Everything Buried Rises Again
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

With the Return of AMICUS and HAMMER, can RKO Radio Pictures be far behind?

It's the final day of Summer and August was nuts!

Worldwide it was a month of Hellacious tragedies, Ugly politics - both government and corporate - yet Unbelievable positives.

Focusing on the positives -

The last weekend of August saw the Houston Media Conference, the first of its kind, come together with over 200 talented people and vendors in the local music and video industry, turning their attention toward cinema in both documentary and narrative fiction. This whirlwind weekend saw people discussing the pros and cons, problems and solutions in not just bringing outside studios to make movies in Houston, but even more important, building our own engines of creation.

In the Summer of the WGA Writer's Strike and the SAG Actor's strike, this was not an outlier.

After all, it was only two weeks ago that Scotland's Hex Media Ltd., under the direction of CEO Lawrie Brewster, announced the rebirth of Milton Subotski's Amicus studios under his guidance and blessed by the Subotski family.

Continued at The Rise of Amicus and Hammer.

And -

C.H.U.D. is 39

On the poster it says C.H.U.D. stands for Cannabalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller.

Those who have watched the movie know what those letters really stand for and that misdirection is just one of the many clever ways this movie surprises you, knows your expectations, and goes against them in a manner most Chuddly. It's only part of the fun of C.H.U.D.

Plus -

JEEPERS CREEPERS is 22

As retro as it wants to be. In the same vein of 1960s monster movie mayhem as classics like CRITTERS and TREMORS, this is why JEEPERS CREEPERS remains a must see!

Shinehouse Group and AZ If Productions Trailer Drop THE UNRAVELING

And -

The First Horror Novel and the First Science Fiction Novel - Are the Same Novel!

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
The first Horror novel (re-animating the dead) is also the first Science Fiction novel (re-animating the dead with Science! The Mad Scientist remains a permanent fixture of Horror ever since): FRANKENSTEIN or THE MODERN PROMETHEUS.

Here's to the person who created them both. The powerfully influential Mother of Horror and Science Fiction, is none other than Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, who would be 225 today.

Read my Fan Fic tribute, THE BRIDE AFIRE at Wordpress. Art by permission of Elvin Hernandez.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Eldon Henson (JAWS: THE REVENGE, IDLE HANDS, EVIL ALIEN CONQUERORS, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, DEJA VU, RISE: BLOOD HUNTER, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 1 & 2, THE DEFENDERS [TV], DAREDEVIL [TV]) is 46.
Writer, Producer Laeta Kalogridis (BIRDS OF PREY [TV], PATHFINDER, AVATAR, SHUTTER ISLAND, WHITE HOUSE DOWN, TERMINATOR: GENESIS, THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, ALTERED CARBON [TV]) is 57.
Actor Ely Pouget (FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE SERIES [TV], COOL BLUE, THE RIFT, DARK SHADOWS [TV 1991], THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY JR., DEATH MACHINE, MURDER SHE WROTE [TV], LAWNMOWER MAN 2, TOTAL REALITY, OUTPATIENT) is 63.
Actor Julian Richings (LOVE AT STAKE, WAR OF THE WORLDS [TV], NAKED LUNCH, THE SHAMROCK CONSPIRACY, THE BOYS CLUB, MIMIC, PALE SAINTS, CUBE, THE RED VIOLIN, URBAN LEGEND, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER II, THRILL SEEKERS, I WAS A SIXTH GRADE ALIEN, RATS, A NERO WOLFE MYSTERY [TV], SALEM WITCH TRIALS, WRONG TURN, Stephen King's KINGDOM HOSPITAL [TV], RE-GENERATION, SUPERNATURAL [TV], X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, SKINWALKERS, THE LAST SECT, THE TRACEY FRAGMENTS, THE THIRD EYE, NATURE OF THE BEAST, SAW IV, ROXY HUNTER AND THE MYSTERY OF THE MOODY GHOST, ROXY HUNTER AND THE HORRIFIC HALLOWEEN, SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD, PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF, TODD AND THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL [TV - all], THE CONSPIRACY, THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ROSALIND LEIGH, VICTIMS, THE COLONY, SEPTIC MAN, EJECTA, HELLMOUTH, KILL JOYS [TV], THE VVITCH, A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY, REGRESSION, ALL HALLOWS EVE 2, PRISONER X, ORPHAN BLACK, BLOOD HUNTERS, CHANNEL ZERO, 12 MONKEYS, TRUE FICTION, ANYTHING FOR JACKSON, SPARE PARTS, HALL, VICIOUS FUN, CHAOS WALKING, CHAPELWAITE [TV], SALVATION, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], BEAU IS AFRAID) is 65.
Julian shares a September Birthday with THE BOYS CLUB alumni, Devon Sawa.
Look for Julian in the upcoming 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, CAMPTON MANOR.
Writer, Producer, Director Brian Yuzna (SELF PORTRAIT IN BRAINS, FROM BEYOND, DOLLS, RE-ANIMATOR, WARLOCK, SOCIETY, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, THE GUYVER, INITIATION: SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT 4, SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT 5: THE TOY MAKER, TICKS, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD III, NECRONOMICON: BOOK OF THE DEAD, THE DENTIST [all], PROGENY, FAUST, ARACHNID, DAGON, DARKNESS, BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR, ROMASANTA: THE WEREWOLF HUNT, ROTTWEILER, THE NUN [2005], BENEATH STILL WATERS, TAKUT: FACES OF FEAR, AMPHIBIOUS 3D, SUITABLE FLESH, BLOODY BRIDGET) is 74.
Look for Brian's upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror movie, I WALKED WITH ZOMBIES. Also in 2023, SUITABLE FLESH.

THE FLY is 65

Writer, Producer, and Director, Kurt Neumann, made over 100 movies in his life. Horror movies like SECRET OF THE BLUE ROOM; Mysteries like ISLAND OF THE LOST MEN; Thrillers like ROCKETSHIP X-M. Science Fiction Horror like KRONOS and SHE DEVIL.

But of all the movies Kurt made, this was his biggest box office success ever, and he would never know it. Kurt died one week before THE FLY went into wide release.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
A final farewell to -
Actor Director William Friedkin (Alfred Hitchcock Presents [TV], Alfred Hitchcock Hour [TV], THE FRENCH CONNECTION, THE EXORCIST, SORCERER, CRUISING, RAMPAGE, THE GUARDIAN, JADE, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT, THE HUNTED, BUG, KILLER JOE, THE DEVIL AND FATHER AMORTH) who died this month, on August 7, weeks before his 87th birthday.
Director Frank Henenlotter (BASKET CASE [all], BRAIN DAMAGE, FRANKENHOOKER, BAD BIOLOGY) is 72.
Writer Nancy Holder (SPELLBOUND, Various books in the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel", and "Highlander" series) who is 69.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Billy Boyd (URBAN GHOST STORY, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, SEED OF CHUCKY, DOMINATOR X, GLENN, DOROTHY AND THE WITCHES OF OZ, SPACE MILKSHAKE, MARA AND THE FIREBRINGER, BEYOND METAL, OUTLANDER [TV], AN INTRUSION) is 54.
Producer, Director David Fincher (ALIEN3, SE7EN, THE GAME, PANIC ROOM, ZODIAC, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, HOUSE OF CARDS [TV], MIND HUNTER [TV], LOVE DEATH AND ROBOTS [TV]) is 61.
Actor Kelly Overton (BREAKING DAWN, THE RING TWO, DESPERATION, THE COLLECTIVE, IN MY SLEEP, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV 2012-2016], TRUE BLOOD [TV], VAN HELSING [TV]) is 45.
Actor Sarah Roemer (WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY, THE GRUDGE 2, DISTURBIA, ASYLUM, LOCKED IN, THE EVENT [TV], MANHATTAN UNDYING,DEADLY HOLLYWOOD OBSESSION, ALGORITHM: BLISS]) is 39.
Actor Brian Thompson (THE TERMINATOR, COBRA, WEREWOLF [TV], ALIEN NATION, FRIGHT NIGHT PART 2, NIGHTWISH, MOON 44, HIRED TO KILL, IN THE COLD OF THE NIGHT, DOCTOR MORDRID, STAR TREK: GENERATIONS, KINDRED: THE EMBRACED [TV], MORTAL COMBAT: ANNIHILATION, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], THE GUARDIAN, THE X-FILES [TV], CHARMED [TV], FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE ARCADIAN, DARK GAMES, AN AMERICAN TERROR, DISAPPEARANCE, HOAX, MADE VICIOUS, THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH) is 64.

