Category: Horror

RIP: Tony Todd

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It was announced that Tony Todd died on on November 6, 2024, at the age of 69.  No cause of death was listed.

After high school graduation Tony Todd attended the University of Connecticut, the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute, and the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island.  Mr. Todd acted on Broadway, television and in feature films.

Television projects that feature Tony Todd include: Simon & Simon; Werewolf; 21 Jump Street; Kate & Allie; Night Court; MacGyver; Matlock; Cop Rock; Father Dowling Mysteries; Jake and the Fatman (3 episodes); Star Trek: The Next Generation (3 episodes); Law and Order; The X-Files; Homicide: Life on the Street (3 episodes); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2 episodes); Murder She Wrote; New York Undercover; Beverly Hills 90210; NYPD Blue; Xena: Warrior Princess; Star Trek: Voyager; Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (2 episodes); Babylon 5: A Call to Arms; Angel; UC: Undercover; Smallville; Crossing Jordan; Andromeda; Charmed; Boston Public (2 episodes); CSI: Miami; The District (2 episodes); Criminal Minds; Stargate SG-1 (3 episodes); Boston Legal; Without a Trace; 24 Redemption; 24 (7 episodes); Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Psyche; Splatter (8 episodes); The Event (2 episodes); Chuck (10 episodes); Hawaii 5-0; Holliston (2 episodes); Transformers Prime (8 episodes); Young Justice (2 episodes); The Young and the Restless (14 episodes); Dead of Summer (5 episodes); Be Cool Scooby-Doo! (2 episodes); The Orville; Scream: The TV Series (3 episodes); Masters of the Universe: Revelation (3 episodes); Dota: Dragon’s Blood (17 episodes); The Flash (16 episodes); Masters of the Universe: Revolution and Winnie Taylor’s 4th & Inches (8 episodes).

Feature films that Tony Todd appeared in include: Sleepwalk; Platoon; 84 Charing Cross Road; Colors; Bird; Lean on Me; Night of the Living Dead; Candyman; The Crow; Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh; The Rock; Candyman: Day of the Dead; Final Destination; Final Destination 2; Final Destination 3; The Man from Earth; Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; Final Destination 5; Army of the Damned; Zombies; Candy Corn and All Gone Wrong. 

I probably first saw Tony Todd in Platoon.  Talk about an impressive first credit.  When I think of Tony Todd, the first film that comes to mind is the remake of Night of the Living Dead.  Then I quickly remember that Mr. Todd was also in The Rock, Boston Public, Boston Legal, 24, Candyman and so many other shows and movies that I enjoy.  What a career!

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Tony Todd’s family, friends and fans.

“This is Zodiac Speaking” (2024) / Z-View

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This is Zodiac Speaking (2024)

Director: Phil Lott (Eps. 1-3), Ari Mark (Eps. 1-3)

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Arthur Leigh Allen has been one of the top suspects, if not THE top suspect, of being the Zodiac killer for years.  David, Don and Connie Seawater were children when their mother had a relationship with Arthur Leigh Allen.  As kids they thought Mr. Allen was just a nice man. He treated them and their mother well.  Now as adults they believe he was the Zodiac killer and they have evidence to prove it.

Robert Graysmith who investigated the case and wrote ZODIAC: THE SHOCKING TRUE STORY OF AMERICA’S MOST ELUSIVE SERIAL KILLER weighs in as well.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This is the Zodiac Speaking does an excellent job of summarizing the case as well as presenting the new evidence in an interesting and compelling manner.  While many documentaries would have padded several episodes, the story is presented in just three.

This is Zodiac Speaking (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN’S KING THE STAND

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Stephen King’s THE STAND is considered a masterpiece.  For the first time ever, authors have been invited to create stories set in the world of THE STAND. 

THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN’S KING THE STAND.  Here’s the lowdown…

An original short story anthology based on master storyteller Stephen King’s #1 New York Times bestselling classic THE STAND!

Since its initial publication in 1978, THE STAND has been considered Stephen King’s seminal masterpiece of apocalyptic fiction, with millions of copies sold and adapted twice for television. Although there are other extraordinary works exploring the unraveling of human society, none have been as influential as this iconic novel—generations of writers have been impacted by its dark yet ultimately hopeful vision of the end and new beginning of civilization, and its stunning array of characters.

