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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer/Editor Ellen Datlow (THE DARK, TWISTS OF THE TALE, POE: 19 NEW TALES INSPIRED BY EDGAR ALLEN POE, INFERNO, LOVECRAFT UNBOUND, BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR 1, LETHAL KISSES, DARKNESS: TWO DECADES OF MODERN HORROR, TALES OF WONDER AND IMAGINATION, and way more) is 69.
Actor Anthony Hopkins (AUDREY ROSE, MAGIC, DESPERATE HOURS, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, FREEJACK, DRACULA [1992], THE EDGE, INSTINCT, TITUS, HANNIBAL, HEARTS IN ATLANTIS, RED DRAGON, THE HUMAN STAIN, FRACTURE, BEOWULF, THE WOLF MAN, THE RITE, THOR [all], ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO, SOLACE, BLACKWAY, WESTWORLD [TV]) who is 81. In 2014, look for Anthony in the Mystery Thriller, SOLACE.
Actor Embeth Davidtz (MUTATOR, SWEET MURDER, ARMY OF DARKNESS, MURDER IN THE FIRST, FALLEN, THE GINGERBREAD MAN, LAST RITES, SIMON MAGUS, THE HOLE, THIR13EN GHOSTS, FRACTURE, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, EUROPA REPORT, PARANOIA) is 54.
Writer/Artist James O'Barr (Comic: THE CROW, THE CROW: SHATTERED LIVES AND BROKEN DREAMS, THE Movie: THE CROW) is 60.
Actor Writer / Director / Producer Sean S. Cunningham (THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, FRIDAY THE 13TH [all], HOUSE, HOUSE II, DEEPSTAR SIX, MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK, JASON X, FREDDY VS. JASON, FRIDAY THE 13TH [2009], THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT [2009]) is 77.
And On Sunday -
Actor Eliza Dushku (SOUL SURVIVORS, WRONG TURN, ANGEL [TV], BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], TRU CALLING [TV], THE ALPHABET KILLER, THE THACKER CASE, OPEN GRAVES, THE DOLL HOUSE [TV], TORCHWOOD [TV], LOCKED IN, HULK AND THE AGENTS OF S.M.A.S.H., THE SCRIBBLER, ELOISE) is 38.
Writer / Director / Producer / Actor Lloyd Kaufman (SUGAR COOKIES, MOTHER'S DAY, THE TOXIC AVENGER, CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH, SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D., HELLINGER, TERROR FIRMER, POULTRYGEIST, SLITHER, and over 100 more) is 73.
Actor Ellen Sandweiss (THE EVIL DEAD, SATAN'S PLAYGROUND, THE DREAD, BRUTAL MASSACRE: A COMEDY, THE RAIN) is 60.
And On Saturday -
Actor Jude Law (GATTACA, FINAL CUT, THE WISDOM OF CROCODILES, eXistenZ, THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, SLEUTH, SHERLOCK HOLMES, REPO MEN, CONTAGION, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, SIDE EFFECTS, BLACK SEA, FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDLEWALD, ) is 46.
Look for Jude's upcoming 2019 Mystery Thriller, THE RHYTHM SECTION. Also in 2019, CAPTAIN MARVEL.

Actor Barbara Steele (BLACK SUNDAY, PIT AND THE PENDULUM [1961], THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK, THE GHOST, CASTLE OF BLOOD, THE MONOCLE, THE LONG HAIR OF DEATH, NIGHTMARE CASTLE, SHE BEAST, AN ANGEL FOR SATAN, CURSE OF THE CRIMSON ALTAR, THEY CAME FROM WITHIN, PIRANHA [1978], THE SILENT SCREAM, THE PROPHET, HER MORBID DESIRES, THE BUTTERFLY ROOM, LOST RIVER, MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT) is 81.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
A Final Happy Birthday farewell to -
Writer, Publisher, Producer Stan Lee (Over 60 years of Marvel Comics plus, SPIDER-MAN [TV - Animated], THE HULK [TV], DR. STRANGE [all], THE PUNISHER [all], BLADE [all], X-MEN [all], SPIDER-MAN [all], DAREDEVIL, ELEKTRA, MAN-THING, THE INCREDIBLE HULK [all], FANTASTIC FOUR [all], IRON MAN [all], GHOST RIDER [all], X-MEN: WOLVERINE [all], THOR [all], CAPTAIN AMERICA [all], THE AVENGERS [all], AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. [TV], GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY [all], DEADPOOL [all], JESSICA JONES [TV], LUKE CAGE [TV], THE DEFENDERS [TV], THE PUNISHER [TV], BLACK PANTHER, LEGION [TV], CLOAK AND DAGGER [TV], and way more! The man has been at this since 1942!) would be 96 today.
Look for Stan's upcoming posthumous 2019 Thrillers, CAPTAIN MARVEL, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, DARK PHOENIX, SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, and THE NEW MUTANTS.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Barbara Crampton (FROM BEYOND, RE-ANIMATOR, BODY DOUBLE, CHOPPING MALL, PUPPET MASTER, CASTLE FREAK, THE SISTERHOOD, THE LORDS OF SALEM, YOU'RE NEXT, THE LAST SURVIVORS, WE ARE STILL HERE, SUN CHOKE, TALES OF HALLOWEEN, ROAD GAMES [2015], BLOOD BROTHERS, BEYOND THE GATES, DAY OF RECKONING, REPLACE, DEATH HOUSE, DEAD NIGHT, PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH, CHANNEL ZERO, REBORN, STAY OUT STAY ALIVE) is 56.
Barbara Shares a December birthday with her CHOPPING MALL alumni, Richard "Dick" Miller and her oft-time collaborator,
Writer / Director / Producer Charles Band (LASERBLAST, TOURIST TRAP, PARASITE, TERRORVISION, DOLLS, FROM BEYOND, PUPPET MASTER, DEMONIC TOYS, NETHERWORLD, EVIL BONG [all], PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH, and that's as far as I'll go because the man has been involved with over 230 freaking Horror Thriller movies already!) is 67.

Today's birthday girl has been involved in Horror Thrillers and dark fantasy since, well since the start! Happy Birthday to
Actor Emilie de Ravin (BEASTMASTER [TV], ROSWELL [TV], CARRIE [2002], SANTA'S SLAY, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], LOST [TV]) is 36.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Kit Harington (GAMES OF THRONES [TV], SILENT HILL 3D, SEVENTH SON, BRIMSTONE) is 32.
Actor Joshua John Miller (HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, RIVER'S EDGE, NEAR DARK, MEET THE HOLLOWHEADS, CLASS OF 1999, THE GHOST WRITER [1990], AND YOU THOUGHT YOUR PARENTS WERE WEIRD, THE WIZARD OF GORE) is 39.

Musician Lars Ulrich (METALLICA: RIDE THE LIGHTENING, MASTER OF PUPPETS, ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, S&M) is 55.

