Connect with us

News

Retro Rewind: That Time Bruce Campbell Played a Demon in the X-Files

Published

on

Written by Patti Pauley

Gather ’round you screwheads! The King of Chins is celebrating another year around the sun and this week’s edition of Retro Rewind is dedicated to the grooviest flesh of man meat in the genre baby- Sir Bruce Cambell!

Yes, we all know the REAL Bruce Almighty is mostly recognized for that loveable, Deadite decapitating Ash Williams from the Sam Raimi films and Starz show. But what about his lesser talked about TV roles such as in Burn Notice, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., and even a stunning performance guest starring in a monster episode in X-Files as a demon fetal harvesting polygamist.

 

X-Files/Wiki

Written by series newcomer David Amann and directed by Rob Bowman, the 1999 episode entitled “Terms of Endearment” is a typical X-Files monster-of-the-week story that serves as a breather to the series’ broader storyline. We open up to Wayne Weinsider (Campbell) and his pregnant wife Laura (Lisa Jane Persky) at an ultrasound scan where the couple learns the baby Laura is bearing is riddled with strange abnormalities. The pair, Wayne especially, are obviously distraught upon hearing the results. I mean, I’d be freaked the fuck out too if my scan showed my offspring protruding a set of demonic horns from his head too. Though if it were to result in such a case, naming the kid Adrain would be a no-brainer. Of course, when one of your parents is a full-fledged demon aka Bruce Campbell, a set of horns supplied at birth shouldn’t be much of a shocker.

Speaking of which, the whole episode is absolutely a throw-back to Rosemary’s Baby in the form of demon baby producing with the signature X-Files twist. Complete with demon baby-making nightmares throughout the episode involving both Laura and later, Betsy Monroe (Grace Phillips). Oh yes, Wayne has another pregnant wife on the side to increase his chances of having a “healthy” child. What Wayne deems as healthy however, is not what one would assume a demon is looking for in his offspring. His goals are to have a NORMAL child. As Wayne turns out to be your not so typical devilish entity.

Of course, Laura’s brother is the local sheriff and when Laura awakens from her demon inducing night terror to find herself covered in blood and the baby missing, he turns the case over to Mulder and Scully given the unusual circumstances.

While there is some dark comedy in the episode, I mean IT IS Bruce, Campbell shows his more dramatic range of acting chops in “Terms of Endearment” as we’re taken on an emotional roller coaster with Wayne Weinsider’s struggle within himself and his very un-demon-like agenda in wanting to have a normal, happy family. Also, it’s worth noting the use of prosthetics rather than computer generated effects for the demon Wayne sequences are quite fantastic and the perfect display in bringing this X-Files monster to life.

Season 6, Episode 7 “Terms of Endearment” can be viewed streaming on Hulu for subscribers of the streaming site, as I recently learned Netflix cut the series from their queue of programs, “shakes fist”.  In the meantime, check out the original promo for this special edition of monster-mania X-Files starring Groovy Bruce!

 

 

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Movies

First Look: On Set of ‘Welcome to Derry’ & Interview with Andy Muschietti

Published

on

Rising from the sewers, drag performer and horror movie enthusiast The Real Elvirus took her fans behind the scenes of the MAX series Welcome to Derry in an exclusive hot-set tour. The show is scheduled to release sometime in 2025, but a firm date has not been set.

Filming is taking place in Canada in Port Hope, a stand-in for the fictional New England town of Derry located within the Stephen King universe. The sleepy location has been transformed into a township from the 1960s.

Welcome to Derry is the prequel series to director Andrew Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of King’s It. The series is interesting in that it’s not only about It, but all the people who live in Derry — which includes some iconic characters from the King ouvre.

Elvirus, dressed as Pennywise, tours the hot set, careful not to reveal any spoilers, and speaks with Muschietti himself, who reveals exactly how to pronounce his name: Moose-Key-etti.

The comical drag queen was given an all-access pass to the location and uses that privilege to explore props, facades and interview crew members. It’s also revealed that a second season is already greenlit.

Take a look below and let us know what you think. And are you looking forward to the MAX series Welcome to Derry?

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

News

New Trailer For This Year’s Nauseating ‘In a Violent Nature’ Drops

Published

on

We recently ran a story about how one audience member who watched In a Violent Nature became sick and puked. That tracks, especially if you read the reviews after its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where one critic from USA Today said it had “The gnarliest kills I’ve ever seen.”

What makes this slasher unique is that it’s mostly viewed from the killer’s perspective which may be a factor in why one audience member tossed their cookies during a recent screening at Chicago Critics Film Fest.

Those of you with strong stomachs can watch the movie upon its limited release in theaters on May 31. Those who want to be closer to their own john can wait until it releases on Shudder sometime after.

For now, take a look at the newest trailer below:

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

News

James McAvoy Leads a Stellar Cast in the New Psychological Thriller “Control”

Published

on

James McAvoy

James McAvoy is back in action, this time in the psychological thriller “Control”. Known for his ability to elevate any film, McAvoy’s latest role promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Production is now underway, a joint effort between Studiocanal and The Picture Company, with filming taking place in Berlin at Studio Babelsberg.

“Control” is inspired by a podcast by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie and features McAvoy as Doctor Conway, a man who wakes up one day to the sound of a voice that begins to command him with chilling demands. The voice challenges his grip on reality, pushing him towards extreme actions. Julianne Moore joins McAvoy, playing a key, enigmatic character in Conway’s story.

Clockwise From Top L-R: Sarah Bolger, Nick Mohammed, Jenna Coleman, Rudi Dharmalingam, Kyle Soller, August Diehl and Martina Gedeck

The ensemble cast also includes talented actors such as Sarah Bolger, Nick Mohammed, Jenna Coleman, Rudi Dharmalingam, Kyle Soller, August Diehl, and Martina Gedeck. They’re directed by Robert Schwentke, known for the action-comedy “Red,” who brings his distinctive style to this thriller.

Besides “Control,” McAvoy fans can catch him in the horror remake “Speak No Evil,” set for a September 13 release. The film, also featuring Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, follows an American family whose dream holiday turns into a nightmare.

With James McAvoy in a leading role, “Control” is poised to be a standout thriller. Its intriguing premise, coupled with a stellar cast, makes it one to keep on your radar.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading