HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Mackenzie Crook (THE GATHERING [2002], PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, THE BROTHERS GRIMM, LAND OF THE BLIND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, CITY OF EMBER, ABRAHAM'S POINT, SOLOMON KANE, IRONCLAD, GAME OF THRONES [TV], IN SECRET, ALMOST HUMAN [TV], BRITANNIA [TV], TALES FROM THE LODGE) is 53.
Actor Luke Goss (NINE TENTHS, BLADE II, FRANKENSTEIN [2004], COLD AND DARK, CHORES, UNEARTHED, BONE DRY, HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY, ANNIHILATION EARTH, THE DEAD UNDEAD, DEATH RACE 2, PRESSED, 7 BELOW, INSIDE, DEATH RACE: INFERNO, LOST TIME, THE NIGHT CREW, CROSSING POINT, EXTRACURRICULAR, THE LAST BOY, RIA OVERRIDE) is 55.
Actor Ian McShane (THE DEVIL'S WIDOW, VILLAIN, LEFT HAND OF GEMINI, THE LAST OF SHEILA, THE TERRORISTS, JOURNEY INTO FEAR, ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE, TOO SCARED TO SCREAM, THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE [1986], CHAIN LETTER, DICK FRANCIS: BLOOD SPORT, DICK FRANCIS: TWICE SHY, SEXY BEAST, NEMESIS GAME, SCOOP, DEATH RACE [2008], CORALINE, CASE 39, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, AMERICAN GODS [TV], JOHN WICK [all], HELLBOY [2019], JOHN WICK CHAPTER 3: PARABELLUM) is 76.
Look for Ian in the 2021, 2022, 2023 Mystery Thriller, JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4: BABA YAGA. Also in 2023, AMERICAN STAR.
Writer, Director Nicolas Winding Refn (PUSHER [Trilogy], BLEEDER, FEAR X, BRONSON, VALHALLA RISING, DRIVE, ONLY GOD FORGIVES, NEON DEMON, TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG [TV]) is 48.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Naomi Watts (THE WYVERN MYSTERY, DOWN, MULHOLLAND DR., THE RING, 21 GRAMS, THE RING TWO, STAY, KING KONG, INLAND EMPIRE, EASTERN PROMISES, FUNNY GAMES [U.S.], THE INTERNATIONAL, DREAM HOUSE, THE IMPOSSIBLE, INSURGENT, ALLEGIANT, SHUT IN, TWIN PEAKS [TV - 2017], THE WOLF HOUR, BOSS LEVEL, THE DESPERATE HOUR, GOODNIGHT MOMMY, INFINITE STORM, THE WATCHER [TV]) who is 50.
Musician Ginger Fish (MARILYN MANSON: THE LAST TOUR ON EARTH, MECHANICAL ANIMALS, and more) is 52.
Musician George Lynch (of 1980s metal band DOKKEN, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET: THE DREAM WARRIORS) is 64.
Actor Kirsten Zien (MINDSTORM [2001], ELEKTRA, KYLE XY [TV], METEOR STORM, LOCKED AWAY, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, THE LYING GAME [TV], SOCIAL NIGHTMARE, JOY RIDE 3, MY LIFE AS A DEAD GIRL, THE WRONG GIRL, EVEN LAMBS HAVE TEETH, CAPTURED) is 33.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Daeg Faerch (DARK MIRROR, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, DITCH PARTY, RUN! BITCH RUN!, SEBASTIAN, JOSIE, KILLER THERAPY) is 27.
Daeg shares a birthday month with Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN alumni, Sheri Moon Zombie.
Actor Jenna Ortega (IRON MAN 3, INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2, THE BABYSITTER: KILLER QUEEN, SCREAM [2022], STUDIO 666, X, AMERICAN CARNAGE, WEDNESDAY [TV], SCREAM VI) is 21.
Look for Jenna in the upcoming 2024 Horror, DEATH OF A UNICORN. Also in 2024, BEETLEJUICE 2.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Lysette Anthony (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [1982], KRULL, NIGHT TRAIN TO MURDER, JACK THE RIPPER [1988], WITHOUT A CLUE, DARK SHADOWS [TV - 1991], SAVE ME [1992], TARGET OF SUSPICION, A BRILLIANT DISGUISE, AFFAIR PLAY, DR. JEKYLL AND MS. HYDE, DEAD COLD, DRACULA: DEAD AND LOVING IT, TRILOGY OF TERROR II, MISBEGOTTEN, TALE OF THE MUMMY [1998], BENEATH LOCH NESS, DARK REALM [TV], STRIPPERS VS WEREWOLVES, WHEN THE DEVIL RIDES OUT, CONJURING: THE BOOK OF THE DEAD) is 60.
Lysette shares a September birthday with her BOOK OF NIGHTMARES alumni, Michael Madsen.
Lysette stars in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror movie, BOOK OF NIGHTMARES.
A curious venture from Maha Films, considering that the movie poster almost entirely features Tim Curry as his character Darkness from the 1985 Ridley Scott movie, LEGEND. Yet neither Tim or Ridley are involved with BOOK OF NIGHTMARES and it isn't about the movie LEGEND.
Actor Linda Hamilton (TAG: The Assassination Game, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, TERMINATOR, BLACK MOON RISING, KING KONG LIVES!, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV], TERMINATOR 2, SILENT FALL, SHADOW CONSPIRACY, DANTE'S PEAK, BATMAN BEYOND, SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET, BROKEN, BAD BEHAVIOR, DEFIANCE [TV], TERMINATOR: DARK FATE, RESIDENT ALIEN [TV]) is 66.
Look for Linda in the upcoming 2024 season of STRANGER THINGS [TV].
Make-up SFX artist Toby Sells (DEMON QUEEN, PHANTASM II, DEEPSTAR SIX, TARA [2001], FREEZ'ER, BLOOD BATH, GHOST OF THE NEEDLE, STRAGGLERS, HELL'S END, DARK REMAINS, THE SIGNAL, DEAD SILENCE, BLOOD CAR, DANCE OF THE DEAD, LAID TO REST, SATANIC PANIC, SAVAGE, HUNGER, ZOMBIELAND, THE CRAZIES, RITES OF SPRING, QUARANTINE 2, COLLAPSE, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], THE WALKING DEAD [TV], A ZOMBIE INVASION, PLUS ONE, BLUE RUIN, THE HUNGER GAMES [all], THE ORIGINALS [TV], FEAR CLINIC, THE DEVIL'S DOLLS, HUSH, LYCAN, STRAIN 100, MARY, LOW TIDE, THE TOMORROW WAR, THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT) is 59.
Writer, Director, Producer David Slade (HARD CANDY, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, HANNIBAL [TV], AMERICAN GODS [TV], NIGHTMARE CINEMA, BLACK MIRROR: BANDERSNATCH, RED BIRD LANE) is 52.
Look for David's 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, Norman Partridge's DARK HARVEST.
Actor Sheri Moon Zombie (HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, GRINDHOUSE, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, THE LORDS OF SALEM, 31, 3 FROM HELL, THE MUNSTERS [2022]) is 53.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is 48

A long, long time ago in this galaxy when it was far, far away (from where we are at this moment)...

SAUL WARS

or Saul Warred against early Christians. Well maybe war is too harsh. Let's just say he persecuted them.

Anyway, years after the alleged day of death of Jesus Christ as a human being, Saul (of Tarsus) stopped persecuting early Christians and annointed himself The Apostle Paul (he never met Jesus, never knew, never cared, but he wasn't about to let THAT stop him!).

By taking this upon himself Saul/Paul became the 13th Apostle (or the replacement for Judas if you prefer - this is not the time to re-open this hoary old debate) and gathered together what he felt was the definitive scripture of Jesus (and if it wasn't definitive enough to suit his tastes, it's out!). This radical turnabout in Nu-Paul's life happened, so the story he created goes, as he traveled on the Road to Damascus. In short, it was largely on the Road to Damascus that he had the epiphany that led to his conversion.

So mere words, whether spoken or on paper can change the course of lives and nations.

