Look for Nicole in the upcoming 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, ARMSAGEDDON. Also in 2020, 2021, 2022, maybe 2023, SURVIVOR GIRLS.
Writer Richard Salter (various anthologies) is 62 or something.
Writer and feoamante.com alumni, Christopher Treagus (IN THE AUTUMN OF THE UNFORTUNATES, HUNTING SORROW, TO SUFFER A WITCH) is 62 or something.
Writer Ann VanderMeer (THE NEW WEIRD, ODD?, THE WEIRD, THE BESTIARY, STEAMPUNK Anthology [all], GIFTS FOR THE ONE WHO COMES AFTER, CABINET OF CUROSITIES, THE WEIRD: A COMPENDIUM OF STRANGE AND DARK STORIES, and plenty more) is 66.
SUNDAY -
Actor Samantha Eggar (DR. CRIPPEN, PSYCHE 59, THE COLLECTOR, RETURN FROM THE ASHES, THE DEAD ARE ALIVE, A NAME FOR EVIL, THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION, WELCOME TO BLOOD CITY, THE UNCANNY, THE BROOD, THE EXTERMINATOR, DEMONOID: MESSENGER OF DEATH, CURTAINS, INEVITABLE GRACE, THE PHANTOM, THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE) is 84.
Movie Producer David Fury (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], LOST [TV], 24 [TV], FRINGE [TV], 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY [TV], SECOND CHANCE [TV], THE TICK [TV], 9-1-1 [TV]) is 63.
Actor Hanna Mangan Lawrence (THE SQUARE, ACOLYTES, LUCKY COUNTRY, X: NIGHT OF VENGEANCE, SPARTACUS: WAR OF THE DAMNED [TV], THE RECKONING, THE REACH, CONTAINMENT [TV], SWEETHEART) is 32.
Horror Writer and Feo Amante alumni, Mike Oliveri (DEADLIEST OF THE SPECIES, WEREWOLVES: CALL OF THE WILD, SINS OF BLOOD AND STONE [w/John Urbancik], RESTORE FROM BACKUP [w/J.F. Gonzalez], THE PACK: WINTER KILL, BRAVO FOUR) is 47.
Visit him at Michael Oliveri.com.
Horror Writer R.H. Stavis (DANIEL'S VEIL, DEMON'S MERCY, THE ORDER OF SOULS) is 41.
Horror Writer Nicholas Alan Tillmans (HARDBALL, ACETONE ENEMA, INVISIBLE CHILDREN'S BOOK INSTRUCTION MANUAL) is 47.
80 Years of FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN
And it wasn't a cordial meeting either! This was no polite introduction over drinks at a party. There was no, "Oh, how do you do?" and "Charmed, I'm sure!"
No, this was all ARGH! GRR! ROAR! and "YOUR MOTHER!"
Yet, for a Universal Pictures sequel at that time in their history, FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN is surprisingly good and this why.
69 Years of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON
Like many movie franchise monsters, more than one actor played the Creature in its three pictures.
Ricou Browning played the Creature in the water in all three movies and Ben Chapman played the Creature on land in the first one.
Ricou paid the rent and put food on the table by being the creator and writer of the popular Flipper movies and TV shows.
Whew! If any story could could find a home in Tim Burton's wheelhouse, it had to be this one.
Although this is a third and different nearly Lewis Carroll tale of what happened after all of the adventures Through The Looking Glass and in ALICE IN WONDERLAND.
SATURDAY -
Writer / Director / Producer, Paul W.S. Anderson (MORTAL KOMBAT, EVENT HORIZON, RESIDENT EVIL, RESIDENT EVIL 2, ALIEN VS PREDATOR, RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION, DEATH RACE, PANDORUM, DEATH RACE 2, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, DEATH RACE INFERNO, RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER, DEATH RACE 4: BEYOND ANARCHY, MONSTER HUNTER) is 58.
Actor Frank Novak (SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT PART II, SLEEPWALKERS, CARNOSAUR, STEPMONSTER, WATCHERS III, RAPTOR, THE FALL OF NIGHT, NECESSARY EVIL, WATCHMEN) is 68.
Actor/Writer/Director Daniel Roebuck (NIGHT SCHOOL, RIVER'S EDGE, PROJECT X, TERROR EYES, THE FUGITIVE, FINAL
DESTINATION, THE VAMPIRE HUNTERS CLUB, THE NAKED MONSTER, BUBBA HO-TEP, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN [both], THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, TRAIL OF THE SCREAMING FOREHEAD, INSIGHT, JOHN DIES AT THE END, AT THE DEVIL'S DOOR, COMPOUND FRACTURE, 31, PHANTASM: RAVAGER, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], DEAD NIGHT, 3 FROM HELL, WILD BOAR [all], PENANCE LANE) is 59.
