HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ken Foree (DAWN OF THE DEAD, TERROR AMONG US, FROM BEYOND, TERROR SQUAD, DEATH SPA, PHANTOM OF THE MALL: ERIC'S REVENGE, LEATHERFACE: TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE III, FATAL CHARM, SLEEPSTALKER, THE DENTIST, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, THE DEVIL'S DEN, BRUTAL MASSACRE: A COMEDY, SPLATTER DISCO, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, BROTHERHOOD OF BLOOD, ZONE OF THE DEAD, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, SAMURAI PRIEST: VAMPIRE HUNTER, THE LORDS OF SALEM, BLOOD BROTHERS, THE RIFT, THE MIDNIGHT MAN) is 75.

HOUSE Turns 38

If you're a fan of 1980s Horror, the folks who made this one are always in your thoughts. After all, it was written by Fred Dekker (THE RETURN OF GODZILLA, NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, THE MONSTER SQUAD), Produced by Sean S. Cunningham (THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK, FRIDAY THE 13th [all], DEEPSTAR SIX), Directed by Steve Miner (FRIDAY THE 13th Part 2, FRIDAY THE 13th 3D [introduced the hockey mask], WARLOCK), and the music is by Composer Harry Manfredini, who did FRIDAY THE 13th [all], ZOMBIE ISLAND MASSACRE, SLAUGHTER HIGH, CAMERON'S CLOSET, DEEPSTAR SIX, and this one, HOUSE.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ali Larter (HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL [1999], FINAL DESTINATION, FINAL DESTINATION 2, CONFESS, HEROES [TV], RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION, RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, LEGENDS [TV], THE DIABOLICAL, RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER) is 48.
Look for Ali in the upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN. Also in 2024, SPIN THE BOTTLE.
Thankee / Producer Aine Leicht (THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], THE DEVIL'S REJECTS. Producer: O.C. BABES AND THE SLASHER OF ZOMBIETOWN, PLATOON OF THE DEAD, CREEP CREEPERSIN'S ERECTION, VAGINAL HOLOCAUST, ORGY OF BLOOD, and over 170 home video extras) is 44.
"Thankee?" Yes! One of the most thanked people in Hollywood Horror - 51 listed on IMDb as of 2024. Seriously - scope her imdb credits!

GOTHIC Turns 38

Unfortunately, actor Julian Sands remains were identified in June of 2023.

Horror author Nicholas Kaufman (THE HUNGRY EARTH, IN THE SHADOW OF THE AXE) stepped in to give his love to Ken Russel's GOTHIC.

And -

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS is 37

This was the first movie that New Line Cinema released nationally. It's also the first of the NIGHTMARE movies to open at #1.

I've never met a fan of the A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise that loves them all. In fact, I've never met anyone who didn't hate at least one of them. If you don't like this movie it doesn't matter what you think. Part 3 proved itself to fans over 35 years ago.

However, if you haven't seen it, Horror author Paul V. Wargelin (V. for Victor) is a blood-dyed-in-the-fabric fan of the movies and this is what he thinks of A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS.

Plus -

DARK CITY is 26

This was director Alex Proyas personal project after his incredible success with THE CROW: A movie that belongs to a special club that no one ever wants to be a part of. A movie beset with horrific tragedy.

Thanks to the popularity of then hit TV show, THE X-FILES, movies with alternate realities were all the rage in late 1990s Hollywood and all coming from the same source. Not X-Files Producer and show runner Chris Carter, but an old Science Fiction writer named Daniel F. Galouye. Daniel did things like co-write novels with Alfred Hitchcock's most favored writer, Robert Bloch (PYSCHO [all]). Daniel's style was like an odd cross between the psychos that move among human society that an authoritarian government holds together, which Robert Bloch favored, and the human society that helplessly falls through the metaphysical universe that an authoritarian government is helpless to control, that Philip K. Dick preferred.

They were all heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft in that they embraced creating their own fictional worlds that leaned into science, instead of playing in the hoary old sandbox of well-worn ancient myths of ghouls, ghosts, goblins, golems, witches, vampires, changlings, and other assorted and sundry revenants.

Back in the 1960s Daniel wrote a Science Fiction Horror novel called SIMULACRON-3. Crazed German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder made a two part movie out of it called WORLD ON A WIRE, and that became the roadmap that Columbia Pictures used for THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR (Daniel's novel is credited), Warner Bros. used for THE MATRIX, and both of those movies used many of the crew and sets from New Line Cinema's DARK CITY.

Finale -

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

Actor Adam Baldwin (PREDATOR 2, DEAD BOLT, COLD SWEAT, BITTER HARVEST, TREACHEROUS, SAWBONES [TV], SHADOW-0PS, FIREFLY [TV], GARGANTUA [TV], INDISCREET [TV], GACY, EVIL EYES, SERENITY, THE THIRST, SANDS OF OBLIVION, SUPERMAN/DOOMSDAY, INSIGHT, TRANSFORMERS PRIME [TV], THE LAST SHIP, MASS EFFECT: LEGENDARY EDITION [VG], and more) is 62.
Writer, Director, Producer Christopher Landon (BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE, DISTURBIA, BURNING PALMS, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 5, SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, VIRAL, HAPPY DEATH DAY [all], FREAKY, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: NEXT OF KIN, WE HAVE A GHOST) is 49.
Christopher shares a birthday month with his PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Producer, Jason Blum.
Look for CHristopher's 2024 Horror Mystery, TIME CUT.
Actor Lindsey Morgan (DETENTION, CHASTITY BITES, ETXR, BEYOND SKYLINE, LASSO, THE 100 [TV], SKYLIN3S) is 34.
Actor Charlotte Stewart (THE NURSE KILLER, ERASERHEAD, BITTER HARVEST, HUMAN HIGHWAY, UFOria, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH [1989], TREMORS, TWIN PEAKS [TV], DARK ANGEL: THE ASCENT, TREMORS 3, THE INNER CIRCLE, TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES) is 83.
SFX MUA, Writer, Actor, Director Gary J. Tunnicliffe (SHE-WOLF OF LONDON [1990], WAXWORK II, CHILDREN OF THE CORN II, HELLRAISER III, CANDYMAN, FRANKENSTEIN [1992], WARLOCK: THE ARMAGEDDON, AMERICAN CYBORG: STEEL WARRIOR, BEYOND BEDLAM, TO CATCH A YETI, AMANDA & THE ALIEN, LAST GASP, LORD OF ILLUSIONS, HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS, HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE, CHILDREN OF THE CORN: THE GATHERING, SOLO, MENNO'S MIND, WISHMASTER, BLADE, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER II, SLEEPYHOLLOW [1999], TWIN FALLS IDAHO, CANDYMAN: DAY OF THE DEAD, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II, HELLRAISER: INFERNO, GINGER SNAPS, DRACULA 2000, MIMIC 2, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, MEGALODON, HANSEL & GRETEL [2002], HELLRAISER: HELLSEEKER, MIMIC: SENTINEL, DRACULA III, THE PROPHECY: FORSAKEN, HELLRAISER: DEADER, HELLRAISER: HELLWORLD, FEAST [all], RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: RAVE TO THE GRAVE, RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: NECROPOLIS, INCUBUS, PULSE [all], PUMPKINHEAD: ASHES TO ASHES, WHITE NOISE 2, PUMPKINHEAD: BLOOD FUED, THE SEEKER, MY BLOODY VALENTINE [2009], X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, THE COLLECTOR, THE DETAILS, DRIVE ANGRY, HELLRAISER: REVELATIONS, SCREAM 4, DINOSHARK, APOLLO 18, STRAW DOGS [2011], PIRANHA 3DD, THE COLLECTION, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, SCARY MOVIE V, KILLING SEASON, BENEATH, ANIMAL, THE HIVE, GONE GIRL, MOST LIKELY TO DIE, PET, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEEP WATCHING, THE HATRED, HELLRAISER: JUDGMENT, AGENDA: PAYBACK, DELIRIUM, TRICK, THE BIG UGLY, PLAY DEAD, DARK HARVEST) is 56.
Look for Gary's work in the upcoming 2024 Horror Thriller movie, BLACK SPINES.

THE CRAZIES Turns 14

There are so few remakes that match the original, let alone surpass it. Breck Eisner's 2010 version surpassed George A. Romero's original

SACRILEGE!

and this is what made 2010's THE CRAZIES better.

And -

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

Actor Shiloh Fernandez (INTERSTATE, JERICHO [TV], RED, DEADGIRL, RED RIDING HOOD, EVIL DEAD [2013], WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD, RETURN TO SENDER, EDGE OF WINTER, QUEEN OF CARTHAGE, GYPSY [TV], TREMORS [2018], BURN, BIG GOLD BRICK, TATTERED HEARTS TORN HEARTS) is 39.
Shiloh shares a February birthday month with his WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD alumni, Thomas Jane, as well as this month for his TREMORS producer, Jason Blum.
Look for Shiloh in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller THE KNOCKING DON'T OPEN THE DOOR, starring Doug Jones (HELLBOY, PAN'S LABYRINTH, UNIVERSAL DEAD, JOHN DIES AT THE END). Also in 2023, 2024 HELLBENT ON BOOGIE. New to 2024 are PIG HILL and FLUXX.
Writer, Director, Producer Drew Goddard (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], ALIAS [TV], CLOVERFIELD, LOST [TV], THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, WORLD WAR Z, 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, THE DEFENDERS [TV], THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE) is 49.
Cthulhu help us, Drew has an Untitled Cloverfield sequel in production since 2022.
Actor Barbara Niven (FATAL ENCOUNTER, HIRED TO KILL, PSYCHO COP RETURNS, ILLEGAL ENTRY: FORMULA FOR FEAR, THE SISTER-IN-LAW, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP [1996 TV], I MARRIED A MONSTER [TV], ALONE WITH A STRANGER, SERIAL KILLING 101, THE DRONE VIRUS, SUMMER'S BLOOD, ACCUSED AT 17, HOME INVASION, SUBURBAN GOTHIC, CROSSWORD MYSTERIES [all], and more) is 72.
Actor Teresa Palmer (WOLF CREEK, THE GRUDGE 2, RESTRAINT, I AM NUMBER FOUR, WISH YOU WERE HERE, WARM BODIES, LIGHTS OUT, MESSAGE FROM THE KING, BERLIN SYNDROME, 2:22, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES [TV], THE TWIN, THE CLEARING [TV]) is 38.
Teresa shares the same birthday with her LIGHTS OUT Producer...
Writer, Director, Producer, James Wan (SAW [all], DEAD SILENCE, DEATH SENTENCE, INSIDIOUS [all], THE CONJURING [all], DEMONIC, ANNABELLE [all], LIGHTS OUT, THE NUN, THE CURSE OF LLORONA, SWAMP THING [TV], SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW, MALIGNANT, THERE'S SOMEONE INSIDE YOUR HOUSE, ARCHIVE 81 [TV], M3GAN, NIGHT SWIM) is 47.
Look for James' upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror movie, 'SALEM'S LOT. Also in 2024, THE LAST TRAIN TO NEW YORK, THE CROOKED MAN, and THE MONKEY.
Read my interview with James Wan and Leigh Whannell as they reminisce about their very first franchise, SAW.

SUNDAY -

Actor Alexis Denisoff (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], DOLLHOUSE [TV], THE AVENGERS, H+, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, GRIMM [TV], LEGACIES [TV], CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA [TV], LEGACIES [TV]) is 57.
Writer, Actor Carey Van Dyke (DIAGNOSIS MURDER [TV], MURDER 101: NEW AGE, THE DAY THE EARTH STOPPED, MEGA PYTHON VS. GATOROID, A HAUNTING IN SALEM, THE SACRED, THE CHERNOBYL DIARIES, THE SILENCE, DON'T WORRY DARLING) is 58.
Actor Gerran Howell (YOUNG DRACULA [TV], THE SPARTICLE MYSTERY [TV], THE SONG OF NAMES, SUSPICION [TV]) is 28.
Writer / Director Neill Jordan (THE COMPANY OF WOLVES, HIGH SPIRITS, THE CRYING GAME, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, IN DREAMS, THE BRAVE ONE, THE GOOD THIEF, RIVIERA [TV], GRETA, RIVIERA [TV], MARLOWE) is 69.
Neill shares a February birthday with GRETA alumni, Chloë Grace Moretz.
Actor Noah Jupe (THE NIGHT MANAGER [TV], HOUDINI & DOYLE [TV], THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER, THE MAN WITH THE IRON HEART, THE TITAN, A QUIET PLACE [all], THE UNDOING, NO SUDDEN MOVE) is 19.
Look for Noah in the upcoming 2023 Horror movie remake, THE LOST BOYS.
Actor James Phelps (HARRY POTTER [all], WARD 3, PATCHWORK, CADIA: THE WORLD WITHIN, LAST NIGHT IN SOHO) is 38.
Actor Oliver Phelps (HARRY POTTER [all], LAST NIGHT IN SOHO) is 38.

BARON BLOOD Turns 52

Some movies are products of their time. This movie abuses such a privilege, particularly with the way it rubs a shit ton of product placement in your face. This is the movie Director Mario Bava didn't want to do, but did anyway, because by directing it and having his name attached, he was promised the budget he wanted for his dream project and very next picture. Hey, if you want folks to fund you, ya gotta negotiate!

This is result, BARON BLOOD.

SATURDAY -

Writer / Publisher / Editor and Feo Amante alumni, Monica J. O'Rourke (SUFFER THE FLESH, DECADENCE volumes 1 & 2) is 58 today.
Actor Billy Zane (CRITTERS, DEAD CALM, DEMON KNIGHT, CLAIM, DARK HARVEST, SILENT WARNINGS, VLAD, SILVER CITY, THREE, MEM-O-RE, BLOODRAYNE, KURTLAR VADISI-IRAK, ALIEN AGENT, THE MAD, SURVIVING EVIL, MAGIC MAN, THE ROOMMATE, MYSTERIA, THE SCORPION KING 3, THE GANZFELD EXPERIMENT, LEPRECHAUN'S REVENGE, THE EMPLOYER, BORDER RUN, GHOST OF GOODNIGHT LANE, SCORNED, THE GANZFELD HAUNTING, ZOMBIE KILLERS: ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD, TROUBLE SLEEPING, GHOSTS OF WAR, THE BELIEVER, HELLBLAZERS, THE BOYS [TV], RUPTURE, THE DOWNSIDE OF BLISS, HELLBLAZERS, and more) is 57.
Look for Billy's 2022, 2023, 2024 Mystery Thriller, BLUNT.

GET OUT Turns 6

Jordan Peele wowed us all with his comedy TV shows. His Comedy movies? Not so much. Then he decided that if he couldn't make us laugh, he'd scare us.

This is what happened when he made GET OUT.

You released these on my Birthday?!?

Aw... You GUYS!

THE ABANDONED Turns 17

Pretty much all movies that appeared under the old and nearly forgotten After Dark Film Festival banner and have faded into obscurity: What I've labeled as modern Cinema Obscura.

That doesn't mean they deserve to and Nacho Cerda's 2007 THE ABANDONED is a good reason why they should be rediscovered.

And -

THE NUMBER 23 Turns 17

Taste is subjective. You may not like what I like and vice versa. But of all the criticisms a movie should endure, this one doesn't deserve the "Unbelievable" concept. The fact is, the Number 23 Enigma, as profoundly damaging as a gambling addiction or Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), is all too real to the people who become affected by it and we still aren't sure why it happens. That is the incurable syndrome that terrifies character Walter Sparrow in THE NUMBER 23.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Emily Blunt (IRRESISTABLE [2006], WIND CHILL, THE WOLF MAN [2010], THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, LOOPER, EDGE OF TOMORROW, INTO THE WOODS, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, A QUIET PLACE [all]) is 43.
ME! Horror writer / WebCeb / Film Maker E.C.McMullen Jr. aka Feo Amante (Feo Amante's Horror Thriller. Writer [featured in the following magazines, anthologies, and collections]: BIKER, DECADENCE 1, DECADENCE 2, RANDOM ACTS OF WEIRDNESS, SATAN'S 3-RING CIRCUS OF HELL, PERPETUAL BULLET, FEAR THE REAPER, WILLOW BLUE, RUMOR, and more.
Movies: PRIMITIVE RECALL, LAST CALL, THE CRUSADER, UNIVERSAL DEAD, A SIERRA NEVADA GUNFIGHT, MINE GAMES, BUSHIDO, THE NIGHT MY MONSTER DIED, A BITE BETWEEN SISTERS) is 63.
Visit E.C. at Stage32.com, and Twitter.com.
Writer Dwight L. MacPhearson (Writer / Creator: EDGAR ALLEN POO) is 46.
Horror Artist / Writer Nate Southard (DRIVE, Brian Keene's FEAR, A TRIP TO RUNDBERG) is 46 today.

BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR is 33

Stuart Gordon's 1985 RE-ANIMATOR was an underground hit. Fans kept going back to it, it made the midnight movie circuit, and held a high ranking in home video rentals up against major competition from big budget studios. But 1991 was still in the era of cheap shit sequels cranked out quickly. Back when studio heads considered their audiences beneath contempt and loved treating them that way.

Except for one thing, RE-ANIMATOR was already a low budget flick from Schlock-miester Charles Band and his boutique production and distribution company, Empire Pictures. Charles didn't have to bow to no one unless it pleased him. What's more, he couldn't afford the massive expense of test audiences and tailor-made marketing in the form of studio edits - which castrated any art out of every production.

Charles Band, like all low budget independent companies, had to roll the dice and take the risk every time. Big Studios strive to give the audiences what they want to see. Low budget indies have to give the audiences what they've never seen.

The Writer creator and Producer of the original RE-ANIMATOR, Brian Yuzna, was in the director's chair for the sequel. He was certain he knew all of the elements that attracted the audience in the first place. He understood why such a low budget exploitation movie was attracting a slice of Horror fans. But did he know how to bring them back with RE-ANIMATOR 2 (in UK) aka BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR?

And -

QUEEN OF THE DAMNED is 22

Warner Bros. wanted to try again with a successful sequel to INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE. Lucky for them, creator Anne Rice not only wrote it, but the sequel was a best selling smash hit. Not only that, but they had the hottest star at the time in the lead role as the Queen herself, Akasha. Then they gave her second billing to the 10th hottest star of that time in QUEEN OF THE DAMNED.

Plus -

CUBE ZERO is 20

Have you seen Vincenzo Natali's CUBE? If not, know that's it's one of the most believable science fiction movies you'll ever see. And even though it was released in 1997, it remains futuristic in 2024.

No small feat!

Writer, Director, and Executive Producer, Ernie Babarash, looked at the mind-bending dystopia of CUBE and wanted none of it. He bought his way into the CUBE franchise, took control of it, and made them silly like LEPRECHAUN movies. And not just any LEPRECHAUN silliness, let's make it LEPRECHAUN by the 3rd sequel silly!

How well did Ernie do? He built on that to where he is today: making Hallmark and Lifetime Channel Christmas romance movies.

Our review of the Ernie Babarash masterpiece, CUBE ZERO.

Also -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror Artist Eddie Allen is 63 or something.
Check out Haunted Memories.
Writer, Actor Thomas Jane (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, NEMESIS, THE CROW: CITY OF ANGELS, FACE/OFF, DEEP BLUE SEA, ORIGINAL SIN, DREAMCATCHER, THE PUNISHER, THE TRIPPER, THE MIST, MUTANT CHRONICLES, KILLSHOT, THE DARK COUNTRY, THE EXPANSE [TV], WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD, INTO THE GRIZZLY MAZE, STANDOFF, THE VEIL, BEFORE I WAKE, 1922, THE PREDATOR, THE VANISHED [2020], HUNTER'S MOON, BREACH, WARNING, MURDER AT YELLOWSTONE CITY, DIG, SLAYERS) is 55.
Thomas shares a February birthday month with THE PREDATOR alumni Lochlyn Munro.
Thomas also shares a February birthday month with his THE EXPANSE alumni, Jay Hernandez.
Look for Thomas in the 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, SALVATION.
Actor Dichen Lachman (SAFETY IN NUMBERS, TYRANNOSAURUS AZTECA, BLED, DOLLHOUSE [TV], BEING HUMAN [TV 2011-2014], THE 100 [TV], AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., TOO LATE, THE LAST SHIP [TV], ALTERED CARBON, SEVERANCE [TV], JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION) is 42.
Look for Dichen in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.
Dichen shares a birthday with her AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. alumni...
Actor Kyle MacLachlan (BLUE VELVET, THE HIDDEN, TWIN PEAKS [TV], TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME, ROSWELL, VAULT OF HORROR I, WINDSOR PROTOCOL, THE TRIGGER EFFECT, THUNDER POINT, XCHANGE, MIRANDA, NORTHFORK, MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., TWIN PEAKS [TV 2017], THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS) is 65.
Look for Kyle in his upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, PUSSY ISLAND BLINK TWICE. Also in 2023, 2024, FALLOUT [TV].