Well that's no surprise. That is, in fact, what makes Free Speech so damn dangerous: Because it's liberating. And all of these words spoken or otherwise come from our fellow humans.

I've had several such roads in my life, realizations if you will, and one of my earliest - one that set me on This Road instead of That Road - was my watching and audience participation in, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW.

And -

SURROGATES is 14

From the Director who brought you TERMINATOR 3: DIMINISHING RETURNS comes a movie that should not be confused with Alex Proyas I, ROBOT or Steven Spielberg's MINORITY REPORT, but often is.

This is the difference in Jonathan Mostow's SURROGATES.

Plus -

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

Actor Clea Duvall (LITTLE WITCHES, THE FACULTY, THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE, GHOSTS OF MARS, HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER, IDENTITY, THE GRUDGE, CARNIVÀLE [TV], HEROES [TV], THE KILLING ROOM, VIRTUALITY, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], THE LIZZIE BORDEN CHRONICLES [TV], THE HANDMAID'S TALE) is 46.
Actor Jason Flemyng (WITCHCRAFT [TV], DEEP RISING, THE RED VIOLIN, THE BODY, FROM HELL, THE BUNKER, BELOW, THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, SEED OF CHUCKY, THE QUATERMASS EXPERIMENT [2005], MIRRORS, SHIFTY, SOLOMON KANE, KICK-ASS, CLASH OF THE TITANS [2010], DEAD CERT, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, STONEHEARST ASYLUM, MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT, REVOLT, SAVE ME [TV], TRICK OR TREAT [2019], BOILING POINT, THE 355 [TV], ) is 56.
Look for Jason in the 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, THE REFUGE. And in 2023, 2024 VIY 3: TRAVEL TO INDIA. Also in 2024, FIRECRACKER, and THE STOIC.
Actor Michael Madsen (WARGAMES, RESERVOIR DOGS, DEAD CONNECTION, SPECIES, SPECIES II, VOODOO DAWN, KILL BILL [both], SIN CITY, SCARY MOVIE 4, HOUSE [2007], TOOTH & NAIL, VICE, HOUSE, CLEAR LAKE WI, THE PORTAL, TERROR TRAP, INFECTED, EL DORADO IN 3D, ROAD RAIDERS, A SIERRA NEVADA GUNFIGHT, HIGHWAY TO HELL, THE WITCHING HOUR, SIN CITY 2, MEGALODON, COBRAGATOR, SILENCE, WHEN THE DEVIL RIDES OUT, BURIAL GROUND MASSACRE, CONJURING: BOOK OF THE DEAD 2 GRAVES IN THE DESERT) is 65.
Michael doesn't just sit around waiting for his next Quentin Tarantino movie. Mike makes up to 10 or more low budget feature films a year!
Look for him in the upcoming 2022, 2023 Horror Thrillers, THE WITCHING HOUR, SPIRIT RISER, DAMON'S REVENGE, THE LURKING FEAR, and DEATH COUNT.
Actor Will Smith (INDEPENDENCE DAY, MEN IN BLACK [trilogy], ENEMY OF THE STATE, I, ROBOT, I AM LEGEND, AFTER EARTH, WINTER'S TALE, SUICIDE SQUAD, BRIGHT [TV], GEMINI MAN, EMANCIPATION) is 55.

SUNDAY -

Lily cannot believe you're 36 and STILL working as an "Associate" at Foree Electric 'cuz yer Fucking OLD!

Writer Deborah Turrell Atkinson (PRIMITIVE SECRETS, THE GREEN ROOM, FIRE PRAYER, PLEASING THE DEAD) is, I suspect, older than me.
Writer, Director Brad Bird (THE IRON GIANT, THE INCREDIBLES, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL, THE INCREDIBLES 2) is 66.
Writer, Director, Producer, Tommy Brunswick (LURKING TERROR, THEY MUST EAT, THE REMAKE, MR. JINGLES, LITTLE RED DEVIL, BORN OF EARTH, JINGLES THE CLOWN, EVIL OFFSPRING, EXIT 33) is 53.
Actor Spencer Treat Clark (ARLINGTON ROAD, DOUBLE JEOPARDY, UNBREAKABLE, MYSTIC RIVER, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT [2009], CAMP HELL, THE LAST EXORCISM PART II, DEEP DARK CANYON, ICE SCREAM, DRUID PEAK, THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN [2014], GLASS) is 36.
Look for Spencer in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, 'SALEM'S LOT.
Writer Rhys Hughes (RAWHEAD AND BLOODY BONES & ELUSIVE PLATO, AT THE MOLEHILLS OF MADNESS, TWISTHORN BELLOW) is 56.
Actor Jessica Lucas (HALLOWEENTOWN II: KALABAR'S REVENGE, DAMAGED CARE, THE CONVENANT, CSI [TV], CLOVERFIELD, AMUSEMENT, EVIL DEAD [2013], CULT [TV], GOTHAM [TV]) is 38.
Actor Tina Rodriguez (THE FACULTY, DEATH PROOF, MACHETE, KILL OR BE KILLED, 3 DAYS, HARBINGER, GREEN GHOST AND THE MASTERS OF THE STONE) is 41.
Actor Megan Ward (TRANCERS II, AMITYVILLE 1992, TRANCERS III, ARCADE, FREAKED, VOICE FROM THE GRAVE, DARK SKIES [TV], Wes Craven's DON'T LOOK DOWN, TICK TOCK, THE INVITED) is 54.

SHAUN OF THE DEAD is 19 Today!

That's right! You're Old!

Ahh... remember back when you were 17 and saw SHAUN OF THE DEAD in the theaters when it first came out?

Well now you're 36 and you're fucking OLD! What have you done with your life? Still working as a miserable "Associate" at Foree Electric, you fucking old Geezer?

SATURDAY -
Writer and Feo Amante alumni, Brian Keene (Books: NO REST FOR THE WICKED, THE RISING [series], GHOUL, DARK HOLLOW [Levi Stoltzfus series including GHOST WALK], EARTHWORM GODS [Earthworm Gods series], THE LOST LEVEL [The Lost Level series], KING OF THE BASTARDS [Bastards series], THE SEVEN [Labrinth series], and way more.
Movies: GHOUL) is 56.
Look for Brian's upcoming novel, ALONE.
Visit him at BrianKeene.com.
Actor Anthony Mackie (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE [2004], FREEDOMLAND, THE HURT LOCKER, EAGLE EYE, THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, MAN ON A LEDGE, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, REPENTENCE, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, IO, AVENGERS ENDGAME, SYNCHRONIC, ALTERED CARBON [TV], OUTSIDE THE WIRE, THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER [TV], THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW) is 45.
Look for Anthony in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, WE HAVE A GHOST. And in 2023, TWISTED METAL [TV]. Also in 2023, IF YOU WERE THE LAST.
Writer Stephanie Osbourne (BURNOUT. With co-author, Darrell Bain: THE CRESPIRIAN ALLIANCE, THE Y FACTOR, EXTRACTION POINT!) who is much older than me!
Director Alex Proyas (THE CROW, DARK CITY, I, ROBOT, KNOWING) is 60.

Tim Burton's CORPSE BRIDE is Old Enough to Vote

Leading up to its theatrical release, fans thought Tim was going to reveal a Victorian Gothic version of the undead world, an older view of what we saw in BEETLEJUICE. But Producer Tim, sharing the helm as co-writer and co-director, had something else in mind.

Shirley Muramoto reviews CORPSE BRIDE.

28 Years of SE7EN

I was there to see SEVEN in the theater!

What's so great about watching it in the theater?

You don't have a spouse, significant other, or family member telling you to "Pause It" while they go to the bathroom, make popcorn, answer this call, or all the other BULLSHIT that interrupts a movie night! That's what so great about theaters!

And -

KISS: PSYCHO CIRCUS Turns 25

And I was on top of it! My KISS: PSYCHO CIRCUS review from 1998!