SUNDAY -

Actor Tiffany Boone (DETENTION, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES, THE FOLLOWING [TV], THE CURSE OF DOWNERS GROVE, HUNTERS, THE MIDNIGHT SKY, NINE PERFECT STRANGERS [TV]) is 35.
Actor Peter Mensah (STRIKING POSES, BRUISER, BLESS THE CHILD, A NERO WOLFE MYSTERY [TV], JASON X, CONVICTION [TV], CYPHER, 300 [both], THE INCREDIBLE HULK, AVATAR, TRUE BLOOD [TV], TRANSFORMERS PRIME [TV], SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV], AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., THE SCORPION KING: BOOK OF SOULS, MIDNIGHT TEXAS [TV], DEPARTURE [TV], SNAKE EYES, HYPOCHONDRIAC, THE DEVIL CONSPIRACY) is 65.
Look for Peter in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, rise.
A fond and final farewell to
Actor Paul Reubens (PANDEMONIUM, BATMAN RETURNS, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE TRIPPER, RE-ANIMATED, AREA 57, THE FINAL MOMENTS OF KARL BRANDT, TRON: UPRISING [TV], GOTHAM [TV], WILSON'S HEART [VG], MOSAIC [TV], DC's LEGENDS OF TOMORROW) who would be 71 today.
Writer Drew Silver (THE VAMPIRE WITHIN [series]) is 46.
Actor Reece Shearsmith (P.R.O.B.E.: THE DEVIL OF WINTERBORNE, AUTON, AUTON 2, BIRTHDAY GIRL, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN [TV], SHAUN OF THE DEAD, THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN'S APOCALYPSE, MARPLE: ORDEAL BY INNOCENCE, THE COTTAGE, BURKE & HARE, PSYCHOVILLE [TV], A FIELD IN ENGLAND, THE WORLD'S END, HIGH-RISE, BORLEY RECTORY, INSIDE No. 9 [TV], IN THE EARTH, FOUNDATION [TV], SEE HOW THEY RUN) is 54.
Look for Reece in the 2024, Mystery Thriller, SALTBURN.
Actor Peter Stormare (FARGO, THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK, MERCURY RISING, 8MM, BRUISER, MINORITY REPORT, BIRTH, CONSTANTINE, 2001 MANIACS, THE BROTHERS GRIMM, UNKNOWN, PREMONITION, INSANITARIUM, HORSEMEN, THE KILLING ROOM, DYLAN DOG: DEAD OF NIGHT, MARIANNE, FALSE TRAIL, INSEPERABLE, LOOKOUT, HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS, BAD MILO, THE ZERO THEOREM, AUTUMN BLOOD, CLOWN, DARK SUMMER, RUPTURE, JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2, BLACK WIDOWS [TV], V.I.P., BEYOND THE SKY, CASTLEVANIA [TV], THE POISON ROSE, AMERICAN GODS [TV], HORROR NOIRE, THE BOX, THE RITUAL KILLER, DAY SHIFT) is 65.
Look for Peter in the upcoming 2024 Horror Thriller, CONSTANTINE 2.
Actor Alexa PenaVega (TWISTER, THE GLIMMER MAN, SPYKIDS [all], REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA, HELIX, THE MINE, MOTHER'S DAY, THE DEVIL'S CARNIVAL, ABANDONED MINE, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, BR/1BA, WICKED BLOOD, THE REMAINING, SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR, ROOMMATE WANTED, THE MURDER PACT, PICTURE PERFECT MYSTERIES [all]) is 35.

DOCTOR X Turns 91

This is the nutso Horror known as DOCTOR X.

On This Day in 1999 Two Movies Opened on the Same Weekend

THE 13th WARRIOR

This was a troubled production. The usually reliable Director, John McTiernan (PREDATOR), turned in a finished movie that the studio deemed "unwatchable". Author Michael Crichton (also producer) felt forced to step in, take over, and direct much of the reshoots of the film.

From Michael Crichton's novel, Eaters of the Dead, starring Antonio Banderas, this is what eventually became of THE 13th WARRIOR.

THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE

The troubled Michael Crichton picture faced off against the untroubled Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron Science Fiction Horror movie, THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE.

SATURDAY -

Actor Mike Colter (SALT, RINGER [TV], MEN IN BLACK 3, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], HALO: NIGHTFALL, THE FOLLOWING [TV], THE DEFENDERS [TV], JESSICA JONES [TV], LUKE CAGE [TV], EXTINCTION, SEIS MANOS [TV], FATALE, EVIL [TV]) is 47.
Writer, Producer, Director Andy Muschietti (MAMA, IT [2017], IT: CHAPTER 2) is 50.
Actor Dylan O'Brien (THE MAZE RUNNER [all], AMERICAN ASSASSIN, TEEN WOLF [TV], BUMBLEBEE, FLASHBACKLOVE AND MONSTERS, INFINITE, THE OUTFIT) is 32.
Look for Dylan in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, THE VANISHINGS AT CADDO LAKE.
Actor Chris Pine (CONFESSION, STAR TREK [2009 - all], CARRIERS, UNSTOPPABLE, JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT, INTO THE WOODS, Z FOR ZACHARIAH, A WRINKLE IN TIME, I AM THE NIGHT [TV], ALL THE OLD KNIVES, DON'T WORRY DARLING) is 43.
Look for Chris in the 2023 Mystery, POOLMAN.

Terry Gilliam's THE BROTHERS GRIMM is 18

At long last Terry Gilliam returned to Fantasy, but this was no historian myth of TIME BANDITS or dystopian myth of BRAZIL. This is THE BROTHERS GRIMM.

THE CAVE is also Old Enough to Vote

THE BROTHERS GRIMM and this movie opened on the same weekend in the same year and both featured Lena Headey! Head to head, which one won the weekend?

Both? Neither?

This is how Kelly Parks saw THE CAVE.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer / Director / Producer Tim Burton (BEETLEJUICE, BATMAN, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, ED WOOD, MARS ATTACKS!, SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, PLANET OF THE APES [2001], THE CORPSE BRIDE, SWEENEY TODD, 9, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, DARK SHADOWS, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, FRANKENWEENIE, MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN, WEDNESDAY [TV]) is 65.
Composer Harry Manfredini (THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, THE KIRLIAN WITNESS, FRIDAY THE 13TH [all], THE CHILDREN, THE RETURNING, ZOMBIE ISLAND MASSACRE, HOUSE, HOUSE II, DEEPSTAR SIX, WISHMASTER, HIDDEN AGENDA, THE OMEGA CODE, ENDANGERED SPECIES, GOING TO PIECES: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SLASHER FILM, DEAD AND GONE, DARK DESIRE, HANSEL & GRETEL: WARRIORS OF WITCHCRAFT, IMMORTAL KISS: QUEEN OF THE NIGHT, KNOCK 'EM DEAD, CANNIBALS, A BLOOD STORY, MY STEPBROTHER IS A VAMPIRE?, and way more) is 80.
Look for Harry's music in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, THE MANGLED. Also in 2023, THE ULTIMATE THROWDOWN.
Actor John Savage (THE KILLING KIND, THE AMATEUR, SALVADOR, CARIBE, VOICE IN THE DARK, DOOR TO SILENCE, PRIMARY MOTIVE, KILLING OBSESSION, SHATTERED, THE DANGEROUS, CARNOSAUR 2, WHERE TRUTH LIES, LAST CUT, FIRESTORM, AMNESIA, HOSTILE INTENT, CLUB VAMPIRE, LOST SOULS [1998], GHOST SOLDIER, CHRISTINA'S HOUSE, THEY NEST, DEAD MAN'S RUN, DARK ANGEL [TV], INTOXICATING, ALIEN LOCKDOWN, FALLACY, CARNIVALE [TV], THE DROP, THE ATTIC, FROM A PLACE OF DARKNESS, DREAMKILLER, DEMON LEGACY, A SIERRA NEVADA GUNFIGHT, DEMON LEGACY, ALIEN RISING, 7E, AWAKENED, SPREADING DARKNESS, NEPHILIM, GATES OF DARKNESS, INSIGHT, LOCKDOWN, and way more) is 74.
Musician Gene Simmons (KISS everything including PSYCHO CIRCUS) is 74.
Actor Alexander Skarsgård (THE DIVER, WHITE WATER FURY, EXIT, METROPIA, TRUE BLOOD [TV], MELANCHOLIA, STRAW DOGS, BATTLESHIP, THE EAST, DISCONNECT, HIDDEN, MUTE, THE HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT, HOLD THE DARK, THE STAND [TV], GODZILLA VS KING KONG, THE NORTHMAN, INFINITY POOL) is 48.
Look for Alexander in the 2023 Horror Thriller Mystery, , Written and Directed by Brandon Cronenberg (ANTIVIRAL, POSSESSOR).

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Matt Cardin (DIVINATIONS OF THE DEEP) is 53.
Actor Rupert Grint (HARRY POTTER [all], INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS, SERVANT [TV], THE ABC MURDERS [TV], KNOCK AT THE CABIN) is 34.
Actor Jared Harris (NATURAL BORN KILLERS, NADJA, LOST IN SPACE, TRANCE, I LOVE YOUR WORK, RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE, LADY IN THE WATER, FROM WITHIN, THE WARD, FRINGE [TV], SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, THE QUIET ONES, POLTERGIEST [2015], THE EXPANSE [TV], THE TERROR [TV], CHERNOBYL [TV], CARNIVAL ROW [TV], FOUNDATION [TV], MORBIUS, THE SEA BEAST, FOUNDATION [TV], ) is 62.
Look for Jared in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, REAWAKENING.
Writer / Director Takashi Miike (FULL METAL YAKUZA, AUDITION, DEAD OR ALIVE, MPD: PSYCHO, VISITOR Q, ICHI THE KILLER, GOZU, ONE MISSED CALL, ZEBRAMAN, THREE ... EXTREMES, IZO, DEMON POND, ULTRAMAN MAX, THE GREAT YOKAI WAR, Masters of Horror: IMPRINT, SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO, CROWS ZERO, GOD'S PUZZLE, CROWS ZERO II, LESSON OF THE EVIL, SHIELD OF STRAW, FIRST LOVE, THE GREAT YOKAI WAR: GUARDIANS! and way freakin' more!) is 63.
Look for Takashi's 2024 Horror Thriller, LUMBERJACK THE MONSTER.

GODZILLA 1985 turns 38

By 1985 the original 1954 GOJIRA, despite all of its immense popularity in the U.S.A., remained unreleased.

So Toho made the decision to bring back an actor who was never in the original GOJIRA, only the U.S.A. edit. To Toho's utter surprise the all new GODZILLA didn't live up to expectations. This is what happened to GODZILLA 1985 on the way to America.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Roger Avary (RESERVOIR DOGS, KILLING ZOE, PULP FICTION, MR. STITCH, SILENT HILL, BEOWULF) is 58.
Actor Aaron Douglas (FINAL DESTINATION 2, X2, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, I, ROBOT, WHITE NOISE, THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, BLOOD: A BUTCHER'S TALE, KILLER MOUNTAIN, GHOST STORM, DEATH DO US PART, KILLER MOUNTAIN, HEMLOCK GROVE [TV], THE RETURNED [TV], DEATH AL DENTE, THE MONSTER, DIRK GENTLY'S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY [TV], TODD AND THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL, IN PLAIN VIEW, MYSTERY 101: PLAYING DEAD, KILLBIRD, VAN HELSING [TV], THUNDERBIRD, MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM [TV], THE WATCHFUL EYE [TV], DOUBLE LIFE) is 52.
Actor Vera Miles (BEYOND THIS PLACE, THE WRONG MAN, PSYCHO, THE UNKNOWN [TV], THE SPIRIT IS WILLING, A HOWLING IN THE WOODS [TV], BAFFLED!, RUNAWAY!, TWILIGHT'S LAST GLEAMING, PSYCHO II, BRAINWAVES, THE INITIATION, SEPARATE LIVES) is 94.
Writer / Director Chan-wook Park (ANARCHISTS, GONGDONG GYEONGBI GUYEOK JSA, SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGENCE, OLDBOY, SYMPATHY FOR LADY VENGENCE, THREE EXTREMES, BAKJWI, THIRST, STOKER, I'M A CYBORG BUT THAT'S OKAY, THE TRUTH BENEATH, THE LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL [TV], DECISION TO LEAVE) is 59.
Actor Ray Park (X-MEN, SLAYER, HELLBINDERS, HEROES [TV], JINN, ACCIDENT MAN) is 49.