Roku Channel Trailer Drop: THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES

And -

THE HITCHER Turns 38

By 1984 Screenwriter Eric Red hadn't proven himself. He had a short film to his credit but now had the opportunity to write a feature film.

By 1984 movie still photographer, Robert Harmon hadn't proven himself. He had a short film to his credit, but now he had the opportunity to direct a feature film.

In 1984 Producer Kip Ohlman had worked for years to bring her vision of a THE FLY remake to the screens. But in the world of showbiz, she needed to prove herself low budget to earn the big budget.

By 1984 David Bombyk just launched with Co-Producer credit on WITNESS, but that wouldn't be released until 1985. He was slated to get his Producer credit on THE EXPLORERS, but again, that was a year away and, because he was a no-name, it would be promoted as a Joe Dante film.

They all worked in relative obscurity for years and at last they felt like they were on solid ground. Now it was time to fly and they were all ready. Bombyk was friends with, and had a mentor in, long time Producer Edward S. Feldman (WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN?, THE SENDER) and with his guidance their first project all together was the 1986 Rutger Hauer feature film, THE HITCHER.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Ashley Greene (OTIS, TWILIGHT [all], SUMMER'S BLOOD, THE APPARITION, KRISTY, BURYING THE EX, URGE, AFTERMATH, ONE SHOT, SOME OTHER WOMAN) is 35.
Look for Ashley in the 2024, Horror Thriller, IT FEEDS.
Writer and Feo Amante alumni, Nicholas Kaufmann (JACK HARINGA MUST DIE w/Anthology, CHASING THE DRAGON w/Erik Mohr) is 63 or something.
Writer / Director Joe Monks (Books: STUFF OUT'A MY HEAD, CRY FOR DAWN, THE NIGHT TERRORS, NIGHTCRY, TALES OF THE DEAD, ZACHERLEY'S MIDNIGHT TERRORS, and more. Movie: THE BUNKER) is 55.
Writer Chuck Palahniuk (FIGHT CLUB, INVISIBLE MONSTERS, SURVIVOR, HAUNTED, RANT, SNUFF, PYGMY, DAMNED) who is 62.
Visit Chuck's official ChuckPalahniuk.net.
Actor/ Writer/ Director/ Producer Jordan Peele (GET OUT, US, TWILIGHT ZONE [TV - 2019], CANDYMAN [2021], WENDELL AND WILD, NOPE, WENDELL & WILD, ABRUPTIO) is 45.
Look for Jordan's upcoming 2024 Horror Video Game, OD, with Co-Writer, Hideo Kojima (METAL GEAR [all]).
Jordan shares a birthday month with his fellow GET OUT and US alumni, Jason Blum.
Actor Scout Taylor-Compton (CHARMED [TV], WICKED LITTLE THINGS, AN AMERICAN CRIME, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, APRIL FOOL'S DAY [2008], OBSSESSED, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, LIFE BLOOD, TRIPLE DOG, 247°F, THE SILENT THIEF, FLIGHT 7500, RETURN TO SENDER, GHOST HOUSE [2017], FERAL, CYNTHIA, THE LURKER, ETERNAL CODE, STAR LIGHT, GETAWAY, PENANCE LANE, ROOM 9, AN INTRUSION, THE LONG NIGHT, A STALKER IN THE HOUSE, A DAUGHTER'S DECEIT, THE LONG NIGHT, EDGE OF INSANITY, TRIPLE THREAT, CHARIOT, ALEGORIA, BURY THE BRIDE, CAPTIVE, A CREATURE WAS STIRRING, THEY TURNED US INTO KILLERS) is 35.
Look for Scout in the 2023, 2024 Horror movie, MODEL HOUSE. Also in 2024, LADY BUG, SPEED TRAIN, INTO THE DEEP, STALKED, CHEER BLOODY MURDER, and DESERT FIENDS.

THE OMICRON KILLER Hits Limited Release on Feb. 22

Stars Bai Ling (THE CROW, THE BREED, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW), Felissa Rose (SLEEPAWAY CAMP, TERRIFIER 2), and Lynn Lowry (THE CRAZIES, SHIVERS, CAT PEOPLE).

And yeah, an impossible to miss over-the-top MAD MAX: FURY ROAD riff off Hugh Keays-Byrne's Immortan Joe villain, complete with matching physique and mask.

And -

Shinehouse VOD Drops FRANKENSTEIN LEGACY on Feb. 27

Plus -

BODY SNATCHERS is 30 Today

So you're watching a movie. It has okay to good to great acting, depending on the actor and the scene. As someone who loves to watch movies you realize the problem is with the Director. The storyteller of the flick can't keep everyone on the same page. The Cinematographer is doing all they can - great job there. The script from Raymond Cistheri and Larry Cohen (IT'S ALIVE) is, by turns, groan and cringe worthy, but occasionally a great moment happens and you wish the whole movie was this good, instead of having to sit through the occasional diamond in a landfill.

Anyway, Abel Ferrara's BODY SNATCHERS was released in the U.S. on this day in 1994.

Also -

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

Producer Jason Blum (PARANORMAL ACTIVITY [all], INSIDEOUS [all], SINISTER [all], THE RIVER [TV], THE LORDS OF SALEM, THE BAY, DARK SKIES, THE PURGE [all], THE GREEN INFERNO, OCULUS, 13 SINS, CREEP [2014], NOT SAFE FOR WORK, UNFRIENDED [all], THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN [2014], MOCKINGBIRD, MERCY, OUIJA [all], JESSEBELLE, ASCENSION [TV], THE BOY NEXT DOOR, EXETER, THE LAZARUS EFFECT, AREA 51, THE GALLOWS, THE GIFT, VISIONS, THE VISIT, CURVE, MARTYRS [2015], SOUTH OF HELL [TV], HELLEVATOR [TV], THE VEIL, SLEIGHT, HUSH, THE DARKNESS, VIRAL, SPLIT, INCARNATE, 12 DEADLY DAYS [TV], GET OUT, STEPHANIE, THE KEEPING HOURS, AMITYVILLE: THE AWAKENING, HAPPY DEATH DAY [all], UPGRADE, TRUTH OR DARE [2018], DELIRIUM [2018], GHOUL [TV], HALLOWEEN [2018], SACRED LIES [TV], BLOODLINE, SEVEN IN HEAVEN, TREMORS [2018], GLASS, RELIVE, SWEETHEART, INTO THE DARK [TV], US, PREY, MA, BLACK CHRISTMAS, RUN SWEATHEART RUN, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT, FANTASY ISLAND, YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT, THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE HUNT, NOCTURNE, THE CRAFT, M3GAN, THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER, FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S, SWIM NIGHT) is 55.
Actor Jay Hernandez (JOY RIDE, HOSTEL, GRINDHOUSE, SIX DEGREES [TV], HOSTEL II, LAKEVIEW TERRACE, QUARANTINE, LAST RESORT [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV], SUICIDE SQUAD, SCANDAL [TV], BRIGHT [TV]) is 46.
Writer, Actor Joel Hodgson (Creator: MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000) is 63.

This Trailer is Going to STING

And -

THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMMAGE is 54

Dario Argento's first solo Director effort. He wrote the script in only five days. One of the Executive Producers wanted Dario fired from directing the project. Dario's lead male actor was an inconsiderate pain in the ass. Dario's lead female actor didn't like the male lead and didn't like the movie, certain it would be career suicide. The movie seemed to have everything going against it except one person. Dario was in the driver's seat and determined to make a classic that his hero, Alfred Hitchcock, would be proud of.

Result? This was the movie that launched Dario's career. Terrence Kelsey reviews THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE.

Plus -

ARMY OF DARKNESS Turns 31

What is there left to say about this Sam Raimi movie that hasn't already been said?

Plenty if you're rating the copious number of Director's Cut Edition, Limited Edition, Special Edition, Bootleg Edition, and on and on and on releases. Once distributor, Anchor Bay, got ahold of this title, they went mad with their endless releases and diminishing returns on the disc extras. Seriously! How many different Director Commentaries can we hear from the same guy about the same movie?

Yet, oddly enough, this marketing madness became part of the EVIL DEAD franchise's strength. So follow me through the gloating, gory, glory of a small distributor that hit gold where major studio Universal could only find dust in ARMY OF DARKNESS.

Also -

SHUTTER ISLAND is 14

For Martin Scorsese, this movie was a box office hit at a time when he really needed one. But Martin is the kind of guy who'd rather have a box office dud that won awards than a profitable movie that gets released in a traditional "Dump Month" like February and ignored by the Academy.

But why was this movie ignored by the Academy? And why did such a major theatrical hit fail to have legs over the years?

My review of SHUTTER ISLAND.

Wassmor -

THE WITCH is 8

This Robert Eggers movie has an interesting behind the scenes twist. Eggers had four young actors in their first feature (five if you count the baby, Samuel), and he'd never directed children before. Robert was relatively new to directing, in fact, this being his first feature film. What Robert did have was Ralph Ellison as his lead.

Ralph is more than an actor, he's an acting teacher and coach who specializes in teaching children. So when Harvey Scrimshaw, who played the eldest son, had difficulty visualizing what Eggers wanted from him, Eggers allowed Ineson to take over and direct the young actor himself. This was the result in Robert Eggers THE WITCH.

Finale -

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

Actor Millie Bobby Brown (INTRUDERS [TV], STRANGER THINGS [TV], GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS, GODZILLA VS. KING KONG) is 20.
Look for Millie in the 2023, 2024 Thriller, DAMSEL. Also in 2024, THE ELECTRIC STATE.
Musician Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH, MASTER OF REALITY, PARANOID, SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH, SABOTAGE, WE SOLD OUR SOULS FOR ROCK & ROLL, and way more) is 73.
Actor Quinn Lord (WHITE NOISE 2, Masters of Horror: WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM, TRICK 'R TREAT, VIRTUALITY, THE HOLE [2009], SECOND CHANCES, VIRTUAL LIES, IN THEIR SKIN [2012], THE POSSESSION, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], IKÉ BOYS) is 23.
Actor Luke Pasqualino (THE BORGIAS [TV], THE APPARITION, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: BLOOD AND CHROME, LOVE BITE, SNOWPIERCER, SHADOW AND BONE [TV], MEDUSA DELUXE) is 33.
Look for Luke in the 2024 Thriller, REMATCH. Also in 2024, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: TEH WAR OF THE HFUHRUHURR.

