Joe Dante's "Gremlins" is a one-of-a-kind blockbuster from an era when studios hadn't quite yet developed the formula for producing hit movies. In the early 1980s, executives under pressure to find projects capable of breaking the coveted $100 million domestic mark relied heavily on movie stars or bestselling books, but to strike gold you needed vision. That meant finding a visionary.
There were two 30-something film brats who fit this profile during that period: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. And since Lucas was, at the moment, a two-franchise man with "Star Wars" and the just-taking-off Indiana Jones series, Spielberg, who'd just set up his production company Amblin Entertainment at Universal Pictures, was the closest thing to a Walt Disney alive and unfrozen in Hollywood.
After scoring a one-two box-office knockout in 1982 with "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Poltergeist," Spielberg was eager to expand his burgeoning showbiz empire. For his first official,...
There were two 30-something film brats who fit this profile during that period: George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. And since Lucas was, at the moment, a two-franchise man with "Star Wars" and the just-taking-off Indiana Jones series, Spielberg, who'd just set up his production company Amblin Entertainment at Universal Pictures, was the closest thing to a Walt Disney alive and unfrozen in Hollywood.
After scoring a one-two box-office knockout in 1982 with "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Poltergeist," Spielberg was eager to expand his burgeoning showbiz empire. For his first official,...
- 6/7/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The term wizard can be thrown around a lot. Wizards make magic, can create life from the ether, and conjure things that are beautiful and sometimes monstrous. There aren’t many wizards out in the world these days, but I know of one by name and that name is Rick Baker. Baker is a master of the monsters and a wizard of special effects. He’s an artist and a visionary who made some of the most memorable creatures and effects to grace movie and TV screens of the last few decades. He’s also an unabashed Monster Kid who has never lost his love and fascination for the classics. On todays episode of What Happened To This Horror Celebrity we’re meeting a wizard of the wicked and magician of monsters as we reveal what happened to Rick Baker.
Rick Baker was born in 1950 to Doris and Ralph Baker in New York.
Rick Baker was born in 1950 to Doris and Ralph Baker in New York.
- 6/5/2024
- by Jessica Dwyer
- JoBlo.com
Tom Savini. Rick Baker. Dick Smith. Rob Bottin. Ve Neill. Stan Winston.
The world of special effects makeup often feels like a dying art, with studios and streamers increasingly pursuing CGI and digital FX over practical artistry. Now, there is absolutely room for both styles and different films call for different methods, but gone are the days where the average moviegoer can recognize the name of a special effects makeup artist. Diehard fans are, of course, the exception to the rule, and there's at least one name that horror fanatics all know by heart and are stoked as hell to see on an end credits crawl: Steven Kostanski.
For the uninitiated, Steven Kostanski is one of the most fascinating voices in genre cinema working today. His films "The Void" and "Psycho Goreman" are both well-loved favorites, he finally gave the "Leprechaun" franchise a solid film with "Leprechaun Returns," and Kostanski's...
The world of special effects makeup often feels like a dying art, with studios and streamers increasingly pursuing CGI and digital FX over practical artistry. Now, there is absolutely room for both styles and different films call for different methods, but gone are the days where the average moviegoer can recognize the name of a special effects makeup artist. Diehard fans are, of course, the exception to the rule, and there's at least one name that horror fanatics all know by heart and are stoked as hell to see on an end credits crawl: Steven Kostanski.
For the uninitiated, Steven Kostanski is one of the most fascinating voices in genre cinema working today. His films "The Void" and "Psycho Goreman" are both well-loved favorites, he finally gave the "Leprechaun" franchise a solid film with "Leprechaun Returns," and Kostanski's...
- 6/1/2024
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, the 1997 film Men In Black was a huge hit upon its release, earning critical and commercial success, which was followed by two sequels along with a stand-alone fourth installment. However, crafting the intricate world of aliens and secret agents proved a formidable challenge for the creators.
Men in Black | Credit: Columbia Pictures
In a 2022 oral history of Men In Black discussion, director Barry Sonnenfeld, production designer Bo Welch, and screenwriter Ed Solomon reflected on the process of making the movie and revealed how they spent close to $1 million on an animatronic bug, ultimately abandoning its use in the final cut.
Men in Black Spent $1 Million in an Unused Giant Animatronic Bug
The first film in the Men in Black franchise follows Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and Agent J (Will Smith) as they investigate a series of alien-related incidents, and across a dangerous...
Men in Black | Credit: Columbia Pictures
In a 2022 oral history of Men In Black discussion, director Barry Sonnenfeld, production designer Bo Welch, and screenwriter Ed Solomon reflected on the process of making the movie and revealed how they spent close to $1 million on an animatronic bug, ultimately abandoning its use in the final cut.
Men in Black Spent $1 Million in an Unused Giant Animatronic Bug
The first film in the Men in Black franchise follows Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and Agent J (Will Smith) as they investigate a series of alien-related incidents, and across a dangerous...
- 5/18/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the 10th and latest entry in the 56-year-old science fiction film series, made more than $58 million at the box office in its opening weekend. Not only did the movie exceed analysts’ expectations but it proved that seven years after the previous film in the cycle, and nearly six decades since the whole barrel of monkeys started, there is still an audience out there for this venerable and fascinating concept.
Which is all the more impressive when you consider how much of a unicorn this series is among the various stories, brands, and “intellectual property” revisited time and again by modern film studios. Whereas other franchises are eager at constantly revisiting their pasts, the Apes movies have proved remarkably elastic in stretching their concepts in the direction of new ideas and stories. There is of course some pushback by fans. A brief perusal of...
Which is all the more impressive when you consider how much of a unicorn this series is among the various stories, brands, and “intellectual property” revisited time and again by modern film studios. Whereas other franchises are eager at constantly revisiting their pasts, the Apes movies have proved remarkably elastic in stretching their concepts in the direction of new ideas and stories. There is of course some pushback by fans. A brief perusal of...
- 5/15/2024
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
I love me some damn dirty apes, and I’m not alone. Ever since the first Planet of the Apes movie in 1968, it’s been one of Hollywood’s most consistent (on a quality level) franchises. Think about it. Has there ever really been a lousy Planet of the Apes movie? Not really. Yet, it’s often unheralded when we talk about the great franchises. So, let’s look at the series as a whole, with this Planet of the Apes movies ranked list (from worst to best). And don’t worry – you’ll get to have your say tomorrow with a poll I’ll be publishing, so check back for that.
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Tim Burton’s remake of the original 1968 classic is a mixed bag. Mark Wahlberg was a little too green at this point in his career to make a captivating action hero, with him paling...
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Tim Burton’s remake of the original 1968 classic is a mixed bag. Mark Wahlberg was a little too green at this point in his career to make a captivating action hero, with him paling...
- 5/11/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Who knew that French author Pierre Boulle’s slim, satirical 1963 novel, Le Planete des Singes, would lead to one of the most successful science fiction franchises of all time? Consisting of 10 films (to date), two TV series , comic books (including a magazine series from Marvel), toys, games, merchandise and more, Planet of the Apes remains one of the most enduring and unique sci-fi sagas in cinematic history.