MIMIC is 24

All Horror fans have been there. You see a good movie but the trailer promised more. It's not a bad movie, but with only a little effort it could have been better: Good could have been great. It wouldn't have required more money for more special effects or more screen time. There's just that one moment where the movie went against its own logic. Where the characters needlessly, foolishly put themselves at risk.

There were old worn out tropes that, despite being mocked in better movies for over 30 years, are played with serious gravitas: A hand on the shoulder, a cat suddenly leaping out, a foreground shadow moving past the screen with a sting of ridiculously loud noise from out of the silence.

Too many cheap "Boos!"

If they'd only not shot, or at least cut out, all the inept, incompetent, and dreary bullshit that went nowhere. A few seconds here, there, a minute at most.

But they didn't and after it went into sequels, every subsequent movie magnified the negatives and disposed of the best.

Anyway, Guillermo Del Toro's MIMIC turns 24 today.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Richard Armitage (FROZEN [2005], MI-5 [TV], CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY [all], BLACK SKY, THE CRUCIBLE, HANNIBAL [TV], ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, SLEEPWALKER, BERLIN STATION [TV], THE LODGE, THE STRANGER [TV], CASTEVANIA [TV], STAY CLOSE [TV], THE MAN FROM ROME, DAMAGE OBSESSION [TV]) is 51.
Look for Richard in the upcoming 2023 Mystery Suspense Thriller, RED EYE [TV].
Actor Ty Burrell (EVOLUTION, BLACK HAWK DOWN, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], DOWN IN THE VALLEY, FUR: AN IMAGINARY PORTRAIT OF DIANE ARBUS, NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, FAIR GAME) is 53.
Writer M.J. Euringer (various short stories including works in anthologies like Random Acts of Weirdness and Horrorfind) is 53.
Actor Colm Feore (IRON EAGLE II, THE SPIDER AND THE FLY, NIGHT SINS, FACE/OFF, HOSTILE WATERS, THE WRONG GUY, CREATURE [1998], THE LESSER EVIL, THE RED VIOLIN, STORM OF THE CENTURY, STRIKING POSES, CENTURY HOTEL, IGNITION, THE SUM OF ALL FEARS, POINT OF ORIGIN, PAYCHECK, HIGHWAYMEN, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, SECRET FILES OF THE INQUISITION [TV], CHANGELING, WARGAMES: THE DEAD CODE, 24: REDEMPTION, 24 [TV], THOR, THE BORGIAS [TV], REVOLUTION [TV], JACK RYAN: SHADOW ONE, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, REVERSION, PAINKILLERS, MEAN DREAMS, BUCKOUT ROAD, ANON, HIGHER POWER, GRETA, THE PRODIGY, THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], TRIGGER POINT) is 67.
Look for Colm in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, MATERNAL.
Actor Courtney Gains (CHILDREN OF THE CORN, RATBOY, THE 'BURBS, SHADOW OF DOUBT, THE LANDLADY, KING COBRA, A CLEAN KILL, THE PHOBIC, ALIEN ENCOUNTER, SIBLING RIVALRY, RAVEN, THE ASCENT, THE QUIET ONES, DISCIPLINE, MIMESIS, THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET, MY TRIP TO THE DARK SIDE, DARK CANYON, HALCYON, THE FUNHOUSE MASSACRE, TRAFFICKED, URBAN MYTHS, HELL'S KITTY, CORBIN NASH, CAMP COLDBROOK, DEADLY CRUSH, CANDY CORN, AWAIT THE DAWN, RIVER, HELLBLAZERS, HAUNTED: 333, AMERICAN BIGFOOT) is 58.
Look for Courtney in the upcoming 2022, 2023, Horror Thriller release, THE BLEEDING DARK.

AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON is 42

If you still haven't seen 1981's AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, this is why you should.

And -

BLADE is 26

This is where it really started. This movie and year was the moment that Hollywood realized a Marvel Superhero movie could be a winner.

All they needed was a lead actor who respected the character and the fans and at first, that's exactly what we got with BLADE.

Plus-

ONE HOUR PHOTO is 21

Robin Williams made plenty of comedies, but he also had a chilling ability to bring the Creep factor like no one else, when the role called for it. This is why ONE HOUR PHOTO is worth the watch.

Also -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Steve Alten (TRENCH, DOMAIN, RESURRECTION, GOLIATH, MEG [all], The LOCH, THE SHELL GAME) is 63.
Actor Carrie-Anne Moss (THE SOFT KILL, TERRIFIED, LETHAL TENDER, THE MATRIX, MEMENTO, RED PLANET, THE ANIMATRIX, THE MATRIX RE-LOADED, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, SUSPECT ZERO, FIDO, DISTURBIA, UNTHINKABLE, SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D, COMPULSION, HUMANS [TV], THE BYE BYE MAN, JESSICA JONES [TV], TELL ME A STORY [TV], THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, THE MATRIX REDUCTIONS) is 54.
Look for Carrie-Anne in the expected 2024 Thriller, DIE ALONE.

SUNDAY -

Actor Colin Cunningham (THE X-FILES, DEAD FIRE, FIVE DESPERATE HOURS, THE 6TH DAY, ANTITRUST, Da VINCI'S INQUEST [TV], STARGATE SG-1 [TV], Da VINCI'S CITY HALL [TV], Masters of Horror: WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM, THE COLLECTOR [TV], THE ENTRANCE, STARGATE: CONTINUUM, CENTIGRADE, THE CRUSADER, FIREBALL, FALLING SKIES [TV], THE ELEVENTH VICTIM, FALLING SKIES: THE ENEMY WITHIN, NUMB, BLOOD DRIVE [TV], PREACHER [TV], BASHIRA, CURSE OF CROM: THE LEGEND OF HALLOWEEN) is 57.
Look for Colin in the 2023 Horror Thriller, HE NEVER LEFT.
Writer Maria Alexander (Various poems and short stories) is 98, but looks 20 years younger! Visit her at The Handless Poet.
Actor James Marsters (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL [1999], STRANGE FREQUENCY 2, ANGEL [TV], SHADOW PUPPETS, TORCHWOOD [TV], HIGH PLAINS INVADERS, CAPRICA [TV], THREE INCHES [TV], WAREHOUSE 13 [TV], WITCHES OF EAST END [TV], RUNAWAYS [TV], ABRUPTIO) is 61.
Actor John Noble (THE DREAMING, VIRTUAL NIGHTMARE, THE MONKEY'S MASK, THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], VOODOO LAGOON, FRINGE [TV], SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV], SALVATION [TV], ELEMENTARY [TV], SILENCIO, THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT, HOME INVASION [TV], SEVERANCE [TV]) is 75.
Look for John in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, NAMELESS. Also expected in 2024, THE DEMON DISORDER, and GUARDIANS OF LUNA.

THE EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING is 19

This is Director Renny Harlan's grown-up version of Chris Columbus' THE GOONIES. And like THE GOONIES, THE EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING isn't great, but its Good Enough!

PIRANHA 3D is a Teenager

It was a fun little summer movie back in 2010. Telling though, that Joe Dante's original 1978 PIRANHA still sells so well at premium prices, was upgraded to 4K already and that's selling out, while Alexander Aja's PIRANHA 3D still has its original 2011 pressing taking up warehouse space.

SATURDAY -

Actor Greg Bryk (NEIL, LIVING DEATH, WEIRDSVILLE, THE ROBBER BRIDE, SHOOT 'EM UP, THE GATHERING [TV], GRINDSTONE ROAD, ReGENESIS [TV], THE INCREDIBLE HULK, SAW V, SCREAMERS: THE HUNTING, DOLAN'S CADILLAC, HAPPY TOWN, SAW 3D, RED: WEREWOLF HUNTER, IMMORTALS, UNLUCKY, JETT [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV], LOST & FOUND, CHANNEL ZERO [TV], THE HANDMAID'S TALE [TV], BITTEN [TV], V-WARS [TV], AD ASTRA, CODE 8, RABID [2019], DEPARTURE [TV], PARALLEL MINDS, BLOODTHIRSTY, TRIGGER POINT, CASCADE) is 51.
Look for Greg in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, SUPER DICKS, starring Michael Ironside (SCANNERS, TOTAL RECALL, TURBO KID) and Kim Coates (X-CHANGE, SILENT HILL).
Actor Kevin Dillon (REMOTE CONTROL, THE BLOB [1988], TRUE CRIME, STAG, HIDDEN AGENDA, MISBEGOTTEN, OUT FOR BLOOD, POSEIDON [2006], COMPULSION, THE THROWAWAYS, FRANK AND PENELOPE, HOT SEAT, WIRE ROOM, ON THE LINE) is 57.
Actor Martin Donovan (THE ROOK, NADJA, INSOMNIA, DARK SHADOWS [TV - 2005], THE QUIET, THE VISITATION, WIND CHILL, Masters of Horror: RIGHT TO DIE, THE DEAD ZONE [TV], GHOST WHISPERER [TV], THE ALPHABET KILLER, THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT, DURESS, UNTHINKABLE, SILENT HILL: REVELATION, NURSE 3D, THE LOTTERY [TV], ANT-MAN, BEYOND [TV], REMEMORY, AFTERMATH, FAHRENHEIT 451 [2018], COME TO DADDY, BIG LITTLE LIES [TV], NANCY DREW [TV], TENET, ARCHIVE 81 [TV]) is 66.
Writer Jenny Orosel (THIS IS THE WAY THE WORLD ENDS, NONE OF THIS IS REAL) is 49.
Horror writer John Passarella (ALL HEAVEN IN A RAGE, WITHER, WITHER'S RAIN, KINDRED SPIRIT, SHIMMER, EXIT STRATEGY) who is 62.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4 is 34.