SUNDAY -

Writer Denise Dumars (LOVECRAFT SLEPT HERE, LETTING IN THE DARK) is 58.
Actor / SFX Artist Gigi Fast Elk Porter Bannister(PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION, BUBBA HO-TEP, DEAD THINGS, SONG OF THE DEAD, THE MANGLER REBORN, LAST RITES, FALLEN ANGELS, NECRONAUT, THE RAGE, SPRING BREAK MASSACRE, ZOMBIE HUNTER, SATAN HATES YOU, CARNIES, THE QUIET ONES, DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER, WALKING DISTANCE, PRIMITIVE, THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X, BLOODY BLOODY BIBLE CAMP, PHANTASM: RAVAGER, BOJANGLES, KILLER WAVES 2) is 64.
Gigi shares a February Birthday with her PHANTASM IV and BUBBA HO-TEP boss, Don Coscarelli.
Look for Gigi in the 2024 Horror Thriller, HALLOWEEN GHOULS.
Actor John Travolta (THE DEVIL'S RAIN, CARRIE, BLOW OUT, BROKEN ARROW, FACE/OFF, MAD CITY, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER, BATTLEFIELD EARTH, SWORDFISH, DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE, BASIC, THE PUNISHER, LONELY HEARTS, THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123, FROM PARIS WITH LOVE, SAVAGES, KILLING SEASON, THE FORGER, THE FANATIC) is 69.

PITCH BLACK Turns 23

Borrowing extensively from Isaac Asimov's NIGHTFALL (the movie was originally called "Nightfall"), and Dan O'Bannon and Ron Shusett's ALIEN, a David Twohy (CRITTERS 2, WARLOCK, THE ARRIVAL, IMPOSTOR, BELOW, A PERFECT GETAWAY) screenplay, adapted from a pitch by the Wheat Brothers (Ewoks: The Battle for Endor, A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET IV: THE DREAM MASTER, THE FLY II, THE BIRDS II, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE II, THE STEPFORD HUSBANDS), was also repurposed from Twohy's unused script for ALIEN3.

This amalgam didn't result in a movie that was anywhere close to the equal of Asimov's tale or ALIEN. In fact, the popularity of the movie as we see it is a direct result of actor Vin Diesel's performance that so surprised the Director (also Twohy) and the film crew that it was decided to change the movie so that Diesel's character, Riddick (who was a member of the body count), could be explored in future, hoped for, sequels. This is how the RIDDICK franchise was born, how the Fast and Furious franchise was born, and why PITCH BLACK remains on the map for Horror fans.

SATURDAY -

Director / Producer Michael Bay (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2004], THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], THE ISLAND, THE HITCHER [2007], THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, TRANSFORMERS [all], THE UNBORN, FRIDAY THE 13TH [2009], A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET [2010], I AM NUMBER FOUR, THE PURGE [all], OUIJA [all], HORROR AT THE CECIL HOTEL [TV], A QUIET PLACE, THE PURGE [TV], 6 UNDERGROUND, SONGBIRD, A QUIET PLACE II, THE FOREVER PURGE, ) is 59.
Look for Michael's upcoming 2022, 2023 Thriller, TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS. Also in 2023, APARTMENT 7A. And in 2024, A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE.
Meanwhile, ROBOPOCALYPSE enters its 13th year of pre-production with an anticipated release of 2020 come and gone. In 2018, Steven Spielberg got out of the director's chair and the minion to his mentoring, Michael Bay (TRANSFORMERS), has sat on the throne ever since. Screenplay is still by Drew Goddard (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], ALIAS [TV], CLOVERFIELD, LOST [TV], THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, WORLD WAR Z, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE).

ROBOPOCALYPSE: 13 years of Development Hell.

The original animated ad for author Daniel H. Wilson's NYT's best selling novel, ROBOPOCALYPSE

Not the first time for Spielberg. After 13 years of pre-Production, Steven released the remake of WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE in 2020 - not to theaters - but to signed Producer and director, Stephen Sommers (DEEP RISING, THE MUMMY) who took the Producer's chair and where the movie remains in its own Development Hell.
Oh, and for those Indie filmmakers who think life would be "so much easier" if they were only Steven Spielberg? Stephen Sommers? Michael Bay?
HA!
Just because you're a successful movie billionaire like these guys 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!
Writer, Director, Producer Don Coscarelli (PHANTASM [all], SURVIVAL QUEST, BUBBA HO-TEP, Masters of Horror INCIDENT ON AND OFF A MOUNTAIN ROAD, JOHN DIES AT THE END, DEAD NIGHT) is 68.
Writer Michael Laimo (DREGS OF SOCIETY, ATMOSPHERE, DEEP IN THE DARKNESS, THE DEMONOLOGIST, DEAD SOULS) is 57.
Writer, Director, Actor Alejandro Jodorowsky (Comics: L'INCAL Trilogy, BORGIA
Movies: EL TOPO, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, TUSK, SANTA SANGRE, RITUAL: A PSYCHOMAGIC STORY) is 94.
Actor Dominic Purcell (SILENT PREDATORS, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II, EQUILIBRIUM, VISITORS, BLADE: TRINITY, THE GRAVEDANCERS, PRIMEVAL, BLOOD CREEK, ESCAPEE, THE KILLER ELITE, STRAW DOGS, HIJACKED, THE GANZIELD EXPERIMENT, BAD KARMA, ICE SOLDIERS, THE GANZFELD HAUNTING, ELIMINATION GAME, ABANDONED [2015], ISOLATION, THE FLASH [TV], BLOOD RED SKY) is 53.
Look for Dominic in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, INFORMANT.

HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL Turns 66

I know people who swear by director William Castle and his original HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, starring Vincent Price. However, Bram Stoker Award winning Horror writer, Mike Oliveri (DEADLIEST OF THE SPECIES) is not one of them.

He explains why in his take on the 1958 chiller, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL.

ALIEN RAIDERS Turns 18

Though intended for Home Video Rental distribution by Warner Bros. this took the film festival circuit tour anyway, ostensibly to drum up support for Warner's new Direct to Video arm, Raw Feed and their 2006 line of Video Rental collections for Brick & Mortar Video Rental shops.

It was on that film festival tour that this movie Wowed and Won, leaving many to wonder if, like Universal's 2004 remake of DAWN OF THE DEAD, by the then unknowns, Zack Snyder and James Gunn, Ben Rock's ALIEN RAIDERS would get the push to go theatrical.

Continued at ALIEN RAIDERS.

FIVE MILLION YEARS TO EARTH aka QUATERMASS AND THE PIT, is 55

"Hmmm... so how did Hammer and 20th Century Fox sell this movie back in 1960s Merry Olde England?
'SEE The holocaust that...'
Mm. Hm.
"Women defiled by..."
Wait. Do WHAT Now?!?"

I first saw this on TV way back when I was but a pup. The movie captivated my Pop and when that end came he was thoroughly wigged out. Many months later he drove me to an Art house theater in Orlando where the movie was playing. In the dark, as the movie barreled toward its conclusion, I could sense him tensing up. He was squirming in his seat next to me and the end, without the movie being chopped up by commercials every five minutes, hit him theater screen-style with its full impact.

Years later, I was an adult and watching it on DVD before I understood the full force of the Horror that my Pop must have felt. This has adult scares, it seems. What's more, being the third movie in the trilogy, the second sequel, it's considered the best of the three QUATERMASS movies (Like James Bond, they increased the budget with every sequel, imagine that!). In England it was originally released in 1968 as FIVE MILLION YEARS TO EARTH, but in the U.S. that sounded more like a sequel title to the then still popular 1957 SciFi movie, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, so now we call it, QUATERMASS AND THE PIT.

And -

THE NIGHTBREED Turns 34

NIGHTBREED is 34 and is old enough to be your GrandMonster!

If you haven't seen the 2014, NIGHTBREED Director's Cut, it's available now at SHUDDER. Read why you should move it to the top of your watch list!

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Allyson Bird (BULL RUNNING FOR GIRLS, WINE AND RANK POISON, ISIS UNBOUND, Editor: NEVER AGAIN) is 63 or something.
Actor Christopher Eccleston (DEATH AND THE COMPASS, SHALLOW GRAVE, eXistenZ, HEART, THE OTHERS, 28 DAYS LATER, DOCTOR WHO, HEROES [TV], THE SHADOW LINE [TV], NATIONAL THEATER LIVE: ANTIGONE, THOR: THE DARK WORLD, THE LEFTOVERS [TV]) is 60.
Actor Elizabeth Olsen (SILENT HOUSE, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, RED LIGHTS, THERESE RAQUIN, KILL YOUR DARLINGS, OLDBOY [2013], GODZILLA [2014], AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, WIND RIVER, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: END GAME, WANDA VISION [TV], DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS) is 35.
Writer / Director Eric Red (THE HITCHER, NEAR DARK, COHEN AND TATE, BLUE STEEL, BODY PARTS, BAD MOON, UNDERTOW, THE HITCHER II, THE HITCHER [2007], 100 FEET, NIGHT OF THE WILD) is 63.
Writer Nina Wright (WHISKEY Mattimoe Mysteries, SENSITIVE) is 63 or something.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jessica De Gouw (UNDERBELLY [TV], THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB, ARROW [TV], THESE FINAL HOURS, DRACULA [TV], CUT SNAKE, THE REZORT, OTHERLIFE, GRETEL AND HANSEL, THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS [TV], PENNYWORTH [TV]) is 36.
Writer, Cartoonist Matt Groening (SIMPSON'S HALLOWEEN SPECIAL [TV], FUTURAMA. Comics: SIMPSON'S TREEHOUSE OF HORROR. Video Games: BART vs. THE SPACE MUTANTS, BART'S NIGHTMARE) is 70.
Horror Writer Paul Kane (ALONE, TOUCHING THE FLAME, FUNNY BONES, SIGNS OF LIFE, SHADOW WRITERS) is 51.
Actor Renée O'Connor (NIGHT GAME, FALSE IDENTITY, DARKMAN II, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS [TV], ALIEN APOCALYPSE, GHOST TOWN, BOOGEYMAN 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO, MONSTER ARK [TV], BITCH SLAP, ARK [TV], 2010: MOBY DICK, DEADRISE, WATCH THE SKY) is 53.
Actor Ashley Tesoro (LORD OF ILLUSIONS, DEMON IN THE BOTTLE, MYSTERY MONSTERS, THE WEREWOLF REBORN!, Dean Koontz MR. MURDER, FRANKENSTEIN & THE WEREWOLF REBORN!) is 41.
Writer / Director / Producer Hark Tsui (DIE BIAN, DIYU WU MEN,DI YI LEI XING WEI XIAN, SUK SAN: SUN SUK SAN GEEN HAP, ROBOFORCE, SINNUI YAUWAN III: DO DO DO, A CHINESE GHOST STORY, WICKED CITY, TIME AND TIDE, ZU WARRIORS, THE ERA OF VAMPIRES, DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME, and way more) is 74.
Actor Sarah Wynter (SPECIES II, LOST SOULS, THE 6TH DAY, FAREWELL MY LOVE, 24 [TV], THE DEAD ZONE [TV], CIRCADIAN RHYTHM, DEAD LIKE ME: AFTER DEATH [TV, DAMAGES [TV]) is 51.