The success of the original film, 1968’s Planet of the Apes, led studio 20th Century Fox (which finally made the movie after years of development and stalling) to launch a series of sequels. That wasn’t necessarily unheard of back then, but those sequels—which include Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)—told one complete story, unlike anything done on film before.
The success of the original film, 1968’s Planet of the Apes, led studio 20th Century Fox (which finally made the movie after years of development and stalling) to launch a series of sequels. That wasn’t necessarily unheard of back then, but those sequels—which include Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970), Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971), Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972) and Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)—told one complete story, unlike anything done on film before.
- 5/11/2024
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Filmmaker Tim Burton is known for his gothic aesthetics and choosing to tell stories of weird characters. The filmmaker has put his stamp on blockbusters such as Batman as well as more personal stories such as Big Fish. He will be returning to one of his most beloved franchises with the Michael Keaton starrer Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
One movie in his filmography that stands out from the rest is his 2001 revival of Planet of the Apes. The project served as a remake of the 1968 classic sci-fi film, and starred Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, and more. The film was not received well upon release and is often considered to be a subpar remake of the original. Actor Paul Giamatti, who played Limbo, spoke about his experience while shooting the film.
Paul Giamatti Has A Theory On Why Tim Burton Cast Him As Limbo A still from Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes...
One movie in his filmography that stands out from the rest is his 2001 revival of Planet of the Apes. The project served as a remake of the 1968 classic sci-fi film, and starred Mark Wahlberg, Helena Bonham Carter, and more. The film was not received well upon release and is often considered to be a subpar remake of the original. Actor Paul Giamatti, who played Limbo, spoke about his experience while shooting the film.
Paul Giamatti Has A Theory On Why Tim Burton Cast Him As Limbo A still from Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes...
- 5/2/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Even in this age of instant YouTube gratification, movie trailers are a big deal. They get us hyped for an upcoming project by making promises that the eventual film will (hopefully) pay off. The best sizzle reels are even able to do this by giving a taste of things to come without ruining any surprises or plot twists. Think about the teaser for Alien with its cracking egg and unnerving siren sound, or the deft use of a choral version of Radiohead’s “Creep” in the classic promo for The Social Network. Both of those examples speak to the haunting nature of their movies while allowing space for the film to stand on its own down the road.
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
- 4/27/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
(Clockwise from top left:) How To Train Your Dragon (Universal Entertainment), The Handmaiden (Magnolia), The Big Sick (Nicole Rivelli), The Silence Of The Lambs (Amazon Prime Video screenshot), Licorice Pizza (MGM)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Amazon Prime Video has a wide selection of terrific films, from classic dramas and comedies...
Amazon Prime Video has a wide selection of terrific films, from classic dramas and comedies...
- 3/23/2024
- by The A.V. Club
- avclub.com
Stars: Lauren Lavera, Claudia Gerini, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Linda Zampaglione, Yassine Fadel, Melanie Gaydos, Gianluigi Galvani, Courage Osabohine | Written by Federico Zampaglione, Stefano Masi | Directed by Federico Zampaglione
Lisa Gray, a budding art restorer who travels to the small Italian village of Sambuci just outside Rome to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory for a wealthy and titled client. Little does she know she is placing her life in danger from an evil curse and a monster born of myth and brutal pain.
I have been a fan of Federico Zampaglione’s genre work since I saw his film Shadow in 2009. Then came the original cut of Tulpa back at Frighfest 2012. It’s safe to say I was one of the Only people who reviewed that screening and that cut positively (and then went on to review the recut just as glowingly) and saw what Zampaglione was trying to achieve.
Lisa Gray, a budding art restorer who travels to the small Italian village of Sambuci just outside Rome to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory for a wealthy and titled client. Little does she know she is placing her life in danger from an evil curse and a monster born of myth and brutal pain.
I have been a fan of Federico Zampaglione’s genre work since I saw his film Shadow in 2009. Then came the original cut of Tulpa back at Frighfest 2012. It’s safe to say I was one of the Only people who reviewed that screening and that cut positively (and then went on to review the recut just as glowingly) and saw what Zampaglione was trying to achieve.
- 3/14/2024
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Coming off an exceptional second episode last week, “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” Episode 3 (“Bye”) finds Michonne still undercover within the Crm as a consignee. She’s under strict orders from Rick to pretend to be a “B,” when it’s clear Michonne is anything but. Watching Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira play off the dynamic of reunited lovers acting like complete strangers is endlessly entertaining, and another testament to how strong the duo are as performers.
Michonne can only play innocent for so long, as her natural skills fending off the undead become clear during the frequent walker killing sessions that consignees are required to do at the Crm’s walls. Michonne punctures walkers one by one in sequences filled to the brim with that classic Walking Dead gore. Despite the show’s core focus on the Crm’s hierarchies, The Ones Who Live still finds time...
Michonne can only play innocent for so long, as her natural skills fending off the undead become clear during the frequent walker killing sessions that consignees are required to do at the Crm’s walls. Michonne punctures walkers one by one in sequences filled to the brim with that classic Walking Dead gore. Despite the show’s core focus on the Crm’s hierarchies, The Ones Who Live still finds time...
- 3/12/2024
- by Noah Levine
- bloody-disgusting.com
The films up for the 2024 Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar are “Golda,” “Maestro,” “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” and “Society of the Snow.” Our current odds show that “Maestro” (10/3) is favored to win, followed in order by “Poor Things” (71/20), “Oppenheimer” (9/2), “Society of the Snow” (9/2), and “Golda” (9/2).
This lineup is the category’s second in a row to include a 54% first-timer majority, thus constituting a new trend after 70% remained the norm for the preceding half decade. The present rookie subset consists of “Golda” trio Suzi Battersby, Karen Hartley Thomas, and Ashra Kelly-Blue as well as one artist from each other film: Luisa Abel (“Oppenheimer”), Ana López-Puigcerver (“Society of the Snow”), Lori McCoy-Bell (“Maestro”), and Josh Weston (“Poor Things”).
McCoy-Bell and Weston share their respective nominations with Kazu Hiro and Mark Coulier, each of whom succeeded on two of his previous four outings. While Coulier won for “The Iron Lady” (2012) and “The Grand Budapest Hotel...
This lineup is the category’s second in a row to include a 54% first-timer majority, thus constituting a new trend after 70% remained the norm for the preceding half decade. The present rookie subset consists of “Golda” trio Suzi Battersby, Karen Hartley Thomas, and Ashra Kelly-Blue as well as one artist from each other film: Luisa Abel (“Oppenheimer”), Ana López-Puigcerver (“Society of the Snow”), Lori McCoy-Bell (“Maestro”), and Josh Weston (“Poor Things”).
McCoy-Bell and Weston share their respective nominations with Kazu Hiro and Mark Coulier, each of whom succeeded on two of his previous four outings. While Coulier won for “The Iron Lady” (2012) and “The Grand Budapest Hotel...
- 3/6/2024
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The classic Universal Monsters have returned to life and they’re looking better than Ever before in the freshly unleashed Universal Classic Monsters Limited Edition Collection, a brand new 4K Ultra HD + Digital set that is now available… for a limited time!
Only 5,500 of these limited edition Universal Monsters 4K Ultra HD sets have been produced, and you can grab yours over on Amazon right now for $129.99 while supplies last.