Author Paul V. Wagelin reviewed all of Wes Craven's NIGHTMARE creations.

What was it like when audiences saw this movie in theaters for the first time?

Paul Was There! A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER, Directed by Renny Harlin (DEEP BLUE SEA, THE EXORCIST IV).

11 Years of FRIGHT NIGHT

The first FRIGHT NIGHT is a classic for all the right reasons, but outdated 20th Century 1980's era plot devices hit a brick wall in the 21st Century's Information age of Internet. In the new Millenium, nobody needs to "find" a phone. Both still and video cameras, as well as sound recording, are in every phone and virtually everyone has one. Modern Vampires like Jerry had to make a big step up. Does it work? Read my review of FRIGHT NIGHT - 2011

GODZILLA 2000 is 23

Columbia Tri-Star Pictures had their own ideas for an Americanized Godzilla. They'd bring it up to date. Make it believably realistic like Steven Spielberg did with Michael Crichton's JURASSIC PARK.

And you know, that's a perfectly legitimate course to take with Godzilla. Providing of course, that you have some idea of what reality is and you aren't Dean Devlin or Roland Emmerich

BUT THEY WERE the Screenwriters, Producers, and Dean was the Director, so...

Despite excellent movie trailers that were made without any of Dean or Roland's "help", what we got was the fart face embarrassment of GODZILLA 1998.

That's when Toho Pictures asserted itself and got right to work on their OWN Godzilla movie. Cool! So Toho was going to make a realistic Godzilla movie and show those Hollywood idiots how its done?

HELL NO! Toho represents Japan! Their newest update would be Gonzo Bonkers to the freaking wall and that's what we got with GODZILLA 2000.

And -

THE CELL is 23

This is one of my favorite movies, but I'm speaking as Feo Amante. My reviewer, Bram Stoker Award winning poet Linda Addison is not as easy to impress. This was her view of Director Tarsem Singh's THE CELL, starring Jennifer Lopez (ANACONDA), Vincent D'Onorfio (MEN IN BLACK, THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR), and Vince Vaughn (THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK).

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Christian Slater (SHERLOCK HOLMES [TV], TWISTED, THE NAME OF THE ROSE, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, HARD RAIN, MINDHUNTERS, PURSUED, ALONE IN THE DARK, HOLLOW MAN II, SLIPSTREAM, HE WAS A QUIET MAN, IGOR, MY OWN WORST ENEMY [TV], THE RIVER MURDERS, PLAYBACK, RITES OF PASSAGE, STRANDED, WAY OF THE WICKED, MR. ROBOT, THE SUMMIT, WE CAN BE HEROES, DOCTOR DEATH, LEGO STAR WARS: TERRIFYING TALES, INSIDE JOB [TV]) is 53.
Look for Christian in the 2023 Thriller, PUSSY ISLAND.
Actor Madeline Stowe (REVENGE, THE TWO JAKES, CLOSET LAND, UNLAWFUL ENTRY, BLINK, CHINA MOON, TWELVE MONKEYS, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER, IMPOSTOR, OCTANE, RAINES [TV], REVENGE [TV]) is 64.

BLACK SABBATH Turns 60

This was the inspirational title for the legendary British Heavy Metal band and one of Quentin Tarantino's biggest influences. An ever experimental Mario Bava did more than make one of the first "Giallos" with this film. He broke every rule and the fourth wall in making this meta movie long before Mel Brooks would follow suit with Blazing Saddles.

Wracked with agony from a lifetime of injuries, an aged Boris Karloff was never-the-less committed to delivering a masterful bravura performance, working through the pain under the assumption that he'd physically be unable to ever do it again. This is BLACK SABBATH.

And -

THE EXORCIST III is 33

Director William Friedkin showed a different cut of THE EXORCIST to Author William Peter Blatty, than what he released to the world (a last minute edit that Friedkin considered his "Director's Cut"), thus driving a wedge between the two men that Friedkin regretted.

It was only after Warner Bros. tried and failed to launch the movie into a franchise, with the bitterly bad THE EXORCIST II, that a change in the WB suits at the top decided to give Blatty a chance at both writing a directing his sequel. After all, how could it be any worse?

As good a writer as Blatty was, however, he was no director and despite his vision, THE EXORCIST III forever lies somewhere between not as good as the first but nowhere near as bad as the second: THE EXORCIST II being as bad as the franchise ever got.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Robert Joy (AMITYVILLE 3-D, TERMINAL CHOICE, SHE'S BACK, SHADOWS AND FOG, THE DARK HALF, FALLEN, RESURRECTION, LAND OF THE DEAD, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], ALIENS VS PREDATOR: REQUIEM, DON'T LOOK UP) is 72.
Actor Taissa Farmiga (ANNA, THE FINAL GIRLS, IN A VALLEY OF VIOLENCE, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], THE NUN, WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE, JOHN AND THE HOLE) is 29.
Look for Taissa in the 2023 Horror Thriller, THE NUN II.
Actor Donnie Wahlberg (BLACK CIRCLE BOYS, THE SIXTH SENSE, DREAMCATCHER, SAW II, SAW III, DEAD SILENCE, SAW IV, RIGHTEOUS KILL, BLUE BLOODS) is 54.

THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD is 40

In 1985, this was your grandma's idea of punk!

Now anyone can make a humorless, cheeseball sappy satire of a successful movie and two producers more than most immediately come to recent memory, thus allowing Uwe Boll to hold his head up high by comparison. But this movie took the opposite tack.

"How about we make a satire Horror movie that doesn't view the audience with contempt, but instead is great, goofy, funny, and culturally relevant, as well as being gory?"

Why, that's just crazy enough to work!

This movie not only had co-writer of the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, John A. Russo on it, but NotLD alumni Russell Streiner (Johnny) and Rudy Ricci as well. And on top of that, A-List writer Dan O' Bannon (DARK STAR, ALIEN, DEAD & BURIED, HEAVY METAL, LIFEFORCE) as Screenwriter and Director, plus the producers who were coming in hot from the gamble they took and won on James Cameron's THE TERMINATOR.

Damn! If THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD was going to bomb, it damn sure would not be from lack of trying!

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer / Director / Producer/ Etc. J. R. Bookwalter (THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, SKINNED ALIVE, ZOMBIE COP, KINGDOM OF THE VAMPIRE, HUMANOIDS FROM ATLANTIS, GALAXY OF THE DINOSAURS, OZONE, THE SANDMAN, HELL ASYLUM, GROOM LAKE, DEADLY STINGERS, HORRORVISION, INVASION OF THE NOT QUITE DEAD, and more) is 58.
Actor Agnes Bruckner (THE GLASS HOUSE, MURDER BY NUMBERS, THE IRIS EFFECT, VENOM, THE WOODS, BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE, KILL THEORY, VACANCY 2, OCCULT, IMMORTAL, THE MURDER OF NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON, THE 11th GREEN) is 40.
Writer / Director / Producer James Cameron (PIRANHA 2, THE TERMINATOR, ALIENS, THE ABYSS, TERMINATOR 2, TRUE LIES, STRANGE DAYS, DARK ANGEL [TV], AVATAR, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, TERMINATOR: DARK FLOP, AVATAR 2) is 70.
Look for more James Cameron releases of AVATAR.
Writer Garry Charles (THE SUMMER OF THE MASSACRE, DEAD CERT, THE HORROR PAGES, SINISTER VISIONS) is 50.
Actor / Writer / Producer Matt Farnsworth (THE STEP DAUGHTER, GACY, DESCENDENT, THE ORPHAN KILLER [all]) is 48.
Actor Cam Gigandet (ON THE DOLL, TWILIGHT, THE UNBORN, PANDORUM, THE EXPERIMENT, THE ROOMMATE, PRIEST, TRESPASS, IN THE BLOOD, PLUSH, THE SHADOW EFFECT, ASSIMILATE, DANGEROUS LIES, ASSIMILATE, DANGEROUS LIES, TOM CLANCY'S WITHOUT REMORSE, VIOLENT NIGHT, TILL DEATH DO US PART) is 41.
Look for Cam's 2023, 2024 Thrillers, DEEP SIX.
Writer Amanda Lee (DERANGED, FREAKY GIFTS, ONLY THE GUILTY, GRIM TIDINGS, THE ASYLUM ABERRATION and more) is 62.
Writer Jeani Rector (WE ALL FALL DOWN, AFTER DARK: A COLLECTION OF HORROR, OPEN GRAVE, AROUND A DARK CORNER, AND NOW THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS, TWICE THE TERROR, and more) is 62 or something.
Actor George Stults (WHAT LIES ABOVE, NIGHT SKIES, HYDRA, NECROSIS, BODERLINE MURDERS, KILLER CAREGIVER) is 48.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is 61

There are a great many versions of author Gaston Leroux's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and by Eric! This 1962 flick from Universal International Pictures, and Horror movie director Terence Fisher, is one of them!

And -

MANHUNTER Turns 37

Before Anthony Hopkins Oscar winning turn as Hannibal Lector, there was another. Actor Brian Cox took hold of the character and gave it his own stamp so chilling and unique that most fans put both actors on the same level.

The problem is, though it came out at theaters, most people only saw MANHUNTER on cable.