Valentine's Day Horror!

And -

They're releasing THE OMICRON KILLER on Feb. 23rd? My Birthday?!?

Aw....! You Guys!!!

Plus -

DRACULA Turns 93

F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent picture, NOSFERATU came before Tod Browning's picture, but life isn't always a race over who got there first, but who did it better.

The bland styling of a Tesla car might win the race, but you come cruising up to 2nd place in your George Barris Batmobile? Baby, you've won!

After nearly a century, it's clear that Bela Lugosi's Count made a slam dunk not only in Western culture, but world-wide. Wherever you go in the world, and however stylized and cartoonish the Vampire, the Draculas, with their vague Eastern European accent, will be a pale but sharp dressed blood-sucker with high collar black cape and a sharp widow's peak (an affectation which Bela sported in nearly every movie but DRACULA).

It's actually that pronounced widow's peak style, that Bela's Dracula doesn't have, that cinches Lugosi as the actor over character that we earthlings think of when we think of Dracula. That was his style in many movies like WHITE ZOMBIE and Tod Browning's MARK OF THE VAMPIRE (Bela played the vampire, Count Mora, for Warner Bros.) that came after, not before Dracula. In movie after movie, particularly with Universal, he was billed as Bela "Dracula" Lugosi even when he wasn't playing the role, and he only played the role one time.

Many actors have lived by their one favorite role (Yul Brynner preferred his King of Siam over his Cowboy), but no one captured the world's imagination as well and so long as Bela Lugosi. And with only one movie? How did it do it? Find out in my review of DRACULA.

Also -

THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Turns 33

Some movies are so entrenched in Western culture that it couldn't matter what a reviewer or worse, a critic, thinks of it ten or more years down the road. You hate Anthony Hopkins' performance of Hannibal Lector?

Tough!

The man owns it and nothing you can ever say will change that.

Oh wait. You haven't actually seen it yet and you wonder what all the memes are about?

Well, when it comes to super twisted love, or at least something that could pass for love to a twisted mind, this is why THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS should be our Valentine's Day viewing!

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Zach Galligan (GREMLINS [both], NOTHING LASTS FOREVER, WAXWORK, MORTAL PASSIONS, RISING STORM, ZANDALEE, THE PSYCHIC, WAXWORK II, WARLOCK: THE ARMAGEDDON, CAROLINE AT MIDNIGHT, CYBORG 3: THE RECYCLER, STORM TROOPER, RAW NERVE, G-MEN FROM HELL, THE TOMORROW MAN, INFESTED, MOMENTUM, LEGION OF THE DEAD, CUT, NIGHTBEASTS, HATCHET III, BAD CANDY, MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW, SACRED GROUNDS: FORBIDDEN, GREMLINS: SECRET OF THE MOGWAI [TV]) is 59.
Zach shares a February birthday with fellow CYBORG 3 alumni, Joe Estevez.
Look for Zach in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, PREACHER SIX.
Actor Freddie Highmore (THE MISTS OF AVALON, FINDING NEVERLAND, FIVE CHILDREN AND IT, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, AUGUST RUSH, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, ASTROBOY, BATES MOTEL [TV], WAY DOWN THE VAULT, THE CANTERVILLE GHOST) is 32.
Actor Erica Leerhsen (BOOK OF SHADOWS: BLAIR WITCH 2, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003], WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END, LIVING HELL, LONELY JOE, THE BUTTERFLY ROOM, THE MESSAGE, PHOBIA, MISCHIEF NIGHT) is 48.
Actor Simon Pegg (DANGER! 50,000 ZOMBIES!, SHAUN OF THE DEAD, LAND OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ, GRINDHOUSE, DIARY OF THE DEAD, STAR TREK [2009], BURKE AND HARE, PAUL, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL, A FANTASTIC FEAR OF EVERYTHING, STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS, STAR TREK BEYOND, THE WORLD'S END, THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX, KILL ME THREE TIMES, READY PLAYER ONE, SLAUGHTERHOUSE RULEZ, THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE [TV], INHERITANCE, THE BOYS [TV], TRUTH SEEKERS [TV], THE UNDECLARED WAR [TV]) is 54.
Actor Mindy Robinson (DARK SPIRITS, THE HAUNTING OF WHALEY HOUSE, KILLJOY GOES TO HELL, MANSION OF BLOOD, THE DEVIL'S DOZEN, V/H/S/2, BOUNTY KILLER, VERONIQUE VON VENOM: HORROR HOSTESS HOTTIE [TV], THE AMERICAN GHANDI, FORK YOU, LIZZIE BORDEN'S REVENGE, THE IMPALER, TEACHER'S DAY, BLOODSUCKA JONES, EVIL BONG 420, MANSION OF BLOOD, THE BITCH THAT CRIED WOLF, BALLET OF BLOOD, BLOODY ISLAND, EVIL BONG 666, ABADDON, and a whole lot more) is 44.
Mindy shares a February birthday with fellow alumni, Joe Estevez.
Actor Meg Tilly (PSYCHO II, ONE DARK NIGHT, IMPULSE, AGNES OF GOD, MASQUERADE, CARMILLA, BODY SNATCHERS, CAPRICA, ANTIBIRTH) is 64.

SPHERE Turns 26

This movie had everything going for it. It was based on a best selling Michael Crichton novel and he was gold. It was adapted by Kurt Wimmmer (EQUILIBRIUM) and he was an Up and Comer. It was produced and directed by the legendary Barry Levinson (THE BAY) with a cast of three A-Listers and three more strong character actors.

It had everything it needed to be a hit. Except James Cameron's Titanic came out just the year before, dominated everyone, and Warner Bros., hoping to ride the audience appeal wave James created, rushed both the production and post-production into an early grave.

A hard lesson for all filmmakers who choose to deal with a major studio. This is why SPHERE sank at the theaters and never surfaced again.

And -

The Last FRIDAY THE 13th movie turns 15

While ownership rights are fought in court, current franchise steward, Sean S. Cunningham, let Jason sleep. Ken King "The Fan Behind the Mask", gives you a F13 fan perspective of Producer Michael Bay (THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], THE HITCHER [2007], A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET [2010], THE PURGE) and Director Marcus Nispel (THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE [2003])'s FRIDAY THE 13th.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Andrew Bryniarski (BATMAN RETURNS, CYBORG 3, STREET FIGHTER, ROLLERBALL [2002], SCOOBY-DOO, BLACK MASK 2, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003], THE CURSE OF EL CHARRO, SEVEN MUMMIES, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING, DRACULA'S GUEST, MOTHER'S DAY [2010], CHOPPER [TV], SOME KIND OF HATE, 2016, CHUCK HANK AND THE SAN DIEGO TWINS) is 53.
Actor Joe Estevez (HUMAN ERROR, FATAL PULSE, THE PLATINUM TRIANGLE, MURDER IN LAW, SOUL TAKER, DEMON LOVER, BLOOD ON THE BADGE, PSYCHIC DETECTIVES, CYBER SEEKER, BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND, DARK UNIVERSE, THE MOSAIC PROJECT, INNER SANCTUM 2, STAR STRUCK, LETHAL SEDUCTION, LOLA'S GAME, SILENT SCREAM [1999], TALES FROM THE GRAVE, MIND GAMES [2003], SCARY TALES: THE RETURN OF MR. LONGFELLOW, ZOMBIEGEDDON, DEAD THINGS, VOICES FROM THE GRAVES, EVIL EVER AFTER, ZOMBIE FARM, NECRONAUT, SIGMA DIE!, KILLA ZOMBIES, HORRORWEEN, DOCTOR SPINE, SEBASTIAN, THE HAUNTING OF PEARSON PLACE, LITTLE CREEPS, ABADDON, and way more) is 77.
Actor Kelly Hu (FRIDAY THE 13th PART VIII, SURF NINJAS, STRANGE DAYS, THE SCORPION KING, X2, DEVIL'S DEN, SUCCUBUS: HELL BENT, DEAD SPACE: DOWNFALL, FARMHOUSE, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], ARROW [TV], TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [TV 2012-], WAREHOUSE 13 [TV], HIGH SCHOOL POSSESSION) is 55.
Look for Kelly in the 2022 Mystery, FALLEN ANGELS MURDER CLUB: FRIENDS TO DIE FOR (TV).
Oscar winning SFX Artist David Marti (THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE, DAGON, ROMASANTA, DARKNESS, LA MONJA, FRAGILE, DOOM, PAN'S LABYRINTH, EL ORFANATO, HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY, OPEN GRAVES, THE SKIN I LIVE IN, PARANORMAL XPERIENCE 3D, THE IMPOSSIBLE, MAMA, CRIMSON PEAK, DOWN A DARK HALL, MUSE, AMIGO, WESTWORLD [TV], MALSAÑA 32) is 51.

Marvel's DEADPOOL 3: The End of a Trilogy

And -

Marvel's Super Horror Hero Trailer - MADAM WEB

Opens this weekend exclusively in theaters. MadamWeb.movie.

