Category: Horror

“The Night Stalker” (1972) starring Darren McGavin / Z-View

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The Night Stalker (1972)

Director:  John Llewellyn Moxey

Screenplay by:  Richard Matheson based on THE KOLCHAK PAPERS by Jeff Rice 

Starring: Darren McGavin, Carol Lynley, Simon Oakland, Ralph Meeker, Claude Akins, Charles McGraw, Kent Smith, Stanley Adams, Larry Linville, Jordan Rhodes, Barry Atwater, Edward Faulkner, Buddy Joe Hooker and Elisha Cook Jr..

Tagline: A vampire killer loose in Las Vegas? It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?

The Story: 

A serial killer in Las Vegas continues to leave victims drained of blood.  Reporter Carl Kolchak (McGavin) believes that the murderer believes he’s a vampire.  When Kolchak turns in an article saying that, he is called into a meeting with his editor and the police.  Kolchak’s story is rejected.  His editor thinks it would tarnish the paper’s reputation.  The police think it would panic the public.

What everyone doesn’t know, but will learn – the killer is a vampire!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The Night Stalker was released as an ABC Movie of the Week in 1972.  I was 11 years old and couldn’t wait to see it. I wasn’t the only one.  The Night Stalker became the highest rated tv movie up to that point.  The following year, Kolchak returned when The Night Strangler was released.  Kolchak: The Night Stalker was then adapted into a television series.  It lasted one season, but became a cult classic.

The Night Stalker was produced by Dan “Dark Shadows” Curtis.  It features an outstanding cast considering it was a made-for-tv movie.  Darren McGavin is Carl Kolchak.  It was cool to see him play the character in two movies and the television series.  Carol Lynley doesn’t have much to do as Kolchak’s girlfriend.  Ralph Meeker has a nice role as Kolchak’s buddy on the force.  The Night Stalker is filled with great character actors including Simon Oakland, Claude Akins, Charles McGraw, Kent Smith and Stanley Adams. Even Elisha Cook Jr. gets a cameo!

I loved The Night Stalker when I was a kid.  A recent rewatch was fun.  The Night Stalker rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Wintertide” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like the looks of Wintertide.  Deal me in.

Release Date: 11/14/2023

Directed by: John Barnard

Starring: Niamh Carolan, Solange Sookram, Jeremy Walmsley, Jesse Nobess, Colleen Furlan, Darcy Fehr, John B. Lowe, Onalee Ames, Michael O’Sullivan

Synopsis: Beth, a volunteer watch person of an isolated northern city battles a plague of depression that transforms the few remaining residents into empty, zombie-like automatons. She discovers that by entering an alternative dimension through her own dreams, she’s able to stave off the illness during the long, possibly endless winter. But will her power be enough to sustain her?

“The Devil on Trial” (2023) / Z-View

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The Devil on Trial (2023)

Director:  Chris Holt

Written by:  Chris Holt

Tagline: Did the Devil Do It?

The Story: 

In 1981, Arne Johnson stabbed Alan Bono to death.  Bono was Johnson’s landlord and had, in the past, dated Johnson’s girlfriend.  Although there was no doubt that Johnson was the murderer, he claimed he didn’t remember doing it.  When the case went to trial, his defense was that he was possessed by the devil/a demon and therefore wasn’t responsible.

This documentary explores the foundation for that defense and the result of the trial.

In 1980, Arne Johnson was dating Debbie Glatzel.  Some of Debbie’s family believed that her younger brother, David was possessed by the devil.  On more than one occasion David had to be held down by family members (and Arne) while David cursed, screamed and convulsed.  David’s behavior was extreme enough that his mother contacted Ed and Lorraine Warren.  The Warrens were famous for their involvement in The Amityville Murders.  The Warrens assisted David’s mother in getting the church to conduct an exorcism.  During the procedure, as David was struggling, Arne reportedly yelled at the demon, “Leave this little kid alone.  Take on me.  I’m here.”

So when Arne killed David, he asserted that the devil/demon had made him do it.  This documentary uses actual voice recordings. archival footage, home movies and actor recreations to recount the story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

While Arne wanted to use the “the devil made me do it” defense, he never got to.  The judge ruled that “possession” was not a valid defense.  He didn’t allow it.  Arne ended up being found guilty of manslaughter.

Now to David Glatzel.  Some of David’s family believed that he was possessed.  One of David’s brothers said it was an act.  He said that during one of David’s sessions while cursing, hitting and yelling, David’s father came into the room.  Father grabbed David and slapped him.  Dad told David to shut up and sit in a chair.  The brother said, “The devil did as he was told”.  In other words, it was an act.