That's because two Thrillers came out that weekend in that year. Both had budgets of $15 million. Unfortunately, Director Michael Mann's last movie, THE KEEP, based on a best selling novel, tanked and tanked hard at the theaters, wiping out the promise and profit of his first hit, THIEF. Now here he was with another Horror movie and no stars, so little advertising was spent on it, most people knew little about it, and its ad budget was trifling compared to what was spent on

THE FLY Turns 37

David Cronenberg made a low budget Canadian Horror movie called SHIVERS, and it was a surprise hit. He followed that with RABID and it too, was a surprise hit. When he made the low budget SCANNERS he was able to step up with two Internationally recognized actors. Oh, and it was a hit.

The Canadian Film Board at that time could be fickle and if you didn't make your movies their way, you could do worse than not get a commercial release, you could go to prison. Like many talented Canadians, David was ready to make a run for the border. He directed two Hollywood movies released in 1983, VIDEODROME and THE DEAD ZONE. Big time actors, bigger budgets, and they were both hits. You see where this is going, right? At that point David gets whatever he wants and he wanted to make a movie even gorier than what had come before. He also admired John Carpenter's THE THING and wanted to do his own "Re-imagining", in this case of an old 1958 movie, THE FLY.

Of course, David felt he had to outdo Carpenter's blood & guts factor on THE THING, and when the 20th Century Fox studio suits saw the final cut they were aghast at the gore. After seeing it, Horror icon Vincent Price himself benevolently opined, "...it went a little too far."

Something else happened too. This was a movie chiefly made for young male gore hounds - David's presumed audience. But at test screenings of the movie it performed remarkably well with women.

Why? Women saw it as a tear-jerking tragic love story, which flummoxed the prevailing wisdom of the largely all male studio heads. Fox wasn't certain what they had but the press was already turning Gawky Jeff Goldblum into a Sex Symbol and the suits weren't going to let the money get away. They threw a big pile of ad & marketing dollars at it.

So of course, Horror fans HAD to see Cronenberg's THE FLY!

Plus -

EVENT HORIZON Turns 25

A good movie so close to great that on repeated viewings fans adoration grew alongside their frustration. How could a movie so good, so kissing close to greatness, fall short?

Years later we found out, and no one was surprised by the answer. If anything, we are even more infuriated by what was actually shot then cut and could have been! All of the fans and Director Paul W.S. Anderson himself, wants his Director's Cut of EVENT HORIZON.

Also -

FREDDY VS. JASON Turns 20

Say, remember when you were 18 and you saw this movie for the first time in theaters? The long awaited "Battle Royale" between Freddy and Jason?

Remember that?

Well now you're 38! You're old enough to be a Grandparent!

FREDDY VS JASON came out in 2003!

Wassmor -

MIRRORS is 15

Since 2008 this Keifer Sutherland movie keeps flying just under the radar, and sells just enough to keep its fanbase. And that makes sense because on its release, the studio heads had little faith in it. Overall, 2008's THE DARK KNIGHT was pulling in more money than this one. But there's a caveat to that. So as it approaches culthood, it's time to see what makes MIRRORS so compelling.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Natasha Henstridge (SPECIES, ADRENALIN: FEAR THE RUSH, STAND OFF, SPECIES II, THE LAST WITNESS, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS [2000], A BETTER WAY TO DIE, SECOND SKIN, GHOSTS OF MARS, RIDERS, SPECIES III, DECEPTION, IMPACT, TIME JUMPER [TV], THE SECRET CIRCLE [TV], COLD SPRING, A SISTER'S NIGHTMARE, HOME INVASION, THE BLACK ROOM, RAVERS, MEDINAH [TV], WHY?, HOUSE RED, THE UNHEALER, MEDINAH [TV], WHY, 7th SECRET, CHARMED [TV], HOUSE RED, CONDITION OF RETURN) is 49.
Look for Natasha in the 2024 Horror Thriller, CINDERELLA'S REVENGE. Also expected in 2024, HOUSE OF ABRAHAM, KARMA'S A BITCH, and THE FIRST CIRCLE.
Actor Jennifer Lawrence (WINTER'S BONE, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, THE HUNGER GAMES [all], THE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE STREET, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, MOTHER!, RED SPARROW, X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX, DON'T LOOK UP) is 33.
Look for Jennifer in the 2024 Horror Thriller, DIE MY LOVE.

DEADLY BLESSING is 42

Before Wes Craven gave us A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and long before SCREAM, he was thinking about how to tone his Horror movie intensity down a notch so more theaters would show his work. With this in mind we got DEADLY BLESSING.

And -

THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY is 39

However, that age is in United States of America release years. It actually came out in Italy in June of 1981, predating Wes Craven's DEADLY BLESSING by a tad.

Lucio was at his prime then and THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY is full of Fulci fun!

Plus -

DISTRICT 9 Turns 14

This is a movie that's spent a long time waiting for the sequel it deserved, but never came. One of my favorite alien Horror movies of all time is DISTRICT 9, and this is why.

Also -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

Actor Halle Berry (X-MEN, SWORDFISH, DIE ANOTHER DAY, X2, GOTHIKA, X3, PERFECT STRANGER, DARK TIDE, CLOUD ATLAS, THE CALL, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, EXTANT [TV], KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, JOHN WICK 3, BRUISED, MOONFALL) is 57.
Look for Halle in the 2024 Horror Thriller, NEVER LET GO. Also in 2024, THE MOTHERSHIP.
Actor Brianna Hildebrand (PRISM, DEADPOOL [all], TRAGEDY GIRLS, THE EXORCIST [TV], RUNT, THE TIME CAPSULE) is 26.
Look for Brianna in the 2024 Thriller, DEADPOOL 3.
Writer Andrew Kevin Walker (BRAINSCAN, HIDEAWAY, SE7EN, 8MM, SLEEPY HOLLOW [1999], THE WOLFMAN [2010], METALOCALYPSE: ARMY OF THE DOOMSTAR) is 60.
Look for Andrew's 2024 Horror Thriller, PSYCHO KILLER.
Writer, Director, Producer, Jim Wynorski (CHOPPING MALL, NOT OF THIS EARTH [1988], THE HAUNTING OF MORELLA, MUNCHIE, VAMPIRELLA, THE BARE WENCH PROJECT, RAPTOR, THE THING BELOW, GARGOYLE, THE WITCHES OF BREASTWICK, THE DA VINCI COED, THE BREASTFORD WIVES, HOUSE ON HOOTER HILL, CLEAVAGEFIELD, THE HILLS HAVE THIGHS, DINOCROC VS. SUPERGATOR, MONSTER CRUISE, CAMEL SPIDERS, ROAD RAIDERS, PIRANHACONDA, and so many more, Over 105 of these in all) is 68.

SUNDAY -

Writer Sean Hood (THE DARKLINGS [TV], HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, CUBE 2: HYPERCUBE, THE CROW: WICKED PRAYER, MASTERS OF HORROR: SICK GIRL, MIDNIGHT MOVIE, CONAN THE BARBARIAN [2011], THE DORM, FREAKANGELS [TV]) is 56.
Actor Sebastian Stan (THE CONVENANT, KINGS [TV], BLACK SWAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA [all], GONE, THE APPARITION, ONCE UPON A TIME [TV], LABYRINTH [TV], AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, DESTROYER, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE, THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER [TV], THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME, THE 355, FRESH) is 40.
Look for Sebastian in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, A DIFFERENT MAN. And in 2024, THUNDERBOLTS and CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD.
Actor Jody Thompson (DEATH GAME, THE FEAR: RESURRECTION, MISSION TO MARS, HELLRAISER: HELLSEEKER, DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS, BLADE: THE SERIES [TV], THE 4400 [TV], ALIEN TRESPASS, A TRACE OF DANGER, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT: DARK DAYS, SANCTURARY [TV], R.L. STINE'S THE HAUNTING HOUR [TV], BARRICADE, HAPPY FACE KILLER, KILLER PHOTO, NUMB, MY HUSBAND'S KILLER GIRLFRIEND) is 46.

FRIDAY THE 13th Part 3D Turns 41

This was the movie when Jason got his Hockey mask. That's right, you may be all about Jason, but this movie came out in 1982! That means that this is probably not your Father's Jason, more likely your then 20 year old Grandfather's Jason, and you're gonna love it because when it comes to silent hulking supernatural homicidal maniacs, Hollywood still doesn't know how to do it any better than Michael, Freddy, and Jason from FRIDAY THE 13th Part 3D!

ALIEN VS PREDATOR Turns 19

This polarizing spin-off largely divides audiences into Love it or Hate it mobs and we're on the side of Love it!

When you know why, you might even agree! Read our ALIEN VS PREDATOR movie review.

SATURDAY -

Writer / Director / Producer Stefan Avalos (THE GAME, THE LAST BROADCAST, THE TRUE LEGEND OF THE NEW JERSEY DEVIL, THE GHOSTS OF EDENDALE, HEADHUNTER, TERROR 5) is 53.
Writer James Dorr (various short stories in anthologies) is 62 or something.
Actor Rebecca Gayheart (Robin Cook's INVASION, SCREAM 2, URBAN LEGEND, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 3, SANTA'S SLAY, VANISHED [TV], GREY LADY) is 52.
Actor Bruce Greenwood (BEAR ISLAND, SERVANTS OF TWILIGHT, ADRIFT, EXOTICA, BITTER VENGEANCE, TREACHEROUS BEAUTIES, THE COMPANION, DREAM MAN, NOWHERE MAN [TV], SLEEPWALKERS [TV], DOUBLE JEOPARDY, THE SOUL COLLECTOR, CORD, BELOW, THE CORE, MELTDOWN, I, ROBOT, DEJA VU, CYBORG SOLDIER, STAR TREK [2009], CELL 213, SUPER 8, DONOVAN'S ECHO, THE RIVER [TV], STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, SPECTRAL, GERALD'S GAME, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, THE POST, BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT, DOCTOR SLEEP, BATMAN: DEATH IN THE FAMILY) is 67.
Bruce shares an August birthday with STAR TREK alumni, Liam Hemsworth.
Look for Bruce in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller from Netflix, THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER [TV]. And in 2024, THE INVISIBLES.
Actor Andras Jones (SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIME BOWL-O-RAMA, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4, EVERY BREATH, THE DEMOLITIONIST, THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, EVERY DAY IS A JOURNEY) is 54.
Writer Christopher M. Salas (DARK ECLIPSE: RISE OF AN ERA, DARK ECLIPSE II: WORLD ABOMINATION) is 62 or something.
Writer Susan Wingate (RAVINGS OF A MAD GENTLEWOMAN, BOBBY'S DINER [series], DROWNING) is 62 or something.

THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM Turns 62

Looking back a half century or more, audiences are likely to look at Vincent Price's body of work through a romantic lens. Compared to today he made "Comfort Horror", right?

Well that's a point of view. As with any artist, some of his movies are stronger than others and, after 60 years, Vincent's Roger Corman movie, the end of THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, may still be a bit too strong for a family film.

SUSPIRIA Turns 46

The Horror Geek himself, Mike Bracken, came to Feo Amante's Horror Thriller to tell us about Dario Argento's 1977 magnum opus, SUSPIRIA.

THE SKELETON KEY Turns 18

Some movies get worse with additional viewings. Others, however, actually get better.

Where does THE SKELETON KEY fall?

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Embeth Davidtz (MUTATOR, SWEET MURDER, ARMY OF DARKNESS, LAST RITES, FALLEN, THE GINGERBREAD MAN, THE HOLE, THIR13EN GHOSTS, FRACTURE, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO [2011], THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, EUROPA REPORT, PARANOIA, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, OLD) is 58.
Actor Chris Hemsworth (STAR TREK [2009], A PERFECT GETAWAY, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, THOR, THE AVENGERS, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, GHOSTBUSTERS [2018], EXTRACTION, ESCAPE FROM SPIDERHEAD, THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER) is 39.
Look for Chris in the 2023, 2024 first MAD MAX spin-off, FURIOSA. And in 2025, MAD MAX: THE WASTELAND.
Musician Richard Reinhardt aka Richie Ramone (THE RAMONES, of course!) is 65.
Actor Jonathan Tiersten (SLEEPAWAY CAMP, RETURN TO SLEEPAWAY CAMP, THE PERFECT HOUSE, BLOOD RESERVOIR, TERROR TALES, THE HOUSE THAT WEPT BLOOD, LAKE OF SHADOWS, TOILET ZOMBIE BABY STRIKES BACK, LAST AMERICAN HORROR SHOW VOL. II, TIME'S UP) is 58.

DINOSAURUS! is 63

Movie Director and Producer Jack H. Harris (THE BLOB, 4D MAN, EQUINOX, SCHLOCK, THE BLOB [1988]) didn't demand much from his audience and his audience didn't expect much of him. So when you went to see a movie with Jack H. Harris's named blazoned across it, you knew what you were getting: A fun time at the movies.

You weren't going to get a Debbie Downer ending and a sanctimonious social awareness plea to better Yourselves. Jack was a Producer with benefits. He wasn't going to make your favorite movies of all time, but he wasn't going to waste your money and time either.

That's right, we're talking Big Horror time and on this day in 1960, your Great Grandpa knew that Jack's best was DINOSAURUS!

And -

THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE Turns 64

Could this really be? Could you remove a human head keep it alive?

Back in the mid 20th century, Dr. Robert White successfully proved the efficacy of the first head transplant of a mammal. He and others were able to repeat his method, making it fact.

The very idea that it worked so well and so relatively easy made many an ethical surgeon's skin crawl. It also launched a Plethora of cheapo schlocky brain and head transplant movies, like THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE.

Plus -

PROPHECY Turns 44

Long before Jason grabbed a camper, snug in their sleeping bag, and slammed her against a tree in 1988's FRIDAY THE 13th VII: THE NEW BLOOD, a mutant bear did the same thing to a child and with a far grislier effect. Not that it was a grizzly bear, mind you. No, it was 1979's THE PROPHECY.

Also -

THE OTHERS Turns 22

M. Night Shyamalan's THE SIXTH SENSE with its ghosts, undead, and people who could pyschically "see" (The kid's name was Cole Seer. It needed to be underlined?) was a big surprise hit in 1999. So much so that other major studios suddenly went digging through their mountains of bought and discarded screenplays looking for their own Ghost Story with a twist ending.

That's totally cool, don't get me wrong, but hey, produce the script that's as far removed from the current most popular ghost story as possible.

Don't be all Miramax about it, "Hey! Can you believe that audiences are still tuning into THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and THE SIXTH SENSE? WE need a low budget Ghost movie with a twist ending that stars an single A-lister and is directed by a swarthy kinda guy!"

That's what audiences got in 2001 from THE OTHERS, and they strongly responded with enough enthusiasm to rebirth The Undead in movies, books, and psychics on TeeVee for the next 22 years and counting.

Thus all the hope for a new dawn in the new millennium was drowned in a tsunami resurge of Supernatural, psychic Charlatans, and with 9/11, Religious fervor.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Rick Otto (PHANTOMS, R.S.V.P., THE WIRE [TV], THE WALKING DEAD [TV], ALWAYS WATCHING: A MARBLE HORNETS STORY, TROUBLE SLEEPING, DEADLY SUGAR DADDY SUGAR BABY MURDER) is 49.
Actor Lucas Till (LIGHTNING BUG, THE OTHER SIDE, DANCE OF THE DEAD, LAID TO REST, BATTLE LOS ANGELES, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, VS, DARK HEARTS, STOKER, CRUSH, PARANOIA, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, KRISTY, WOLVES, THE CURSE OF DOWNER'S GROVE, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, THE DISAPPOINTMENTS ROOM, MONSTER TRUCKS, MICHAEL JACKSON'S HALLOWEEN) is 32.

THE ABYSS is 34

By 1987, James Cameron Directed and co-wrote two box office smash movies back to back, TERMINATOR and ALIENS. 20th Century Fox loved him as much as they could love any filmmaker whose movies could bring in a ton of profit, which is to say, it was complicated.

After all, if you're releasing a science fiction action thriller you can't say,

"From the studio that brought you two James Cameron movies comes a picture that's not from James Cameron."

20th Century Fox already had that problem of putting too much studio control in the hands of George Lucas. So a stumble would be nice. Not a huge one. Not a money losing one, but a stumble which is profitable yet doesn't live up to artificially invented high expectations. One that will absolutely be all on the Director if it trips and and comes up short.

So the studio bosses gave James Cameron Carte Blanc with caveats.

I know that appears contradictory but you'd be surprised by how many big studio movie directors would read that and nod: They've been in that position.

Within the contraints of the budget (Huge, but the unbridled cocaine-fueled days of Michael Cimino movies were in the past. Coke might still be on the set in 1988, but so were the bridles), James could say and do what he wanted, unfiltered. THE ABYSS was the result.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Gillian Anderson (THE X-FILES [TV], X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE, STRAIGHTHEADS, BLEAK HOUSE [TV], X FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE, SHADOW DANCER, THE FALL [TV], HANNIBAL [TV], I'LL FOLLOW YOU DOWN, ROBOT OVERLORDS, HANNIBAL [TV], AMERICAN GODS [TV], CROOKED HOUSE, X-FILES [TV - 2018], UFO) who is 54.
Gillian shares an August birthday with her X-Files alumni, David Duchovney.
Look for Gillian in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, THE PALE BLUE EYE.
Actor Eric Bana (CHOPPER, BLACK HAWK DOWN, HULK, MUNICH, STAR TREK [2009], THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, HANNA, DEADFALL, CLOSED CIRCUIT, LONE SURVIVOR, BEWARE THE NIGHT, THE FORGIVEN, THE DRY) is 54.
Look for Eric in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, FORCE OF NATURE.
Actor Rhona Mitra (BEOWULF [1999], HOLLOWMAN, HIGHWAYMEN, THE LIFE OF DAVID GALE, THE NUMBER 23, SKINWALKERS, DOOMSDAY, UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS, STOLEN LIVES, THE GATES [TV], THE LAST SHIP [TV], THE LAST SHIP, THE STRAIN [TV], ARCHIVE, SKYLINES, THE OTHER ME) is 47.
Actor Bill Skarsgård (WHITE WATER FURY, HEMLOCK GROVE [TV], ALLEGIANT, IT [2017 - all], ASSASSINATION NATION, DEADPOOL 2, CASTLE ROCK [TV], NINE DAYS, THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME) is 32.
Look for Bill in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, BARBARIAN. Also in 2022, 2023 EMPEROR. And in 2022, 2023, JOHN WICK 4 and THE CROW.

FRANKENSTEIN VS BARAGON is 58

When it comes to Bonker-Ass-Cinema, Japan is second to none.

Even the grand and legendary Toho Pictures, nearly since its inception, built its reputation on gonzo. Before the U.S.A. got their turn to witness that first hand in 1966, Japanese audiences luxuriated in director Ishiro Honda's 1965 Nippon release of FRANKENSTEIN TAI BARAGON.

When it was released in the USA nearly a year later, it was retitled to FRANKENSTIEN CONQUERS THE WORLD.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror Host Ormon Grimsby (Monster Creature Feature on WCTV, RTN Channel 10, Raleigh, NC. Also in Chapel Hill, NC and Long Island, NY) is 67.
Ormon Grimsby is the pseu-pseu-pseudonym of 3D artist, Craig D. Vance out of Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, where he was locally interred as their Zombie Horror Movie Monster host, entertaining the Boils and Ghouls late into the night and early morning. Though Craig entombed his Ormon personna back in the early 20-teens, he remains a deadicated fan of Horror from Comics to Books to Movies.
Actor Katie Leung (HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2, THE FOREIGNER, THE NEST [TV], ROADKILL [TV], ANNIKA [TV], ARCANE [TV]. THE PERIPHERAL [TV]) is 36.

HEAVY METAL Turns 42

When this movie opened on this day, 42 years ago, your Grandpa knew what was coming. An R-rated movie based on stories from the insane monthly comic book, Heavy Metal. It was going to have hard-core animated gore, nudity, foul language, and it was going to be hilarious because it featured the voices of the top stand-up comics of its day including SCTV and Saturday Night Live.

