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The Drunken Devil Brings the Heat in the “Curse of the Jungle Drums”

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Written by Shannon McGrew

The cursed artifact!

Tiki drinks, a cursed idol, a handsome Indiana Jones inspired expeditioner, and a massacre with the Devil waiting in the wings, is the best way to describe Drunken Devil Production’s newest show, “Curse of the Jungle Drums.” Infused with elements of horror and 1950’s Old Hollywood glamour, “Curse of the Jungle Drums” was the perfect summer event for those looking for a taste of the enchanting macabre.

Drunken Devil Productions, which puts on three to four shows a year in Los Angeles, has been a growing force within the LA event scene; most notably due to the nature of these productions, as they are inspired by the horror genre and other mythology and lore. Influencing all the debauchery that ultimately unfold is the Drunken Devil himself, who plays MC for the evening with a serpentine grin on his face, all the while being charming with his Southern drawl.

The “Curse of the Jungle Drums” centers on the return of Dr. John Washburn, a famed expeditioner who has returned with a special artifact. This artifact is of course cursed, resulting in those who have come to celebrate Dr. Washburn’s return, to go crazy, killing everyone at the club. When us partygoers arrived at 8pm, we were greeted by actors who had no recollection of their demise, though it was quite clear from their attire and bloody wounds that they were victims of this cursed relic.

Me with the Drunken Devil himself

I’ve attended most every Drunken Devil event, which has allowed me to see this production company grow, and I have to say that the “Curse of the Jungle Drums” may be their best one yet. I’ve always appreciated the horror aspect of the shows, especially when mixed with other elements. Throughout the night the audience had the chance to experience top-notch burlesque performances along with tarot card reading, immersive elements relating to the narrative of the evening, dancing, live music from The Jennifer Keith Quintet, and an interactie photo-booth where you could take a picture with the Drunken Devil himself.

One of the aspects that makes a Drunken Devil Production what it is, is the booze that flows freely. With a ticket purchase, patrons get to utilize the open bar, which boasts signature cocktails related to the event at hand. As someone who is sober and doesn’t drink alcohol, I have to give thanks to the creator of Drunken Devil, Matt Dorado, for supplying non-alcoholic drinks to those of us who couldn’t partake. Though this may seem minute, it’s something that I appreciated wholeheartedly.

Burlesque performer Olivia Bellafontaine

There are a few critiques I had about the event overall. Even with the air conditioning on and the space being quite large, it was incredibly hot inside. This is not a slight against Drunken Devil, as they couldn’t have known that this was going to happen, and even looking back, though we were all dying a bit from the heat, it kind of lent itself to the jungle theme at hand. My only other critique would be to have more seating available for patrons, especially in a location as large and accommodating as this space was.

I spent the majority of my evening interacting with some of the performers, most notably the actors who were tragically killed by the artifact’s curse. I enjoyed hearing their stories while acting like I had no idea they were dead, as they didn’t know they had perished. At one point, I had the chance to speak with Dr. Washburn and upon telling him that I had touched the artifact he laughed and immediately turned to my friends and informed them to stay away from me while also reassuring me I had nothing to worry about. As for the burlesque performers, I was absolutely blown away by the sheer talent possessed by Scarlette Fox, Jessabelle Thunder, and Olivia Bellafontaine, who had no problem bringing down the house and eliciting cheers and applause from the entire audience.

Overall, the “Curse of the Jungle Drums” was a complete smash hit and the perfect event for those looking for more horror themed events in the Los Angeles area. Sure, the heat was intense, but part of me feels like that just added to the jungle ambiance and made the entire event that much more realistic. If you are interested in learning more about Drunken Devil productions, visit their website at thedrunkendevil.com as they will be putting on another show this Halloween which is sure to be unlike anything we’ve seen from this emerging production company. Lastly, if you like the VIP treatment, make sure to check out Drunken Devil’s “Sinner’s Social Club”, a membership that allows access to a private pre-show before the event, with exclusive cabaret performances, small bites and specialized cocktails. Membership are going fast so make sure to grab one while you still can as the Devil is waiting to meet you!

Burlesque performer Jessabelle Thunder

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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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