IT'S A HAPPY HORROR THRILLER DICK MILLER CHRISTMAS BIRTHDAY!
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Richard 'Dick' Miller (IT CONQUERED THE WORLD, NOT OF THIS EARTH [1957], THE UNDEAD [1957], A BUCKET OF BLOOD, THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS [1960], THE PREMATURE BURIAL, THE TERROR, NIGHT CALL NURSES, THE YOUNG NURSES, PIRANHA, THE HOWLING, WHITE DOG, TWILIGHT ZONE: The Movie, GREMLINS, THE TERMINATOR, CHOPPING MALL, GREMLINS 2, EVIL TOONS, TALES FROM THE CRYPT: DEMON KNIGHT, TRAIL OF THE SCREAMING FOREHEAD, and way more) is 90.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror writer Robert Dunbar (THE PINES, TEMPLES OF JAGNNATH PURI, MARTYRS AND MONSTERS, THE SHORE, THE STREETS, WILLY) is gettin' purty old, but he's still purty!
Writer Nicholas Meyer (INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS, JUDGE DEE AND THE MONASTERY MURDERS,THE SEVEN-PERCENT SOLUTION, TIME AFTER TIME, STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, THE HUMAN STAIN, ORPHEUS) is 72.
Horror writer Stephenie Meyer (TWILIGHT [all], THE HOST) is 45.
Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Scott Spiegel (THE EVIL DEAD, EVIL DEAD II, INTRUDER, THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, ROBOT NINJA, SKINNED ALIVE, DARKMAN, WHERE TRUTH LIES, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2, SPIDER-MAN [2002], 2001 MANIACS, HOSTEL II, DRAG ME TO HELL, HOSTEL III, DARK ASCENSION) is 61.
And On Sunday -
Actor Frederic Forrest (THE CONVERSATION, THE EXECUTIONER, IT LIVES AGAIN, HAMMET, RETURN, WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?, GOTHAM, CAT CHASER, MUSIC BOX, TWIN SISTERS, RAIN WITHOUT THUNDER, HIDDEN FEARS, FALLIN DOWN, TRAUMA, DOUBLE OBSESSION, THE END OF VIOLENCE, BOOGIE BOY, SHADOW LAKE, THE SPREADING GROUND, THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR) is 81.
Writer Stephen A. North (BENEATH THE MASK, DEAD TIDE, BARREN EARTH [with Eric S. Brown], DEAD TIDE: RISING) is around 57 or so.
Actor Joan Severance (THE RUNESTONE, WRITE TO KILL, ILLICIT BEHAVIOR, CRIMINAL PASSION, PAYBACK [1995], DANGEROUS INDISCRETION, HARD EVIDENCE, BLACK SCORPION, PROFILE FOR MURDER, BLACK SCORPION II: AFTERSHOCK, THE LAST SEDUCTION II, CAUSE OF DEATH, MYSTERY WOMAN, TAYLOR, LAST SUNSET, WICKED WICKED GAMES [TV], BORN [2007]) is 61.
Actor Estella Warren (PLANET OF THE APES [2001], TANGLED [2001], I ACCUSE, TRESPASSING, PURSUED, TAPHEPHOBIA, LIES AND CRIMES, BLUE SEDUCTION, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [2009], IRREVERSI, THE STRANGER WITHIN, NOCTURNA, DECOMMISSIONED, FEEL THE DEAD [TV], AGE OF THE LIVING DEAD [TV]) is 41.
Look for Estella in the upcoming 2019 Horror Thrillers, THE BEGINNING: FEEL THE DEAD [TV].
And On Saturday -
Writer/ Actor Trent Haaga (TERROR FIRMER, CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV, MULVA: ZOMBIE ASS KICKER!, KILLJOY [all], HELL ASYLUM, ZOMBIEGEDDON, THE GHOULS, DEVIL'S MOON, TALES FROM THE CRAPPER, DR. HORROR'S EROTIC HOUSE OF IDIOTS, GAG, THE DEVIL'S MUSE, GIMMIE SKELTER, DEAD GIRL, PSYCHO HOLOCAUST, JESSICKA RABID, FETCH, and way more) is 47.
Writer Rick Klaw (WEIRD BUSINESS, GEEK CONFIDENTIAL) is 51.
Writer Charles De Lint (THE ONION GIRL, MOONHEART, THE BLUE GIRL, LITTLE (GRRL) LOST, THE MYSTERY OF GRACE, MUSE AND REVERIE, THE PAINTED BOY) is 67.
Actor Dina Meyer (JOHNNY MNEMONIC, STARSHIP TROOPERS, NOWHERE LAND, BATS, STRANGER THAN FICTION, TIME LAPSE, D-TOX, UNSPEAKABLE, STAR TREK: NEMESIS, SAW, SAW II, SAW III, SAW IV, CRAZY EIGHTS, DECOYS 2, THE LOST, PIRANHA [2010], UNDERTOW) is 50.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor AJ Bowen (CREEPSHOW III, THE SIGNAL, MAIDENHEAD, THE SEASON, THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, HATCHET 2, A HORRIBLE WAY TO DIE, CHILLERAMA, RITES OF SPRING, AMONG FRIENDS, YOU'RE NEXT, THE SACRAMENT, Tom Holland's TWISTED TALES, THE RECONSTRUCTION OF WILLIAM ZERO, SYNCHRONICITY, DEAD NIGHT, EDGE OF INSANITY) is 41.
Look for AJ in the 2019 Horror Thriller, SATANIC PANIC. Also for 2019, NIGHT SKY, and A MAN IN THE DARK.
Editor and publisher Richard Chizmar (CEMETERY DANCE Magazine, SHIVERS anthologies) is 53.
Actor Samuel L. Jackson (THE EXORCIST III, JURASSIC PARK, SPHERE, DEEP BLUE SEA, UNBREAKABLE, KILL BILL Vol. 2, THE INCREDIBLES, SNAKES ON A PLANE, 1408, JUMPER, LAKEVIEW TERRACE, THE SPIRIT, UNTHINKABLE, IRON MAN 2, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, THE AVENGERS, MEETING EVIL, THE SAMARITAN, OLDBOY, ROBOCOP [2014], CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER'S SOLDIER, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, CELL, MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN, KONG: SKULL ISLAND, CELL, THE INCREDIBLES 2) is 69.
In 2019, expect Samuel in the M. Night Shyamalan comeback vehicle, GLASS, the Marvel movie, CAPTAIN MARVEL, and SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME.

