Category: Horror
The Creature from the Black Lagoon by Arthur Adams via Frank Frazetta!
Any art by Arthur Adams is a treat, but when he draws The Creature from the Black Lagoon, <chef’s kiss>. If this layout looks familiar it’s because a fan requested the drawing based on a Frazetta painting.
“From Darkness to Light” written & directed by Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie / Z-View
Director: Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie
Screenplay: Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie
Stars: Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Martin Scorsese, Harry Shearer and Sarah Silverman.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
In 1971, producer Nat Wachsberger, approached Jerry Lewis about directing and starring in an adaption of THE DAY THE CLOWN DIED by Joan O’Brien. Lewis knew the story of Helmut, a once famous clown now a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. Nazis see Helmut entertaining the children. The Nazis then use Helmut to lead the kids to the gas chamber. Lewis was intrigued. It would be a fine line to walk — finding humor in a dark story and at the same time present a film that said something about the human condition. Lewis was told he could tweak the script and would have full control of the film.
Lewis agreed. He lost 35 pounds preparing for the role. Lewis cleared his schedule and threw himself fully into the project. With just a couple of weeks of filming left, Lewis learned the producer’s rights to the film ran out. The producer couldn’t (or wouldn’t) come up with money to re-secure the movie rights. Further money to complete the film wouldn’t be coming. Lewis reportedly paid $2 million of his own money to cover costs.
The Day the Clown Cried became a thing of legend. Never completed. Never released. A rough cut was seen by just a very few people. In fact, most folks didn’t know the story behind the story… until now.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I always wondered if The Day the Clown Cried would be released. Now I know why it wasn’t. Lewis was questioned about the movie from 1972 to his death. He refused to show footage and would only say he wasn’t happy with the job that he did.
In August 2015, it was reported that Jerry Lewis donated a copy of The Day the Clown Cried to the Library of Congress. Lewis stipulated that the unfinished film not be screened until 2024. In August 2024, a limited screening was held.
From Darkness to Light is a wonderful documentary. With vintage interviews, footage and stills from the film, viewers are treated to answers to the many mysteries of The Day the Clown Cried.
From Darkness to Light (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Scariest Witch I’ve Ever Seen by Bernie Wrightson!
This witch by Bernie Wrightson may be the scariest I’ve ever seen.
“Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane” (2007) / Z-View
Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007)
Director: Scott Thomas
Screenplay: Scott Thomas, Mark Onspaugh, Sidney Iwanter
Stars: David Chisum, Kristen Kerr, Kevin J. O’Connor, Richard Tyson, Todd Babcock, Derek Webster, Siena Goines, Mieko Hillman, Raymond J. Barry, Serah D’Laine, Brian Ames, Ashley Bashioum, Laura Cayouette, Dale Midkiff, Brian Thompson, Tucker Smallwood and Erick Avari.
Tagline: If it’s in your blood, you’re just plane dead!
The Plot…
The Concorde is full of passengers flying from LA to Paris. Also onboard in the cargo hold is an armed guard sitting by a refrigerated tank. The scientists responsible for the experiment in the hold are topside. These renegade researchers have created a virus that reanimates the dead. Once revived the corpses are stronger, faster and more durable. The idea was to create a super-soldier who could fight even after dead. The scientists succeeded with one drawback. Once the dead come back, they have an insatiable thirst for human blood.
What could go wrong.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane was originally titled Plane Dead. Both aren’t bad titles considering the film. I prefer the one they went with.
Flight of the Living Dead is a low budget fun ride that throws logic out the window (with some of the victims). I’ve never seen so many people firing guns, setting off explosions and starting fires on a plane. Also the air vents are large enough to easily crawl through. Even the airplane bathroom ones. If you’re willing to just sit back and go with the flow, Flight of the Living Dead might be for you.
Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024) directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe & Monica Bellucci / Z-View
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Director: Tim Burton
Screenplay: Alfred Gough, Miles Millar; story by Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith based on characters by Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson
Stars: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Santiago Cabrera, Burn Gorman and Danny DeVito.
Tagline: The ghost with the most is back.
The Plot…
Thirtysix years ago Betelgeuse, a vulgar, prankster ghost attempted to marry a teenager named Lydia Deetz. Although unsuccessful, Betelgeuse hasn’t given up. Confined to the underworld, he still has hopes to escape.
Lydia and her mother struggle to have a healthy relationship. Lydia and her daughter, Astrid, don’t get along much better. Astrid doesn’t believe her mom can see ghosts.
When Lydia, her mother and Astrid return to Winter River for a funeral things take a turn. Astrid accidentally frees Betelgeuse. Now he can finally force marriage to Lydia. Meanwhile Betelgeuse’s first wife has “pulled herself together” and has plans for Betelgeuse (and anyone who gets in her way). And don’t get me started on Astrid’s problems.
The juice is loose indeed.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
While not as fun as the original, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is still a fun ride. The film is best when Keaton is on screen cutting up. Jenna Ortega is an excellent choice to play Winona Ryder’s daughter.
My favorite scene was the MacArthur Park wedding scene.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Carriers” (2009) starring Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci and Emily VanCamp / Z-View
Carriers (2009)
Director: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor
Screenplay: Àlex Pastor, David Pastor
Stars: Chris Pine, Piper Perabo, Lou Taylor Pucci, Emily VanCamp, Kiernan Shipka, Mark Moses, Josh Berry, Tim D. Janis, Dylan Kenin and Christopher Meloni.