What's more, above all, it would have a soundtrack featuring some of the best Heavy Metal bands of the era.

My reviewer, Horror writer Steven Woeste, was only 17 when he hit the theaters that heady weekend to see HEAVY METAL. Look at him now! Look At Him!

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

Writer, Director, Producer Alexandre Aja (FURIA, HAUTE TENSION, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], P2, MIRRORS [2008], PIRANHA [2010], MANIAC [2012], HORNS, THE 9th LIFE OF LOUIS DRAX, CRAWL, OXYGEN) is 45.
Look for Alexandre's upcoming Horror Thriller for 2024, NEVER LET GO, starring Halle Berry (X-MEN, GOTHIKA)
Actor Tobin Bell (THE FIRM, MALICE, DEEP RED, THE 4TH FLOOR, SAW [all], BURIED ALIVE, DECOYS 2, THE HAUNTING HOUR, BOOGEYMAN 2, DARK HOUSE, FINDERS KEEPERS, MANSON FAMILY VACATION, GATES OF DARKNESS, 12 FEET DEEP, THE SANDMAN, BELZEBUTH, JIGSAW, 61: HIGHWAY TO HELL, LET US IN, AILEEN WUORNOS: AMERICAN BOOGEYWOMAN) is 81.
Look for Tobin in the upcoming 2022 Thriller AWAKEN. And in 2023, the Horror movie, WOLF MOUNTAIN with Danny Trejo (FROM DUSK TILL DAWN [all], ANACONDA, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, HOOD OF HORROR, PLANET TERROR, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, PREDATORS), and THE BUNKER, ReBROKEN, and CELLO.
Actor David Duchovny (BAD INFLUENCE, THE RAPTURE, KALIFORNIA, THE X-FILES [TV], THE X-FILES, EVOLUTION, THE X FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE, THE X-FILES [TV 2017], THE CRAFT: LEGACY) is 56.
Musician, Producer Bruce Dickenson (Bands: SAMSON, IRON MAIDEN, Movies: THE INCUBUS, HEAVY METAL, PHENOMENA, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5, BRIDE OF CHUCKY, CHEMICAL WEDDING) is 65.

SUNDAY -

Actor Vera Farmiga (TOUCHING EVIL [TV], THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE [2004], NEVERWAS, JOSHUA, ORPHAN, SOURCE CODE, BATES MOTEL [TV], THE CONJURING, THE CONJURING 2, THE COMMUTER, THE NUN, CAPTIVE STATE, GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, ANABELLE COMES HOME, THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT) is 49.
Actor Soleil Moon Frye (INVITATION TO HELL, PUMPKINHEAD II: Bloodwings, TWISTED LOVE, PIRANHA, BLOODWINGS III: Pumpkinhead's Revenge, MIND GAMES, MOTEL BLUE, SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH [TV]) is 47.
Actor Melissa George (DARK CITY, MULHOLLAND DR., ALIAS [TV], THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], DERAILED, TURISTAS, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, THE BETRAYED, THE TRIANGLE, A LONELY PLACE TO DIE, BAG OF BONES [TV], GOTHICA, DON'T GO, THE MOSQUITO COAST [TV]) is 47.
Actor Megumi Okina (NAITO HEDDO, SEBUNZU FEISU, TALES OF THE UNUSUAL, ST. JOHN'S WORT, JU-ON: THE GRUDGE, THE INUGAMIS, SHUTTER, HOWLING VILLAGE) is 46.
Writer, Director, Producer M. Night Shyamalan (THE SIXTH SENSE, UNBREAKABLE, SIGNS, THE VILLAGE, LADY IN THE WATER, THE HAPPENING, THE DEVIL, AFTER EARTH, THE VISIT, SPLIT, GLASS, SERVANT [TV], OLD, SERVANT [TV], KNOCK AT THE CABIN) is 53.
Look for M. Night's upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, . Also in 2023, THE VANISHINGS AT CADDO LAKE.
Musician Vinnie Vincent (Music: KISS: CREATURES OF THE NIGHT, LICK IT UP. THE VINNIE VINCENT INVASION, ALL SYSTEMS GO, EUPHORIA) is 70.

THE SIXTH SENSE is 24

1999 was going to be a big year for George Lucas and Star Wars sequels, so the rest of Hollywood wasn't even going to try to mess with Space Opera or Science Fiction. Instead, Hollywood turned to haunted stories.

Disney passed this movie over to their "little" studio, Hollywood Pictures, which then Chief Mouse-cap Michael Eisner, co-created with Jeffrey Katzenberg, to take small losses while it nurtured creativity among those new rising executives that showed promise.

Oh this picture from a nobody director? Psh! This is just one of Bruce Willis's "little" pictures. One of those occasional arthouse movies big name actors like to do from time to time.

Nobody, not even Disney, knew how huge THE SIXTH SENSE was going to be.

SATURDAY -

Writer, Producer, Director James Gunn (TROMEO AND JULIET, TERROR FIRMER, THE SPECIALS, SCOOBY-DOO [2002], DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], SCOOBY-DOO 2 [2004], SLITHER, SUPER, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY [all], THE BELKO EXPERIMENT, THE SUICIDE SQUAD [2021], PEACEMAKER [TV]) is 56.
Actor John Jarrat (PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, PLUNGE INTO DARKNESS, NEXT OF KIN, CHASE THROUGH THE NIGHT, DARK AGE, DEAD HEART, WOLF CREEK [all], ROGUE, BAD BEHAVIOUR, NEEDLE, SAVAGES CROSSING, SHIVER [2012], 100 BLOODY ACRES, OBSERVANCE, STALKHER, FRENZY [2015], BOAR, WOLF CREEK [TV], THE POSSESSED) is 72.
Look for John in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, THE NINTH ORDER.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is 12

This was a risk and a long shot. 20th Century Fox had decades and a corporate culture to overcome and part of that culture was to trash every potential franchise they had with garbage sequels for that first weekend scam on the loyal audience they built.

Genuinely great sequels like ALIENS were outliers and the studio loved the money but viewed the outcome as a mistake, making sure not to repeat it.

To be sure, 20th Century Fox wasn't alone in this. Universal Pictures were hot to destroy their popular JAWS franchise, Warner Bros. went apparently cross-eyed with joy over gutting their popular THE EXORCIST franchise, and MGM fell into gleeful freefall as they fed POLTERGIEST into a woodchipper.

Paramount Pictures, which didn't aim that high with FRIDAY THE 13th, were able to keep the franchise going with decent enough sequels and few misteps. There was always a good chance that the next movie would be better. They never tarnished themselves.

United Artists never established a Horror movie franchise. Instead they were largely high-risk takers with every nearly every stand-alone venture (a crazy method which inexplicably worked nearly every time) but when it did come time to make a sequel, they stood far above all other studios with their long running and wildly successful James Bond and Rocky franchises.

So it was only ten years after the 20th Century Fox disaster of PLANET OF THE APES in 2001 that the latest studio leaders decided to give it another shot. This time with cgi!

CGI Apes! Way back in 2011! Did it work? This is what happened to RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

PREY Turns 1

A year later and Disney/Hulu is still kicking itself in the ass for releasing this movie Direct to Video instead of to theaters.

Also, it's a year later and like the fools they continue to be, Disney/Hulu still hasn't released PREY to disk. This is why they should do so before the corporation is bought out.

Adam Fair's PIGLADY Comes to VOD This AUG! 22

And -

WHITE ZOMBIE is 91

Holy crap! 91 years ago actor Bela Lugosi rocked Horror movies so powerfully that he's still remembered, revered, and remains the dominant icon of Dracula movies. He could and did play believable Jesus Christ, heroes, villains, and monsters.

How the hell did he do it? And why do his performances continue to echo nearly a century later? You'll understand the moment you watch him in WHITE ZOMBIE.

Plus -

HOLLOW MAN is 23

In 1999 Paul Verhoven wrapped up his contractual obligations to Hollywood with this movie. It was his last hurrah in the U.S. and after its release in 2000 and a year's worth of junket promoting it world wide, he left L.A. with his middle finger extended as he headed back to his Mudderland to make the low budget drama thrillers he loved so well.