Producer Steven Mnuchin (WINTER'S TALE, EDGE OF TOMORROW, ANNABELLE, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL [2016], BATMAN VS SUPERMAN, THE CONJURING 2, LIGHTS OUT, SUICIDE SQUAD, THE MIDNIGHT MAN, UNFORGETTABLE, WONDER WOMAN [2017], ANNABELLE: CREATION) is 56.
Actor Jack Noseworthy (BARB WIRE, THE TRIGGER EFFECT, BREAKDOWN, EVENT HORIZON, IDLE HANDS, CECIL B DEMENTED, SURROGATES, JULIA, THE NURSE, NEEDLESTICK) is 49.
Actor Kiefer Sutherland (THE LOST BOYS, THE KILLING TIME, FLATLINERS, TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME, THE VANISHING, ARMITAGE III: POLY MATRIX, DARK CITY, AFTER ALICE, THE RIGHT TEMPTATION, PHONE BOOTH, TAKING LIVES, 24 [TV], MIRRORS, MONSTERS VS. ALIENS, TWELVE, MELANCHOLIA, THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST, TOUCH [TV], 24, TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES, FLATLINERS [2017], DESIGNATED SURVIVOR [TV]) is 52.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jenny Agutter (LOGAN'S RUN, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED, EQUUS, DOMINIQUE, THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS, THE SURVIVOR [1981], AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, DARK TOWER, CHILD'S PLAY 2, MI-5 [TV], NUMBER ONE, LONG. NUMBER TWO, REGRET, MARPLE: WHAT MRS. MCGILLICUDDY SAW, THE MAGIC DOOR, ACT OF GOD, GLORIOUS 39, BURKE AND HARE, THE AVENGERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER) is 66.
SFX Artist Howard Berger (DAY OF THE DEAD, EVIL DEAD II, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER, CHILD'S PLAY, PREDATOR, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5: THE DREAM CHILD, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, TREMORS, ARMY OF DARKNESS, IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, SCREAM, THE NIGHT FLIER, SPAWN, SCREAM 2, PHANTOMS, THE FACULTY, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2, THE HAUNTING [1999], THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL [1999], THE GREEN MILE, BATS, THE CELL, UNBREAKABLE, MULHOLLAND DR., GHOSTS OF MARS, CABIN FEVER, HULK, LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, KILL BILL 1 & 2, SIN CITY, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], LAND OF THE DEAD, THE ISLAND, SERENITY, HOSTEL, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], Masters of Horror: INCIDENT ON AND OFF A MOUNTAIN ROAD, DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE, DANCE OF THE DEAD, PICK ME UP, SICK GIRL, THE FAIR HAIRED CHILD, HOMECOMING, VALERIE ON THE STAIRS, THE DAMNED THING, THE V-WORD, PRO-LIFE, THE SCREW FLY SOLUTION, RIGHT TO DIE, PRIMEVAL, DEATH PROOF, PLANET TERROR, TRANSFORMERS, THE MIST, MIRRORS, THE UNBORN, DRAG ME TO HELL, THE FINAL DESTINATION, SURROGATES, THE BOOK OF ELI, PREDATORS, PIRANHA [2010], THE WALKING DEAD [TV], OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, ANNABELLE, and way, way more!) is 57 or something.
Howard shares a December birthday with fellow KILL BILL alumni, Daryl Hannah, Lucy Lui, and Larry Bishop. Howard also shares a December birthday with fellow Masters of Horror alumni, Tony Todd and Mick Garris.
Actor Nicole de Boer (PROM NIGHT IV, BEYOND REALITY [TV], JUNGLEGROUND, CUBE, MISSION GENESIS [TV], THE DEAD ZONE [2002], Stephen King's THE DEAD ZONE [TV], TIES THAT BIND, NYC: TORNADO TERROR, SUCK, IRON INVADER, METAL TORNADO, SECRETS FROM HER PAST, MY MOTHER'S SECRET, HAVEN [TV], WHERE'S MY BABY?, CORRUPT) is 50.
Musician Peter Criss (KISS: PSYCHO CIRCUS. As Actor: KISS MEETS THE PHANTOM OF THE PARK) who is 71.
There are very few who are more of a staple of Horror Thriller from Hong Kong than,
Director Ricky Lau (MR. VAMPIRE [all], PI LI DA LA BA, YOUNG MASTER VAMPIRE, JIANG SHI ZHOU YAO, GUI YAO GUI, DEMON INTRUDER, ROMANCE OF THE VAMPIRES, and way more) is 71.
Actor Ramon Rodriguez (DAYBREAK [TV], THE WIRE [TV], THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, BATTLE LOS ANGELES, IRON FIST [TV], THE DEFENDERS [TV], ) is 38.
Writer, Director Eduardo Sánchez (THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, ALTERED, SEVENTH MOON, PARA ABNORMAL, LOVELY MOLLY, EXISTS, SUPERNATURAL [TV], FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: The Series [TV]) is 50.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Illusionist Chris Angel (MINDFREAK [TV], HECKLER, PHENOMENON [TV]) is 51.
Actor Jennifer Beals (THE BRIDE, VAMPIRE'S KISS, DOCTEUR M., TERROR STALKS THE CLASS REUNION [TV], INDECENCY, NIGHT OWL, DEAD ON SIGHT, DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS, THE PROHECY II, THE SPREE, WITHOUT MALICE, AFTER THE STORM, RUNAWAY JURY, TROUBLED WATERS, THE GRUDGE 2, THE BOOK OF ELI, LIE TO ME [TV], WIDOW DETECTIVE, A WIFE'S NIGHTMARE, PROOF [TV], BEFORE I FALL, WHITE ORCHID) is 55.
Look for Jennifer in the upcoming 2019 TV series, SWAMP THING.
SWAMP THING, originally created by Bernie Wrightson for DC comics, has James Wan (SAW) and Len Wiseman (UNDERWORLD) attached as Executive Producers.
In addition to Jennifer, Virginia Madsen (CANDYMAN, THE PROPHECY, THE HAUNTING, THE NUMBER 23, THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT) and Will Patton (THE PUPPET MASTERS, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, THE FOURTH KIND) are also regular characters throughout the first season, with Derek Mears (PREDATORS) as the Swamp Thing.
Actor/Production Designer Jack Fisk (MESSIAH OF EVIL, TERMINAL ISLAND, CARRIE, ERASERHEAD, PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, DEATH GAME, MULHOLLAND DRIVE, INVASION) is 73.
Actor/Director John Gulager (FEAST [all], PIRANHA 3DD, DANCES WITH WEREWOLVES, ZOMBIE NIGHT, HELLRAISER: JUDGEMENT, CHILDREN OF THE CORN: RUNAWAY) is 62.
Writer S.D. Hintz (THE OFFERING) is 43.
Actor Alyssa Milano (DOUBLE DRAGON, EMBRACE OF THE VAMPIRE, DEADLY SINS, POISON IVY II, FEAR, BODY COUNT, CHARMED [TV], PATHOLOGY, MISTRESSES) is 46.
Actor Kristy Swanson (DEADLY FRIEND, FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC, HIGHWAY TO HELL, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, SOUL ASSASSIN, ZEBRA LOUNGE, SILENCE, FORBIDDEN SECRETS, THE BLACK HOLE [2006], LIVING DEATH, SWAMP SHARK, A MOTHER'S SACRIFICE, BAD STEPMOTHER, KILLER UNDER THE BED) is 49.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Casper Van Dien (THE COLONY, NIGHT SCREAM, CASPER: A SPIRITED BEGINNING, STARSHIP TROOPERS, MODERN VAMPIRES, SHARK ATTACK, THE COLLECTORS, THE OMEGA CODE, THE TIME SHIFTERS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, PYTHON, ROAD RAGE, SANCTIMONY, SKELETON MAN, DRACULA 3000, PREMONITION, MELTDOWN, , THE CURSE OF KING TUT'S TOMB, SLAYER, STARSHIP TROOPERS 3, MASK OF THE NINJA, THE PACT, SHIVER, ASSUMED KILLER, HIGHER MISSION, FIRE TWISTER, SHARKTOPUS VS MERMANTULA) is 50.
Look for Casper in the upcoming 2014 Thrillers, . He'll also be in Roger Corman's .
Actor Katie Holmes (DISTURBING BEHAVIOR, TEACHING MRS. TINGLE, THE GIFT, PHONE BOOTH, ABANDON, BATMAN BEGINS, DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, THE SON OF NO ONE) is 40.
Katie shares a December Birthday with her fellow DISTURBING BEHAVIOR alumni, Nick Stahl.
She also shares a December birthday with her fellow THE GIFT alumni, Giovanni Ribisi.
Writer / Director / Producer Steven Spielberg (NIGHT GALLERY [TV], DUEL [TV], SOMETHING EVIL [TV], SAVAGE [TV], JAWS, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK [all], POLTERGEIST, TWILIGHT ZONE: The Movie, JURASSIC PARK [all], SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, MINORITY REPORT, WAR OF THE WORLDS, MONSTER HOUSE, TRANSFORMERS, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, SUPER 8, COWBOYS AND ALIENS, FALLING SKIES [TV], TERRA NOVA [TV], THE RIVER [TV], MEN IN BLACK III, JURASSIC WORLD, and more) is 71.
Steven shares a December birthday with his WAR OF THE WORLDS actor, Miranda Otto.
ROBOPOCALYPSE enters its eighth year of pre-production with an anticipated release of 2019. Steven Speilberg is out of the director's chair and his minion, Michael Bay (TRANSFORMERS), is in.
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE enters its 12th year of pre-production with Steven Speilberg out of the director's chair and Stephen Sommers (DEEP RISING) in. Is it gonna happen for 2019?
Oh, and for those Indie filmmakers who think life would be "so much easier" if they were Steven Spielberg?
HA!
Just because you're Steven Spielberg doesn't mean investors are throwing money at you.
So stop whining about who you aren't and work on who you want to be!