Now for the first time, Stephen King has fully authorized a return to the harrowing world of THE STAND through this original short story anthology as presented by award-winning authors and editors Christopher Golden and Brian Keene. Bringing together some of today’s greatest and most visionary writers, THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN’S KING THE STAND features unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after (and some perhaps long after) the events of THE STAND — brilliant, terrifying, and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers everywhere as an essential companion to the classic, bestselling novel.

Featuring an introduction by Stephen King, a foreword by Christopher Golden, and an afterword by Brian Keene. Contributors include Wayne Brady and Maurice Broaddus, Poppy Z. Brite, Somer Canon, C. Robert Cargill, Nat Cassidy, V. Castro, Richard Chizmar, S. A. Cosby, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, Meg Gardiner, Gabino Iglesias, Jonathan Janz, Alma Katsu, Caroline Kepnes, Michael Koryta, Sarah Langan, Joe R. Lansdale, Tim Lebbon, Josh Malerman, Ronald Malfi, Usman T. Malik, Premee Mohamed, Cynthia Pelayo, Hailey Piper, David J. Schow, Alex Segura, Bryan Smith, Paul Tremblay, Catherynne M. Valente, Bev Vincent, Catriona Ward, Chuck Wendig, Wrath James White, and Rio Youers.

Preorders available now for an August 19, 2025 shipping date.

“Outside” (2024) written & directed by Carlo Ledesma / Z-View

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Outside (2024)

Director: Carlo Ledesma

Screenplay: Carlo Ledesma

Stars: Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez, Marco Masa and Aiden Tyler Patdu.

Tagline:  You can’t keep out what’s already inside.

The Plot…

A zombie outbreak has arrived.  Francis (Lucero) takes his wife, Iris (Gonzalez) and their two sons, Josh (Masa) and Lucas (Patdu) to his father’s remote farm.  Francis finds his mother is a zombie.  He kills her.  Francis then finds his father dead by suicide.

Iris believes the family should continue north.  There are reports of a human stronghold that will provide safety.  Francis overrules her.  The family will barricade the house and stay on the farm until it is safe to go outside.

Iris will soon realize, it might be safer out there.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Outside is a zombie story, but the emphasis is not on the apocalypse.  There are a few scenes with zombies, but the focus isn’t on THAT danger.

Outside (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Hidden” (1987) starring Kyle MacLachlan & Michael Nouri / Z-View

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The Hidden (1987)

Director: Jack Sholder

Screenplay: Jim Kouf (as Bob Hunt)

Stars: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Nouri, Claudia Christian, Clarence Felder, Clu Gulager, Ed O’Ross, William Boyett, Larry Cedar, Katherine Cannon, John McCann, Lin Shaye, James Luisi, Frank Renzulli, Duane Davis, Kristen Clayton and Danny Trejo.

Tagline:  A new breed of criminal.

The Plot…

Los Angeles Police Detective Tom Beck (Nouri) is informed that he will partner with FBI Special Agent Lloyd Gallagher (MacLachlan) to capture Jack DeVries.  DeVries until recently had never committed a crime.  Then without warning DeVries went on a crime spree robbing, killing and leading police on a high speed chase.  DeVries was now at the hospital suffering from multiple gunshots and injuries from a car crash.  He was not expected to live through the night.

Gallagher tells Beck to join him.  They rush to the hospital.  They find DeVries dead body on the floor.  Strange thing is, that Jonathan Miller, the comatose man that shared the room is missing.  Gallagher tells Beck to put out an APB on Miller.  But it is too late.  Miller has already beaten a store owner to death, killed three people at a Ferrari dealership and stolen one of their best cars.

Beck begins to realize that this crime wave isn’t of this Earth.  What else could he be missing?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Watch for Danny Trejo to show up long enough to get killed.

The most interesting part of the film to me takes place as Nouri’s character comes to realize what he’s dealing with.

The Hidden (1987) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“The Corpse Vanishes” (1942) starring Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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The Corpse Vanishes (1942)

Director: Wallace Fox

Screenplay: Harvey Gates; story by Sam Robins, Gerald Schnitzer

Stars: Bela Lugosi, Luana Walters, Tristram Coffin, Vince Barnett and Angelo Rossitto.

Tagline:  KIDNAPPED BRIDES Are The Victims Of His Terror! Prepare to shudder when you see the strange practices of this doctor who sacrificed beautiful women for the sake of a mad love!

The Plot…

Someone is killing young brides on their wedding day.  No one can figure out why they are dying. Or who is stealing their corpses.  Then Patricia Hunter (Walters), a young reporter, notices the brides are all wearing orchid corsages. She decides to investigate.

The clues lead Patricia to Dr. Lorenz (Lugosi).  Lorenz lives in a remote mansion with his younger wife.  Dr. Lorenz seems nice enough, but the wife is a bit cold.  When a terrible storm hits and washes out the bridge to town, Patricia is forced to spend the night.

What Patricia doesn’t know is…

  • …Dr. Lorenz has been behind the murders of the brides.  Lorenz takes their glandular fluids for injection into his wife.  These fluids make his elderly wife appear young for a brief time.
  •  …in the Doctor’s cellar laboratory a crazy old hag and her two sons live.  One of the sons is a cruel dwarf.  The other is a feebleminded hulk.  The three assist Dr. Lorenz with the murders.
  • …also in the cellar is a room with the bodies of the dead brides.

Patricia doesn’t know these things… but she is about to find out.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Beware of poor copies.  The movie is in the public domain.

Angelo Rossitto plays the dwarf son.  Mr. Rossitto is best known for his roles in Tod Browning’s Freaks and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.  His career spanned 60 years and over 100 resume credits.

The Corpse Vanishes is a low-budget, quickly shot B picture and it plays like one.

The Corpse Vanishes (1942) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“White Zombie” (1932) starring Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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White Zombie (1932)

Director:  Victor Halperin

Screenplay: Garnett Weston based on THE MAGIC ISLAND by William Seabrook

Stars: Bela Lugosi, Madge Bellamy, Robert Frazer, John Harron, Brandon Hurst, Clarence Muse and Frederick Peters.

Tagline:  With These Zombie Eyes he rendered her powerless – With This Zombie Grip he made her perform his every desire!

The Plot…

Madeleine Short (Bellamy) and her fiancé Neil Parker (Harron) arrive in Haiti. They are guests of Charles Beaumont (Frazer) and staying on his huge plantation.  Charles secretly loves Madeleine and wishes she would marry him.  Desperate to have Madeline, Charles visits ‘Murder’ Legendre (Lugosi).

Murder is the owner of a huge plantation.  Everyone knows that Murder’s plantation is worked  by Haitian zombie slaves. Murder has the ability to turn people into mindless beings that follow his every command.  Charles wants Madeleine to love him.  He believes Murder can make this happen.

Murder agrees to help.  But the truth is he has other plans for Madeleine.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

White Zombie was filmed in less than two weeks on a budget of $50,000.00.  Reportedly up to 10% of the budget was Lugosi’s salary.

White Zombie was one of Bela Lugosi’s favorites of the films he made.

Beware of poor copies since the film went into public domain in 1960.

White Zombie (1932) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Making Manson” – The Trailer is Here!

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The trailer for Making Manson is here.  I’m glad this is a series since there will be access to all of those original recorded interviews.

Deal me in.

Making Manson is streaming November 19 on Peacock: https://pck.tv/45hBP6q

Synopsis: An explosive series offering unfiltered insights into America’s most notorious killer, Charles Manson. Through 20 years’ worth of never-before-aired conversations, those closest to the case have their views challenged as Manson talks openly about his part in the infamous crimes, as well as his upbringing, criminal youth and his true feelings about “The Family.”

Manson reveals the cruelty he suffered in reform school and the childhood experiences that made him who he was. Former “Family” members listen to the exclusive conversations and are taken back to the time when they “would do anything for Charlie.” Manson recounts the early crimes that led to the murder spree in the summer of ‘69, laying out an explanation of loyalty and brotherhood that pushes against the accepted motive: his desire to incite Helter Skelter. In the final moments before his death, Manson reflects on his life in prison and shows rare tenderness for the man who spoke to him across the decades.

“The Eichmann Trial” (2023) directed by Elliott Levitt / Z-View

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The Eichmann Trial (2023)

Director: Elliot Levitt 

The Plot…

Fifteen years after the end of World War II, Nazi Adolf Eichmann was captured where he was living in Argentina.  Eichmann was then transported to Jerusalem to stand trial.  Eichmann was charged with crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes against the Jewish people, and membership in a criminal organization.

