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BEYONDFEST 2016: Kurt Russell’s Big Trouble In Little China Retrospective

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Though John Carpenter is best remembered for his horror movies, from Halloween to The Thing and beyond, perhaps one of his most seminal works is the genre bending action comedy that is Big Trouble In Little China. Starring Carpenter regular Kurt Russell as the loudmouthed and out of his element truck driver, Jack Burton. In its initial release back in 1986, the film was sadly a critical box office bomb, failing to gross back its budget. It was such a loss that Carpenter moved away from mainstream films and returned to independent cinema. Yet, the film of a modern cowboy caught in a magical martial arts plot has since become a major cult classic thanks to its home video release and following fanbase.

Last night, the fine folks at Beyondfest put together an epic retrospective on Big Trouble In Little China. Complete with a high quality DCP print screening directly from FOX, followed by an incredible QnA with star, Kurt Russell moderated by director/writer James Gunn. Who have since worked together, Gunn having cast Russell in the soon to be released, highly anticipated Marvel sequel, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2.
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It was worth the price of admission alone for seeing Big Trouble with such an enthusiastic crowd. Huge laughs during iconic scenes like Jack shooting into the air and getting knocked on the head by the ensuing rubble, and the elevator scenes. A thunderous applause broke out during the final confrontation with Lo Pan and as the credits rolled!

During the QnA, Gunn started things up asking Russell about how the movie ended up back in 1986. He responded that they showed the movie to the studio head at the time, but he “didn’t like it.” Both agreeing that the movie was simply ahead of its time, Russell adding that there was no use racking over “Ifs, ands, and Peter Pans.”


There was much focus on Kurt and his specific work with Carpenter. Discussing their first meeting on the TV Movie ELVIS, and going on to play such iconic characters as Snake Plissken, R.J. MacReady and Jack Burton. The actor attributing the credit to John, citing the absolute circus a director has to juggle in making a major motion picture. Gunn agreeing, and saying that “Working with Kurt is like wrestling a playful bear for 5 months.” Kurt also discussing the DNA of Jack having elements of John Wayne, Jack Nicholson, and himself. A “Guy who thinks he’s the lead character.” He also cited an incident when he was shooting a movie in Ireland, and seeing a minor car accident with an unnamed actor. His co-worker telling him “Hey Kurt, I think its a volkswagon and a station wagon.” Stating “That’s Jack Burton, out of his element.”

There were also a few anecdotes thrown about concerning those other iconic John Carpenter character roles. Discussing The Thing, he talked about none other than MacReady’s equally iconic sombrero. Thinking the hat to be ridiculous on its own, but especially for the film, but eventually warming up to it as a part of the character.

In Escape From New York, he mentioned getting down Snake’s character after meeting co-star Lee Van Cleef and thinking back to the Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns starring Clint Eastwood. Developing a “Clint” like voice and sharing it with an enthusiastic Carpenter who even responded by saying “This f*cking character’s gonna be great!”

He also spoke very fondly about working with the cast and crew of Big Trouble In Little China. In particular, Dennis Dunn, who played Wang Chi. And how while filming, they treated it with Wang being the true leading man of the story. Being a competent fighter on a quest to save the love of his life, having more the traits of a hero than Jack.

The potential Big Trouble In Little China remake was also brought up. Kurt mentioning working with said remake’s possible ‘Jack Burton’, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson while on Fast 8. Speaking highly of The Rock, and noting that there’s nothing too precious to remake, citing his involvement in John Carpenter’s The Thing, itself a remake of Hawk’s The Thing From Another World. Gunn agreeing, bringing up his work on the Dawn Of The Dead remake. But saying that the key to a good remake being a reason to remake something.

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The session opening up to questions from the audience, ending on one devoted fan who travelled all the way from Australia to see the event! Asking if Kurt had ever gotten any good advice. Kurt responded that he never really got advice. His dad was an actor. He was a child actor so he started very young. But something he read really struck him, a word of advice from Spencer Tracy: “Don’t get caught acting.” He’s Jack Burton in the moment. Leading to an uproarious applause.

Proof that people’ll be thinking fondly of Jack Burton and his adventures for years to come.

Photos courtesy of Annette DiGiovanni
Videos courtesy of Marc Gottlieb

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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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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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