Plus -

FEAST is 17

I saw the trailers and I was ready for it, but the theatrical release was exceedingly limited. That said, the day it hit the shelves I was There for the Scare! Our review of FEAST.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Daniella Alonso (HOOD OF HORROR, THE HILLS HAVE EYES II, WRONG TURN 2, THE COLLECTOR, RE-KILL, REVOLUTION [TV], RE-KILL, DARKNESS FALLS) is 44.
Stunt / Actor Sala Baker (THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN [all], MONSTER MOUNTAIN, NEXT, THE BOOK OF ELI, THE EXPENDABLES, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, BATTLESHIP, IRON MAN 3, STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, DEADPOOL, BRIGHT, DEADPOOL 2, TRANSCENDENCE, ARMY OF THE DEAD, MALIGNANT, BEYOND PARANORMAL) is 47.
Actor MyAnna Buring (THE DESCENT, THE OMEN [2006], GRINDHOUSE, DOOMSDAY, RED MIST, CREDO, VAMPIRE KILLERS, THE DESCENT PART 2, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN I, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND, KILL LIST, RIPPER STREET [TV], THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN II, PREY [TV], RIPPER STREET [TV], IN THE DARK [TV], KILLERS ANONYMOUS, THE WITCHER [TV], THE SALISBURY POISONINGS [TV], 97 MINUTES) is 44.
Myanna shares a September birthday with fellow TWILIGHT alumni, Christian Serratos and Maggie Grace.
Actor Tom Felton (HARRY POTTER [all], 13Hrs., RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, THE APPARITION, FANGS OF WAR, MESSAGE FROM THE KING, ORIGIN [TV], A BABYSITTER'S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING, BURIAL, SOME OTHER WOMAN) is 35.
Musician Nick Cave (Album: NOCTURAMA, Movies: SCREAM everything, HELLBOY) is 65.
Actor Catherine Oxenberg (LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM, OVEREXPOSED, THE COLLECTORS, THE OMEGA CODE, SANCTIMONY, PERILOUS, ROAD RAGE, FROZEN IN FEAR, THE VECTOR FILE, PREMONITION, HIGHER MISSION, SHARKTOPUS VS WHALEWOLF, RATPOCALYPSE) is 62.
Actor Laura Vandervoort (GOOSEBUMPS [TV - 1995-1998], MOM'S GOT A DATE WITH A VAMPIRE, TROUBLED WATERS, THE LOOKOUT, RIVERWORLD [TV], V [TV], ENTITLED, BROKEN TRUST, CAPTAIN CANUCK [TV], BITTEN [TV], JIGSAW, RABID [2019], V WARS, TRIGGER POINT, SEE FOR ME) is 39.
Look for Laura in the upcoming Thriller, BLACK BAGS.

Eli Roth's THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS turns an adorable 5

But can you enjoy it with your kids? Well, can you enjoy Jack Black?

My review of THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Christian Serratos (TWILIGHT [all], 96 MINUTES, FLIGHT 7500, THE WALKING DEAD [TV]) is 32.
Actor Maggie Grace (CREATURE UNKNOWN, LOST [TV], THE FOG, TAKEN, MALICE IN WONDERLAND, THE EXPERIMENT, LOCKOUT, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1, TAKEN 2, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2, AFTERMATH, FEAR THE WALKNG DEAD: THE ALTHEA TAPES [TV], FEAR THE WALKING DEAD [TV]) is 40.
Psst! Hey! Keep it to yourself,
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!
... but this birthday wish goes out to
Writer Stephen King (Books: BLOOD & SMOKE, BLACK HOUSE [w/Peter Straub], DREAMCATCHER. Movies: CARRIE [1976], THE SHINING [1980], CREEPSHOW, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, CAT'S EYE, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, IT [1990], SLEEPWALKERS, THE NIGHT FLIER, APT PUPIL, THE GREEN MILE, DREAMCATCHER, 1408, THE MIST, IT [2017], PET SEMATERY, IT CHAPTER TWO, DOCTOR SLEEP, IN THE TALL GRASS, MR. MERCEDES [TV], CASTLE ROCK [TV], THE OUTSIDER [TV], CREEPSHOW [TV], DARK TOWER [2020], THE STAND [TV], LISEY'S STORY [TV], STRAWBERRY SPRING [TV], CHAPLEWAITE [TV], THE OUTSIDER [TV], CREEPSHOW [TV], FIRESTARTER [2022], 'SALEM'S LOT [TV - 2022], THE BOOGEYMAN) who is 76.
Look for Stephen's 2024 Horror Thriller, a PET SEMATERY Project.

It's Been 72 Years Since ...
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

As you'd expect of a Hollywood film, 20th Century Fox's movie was a 180° turn from author Harry Bates' short story Farewell To The Master. Through the script by Edmund H. North (METEOR) and the direction of Robert Wise (THE HAUNTING [1963], THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN), the human appearing alien, Klaatu and the robot, Gort, were benevolent fascists, "Join us and live in a peaceful police state, or pursue your present course and we'll destroy your planet."

For this the aliens were supposed to be the "good guys". It grew worse and more ridiculous with the 2008 reboot. This is how reviewer Kelly Parks saw 1951's, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Asia Argento (DEMONI 2, LA CHIESA, TRAUMA, LA SINDROME DI STENDHAL, IL FANTASMA DELL'OPERA, LES MORSURES DE L'AUBE, RED SIREN, THE KEEPER, LAND OF THE DEAD, LIVE FREAKY DIE FREAKY, TRANSYLVANIA, MOTHER OF TEARS, DRACULA 3D, ALIEN CRYSTAL PALACE, AGONY, OCCHIALI NERI, LET HER KILL YOU) who is 47.
Look for Asia in the upcoming 2023 Mystery Thriller, SCHIRKOA. Also expected in 2023, INTERSTATE.
Author George R. R. Martin (Books: THE SANDKINGS, A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE. Movies: THE TWILIGHT ZONE [TV - 1980S], NIGHTFLYERS, DOORWAYS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV], GAME OF THRONES [TV], NIGHTFLYERS [TV], DARKWINDS, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON) is 74.
Actor Brinke Stevens (NECROMANCY, THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE, SOLE SURVIVOR, SLAVE GIRLS FROM BEYOND INFINITY, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIME BOWL-O-RAMA, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE, PHANTOM OF THE MALL: ERIC'S REVENGE, TRANSLYVANIA TWIST, THE JIGSAW MURDERS, SPIRITS, BAD GIRLS FROM MARS, SHADOWS IN THE CITY, HAUNTING FEAR, MY LOVELY MONSTER, TEENAGE EXORCIST, JACK-O, MOMMY, REPLIGATOR, HYBRID, MOMMY 2, ILLICIT DREAMS 2, SIDESHOW, HELL NIGHT, HORRORVISION, VICTORIA'S SHADOW, WEB OF DARKNESS, EYES ARE UPON YOU, WITCH HOUSE 3, THE FRIGHTENING, AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, MARK OF THE ASTRO-ZOMBIES, HELL ASYLUM, BLEED, ZOMBIEGEDDON, DELTA DELTA DIE!, THE NAKED MONSTER, AXEMAN AT CUTTER'S CREEK, THE TROUBLE WITH BARRY, you get the idea, well over 200) is 68.

UNDERWORLD Turns 20

There are at least two Danny McBrides writing in Hollywood today. One Danny McBride writes comedies but he also wrote the HALLOWEEN 2018 trilogy and as a Producer is leading the EXORCIST trilogy addendums as well as developing the HELLRAISER TV series.

The other Danny McBride co-adapted into a screenplay, the Kevin Grevioux story, UNDERWORLD and kept at it for four movies total!. And so far that's it.

So! Howz the original holding up after 20 years? About the same as when it was released in 2003.

Read my review of UNDERWORLD.