Plus -

THE STEPFORD WIVES Turn 49

The late Ira Levin had the most curious knack for choosing a title that resonated across the widest spectrum of Western Society. People who have never read his books understand when, at the end of a lover's breakup, one will softly say, "A Kiss Before Dying?". In conversation, everyone gathered knows what someone means when they refer to someone else's child as a Rosemary's Baby, a Boy From Brazil, or a woman as a Stepford Wife. His novels are usually slim, just squeeking out the word count to avoid being a novella. So few pages in fact, that in a moment of self-mockery he chose the title, Sliver, and then wrote a book about it.

Overwhelmingly, however, forays into his work enmesh the reader into unknown, unconsidered Horrors. They begin and beguile as if they were only character dramas. However each one is a deathtrap maze, leading the reader toward a Horror that you never considered, and so have no idea how it could end. The trap is that you want to put it down but the story is too compelling. If you put it down you'll never know what happens. The end is the only release and, because they're such slim, small novels, there isn't that much left to read.

The end will be quick.

Then Hollywood goes and makes their "better" version of it by hiring directors who don't like those kind of books and don't realize how personally close they are to the fictional source material. Like what happened with 1975's THE STEPFORD WIVES.

Also -

BRAIN DEAD is 31

Zombies! Romance! Comedy! It's a Zom Rom Com and probably the first! Gory as hell, lots of fun, and an unbelievable amount of heart! If you've never seen it, this is why you'll love Peter Jackson's BRAINDEAD aka DEAD ALIVE.

Wassmor -

THE WOLFMAN Turns 14

No matter how many years pass, this abortion of a Universal Pictures reboot will never achieve "classic" status. By the time it reaches its Silver 25th Anniversary, any 100 independent Horror movies with the combined budget of this one, and created by non-expert newbies, will have flown past it. Nearly half that number already have.

This is the unbelievable tale of Big budget studio experts having no clue about their company's legacy or their current audience: THE WOLFMAN (2010).

Finale -

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

Writer, Director, Producer, Darren Aronofsky (Pi, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, THE FOUNTAIN, BELOW, BLACK SWAN, NOAH, MOTHER!, AFTERMATH, SPHERES, POSTCARD FROM EARTH) is 53.
Actor Afshan Azad (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) is 36.
This man has horrified and terrified billions of people in the last one hundred fifty plus years. People like the dead Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Jim Baker, Tim F. LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins, Kirk Cameron, and so many others, who all claim to have both studied his work, AND enriched themselves rich writing and speaking bald-faced lies about him.
Yet the truth endures. Evolution is a fact, and the theory of evolution explains HOW it works better than any other theory out there. What's more, Darwin was Mary Shelley's Science Advisor when she novelized FRANKENSTEIN!
So Happy Birthday to
Scientist Charles Darwin (ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES DARWIN 1809-1882) whose remains, what remains of them, is 214.
For extra fun, here are a few evolutionary SF/Horror movies made by people who have no idea how evolution works: 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH, CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED, EVOLUTION, PLANET OF THE APES, HIDEOUS SUN DEMON, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, A SOUND OF THUNDER, X-MEN (Sorry Jean Grey, but the next stage of Evolution isn't based upon any single mutant, but whether or not that mutant is able to successfully pass their differences onto their viable progeny).
Actor Cliff De Young (THE NIGHT THAT PANICKED AMERICA, SHOCK TREATMENT, THE HUNGER, THE AWAKENING OF CANDRA, DEADLY INTENTIONS, F/X, FEAR [1988], PULSE [1988], FORBIDDEN SUN, DR. GIGGLES, THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, TERMINAL VOYAGE, REVENGE OF THE RED BARON, CARNOSAUR 2, THE CRAFT, 2012 DOOMSDAY, SOLAR FLARE, and way more) is 78.
Actor Enver Gjokaj (THE PATH TO 9/11, EAGLE EYE, TALE OF THE TRIBE, DOLLHOUSE [TV], STONE, THE AVENGERS, WOULD YOU RATHER, WITCHES OF EAST END [TV], EXTANT [TV], AGENT CARTER [TV], 3022, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. [TV], RESIDENT ALIEN [TV]) is 44.
Actor Michael Ironside (STONE COLD DEAD, DOUBLE NEGATIVE, SCANNERS, VISITING HOURS, AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, THE SURROGATE, HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II, WATCHERS, TOTAL RECALL, THE VAGRANT, KILLER IMAGE, NIGHT TRAP, STARSHIP TROOPERS, THE OMEGA CODE, HEAVY METAL 2000, MINDSTORM, THE SHAFT, CHILDREN OF THE CORN: REVELATION, DEEP WATER, Masters of Horror: THE V WORD, TERMINATOR: SALVATION, THE BEACON, HARDWIRED, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, BURDEN OF EVIL, TRANSFORMERS PRIME [TV], ICE SOLDIERS, EXTRATERRESTRIAL, 88, DESECRATED, TURBO KID, SYNCHRONICITY, ELEMENT, CHILDREN OF THE FALL, PATIENT SEVEN, STILL/BORN, THE HARROWING, ALTERSCAPE, KNUCKLEBALL, THE ALIENIST [TV], FRAN K.: FRANKENSTEIN, HERETIKS, THE CONVENT, HELLMINGTON, BLOODTHIRSTY, TIN CAN, DRACULA: THE ORIGINAL LIVING VAMPIRE, JESTER FROM TRANSYLVANIA) is 73.
Actor Lochlyn Munro (THE GIRL FROM MARS, NEEDFUL THINGS, TRANCERS 4: JACK OF SWORDS, MOTHER MAY I SLEEP WITH DANGER?, ABDUCTION OF INNOCENCE, THEM [1996], TWO [TV], HIGH VOLTAGE, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID [1998], A MURDER OF CROWS, CHARMED [TV], DRACULA 2000, SCARY MOVIE, BLACTOP, KNIGHT CLUB, KILL ME LATER, PRESSURE, THE INVESTIGATION, NET GAMES, FREDDY VS. JASON, THE KEEPER, CHASING GHOSTS, FINAL MOVE, THE TOOTH FAIRY [2006], HACK!, PERFECT CHILD, RIDDLES OF THE SPHINX, TOXIC, PENANCE, NOWHERE TO HIDE, LIES & ILLUSIONS, LET THE GAME BEGIN, THE TERROR EXPERIMENT, SEDUCED BY LIES, INFECTION: THE INVASION BEGINS, GONE, MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, FATAL CALL, HANSEL & GRETEL GET BAKED, SECRET LIASON, ASSAULT ON WALL STREET, HELL IN A HANDBAG, XTINCTION: PREDATOR X, POKER NIGHT, BADGE OF HONOR, RAMPAGE 2, THE BLACKBURN ASYLUM, BLACKWAY, THE UNSPOKEN [2015], JUSTICE SERVED, BEYOND [TV], THE PREDATOR, RIVERDALE [TV], SPIRAL, PEACE, RIVERDALE [TV], DEAD VOICES, BROIL, THE SINNERS, THE INITIATION, COSMIC SIN, APEX, MARGAUX, DETECTIVE KNIGHT [all], TOTALLY KILLER, CHAPEL) is 57.
Look for busy Lochlyn in the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 THE COLOR ROSE DWELLER. Also in 2023, 2024, VALARA. Also in 2024, DWELLER, VAMPIRES OF THE VELVET LOUNGE, COLD DECK.
Stunts, Actor Simon Northwood (ZOMBIE NIGHT, MUTANT X [TV], AWAKENING, 300, DIARY OF THE DEAD, OUTLANDER, CYBORG SOLDIER, FORBIDDEN SCIENCE [TV], DEATH WARRIOR, REPO MEN, SAW 3D, NIKITA [TV], CERTAIN PREY, IMMORTALS, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, THE COLONY, ROBOCOP [2014], 88, BITTEN [TV], X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, DARK MATTER [TV], SHADOWHUNTERS: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV], THE SHAPE OF WATER, THE STRAIN [TV], X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX, CODE 8, CLARICE [TV], THE BOYS [TV], THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE, CODE 8, CLARICE [TV]) is 55.
Normally this actress would never have her birthday celebrated here since only about 12 of her over 40 films are in our genre. And yet it is those very films she is most remembered for by filmgoers. So Happy Birthday
Actor Christina Ricci (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES, CASPER, BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA, SLEEPY HOLLOW, BLESS THE CHILD, MIRANDA, THE GATHERING, CURSED, AFTER.LIFE, LIZZIE BORDEN TOOK AN AXE, THE LIZZIE BORDEN CHRONICLES [TV], ESCAPING THE MADHOUSE: THE NELLIE BLY STORY [TV], THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS, 50 STATES OF FRIGHT [TV], MONSTROUS, YELLOWJACKETS [TV], WEDNESDAY [TV]) is 43.
Look for Christina in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, THE DRESDEN SUN.

SUNDAY -

Actor Sarah Butler (FLU BIRD HORROR, LUKE 11:17 [TV], I <3 VAMPIRES [TV], I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE [2010], NUCLEAR FAMILY, TREACHERY, THE DEMENTED, THE STRANGER WITHIN, STUCK [2014], I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE: VENGEANCE IS MINE, MOONTRAP: TARGET EARTHWOMAN ON THE RUNALL LIGHT WILL END, POINT DEFIANCE, REVENGE FOR DADDY, MY HUSBAND'S DEADLY PAST) is 38.
Actor Natalie Dormer (FLAWLWESS, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, THE FADES, POE, THE RIOT CLUB, GAME OF THRONES [TV], THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 1, ELEMENTARY [TV], THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 2, THE FOREST, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK [TV], IN DARKNESS, PATIENT ZERO, THE DARK CRYSTAL: AGE OF RESISTANCE [TV], PENNY DREADFUL: CITY OF ANGELS [TV]) is 41.
Look for Natalie in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller THE WASP.
Actor Taylor Lautner (SHADOW FURY, TWILIGHT [all], MY OWN WORST ENEMY [TV], ABDUCTION, SCREAM QUEENS [TV]) is 31.
Actor Alexi Wasser (PARANORMAL GIRL, DARK STREETS, CABIN FEVER 2: SPRING FEVER, THE LAST LOVECRAFT: RELIC OF THE CTHULHU, GROWTH, CHOOSE, RETURN TO SENDER) is 32.

