Category: Horror
“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.
“Salem’s Lot” (1979) directed by Tobe Hooper, starring David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia and Lew Ayres / Z-View
Salem’s Lot (1979)
Director: Tobe Hooper
Screenplay: Paul Monash based on ‘SALEM’S LOT by Stephen King
Stars: David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr., George Dzundza, Ed Flanders, Kenneth McMillan, Fred Willard, Marie Windsor, Barbara Babcock, Bonnie Bartlett, Joshua Bryant, Reggie Nalder and Geoffrey Lewis.
Tagline: Salem’s Lot… where no one rests in peace…
The Plot…
A vampire has come to the small remote town of Salem’s Lot, Maine.
One vampire bites a human and you have two blood suckers. Two turn others and now there are four. As the number of vampires grow, only a few people realize (believe) what is happening. Ben Mears (Soul), his new girlfriend Susan (Bedelia), aging school teacher Jason Bruke (Ayers) and young Mark Petrie (Kerwin).
What chance do they have against the living dead?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Salem’s Lot was nominated for three 1980 Primetime Emmy Awards…
- Nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Graphic Design and Title Sequences: Gene Kraft
- Nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Makeup: Ben Lane, Jack H. Young
- Nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Limited Series or a Special (Dramatic Underscore): Harry Sukman
Salem’s Lot was originally developed as a feature film with George “Night of the Living Dead” Romero set to direct. When Dracula (1979) and Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979) were announced, Warner Bros. decided to make Salem’s Lot as a two episode mini-series. Romero then dropped out.
Tobe Hooper came on board as a director. He realized as a tv project, he would be severely limited to the amount of blood/gore. He therefore focused on creating atmosphere and tension. Salem’s Lot is better for it. (As it turned out Salem’s Lot was released theatrically in Europe with a slightly different cut.)
On of the eeriest scenes is Ralphie Glick floating outside a second story window. Ralphie scratches the glass to awaken his sleeping brother. Part of the scene was filmed in reverse making it even more surreal.
Reggie Nalder played the main vampire Barlow. It’s hard to believe that he has less than 90 seconds of screen time! Believe it or not, this works as it makes each appearance more frightening. Nalder expressed disappointment that additional filmed scenes didn’t make the final cut. He also said that the contact lenses and heavy make-up he had to wear was very uncomfortable.
Bonnie Bedelia and Julie Cobb really shine.
I remember the anticipation leading up to the original television showing. It was an event. This was in the days when you had to be in front of the tv to see the show. My date (and later my wife) and I made a point to be home both nights. We weren’t disappointed.
Salem’s Lot (1979) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Nosferatu” – Check Out This Creepy Poster!
I love the creepiness of this Nosferatu poster!
Werewolf Head by Bernie Wrightson!
Werewolf headshot by Bernie Wrightson. Now THAT is a werewolf!
“Wolf Man” starring Julia Garner – The Second Trailer is Here!
The second trailer for Wolf Man starring Julia Garner is here!
Deal me in.
What if someone you loved became something else? #WolfManMovie only in theaters January 17.
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From Blumhouse and visionary writer-director Leigh Whannell, the creators of the chilling modern monster tale The Invisible Man, comes a terrifying new lupine nightmare: Wolf Man.Golden Globe nominee Christopher Abbott (Poor Things, It Comes at Night) stars as Blake, a San Francisco husband and father, who inherits his remote childhood home in rural Oregon after his own father vanishes and is presumed dead. With his marriage to his high-powered wife, Charlotte (Emmy winner Julia Garner; Ozark, Inventing Anna), fraying, Blake persuades Charlotte to take a break from the city and visit the property with their young daughter, Ginger (Matlida Firth; Hullraisers, Coma).
But as the family approaches the farmhouse in the dead of night, they’re attacked by an unseen animal and, in a desperate escape, barricade themselves inside the home as the creature prowls the perimeter. As the night stretches on, however, Blake begins to behave strangely, transforming into something unrecognizable, and Charlotte will be forced to decide whether the terror within their house is more lethal than the danger without.
The film co-stars Sam Jaeger (The Handmaid’s Tale), Ben Prendergast (The Sojourn Audio Drama) and Benedict Hardie (The Invisible Man).
Wolf Man is directed by Whannell, whose previous films with Blumhouse include The Invisible Man, Upgrade and Insidious: Chapter 3. The screenplay is written by Leigh Whannell & Corbett Tuck, Lauren Schuker Blum & Rebecca Angelo (Dumb Money).
The film is produced by Blumhouse founder and CEO Jason Blum and is executive produced by Ryan Gosling, Ken Kao, Bea Sequeira, Mel Turner and Leigh Whannell. Wolf Man is a Blumhouse and Motel Movies production.
“Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End” (2024) / Z-View
Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024)
Director: Carles Torrens
Screenplay: Ángel Agudo based on Apocalipsis Z 1. El principio del fin by Manel Loureiro
Stars: Francisco Ortiz.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
A year has passed since Manel’s wife was killed in a terrible car crash. Manel lives alone with just the cat he and his wife shared. Manel’s only family, his sister, her husband and his niece live in another city.
When a zombie outbreak begins spreading across the continent, Manel’s sister’s family is evacuated to the Canary Islands. Manel decides to hunker down in place. But when his supplies dwindle, Manel is forced to take his cat and venture out. He hopes to find a way to the Canary Islands where (he hopes) safety awaits.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End is based on the first book in a trilogy of novels by Manel Loureiro.
This is more of a character study that all out horror film.
Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
Werewolf Attack! by Bernie Wrightson
Check out that amazing cover by Bernie Wrightson. It appeared on the 1978 World Horror Convention program book.
Source: Body Snatchers.
Werewolf by Art Adams!
Art Adams draws a great werewolf!
“Horror of Dracula” (1958) starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee / Z-View
Horror of Dracula aka Dracula (1958)
Director: Terence Fisher
Screenplay: Jimmy Sangster based on DRACULA by Bram Stoker
Stars: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Michael Gough, Valerie Gaunt.
Tagline: Important Note!! Don’t Confuse This Picture With the Other DRACULA Movies! This is the NEWEST and BEST One and the ONLY ONE in TECHNICOLOR!
The Plot…
Doctor Van Helsing (Cushing) is shocked to discover his friend Jonathan Harker has been turned into one of Dracula’s (Lee) vampire slaves. Van Helsing realizes it is up to him to end Dracula’s reign of terror.
What chance has one man against Dracula?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Christopher Lee as Dracula has only 16 lines of dialogue in the entire film. And they are all within the first ten minutes.
The title was changed to the Horror of Dracula for its U.S. release. This was to avoid confusion since the original 1931 Bela Lugosi film was still available for theater showings.
When I first saw Christopher Lee as Dracula, I wasn’t a fan. I was too sold on Lugosi as the Count. Over the years I’ve grown to appreciate Lee’s take on the king of vampires and the movies that feature him.
Horror of Dracula aka Dracula (1958) rates 4 of 5 stars.
RIP: Tony Todd
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.
Hellboy and a Surprise by Jill Thompson!
Jill Thompson created the art above. I love that after you focus on Hellboy it takes a second to see the creature lurking behind the door. Well done, Jill Thompson.