And -

R! Sure n' this B HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Katrina Bowden (THE SHORTCUT, TUCKER AND DALE VS. EVIL, PIRANHA 3DD, HOLD YOUR BREATH, SCARY MOVIE 5, MONOLITH, KILLING DIAZ, THE ORCHARD, GREAT WHITE) be 35.
Actor, SFX artist, Producer, Spooky Dan Walker (DEEP BLUE SEA, PSYCHO BEACH PARTY, FINAL DESTINATION 2, RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE, CURSED, FINAL DESTINATION 3, SLITHER, WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END, 2001 MANIACS: FIELD OF SCREAMS, CELL [2016], THE VOID [2016 - III], IT WATCHES, STAR TREK BEYOND, FAMILY VANISHED, Staci Layne Wilson's FETISH FACTORY, SLAY BELLES, KILLER UNDER THE BED, HAPPY HORROR DAYS) be 50.
Actor Danielle Panabaker (MR. BROOKS, FRIDAY THE 13TH [2009], THE CRAZIES, John Carpenter's THE WARD, PIRANHA 3DD, TIME LAPSE, ARROW [TV], CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS) be 36.
Actor Kevin Zegers (IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, SPECIMEN, SHADOW BUILDER, KOMODO, FEAR OF THE DARK, WRONG TURN, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], THE HOLLOW, 50 DEAD MEN WALKING, FROZEN, THE VAMPIRE, THE ENTITLED, THE COLONY, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, THE CURSE OF DOWNER'S GROVE, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD [TV], SLEEPWALKER, AFTERMATH, NIGHTHAWKS [2019], CORRECTIVE MEASURES) be 40.

37 Years Ago Today Clive Barker Brought Hell On Earth: HELLRAISER.

37 years later and the story isn't over. There's a new HELLRAISER TV series on the horizon, ready to be shown on Disney's Hulu streamer no less!

Go to a time of humble yet blood-soaked beginnings. E.C. McMullen Jr. saw it on the big theater screen when he first watched HELLRAISER.

And -

Jennifer's Body is 14

Oscar winning writer, Diablo Cody has her fans, but they don't all follow her to Horror.

Nobody in the pipeline saw that coming when they made this movie and as it approached release, the star, Megan Fox, began to fall out of audience favor.

Okay, but we're over a decade past all that drama now. How does the actual movie hold up?

JENNIFER'S BODY holds up surprisingly well! In fact, probably better now than it did on its release.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Brett Ellen Block (DESTINATION KNOWN, THE GRAVE OF GOD'S DAUGHTER, THE LIGHTENING RULE) is 49.
Actor Annie B. Compton (DEATH TUNNEL, FOLLOW THE PROPHET, THE ANNIVERSARY AT SHALLOW CREEK) is 39.
Actor Christopher Heyerdahl (HIGHLANDER: THE FINAL DIMENSION, HABITAT, TWISTS OF TERROR, HEMOGLOBIN, AFFLICTION, OUT OF MIND: STORIES OF H.P. LOVECRAFT, REQUIEM FOR MURDER, BELIEVE, NOWHERE IN SIGHT, LA LOI DU COCHON, MATTHEW BLACKHEART: MONSTER SMASHER, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, CATWOMAN, KINGDOM HOSPITAL [TV], BLADE: TRINITY, Masters Of Horror: THE BLACK CAT, THE INVISIBLE, SANCTUARY [TV], CADAVRES, SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: CAPRICA, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part 1, SANCTUARY [TV - 2008-2011], TRUE BLOOD [TV], THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part 2, THE CALLING, MINORITY REPORT [TV], WOLFENSTEIN II: THE NEW COLOSSUS [VG], VAN HELSING [TV], PSYCHE 2: LASSIE COME HOME, THEM [TV], CHAPLEWAITE [TV], CORNER OFFICE, VIKING) is 59.
Look for Christopher in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, QUEEN OF BONES.
Actor Allison Lohman (KRAA! THE SEA MONSTER, THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR, THE AUTEUR THEORY, PLANET PATROL, PASADENA [TV], WHERE THE TRUTH LIES, BEOWULF [2007], DRAG ME TO HELL, GAMER, URGE, OFFICER DOWNE) is 43.
Actor James Marsden (CAMPFIRE TALES, DISTURBING BEHAVIOR, GOSSIP, X-MEN, X2, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, STRAW DOGS, THE BOX, RED MACHINE, THE LOFT, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, THE LOFT, INTO THE GRIZZLY MAZE, WESTWORLD [TV], THE STAND [TV]) is 48.
James shares a September birthday with his director from X-MEN, Bryan Singer.
Actor, Producer Natalia Safran (OVER HER DEAD BODY, THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE, ANNABELLE COMES HOME, VALLEY OF THE GODS, THE SUICIDE SQUAD [2021], MALIGNANT) is 52.
Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger (SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, DANIEL ISN'T REAL, WARNING, STOWAWAY) is 29.

SUNDAY -

Writer, Director Neill BlomKamp (DISTRICT 9, ELYSIUM, RAKKA, DEMONIC) is 41.
Look for Neill's upcoming 2024 Horror movie, THEY FOUND US.
Writer David Bain (various short stories) who is 44.
Actor Allie MacDonald (HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET, THE BARRENS, THE RIVERBANK, STAGE FRIGHT, ORPHAN BLACK [TV], UNDER THE SILVER LAKE, PSYCHO PROM QUEEN, WHAT/IF [TV], PACIFIC RIM: THE BLACK [TV]) is 34.
Actor / Horror Host / Gadabout Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira (FRIGHT NIGHT [TV], JEKYLL AND HYDE...TOGETHER AGAIN, ELVIRA MISTRESS OF THE DARK, THE ELVIRA SHOW [TV], ELVIRA'S HAUNTED HILLS, HER MORBID DESIRES, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, ALL ABOUT EVIL, ELVIRA'S MOVIE MACABRE [TV], ALL ABOUT EVIL, 13 NIGHTS OF ELVIRA, LEGO SCOOBY-DOO: HAUNTED HOLLYWOOD, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [TCV 2012-2017], SCOOBY-DOO: RETURN TO ZOMBIE ISLAND, HAPPY HALLOWEEN SCOOBY-DOO!, THE MUNSTERS [2022]) is 72.
Actor Ella Purnell (NEVER LET ME GO, INTRUDERS, KICK-ASS 2, MALEIFICENT, MISS PEREGRINE'S SCHOOL FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN, UFO, ARMY OF THE DEAD, YELLOWJACKETS [TV]) is 27.
Look for Ella in the upcoming 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, Zack Snyder's ARMY OF THE DEAD: LOST VEGAS [TV]. Also anticipated for 2023, FALLOUT [TV].
Writer, Producer, Director Bryan Singer (PUBLIC ACCESS, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, APT PUPIL, THE X-MEN, X-MEN 2, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, LEGION [TV], THE GIFTED [TV]) is 57.

MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA Turns 59

The politically sordid story of Cool Japanese Kaiju movies re-edited for American audiences in order to minimize or outright even remove any mention of Atomic Bombs, continued well into the 1960s with MOSULA TAI GOJIRA aka MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA aka GODZILLA VS THE THING!

SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW is 19

Critics loved it, the trailers looked awesome, what a perfect way to end the summer! One more etravagant big budget movie as we headed into fall.

I was there to see it, embrace it, and love it, and boy did I ever want to. There was just this problem, looping, repeating, with SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW.

SATURDAY -
Actor Elena Kampouris (AMERICAN ODYSSEY [TV], BEFORE I FALL, SACRED LIES [TV], CHILDREN OF THE CORN [2020], JUPITER'S LEGACY [TV], WIFE LIKE) is 25.
Look for Elena in the 2023 Horror movie, VINDICTA.
Actor Michael James Shaw (CONSTANTINE [TV], OASIS, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, BLOOD & TREASURE [TV], THE WALKING DEAD [TV]) is 37.

There are those actors who have a long and eclectic catalog of roles they've played and yet, thankfully for us, it's their Horror, Thriller, Mystery, and Suspense roles over everything else, that is most remembered.

Actor Jennifer Tilly (REMOTE CONTROL, HIGH SPIRITS, FAR FROM HOME, EMBRACE OF THE VAMPIRE, BOUND, THE WRONG GUY, BRIDE OF CHUCKY, DO NOT DISTURB, DANCING AT THE BLUE IGUANA, RELATIVE EVIL, MONSTERS, INC., JERICHO MANSIONS, THE HAUNTED MANSION, SEED OF CHUCKY, TIDELAND, THE INITIATION OF SARAH, THE CARETAKER, CURSE OF CHUCKY, CULT OF CHUCKY, MONSTERS AT WORK [TV], CHUCKY [TV]) is 65.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor, Writer Ingrid Bisu (BLOODRAYNE, SLAUGHTER, DRACULA: THE DARK PRINCE, THE NUN, THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT, MALIGNANT) is 36.
Actor Tom Hardy (STAR TREK: NEMESIS, DOT THE I, THE RECKONING, LD 50 LETHAL DOSE, EMR, LAYER CAKE, SWEENY TODD, MINOTAUR, A FOR ANDROMEDA, FLOOD, THE KILLING GENE, ROCKnROLLA, BRONSON, INCEPTION, TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, LOCKE, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, CHILD 44, TABOO [TV], VENOM [all]) is 45.
Look for Tom in the upcoming 2022, 2023 Thriller, HAVOC. And in 2024, MAD MAX: THE WASTELAND.
Actor Tommy Lee Jones (EYES OF LAURA MARS, BLACK MOON RISING, THE PACKAGE, UNDER SIEGE, THE FUGITIVE, BLOWN AWAY, THE CLIENT, NATURAL BORN KILLERS, VOLCANO, MEN IN BLACK [all], U.S. MARSHALLS, DOUBLE JEOPARDY, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, THE HUNTED, THE MISSING, IN THE ELECTRIC MIST, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, MEN IN BLACK 3, AD ASTRA, WANDER) who is 76.
Director Jonathan Liebesman (DARKNESS FALLS, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE; THE BEGINNING, THE KILLING ROOM, BATTLE LOS ANGELES, WRATH OF THE TITANS, THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HALO [TV]) is 48.
Actor Sydney Meyer (ALLELUIA! THE DEVIL'S CARNIVAL, SHADOWHUNTERS [TV], DEPARTURE [TV], V-WARS [TV], SLASHER [TV], Y: THE LAST MAN [TV]) is 28.
Director Steven R. Monroe (THE CONTRACT, HOUSE OF 9, IT WAITS, SASQUATCH MOUNTAIN, LEFT IN DARKNESS, OGRE, STORM CELL, WYVERN, ICE TWISTERS, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE [2010], MONGOLIAN DEATH WORM, JABBERWOCK, MoniKA, END OF THE WORLD, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2: MORE SPITTLE, GRAVE HALLOWEEN, THE EXORCISM OF MOLLY HARTLEY, CYBER CASE, HIDDEN TRUTH, THE STUDENT, HARLAND MANOR [TV], UNBORN [2022], TEARDROP, FIRST PERSON SHOOTER) is 59.

THE PREDATOR Turns 5

"Officially" released on this day in 2018, I took the kids to the Sep. 13 midnight IMAX show of THE PREDATOR.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Producer, Director Bong Joon ho (PHANTOM: THE SUBMARINE, ANTARCTIC JOURNAL, THE HOST, SNOWPIERCER, SEA FOG, PARASITE, SNOWPIERCER [TV]) is 54.
Look for Bong's upcoming 2023 Thriller, MICKEY 7.
Actor Andrew Lincoln (AFTERLIFE [TV], THE WALKING DEAD [TV]) is 50.
Actor Sam Neill (SLEEPING DOGS, OMEN III: THE FINAL CONFLICT, POSSESSION, DEAD CALM, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, DEATH IN BRUNSWICK, HOSTAGE, JURASSIC PARK, IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, SNOW WHITE: A TALE OF TERROR, EVENT HORIZON, JURASSIC PARK III, DAYBREAKERS, THE DRAGON PEARL, THE HUNTER, ESCAPE PLAN, BACKTRACK, MINDGAMERS, THOR: RAGNAROK, JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION, THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER) is 76.
Look for Sam in the 2023, Thriller, THE SCARY GIRL.
Actor Callum Keith Rennie (TIMECOP, WHEN THE DARK MAN CALLS [TV], UNFORGETTABLE, MASTERMINDS, LAST NIGHT, eXistenZ, THE LAST STOP, MEMENTO, DA VINCI'S INQUEST [TV], TRAPPED [TV], PAYCHECK, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, BLADE: TRINITY, UNNATURAL & ACCIDENTAL, THE INVISIBLE, THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE, HARPER'S ISLAND, CASE 39, THE KILLING [TV], HELL IN A HANDBAG, INTO THE FOREST, WAIT TILL HELEN COMES, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], JIGSAW, IMPULSE [TV], THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV]) is 64.
Actor Robert Wisdom (LIFEFORM, VOLCANO, FACE/OFF, STIR, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG [1998], POLTERGEIST: THE LEGACY [TV], CRACKER: MIND OVER MATTER [TV], DANCING AT THE BLUE IGUANA, THE FORGOTTEN, THE WIRE [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE COLLECTOR, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE LOFT, ROSEWOOD [TV], UNFORGETTABLE [TV], THE ALIENIST [TV], THE FIX [TV], THE HOT ZONE [TV], WATCHMEN [TV], HELSTROM [TV], BLACK BIRD [TV]) is 70.

ONE HOUR PHOTO Turns 21

For the most part, every Robin Williams comedy was the same movie and taken as a whole they got so tedious that he wore his audience down to dwindling.

But not all Robin Williams movies were comedies and it was here that, for me, he excelled. He could play characters of depth and layers that weren't endlessly "On". What's more, he could play villains like nobody else ever has.

Whenever Robin was called upon to go into the depths of humanity, he could plumb so many levels past the comfort zone I wasn't sure if he would ever come up.

For example, his chilling turn in ONE HOUR PHOTO.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Elle LaMont (THE DEVIL'S GRAVESTONE, STRINGS, MACHETE KILLS, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES [TV], VARSITY BLOOD, DEAD STILL, SORROW, EL GÜEY, ALTERNATE REALITIES, FLAY, THE NEXT KILL, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, MERCY BLACK, FLAY) is 40.
Look for Elle in the upcoming 2020 Thriller release of SALVAGE MARINES.
Horror Writer Kathryn Ptacek (GHOST EYES, SHADOWEYES, [editor] WOMEN OF DARKNESS, WOMEN OF DARKNESS II) is 69.

HORROR HOTEL is 61 in the U.S.

Right off the bat, I gotta tell you; if you be into that there Wiccan stuff, you sure as hell ain't gonna like this Christopher Lee movie. For one thing, it paints all witches as them whats in league with the DEVIL!

The Devil!

For another thing . . . well, no... there is no other thing, that's pretty much it in this heavily influential Horror movie, CITY OF THE DEAD (US) aka HORROR HOTEL (UK).

And -

CABIN FEVER Is Still Too Young To Legally Drink

Yes it was released before this date at film festivals, but today it hit wide release and Kelly Parks was there to see it in the theater! What did he think? Read his review of Eli Roth's box office hit, CABIN FEVER.

KISS OF THE VAMPIRE Turns 60

It's weird to think that Hammer Studios has enough value to make a comeback and has a movie in preproduction already.

Hammer made a lot of vampire. You had the Christopher Lee as Dracula and all the other vampires were largely played by someone else.

Hammer's non-Dracula Vampire movies were the most experimental, always inventing new types of Vampires as well as their individual ways of getting what they wanted. KISS OF THE VAMPIRE is one of their inventions that worked.

And -

CUBE is 25

I didn't get to see CUBE in theaters when I first reviewed it. It was made in Canada so the distribution in the U.S.A. was neglible beyond the odd art house theater and was set to circle the drain as a Direct to Video title.

Even now this movie is without a Bluray release, let alone a 4K one. What DVDs you can find of it are nearly 20 years old. It's sad. It's bad. That's why so many talented Canadians come to the U.S.A. to make their mark in movies.

This is why CUBE deserved a wide release.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.

We say a final farewell to
Stuntman Zach Hudson (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], CHARMED [TV], ANGEL [TV], SPIDER-MAN, MEN IN BLACK II, SPIDER-MAN 2, THE ISLAND, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, DOLLHOUSE [TV], PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, TRUE BLOOD [TV], BANSHEE [TV], TRANSFORMERS 4, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, STUDIO 666). He would have been 51 today.
Look for Zach in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, THE DESCENDANT.