SATURDAY -

Writer James Cheetham (FADE TO PALE, THE BEEKEEPER, SEASONS OF THE BRITTLE HARVEST) is 53.
Actor Chloë Grace Moretz (THE AMITYVILLE HORROR [2005], WICKED LITTLE THINGS, ROOM 6, HALLOWED GROUND, THE EYE [2008], NOT FORGOTTEN, KICK-ASS, LET ME IN, HUGO CABARET, DARK SHADOWS, KICK-ASS 2, CARRIE, DARK PLACES, THE 5TH WAVE, SUSPIRIA [2018], GRETA, THE ADDAMS FAMILY [2019], SHADOW IN THE CLOUD, THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2, MOTHER/ANDROID, THE PERIPHERAL [TV]) is 27.
Writer/Musician John Shirley (Books: DEMONS, CRAWLERS, AND THE ANGEL WITH TELEVISION EYES, DOOM, DARKNESS DIVIDED, Music: Blue Oyster Cult, Film: THE CROW, TWISTS OF TERROR [TV]) who is 71.

ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS is 67

Roger Corman was trying his damndest to be original. What the hell could he do with a monster that no one else was doing? He came up with this. A super creepy take on John W. W. Campbell's Who Goes There (THE THING From Another World), Robert A. Heinlein's THE PUPPET MASTERS, and Jack Finney's THE BODY SNATCHERS, only instead of aliens, it's a bizarre species of Crab.

The budget was too low to realize its concept, which is why the concept is ripe for remaking ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS.

THE NIGHT VISITOR is 53

Imagine a homicidal maniac so fiendishly clever that no detective can figure who is committing the crimes, because no one can imagine the insane risks and reasons behind so may unrelated killings, each with their own method of murder, and none of them having any connection other than taking place in the same area.

This is Max von Sydow at his most villainous: THE NIGHT VISITOR.

THE FLY II is 32

Yay. THE FLY II. Anyway...

THE RELIC is 26

One of the funniest insults Guillermo del Toro ever experienced as a young filmmaker was when he read an The Onion article headline that stated, "Man Watches THE RELIC and MIMIC - Cannot Tell Them Apart".

Though MIMIC went on to have two more Direct to Video sequels (it was just someting the Weinstein brothers did), that joke probably remains the best thing we can say about MIMIC, or THE RELIC for that matter.

FINAL DESTINATION 3 is Old Enough to Vote

FINAL DESTINATION movies have reached that rarified air that even most franchises do not: It's both Classic and Iconic. Classic in that everyone has heard of it and it keeps attracting new audiences. Iconic in that its part of our culture: At some point, everyone experiences their "Final Destination" moment that made them think of a scene in one of the movies.

I saw it in the theater and FINAL DESTINATION 3 didn't let me down.

RED MIST Turns 15

A movie going Direct to Video is not enough to prove its value. Even major studios have lost a fortune by underestimating the value of a movie (and lost at least as much by over-estimating the value of a movie. This is a tough biz!).

Taste is subjective and, while some folks liked this movie, its 15 years of history shows they were in the minority. That said, my reasons for not liking something may not be the same as your reasons for disliking something. This is the where and why I found RED MIST falling short.

Magnolia and Magnet Trailer Drop - THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

And -

HANNIBAL is 23

It took a decade to make this sequel. The original studio, Orion Pictures, was defunct. Ownership of the rights was prickly and contested. Everyone wanted the sequel, no one wanted to get screwed out of the royalties. And Anthony Hopkins? He was 53 when he acted in THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. When the cameras finally got to rolling he looked every bit of the 10 years that had passed. And this movie was supposed to come after the Thomas Harris novel that began the series, RED DRAGON. But that movie already existed as Michael Mann's MANHUNTER and it didn't have Anthony Hopkins.

So what did the experts do to get an Anthony Hopkins trilogy under their ownership? They threw as much money at it as possible: Far more than the story could possibly need.

Okay, but did that work for HANNIBAL?

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Producer, Director Fede Alvarez (!ATAQUE DE PANICO!, EVIL DEAD [2013], DON'T BREATHE [all], THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB, CALLS [TV], TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2022]) is 50.
Look for Fede's upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, Untitled ALIEN PROJECT ALIEN: ROMULUS.
Writer Elizabeth Blue (DROWN IN FEAR, TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE HAUNTED MID-ATLANTIC REGION, ALL PRETTIED UP, MICANOPY MURDERS) is 56.
Actor Tom Hiddleston (WALLANDER [TV], THOR [all], THE AVENGERS [all], ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE, HIGH-RISE, CRIMSON PEAK, THE NIGHT MANAGER, KONG: SKULL ISLAND, LOKI [TV]) is 43.
Look for Tom in the 2024 Thriller, Stephen King's THE LIFE OF CHUCK.
Illustrator/Artist John Gallagher (GINGER SNAPS: UNLEASHED, GINGER SNAPS BACK, SANTA'S SLAY, FEAR ITSELF [TV], V [TV], APOLLO 18, THE GREY, ONCE UPON A TIME [TV], FALLING SKIES [TV], TASMANIAN DEVILS, THE TOMORROW PEOPLE [TV], PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS, PROOF [TV], MINORITY REPORT [TV], THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], BREED [2015], RIVERDALE [TV], THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY [TV], PROJECT BLUE BOOK [TV], THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR [TV], A BABYSITTER'S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING, THE EXPANSE [TV], AMERICAN GODS [TV], THE BOYS [TV], DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS) is 63 or something.
Look for John's work in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, IN THE LOST LANDS, based on the story by George R.R. Martin. Produced, co-wrote for the screen, and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. Produced and Acted by Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich (of course). Also in 2024, ALIVE.

John Carpenter's THE FOG is 44

If John had his way, this might have been the last movie he ever made. But his producer partner, the late Debra Hill, called him back to California. They had to fix what they messed up and John couldn't give up, because it was Debra's reputation too. To fix it with virtually no budget meant low-key negotiation and that brought the then unknown Rob Bottin into the picture. Using their own money, they didn't have enough budget to make it great, but at least they could make THE FOG seaworthy. This is how it all shook out.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Brooke Adams (WHO IS THE BLACK DAHLIA?, SONG OF THE SUCCUBUS, SHOCK WAVES, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS [1978], THE DEAD ZONE, THE STUFF, MAN ON FIRE [1987], THE UNBORN [1991], SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK, THE LAST HIT, PROBABLE CAUSE, THE LEGEND OF LUCY KEYES, BRAIN DEAD [TV]) is 75.
Writer John Grisham (A TIME TO KILL, THE FIRM, THE PELICAN BRIEF, THE CLIENT, THE CHAMBER, THE RAINMAKER, THE RUNAWAY JURY, THE PARTNER, THE STREET LAWYER, THE TESTAMENT, THE BRETHREN, A PAINTED HOUSE, SKIPPING CHRISTMAS, THE SUMMONS, THE KING OF TORTS, BLEACHERS, THE LAST JUROR, THE BROKER, THE INNOCENT MAN, THE APPEAL, THE ASSOCIATE, FORD COUNTY, THE CONFESSION, THE LITIGATORS, THE RACKETEER, THE FIRM [TV]) is 68.
Actor Anna Hutchison (CABIN IN THE WOODS, DRIVER FROM HELL, WRONG SWIPE, SPLITTING IMAGE, ENCOUNTER, KILLER REPUTATION, SECRETS AT THE LAKE) is 37.
Composer John Williams (KRAFT SUSPENSE THEATER [TV], THE KILLERS, LOST IN SPACE [TV], THE TIME TUNNEL [TV], LAND OF THE GIANTS [TV], GHOSTBREAKERS, THE SCREAMING WOMAN, IMAGES, DADDY'S GONE A-HUNTING, THE POSEIDEN ADVENTURE [1972], THE LONG GOODBYE, THE TOWERING INFERNO, JAWS, FAMILY PLOT, BLACK SUNDAY, THE FURY, DRACULA [1979], RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK - INDIANA JONES [all], THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK, PRESUMED INNOCENT, JURASSIC PARK [all], SLEEPERS, MINORITY REPORT, HARRY POTTER [all], Stephen Spielberg's WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE FEAR [2006]) is 92.

Paramount Trailer Drop - A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
The good die young but
Writer, Director, Actor Alejandro Jodorowsky (Comics: L'INCAL Trilogy, BORGIA
Movies: EL TOPO, THE HOLY MOUNTAIN, TUSK, SANTA SANGRE, RITUAL: A PSYCHOMAGIC STORY) at 95 is still with us and He's Still Making Movies!
Actor James Spader (A KILLER IN THE FAMILY, STAR CROSSED, THE NEW KIDS, JACK'S BACK, DREAM LOVER, STARGATE, BAD INFLUENCE, STORYVILLE, WOLF, CRASH, DRIFTWOOD, KEYS TO TULSA, THE PRACTICE [TV], SUPERNOVA, THE WATCHER, SLOW BURN, THE STICKUP, ALIEN HUNTER, I WITNESS, THE PENTAGON PAPERS, SHADOW OF FEAR, THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, THE BLACKLIST [TV]) is 64.
Actor Victor Webster (WISHMASTER 4, MUTANT X [TV], CHARMED [TV], SANDS OF OBLIVION, HARPER'S ISLAND [TV], KILLER HAIR, HOSTILE MAKEOVER, SURROGATES, BURNING PALMS, CASTLE [TV], THE SCORPION KING 3, CONTINUUM [TV], RAGIN CAJUN REDNECK GATORS, EMBRACE OF THE VAMPIRE, THE SCORPION KING 4, FUN SIZE HORROR: VOL. 1, DEAD RISING: ENDGAME, MATCHMAKER MYSTERIES: A KILLER ENGAGEMENT, MOTHERLAND: FORT SALEM [TV]) is 51.
Actor Cerina Vincent (POWER RANGERS [TV], FEAR RUNS SILENT, CABIN FEVER, MURDER-SET-PIECES, INTERMEDIO, IT WAITS, SEVEN MUMMIES, SASQUATCH MOUNTAIN, RETURN TO HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, FASHION VICTIM, TOXIC, MoniKa, TALES OF HALLOWEEEN, FREAKS OF NATURE, SECRETS IN THE WATER, THAT'S A WRAP) is 45.
Look for Cerina's upcoming Horror Thriller for ... who knows when? BRING ME THE HEAD OF LANCE HENRIKSEN is now in its... what? 16th year of Post Production? Also expected in 2022, 2023, 2024 the Horror movie, FLESH. Also, LEGEND OF THE WHITE DRAGON.
Actor Deborah Ann Woll (MOTHER'S DAY, TRUE BLOOD [TV], TRUE BLOOD: JESSICA'S BLOG [TV], GHOST OF NEW ORLEANS, THE DEFENDERS [TV], DAREDEVIL [TV], THE PUNISHER [TV], ESCAPE ROOM [TV], RELICS AND RARITIES [TV], ESCAPE ROOM: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS, CHILDREN OF ÉARTE) is 39.
Look for Deborah in the 2024 Dark Fantasy, LOST ODYSSEY: THE RED SCRIBE.
Deborah shares a February birthday month with her TRUE BLOOD alumni, Dane DeHaan.