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Milla Jovovich (RESIDENT EVIL [all], HOUSE ON TURK STREET, ULTRAVIOLET, A PERFECT GETAWAY, THE FOURTH KIND, STONE, FACES IN THE CROWD, FUTUREWORLD [2018]) who is 43.
Look for Milla in the upcoming Horror Thrillers for 2019, HELLBOY and MONSTER HUNTER.
Actor Bill Pullman (THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW, BRAIN DEAD [1990], LIEBESTRAUM, MALICE, CASPER, LOST HIGHWAY, THE END OF VIOLENCE, ZERO EFFECT, LAKE PLACID, THE GUILTY, 29 PALMS, THE GRUDGE [USA - 2004], REVELATIONS [TV], ALIEN AUTOPSY, SCARY MOVIE 4, SURVEILLANCE, THE KILLER INSIDE ME, PEACOCK, TORCHWOOD [TV], AMERICAN ULTRA, THE SINNER [TV]) is 64.
Look for Bill in the upcoming 2019 Thriller, THE COLDEST GAME.
This birthday boy has always skirted the edges of Horror, Thriller, Mystery, and Suspense, but since 2000, it has become his main body of work. Happy Birthday to
Actor Giovanni Ribisi (MIND RIPPER, THE GRAVE, LOST HIGHWAY, THE VIRGIN SUICIDES, THE GIFT, BASIC, I LOVE YOUR WORK, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, 10th & WOLF, THE DEAD GIRL, PERFECT STRANGER, AVATAR, COLUMBUS CIRCLE, SNEAKY PETE [TV], THE BAD BATCH) is 44.
Look for Giovani in all of the scheduled AVATARS 2 through 5 all currently being filmed at the same time.
Actor Sean Patrick Thomas (COURAGE UNDER FIRE, CONSPIRACY THEORY, CRUEL INTENTIONS, DRACULA 2000, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, BATMAN: MYSTERY OF THE BATWOMAN, THE BURROWERS [2007 - TV], THE BURROWERS, REAPER, RINGER [TV], MURDER ON THE 13TH FLOOR, THE SELECTION, DEEP IN THE DARKNESS, THE MURDER PACT) is 47.
Sean shares a December birthday with his DRACULA 2000 alumni, Christopher Plummer.
Look for Sean in the upcoming 2019 Horror Thriller, THE CURSE OF LA LLARONA.
SUNDAY -
Actor Ben Cross (THE UNHOLY [1988], PAPERHOUSE, EYE OF THE WIDOW, NIGHTLIFE, DARK SHADOWS [TV - 1990], LIVE WIRE, LES AUDACIEUX, COLD SWEAT, THE HOUSE THAT MARY BOUGHT, HELLFIRE, TEMPTRESS, TURBULENCE, THE INVADER, EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING, ICON, S.S. DOOMTROOPER, WICKED LITTLE THINGS, SPECIES: THE AWAKENING, STAR TREK [2009], HELLHOUNDS, BLACK FOREST, BANSHEE [TV]) is 71.
Actor Miranda Otto (THE 13TH FLOOR [1988], WHAT LIES BENEATH, CLOSE YOUR EYES, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING, IN MY FATHER'S DEN, WAR OF THE WORLDS [2005], IN HER SKIN, I AM YOU) is 51.
Look for Miranda's upcoming 2013 2014 Horror Thriller, I, FRANKENSTEIN.
Writer James L. Tamarin (various short stories) is 46.
SATURDAY -
Writer and Film maker Todd Tjersland (LEGION OF THE NIGHT, ANTI-HERO, THE NECRO FILES, FACES OF GORE [1 THRU 3], MISLED, NECRO FILES 2, MIDNIGHT MOVIE MADNESS) is 48. Visit Todd at ZombieNovel.com.
Actor Brendan Fletcher (CONTAGIOUS [TV], THE UNSAID, DE GROT, FREDDY VS. JASON, GINGER SNAPS: UNLEASHED, THE FINAL CUT, GINGER SNAPS BACK, TIDELAND, MOJAVE, ALONE IN THE DARK, MASTERS OF HORROR: THE DAMNED THING [TV], RAMPAGE, BLOODRAYNE II, OGRE, BLOODRAYNE III: THE THIRD REICH, BLUBBERELLA, 13 EERIE, THE KILLING [TV], SUDDENLY, ALTERGEIST, LOST SOLACE, iZOMBIE [TV], DISTORTED, OPEN 24 HOURS, NOMIS, ARROW [TV], , and way more) is 37.T
Actor Ralph Ineson (FROM HELL, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 1, HARRY POTTER AN THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 2, INTRUDERS, GAME OF THRONES [TV], GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, THE WITCH, ABSENTIA [TV], READY PLAYER ONE) is 49.
Look for Ralph in the upcoming Thriller, THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Azrael Paul Damien (CONVICT GRADE) is 39.
Writer Mike Korn (CONFESSIONS OF A GHOUL, SKIMMING THE GUMBO NUCLEAR, ALL THE MUTANT TRASH IN ALL THE GALAXIES, RACHMANINOFF'S GHOST) is 55.
Actor Ted Raimi (THE EVIL DEAD, BLOOD RAGE, STRYKER'S WAR, EVIL DEAD II, DARKMAN, CANDYMAN, ARMY OF DARKNESS, WISHMASTER, THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, SPIDER-MAN [all], THE GRUDGE, MAN WITH THE SCREAMING BRAIN, Masters of Horror: THE DAMNED THING, MY NAME IS BRUCE, MILLENNIUM CRISES, THE MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN, DRAG ME TO HELL, ANGEL OF DEATH, OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, MURDER OF A CAT, DARKNESS RISING, ASH VS THE EVIL DEAD [TV], DEADWAX [TV]) is 53.
SFX Artist Kevin Quattro (THE JACKYL, ROUGHNECKS: THE STARSHIP TROOPER CHRONICLES [TV], ANGEL [TV], FIREFLY [TV], BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], BATTLESTAR GALACTICA [TV-2003], SERENITY, THE INVASION, CSI [TV], TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNER CHRONICLES [TV], THE INVASION, FALLING SKIES [TV], LOVE [2011], ATLAS SHRUGGED II, TELEIOS) is 45.
Writer Jeff Strand (SINGLE WHITE PSYCHOPATH SEEKS SAME, GRAVEROBBERS WANTED, THE SINISTER MR. CORPSE, PRESSURE, BENJAMIN'S PARASITE, and more) is 47.
Actor Dee Wallace (THE STEPFORD WIVES, THE HILLS HAVE EYES, THE HOWLING, CUJO, CRITTERS, SHADOW PLAY, POPCORN, ALLIGATOR II, TEMPTRESS, THE FRIGHTENERS, DEADLY DELUSIONS, KILLER INSTINCT, OUT OF THE BLACK, DEAD END ROAD, BOO!, SCAR, ABOMINABLE, VOODOO MOON, THE PLAGUE, THE LOST, LITTLE RED DEVIL, THE STALKER WITHIN, THE OCEAN, THE I SCREAM MAN, THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, STEM CELL, RAVEN, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, THE RAIN, CAGE FREE, SEBASTIAN, POUND OF FLESH, FUZZ TRACK CITY, EXIT HUMANITY, THE LORDS OF SALEM, BEYOND, GRAND PIANO, HANSEL & GRETEL, UNHALLOWED, ALIENS FROM URANUS, HANSEL & GRETEL 2013, ROBO CROC, GRIMM [TV], HAUNTING OF CELLBLOCK 11, 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH, ZK: ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD, THE WHISPERS, RED CHRISTMAS, IMPURATUS, DEATH HOUSE, AYLA, OUIJA HOUSE, BEYOND THE SKY, and way more) is 69.
Look for Dee in the 2019 Horror, THREE FROM HELL, and BITS.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Brett McBean (THE LAST MOTEL, THE MOTHER, TORMENT, TALES OF SIN AND MADNESS) is 40.
Actor Tanya van Graan (STARSHIP TROOPERS: MARAUDER, MAD COW, LOST BOYS: THE THIRST, DEATH RACE 2, DEATH RACE: INFERNO, ZULU, DIE SPOOK VAN UNIONDALE, DEADLY LEAKS [all], 24 HOURS TO LIVE, THE DATING GAME KILLER, TREMORS: A COLD DAY IN HELL, DEAD IN THE WATER) is 35.
Look for Tanya in the upcoming 2019 Horror Thriller, THE EMPTY MAN.
Actor Charlotte Milchard (SUNSTROKE, MINDFLESH, THE FOURTH KIND) is 41.
Actor Christopher Plummer (TRIPLE CROSS, THE NIGHT OF GENERALS, THE HIGH COMMISSIONER, THE PYX, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE, CONDUCT UNBECOMING, THE ASSIGNMENT, THE DISAPPEARANCE, EYEWITNESS, THE AMATEUR, PROTOTYPE, DREAMSCAPE, ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE, LIGHTYEARS, VAMPIRE IN VENICE, SHADOW DANCING, MINDFIELD, RED BLOODED AMERICAN GIRL, FIREHEAD, MONEY, LIAR'S EDGE, WOLF, DOLORES CLAIRBORNE, TWELVE MONKEYS, SKELETONS, THE CLOWN AT MIDNIGHT, HIDDEN AGENDA, THE INSIDER, POSSESSED, DRACULA 2000, COLD CREEK MANOR, INSIDE MAN, 9, PRIEST, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE FORGER, REMEMBER, HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE FROZEN KINGDOM, HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE [all], over 180 titles in all!) is 89.
Writer Norman Prentiss (FOUR LEGS IN THE MORNING, INVISIBLE FENCES) who is 57 or something.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Mädchen Amick (THE BORROWERS, TWIN PEAKS [TV], SLEEPWALKERS, TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME, DREAM LOVER, LOVE, CHEAT & STEAL, WOUNDED, BOMBSHELL, TWIST OF FATE, THE HUNTED, THE LIST, THE HANGMAN [2001], THE RATS [2002], GLOBAL EFFECT, LIES AND DECEPTION, MY OWN WORST ENEMY [TV], DAMAGES [TV], PRIEST, TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES, THE WITCHES OF EAST END [TV], AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], TWIN PEAKS [TV - 2017], RIVERDALE [TV]) is 48.
Actor Jennifer Connelly (PHENOMENA, LABYRINTH, MULHOLLAND FALLS, DARK CITY, WAKING THE DEAD, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, HULK, DARK WATER, RESERVATION ROAD, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL [2008], 9, SALVATION BOULEVARD, WINTER'S TALE, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING) is 48.
Look for Jennifer's upcoming 2019 Thriller, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL. Directed by Robert Rodriguez and co-wrote and produced by James Cameron. Based on the graphic novel series, GUNM by Yukito Kishiro.
Also for 2019, Jennifer will be in SNOWPIERCER The Series [TV]. Based on the comic series LE TRANSPERCENEIGE by Jean-Marc Rochette, Benjamin Legrand, and Jacques Lob.