The trial lasted 56 days and garnered world-wide coverage.  Over 100 witnesses were called.  There were thousands of pages of documents.  Eichmann admitted that he didn’t like Jews and viewed them as the enemy.  Eichmann further admitted he made the statement: “I will leap into my grave laughing because the feeling that I have five million human beings on my conscience is for me a source of extraordinary satisfaction.”  Eichmann claimed his statement was about the Soviets.  Eichmann’s defense was that he hadn’t personally killed anyone and he was just following orders.

Eichmann was found guilty on 15 counts of crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes against the Jews, Poles, Slovenes, and Roma, and membership in three criminal organizations (the Gestapo, the SD, and the SS).  The judges ruled that Eichmann had not simply been following orders but had been a Nazi true-believer and one of the key principals in genocide.  Eichmann was sentenced to death by hanging.

Appeals for clemency were heard by the Israeli Supreme Court and Israeli President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi to no avail.  Adolf Eichmann was executed by hanging on June 1, 1962.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Eichmann Trial is an excellent documentary.  Kudos for director Elliott Levitt for his use of trial, news and other vintage footage to not only cover the trial but to place its importance in a historical context.

The Eichmann Trial (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.

Variety Picks the 100 Greatest (Best?) Horror Movies of All-Time!

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Variety came up with their list of The 100 Best Horror Movies of All Time.  Before we get into that, how about the sweet cover by Franco Francavilla?  You know he loved that assignment.

I’ve seen 69 of the 100 films that they chose. 

The cover says Variety chose the 100 Greatest, while the article says the 100 Best.  To me there’s a difference.  The greatest, in my mind, refers to the film’s quality and the impact it had on the genre.  The best would take into account, just the film’s quality.  With that said, here in alphabetical order are my top ten choices for the greatest horror movies of all time.

  • 28 Days Later (2002) – reinvigorated zombie films (although many argue the monsters aren’t zombies) and let them run fast. 
  • Alien (1979) – a haunted house movie in space, but instead of a ghost we got a new kind of alien.  Spawned a franchise.
  • Dracula (1931) – one of Universal’s classic horror monsters. 
  • Exorcist (1973) – based on the best selling novel of the same name.  The Exorcist is a film that will stay with you and provide scares even when the film is over. 
  • Frankenstein (1931) – another of Universal’s classic horror monsters.
  • Halloween (1978) – John Carpenter’s low budget film spawned a new type of horror film.  Most focused not on the suspense but on the big, brainless killer that cannot be stopped.
  • Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) – One of the best horror films from the 1950s and an all-time great.
  • Night of the Living Dead (1968) – If George Romero made a dime from every zombie movie, tv, comic book, or novel his film influenced, he’d have been a multi-millionaire.
  • Psycho (1960) – Groundbreaking.  I love how Hitchcock morphs a crime movie into a horror film.
  • Thing, The (1981) – Considered a box office failure on its release, it is now considered a classic.

Howard Chaykin’s BLACK KISS Omnibus!

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Howard Chaykin’s BLACK KISS is getting an omnibus.  It will be a 7.25″ X 10.875″ hard cover that clocks in at 400 pages.  BLACK KISS was a groundbreaking hardboiled crime/horror series featuring vampires, violence and graphic sexual content.   Here’s the synopsis…

“Poisonous and bitter, an absurdly funny sucker punch demanding to be spat out.” — Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals)

The infamous, hardboiled-erotica series is collected for the first time in a deluxe hardcover omnibus featuring new material.

It’s been a long, long time…one last time.

Collecting for the first time every stop along the way on Howard Chaykin’s transgressively groundbreaking trail, the BLACK KISS OMNIBUS collects the legendary 1988 series, its 2012 sequel BLACK KISS 2, plus the BLACK KISS XXXMAS SPECIAL and, created just for this volume, the all-new 28-page BLACK KISS HALLOWEEN, which will mark Chaykin’s final excursion into this world’s hardboiled erotic noir.

Throw in a look back at the project’s long history of sensationalism and censorship, plus a large assortment of extras from across nearly four decades, and this 400-page collection will be the definitive shelf-filler that once again makes readers ask that vital question…does it have to be so dirty?

Collects Black Kiss #1-12, Black Kiss 2 #1-6, and the Black Kiss XXXMas in July Special

Deal me in.