Look for Daniel in the 2021, 2022 Thriller, COLONIALS. Also in 2022, STREAM and ANGEL BABY.
Horror Writer Jen Whildin (Various short stories) is 53.
Writer, Director, Producer Len Wiseman (UNDERWORLD [all], TOTAL RECALL [2012], SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV], LUCIFER [TV], THE GIFTED [TV], SWAMP THING [TV]) is 50.
RINGU Turns 25
This movie has reached the age where you're not a kid anymore and you're closing in on 30 so get your act together!
The masterful novel by Author Kôji Sozuki (HONOGURAI MIZU NO SOKO KARA aka DARK WATER, JU-ON aka THE GRUDGE) has always had its act together. Made as a TV and movie franchise in Japan, it launched franchise remakes in other countries from the U.S. to South Korea. Its become at least two Video Games and its powerful influence still echoes in non-Sozuki work ranging from 2013's EVIL DEAD to 2022's SMILE. This is the frightening magic of 1998's RINGU.
THE BATMAN is Merely 1
This baby hasn't had a chance to have any history yet, but this is what I thought of 2022's THE BATMAN.
For me, this is the movie where Director Takashi Miike gained enough critical mass in the U.S. that when I spoke of him, other people recognized the name.
It drove me crazy that every poster and every trailer was full of spoilers. So while you can find those online, this is why you shouldn't before you see AUDITION.
And -
ULTRAVIOLET Turns 17
This Milla Jovovich starring role was...
Was...
A very Milla Jovovich movie.
Plus -
HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jessica Biel (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003], CELLULAR, BLADE: TRINITY, STEALTH, THE ILLUSIONIST, NEXT, THE A-TEAM, THE TALL MAN, TOTAL RECALL [2012], HITCHCOCK, EMANUEL AND THE TRUTH ABOUT FISHES, LIMETOWN [TV]) is 41.
Actor Eric DaRe (SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT III, TWIN PEAKS [TV], TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME, CRITTERS 4, DEAD CONNECTION, NUMBER ONE FAN, PLAYING GOD, STARSHIP TROOPERS, LURED INNOCENCE, TED BUNDY, TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES) is 58.
Eric shares a March 3 birthday with his SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT III almuni...
Actor Laura Harring (SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT III, DEAD WOMEN IN LINGERIE, MULHOLLAND DR. [TV - 1999], MULHOLLAND DRIVE [2001], JOHN Q, DERAILED, WILLARD [2003], THE PUNISHER [2004], ALL SOULS DAY: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS, INLAND EMPIRE, GHOST SON [2007], NANCY DREW [2007], THE CALLER [2008], KLUGE, ICE SCREAM, THE THINNING: THE NEW WORLD ORDER) is 59.
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
A final Happy Birthday and a fond farewell to a great guy and author,
Writer Peter Straub (JULIA, GHOST STORY, SHADOWLAND, FLOATING DRAGON, THE TALISMAN [w/Stephen King], KOKO, THE HELLFIRE CLUB, MR. X, BLACK HOUSE [w/Stephen King], LOST BOY LOST GIRL, IN THE NIGHT ROOM, A DARK MATTER, and more) who would have been 80 today.
Peter Straub:
Born - March 2, 1943
Died - September 4, 2022
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jensen Ackles (DARK ANGEL [TV], DEVOUR, MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D, SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE BOYS [TV]) is 45.
Actor Jack Davenport (MACBETH, TALE OF THE MUMMY, ULTRAVIOLET [TV], THE WISDOM OF CROCODILES, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY, THE BUNKER, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN [all], MARPLE: THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY, FLASH FORWARD [TV], THE KEY MAN, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, THE TANK, DECEPTION [TV]) is 49.
Writer, Director, Producer Zack Snyder (SILENCE, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], 300, WATCHMEN, SUCKER PUNCH, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE, MAN OF STEEL, ARMY OF THE DEAD, ARMY OF THE DEAD: LOST VEGAS [TV]) is 57.
E.C. McMullen Jr.
Author page at Amazon
(Amazon.com)
Listed at GoodReads
Internet Movie Database resume (IMDb.com),
Stage 32 listing (stage32.com),
Listed at Academia.edu and is a
19 year member of the San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC).
Wikipedia 1, 2, 3, 4 Starbucks Cup #118
E.C. McMullen Jr. / Feo Amante is quoted throughout the Internet and print as a resource on,