Writer Howard Hopkins (NIGHT DEMONS, GRIMM, THE DARK RIDERS, PISTOLERO, SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE CROSSOVER CASEBOOK, THE GRAY NEMESIS, THE NIGHTMARE CLUB, THE SPIDER: JUDGEMENT NIGHT) is 55.
He's been acting since 1977, but it wasn't until 2003 that his career took a turn for Horror Thriller. We happily embraced him right back. Happy Birthday to -
Actor Bill Nighy (THE LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [1989], UNDERWORLD [all], SHAUN OF THE DEAD, ENDURING LOVE, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST, HOT FUZZ, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, VALKYRIE, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 1, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 2, WRATH OF THE TITANS, TOTAL RECALL [2012], I, FRANKENSTEIN, THE WORLD'S END, THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM) is 69.
Bill Nighy shares a December Birthday month with his UNDERWORLD alumni, Composer Paul Haslinger.
Writer, Director J.A. Steel (VERTEX, SALVATION, DENIZEN, BLOOD FARE, DENIZEN: DESCENT [TV]) is 48.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ben Browder (A KISS BEFORE DYING, MARTIAN LAW, THE SKY'S ON FIRE, FARSCAPE [TV], FARSCAPE: THE PEACEKEEPER WARS, A KILLER WITHIIN, STARGATE SG-1 [TV], STARGATE: THE ARK OF TRUTH, STARGATE: CONTINUUM, BAD KIDS GO TO HELL, DEAD STILL, BAD KIDS OF CRESTVIEW ACADEMY, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2) is 56.
Look for Ben in the 2019 Horror movie, HOAX. Also in 2019, BEING.
Actor Lynda Day George (FEAR NO EVIL, DEATH AMONG FRIENDS, DAY OF THE ANIMALS, ANTS, CRUISE INTO TERROR, BEYOND EVIL, PIECES, MORTUARY) is 74.
Music Performer, Composer Paul Haslinger (MIRACLE MILE, SPAWN, PITCH BLACK, RED PLANET, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES, MINORITY REPORT, LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER, UNDERWORLD, CRANK, TURISTAS, UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION, VACANCY, PROM NIGHT (2008), DEATH RACE (2008), UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS, AFTER.LIFE, DEATH RACE 2, UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD [TV], THE MESSENGERS [TV], RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER, WILDING, RIDE, THE PERFECTION) is 56.
Look for Paul's 2020 Horror Thriller, MONSTER HUNTER, based on the Capcom game and written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, starring Milla Jovovich (obviously).

GODZILLA DROP

And

BRIGHTBURN
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
James Gunn (DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], SLITHER) is back in Horror territory and Sony has him.

