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Late to the Party: Evil Dead

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Evil Dead eyesLook, that wasn’t a clever title. I am indeed tardy for the festivities. A horror fan who’d never sat down to watch Evil Dead.

The only thing I’d seen Bruce Campbell in was an episode of Dinner for Five with Roger Corman, a couple of dudes from Elf and the guy who re-made some Halloween flicks which left a bad taste in Zombighoul’s mouth.

All that said, we the minions of iHorror decided ’twas time to have some fun with the classic horror flicks some of us had somehow or other missed out on over the years, then write all about it after the big unveiling in a series called Late to the Party.

To kick things off, it was all happenstance. I was wandering through Walmart to retrieve my vehicle following its oil change (mouthwash and lilac candle in hand) when I glanced over to see Evil Dead locked and loaded for five dollars.

Rest assured, I felt like a virgin on prom night.

Ash

I haven’t watched a movie with wide-eyed wonder often, but this qualified as one of those occasions. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the legendary status Evil Dead holds, I was prepped for amazeballs.

I’m not going to lie, though, it took a bit for me to get into it. I saw quality before my eyes, don’t get me wrong, but about a half-hour in, I still wasn’t all-in.

Until Ellen Sandweiss’ Cheryl ventured into the woods.

There may have been the cliché “Anybody out there?” but from the howl which momentarily had me optimistic it could be Reverend Lowe to the violence of the vines that followed, there was nothing trite about Evil Dead.

Cheryl

Sure, it’s all old hat in 2015, but in the early ’80s? As James Jay Edwards so deftly pointed out, “You’ve probably seen so many things that are derivative of (Evil Dead) that it seems unoriginal. Put on your 1981 eyes.” I took Jimmy’s advice and it was mind-blowing.

So much of what Evil Dead introduced I now recognize in some of my favorite horror flicks. From Sinister to 1408 to Ghostbusters to Shaun of the Dead and beyond, those filmmakers took Sam Raimi’s “Join us” as an invitation to homage.

Has to be said, though: Two scenes towered above all others.

Cheryl looking out the window then calling the cards as she rapidly morphed with a voice that made the hair on my neck stand up. “Why have you disturbed our sleep?”

That would be my bad and I immediately regret this decision.

[youtube id=”GKR5KdHPiSI” align=”center” mode=”normal” autoplay=”no”]

The gold medal for unsettling, however, goes to Betsy Baker. Those eyes? “Truly amazing, Linda.”

I’m sorry the actors went through hell rockin’ those uncomfortable contacts, but Jesus tittyfucking Christ did they get the job done. One glance at Baker seated in the doorway of that bedroom and I noticed that I leaned back in my chair. And that was before Linda unleashed what can only be described as the inspiration for the taunting cackle of Sheri Moon Zombie’s Baby of Firefly family fame.

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The opening shot looked like an artsy version of The Legend of Boggy Creek, there was a symphony of the eyes, the introduction of what I can only assume is the Boomstick and I could not wrap my head around the fact that it took the other characters a bit of time to catch up to Cheryl’s stance which could be loosely translated to “We need to tuck tail immediately.”

Evil Dead had it all and let there be no doubt, Ash was all that and a bag of pig snacks. Can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

But before I do, I think a certain someone may have something to say about a bigger boat.

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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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