News

We’re Living in a Golden Era of Stephen King Films

Published

7 years ago

October 23, 2017

It’s almost never been better to be a fan of Stephen King.

From It to Gerald’s Game to 11.22.63, we’ve been getting absolutely pummelled with knockout after knockout with material based on the author’s work. And even though there have been a few duds – The Dark Tower really, really missed the mark – we should be thankful for the soon-to-be classics that have been introduced as of late.

The monetary success of It alone should be enough to get any horror fan excited. Things were looking somewhat bleak earlier in the year with Friday the 13th’s cancellation, due to poor performances on seemingly surefire hits like Rings. Thankfully, Stephen King has always been a dependable source for scares, and the numbers don’t lie. It was a commercial and critical success, and you can be sure that we’re about to see a lot more with the author’s name on it based on that alone.

And if things continue the way they have been, I’ll be a very happy person. Gerald’s Game, for those who haven’t seen it, is nothing short of phenomenal. “That scene” in particular – those of you who have seen it will know what I’m talking about – is sure to end up on a lot of people’s lists for scariest and most cringe-worthy horror moments of all time in years to come. But before any of you gorehounds freak out, hear me out; yes, I acknowledge that there have been much more extreme sequences in films before, some that may even rival the one in Gerald’s Game, but its placement during the film and execution is almost unparalleled. This isn’t a movie that is aiming to push Fulci out of the spotlight; this is a movie that, for the most part, is devoid of any other real extreme gore, making its inclusion that much more surprising and altogether terrifying.

Netflix

We’ve not seen this much wealth in the realm of Stephen King films since the 1980’s. And even then, though there were many, many classics being produced, there were also a lot of missteps. For a while, it seemed like King was getting a reputation of being a silly pulp writer because of it. A movie bearing Stephen King’s name, at least for a while, didn’t really mean that you were in for anything truly horrifying. Fun, yes, but it was much lighter than where we are today.

We then had one of the worst films ever made in Dreamcatcher, further sullying his reputation in film. It wasn’t like the man was responsible for directing them – it was simply that many of his ideas are so out there, so outlandish, that what worked on paper was incredibly hard to replicate on film.

Which is also why It was so surprising. It’s one of the more fantastic, epic novels the author has ever brought into this world, and yet, Andy Muschietti’s film seemed to capture all of it perfectly. For those who are still uptight about the 1990 miniseries, I’m here to reaffirm that it’s more than okay to prefer the new version. I certainly do. Pennywise has found a new avatar in the form of Skaarsgaard, and I find no reason to look back, wonderful as Curry was. I think it a lot of people were more honest with themselves and less afraid to fight nostalgia, they’d admit the same thing.

I’d like to see some more updated adaptations with the way things have been going. Children of the Corn, for example, would be a great choice, as would Pet Sematary. A lot of filmmakers have now grown up with a love for King and his novels and their respective adaptations; true love that has shaped their desires to work in film or literature. These are the kind of people we need working on his films. For a while, this was not the case; as John Carpenter said himself, Christine was simply a job he was hired to do. Though the results were fine enough, it was unfortunately devoid of passion. You can say what you will about It, Gerald’s Game, and even 11.22.63 (though really, what bad could you possibly have to say about that one?), but criticizing them for being without passion is simply false.

Luckily, it doesn’t appear that this train is slowing down anytime soon. 1922 has just been released to mainly positive reviews, and Hulu’s Castle Rock is on the horizon, which is hopefully going to live up to expectations. Sure, The Mist has been canceled, and I can’t help but refer back to the disappointment that was The Dark Tower, but for all of the letdowns, the stronger entries seem to be so overpowering that those flubs can be overlooked.

As a huge fan of the novelist, I feel very lucky to be alive in a time where there seems to be such a renewed interest in getting his works the adaptations they deserve. In 2017, we’ve amassed such a wealth of classics, both modern and nostalgic, that it’s overwhelming in scope. Appreciate what you have, folks, because King is one in a million.

Rolling Stone

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Movies

Trailer for ‘The Exorcism’ Has Russell Crowe Possessed

Published

3 mins ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

The latest exorcism movie is about to drop this summer. It’s aptly titled The Exorcism and it stars Academy Award winner turned B-movie savant Russell Crowe. The trailer dropped today and by the looks of it, we are getting a possession movie that takes place on a movie set.

Just like this year’s recent demon-in-media-space film Late Night With the Devil, The Exorcism happens during a production. Although the former takes place on a live network talk show, the latter is on an active sound stage. Hopefully, it won’t be entirely serious and we’ll get some meta chuckles out of it.

The film will open in theaters on June 7, but since Shudder also acquired it, it probably won’t be long after that until it finds a home on the streaming service.

Crowe plays, “Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce.”

Crowe did see some success in last year’s The Pope’s Exorcist mostly because his character was so over-the-top and infused with such comical hubris it bordered on parody. We will see if that is the route actor-turned-director Joshua John Miller takes with The Exorcism.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

News

Win a Stay at The Lizzie Borden House From Spirit Halloween

Published

2 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

Spirit Halloween has declared that this week marks the start of spooky season and to celebrate they are offering fans a chance to stay at the Lizzie Borden House with so many perks Lizzie herself would approve.

The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA is claimed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Of course one lucky winner and up to 12 of their friends will find out if the rumors are true if they win the grand prize: A private stay in the notorious house.

“We are delighted to work with Spirit Halloween to roll out the red carpet and offer the public a chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, which also includes additional haunted experiences and merchandise,” said Lance Zaal, President & Founder of US Ghost Adventures.

Fans can enter to win by following Spirit Halloween‘s Instagram and leaving a comment on the contest post from now through April 28.

The prize also includes:

An exclusive guided house tour, including insider insight around the murder, the trial, and commonly reported hauntings

A late-night ghost tour, complete with professional ghost-hunting gear

A private breakfast in the Borden family dining room

A ghost hunting starter kit with two pieces of Ghost Daddy Ghost Hunting Gear and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course

The ultimate Lizzie Borden gift package, featuring an official hatchet, the Lizzie Borden board game, Lily the Haunted Doll, and America’s Most Haunted Volume II

Winner’s choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston for two

“Our Halfway to Halloween celebration provides fans an exhilarating taste of what’s to come this fall and empowers them to start planning for their favorite season as early as they please,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We have cultivated an incredible following of enthusiasts who embody the Halloween lifestyle, and we’re thrilled to bring the fun back to life.”

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Spirit Halloween is also preparing for their retail haunted houses. On Thursday, August 1 their flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. will officially open to start off the season. That event usually draws in hordes of people eager to see what new merch, animatronics, and exclusive IP goods will be trending this year.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Movies

’28 Years Later’ Trilogy Taking Shape With Serious Star Power

Published

3 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Timothy Rawles

Danny Boyle is revisiting his 28 Days Later universe with three new films. He will direct the first, 28 Years Later, with two more to follow. Deadline is reporting that sources say Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have been cast for the first entry, a sequel to the original. Details are being kept under wraps so we don’t know how or if the first original sequel 28 Weeks Later fits into the project.

**Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes**

Boyle will direct the first movie but it’s unclear which role he will take on in the subsequent films. What is known is Candyman (2021) director Nia DaCosta is scheduled to direct the second film in this trilogy and that the third will be filmed immediately afterward. Whether DaCosta will direct both is still unclear.

Alex Garland is writing the scripts. Garland is having a successful time at the box office right now. He wrote and directed the current action/thriller Civil War which was just knocked out of the theatrical top spot by Radio Silence’s Abigail.

There is no word yet on when, or where, 28 Years Later will start production.