A bow to Jeffrey Reddick (FINAL DESTINATION) and his Twitter feed where I first saw this.

Plus

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Review by
E.C. McMullen Jr.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY begins with Christmas carolers at the door of the Addams' estate. High over the caroler's heads, the family looks down upon them.

Merry Mishaps occur. Every hardcore Chas. Addams fan knows this scene from a particular comic one pane.

It would seem an impossible task. Please all the folks who remembered and loved the old THE ADDAMS FAMILY television show.

They were a small but significant audience, who were still keeping the syndicated series alive. Yet they were as mysterious and spooky as THE ADDAMS FAMILY themselves (no one knew if they were as ooky). But since this was in the days prior to the Internet, and there weren't people like me on message boards, ready to trash the flick if it displeased us, Orion and Paramount thought it was worth the risk: Make a movie about THE ADDAMS FAMILY without a single member of the original cast. Star Trek had a much larger audience, and they wouldn't dare try such a plot!

Also

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Monique Gata Dupree (POT ZOMBIES, BACHELOR PARTY IN THE BUNGALOW OF THE DAMNED, SKELETON KEY 2, TIMO ROSE'S BEAST, HEAVY MENTAL, ZOMBTHOLOGY, CAGED LESBOS A-GO-GO, BIKINI BLOOD BATH CHRISTMAS, THE HORROR VAULT 3, SPIRIT, SATAN HATES YOU, POST MORTEM AMERICA 2021, DEAD WOMAN'S HOLLOW, SKELETON KEY 3, THE CHAINSAW SALLY SHOW SEASON 2, NO STRINGS 2, LITTLE BIG BOY, PLAN 9, THE CREIGHTONVILLE TERROR, SHERIFF TOM VS. THE ZOMBIES, SEX, BLOOD, AND FAIRY TALES, SICKNESS) is 44.
Look for Monique in the upcoming 2019 Horror Thrillers, SHAKESPEARE SH*TSTORM.
Actor Nia Peeples (DEEPSTAR SIX, IMPROPER CONDUCT, DEADLOCKED: ESCAPE FROM ZONE 14, MR. STITCH, TERMINAL [1996], BLOODHOUNDS II, ALONE WITH A STRANGER, INSIDE OUT [2005], CONNOR'S WAR, BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES [2011], WEREWOLF: THE BEAST AMONG US, DARK DESIRE, 23 MINUTES TO SUNRISE, LAVALANTULA, MNEMOSYNE) is 57.
Actor Xavier Samuel (THE LOVED ONES, ROAD KILL, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, ANONYMOUS, BAIT, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2, PLUSH, FRANKENSTEIN [2015], THE DEATH AND LIFE OF OTTO BLOOM, BAD BLOOD [2017]) is 30.
SUNDAY -
Actor Michael Dorn (DEMON SEED, GARGOYLES [TV], STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT, STAR TREK: NEMESIS, THE PROPHET'S GAME, SHADOW HOURS, SHADE, DESCENT [TV], DANNY PHANTOM [TV], A.I. ASSAULT, FALLEN ANGELS, NIGHT SKIES, THE DEEP BELOW, STRANGE FRAME, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [TV - 2012 - 2017], ARROW [TV], MAN FROM EARTH: HOLOCENE, UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!) is 65.
Look for Michael's 2019 Thriller, AGENT II.
Actor Jesse Metcalf (INSANITARIUM, BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, THE TORTURED, CHASE [TV]) is 39.
SATURDAY -
Make-up Artist Rick Baker (IT'S ALIVE, SQUIRM, KING KONG [1976], THE INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN, THE FURY, THE HOWLING, THE FUNHOUSE, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, VIDEODROME, SOMETHING IS OUT THERE [TV], GREMLINS 2, WOLF, ED WOOD, THE FRIGHTENERS, MEN IN BLACK, MODERN VAMPIRES, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG [1998], PLANET OF THE APES [2001], MEN IN BLACK II, THE RING, HELLBOY, CURSED, THE RING II, X-MEN III, THE WOLFMAN, MEN IN BLACK 3, TRON: LEGACY, MALEFICENT and way more) who is 68.
Actor Dominic Monaghan (HOSTILE WATERS [TV], THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], LOST [TV], I SELL THE DEAD, FLASH FORWARD [TV], THE DAY, THE MILLIONAIRE TOUR, THE UNKNOWN [TV], PET, QUANTUM BREAK [TV], ATOMICA, A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHTMARE, MUTE) is 42.
Look for Dominic's upcoming 2019 Thriller, RADIOFLASH.
Dominic shares a birthday with fellow LOST alumni,
Actor Ian Somerhalder (PULSE, THE LOST SAMARITAN, FIREBALL, LOST [TV], THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], THE ANOMALY) is 40.
Look for Ian in the 2019 Horror Thriller, V-WARS [TV].
Actor Mary Woronov (KEMEK, SUGAR COOKIES, "SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHT", SEIZURE, DEATH RACE 2000, JACKSON COUNTY JAIL, EATING RAOUL, NIGHT OF THE COMET, THE MOVIE HOUSE MASSACRE, HELLHOLE, TERRORVISION, CHOPPING MALL, WARLOCK, THE HALFWAY HOUSE, FROG-G-G!, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, and far more) is 75.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME
Superhero comics are always thrilling. Sometimes they deal with mystery and often suspense.

For the Marvel movie fans who have been tracking the MCU since the first IRON MAN or CAPTAIN AMERICA, 2018's AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR added heartbreaking, nihilistic Horror to the mix: Powerful insane, evil disguised as empathy, won.

Today, Marvel dropped this,

And

GREMLINS
Review by
E.C. McMullen Jr.
GREMLINS is funny and action packed, but incredibly balanced and perfectly timed with some truly scary scenes. Director Joe Dante (THE HOWLING, GREMLINS 2, Masters of Horror: HOMECOMING, THE SCREWFLY SOLUTION), back in his SciFi Boy days, realized the fun Horror Thriller movie fans would have with a film that was fun as well as funny. GREMLINS is gross and horrific, without taking itself too seriously. Working off a script by Chris Columbus (Producer and Director of HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN), Joe Dante found the perfect balance and mix of everything that a Horror Thriller fan would love.

Plus

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Shiri Appleby (THE KILLING TIME, THE BITE, THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR, ROSWELL [TV], SWIMFAN, THE SKIN HORSE, UNDERTOW, THRILL OF THE KILL, THE KILLING FLOOR, UNSTABLE, THE DEVIL'S CANDY) is 40.
Actor Emily Browning (GHOST SHIP, DARKNESS FALLS, LEMONY SNICKET'S: A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, THE UNINVITED, SUCKER PUNCH, MAGIC MAGIC, PLUSH, AMERICAN GODS [TV]) is 30.
Actor Jennifer Carpenter (LETHAL EVICTION, THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, DEXTER [TV], QUARANTINE, SEEKING JUSTICE, THE FACTORY, GONE, THE FACTORY, THE DEVIL'S HAND) is 39.
Look for Jennifer in the upcoming 2019 Suspense Thriller THE ENEMY WITHIN [TV].
Jennifer shares a December birthday with her GONE alumni, Amanda Seyfried.
Writer, Actor, Director Adam Gierasch (ASYLUM, SPIDERS, CROCODILE, PANIC, DERAILED, RATS, TOOLBOX MURDERS, THE HOLLOW, MORTUARY, MOTHER OF TEARS, AUTOPSY, ROMAN, RED SANDS, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS, FERTILE GROUND, FRACTURED, BIG ASS SPIDER!, EXTREMITY, HE KNOWS YOUR EVERY MOVE) is 57 or something.
Actor C. Thomas Howell (THE HITCHER, TREACHEROUS, DARK REFLECTION, PAYBACK, KINDRED: THE EMBRACED [TV], PURE DANGER, ASYLUM DAYS, NURSIE, NET GAMES, THE HITCHER II, THE LOST ANGEL, THE HILLSIDE STRANGLER, A KILLER WITHIN, H.G. WELL'S WAR OF THE WORLDS, GLASS TRAP, TOXIC, THE THIRST: BLOOD WAR, HOME INVASION, RESTITUTION, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, WEDDING DAY, MoniKa, THE DEVIL'S DOZEN, AN AMISH MURDER, BIGFOOT WARS, GRIMM [TV], THE SIN SEER, BLOOD LUST, ATTACK OF THE KILLER DONUTS, THE SHADOW PEOPLE, SICK PEOPLE, OUTCAST [TV], STICHERS [TV], THE PUNISHER [TV], BEAST MODE, and more) who is 52.