SUNDAY -

Writer, Producer, Director Sebastian Gutierrez (SHE CREATURE [2001], GOTHIKA, SNAKES ON A PLANE, RISE: BLOOD HUNTER, THE EYE [2008], THE SIGNAL [2014], ELIZABETH HARVEST) is 49.
Director Guy Ritchie (LOCK, STOCK, AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS, SNATCH., REVOLVER, ROCKnROLLA, SHERLOCK HOLMES [2009], SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, THE GENTLEMEN) is 55.
Actor Johnathon Schaech (POISON IVY II, INVASION OF PRIVACY, HUSH, THE GIVING TREE, THE FORESAKEN, MUMMY AN' THE ARMADILLO, 8MM2, SEA OF DREAMS, Masters of Horror: THE WASHINGTONIANS, LIVING HELL, PROM NIGHT [2008], QUARANTINE, LAID TO REST, CHROME SKULL, MIDDEN MOON, DARK CIRCLES, BREAKING THE EDGE, PHANTOM, FLIGHT 7500, THE CULLING, VICE, NOCTURNA, MARAUDERS, JACKALS, DAY OF THE DEAD: BLOODLINE, THE NIGHTCLERK, FRANK AND PENELOPE, SUITABLE FLESH) is 55.
Look for Johnathon in the 2023 Thriller, ALASKA. And in 2024, THE GET BACK GIRL.

These Two Movies Turn 24 Today

STIGMATA

Sometimes you reach for the heights. You may fall, but no one can accuse you of not trying.

On that note, back in 1999 I saw two Horror movies, released on the same day, and back to back. I reviewed STIGMATA.

STIR OF ECHOES is 24

This Kevin Bacon starrer made some bold moves on the SFX front by incorporating cgi in a significant way.

In the 1990s, cgi was hit or miss even in the biggest budget movies, but it pulled it off so believably, on the Big Theater Screen, that audiences could only marvel at the result.

This is what reviewer Michael Oliveri thought of STIR OF ECHOES.

Also -

MALIGNANT is in its Terrible 2s

Have you ever watched a theater trailer that was compelling, maybe even exciting, from Writers, Producers, and a Director whose works you enjoy? And the added frosting of starring actors whose past performances you like?

Wait! This ain't over! Hang on!

So you patiently wait for the movie to come out, you go to the theater to see it, so full of anticipation that you sprung for overpriced drinks and popcorn just to perfectly set the mood of this wonderful theater experience?

And then you see the movie?

On this day in 2021 I saw MALIGNANT.

SATURDAY -

Actor Jeffrey Combs (FRIGHTMARE, THE MAN WITH TWO BRAINS, RE-ANIMATOR [all], FROM BEYOND, CELLAR DWELLER, DOCTOR MORDRID, NECRONOMICON, CASTLE FREAK, THE FRIGHTENERS, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, FEAR DOT COM, VOODOO MOON, ABOMINABLE, RETURN TO THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, PARASOMNIA, DARK HOUSE, THE WITCHES OF OZ [TV], NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD 3D: RE-ANIMATION, EDMOND, WOULD YOU RATHER, MOTIVATIONAL GROWTH, FAVOR, THE PENNY DREADFUL PICTURE SHOW, HOLIDAY HELL, AGE OF STONE AND SKY, and way more!) is 69.
Look for Jeffrey in the 2023 Horror movie, STREAM. And in 2024, LILLY.
Actor Josh Herdman (HARRY POTTER [all], PIGGY, MARCELLA [TV], TWO GRAVES) is 37.
Look for Josh in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, GIANTLAND.
Actor Michelle Johnson (BEAKS: THE MOVIE, WAXWORK, SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS, THE JIGSAW MURDERS, GENUINE RISK, BLOOD TIES, DEATH BECOMES HER, DR. GIGGLES, BODY SHOT, INCIDENT AT DECEPTION RIDGE, ILLICIT DREAMS, THE DONOR, SPECIMEN, REVENGE) is 58.
Actor Goran Visnjic (NIGHT WATCH, PUSKA ZA USPAVLJIVANJE, THE PEACEMAKER, THE DEEP END, DOCTOR SLEEP, ELEKTRA, THE DEEP [TV], THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, DARK HEARTS, THE SANTA CLARITA DIET [TV], THE BOYS [TV], THE ACCURSED, HELLRAISER Hulu) is 51.

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE is Old Enough to Vote

Stop me if you've read this before -

Have you ever watched a movie trailer that was compelling, exciting, and looked like it had everything going for it?

Hang! On!

You patiently waited for the movie to come out, made time on your Friday night because you wanted that theater experience? So much so that you paid for overpriced drinks and popcorn in order to Perfectly Set the Moo-ood?

And then you saw the movie?

All of the above remains my most memorable experience of watching THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE.

CONTAGION Turns 12

Any movie about a global pandemic is going to draw comparisons to any eventual global pandemic that comes along. How close did this one come to the mark?

I was in the theater to see 2011's CONTAGION.

Actor Will Keaton is Going Through Ghastly Times

Troma Entertainment alumni, Will Keenan (TROMEO AND JULIET, TERROR FIRMER, CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV, OPERATION MIDNIGHT CLIMAX, THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X, CHOP) is suffering from an anonymous maniac's cowardly attack on September 3, 2023.

According to fellow Troma alumni and friend, Debbie Rochon (TROMEO AND JULIET, TERROR FIRMER, CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV, POULTRYGIEST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD, SLIME CITY MASSACRE, THE THEATER BIZARRE), Will was attacked from behind, losing an eye as a result.

Debbie has set up a GoFundMe for Will.

Please help if you can.

And -

Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO is 62 Today.

In the brand new 1960 space age of free television, did audiences keep suffering in the hot summer months, standing outside to see PSYCHO over and over? There was a canny dynamic that Alfred Hitchcock created to insure that his movies would remain hits and in theaters long after their initial theater run - even after his death - decades before the movie term "Easter Egg" was coined. Read contributor James Futch's review of the first DVD disc release of Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO.

Plus -

IT is as old as Georgie will ever be

Many people are afraid, in general, to read fiction at all. You don't have someone else's vision of what's happening. When you read you aren't given the luxury of picking apart the special effects, your eye/brain connection instantly noticing the tiny details that warms you with the thought that this isn't really happening.

When I re-read a novel, especially a novel as huge as IT, there are moments in there, terrible moments, that I forgot.

In movies, the story is always happening to someone else: One point of removal. If you know of the actor, two points of removal. For the sake of editing they may have even removed the Horrific moment that turned its face away from the page and spoke directly to you.

That's my problem with Stephen King's IT, see? Reading fiction, the characters, makes me part of the story and my mind fills in the blanks, Stephen King seemingly knew his readers would do that. So there are moments in IT where King led you to the point where your mind would fill in the blank, and in that second, often with a mere sentence, filled your mind with the monster.

Now let me tell you about the 2017 movie, IT.

Also -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Travis Nelson (TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL, EMBRACE OF THE VAMPIRE, DARK HEARTS, OBSESSION [all], CLARICE [TV]) is 32.
Actor Park So-dam (BLADE OF THE PHANTOM MASTER, SONYEO aka STEEL COLD WINTER, SCARLET INNOCENCE, THE SILENCED, THE PRIESTS, PARASITE [2019], BAKUGAN: BATTLE FORCE) is 31.

CAST A DEADLY SPELL Turns 32

Fred Ward (TREMORS)! David Warner (THE OMEN, TRON), Clancy Brown (JOHN DIES AT THE END)! And produced by Gale Anne Hurd (THE TERMINATOR, ALIENS, TREMORS, THE WALKING DEAD), if you haven't seen it yet, then read why you really want to see CAST A DEADLY SPELL!

And -

HATCHET Turns 17

Through the years, I've seen a lot of people in Social Media post stills and gifs from HATCHET. Lots of Horror fans know of it, talk about it, yet few have seen it. So let's give you a much needed kick in the ass for Actually Watching HATCHET.

Because I was there! At the October 2006 Screamfest film festival when I saw HATCHET!