From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters and this upcoming collection showcases 8 of the most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Exclusive to Amazon, the limited set consists of book-style packaging with rare photos, bios, trivia, and original cover art by renowned artist Tristan Eaton.
Only 5,500 of these limited edition Universal Monsters 4K Ultra HD sets have been produced, and you can grab yours over on Amazon right now for $129.99 while supplies last.
From the era of silent movies through present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters and this upcoming collection showcases 8 of the most iconic monsters in motion picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Exclusive to Amazon, the limited set consists of book-style packaging with rare photos, bios, trivia, and original cover art by renowned artist Tristan Eaton.
- 2/28/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Netflix Celebrating 1974 Cinema With 50th Anniversary Collection Including Horror Movie ‘It’s Alive’
Netflix may be the top streaming service on the planet but they’ve never been great at putting classic movies into the feeds of their subscribers. A quick glance at the streaming service at any given time will mostly assault your eyeballs with new originals and recent hits, with older movies from the 70s, 60s, 50s and earlier being almost completely absent from the service.
That’s why it’s great to hear that Netflix is currently celebrating the cinema of 1974, and it’s the first phase of their Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection initiative.
Netflix explains the project, “Starting this month on Netflix in the US, you can watch a robust roster of movies released in 1974 and turning the big 5-0 this year.”
Additionally, “More offerings from 1984 (turning 40), 1994 (turning 30), and 2004 will follow in April, July, and October, respectively.”
Netflix’s 1974 Collection is now streaming, and it includes Larry Cohen’s killer baby horror movie,...
That’s why it’s great to hear that Netflix is currently celebrating the cinema of 1974, and it’s the first phase of their Milestone Movies: The Anniversary Collection initiative.
Netflix explains the project, “Starting this month on Netflix in the US, you can watch a robust roster of movies released in 1974 and turning the big 5-0 this year.”
Additionally, “More offerings from 1984 (turning 40), 1994 (turning 30), and 2004 will follow in April, July, and October, respectively.”
Netflix’s 1974 Collection is now streaming, and it includes Larry Cohen’s killer baby horror movie,...
- 1/17/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
One can't say much to defend the clunky script or the bad casting decisions for Tim Burton's 2001 film adaptation of Pierre Boulle's "Planet of the Apes." Not only did Burton's film alter the story of the original novel into something far less poignant, but Mark Wahlberg didn't project the "square-jawed space hero" archetype that his character was clearly written as. Estella Warren and Kris Kristofferson also didn't fare well as put-upon wilderness dwellers, coming across as dainty weekend warriors who had never been camping before.
Where Burton's film excels, however, is the ape design. The makeup effects by Rick Baker are some of the best in cinema history, looking eerily natural on the faces of previously recognizable actors. Additionally, the ape cast went through extensive movement training and their chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan body movements are impressive and convincing.
The ape cast also did its job with aplomb.
Where Burton's film excels, however, is the ape design. The makeup effects by Rick Baker are some of the best in cinema history, looking eerily natural on the faces of previously recognizable actors. Additionally, the ape cast went through extensive movement training and their chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan body movements are impressive and convincing.
The ape cast also did its job with aplomb.
- 12/24/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Bloody Disgusting’s 12 Days of Creepmas is nearly at an end, so it’s time to bring out the big guns in holiday horror. The 2nd Day of Creepmas brings a pair of gateway horror-comedies that will keep you busy from Christmas through New Year’s Eve.
When it comes to holiday horror, few can beat Joe Dante’s Gremlins. The charming 1984 classic decks the halls with holiday theming but it’s also unafraid to show its sharp pointy teeth. Dante’s sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, takes a drastically different direction, but its high energy and anything goes attitude make a strong case for annual New Year’s viewing.
The 12 Days of Creepmas continues on Bloody Disgusting, this time with 2 Gremlins movies to keep your holidays going through the New Year.
Keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
Gremlins is a Definitive Holiday Horror Classic
Breaking the...
When it comes to holiday horror, few can beat Joe Dante’s Gremlins. The charming 1984 classic decks the halls with holiday theming but it’s also unafraid to show its sharp pointy teeth. Dante’s sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, takes a drastically different direction, but its high energy and anything goes attitude make a strong case for annual New Year’s viewing.
The 12 Days of Creepmas continues on Bloody Disgusting, this time with 2 Gremlins movies to keep your holidays going through the New Year.
Keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
Gremlins is a Definitive Holiday Horror Classic
Breaking the...
- 12/24/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Christmas movies are one of the most beloved genres in cinema history with every film fan having their own select favorite that they watch and rewatch every year. However, while the genre is treasured, the Oscars haven’t rewarded it as much as you might think or hope. There are several movies, however, that have found their way into Oscars lineups. We’ve detailed just five of those Christmas movies that have managed Oscar nominations or wins.
By the way, “The Apartment” is not included on this list (but might be in a future article). The Billy Wilder movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture (1961) but there seems to be debate around whether it actually qualifies as a Christmas movie or not. It’s set during the holiday period, but some feel that isn’t enough for it to be an out-and-out Christmas movie. Perhaps that’s one for our forums.
By the way, “The Apartment” is not included on this list (but might be in a future article). The Billy Wilder movie won five Academy Awards including Best Picture (1961) but there seems to be debate around whether it actually qualifies as a Christmas movie or not. It’s set during the holiday period, but some feel that isn’t enough for it to be an out-and-out Christmas movie. Perhaps that’s one for our forums.
- 12/14/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
In World Wrestling Entertainment, the period from July 22, 2008, to March 22, 2014, remains known as the "PG era," owing to how Vince McMahon adjusted the content to achieve a TV-pg rating after the TV-14 fare in the so-called "Attitude" and "Relentless Aggression" eras of the 1990s and early-to-mid 2000s. (via Sportscaster)
WWE had caught up with Hollywood, where a similar wave of chlorine had washed over mainstream cinema and sanitized dozens of projects including "Live Free or Die Hard," "Terminator Salvation," "Hancock," and "Fired Up." These films and many more were stripped of violence, swearing, and sexuality in order for the MPA to grant the studios a PG-13 rating and access to the lucrative teen demographic. Such money-mindedness proved bad enough for the action and comedy genres, but it was arguably even worse for horror filmmakers, who risked self-censorship unless they worked within the thriving "torture porn" fare of "Saw" and "Hostel.
WWE had caught up with Hollywood, where a similar wave of chlorine had washed over mainstream cinema and sanitized dozens of projects including "Live Free or Die Hard," "Terminator Salvation," "Hancock," and "Fired Up." These films and many more were stripped of violence, swearing, and sexuality in order for the MPA to grant the studios a PG-13 rating and access to the lucrative teen demographic. Such money-mindedness proved bad enough for the action and comedy genres, but it was arguably even worse for horror filmmakers, who risked self-censorship unless they worked within the thriving "torture porn" fare of "Saw" and "Hostel.
- 12/4/2023
- by Jack Hawkins
- Slash Film
On Nov. 17, 2000, Universal released the Jim Carrey-starring live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas in theaters, where it would go on to gross $345 million globally. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review is below:
While doing a big-screen live action remake of a beloved animated TV chestnut can no doubt be a daunting task, Ron Howard will never have to worry about his take on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas being mistaken for anything resembling an instant holiday classic.
