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Late To The Party: ‘Salem’s Lot (1979) – iHorror

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Carrie

 

It’s taken me over thirty years but I’ve finally had the chance to sit down to this Stephen King bloody-sucking classic. ‘Salem’s Lot came to life in King’s masterful imagination when he first dared to ponder what would happen if Count Dracula moved into town? Being the genius that he was, Stephen King then turned that spark of curiosity into a modern day horror classic.

 

image via IMDB

 

Salem’s Lot was the first of King’s books I ever read. I picked up my copy for seven pounds (plus some outrageous import tax) back at Anglia, the only English bookstore (back in the 90’s) we had in St. Petersburg, Russia, and could not put it down. It became the first of many more of the King’s books I would eventually add to my library. For the longest time, ‘Salem’s Lot was in fact my favorite Stephen King book, even beating the stellar accomplishments of The Stand and Pet Sematary for me. As of 2016 IT has become my King favorite, but ‘Salem’s Lot still holds that special place for me. So much so that I had to re-read this past Spring. The same awe and wonder are still there.

 

image via IMDB

 

So, with the novel still freshly imprinted on my mind, how does the movie hold up? Filmed in 1979, by horror legend Tobe Hooper of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame, the movie has picked up a wild cult following over the years.

Immediately I’m reminded what this movie could have been. Previously I discussed how George Romero (Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) was set to collaborate with Stephen King and bring the vampire tour de force to life on the big screen. No disrespects to our beloved Mr. Hooper, but I do feel we were robbed as horror fans. Especially when you compare the demonic duo’s gruesome work with the fan-beloved Creepshow.

Hooper’s movie is good, if not, perhaps, just a little dated. The same slow burn build that he used in his titanic hit TCM was reused for ‘Salem’s Lot. However, whereas I feel the style worked brilliantly for his cannibal masterpiece the same praise cannot exactly be employed for his blood-sucking fiends. Mood, atmosphere, character build – these are all established in the novel. Stephen King brilliantly makes the town of ‘Salem’s Lot a lead character. That’s almost impossible to do, and only a master of the art can pull it off. Not only that, but his main character for the story is the Marsten House, a demonic abode standing – looming – over the sleepy town and acting like a live beacon drawing to itself very evil things. Naturally, drawn to the house is our ancient vampire, Barlow.

 

image via Stephen King Wiki

 

The movie follows this same thought, but it would be damned tricky to make a movie where the main characters are both a haunted house and a doomed town. And here is where we stop comparing to the book, because otherwise that would be self-destructive. Last I’ll say on the subject: go read the book!

This may not be my favorite Stephen King film adaptation, but I did enjoy it. The movie works in spite of it’s flaws. The differences from book to film are certainly there, but not enough to ruin some good-old fashioned spooky cinematic fun. Yeah sure, Barlow’s looks are taken straight out of Nosferatu, and his suave old-world hypnotism is replaced by grunts and growls; and yeah ok, his right hand man is no longer the gaunt, bald, menacing presence as he was in the novel, but here acts more like a Disney villain, but it’s still a fun watch nonetheless.

 

'Salem's Lot

image via Amazon

 

That being said I can’t neglect to praise where this film rocks! I have to give it to the ‘window scene.’ That moment still works and it’s been the nightmare fuel for many viewers over the years. Also, even though I may not have cared for Barlow’s (Reggie Nalder) growling performance, I did love the vampire makeup and effects. Seeing the undead fiends hovering above the ground with eternal hunger and predatory patience makes the movie a must-see experience.

 

image via giphy

 

There is a 2004 remake floating around out there, and yeah I’ve seen it. I just can’t remember the damn thing at all. It was that forgettable. This one though will stay with me and it deserves to be considered a classic.

Ok with all that said, I can’t help but think this story is set for a PROPER remake. Stephen King’s works all seem to be part of a remake craze right now, and good thing too! I’m excited. With things like IT, The Stand, and Tommy Knockers all slated for the future I’d like to return to the shadowy streets of ‘Salem’s Lot.

 

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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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