David’s mother was a religious woman.  She may have believed that David was possessed at the start.  By the time the Warrens got involved, it seemed to be more about fame and the money. Also near the end of the documentary a sick allegation against the mother is made.  I won’t give it away, but if true indicates mom had serious issues of her own.

As to the Warrens, this film puts them in a very bad light.  They took advantage of David’s family.  The Warrens kept almost all of the money off book and movie deals in regard to David’s story.  Money that had been promised to the Glatzel family.  If you’ve seen The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, that’s the Glatzel family’s story.

The Devil on Trial leaves it to viewers to determine if the possessions were real or not,  There’s evidence that could support whatever you decide.  As to the actions of the Warrens, the evidence points to them not being on the up and up.

“The Fall of the House of Usher” (2023) created by Mike Flanagan, starring Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood & Mary McDonnell / Z-View

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The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Director:  Mike Flanagan (Eps.1 – 2, 5 – 6); Michael Fimognari (Eps. 3 – 4, 7 -8)

Teleplay by:  Mike Flanagan (Ep. 1); Emmy Grinwis and Mike Flanagann (Ep. 2); Justina Ireland and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 3); Mat Johnson and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 4); Dani Parker (Ep. 5); Rebecca Leigh Klingel and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 6);Jamie Flanagan and Mike Flanagan (Ep. 7); Mike Flanagan and Kiele Sanchez (Ep. 8)

Starring:  Carla Gugino, Bruce Greenwood, Mary McDonnell, Henry Thomas, Rahul Kohli, Samantha Sloyan, T’Nia Miller, Zach Gilford, Willa Fitzgerald, Michael Trucco, Katie Parker, Matt Biedel, Crystal Balint, Ruth Codd, Kyliegh Curran, Carl Lumbly, Kate Siegel, Sauriyan Sapkota, Malcolm Goodwin   and Mark Hamill.

Tagline: Nevermore

The Plot: 

Roderick Usher (Greenwood) and his sister Madeline (McDonnell) teamed to take over Fortunato Pharmaceuticals.  Along the way they fudged test results, broke laws, lied under oath, ruined lives and committed at least one murder.  Now, decades later Roderick is CEO of Fortunato and one of the richest men on the planet.  His sister remains his trusted partner.  Over the years Roderick fathered several children from different mothers.  Now the kids are grown and using daddy’s money to try to build their own dynasties. But when Roderick’s offspring begin dying under unusual circumstances, one after the other, we learn what happened all those years ago that leads to The Fall of the House of Usher.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Mike Flanagan has created another winner.  Rather than a literal adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, Flannigan has given us modern interpretations of many of Poe’s short stories, poems and characters integrated into a single, unified story. This is genius.

The Fall of the House of Usher features an amazing cast.  I would not be surprised to several Emmy nominations from this production. Standouts include:

  • Carla Gugino: who owns every scene she is in.  I will be disappointed if she isn’t recognized for a Best Actress nod.
  • Bruce Greenwood: He’s perfect as Roderick Usher.  The role was originally cast with Frank Langella.  Problems on the set led to Greenwood getting the role and I would be hard pressed to say anyone could have done it better.
  • Henry Thomas gives the performance of his life.
  • Samantha Sloyan: I first became aware of her in Mike Flannigan’s Midnight Mass.  She was amazing there.  She’s also amazing here.
  • Carl Lumbly: was a great choice to go head to head in many scenes with Greenwood.  Lumbly, like the audience, slowly learns what has and is happening.
  • Mark Hamill: totally nails the role of the Usher Family’s attorney and “fixer”.  I’ll admit I was surprised at just how good Hamill is as the older, tough guy who has seen and done things we can’t imagine.

While I’ve turned the spotlight on the actors/actresses above, every member of the cast was excellent.  Mike Flannigan writes a great story, gets the right people for each part and then assists them in creating amazing performances.  The Fall of the House of Usher is an perfect example.  I look forward to what Flannigan does next.

Kelley Jones Gives Us a Truly Frightening “Bride of Frankenstein”!

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I like Kelley Jones’ take on The Bride of Frankenstein.  Often artists want to make her a sexy monster.  That’s cool by me.  However, if we want to think about a woman made up of different parts of cadavers that is then brought back to life… well, that’s just plain scary.  And that is the Bride of Frankenstein that Kelley Jones gives us.

Source: Comic Crusaders.

“War of the Worlds: The Attack” (2023) / Z-View

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War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023)

Director: Junaid Syed

Screenwriter: Junaid Syed, Tom Jolliffe

Cast: Sam Gittins, Vincent Regan, Alhaji Fofana, Lara Lemon.

Tagline: They Are Here

The Plot…

Three teenagers are at ground zero for one of the Martian landings. Once the Martians begin their takeover the kids fight among themselves, with others as well as the alien invaders in their effort to survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Take three teenagers, a Cliff notes version of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds and turn it into a low, low budget movie. Then you’ll have War of the Worlds: The Attack.

War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023) rates 2 of 5 stars.

RIP: Lara Parker

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Lara Parker, born Mary Lamar Rickey, died October 12th, the result of cancer.  Ms. Parker was 84.

Lara Parker was an actress and author.  After appearing in local plays, Lara decided to go to auditions in New York.  In just her second audition she was cast in the daytime serial Dark Shadows.  Ms. Parker became an instant hit.  Her character was killed off, but her popularity was so great, she was brought back to play different roles.

Lara Parker continued acting on stage, in feature films and on television until 1991.  She then retired and became a teacher.  Ms. Parker also authored four Dark Shadows novels.  In 2012, Lara Parker returned to acting for a role in Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows movie. That led to more acting roles until she again retired in 2016.

Some of Lara Parker’s television appearances include: Dark Shadows (269 episodes); One Life to Live; N.Y.P.D.; Kung Fu; The F.B.I.; Medical Center;  Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law; Police Woman; The Rockford Files; Kolchak, The Night Stalker; S.W.A.T.; Emergency; The Six Million Dollar Man (2 episodes); Kojak (2 episodes); Alice; Washington Behind Closed Doors (6 episodes); The Incredible Hulk; Switch (3 episodes); Baretta; Quincy (2 episodes); Barnaby Jones; Hawaii 5-0 (2 episodes); Mrs. Columbo; Galactica 1980 (2 episodes); The Fall Guy; Manimal; Remington Steele and Highway to Heaven.

Some of Suzanne Somer’s feature film appearances include: Hi, Mom!; Night of Dark Shadows; Save the Tiger; Airport 1975; Race with the Devil; Dark Shadows and Doctor Mabuse.

Like most who were at the right age, I first saw Lara Parker on Dark Shadows. Not many actors/actresses get a huge hit for their first professional work.  My favorite Lara Parker role was in the movie Race with the Devil.  I love that when Lara Parker decided to retire from acting she turned to teaching and writing.  What a multitalented person she was.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lara Parker’s family, friends and fans.

“Cape Fear” starring Gregory Peck & Robert Mitchum / Z-View

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Cape Fear (1962)

Director: J. Lee Thompson

Screenwriter: James R. Webb based on The Executioners by John D. MacDonald

Cast: Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Bergen, Lori Martin, Martin Balsam, Jack Kruschen, Telly Savalas, Barrie Chase, Paul Comi, Edward Platt and Will Wright.

Tagline: Now, he had only one weapon left – Murder!…To prevent an even more shocking crime!

The Plot…

Max Cady (Mitchum) was recently released from prison.  Cady served eight years for a sadistic rape.  Now Cady has one thing on his mind, to take revenge on Sam Bowden (Peck).  It was Sam Bowden who stopped Cady’s assault.  It was also Bowden’s testimony that got Cady convicted.

Sam Bowden is a well respected small town lawyer.  But the law is going to be of no help.   Cady is smart and as devious as he is cruel.  Cady stops Bowden on the street.  From all appearances the meeting is cordial.  But Cady lets Bowden know he’s out of prison.  He subtly threatens Bowden, his wife and their young daughter.

Cady increases the threats and intimidation. Bowden realizes that Cady won’t stop until he’s done the sick things he’s threatened.  There may be only one way to stop Max Cady…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

The film covers some very dark topics for 1962.  Despite censors, the movie makes it very clear what Max Cady has done and plans to do.

I like to describe Cape Fear as the best Hitchcock movie not made by Hitchcock.  The score by Bernard Herrmann helps.  J. Lee Thompson was an Alfred Hitchcock fan and it was his intent to film scenes like the master.  Cape Fear is my favorite film directed by J. Lee Thompson.

I’m a Robert Mitchum fan.  Mitchum always adds to a film’s enjoyment factor.  His portrayal of Max Cady is my favorite Robert Mitchum performance.  That’s saying a lot because he’s always good.

Gregory Peck was an excellent choice to play the good man who discovers that the law isn’t going to save him or his family.   Peck and Mitchum are supported by an outstanding cast. Polly Bergen, Lori Martin, Martin Balsam, Jack Kruschen, Telly Savalas and Barrie Chase all get opportunities to shine.  Look for Edward Platt in a cameo.