It’s not so much that the reported $120 million-plus production goes wrong somewhere along the way, but rather, it never goes right. The tone, which seemingly changes by the minute, is off from the start and leaves an utterly charmless trail of half-baked ideas and misguided attempts at subversive edginess in its wake.
Given Universal’s determination to set some kind of marketing record for Grinch tie-ins,...
While doing a big-screen live action remake of a beloved animated TV chestnut can no doubt be a daunting task, Ron Howard will never have to worry about his take on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas being mistaken for anything resembling an instant holiday classic.
It’s not so much that the reported $120 million-plus production goes wrong somewhere along the way, but rather, it never goes right. The tone, which seemingly changes by the minute, is off from the start and leaves an utterly charmless trail of half-baked ideas and misguided attempts at subversive edginess in its wake.
Given Universal’s determination to set some kind of marketing record for Grinch tie-ins,...
- 11/16/2023
- by Michael Rechtshaffen
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘An American Werewolf in London’ – Watch the Iconic Transformation With the Original Rejected Score!
Remember those never-before-seen outtakes from William Friedkin’s The Exorcist that we shared with you for Halloween? That rare footage came courtesy of Paul Davis, who directed Beware the Moon: Remembering An American Werewolf in London as well as the films The Body and Uncanny Annie (both part of Blumhouse’s anthology series “Into the Dark”).
Davis is back this week with another rare and never-before-seen treat, and this time it’s all about An American Werewolf in London. Specifically, Davis has shared the film’s iconic werewolf transformation sequence – with the original rejected musical score!
“Here is something that myself and the team at New Wave Entertainment tried to pull off back in 2008 as a bonus feature for the first Blu-ray release of An American Werewolf in London in September 2009,” Davis explains. “With the blessing of John Landis and Universal Home Entertainment, we attempted to restore Elmer Bernstein’s...
Davis is back this week with another rare and never-before-seen treat, and this time it’s all about An American Werewolf in London. Specifically, Davis has shared the film’s iconic werewolf transformation sequence – with the original rejected musical score!
“Here is something that myself and the team at New Wave Entertainment tried to pull off back in 2008 as a bonus feature for the first Blu-ray release of An American Werewolf in London in September 2009,” Davis explains. “With the blessing of John Landis and Universal Home Entertainment, we attempted to restore Elmer Bernstein’s...
- 11/7/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Imagine if you will a line of dominoes that increase in size as they move left to right. A man stands behind the smallest domino, poised to knock it forward, which will instigate a chain reaction leading to the largest domino toppling over. This "domino theory" illustration helps to visualize the causal interconnection between a seemingly innocuous event in the past and a monumental event in the present or near future. It's especially handy when attempting to understand how 20th Century Fox studio head Darryl F. Zanuck's mother getting a cold in 1908 led indirectly to the creation and broad success of the comedy procedural series "Bones" in 2005. And not because "Bones" was a Fox show. The connection is much more serpentine and intriguing.
You see, when the Wahoo, Wisconsin-born Sarah Louise Zanuck caught a hard-to-shake chill in the latter years of the 20th century's first decade, she thought it'd...
You see, when the Wahoo, Wisconsin-born Sarah Louise Zanuck caught a hard-to-shake chill in the latter years of the 20th century's first decade, she thought it'd...
- 11/5/2023
- by Ryan Coleman
- Slash Film
Fan’s Homemade ‘American Werewolf in London’ Halloween Costume Transforms in Various Stages! [Video]
Horror fans seem to top themselves each and every Halloween season with the incredible costumes they put together and share on social media, and this year was no exception.
One of this year’s coolest costumes comes courtesy of Whoa Gilly over on TikTok, and it’s based on the iconic transformation scene from An American Werewolf in London.
But what’s particularly special about the costume is that it actually, well, transforms!
What starts out as a simple David Kessler Halloween costume quickly reveals itself to be something much more, as Whoa Gilly found a clever way to use homemade practical effects to turn from Human David into Werewolf David in a flash. Underneath the David mask is a half-werewolf mask, and underneath David’s famous red jacket is a hairy werewolf chest and arms.
After the human face has been ripped off and the jacket torn away, the...
One of this year’s coolest costumes comes courtesy of Whoa Gilly over on TikTok, and it’s based on the iconic transformation scene from An American Werewolf in London.
But what’s particularly special about the costume is that it actually, well, transforms!
What starts out as a simple David Kessler Halloween costume quickly reveals itself to be something much more, as Whoa Gilly found a clever way to use homemade practical effects to turn from Human David into Werewolf David in a flash. Underneath the David mask is a half-werewolf mask, and underneath David’s famous red jacket is a hairy werewolf chest and arms.
After the human face has been ripped off and the jacket torn away, the...
- 11/3/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
George Lucas' "Star Wars" was a whole-cloth piece of world building. Inspired by gee-whiz sci-fi serials like "Flash Gordon," Lucas envisioned a sprawling saga that would stretch over multiple chapters. There was just one problem: the technology required to bring his vision to fruition didn't exist.
If you're any kind of "Star Wars" fan, you know about John Dykstra's revolutionary motion-control camera (the Dykstraflex), a pioneering piece of equipment that allowed Lucas to pull off the climactic trench run. You're also most certainly aware of how Rick Baker and Stuart Freeborn conjured up their groundbreaking creature effects. But do you know the story of how the lightsaber, the Jedi weapon of choice, was discovered?
While Lucas' idea for the lightsaber was brought to vivid life by the brilliant conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie, someone had to either build or find the saber That someone was art director Roger Christian. And...
If you're any kind of "Star Wars" fan, you know about John Dykstra's revolutionary motion-control camera (the Dykstraflex), a pioneering piece of equipment that allowed Lucas to pull off the climactic trench run. You're also most certainly aware of how Rick Baker and Stuart Freeborn conjured up their groundbreaking creature effects. But do you know the story of how the lightsaber, the Jedi weapon of choice, was discovered?
While Lucas' idea for the lightsaber was brought to vivid life by the brilliant conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie, someone had to either build or find the saber That someone was art director Roger Christian. And...
- 10/21/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Although analog technology has gone all but extinct in the 40 years since Videodrome first permeated viewers’ psyches, there’s no denying the prescience of its themes. Writer-director David Cronenberg, circa 1983, portended the exploitation of the internet age, virtual reality, and media manipulation. At its core, Videodrome confronts the viewer to examine their own relationship with entertainment.
As the head of Civic TV, Max Renn caters to the subterranean market, transmitting sex and violence into Toronto homes over Uhf airwaves. His appetite for depravity no longer fulfilled by the likes of softcore pornography, Max’s interest is piqued by a mysterious pirated broadcast called Videodrome. As he describes it, “It’s just torture and murder. No plot, no characters. Very, very realistic. I think it’s what’s next.”
Max’s perception of reality is altered from the moment he’s first exposed to Videodrome, as devious hallucinations — from a cancerous...
As the head of Civic TV, Max Renn caters to the subterranean market, transmitting sex and violence into Toronto homes over Uhf airwaves. His appetite for depravity no longer fulfilled by the likes of softcore pornography, Max’s interest is piqued by a mysterious pirated broadcast called Videodrome. As he describes it, “It’s just torture and murder. No plot, no characters. Very, very realistic. I think it’s what’s next.”