ALIEN RAIDERS
Review by
E.C. McMullen Jr.
ALIEN RAIDERS is hardcore Horror Thriller and not in the gory sense (though there is that). This movie puts your adrenalin into overdrive with its fast paced timing, razor-wire threat, and the inability to know if these people are for real or if they are part of some whacked out conspiracy cult.

When that question is gruesomely answered, ALIEN RAIDERS goes turbo-charged.

This is thanks in large part to the direction of Ben Rock and writers Julia Fair (THE BELIEVERS) and David Simkins. Simkins career has particularly involved the weird. Simkins wrote or produced (or did both) TV shows like Bruce Campbell's The Adventures of Brisco County Junior, FREAKY LINKS, ROSWELL, CHARMED, ANGEL, DARK ANGEL, The Book of Daniel, BLADE: THE SERIES, and THE DRESDEN FILES.

Kudos must also go to Cinematographer, Walt Lloyd, for creating the mood of the scenes. The small spaces were suitably claustrophobic and the large areas felt exposed and dangerous. Seriously: such is the direction, camera blocking, and lighting that you actually feel the fear, which is exactly what a Horror Thriller movie should deliver first and foremost. Shot entirely in real night (not filter night), ALIEN RAIDERS is often unexpectedly dark and unexpectedly lit, and the threat stays manifest both ways. The audience never has a "safety zone".

And

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Visual Effects Artist Richard Edlund (THE MANITOU, THE CHINA SYNDROME, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, POLTERGEIST, GHOSTBUSTERS, FRIGHT NIGHT, POLTERGEIST II, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, THE MONSTER SQUAD, GHOST, ALIEN3, SPECIES, THE STEPFORD WIVES [2004], ANAMORPH, BULLET TO THE HEAD) who is 78.
Actor Ryan Kennedy (CATEGORY 6: DAY OF DESTRUCTION, SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM, THE INVISIBLE, WHISTLER, OGRE [2008], STORM CELL, POISON IVY: THE SECRET SOCIETY, ICE TWISTERS, SUPER HYBRID, EMBRACE OF THE VAMPIRE, DEFIANCE [TV]) is 36.
Actor Colin Salmon (TOMORROW NEVER DIES, IMMORTALITY, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, RESIDENT EVIL, DIE ANOTHER DAY, THE STATEMENT, FREEZE FRAME, AVP: ALIEN VS PREDATOR, SEA OF SOULS [TV], HEX [TV], CREDO, PUNISHER: WAR ZONE, BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE, EXAM, ANNIHILATION EARTH, K, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND, STALKER, MOVING TARGET, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, ARROW [TV], LONDON HAS FALLEN, KRYPTON [TV]) is 56.
Look for Salmon in next week's release of MORTAL ENGINES.
And for 2019, RAPTURE.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
Review by
E.C. McMullen Jr.
Care for a fairy tale? Howz this? Director/Writer Tim Burton got his start in Hollywood doing animator work at Disney. Disney long knew they had something in the energetic young, talented Tim but they probably weren't sure what (even tried to protect him from their own movies that they had misgivings about*). After sponsoring a series of his funky short films, Disney let him go out into the world to make his mark with Paul Reubens, aka, Pee Wee Herman. Together they made the delightfully madcap Pee Wee's Big Adventure.

Though Big Adventure was a roccoco confection of comedic film making, it also made an innocent satirical statement on the American lifestyle. It was accusatory without condemnation and remains a cult fan favorite.

Then came BEETLEJUICE, another innocent comedy that was just as funky and offbeat as Big Adventure but with a decidely darker theme. As a comedy it garnered both critical acclaim and audience appeal. Even more, despite its big box office, it has endured as a cult fan favorite and marked Tim Burton as a Director in tune with the Goth fashion of the Industrial nations, as well as those who like Industrial music in the . . . uh . . . anyway.

When Tim Burton brought EDWARD SCISSORHANDS to the table, he did so with the kind of success behind him that allowed complete control over the project. More than any feature length film before, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS was entirely under Burton's command. The studio bosses couldn't even begin to fathom Burton's appeal or what made it click with audiences. They were more than happy to let the goose create his own gold.

And

HAPPY HORROR THRILLERBIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Amy Acker (THE ACCIDENT, GROOM LAKE, ANGEL [TV], ALIAS [TV], A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE, DOLLHOUSE [TV], HAPPY TOWN [TV], THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, PERSON OF INTEREST [TV], THE GIFTED [TV]) is 42.
Actor Amara Zaragoza aka Tamara Feldman (HATCHET, PERFECT STRANGER, SOMETHING'S WRONG IN KANSAS, REZ BOMB, ECHELON CONSPIRACY, ALYCE, A WOMAN CALLED JOB, STRANGE ANGEL [TV]) is 38.
Writer, Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (INTACTO, 28 WEEKS LATER, INTRUDERS, PROTOTYPE) is 51.
Actor Lisa Marie (ED WOOD, MARS ATTACKS!, SLEEPY HOLLOW, PLANET OF THE APES [2001], SILENT NIGHT [2012], THE LORDS OF SALEM, WE ARE STILL HERE, TALES OF HALLOWEEN, DOMINION) is 50.
Actor Nick Stahl (DEAD RUN [TV], DISTURBING BEHAVIOR, TABOO, BOOKIES, TERMINATOR 3, CARNIVÁLE [TV], SIN CITY, QUID PRO QUO, THE CHAMELEON, KALAMITY, DEAD AWAKE, MIRRORS 2, ON THE INSIDE, THE SPEED OF THOUGHT) is 39.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
by
Charles Dickens
Dec. 1843

STAVE ONE.
MARLEY'S GHOST.

Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Mind! I don't mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country's done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Scrooge knew he was dead? Of course he did. How could it be otherwise? Scrooge and he were partners for I don't know how many years. Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend, and sole mourner. And even Scrooge was not so dreadfully cut up by the sad event, but that he was an excellent man of business on the very day of the funeral, and solemnised it with an undoubted bargain.

The mention of Marley's funeral brings me back to the point I started from. There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.

Continued at Gutenberg.org.