Cape Fear (1962) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” starring Kurt Rusell & Wyatt Russell – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Deal me in!

Some secrets cannot be contained. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters premieres November 17 on Apple TV+

Following the thunderous battle between Godzilla and the Titans that leveled San Francisco, and the shocking revelation that monsters are real, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” tracks two siblings following in their father’s footsteps to uncover their family’s connection to the secretive organization known as Monarch.

Clues lead them into the world of monsters and ultimately down the rabbit hole to Army Officer Lee Shaw (played by Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell), taking place in the 1950s and half a century later where Monarch is threatened by what Shaw knows.

Based on the Monsterverse from Legendary, and starring Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Kiersey Clemons, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Anders Holm, Joe Tippett and Elisa Lasowski, this dramatic saga — spanning three generations — reveals buried secrets and the ways that epic, earth-shattering events can reverberate through our lives.

“Interview with the Vampire”- Season 2: First Look Teaser

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I am looking forward to season 2!

ABOUT INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE
A luxury apartment covering an entire single floor of a high rise. Where the Vampire has granted the interview with the man he once judged to be unworthy. And where the journalist Daniel Molloy has hustled, for a second shot at the interview that got away from him 40 years earlier…

Based on Anne Rice’s iconic novel, INTERVIEW with the VAMPIRE follows Louis’ epic story of love, blood and the perils of immortality, as told to the journalist Daniel Molloy. Chafing at the limitations of life as a black man in 1900’s New Orleans, Louis finds it impossible to resist Lestat’s offer of the ultimate escape: joining him as his vampire companion.

But Louis’s intoxicating new powers come with a violent price, and the introduction of Lestat’s newest fledgling, the child vampire Claudia, soon sets them on a decades-long path of revenge and atonement. A sensuous, contemporary reinvention of Anne Rice’s revolutionary gothic novel.

First Look at Interview with the Vampire Season 2 | Premieres 2024 | AMC+

The Twilight Zone’s Best Twist Endings!

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Devin Meenan came up with a list of The 6 Best Twist Endings In Twilight Zone History, Ranked. The list is a good one. Before you click over to read Devin’s rankings and rationale, below is how I’d rank them.  I also included three that didn’t make Devin’s list and my rationale for each.

Beware of spoilers!

06. Eye of the Beholder
05. A Nice Place To Visit
04. Time Enough At Last
03. The Midnight Sun
02. The Invaders
01. To Serve Man

  • Nightmare at 20,000 Feet:  We know there really is a creature on the wing of the plane. THAT isn’t the twist.  The twist is when we realize that if Shatner’s character hadn’t taken drastic action, the gremlin would have crashed the plane killing everyone! We learn this as Shatner’s character is strapped to a gurney to go back to a mental institution.
  • The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street: This episode has one of the great twists of the series.  Neighbors have turned on each other resulting in at least one murder.  Each thinks the other could be the “alien”.  The things leading to this are mundane.  Lights going on and off.  A car starting.  In the midst of the mayhem the camera pulls back and we see the two aliens causing the events.  The aliens realize it doesn’t take much to get humans to turn on each other.  A world takeover will be easy.
  • Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?:  This episode contains a double twist.  We’ve spent the episode wondering who is the alien (if there really is one).  The reveal is that one of the passengers is indeed an alien.  He/It brags to the counterman that an invasion to take over the earth is coming.  Then we get the 2nd twist.  The counterman reveals that he/it is an alien as well.  His race is aware of the other aliens’ plan to take over the earth.  His “people” have intercepted and wiped them out.  The earth will be theirs!

“GEORGE A. ROMERO’S RESIDENT EVIL” – The Poster & Trailer for The (NEW 2024) Documentary is Here!

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George Romero directing a Resident Evil movie was announced.  It should have been a no-brainer to combine Romero with the Resident Evil property.  Yet, it never happened.  I’m looking forward to this documentary to find out why.

Deal me in.

In 1998, Constantin Film set out to adapt the greatest horror video game franchise of all time, hiring legendary film director George A. Romero. Now, Key 13 Films, in association with Point Five Films and director Brandon Salisbury set out to uncover the mystery behind why Romero’s vision was never produced.

George A. Romero’s Resident Evil is a stylized documentary, utilizing archived footage, unearthed documents, and newly filmed interviews with a wide variety of personalities. The documentary combines elements from Capcom’s hit video game series and the raw, visceral style of George A. Romero to full immerse the audience in a cinematic horror aesthetic.

Now, audiences everywhere will experience the “darkest day of horror the world will never know”, as they uncover the unrequited vision of… George A. Romero’s Resident Evil

DIRECTOR: Brandon Salisbury