Max’s perception of reality is altered from the moment he’s first exposed to Videodrome, as devious hallucinations — from a cancerous...
- 10/17/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Disney’s “Gargoyles” are coming back, TheWrap has learned.
The beloved animated series, which ran in syndication on weekday afternoons for three seasons from 1995 to 1997, is set to return, this time as a live-action series for Disney+ from James Wan’s Atomic Monster, writer Gary Dauberman (who wrote all three “Annabelle” movies) and Disney Branded Television. Dauberman is attached as writer, executive producer and showrunner on the new series.
“Gargoyles,” which centered on a band of monstrous warriors who, long ago, were encased in stone and cursed to stay that way unless they were lifted above the clouds, find themselves awoken in modern day Manhattan after a billionaire zealot placed them atop his latest towering skyscraper. (They remain stone during the day but become flesh-and-blood at night.) The Gargoyles then have to figure out what life in the contemporary world is like, while also attempting to rid New York City of some of its crime.
The beloved animated series, which ran in syndication on weekday afternoons for three seasons from 1995 to 1997, is set to return, this time as a live-action series for Disney+ from James Wan’s Atomic Monster, writer Gary Dauberman (who wrote all three “Annabelle” movies) and Disney Branded Television. Dauberman is attached as writer, executive producer and showrunner on the new series.
“Gargoyles,” which centered on a band of monstrous warriors who, long ago, were encased in stone and cursed to stay that way unless they were lifted above the clouds, find themselves awoken in modern day Manhattan after a billionaire zealot placed them atop his latest towering skyscraper. (They remain stone during the day but become flesh-and-blood at night.) The Gargoyles then have to figure out what life in the contemporary world is like, while also attempting to rid New York City of some of its crime.
- 10/16/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Special effects artists are often the unsung heroes of horror films. Who is Pennywise without his startling clown makeup (above)? Who is M3gan without her hauntingly digitized face? Would King Kong and the silver screen's collection of other creatures and monsters even be remotely frightening without the technical prowess of the filmmakers behind their creation? We may not tangibly identify these artists' work in the moment as we watch a horror movie, but we certainly feel it.
On paper, many horror films' storylines don't seem scary at all; some even appear to be laughably unrealistic. Through special effects — practical mechanics, animation, makeup, puppetry, stunts, clever set-design tricks, and the like — artists can elevate even the most silly concepts into something macabre. They elicit the frights we love these movies for. Without them, such films appear quite different indeed. Here are what a few iconic horror films look like without special effects,...
On paper, many horror films' storylines don't seem scary at all; some even appear to be laughably unrealistic. Through special effects — practical mechanics, animation, makeup, puppetry, stunts, clever set-design tricks, and the like — artists can elevate even the most silly concepts into something macabre. They elicit the frights we love these movies for. Without them, such films appear quite different indeed. Here are what a few iconic horror films look like without special effects,...
- 10/7/2023
- by Blake Taylor
- Slash Film
A couple months ago, it was announced that eight of the classic Universal Monsters movies – Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, and Creature from the Black Lagoon – would be receiving a limited edition 4K box set release. That box set was supposed to reach store shelves today, October 3rd… but you may have noticed that it’s not available, and Amazon stopped taking orders. That’s because the release of the box set has been delayed until February of 2024.
Our friends at Bloody Disgusting shared the following message from Universal: “Due to an unexpected packaging issue, the originally planned October 3, 2023 release of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment’s upcoming 4K collectible box set of the “Universal Classic Monsters Limited Edition Collection” is moving to February 13, 2024. We appreciate your patience and are very sorry for the inconvenience.”
An image of...
Our friends at Bloody Disgusting shared the following message from Universal: “Due to an unexpected packaging issue, the originally planned October 3, 2023 release of Universal Pictures Home Entertainment’s upcoming 4K collectible box set of the “Universal Classic Monsters Limited Edition Collection” is moving to February 13, 2024. We appreciate your patience and are very sorry for the inconvenience.”
An image of...
- 10/3/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Throughout the mythos concerning the character of Bruce Wayne aka Batman, there is a strong theme of predestination. While made explicit in only a few tales of the Dark Knight throughout the character's 84-year existence, there exists the idea that the orphan Bruce Wayne was able to mold himself into the figure of Batman partially because his whole life prepared him to do just that, mentally if not also physically and emotionally.
1995's "Batman Forever," the third in Warner Bros. and producer Tim Burton's series of live-action adaptations of the character, is one of the stories of the Caped Crusader that highlights this theme in a big way. In the film, Bruce (played by Val Kilmer) is troubled by recurring waking nightmares that psychiatrist Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) deduces are actually repressed memories forcing their way into his conscious mind. In these visions, Bruce recalls the moments after his parents' untimely deaths,...
1995's "Batman Forever," the third in Warner Bros. and producer Tim Burton's series of live-action adaptations of the character, is one of the stories of the Caped Crusader that highlights this theme in a big way. In the film, Bruce (played by Val Kilmer) is troubled by recurring waking nightmares that psychiatrist Dr. Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman) deduces are actually repressed memories forcing their way into his conscious mind. In these visions, Bruce recalls the moments after his parents' untimely deaths,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
The nearly 60-year long "Planet of the Apes" film series runs the gamut in terms of quality. You have a masterpiece like the original 1968 film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, an utter catastrophe in the 2001 remake by Tim Burton, and everything in between. That being said, there's one thing that basically every film succeeds in, and that is the look of the apes themselves. Whether it's through revolutionary makeup techniques or extremely impressive performance capture technology, the rendering of these characters is distinctive and believable. Even the aforementioned 2001 catastrophe sports truly mind-blowing prosthetic work by Rick Baker that was rudely dismissed by the Academy.
As someone who is always going to prefer tactility in filmmaking, I gravitate more towards the makeup work than the performance capture, and it all comes from my admiration for the designs by John Chambers, who won an honorary Oscar for his work on "Planet of...
As someone who is always going to prefer tactility in filmmaking, I gravitate more towards the makeup work than the performance capture, and it all comes from my admiration for the designs by John Chambers, who won an honorary Oscar for his work on "Planet of...
- 8/27/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Clockwise from top left: Batman Returns (Warner Bros.), Edward Scissorhands (20th Century Fox), Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (Warner Bros.), Beetlejuice (Warner Bros.)Image: The A.V. Club
It’s difficult to believe that Tim Burton—who turns 65 on August 25—is now old enough to start collecting Social Security. But let’s...
It’s difficult to believe that Tim Burton—who turns 65 on August 25—is now old enough to start collecting Social Security. But let’s...
- 8/25/2023
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
Here’s some cool news: eight of the classic Universal Monsters movies – Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera, and Creature from the Black Lagoon – are being released in a limited edition 4K box set! The release date is October 3rd, and the set can already be pre-ordered through Amazon. But we have to warn you, there is indeed a very limited number of sets being made. Only 5500 of them will exist. So if you want the set, you might want to secure your copy very soon.
An image of the set can be seen at the bottom of this article. The discs come with the following bonus features:
Disc 1 – Dracula (1931):
Includes 4K Uhd, Blu-ray and a digital copy of Dracula (1931) (Subject to expiration. Go to NBCUCodes.com for details.)