Why did he do that? Because it was with this movie that Paul felt he directed something anyone could do. Paul felt drained by Hollywood and he needed to do Verhoven movies. Movies that only he could do, like ROBOCOP or even TOTAL RECALL. This movie was merely HOLLOW MAN.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Kealan Patrick Burke (MASTER OF THE MOORS, CURRENCY OF SOULS, THE LIVING, THE HIDES, UNDERNEATH, THE TURTLE BOY, DEAD OF WINTER, EMPATHY, YOU IN?, THEATER MACABRE, RAVENOUS GHOSTS, MIDLISTERS [w/Jack Ketchum], THE GRIEF FREQUENCY, THE ACQUAINTANCE, STAGE WHISPERS, SELDOM SEEN IN AUGUST, MR. GOODNIGHT, COBWEBS) is 62 or something.
Actor Daniel Dae Kim (THE JACKAL [1997], CRUSADE [TV], ANGEL [TV], MOMENTUM, HULK, 24 [TV], SPIDER-MAN 2, THE CAVE, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER [TV], LOST [TV], THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN [TV], THE LEGEND OF KORRA [TV], INSURGENT, ALLEGIANT, HELLBOY [2019], STOWAWAY, THE HOT ZONE [TV], PANTHEON [TV], JOY RIDE) is 55.
Look for Daniel in the animated 2023, 2024, AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER [TV].
Writer Dennis Lehane (MYSTIC RIVER, GONE BABY GONE, SHUTTER ISLAND, LIVE BY NIGHT, MR. MERCEDES [TV], BLACK BIRD [TV]) is 57.
Actor David Lewis (MORONS FROM OUTER SPACE, TALES FROM THE GIMLI HOSPITAL, VOYAGE OF TERROR, EVERY MOTHER'S WORST FEAR, LAKE PLACID, D-TOX, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, JOHN DOE [TV], PAYCHECK, FIREWALL, ALIEN INCURSION, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT 2, BEYOND LOCH NESS, BA'AL, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL [2008], POSSESSION, WYVERN, ZOMBIE PUNCH, HARPER'S ISLAND [TV], GHOST STORM, COLLISION EARTH, DONOVAN'S ECHO, SEEDS OF DESTRUCTION, KILLER AMONG US, THE ELEVENTH VICTIM, EVANGELINE [2013], GARAGE SALE MYSTERY, HIDDEN [2015], R.L. Stine's MONSTERVILLE: CABINET OF SOULS, CANDILAND, SECRETS IN THE ATTIC, MOTIVE [TV], MORNING SHOW MYSTERIES, VIOLENTA, CHILD'S PLAY [2019], THE CURSE OF WILLOW SONG, THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE, BRAZEN, HEATWAVE, CRUEL SUMMER [TV], TRAPPED IN THE CABIN) is 47.
David shares a birthday with HEATWAVE alumni Sebatian Roche
Actor Dan Payne (STARGATE SG-1 [TV], TRUTH, THE HORROR OF H.P. LOVECRAFT, TIN MAN [TV], STAGATE ATLANTIS [TV], WATCHMEN, ICARUS, BLOOD: A BUTCHER'S TALE, TOWER PREP [TV], THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING, PRIMEVAL: NEW WORLD [TV], THE HUNTERS, R.L. Stine's THE HAUNTING HOUR [TV], STRANGER IN THE HOUSE, DYING TO BE LOVED, WARCRAFT, STAR TREK BEYOND, DEVIL IN THE DARK, RESIDUE, TIL EX DO US PART, FRAMED BY MY HUSBAND, CORRECTIVE MEASURES) is 50.
Look for Dan in the 2023, 2024 Thriller, TRIMESTER.
Actor Sebatian Roché (THE PEACEMAKER, ROAR [TV], BONNE NUIT, ODYSSEY 5, BEOWULF, FRINGE [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], PEGASUS VS. CHIMERA, WER, NEGATIVE, THE ORIGINALS [TV], THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], BATWOMAN [TV], THE COLONY [2021], HEATWAVE) is 59.
Actor Abigail Spencer (CAMPFIRE STORIES, ANGELA'S EYES [TV], JEKYLL, IN MY SLEEP, COWBOYS & ALIENS, THE HAUNTING IN GEORGIA, H8RZ, TRUE DETECTIVE [TV], TIMELESS [TV], REPRISAL [TV]) is 42.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jon Foster (MURDER IN GREENWICH, TERMINATOR 3, THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR, STAY ALIVE, PANDORUM, MR. JONES) is 38.
Look for Jon's upcoming 2021, 2022 Horror movie, 18 AND OVER.
Actor, Director, Producer John Landis (SCHLOCK!, BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES, DEATH RACE 2000, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON, TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE, THRILLER, SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION, DARKMAN, SLEEPWALKERS, INNOCENT BLOOD, SPIDER-MAN 2, DEER WOMAN, FAMILY, BURKE AND HARE, and lots more) is 72.
Actor Evangeline Lilly (THE HURT LOCKER, AFTERWARDS, LOST [TV], THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN, LITTLE EVIL, ant-man [ALL], AVENGERS: ENDGAME, CRISIS, ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA) is 37.
Actor Kyle Schmid (VIRUS [1996], A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, THE COVENANT, DEATH ROW, JOY RIDE 2, THE THAW, FEAR ISLAND, BEING HUMAN [UK - TV], DEAD BEFORE DAWN 3D, DARK HEARTS, LOST GIRL [TV], BEING HUMAN [CA - TV], BABYLON FIELDS, 88, I-LAND [TV], 10 MINUTES GONE, BIG SKY [TV], ) is 37.
Look for Kyle in the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller, THE TEST.

FRIGHT NIGHT is 38!

Dive into the original 1985 FRIGHT NIGHT with this review by Bram Stoker Award winning Horror author, Mike Oliveri.

And -

Dario Argento's PHENOMENA aka CREEPERS is 38!

Argento purists will debate forever as to whether TENEBRE, SUSPIRIA, or DEEP RED is his best film, but one thing's for certain: PHENOMENA is the one that's the most fun.

Plus -

SIGNS Turns 21

It was the start of the crash of M. Night Shyamalan. Two feature films with producer Frank Marshall (THE SIXTH SENSE, UNBREAKABLE), and frequent media plaudits of being the next Hitchcock or Spielberg (all high praise indeed, but imagine being a young and new director, and being saddled with such expectations), embedded into Night's psyche that, by golly he had to, HAD TO, have a twist freaking ending in every movie whether it required one or not.

No, scratch that, his movies absolutely required a twist.

So the moment Shyamalan was free of Frank, he made this movie, telegraphed the twist in the first scene and kept tapping that telegraph key all the way to the end, making it the most expected twist I've ever seen.

However, reviewer Kelly Parks also saw SIGNS and this is what he experienced.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Ah, they grow up so fast!
Actor Edward Furlong (TERMINATOR 2, PET SEMETARY II, BRAINSCAN, AMERICAN HISTORY X, THREE BLIND MICE, THE CROW: WICKED PRAYER, CRUEL WORLD, THE MORTICIAN, BELOW ZERO, CRAVE, REMNANTS, THE ZOMBIE KING, AWAKENED, STITCH, THE LAST LIGHT, AFTERMATH [2014], AWAKEN [2015], THE REUNION, TERMINATOR: DARK FLOP, THE FOREST HILLS) is 46.
Look for Edward in the 2024 Horror Thriller, THE ENDLESS WHISPERS.
Actor Olivier Gruner (NEMESIS, AUTOMATIC, VELOCITY TRAP, MARS, THE CIRCUIT, CIRCUIT 2, ONE NIGHT, RE-GENERATOR, DARK WEB [2016], THE CIRCUIT 2020 [TV], SPACE HUNTERS WARS: QUEST THE BATTLE FOR THE DEEPSTAR) is 63.
Actor Marcel Iures (INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, THE PEACEMAKER, DRACULA THE IMPALER, ISOLATION, THE CAVE, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END, YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH, THICK AS THIEVES, BUNRAKU, THE GAME [TV - 2015]) is 72.
Actor Sandra Ellis Lafferty (SUTURE, NEW NIGHTMARE, THE PROPHECY, SPARK, THE PROPHECY 3, SOULKEEPER, THE NEW DAUGHTER, QUARANTINE 2: TERMINAL, AWAKENED, HUNGER GAMES, AFTER, THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE, SELF/LESS, BUSTER'S MAL HEART, A DARK PLACE, A FALL FROM GRACE, TRINKET BOX) is 83.
Look for Sandra in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror Thriller, HELLBILLY HOLLOW.
Ah, they grow old so fast!
Actor Butch Patrick (THE HAND OF DEATH, THE MUNSTERS [TV], MUNSTER GO HOME, THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH, SCARY MOVIE [1989], MACABRE THEATER [TV], FRANKENSTEIN VS. THE CREATURE FROM BLOOD COVE, IT CAME FROM TRAFALGAR, ZOMBIE DREAMS, YOUNG BLOOD: EVIL INTENTIONS, BITE SCHOOL, ZOMBIE DREAM, HE DRIVES AT NIGHT) is 70.
Look for Butch in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, RIVER BEAUTY. And in 2024, SPECTRAL SQUAD: THE HAUNTING OF SOPHIE LAWSON.
Actor Sam Worthington (MACBETH, ROGUE, TERMINATOR: SALVATION, AVATAR, CLASH OF THE TITANS [2010], WRATH OF THE TITANS, MAN ON A LEDGE, THE TITAN, FRACTURED, TRANSFUSION, AVATAR 2, SIMULANT) is 42.
Look for Sam in the 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller, THE GEORGETOWN PROJECT. Also the presumed continuation of three more sequels of AVATAR, 3 thru 5, all in production, running from 2023 to 2028.

Freestyle Digital Media Brings Ray Spivey's STORAGE LOCKER to VOD, AUG! 22

And -

THE OMEGA MAN is 52

Tim Burton wasn't the first to do a re-imagining rather than a re-make. But of course when I mention Tim Burton and his re-imagining of PLANET OF THE APES you immediately assume the category is "Movies that Suck".

Well, we'll see when you read Kelly Parks review of THE OMEGA MAN.

Plus -

36 Years of the Arguable Best of the F13 Franchise: JASON LIVES

Why is it that the 5th sequel still holds the entire FRIDAY THE 13th movie franchise together? From screenwriter Ken King (the Fan Behind the Mask) comes his review of FRIDAY THE 13th VI: JASON LIVES.

Also -

SPAWN is 26

A surprise hit reboot of a Marvel character means the artist and writer, Todd McFarlane, could go it alone with his own comic book line, right? And his surprise hit character in comic books means that he has a shot at turning it into a hit toyline, right? And the favorable early response to a SPAWN animated series, means we launch a surprise hit live action movie, right?

OMG! While we're putting the finishing touches on the live action movie, the animated series is a runaway train! There's no stopping this, right?

A look back at why all the dominos didn't fall for Todd McFarlane's SPAWN motion picture and what those lessons still mean over a quarter century later.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jason Momoa (PIPELINE, STARGATE: ATLANTIS [TV], GAME OF THRONES [TV], CONAN THE BARBARIAN [2011], BULLET TO THE HEAD, ROAD TO PALOMA, WOLVES [2014], DEBUG, THE BAD BATCH, SUGAR MOUNTAIN, SEE, DUNE) is 43.
Actor Kris Holden-Ried (HABITAT, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS III, RIVERDALE [TV 1997 - 2000], GOSSIP, A KILLING SPRING, NEVER FORGET, THE DEATH OF ALICE BLUE, HIDDEN CRIMES, UNDERWORLD AWAKENING, HUNTING SEASON, THE RETURNED, LOST GIRL [TV], DARK MATTER [TV 2015 - 2017], THE EPITAPH [2016], DEPARTURE [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV], UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], DARK WEB: CICADA 3301, DEPARTURE [TV]) is 49.
Look for Kris in the upcoming Thriller, IVY. And in 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller, MATERNAL.