Tagline: The rules are simple. You break them, you die…
The Plot…
A highly contagious virus has wiped out most of the human race. Brian, his girlfriend Bobby, along with his brother Danny and Danny’s friend Kate have joined for a trip. They hope to make their way to a remote beach house that they know will be empty. Once there the four plan to enjoy the beach and wait until the virus dies out. Or a cure is found.
Getting there will be dangerous. Breathing the air or contact with an infected person means sure death. Uninfected people are just as dangerous. Food, water and gasoline is scare.
Not everyone will survive.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I liked that Carriers had a virus that didn’t turn people into zombies. THAT was a different angle from most movies.
Carriers was filmed in 2006, but the studio held it from release. Then when Chris Pine hit big with Star Trek, it was released. Pine ended up getting top billing, even though Lou Taylor Pucci’s character was the first lead.
Christopher Meloni (who plays the father of an infected child) and Mark Moses (who plays a doctor who has lost all hope) have characters/scenes that will stay with you.
I saw Carriers when it was first released and again yesterday. I liked it better the second time. I wanted more action on my first viewing. The second time, I realized that Carriers should be seen as more of a psychological thriller.
Carriers (2009) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“28 Years Later” – The Second Poster and First Full Trailer is Here!
The second poster and first trailer for 28 Years Later is here!
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite for #28YearsLater – only in theatres 6.20.25.
Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Written by: Alex Garland
Produced by: Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, Alex Garland
Executive Producer: Cillian MurphyCast: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes
“The Gorge” starring Miles Teller, Anna Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver – The Poster and Trailer are Here!
The poster and trailer for The Gorge starring Miles Teller, Anna Taylor-Joy and Sigourney Weaver have won me over.
Deal me in.
The world’s most dangerous secret lies between them.
Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy star in The Gorge — premiering February 14 on Apple TV+
https://apple.co/_TheGorgeTwo highly-trained operatives (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy. When the cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed to them, they must work together in a test of both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret in the gorge before it’s too late.
An Apple Original Film, “The Gorge” is directed by Scott Derrikson and written by Zach Dean. Hailing from Skydance Media, “The Gorge” is produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill and Sherryl Clark through Crooked Highway as well as Adam Kolbrenner, Zach Dean and Gregory Goodman. Miles Teller executive produces.
It’s the Curse of the Werewolf by Shane Oakley!
It’s no secret I’m a big fan of how Shane Oakley draws werewolves. Will ya just look at that!
“28 Years Later” – The Poster is Here!
Here we have the poster for 28 Years Later. I’m not crazy about it, but that doesn’t change my wanting to see the movie.
Ballerina is set to premiere June 20, 2025.
“Late Night with the Devil” (2023) written & directed by Colin Cairnes & Cameron Cairnes / Z-View
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
Director: Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes
Screenplay: Colin Cairnes, Cameron Cairnes
Stars: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Ingrid Torelli, Steve Mouzakis, Christopher Kirby and Rhys Auteri.
Tagline: The live television event that shocked a nation!
The Plot…
In October 1977, Night Owls late night talk show host Jack Delroy’s contract was coming up for renewal. The show has had it’s ups and downs, but lately has been dropping in the ratings. Because Halloween falls during sweeps week, Delroy has a special episode planned.
On Halloween night, on Night Owls Jack Delroy will present live…
- Christou, a medium who claims he will communicate with the dead.
- June Ross-Mitchell and Lilly. Ross-Mitchell, a parapsychologist who wrote a best-seller about her work with Lilly who is reportedly possessed by a demon.
- Carmichael Haig, a former magician and professional debunker. Haig has offered $100,000 to anyone who can prove paranormal powers exist.
No one was prepared for what happened.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Late Night with the Devil feels like a real talk show from 1977. They’ve absolutely captured the dress, the sound, and sets. This one is excellent all the way around — writing, direction and casting. Kudos to all involved.
Late Night with the Devil (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.
MYSTIC: THE MONK ADDISON CASE FILES by Jonathan Maberry!
I’m a big fan of Jonathan Maberry’s novels. My favorite is his JOE LEDGER series, but everything I’ve ever read by Maberry has been worthy.
MYSTIC: THE MONK ADDISON CASE FILES is on my “must-buy” list. (How about that cover by Lynne Hansen!)
MYSTIC: THE MONK ADDISON CASE FILES drops December 3rd, 2024. Below is the synopsis…
Gerald “Monk” Addison used to be a soldier. Sometimes he’s a bounty hunter. Mostly, he’s a killer of killers.
His body is covered with the faces of victims of serial killers, human traffickers, and other monsters. Their blood is mixed with holy water and then inked onto his skin, allowing him to relive their deaths. To feel what they felt, and to see what they saw. The faces of the killers.And then Monk goes hunting.
He is forever haunted by the ghosts who hire him. A madman mystic. A man driven to darkness and acts of shocking violence. Monk is a good man on a dark and dangerous road in search of personal redemption. In search of red justice.
MYSTIC collects the Monk Addison case files, pitting him against the most dangerous kinds of human monsters. These are stories of a complex and driven hunter of men. They are tales of a mystic hunting the nightmare streets and back alleys.