4x Sharper than Full HD with High Dynamic...
An image of the set can be seen at the bottom of this article. The discs come with the following bonus features:
Disc 1 – Dracula (1931):
Includes 4K Uhd, Blu-ray and a digital copy of Dracula (1931) (Subject to expiration. Go to NBCUCodes.com for details.)
4x Sharper than Full HD with High Dynamic...
- 8/9/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Sharon Farrell, who starred in many films in her long career in Hollywood, including opposite James Garner and Steve McQueen in the 1969 films ‘Marlowe’ and ‘The Reivers’ respectively, has died. She was 82. Farrell died on May 15 of natural causes at a hospital in Orange County. Her death was only recently discovered by relatives, who posted the news to Facebook, but they were unsure of the cause, as per Deadline.
Farrell had an extensive resume, but is best remembered for the film ‘It’s Alive’, in which she played the mother of a murderous deformed infant.
She also had roles in the films ‘The Stunt Man’, ‘Lone Wolf McQuade’, and ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ (1987).
In the horror thriller ‘It’s Alive’ (1974), written and directed by Larry Cohen and featuring special effects make-up from Rick Baker, Farrell’s Lenore Davis tries to protect the hideously deformed child she just had, even though the infant...
Farrell had an extensive resume, but is best remembered for the film ‘It’s Alive’, in which she played the mother of a murderous deformed infant.
She also had roles in the films ‘The Stunt Man’, ‘Lone Wolf McQuade’, and ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ (1987).
In the horror thriller ‘It’s Alive’ (1974), written and directed by Larry Cohen and featuring special effects make-up from Rick Baker, Farrell’s Lenore Davis tries to protect the hideously deformed child she just had, even though the infant...
- 8/6/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Sharon Farrell, who starred as the mother of a murderous infant in It’s Alive and contributed strong supporting turns opposite James Garner and Steve McQueen, respectively, in the 1969 films Marlowe and The Reivers, has died. She was 82.
Farrell died unexpectedly May 15 of natural causes at a hospital in Orange County, her son, Chance Boyer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Farrell also played a movie hairstylist in Richard Rush‘s The Stunt Man (1980), the ex-wife of Chuck Norris’ Texas Ranger in Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) and the mother of the cheerleader portrayed by Amanda Peterson in Can’t Buy Me Love (1987).
On television, Farrell recurred as Det. Lori Wilson on the final season (1979-80) of CBS’ Hawaii Five-o and was Florence Webster, mother of Tricia Cast’s Nina Webster, on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1991-97.
In the horror thriller It’s Alive (1974), written and directed by Larry Cohen and...
Farrell died unexpectedly May 15 of natural causes at a hospital in Orange County, her son, Chance Boyer, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Farrell also played a movie hairstylist in Richard Rush‘s The Stunt Man (1980), the ex-wife of Chuck Norris’ Texas Ranger in Lone Wolf McQuade (1983) and the mother of the cheerleader portrayed by Amanda Peterson in Can’t Buy Me Love (1987).
On television, Farrell recurred as Det. Lori Wilson on the final season (1979-80) of CBS’ Hawaii Five-o and was Florence Webster, mother of Tricia Cast’s Nina Webster, on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless from 1991-97.
In the horror thriller It’s Alive (1974), written and directed by Larry Cohen and...
- 8/5/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up-and-coming, or well-established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com. This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Bryan Johnson
Bryan Johnson is an award-winning Theatrical Designer,...
Bryan Johnson
Bryan Johnson is an award-winning Theatrical Designer,...
- 8/5/2023
- by Theodore Bond
- JoBlo.com
20 years before Disney's latest attempt at a Haunted Mansion movie, the studio tried and failed to recreate the magic of the theme park ride.
This July, Disney is releasing "Haunted Mansion," an adaptation of one of its most beloved theme park attractions. The company has been trying to get this project off the ground for well over 13 years, with Guillermo del Toro, a Haunted Mansion superfan, at one point attached to direct. Justin Simien of "Dear White People" and "Bad Hair" fame is helming the finished project, and the comedy horror features a starry cast including Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, and recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. With a reported budget of over $157 million, it's a risky bet for Disney, which has seen a handful of commercial disappointments this year, including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Whether or not general audiences are intrigued by a theme park ride adaptation remains to be seen,...
This July, Disney is releasing "Haunted Mansion," an adaptation of one of its most beloved theme park attractions. The company has been trying to get this project off the ground for well over 13 years, with Guillermo del Toro, a Haunted Mansion superfan, at one point attached to direct. Justin Simien of "Dear White People" and "Bad Hair" fame is helming the finished project, and the comedy horror features a starry cast including Lakeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, and recent Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis. With a reported budget of over $157 million, it's a risky bet for Disney, which has seen a handful of commercial disappointments this year, including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." Whether or not general audiences are intrigued by a theme park ride adaptation remains to be seen,...
- 7/24/2023
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- Slash Film
Legendary special makeup effects artist Dick Smith, known as The Godfather of Makeup, remains one of the most influential and vital figures in cinematic history. The Academy Museum is celebrating accordingly with a limited screening series that showcases some of Smith’s greatest achievements in movie makeup magic.
The limited screening series, Dick Smith: The Godfather of Makeup, is especially noteworthy for horror fans, as the lineup is packed with special showings of classic horror that showcase Smith’s contributions to the genre. Even better is that many of these screenings include introductions by prominent SFX artists that include Rick Baker, Craig Reardon and more.
Smith was the first makeup artist to receive an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement, in 2011. He was 89 at the time. He also won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for his work on Amadeus in 1985, developed a reputation for skillful aging makeups.
The limited screening series, Dick Smith: The Godfather of Makeup, is especially noteworthy for horror fans, as the lineup is packed with special showings of classic horror that showcase Smith’s contributions to the genre. Even better is that many of these screenings include introductions by prominent SFX artists that include Rick Baker, Craig Reardon and more.
Smith was the first makeup artist to receive an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement, in 2011. He was 89 at the time. He also won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for his work on Amadeus in 1985, developed a reputation for skillful aging makeups.
- 7/21/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
The state government in Montana has passed a law that prohibits the use of TikTok, but the ban will not go on the books without a fight. Two separate lawsuits — one from TikTok itself and another from a group of creators — are challenging the new decree on First Amendment grounds.
Montana officially passed its TikTok ban on May 17. The law uses similar language to the federal government’s Restrict Act. It allows lawmakers to restrict apps with strong ties to foreign adversaries like China and Russia.
To enforce those restrictions, Montana plans to go after digital marketplaces like the App Store and Google Play Store. Starting on January 1, 2024, Apple and Google will be mandated to remove TikTok from their respective Stores in Montana. If they don’t, they could face fines of $10,000 per day.
Montana’s new ban expands its previous actions against TikTok. The Treasure State’s Governor, Greg Gianforte,...
Montana officially passed its TikTok ban on May 17. The law uses similar language to the federal government’s Restrict Act. It allows lawmakers to restrict apps with strong ties to foreign adversaries like China and Russia.
To enforce those restrictions, Montana plans to go after digital marketplaces like the App Store and Google Play Store. Starting on January 1, 2024, Apple and Google will be mandated to remove TikTok from their respective Stores in Montana. If they don’t, they could face fines of $10,000 per day.
