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Horror Fans, Stop Fighting and Band Together

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It may come as a surprise, perhaps even a shock that there are folks walking around who actually love Halloween 5. I’ve encountered more than one individual who were of the opinion that Jason Takes Manhattan were their favorite Friday the 13th. And it goes both ways. We live in a world where some feel that Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is not a good piece of cinema and even pockets of people who believe Rob Zombie’s Halloweens are superior to John Carpenter’s.

A single paragraph in, I’m sure there are some of you shaking your head and maybe even a few who are fuming, but that’s what I wanted to talk about.

When it comes to the entertainment industry, particularly film and television, horror remains a genre that is by and large looked down upon. Sure it’s been mainstreamed thanks in no small measure by “The Walking Dead” and even “American Horror Story,” but for the most part, horror is still perceived as second-rate. There is a belief among those who do not appreciate horror that it lacks artistry and that those involved are bereft of the talent necessary to cut it in drama or comedy.

Of course, we know better, don’t we? Though we are legion, you won’t find the same kind of viewership for “Ash vs Evil Dead” as you would for “The Big Bang Theory.” In the grand scheme of things, we are a small school of fish in a very large pond.

All the more reason to stick together.

And yet, we don’t. And I can’t help but wonder why?

We are all nauseated by the division of the current presidential campaign. The mudslinging and finger-pointing and name-calling has virtually everyone on the verge of slamming down the mute button if they haven’t already. There is no discourse, no exchange of ideas followed by intellectual conversation or debate. It’s just a constant churning of “I’m right, you’re wrong” while neither side actually hears or processes a word the other has to say.

Have you noticed the same scenario among horror fans on social media? Not everyone partakes in online arguments, but odds are good that everyone has at least seen it. This isn’t intended to be an indictment on anyone, just an opportunity to stop and think for a moment.

jack-wendyDiffering opinions pit people against one another. It has been that way since the beginning of time, and will never change. However, rather than asking why someone likes or dislikes something, it becomes a pissing match. “How can you possibly?” followed by a snide remark or out and out insult, which opens the floodgates to bickering banter.

Being opinionated is a good thing. It means you have a take. However, that does not mean that you are completely right or completely wrong. Rather than disregarding someone based on their perspectives, perhaps ask them a question. Instead of saying that “Anyone who hates Halloween III is in idiot,” inquire as to what they don’t like about it. Believe it or not, some may just not care for it and it could have absolutely nothing to do with the absence of Michael Myers. There’s a least a glimmer of possibility that what they have to say in response makes sense, or that you offer a point they hadn’t thought about and one or the other of you, or maybe even both, reconsider their stance. If nothing else, both parties have a better understanding of why the other feels as they do.

Horror is supposed to be fun. And small group that we are, we should be in it together. Enjoy those like-minded individuals, sure, but also respect those who loved It Follows or The Evil Dead remake or 31, even if you didn’t.

It doesn’t take long for a thread on Facebook or Twitter to morph into hate-filled spewing, so why engage in it? Offer your thoughts, but leave out judgment of what someone else has said. You can state your case without openly challenging other people. Should someone cross that line, however, just let it go. Ignore it, move on and shut them down before it grows into something bigger. We all know there are trolls out there who are Ledger’s Joker, they just want to watch the world burn.

The genre offers so much to enjoy. Just this year alone we’ve had The Witch, Don’t Breathe, The Conjuring 2, Lights Out, six new episodes of “The X -Files,” the return of “Ash vs Evil Dead,” the emergence of “Stranger Things” and the announcement that Carpenter would be teaming up with Blumhouse to bring the Halloween franchise back to its original roots.

To say nothing of the resurrection of “Twin Peaks” or It just around the corner or the old school glory of the Universal monsters and eighties slasher flicks and the list goes on and on.

You may not enjoy all of it, but then again, you don’t have to. Everyone has an opinion, and those opinions are okay. You can have a take, but it doesn’t mean others should be berated for theirs. Criticism is a good thing. What’s better than constructive criticism? It is not just a statement of distaste, but rather one that offers specific reasons as to why, and gives others the opportunity to consider what you’ve said and respond in kind. Perhaps you can come to an agreement, even if it’s simply to disagree, but ideas were exchanged, points made and it would be a far more positive experience than simply hurling insults from behind a keyboard or smart phone.

Hell, I’m as guilty as anyone. I have to catch myself from over-extending how I feel personally about a film or director or actor because my perception does not mean I’m correct and others not. I think Silver Bullet is better than An American Werewolf in London. Many would disagree, but we should revel in those differing opinions and engage in conversation rather that going after one another’s throats.

We are a small school of fish in a very large pond, but when Jaws wades its way into our neck of the woods, we’d do well to remember that we are all that we have. Each other. Let’s be good to one another.

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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