And

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Producer, Director producer Mick Garris (CRITTERS 2, THE FLY II, SHE-WOLF OF LONDON [TV], PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING, SLEEPWALKERS, HOCUS POCUS, THE STAND [TV], THE SHINING [TV], QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY, HOST [1998], RIDING THE BULLET, DESPERATION, MASTERS OF HORROR [TV], GHOST CAT, POST MORTEM [TV], FEAR ITSELF [TV], POST MORTEM [TV]) is 67.
Visit Mick at PostMortem Podcast.
Writer, Director, Producer Álex de la Iglesia (ACCION MUTANTE, THE DAY OF THE BEAST, PERDITA DURANGO, MUERTOS DE RISA, LA COMMUNIDAD, THE PERFECT CRIME, 6 FILMS TO KEEP YOU AWAKE: THE BABY'S ROOM, THE OXFORD MURDERS, THE LAST CIRCUS, WITCHING AND BITCHING, EL BAR) is 54.
Zombie Model and artist, Raven MaClean (KITTEN KOFFIN ZOMBIES Calenda) is 43.
Writer and feoamante alumni Harry Shannon (BAD SEED, NIGHT OF THE BEAST, NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF, THE PRESSURE OF DARKNESS, and Book and Movie, DEAD AND GONE) is 70.
Check him out at Harry Shannon.com.
Actor Tony Todd (SLEEPWALK, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD [1990], VOODOO DAWN [1991], CANDYMAN [all], THE CROW, THEM [1996], SABOTAGE, STIR, WISHMASTER, SHADOW BUILDER, THE PANDORA PROJECT, FINAL DESTINATION [all], SILENCE, SCARECROW SLAYER, MURDER-SET-PIECES, HEART OF THE BEHOLDER, HOUSE OF GRIMM, CONTROL FACTOR, THE PROPHECY: FORSAKEN, SHADOW: DEAD RIOT, MINOTAUR, HATCHET, THE ABSCENCE OF LIGHT, THE EDEN FORMULA, Masters of Horror: VALERIE ON THE STAIRS, CHICAGO MASSACRE: RICHARD SPECK, SHADOW PUPPETS, iMURDERS, DARK REEL, BRYAN LOVES YOU, NITE TALES: THE MOVIE, BLOOD WARS, DEAD IN LOVE, VAMPIRE IN VEGAS, 24 [TV], PENANCE, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, THE GRAVES, SPLATTER [TV], THE QUIET ONES, JACK THE REAPER, CUT, BEG, SUSHI GIRL, TRANSFORMERS PRIME [TV], DEAD OF NITE, DISCIPLES, DUST OF WAR, ARMY OF THE DAMNED, SCREAM AT THE DEVIL, VANish, LIVE-EVIL, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: ORIGINS 3D) is 64.
Look for Tony in the upcoming 2019 Horror Thrillers REQUIEM and SKY SHARKS.

MY FRIENDS, I'M AFRAID I MUST WARN YOU
THERE'LL BE SCARY GHOST STORIES AND TALES OF THE GLORIES OF CHRISTMASES LONG, LONG AGO.
- Edward Pola and George Wyle

And

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Brendan Fraser (THE PASSION OF DARKLY NOON, GODS AND MONSTERS, THE MUMMY [1999], THE MUMMY RETURNS, JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE NIGHT, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, BREAKOUT [2013], CONDOR [TV]) who is 50.
Look for Brendan in the upcoming Thrillers for 2019, BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF NIGHT and THE POISON ROSE.
Also for 2019, From DC, DOOM PATROL [TV].
Actor Daryl Hannah (THE FURY, BLADE RUNNER, THE FINAL TERROR, HIGH SPIRITS, ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN, THE TIE THAT BINDS, THE GINGERBREAD MAN, ADDAMS FAMILY REUNION, REAR WINDOW [1998], HIDE AND SEEK aka CORD, DANCING AT THE BLUE IGUANA, FIRST TARGET, THE BIG EMPTY, KILL BILL 1 & 2, SILVER CITY, LOVE IS THE DRUG, FINAL DAYS OF PLANET EARTH, VICE, SHARK SWARM, THE CYCLE, DARK HONEYMOON, A CLOSED BOOK, BLIND REVENGE, ELDORADO, ZOMBIE NIGHT, AWAKEN [2015], SICILIAN VAMPIRE, SENSE8 [TV]) is 58.
Hannah shares a December birthday with KILL BILL alumni, Lucy Lui and Larry Bishop.
Actor Julianne Moore (sLAUGHTERHOUSE II, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE, CAST A DEADLY SPELL, THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE, BODY OF EVIDENCE, THE FUGITIVE, SAFE, THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK, PSYCHO [1998], HANNIBAL, EVOLUTION, THE FORGOTTEN, FREEDOMLAND, CHILDREN OF MEN, NEXT, BLINDNESS, CHLOE, SHELTER, CARRIE [2013], NON-STOP, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 1 & 2, SEVENTH SON, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE) who is 58.
Fear not, metal fans. His real name is not Ozzy so his birth name was never Oswald. Happy Birthday to
Musician Ozzy Osbourne (band BLACK SABBATH: Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath. OZZY: Blizzard of Ozz, Ultimate Sin. Soundtracks: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, ZOMBIE JA KUMMITUSJUNA, HELLRAISER III, GHOST RIDER, IRON MAN, Actor: TRICK OR TREAT, GHOSTBUSTERS [2016]) is 68.
Actor Amanda Seyfried (VERONICA MARS [TV], SOLSTICE, JENNIFER'S BODY, CHLOE, RED RIDING HOOD, IN TIME, GONE, TWIN PEAKS [TV - 2017], FIRST REFORMED, ANON) is 33.
Look for Amanda's upcoming Blumhouse Horror Thriller for 2019, Written and Directed by David Koepp, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT.
SUNDAY -
Actor Lucy Lui (CITY OF INDUSTRY, FLYPAPER, PAYBACK, TRUE CRIME, BALLISTIC: Ecks vs. Sever, CYPHER, KILL BILL: Vol. 1, KILL BILL Vol. 2, RISE: BLOOD HUNTER, AFRO SAMURAI: RESURRECTION, THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, FUTUREWORLD, ELEMENTARY [TV], ) is 49.
Lucy shares a December birthday with fellow KILL BILL alumni, Larry Bishop.
Writer Ray Garton (INVADERS FROM MARS: A NOVEL, IN A DARK PLACE: THE STORY OF A TRUE HAUNTING, ALL THAT GLITTERS [Sabrina the Teenage Witch Series #12], THE SECRET WORLD OF ALEX MACK, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: RAVANNA, LOT LIZARDS, ZOMBIE LOVE, SEX AND VIOLENCE IN HOLLYWOOD) is 56.
SATURDAY -
Actor Nestor Carbonell (THE TICK, KILLER MOVIE, THE DARK KNIGHT, LOST [TV], RINGER [TV], THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, DIRECTOR'S CUT, BATES MOTEL [TV], MIDNIGHT TEXAS [TV]) is 51.
Writer, Musician, and Feo Amante Alumni, Ryan Harding (PARTNERS IN CHYME w/Ed Lee, Music: YKOF) who is 39.
Writer Gina Osnovich (SCARS) is 40.
Actor Treat Williams (FLASHPOINT, ECHOES IN THE DARKNESS, DEAD HEAT, VAULT OF HORROR I, IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL, MULHOLLAND FALLS, DEEP RISING, THE CIRCLE, SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET, VENOMOUS, THE CIRCLE, THE HIDEOUT, MASKERADE, EVE OF DESTRUCTION, and more) is 67.