Montana’s new ban expands its previous actions against TikTok. The Treasure State’s Governor, Greg Gianforte,...
- 5/23/2023
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
The idea of the “movie star” is usually reserved for the uber-famous; Margot Robbie, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The occasional director like Jordan Peele or Christopher Nolan, filmmakers so well established they have their own font. But in the genre world, it’s different. As much as you might see a crowd turn out in force for the game-changing work of a John Carpenter, or a Michelle Yeoh, you’re just as likely to see lines around the block for Dick Smith, Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, Greg Nicotero, Phil Tippett or Tom Savini – Hollywood’s most lauded special effects and make-up artists. The physical creators of some of the most iconic characters in cinema history: our movie monsters.
Which explains Forbidden Worlds Film Festival’s entire strand devoted to ‘Creature Creators’; a series of films shining a spotlight on these visual effects ‘stars’. Charting a course from Willis O’Brien’s...
Which explains Forbidden Worlds Film Festival’s entire strand devoted to ‘Creature Creators’; a series of films shining a spotlight on these visual effects ‘stars’. Charting a course from Willis O’Brien’s...
- 5/21/2023
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Are you ready to enter the “Haunted Mansion?”
The live-action movie, based on the beloved Disney theme park attraction, is materializing on July 28. And thanks to a brand-new trailer, which you can watch above, we now know a little bit more about what goes on when hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls.
The new trailer gives a much better sense of the movie’s mixture of comedy and horror while also playing up its connections to the original attraction. You get the sense that much of the movie will be seen through the eyes of Ben (Lakeith Stanfield), a down-on-his-luck everyman who hosts ghost tours in New Orleans. He’s one of a group of paranormal experts called upon by a young single mother (Rosario Dawson) to try and rid her new home of 999 happy haunts. Among the others she calls upon are Tiffany Haddish’s psychic,...
The live-action movie, based on the beloved Disney theme park attraction, is materializing on July 28. And thanks to a brand-new trailer, which you can watch above, we now know a little bit more about what goes on when hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls.
The new trailer gives a much better sense of the movie’s mixture of comedy and horror while also playing up its connections to the original attraction. You get the sense that much of the movie will be seen through the eyes of Ben (Lakeith Stanfield), a down-on-his-luck everyman who hosts ghost tours in New Orleans. He’s one of a group of paranormal experts called upon by a young single mother (Rosario Dawson) to try and rid her new home of 999 happy haunts. Among the others she calls upon are Tiffany Haddish’s psychic,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Stakes, silver-tipped canes, and torches are all dependable ways to kill off the classic Universal Monsters. But the one common, unifying monster-slayer they are all powerless against is poor box office. This was very clearly communicated by the failure of Renfield, Universal’s attempt at resurrecting Dracula and his title sidekick in a modern horror-comedy where Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) acted more like a supernatural superhero than the simpering, wild-eyed Dwight Frye of old.
Not even the Scenery-Chewer Supreme that is Nicolas Cage could save Renfield from a meager $8 million opening weekend haul that saw the movie have its lunch eaten by Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist. This isn’t the first attempt either in the last 10 or 20 years to drag the undead out of their graves: Van Helsing (2004), The Wolfman (2010), Dracula Untold (2014), and the disastrous The Mummy (2017) all climbed back into the Universal Monsters’ tombs as quickly as possible,...
Not even the Scenery-Chewer Supreme that is Nicolas Cage could save Renfield from a meager $8 million opening weekend haul that saw the movie have its lunch eaten by Russell Crowe in The Pope’s Exorcist. This isn’t the first attempt either in the last 10 or 20 years to drag the undead out of their graves: Van Helsing (2004), The Wolfman (2010), Dracula Untold (2014), and the disastrous The Mummy (2017) all climbed back into the Universal Monsters’ tombs as quickly as possible,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
The episode of Wtf Happened to This Movie? covering Videodrome was Written by Jake Dee, Narrated by Matthew Plale, Edited by Diane Baldwin, Produced by Chris Bumbray and Ben Cantler, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Have you ever considered how a movie becomes a bona fide cult classic? While many factors play a role, the phenomenon usually begins with a high-quality product that fails to resonate among the masses during its initial release due to ungraspable material ahead of its time, yet through its own undeniable merits, finds its passionate fanbase that grows over time and allows the film to become far more popular after the fact than it was in the present tense. In the case of David Cronenberg’s sci-fi body horror opus Videodrome, the film has overcome its notorious box-office failure to ascend as one of the most revered movies of Cronenberg’s illustrious career.
As...
Have you ever considered how a movie becomes a bona fide cult classic? While many factors play a role, the phenomenon usually begins with a high-quality product that fails to resonate among the masses during its initial release due to ungraspable material ahead of its time, yet through its own undeniable merits, finds its passionate fanbase that grows over time and allows the film to become far more popular after the fact than it was in the present tense. In the case of David Cronenberg’s sci-fi body horror opus Videodrome, the film has overcome its notorious box-office failure to ascend as one of the most revered movies of Cronenberg’s illustrious career.
As...
- 4/6/2023
- by Jake Dee
- JoBlo.com
The films up for the 2023 Best Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar are “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “The Batman,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Elvis,” and “The Whale.” Our current odds show that “Elvis” (69/20) is favored to win, followed in order by “The Whale” (18/5), “The Batman” (9/2), “All Quiet on the Western Front” (9/2), and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (9/2).
Each of this category’s last five consecutive lineups has included a 70% first-time nominee majority, but this year’s rookie group is 16% smaller. The present subset is comprised of both “All Quiet on the Western Front” artists (Linda Eisenhamerova and Heike Merker) as well as two craftspeople from “The Whale” (Annemarie Bradley-Sherron and Judy Chin) and one each from “The Batman” (Michael Fontaine), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Camille Friend), and “Elvis” (Jason Baird).
Baird shares his nomination with Mark Coulier and Aldo Signoretti, who have now amassed four bids apiece in this category. Signoretti...
Each of this category’s last five consecutive lineups has included a 70% first-time nominee majority, but this year’s rookie group is 16% smaller. The present subset is comprised of both “All Quiet on the Western Front” artists (Linda Eisenhamerova and Heike Merker) as well as two craftspeople from “The Whale” (Annemarie Bradley-Sherron and Judy Chin) and one each from “The Batman” (Michael Fontaine), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Camille Friend), and “Elvis” (Jason Baird).
Baird shares his nomination with Mark Coulier and Aldo Signoretti, who have now amassed four bids apiece in this category. Signoretti...
- 3/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Ready to step into the “Haunted Mansion?”
One of the most iconic Disney Parks attractions is about to hit the screen again, this time as a giant summer blockbuster. And the new film, directed by Justin Simien and written by Katie Dippold, looks like a lot of ghost-filled fun via the first trailer, which you can watch above.
In the new film Rosario Dawson plays a single mom who moves into the titular rustic abode with her young son, only to be confronted with 999 happy haunts. She then calls in a team of experts, including Lakeith Stanfield as a paranormal investigator, Owen Wilson as a priest, Tiffany Haddish as a psychic and Danny DeVito as a history professor, to try to rid her life of these grim-grinning ghosts, who include Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost and Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota.
Footage from the film first premiered at last year’s D23 Expo,...