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Producer, Director Dario Argento (L' UCCELLO DALLE PIUME DI CRISTALLO, IL GATTO A NOVE CODE, DEEP RED, SUSPIRIA, INFERNO, TENEBRE, PHENOMENA, TERROR AT THE OPERA, TWO EVIL EYES, THE STENDHAL SYNDROME, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [1998], TRAUMA, DO YOU LIKE HITCHCOCK?, MOTHER OF TEARS, GIALLO, DRACULA [2012], OCCHIALI NERI aka BLACK GLASSES) is 83.
Actor Corbin Bernsen (KING KONG [1976], DEAD AIM, THE KILLING BOX, SHATTERED, TALES FROM THE HOOD, INHUMANOID, THE DENTIST, MENNO'S MIND, THE DENTIST II, RAPTOR, FANGS, Masters of Horror RIGHT TO DIE, DEAD AIR, CLOSETS, CALENDAR GIRL, SUING THE DEVIL, LIZZIE, SENSORY PERCEPTION, DISTORTION, HAP AND LEONARD [TV], THE PUNISHER [TV], SENSORY PERCEPTION, and way more) is 69.
Look for Corbin in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, HERD.
Actor Doug Bradley (HELLRAISER [all through 8], NIGHTBREED, PROTEUS, LA LENGUA ASESINA, ARCHANGEL THUNDERBIRD, DOMINATOR, THE PROPHECY: UPRISING, PUMPKINHEAD: ASHES TO ASHES, THE COTTAGE, 10 DEAD MEN, BOOK OF BLOOD, UMBRAGE, EXORCISMUS, THE REVEREND, THE INFLICTED, DEER CROSSING, WRONG TURN 5, SCREAM PARK, SHAME THE DEVIL, HOWARD LOVECRAFT [all], ALIEN DANGER, UNITED STATES OF HORROR: CHAPTER 2, CORRECTIVE MEASURES) is 69.
Look for Dougn in the 2022 Horror, THE BARN PART 2. Also in 2022, THE UNITED STATES OF HORROR: CHAPTER 3.
Actor Devon Sawa (SHERLOCK HOLMES RETURNS, CASPER, NIGHT OF THE TWISTERS, THE BOYS CLUB, IDLE HANDS, FINAL DESTINATION, THE GUILTY, EXTREME OPS, SHOOTING GALLERY, DEVIL'S DEN, CREATURE OF DARKNESS, ENDURE, 388 ARLETTA AVENUE, A RESURRECTION, NIKITA [TV], THE FANATIC, HUNTER HUNTER, DEATH RIDER, CHILD'S PLAY [TV], BLACK FRIDAY) is 44.

IT Was Only Four Years Ago When...

... some Losers killed a clown.

I was there in the theater to see it happen! IT: Chapter 2

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jovan Adepo (THE LEFTOVERS [TV], MOTHER!, OVERLORD, Tom Clancy's JACK RYAN [TV], WATCHMEN [TV], THE VIOLENT HEART, THE STAND [TV]) is 36.
Look for Jovan in the upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, THE THREE BODY PROBLEM [TV].
Actor Idris Elba (RUTH RENDELL MYSTERIES [TV], ULTRAVIOLET [TV], SORTED, THE WIRE [TV], THE REAPING, 28 WEEKS LATER, PROM NIGHT [2008], ROCKnROLLA, THE UNBORN, OBSESSED, LEGACY, THOR, LUTHER [TV], GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, PROMETHEUS, PACIFIC RIM, NO GOOD DEED, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, STAR TREK BEYOND, THE DARK TOWER, THOR: RAGNAROK, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, THE SUICIDE SQUAD, BEAST) is 52.
Look for Edris in the 2024 Thriller, HEADS OF STATE.
Actor Naomie Harris (28 DAYS LATER, TRAUMA, AFTER THE SUNSET, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, NINJA ASSASSIN, SKYFALL, SPECTRE, RAMPAGE, THE THIRD DAY, VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE, SWAN SONG, THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH [TV]) who is 47.
Look for Naomie the 2024 Thriller, THE WASP.
Writer Elizabeth Massie (WELCOME TO THE NIGHT, SHADOW DREAMS, SINEATER) who is considerably older than me.
Actor Betsy Russell (AVENGING ANGEL, BLOODY POM POMS, CAMP FEAR, SAW III, SAW IV, SAW V, SAW VI, MANDRAKE, CHAIN LETTER, SAW 3D: THE FINAL CHAPTER, KNOCK 'EM DEAD, MY TRIP BACK TO THE DARK SIDE, NON-STOP) is 60.
Director Tommy Lee Wallace (HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, THE TWILIGHT ZONE [TV 1985-1986], MAX HEADROOM [TV], FRIGHT NIGHT 2, IT [TV], DANGER ISLAND, ONCE YOU MEET A STRANGER, THE SPREE, VAMPIRES: LOS MUERTOS) is 74.
Look for Tommy's upcoming Horror Thriller, 2022, 2023, 2024, HELLIVERSITY.

THE BRIDES OF DRACULA is 63

Let's pause to consider that the long deceased corpse of Hammer Films has risen again!

"Where's the value in that?" you might ask. Back in 1960, Hammer wanted to make more vampire movies than actor Christopher Lee could star in. Plus, you didn't want to go to the well too many times with Chris in the role of Dracula. Especially since Hammer had him doing triple-time as the Frankenstein Creature and Mummy to boot! So they made their vampire movie and David Peel played the young Baron in THE BRIDES OF DRACULA.

And -

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

Actor Paddy Considine (CLOSE YOUR EYES, DEAD MAN'S SHOES, BOSQUE DE SOMBRAS, HOT FUZZ, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, RED RIDING: IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1980, BLITZ, THE WORLD'S END, HONOUR, CHILD 44, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS, THE OUTSIDER [TV], THE THIRD DAY [TV], WOLF, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON [TV]) is 49.
Actor Rose McGowan (SCREAM, PHANTOMS, DEVIL IN THE FLESH, THE LAST STOP, GRINDHOUSE: PLANET TERROR, DEATH PROOF, FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING, DEAD AWAKE, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, ROSEWOOD LANE, CHOSEN [TV], THE TELL-TALE HEART, THE SOUND) is 50.
Actor Annabelle Wallis (TRUE TRUE LIE, STEEL TRAP, THE LOST FUTURE, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, ANNABELLE, SWORD OF VENGEANCE, MINE, COME AND FIND ME, THE MUMMY [2017], ANNABELLE: CREATION, BOSS LEVE, MALIGNANT, WARNING) is 39.

