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Share or Scare; Can Your Kids Handle Horror?

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Share or Scare; Can Your Kids Handle Horror?

Does sitting down with your 8-year-old to watch “The Exorcist” make you a bad parent? Should you share or scare? The answer is up to you of course, but it might not be as bad as you initially thought. There are a number of things you can look for in order to enjoy a favorite horror flick with your children; iHorror and Common Sense Media tell you the best practices.

Common Sense Media, the quintessential organization for child safety and media forms, talks to iHorror about parents and horror movies. Although they don’t suggest letting your 8-year-old watch “The Exorcist”, they do think there is a healthy way to introduce him or her to the genre.

Caroline Knorr, parenting editor at Common Sense Media talks to us about the right age to let your kids enjoy the thrill every horror movie fan enjoys, and the results aren’t as limited as you might think.

7 is not the lucky number

7 is too young according to Common Sense Media

7 is too young according to Common Sense Media

Although a 7-year-old is too young to watch a horror movie, if you wait a year, chances are your child might be ready to face their fears and watch one with you, “Around 8 years old is when kids arrive at the “age of reason.” They can follow more complex storylines, and they begin to be able to understand that things aren’t always black and white, right or wrong.” Knorr said.

As a parent, it is difficult to let young children make their own choices and in most cases a good parent won’t. But when it comes to horror movies, it might surprise you to know that letting your child come to you about watching one is the best way to gauge if he or she is ready or not.

“Around age 8 is when kids might start seeking out scary content looking for thrills.” Knorr said, “They can deal with the beginnings of emotional conflict — such as the loss of a pet or parents and divorce — but scenes of anger, bullying, loyalty, and moral issues all require resolution in the script. Realistic scary situations may be the most frightening. Though they might try to seem like big kids, 8-year-olds still need to be reassured that they’re safe.”

Too scary? Just ask.

Too scary? Just ask.

Spoiling it for your kid’s sake

Although it is almost impossible nowadays to monitor every little bit of media your child enjoys, Knorr says that “managing” the media is a great way to limit their access to things that you would rather them not see. “If you’re watching something with your kid and you notice that they are totally freaked out, just stop the movie, have a conversation about what they’re feeling and thinking, and if it’s too much, back off for the time being. It helps to tell your kids about special effects, scripting, horror-movie music, and how the director creates a feeling using all these different methods.”

In the modern age, children are exposed to many real-life terrors, and these things may result in a child’s acting out to deal with them. According to Knorr, a child should be able to express how he or she is feeling especially during times when the emotion is so intense that even the parent is affected.

“Ask, how did that make you feel? Was that scary? You can even tell them that you *like* to be scared a little bit and that’s why you enjoy watching scary movies. You know that they’re not real but you enjoy the feeling of getting a little bit frightened.” Knorr said.

"The Exorcist" probably not the best first choice

“The Exorcist” probably not the best first choice

 

Horror in the Theater vs. Home Theater, is there a difference?

The movie theater experience is a lot different than sitting at home watching a movie. Distractions and outside influences can create a reality break, while a theater experience is meant to drench the viewers with stimuli. Knorr says that even though there aren’t a lot of studies to determine if watching a scary movie is more destructive at home or in public, a parent’s intuitive skills should be their guide.

“At home,” Knorr explains, “your phone might ring in the middle of the action, you can pause the movie to go the bathroom, etc. We do recommend watching “starter” scary movies at home precisely because they are less immersive and of course you can more easily judge your kid’s reaction and pause or stop the movie if it’s too much.”

Don’t let curiosity kill the chat

Just because your child wants to watch a horror movie doesn’t mean he or she is ready. Knorr recalls a personal experience with her 8-year-old and his reaction to a movie scene that was shocking:

“When my son was 8 or 9 he was completely determined to watch ‘Mission to Mars’ (which we actually have rated at 8 years old) and without giving away any spoilers, he became completely distraught over a scene when a character meets with a terrible fate. My son was really traumatized and that feeling overtook any feeling of trying to put a good face on because he had insisted on watching the movie in the first place. I think that parents should read Common Sense Media’s reviews thoroughly if they are in doubt and not go too far out of the age range. Pay attention to your kids’ individual sensibilities, too. If you know that they are totally freaked out by something – then don’t cave and allow them to watch something you KNOW is going to scare them. There are so many great movies for kids and so many options for streaming, DVRing, etc. that you can definitely find a decent alternative.”

Future Killers?

Problem children probably shouldn't watch horror movies right away

Horror movies don’t necessarily make your child violent

The thought that letting kids watch violent materials or exposing them to graphic images can cause permanent psychological damage is somewhat true, especially if that child is already psychologically compromised. But parents can certainly make decisions that will make horror movie watching a bonding experience rather than a detrimental one. Knorr suggests starting with some of the classic movies first:

“If you choose age-appropriately (on Common Sense Media, you can search all movies by age, interest, and subject matter), limit exposure, and talk about the movies with your kids, horror movies can be something you enjoy together. My recommendation would also be to watch some of the classic horror movies and discuss the advancements in technology, special effects, scoring, etc. This will help your kids develop even more appreciation of the genre, learn some of the technical aspects of horror movies, and help them think critically about what they’re watching. “

Horror for Beginners

As for a good rule-of-thumb, Knorr says to choose movies that are age appropriate. There are plenty of horror movies for kids that can gently introduce them to your genre.

“There are lots of beginner scary movies you can sort of ease your kid into the genre with. Beyond that, talking to them about what they’re watching, how they feel about it, what they think about it.”

Are Girls More Scared Than Boys?

Are girls more scared than boys?

Are girls more scared than boys?

Gender does not need to be a determining factor in whether or not your child will be more affected or less affected by a horror movie. Whether you are introducing a boy or a girl to the thrills of a good flick, the affect might be the same.

“It’s really more about the kid’s individual interests.” Knorr said. “If you want to introduce your kids to the genre, find topics that will matter to them. It’s also really important for kids to see movies with characters that aren’t stereotypical.  Look for strong female role models, men who show emotions who don’t resort to violence to solve problems, respectful conflict resolution, no skimpy clothes, and positive portrayals and fully developed characters of all ethnicities.”

Enjoy a Horror Movie at Your Kids Level

Perhaps it is not that you should engage your child first with the concept of horror movies, rather you should let them engage you. That might mean you sit through a film that is more on their level first to determine what they can handle. Caroline Knorr suggests a few movies that might be a good segue into the genre:

Maleficent

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

Tales of the Night

Scooby Doo Curse of the Lake Monster

The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

 

The Exorcist” is for Advanced Younger Fans

Although your 8-year-old might not appreciate the post traumatic chills that come with watching a movie like “The Exorcist”, a good parent will determine if those consequences are worth bonding over. Perhaps horror fans can bond with their kids not only in sharing their favorite scary movie at the right time, but spending the time to explain the feelings and emotions that result from watching it.

Tell ihorror what age you were when you first watched a horror movie, and how it affected you.

Caroline Knorr is the parenting editor for Common Sense Media.

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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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