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Movie Review: Jessabelle

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If nothing else what you can say about Jessabelle is that it is beautifully shot in a stunning part of the world. The location is a visual treat, this often works well for many horror films, countryside settings often give a natural reason for the silence that is needed in the odd scene of a horror movie.

What I found interesting about the first act of Jessabelle was the use of colour in the house, in scenes where Jessabelle was looking at things from her’ childhood the unimpeded sunlight penetrates into every corner of the house; this is to illustrate that things were easier for her as a child. The house at night is an entirely different story. Due to the woody surroundings of the house; the green from the trees and the murky waters of the lake, the house has a mysterious green filter over everything. This was not only a clever tactic to submerge the viewer in the world Jessabelle is trying to create but a interesting horror technique, it means there are many places for the spirit to hide. Due to the obscured view of the room the ghost could be hidden anywhere. Like many horror techniques this one is trying to play on a inherent fear in many humans, think about it, how many people say they are afraid of jumping into a body of water when they can’t see the bottom? Many will tell you that it isn’t the water, its what could be in it. There is something in that and I think Kevin Greutert knows it. This is why he aimed to make Jess’ room look like the lake outside the house. Given the importance of the lake to the story, especially its importance to the family that once dwelt in the house it is interesting that the colours of the lake itself appear to creep into the home.

Jesabelle movie 2014- the houseAlthough I thought the first act had an interesting and focussed atmosphere I found one particular element incredibly frustrating. The main character exploring either a new house or an old house they used to live in is a tried and tested, dare I say overused trope of horror movies. It was disappointing to see a film that up to this point was very unique, using a generic and boring tactic. It was particularly irritating given how long these scenes were, filler moments as long as these in a movie as short as Jessabelle is no good thing.

Jessabelle movie 2014 Jess' fatherThe sequence that stood out to me was when Jess’ mother gives her a tarot card reading on a VHS tape recorded before she died. The scene went from sweet to tense and creepy in an intelligent way. The other stand out moment of the first act  was the spirit rolling towards the bed in the wheelchair and reaching through the curtain that surrounds it. The curtain being positioned in the same place as the night before indicating that something had physically moved it was an interesting take on something that has been done many times before. The scariest moment of the movie was the scene in the bath, it is just a shame that this moment wasn’t all that scary; just mildly tense with one well done jump scare.

Jessabelle movie 2014 VHS sceneThough the soundtrack was effective and well and the scenes around the swamp with the gravestone were the definition of weird everything after this point was boring and failed to muster up any tension or fear. It had an interesting story up to a point after which it became needlessly convoluted. The occasional moments of creepiness are the only saving grace of an overall boring movie. Clocking in at only an hour and a half, Jessabelle feels about four hours long.

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“Mickey Vs. Winnie”: A Horrific Clash of Icons from Director Glenn Douglas Packard and iHorror

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iHorror is diving deep into film production with a chilling new project that’s sure to redefine your childhood memories. We’re thrilled to introduce ‘Mickey vs. Winnie,’ a groundbreaking horror slasher directed by Glenn Douglas Packard. This isn’t just any horror slasher; it’s a visceral showdown between twisted versions of childhood favorites Mickey Mouse and Winnie-the-Pooh. ‘Mickey vs. Winnie’ brings together the now-public-domain characters from A. A. Milne’s ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ books and Mickey Mouse from the 1920s ‘Steamboat Willie’ cartoon in a VS battle like never before seen.

Mickey VS Winnie
Mickey VS Winnie Poster

Set in the 1920s, the plot kicks off with a disturbing narrative about two convicts who escape into a cursed forest, only to be swallowed by its dark essence. Fast forward a hundred years, and the story picks up with a group of thrill-seeking friends whose nature getaway goes horribly wrong. They accidentally venture into the same cursed woods, finding themselves face-to-face with the now monstrous versions of Mickey and Winnie. What follows is a night filled with terror, as these beloved characters mutate into horrifying adversaries, unleashing a frenzy of violence and bloodshed.

