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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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‘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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