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5 Reasons to Re-watch Silver Bullet

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Is this adaptation of Stephen King’s novella Cycle of the Werewolf the best lycan pic you can get your hands on? Honestly, no. However, I’ve got five damn good reasons for you to give it ninety-five minutes of your time (again or for the first time), not the least of which is Busey, baby.

5. Have you really looked at the cast?

James A. Baffico in Silver Bullet

James A. Baffico in Silver Bullet

I’ll get to a pair of the featured players in a moment, but for now I’m going to completely (and willfully) ignore that everyone’s favorite Anne of Green Gables (Megan Follows) or the lesser of the “Corey’s” (Haim) are even in the flick because Terry O’Quinn was his usual, steady self in the role of Sheriff Joe Haller, despite a lack of screen time. And what of the clichéd, small town loud mouth? Every movie like this has to have one, doesn’t it? Right you are, but they aren’t all portrayed by Bill Smitrovich, who played delightful dolt Andy Fairton here (and the grocery store owner who was perplexed by the two-headed monster that was boxes and parsnips in Seth MacFarlane’s Ted.)

And don’t blink or you’ll miss the greatest baseball manager in cinematic history, James Gammon (Lou Brown in Major League) as the beast’s first victim. Not to mention a pre-Reservoir Dogs Lawrence Tierney as the proprietor of Owen’s Bar, who it turns out may have been a bit better at serving his own special brand of lemonade than silver bullets (you see what I did there?) and James A. Baffico, who played the S.W.A.T. officer who lost his shit in the opening scene of George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. Just do me a favor and remember one line until you can get your hands on a Silver Bullet disc — “Oh, that hurts my parts!”

Not a bad supporting cast, Rebel Airplane. Not bad at all.

4. An oversight only a baseball freak would pick up on

Look, if you ever peruse IMDB or any other online movie resource, you’re sure to come across on-screen mistakes such as car models manufactured after the stated year the film took place (which was 1976 if you’re keeping score at home), but I’ve never seen this particular oversight mentioned anywhere else. Ever. Queue Wolf Blitzer in the Situation Room.

After little Marty rockets back to the abode on his wheelchair / dune buggy following his initial wolfie encounter and ill-advised fireworks display, he dreadfully scurries back onto his bed and holes up in the corner. As he makes that trek, however, take a peek at the poster of Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson hanging on his bedroom wall. Now, that a kid would have Mr. October hanging in his quarters in ’76 isn’t what’s out of place. What seems odds is that it’s pretty clear that Jackson was donning an Angels jersey. See, in the year of our Lord nineteen-hundred-and-seventy-six, Reggie wore Halloween colors, the orange and black of Baltimore. He didn’t sign with (then)-California until 1982. Hey, they shot this film in ’84, so it was a much more convenient prop. Besides, what kind of an asshole would point out such a small indiscretion, anyway? Wait…

3. Gary Busey

Busey as Uncle Red

Busey as Uncle Red

Do I really need to elaborate? I mean, check the picture that sits atop this post. Look, this was before Busey went off the deep end, so we’re not allowed to forget how fantastic an actor Busey once was or how incredibly entertaining his Uncle Red is throughout this picture.

Just the lines alone: “I feel like a virgin on prom night.” “Do you have a pilot’s license?” “Did you really win a trip for two from Publisher’s Clearing House, Uncle Red?” ‘No, but the moon is full. And your parents are gone. And I did win a subscription to Popular Mechanics.’

And, of course, “I’m a little too old to be playin’ the Hardy Boys meet Reverend WEREWOLF!”

2. “You don’t know what those words mean”

(The scene comes to a close at 4:03)

[youtube id=”fCV82Brn_wE” align=”center” mode=”normal” autoplay=”no” aspect_ratio=”(4:3)” parameters=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCV82Brn_wE”]

What separates Silver Bullet from the congested pack is that despite its campiness, it hits suspense / horror / emotion dead central when it needs to. Example? We got you. The best scene of the flick, which takes place at Owen’s Bar following the funeral of Herb Kincaid’s son is on point in that it accomplishes its intended goal — to jar you emotionally. It’s well written and superbly acted by Kent Broadhurst. It simply evokes raw honesty.

The pain and underlying, seething anger amplified by the dramatic pauses of Broadhurst’s Herb command the screen and thrust themselves upon O’Quinn’s sheriff and the viewer because, the reality is, neither Haller or those watching have the slightest of inklings how that character felt. “You don’t know what those words mean” sets the ball in motion, but when Herb welcomes Haller to “dig up what’s left of my boy, Brady and explain to him about private justice?” Over the course of four minutes, we’re taken on a journey from just another horror flick to the anguish of Broadhurst’s father, executed so perfectly that for the briefest of moments, the story is no longer a fantasy, because the sorrow is too palpable. Viewers are now fully immersed. Not every movie of this nature can make such a proclamation, but thanks to Kent Broadhusrt, Silver Bullet is one of the rare exceptions.

1. Everett McGill crushes the role of Reverend Lowe

Everett McGill in Silver Bullet

Everett McGill in Silver Bullet

I once read that Stephen King lauded Colm Feore for “killing the part of Andre Linoge” in Storm of the Century. In a good way. And though I’m no King, would I be surprised if the master of horror felt the same way about McGill’s good reverend?

That said, you’ll know well ahead of the “reveal” that McGill is the beast, but for the lack of realism that the werewolf costume has throughout, it is the fact that McGill portrays Lowe so authentically that makes this performance, for my money, one of the most menacing and underrated in horror history. The quiet intensity of McGill’s glare, the calm with which he delivers his lines are legitimately unsettling. “I’m very sorry about this, Marty. I don’t know if you believe that or not, but it’s true. I would never willingly hurt a child.” Or better, as a man of God, proclaiming that a character dispatched at his beast’s claws early in the film was actually the moral move because “Our religion teaches that suicide is the greatest sin a man or a woman can commit. Stella was going to commit suicide, and if she had done so, she’d be burning in hell right now. By killing her, I took her physical life, but I saved her life eternal. You see how all things serve the will and the mind of God?” Those may just seem likes words on a screen, but not when Everett McGill offers up the reading.

If you haven’t watched it in years (or ever before), do yourself a favor and grab the DVD and some popcorn and revel in the underappreciated good times that are Silver Bullet. You won’t regret it.

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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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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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