Glenn Douglas Packard, an Emmy-nominated choreographer turned filmmaker known for his work on “Pitchfork,” brings a unique creative vision to this film. Packard describes “Mickey vs. Winnie” as a tribute to horror fans’ love for iconic crossovers, which often remain just a fantasy due to licensing restrictions. “Our film celebrates the thrill of combining legendary characters in unexpected ways, serving up a nightmarish yet exhilarating cinematic experience,” says Packard.

Produced by Packard and his creative partner Rachel Carter under the Untouchables Entertainment banner, and our very own Anthony Pernicka, founder of iHorror, “Mickey vs. Winnie” promises to deliver an entirely new take on these iconic figures. “Forget what you know about Mickey and Winnie,” Pernicka enthuses. “Our film portrays these characters not as mere masked figures but as transformed, live-action horrors that merge innocence with malevolence. The intense scenes crafted for this movie will change how you see these characters forever.”

Currently underway in Michigan, the production of “Mickey vs. Winnie” is a testament to pushing the boundaries of the horror genre. As iHorror ventures into producing our own films, we’re excited to share this thrilling, terrifying journey with you, our loyal audience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to transform the familiar into the frightful in ways you’ve never imagined.

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Mike Flanagan Comes Aboard To Assist in Completion of ‘Shelby Oaks’

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shelby oaks

If you have been following Chris Stuckmann on YouTube you are aware of the struggles he has had getting his horror movie Shelby Oaks finished. But there’s good news about the project today. Director Mike Flanagan (Ouija: Origin Of Evil, Doctor Sleep and The Haunting) is backing the film as a co-executive producer which might bring it much closer to being released. Flanagan is a part of the collective Intrepid Pictures which also includes Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka.

Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks

Stuckmann is a YouTube movie critic who’s been on the platform for over a decade. He came under some scrutiny for announcing on his channel two years ago that he would no longer be reviewing films negatively. However contrary to that statement, he did a non-review essay of the panned Madame Web recently saying, that studios strong-arm directors to make films just for the sake of keeping failing franchises alive. It seemed like a critique disguised as a discussion video.

But Stuckmann has his own movie to worry about. In one of Kickstarter’s most successful campaigns, he managed to raise over $1 million for his debut feature film Shelby Oaks which now sits in post-production. 

Hopefully, with Flanagan and Intrepid’s help, the road to Shelby Oak’s completion is reaching its end. 

“It’s been inspiring to watch Chris working toward his dreams over the past few years, and the tenacity and DIY spirit he displayed while bringing Shelby Oaks to life reminded me so much of my own journey over a decade ago,” Flanagan told Deadline. “It’s been an honor to walk a few steps with him on his path, and to offer support for Chris’ vision for his ambitious, unique movie. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”

Stuckmann says Intrepid Pictures has inspired him for years and, “it’s a dream come true to work with Mike and Trevor on my first feature.”

Producer Aaron B. Koontz of Paper Street Pictures has been working with Stuckmann since the beginning is also excited about the collaboration.

“For a film that had such a hard time getting going, it’s remarkable the doors that then opened to us,” said Koontz. “The success of our Kickstarter followed by the on-going leadership and guidance from Mike, Trevor, and Melinda is beyond anything I could have hoped for.”

Deadline describes the plot of Shelby Oaks as follows:

“A combination of documentary, found footage, and traditional film footage styles, Shelby Oaks centers on Mia’s (Camille Sullivan) frantic search for her sister, Riley, (Sarah Durn) who ominously disappeared in the last tape of her “Paranormal Paranoids” investigative series. As Mia’s obsession grows, she begins to suspect that the imaginary demon from Riley’s childhood may have been real.”

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New ‘MaXXXine’ Image is Pure 80s Costume Core

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A24 has unveiled a captivating new image of Mia Goth in her role as the titular character in “MaXXXine”. This release comes approximately a year and a half after the previous installment in Ti West’s expansive horror saga, which covers more than seven decades.

MaXXXine Official Trailer

His latest continues the story arc of freckle-faced aspiring starlet Maxine Minx from the first film X which took place in Texas in 1979. With stars in her eyes and blood on her hands, Maxine moves into a new decade and a new city, Hollywood, in pursuit of an acting career, “But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.”

The photo below is the latest snapshot released from the film and shows Maxine in full Thunderdome drag amid a crowd of teased hair and rebellious 80s fashion.

MaXXXine is set to open in theaters on July 5.

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