One of the most iconic Disney Parks attractions is about to hit the screen again, this time as a giant summer blockbuster. And the new film, directed by Justin Simien and written by Katie Dippold, looks like a lot of ghost-filled fun via the first trailer, which you can watch above.
In the new film Rosario Dawson plays a single mom who moves into the titular rustic abode with her young son, only to be confronted with 999 happy haunts. She then calls in a team of experts, including Lakeith Stanfield as a paranormal investigator, Owen Wilson as a priest, Tiffany Haddish as a psychic and Danny DeVito as a history professor, to try to rid her life of these grim-grinning ghosts, who include Jared Leto as the Hatbox Ghost and Jamie Lee Curtis as Madame Leota.
Footage from the film first premiered at last year’s D23 Expo,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is joining the cast of The Santa Clauses as a series regular.
Iglesias will play Kris Kringle, the owner and operator of a Christmas-themed amusement park called Santaland. Sweet, happy, and perpetually-optimistic, Kris is a warm, generous soul who is determined to keep his struggling theme park afloat. However, his belief in Santa and love for all things Christmas may not be enough.
In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the family business as Santa Claus.
Also returning as series regulars in season two are Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus/Carol,...
Iglesias will play Kris Kringle, the owner and operator of a Christmas-themed amusement park called Santaland. Sweet, happy, and perpetually-optimistic, Kris is a warm, generous soul who is determined to keep his struggling theme park afloat. However, his belief in Santa and love for all things Christmas may not be enough.
In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the family business as Santa Claus.
Also returning as series regulars in season two are Elizabeth Mitchell as Mrs. Claus/Carol,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Eric Stonestreet has signed on to join Disney’s “The Santa Clauses” just in time for Season 2, which is currently in production. He’ll portray Magnus Antas (aka the Mad Santa), who reigned during the 14th century and is now returning to try and take down Scott Calvin and reclaim the North Pole.
Season 2 of the holiday comedy picks up with the Calvin family back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin continues his role as Santa Claus after his retirement plans were put on pause when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that he and his family have saved Christmas, Scott is finally able to put his focus toward training his son Calvin to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus.
Elizabeth Mitchell is attached to return as a series regular in Season 2 as Mrs. Claus/Carol. She’s joined by Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra Calvin Claus,...
Season 2 of the holiday comedy picks up with the Calvin family back in the North Pole as Scott Calvin continues his role as Santa Claus after his retirement plans were put on pause when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that he and his family have saved Christmas, Scott is finally able to put his focus toward training his son Calvin to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus.
Elizabeth Mitchell is attached to return as a series regular in Season 2 as Mrs. Claus/Carol. She’s joined by Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra Calvin Claus,...
- 2/24/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
“Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet will join the Tim Allen-led cast of the Disney+ Original series “The Santa Clauses,” the streamer said Friday.
The show adds Stonestreet for Season 2, production of which is underway. He will play the role of Magnus Antas, also known as the Mad Santa, who reigned during the 14th century and is now returning to try and take down Scott Calvin (Allen) and reclaim the North Pole, according to Disney+.
In the second season, the Calvin family has returned to the North Pole after Calvin’s retirement plans did not work out as planned when he could not to find a successor worthy of Santa’s duties. Picking up after Scott and his family saved Christmas in Season 1, Scott focuses on training his son Calvin to take over the “family business.”
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Season 1 of “The Santa Clauses...
The show adds Stonestreet for Season 2, production of which is underway. He will play the role of Magnus Antas, also known as the Mad Santa, who reigned during the 14th century and is now returning to try and take down Scott Calvin (Allen) and reclaim the North Pole, according to Disney+.
In the second season, the Calvin family has returned to the North Pole after Calvin’s retirement plans did not work out as planned when he could not to find a successor worthy of Santa’s duties. Picking up after Scott and his family saved Christmas in Season 1, Scott focuses on training his son Calvin to take over the “family business.”
Also Read:
Steven Yeun Joins Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ in Significant Role
Season 1 of “The Santa Clauses...
- 2/24/2023
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
Time for Eric Stonestreet to put on an angry face: The Modern Family will join the cast of the Disney+ Original series The Santa Clauses as Magnus Antas (aka the Mad Santa), who reigned during the 14th century and is now returning to try and take down Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) and reclaim the North Pole.
In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus.
The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, and is now in production on its second season. Season one of The Santa Clauses,...
In the second season, the Calvin family is back in the North Pole as Scott continues his role as Santa Claus after retirement plans were thwarted when failing to find a worthy successor in season one. Now that Scott and his family have successfully saved Christmas, Scott turns his focus towards training his son Calvin to eventually take over the “family business” as Santa Claus.
The Disney Branded Television series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios, and is now in production on its second season. Season one of The Santa Clauses,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Picture this: you're deep in the woods, alone save for your family, enjoying the silent majesty of a secluded night in nature while all manner of creatures great and small slumber peacefully around you. Most importantly, you're snug inside a yellow sleeping bag, looking for all the world like a giant banana.
Then, suddenly and without warning, a mutant killer bear emerges from the woods, its gaping maw looking like it's melting as it bellows an unholy roar and attacks. Trapped in your banana bag, you helplessly try to run away like you're in the world's worst potato sack race. It's all for nought, as the bear reaches out with one measly swipe of its paw, and you fly through the air only to hit a rock and shatter into a million feathery pieces.
If this scene sounds gloriously horrifying and/or exciting to you, then you need to see...
Then, suddenly and without warning, a mutant killer bear emerges from the woods, its gaping maw looking like it's melting as it bellows an unholy roar and attacks. Trapped in your banana bag, you helplessly try to run away like you're in the world's worst potato sack race. It's all for nought, as the bear reaches out with one measly swipe of its paw, and you fly through the air only to hit a rock and shatter into a million feathery pieces.
If this scene sounds gloriously horrifying and/or exciting to you, then you need to see...
- 2/23/2023
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Updated with complete winners list: Oscar Best Picture nominee Elvis scored wins in both motion picture period make-up and hair styling categories Saturday at the 10th annual Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards.
The contemporary make-up team from fellow Best Pic Oscar nominee Everything Everywhere All at Once and the special make-up effects team behind The Whale also took top honors tonight in the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton, as did Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for its contemporary hair styling.
Angela Bassett received the Distinguished Artisan Award on Saturday
Tonight’s film winners are now vying for Oscar frontrunner status in the Make-up and Hair Styling category; Elvis, Black Panther and The Whale are nominated there this year along with All Quiet on the Western Front and The Batman. Elvis and Batman were triple Muahs nominees tonight.
On the TV side tonight, multiple winners include Pam & Tommy, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,...
The contemporary make-up team from fellow Best Pic Oscar nominee Everything Everywhere All at Once and the special make-up effects team behind The Whale also took top honors tonight in the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton, as did Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for its contemporary hair styling.
Angela Bassett received the Distinguished Artisan Award on Saturday
Tonight’s film winners are now vying for Oscar frontrunner status in the Make-up and Hair Styling category; Elvis, Black Panther and The Whale are nominated there this year along with All Quiet on the Western Front and The Batman. Elvis and Batman were triple Muahs nominees tonight.
On the TV side tonight, multiple winners include Pam & Tommy, The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special,...
- 2/12/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
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