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

Actor Wes Bentley (BELOVED, SOUL SURVIVORS, GHOST RIDER, THE UNGODLY, P2, DOLAN'S CADILLAC, THE TOMB [2009], JONAH HEX, RITES OF PASSAGE, THE HUNGER GAMES, THE TIME BEING, PIONEER, INTERSTELLAR, AMNESIAC, FINAL GIRL, BROKEN VOWS, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], BROKEN VOWS, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALL OUT, BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS [TV]) is 44.
Actor Michael Berryman (DOC SAVAGE, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [all], THE FIFTH FLOOR, DEADLY BLESSING, VOYAGE OF THE ROCK ALIENS, INVITATION TO HELL, CUT AND RUN, THE HIGHWAY MAN, SATURDAY THE 14th STRIKES BACK, AFTERSHOCK, SOLAR CRISIS, HAUNTING FEAR, EVIL SPIRITS, THE GUYVER, BEASTMASTER 2, WIZARDS OF THE DEMON SWORD, TEENAGE EXORCIST, AUNTIE LEE'S MEAT PIES, GATOR KING, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, THE ABSENCE OF LIGHT, PENNY DREADFUL, FALLEN ANGLES, ED GEIN [2007], DEAD MAN'S HAND, BRUTAL [2007], SMASH CUT, OUTRAGE: BORN IN TERROR, NECROSIS, SATAN HATES YOU, SCOOBY-DOO! CURSE OF THE LAKE MONSTER, THE TENANT, MASK MAKER, BELOW ZERO, BEG, THE FAMILY, THE LORDS OF SALEM, SELF STORAGE, ARMY OF THE DAMNED, APOCALYPSE KISS, EREBUS, KILL OR BE KILLED, SMOTHERED, POTENT MEDIA'S SUGAR SKULL GIRLS, THE EVIL WITHIN, DEATH HOUSE, HELL'S KITTY, SHED OF THE DEAD, IMPACT EVENT, MIDNIGHT DEVILS, ROOM 9, THE MAD HATTER) is 75.
Look for Michael's upcoming Horror movie for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 VIOLENT STARR. Also in 2022, 2023, 2024, MR. BLUE SHIRT: THE INSPIRATION. Also in 2023, 2024 THEY TURNED US INTO KILLERS.
Actor Richard Speight Jr. (FREDDY'S NIGHTMARES [TV], DEMONIC TOYS, AMANDA AND THE ALIEN, DEAD WEEKEND, OUT THERE, MENNO'S MIND, BOLTNECK, THE AGENCY, OPEN WATER 2, JERICHO [TV], CRAVE, SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE EVIL GENE, DEATH HOUSE, DRIVEN, HOME IS WHERE THE KILLER IS) is 53.
Actor Patricia Tallman (KNIGHTRIDERS, MONKEY SHINES, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD [1990], ARMY OF DARKNESS, BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, NEVER DIE TWICE, INALIENABLE, DEAD AIR, ATLAS SHRUGGED II) is 66.
Actor Françoise Yip (NIE LIAN, FUTURESPORT, THE PLEDGE, MINDSTORM, WITNESS TO A KILL, FLATLAND [TV], BLADE: TRINITY, ALONE IN THE DARK [2005], THE DEAL, BLOOD TIES [TV], ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM, SANCTUARY [TV], GARAGE SALE MYSTERY, DEADLY LESSONS, THE PREDATOR, SHADOWHUNTERS [TV], THE ORDER [TV]) is 51.
Françoise shares a September Birthday with her THE PREDATOR alumni, Boyd Holbrook.

SUNDAY -

Actor Clare Kramer (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], THE SKULLS III, MUMMY AN' THE ARMADILLO, THE GRAVEDANCERS, THE THIRST, ROAD TO HELL, ENDURE, BIG ASS SPIDER, MONSTER HIGH, TALES OF HALLOWEEN, THE LOST TREE, THE WRONG HOUSE, ZER0 TOLERANCE, DATING TO KILL, STRANGE ONES [TV], THE DEAD ONES, CHAOS ON THE FARM) is 49.
Actor Costas Mandylor (FATAL PAST, ALMOST DEAD, VIRTUOSITY, THE EVESDROPPER, SHELTER, DINOCROC, DOUBLE TAKE, THE HITTERS, THE FURY WITHIN, INTREPID, THE SHORE, DR. CHOPPER, SAW III, NOBODY, BEOWULF, SAW IV, PRIMAL DOUBT, IMMORTALLY YOURS, TOXIC, TORN, SAW V, THE CURSED, HYENAS, SAW 3D, THE NURSE [2014], THE BLACKOUT, BLOOD TRAP, THE HORDE, BLINDSIDED, RESIDUE, THE LAST SHIP [TV], DADDY'S GIRL, C.L.E.A.N., LAZARUS, UNBOUND EVIL, DANGEROUS METHODS, DEATH COUNT, DELANO) is 61.
Look for Costas in the upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 THE DELANO FILES and SOMEONE DIES TONIGHT. Also in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, DEPRIVATION.
Actor Holt McCallany (CREEPSHOW 2, ALIEN3, THE PEACEMAKER, FIGHT CLUB, BELOW, TOXIC, RISE, A PERFECT GETAWAY, THE GANZFELD EXPERIMENT, CRUSH, WHITE SPACE, THE GANZFELD HAUNTING, MONSTER TRUCKS, MINDHUNTER [TV], BEYOND WHITE SPACE, GREENLAND, NIGHTMARE ALLEY, WOLVES) is 60.
Writer James A. Moore (FIREWORKS, POSSESSIONS, BLOOD RED, SLICES, DEEPER, THE LAST SACRIFICE, THIS IS HALLOWEEN) is 57.
Writer, Producer, Director Daniel Myrick (THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, BELIEVERS, SOLSTICE, THE OBJECTIVE, UNDER THE BED, SKYMAN) is 60.

SATURDAY -

Actor Kristen Cloke (MEGAVILLE, CAGED FEAR, STAY TUNED, SPACE: ABOVE AND BEYOND [TV], THE RAGE [1997], MILLENNIUM [TV], FINAL DESTINATION, BLACK CHRISTMAS [2006]) is 55.
Okay, admittedly, she hasn't been in that many Horror / Thriller movies. BUT: She IS SALMA HAYEK!
Did I say SALMA HAYEK? No, I Wrote SALMA HAYEK. But just in case I caused some confusion let me wish a special Happy Birthday to
Actor Salma Hayek (DESPERADO, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, THE FACULTY, DOGMA, SPYKIDS 3D, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE, SAVAGES, EVERLY, TALE OF TALES, SEPTEMBERS OF SHIRAZ, THE HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT, THE ROADS NOT TAKEN, BLISS, THE ETERNALS) who is 56.
Actor Keanu Reeves (RIVER'S EDGE, DRACULA [1992], FREAKED, SPEED, JOHNNY MNEMONIC, CHAIN REACTION, THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE, THE MATRIX [all], THE WATCHER, THE GIFT, CONSTANTINE, A SCANNER DARKLY, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL [2008], JOHN WICK [all], KNOCK KNOCK, THE NEON DEMON, THE BAD BATCH, REPLICAS, CYBERPUNK 2077 [VG], THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS, JOHN WICK 4) is 58.
Look for Keanu in the upcoming 2024 Horror Thriller, CONSTANTINE 2. Also in 2024, the JOHN WICK spin-off, BALLERINA.

ISLE OF THE DEAD is 78

For a guy who worked almost exclusively in Horror movies, Boris Karloff handled the dismissive 20th Century attitudes toward his genre so well, and was so acute at choosing the right scripts, that he lived as an A-List actor alongside the likes of his fellow A-List contemporaries like Humphrey Bogart (who refused to work in Horror despite often being the scariest guy in his movies), Ingrid Bergman, and Bette Davis.

Karloff's willingness to go low budget without ever going schlock paved the way for those who took their craft seriously, like Vincent Price and, to some extent, Alfred Hitchcock.

Boris was fine working for small studios like RKO, as long as the scripts had, what he referred to as, "Substance". Substance is what indie Producers like Val Lewton thrived upon and this is why movies like ISLE OF THE DEAD still reign after nearly a century.

And -

THE PROPHECY is 28

We've been here before. A movie that's so good as to be nearly great in some respects, while completely dropping the ball in others. This movie has great dialogue, memorably delivered by some of the best actors alive today, but the story itself is Just. So. Weak. Their motivations are puerile considering that they come from immortal creatures who should have wisdom far beyond any age we could possibly live. The only thing that keeps me watching through repeated viewings is that the director and actors fully embraced their characters.

This is my Love/Hate relationship with THE PROPHECY.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Boyd Holbrook (THE HOST [2013], GONE GIRL, RUN ALL NIGHT, MORGAN, LOGAN, THE PREDATOR, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON, EIGHT FOR SILVER THE CURSED, VENGEANCE, THE SANDMAN: IMPERFECT HOSTS [TV], INDIANA JONES AND THE MILK OF MAGNESIA) is 42.
Actor Scott Speedman (NANCY DREW [TV], DARK BLUE, UNDERWORLD, THE 24TH DAY, UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION, WEIRDSVILLE, ANAMORPH, THE STRANGERS, GOOD NEIGHBORS, THE MOTH DIARIES, LAST RESORT [TV], THE CAPTIVE, OUT OF THE DARK, THE MONSTER, CRIMES OF THE FUTURE) is 48.
Look for Scott in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, CELLAR DOOR, also starring Laurence Fishburne (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3, EVENT HORIZON, THE MATRIX, PREDATORS, CONTAGION).