Shinehouse Group Trailer Drop - FRANKENSTEIN'S LEGACY

And -

DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE Is 55

You may have been born in the new millennium, but it doesn't matter. As a Horror fan you are aware of England's old Hammer Studios and their Horror movies, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and large heaving breasts. This was Hammer's formula for success throughout the 1960s and it never worked better than when Christopher Lee was in the driver's seat as in DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE.

Plus -

THE NIGHT FLIER Turns 27

I remain amazed at how many Stephen King fans and vampire fans are either unaware of this, or have heard about it yet still haven't seen it.

In the category of good and bad Stephen King movies, this sits in the top 10 of the best, and this is why I feel this way about THE NIGHT FLIER.

Also -

CORALINE Turns 15

Another fantasy about another child in another house who finds yet another mysterious portal in it or on the property. But Neil Gaiman is familiar with such stories, knows his way around them, and through his writing and Director Henry Selick's wonderful adaptation and storytelling, CORALINE became a frighteningly fun tale all its own.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Dane DeHaan (THE FRONT, TRUE BLOOD [TV], CHRONICLE, JACK AND DIANE, THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, LIFE AFTER BETH, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, A CURE FOR WELLNESS, VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS, LISEY'S STORY [TV], THE STAIRCASE [TV]) is 38.
Actor, Writer, David Hayter (GUYVER: DARK HERO, DRIVE [1997], SPIDER-MAN [TV], X-MEN, THE SCORPION KING, X-MEN 2, WATCHMEN, WOLVES, DEVIL'S MILE, THE CURSE OF BUCKOUT ROAD, WARRIOR NUN) is 54.
Actor Gayle Hunnicutt (EYE OF THE CAT, MARLOWE, FRAGMENT OF FEAR, RUNNING SCARED [1972], VOICES, SCORPIO, THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, K IS FOR KILLING, SHADOWMAN, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE, L' HOMMES SANS VISAGE [TV], FANTOMAS [TV], TARGET, DREAMLOVER) is 78.
Gayle shares a February birthday with her THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE alumni, Pamela Franklin.
Actor Kim Poirier (DANGER BENEATH THE SEA, PRETEND YOU DON'T SEE HER, AMERICAN PSYCHO II, THE RATS, DECOYS, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], DECOYS 2, SILENT BUT DEADLY, HOLLYWOOD'S INSIDER SECRETS: HORROR TECHNIQUES AND SPECIAL FX, NO SOLICITORS) is 43.
Actor Josh Stewart (JEKYLL, THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY, THE COLLECTOR, BENEATH THE DARK, REHAB, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE COLLECTION, THE WALKING DEAD [TV], EVENT 15, THE HUNTED, TRANSCENDENCE, INTERSTELLAR, COLD MOON, THE NEIGHBOR, INSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY, MALICIOUS [2018], DISCARNATE, THE PUNISHER [TV], TENET) is 47.
Look for Josh in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Mystery Thriller, LIFELINE.

INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS is 68

When Jack Finney's novel, THE BODY SNATCHERS, was released in 1955, following a successful run as a magazine serial in 1954, several prominent Science Fiction writers dismissed it. After all, Robert Heinlein's THE PUPPET MASTERS was practically the same thing, other science fiction writers were filling pages with identity stealing aliens, and the top science fiction publisher and editor, seemingly began this new craze with his short story, Who Goes There? (made repeatedly over the years as THE THING).

Yet the readers had the final say, were voracious in their appreciation, and when the story was released as a novel in 1955, fans turned it into a best seller. So of course, the rush was on to make it a movie and low rent Allied Artists pulled the trigger first to win the rights, rushing into production, and releasing it the following year. INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS was not the biggest movie of 1956, nor did it have the top stars of its time, but after 68 freaking years, it is arguably the best remembered. This is why.

And -

FROZEN is 14 Today

When Director Adam Green made HATCHET, he did what Elvis did, what the Beatles did, what Led Zepplin did: He imitated the old masters. In his case, "Old School American Horror". Everyone could see he had Tobe Hooper and Wes Craven in mind. So when it came time to pursue his own identity, he wowed us all in 2010 with FROZEN.

Plus -

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

Actor Michael Sheen (MARY REILLY, DOOMWATCH: WINTER ANGEL, UNDERWORLD [all], THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN'S APOCALYPSE, TWILIGHT: NEW MOON, UNTHINKABLE, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, TRON: LEGACY, RESISTANCE, TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part 1, TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN Part 2, GOOD OMENS [TV], APOSTLE, SLAUGHTERHOUSE RULEZ, PRODIGAL SON [TV]) is 54.

SUNDAY -

Musician / Actor Alice Cooper (Music: KILLER, BILLION DOLLAR BABIES, SCHOOL'S OUT, WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE, POISON, DRAGONTOWN, WELCOME 2 MY NIGHTMARE, TRASH, PARANORMAL, A PARANORMAL EVENING AT THE OLYMPIA PARIS, DETROIT STORIES
Movies: PRINCE OF DARKNESS, FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE, THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS, SUCK, DARK SHADOWS, BIGFOOT) is 76.
Actor Jenette Goldstein (ALIENS, NEAR DARK, THE PRESIDIO, TERMINATOR 2, STAR TREK: GENERATIONS, CLOCKSTOPPERS, AUTOPSY) is 63.

VIDEODROME Is Old Enough To Be Your 40 Something Year Old Dad!

But how can it be that a 40 plus year old movie still foretells a possible future? With boxy old TV sets, old cars, and a city that resembles a crumbling Soviet-era bloc, how can such a movie possibly compete in the computerized television age?

Because back in 1983, David Cronenberg made his future look outdated even for its time. We weren't looking at a faltering utopia, we were gazing into a garbage dump dystopia. Like Ridley Scott's 1982 BLADE RUNNER and Terry Gilliam's 1985 BRAZIL, David didn't depict a throw-away society, but a thrown-away society, past tense. The heroes that could have saved us, failed us, and this is how humanity stumbled toward the grave as they sputtered on the fumes of a stolen future that could have been. This is how Cronenberg's predators came out of hiding from behind bureacracy. Macabre, Horrific, and brutal, my review of David Cronenberg's unflinching prediction, VIDEODROME.

SCREAM 3 is 23

It could have stopped here. It should have stopped here. They had their trilogy. Instead, the Horror skyscraper of cool that Craven built cracker crumbled in on itself under its own weight.

The demolition team? Its own distributor. It's as if, like HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY THE 13th, A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET, HELLRAISER, TREMORS, SAW, and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, it was despised by the very studio it enriched. According to writer Mike Oliveri, SCREAM 3 was good, but the writing was on the wall.

SATURDAY -

Actor Terry Chen (AFTERSHOCK: EARTHQUAKE IN NEW YORK, ROMEO MUST DIE, TRIXIE, SOLE SURVIVOR [2000], PARANORMAL GIRL, BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, I, ROBOT, DA VINCI'S INQUEST, SNAKES ON A PLANE, MEMORY, THEY WAIT [2007], HARDWIRED, STORM SEEKERS, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, BOREALIS, CONTINUUM [TV], BATES MOTEL [TV], TIME OF DEATH, ELYSIUM, EVIL FEED, VAN HELSING [TV], JESSICA JONES [TV], THE EXPANSE [TV]) is 49.
Actor Warwick Davis (LEPRECHAUN [all], HARRY POTTER [all], SKINNED DEEP, THE UNBROKEN, THE DAY THEY CAME TO SUCK OUR BRAINS! [TV], MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL, JJ VILLARD'S FAIRY TALES) is 54 today.
Actor Pamela Franklin (THE INNOCENTS, OUR MOTHER'S HOUSE, AND SOON THE DARKNESS, THE WITCHING, THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, SATAN'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, SCREAMER, WON'T WRITE HOME MOM I'M DEAD, THE FOOD OF THE GODS) is 74.
Actor Fredric Lehne (AMITYVILLE: THE EVIL ESCAPES, TERROR ON HIGHWAY 91, DEADLY GAME, DREAM LOVER, MEN IN BLACK, INFERNO, FORTRESS 2, TERROR TRACT, SUBMERGED, DYNAMITE, SUPERNOVA [2005], LOST [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], THE DARK NIGHT RISES, AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM [TV], DEXTER: NEW BLOOD [TV]) is 65.
Actor Stephen McHattie (THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR, LOOK WHAT'S HAPPENED TO ROSEMARY'S BABY, GRAY LADY DOWN, DEATH VALLEY, CARIBE, ONE MAN OUT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV], TERROR ON TRACK 9, THE DARK, DEADLOCKED: ESCAPE FROM ZONE 14, DEADLY LOVE, REMEMBER ME, VISITORS OF THE NIGHT, THE HIGHWAY MAN [2000], COLD SQUAD [TV], A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, SOLAR ATTACK, THE FOUNTAIN, THE COVENANT [2006], 300, THE DARK ROOM, KAW, PONTYPOOL, XIII: THE CONSPIRACY, WATCHMEN, SUMMER'S BLOOD, 2012, DIE, HAPPY TOWN [TV], RED: WEREWOLF HUNTER, KILLER WAVE, EXIT HUMANITY, THE ENTITLED, HAVEN [TV], IMMORTALS, A LITTLE BIT ZOMBIE, THE TALL MAN, EDDIE: THE SLEEPWALKING CANNIBAL, XIII: THE SERIES, WOLVES, HAUNTER, SEPTIC MAN, HELLMOUTH, TORMENT, THE STRAIN [TV], PAY THE GHOST, THE DARK STRANGER, ORPHAN BLACK [TV], MOTHER!, THE SOUND, COME TO DADDY, Z, RABID, OCTOBER FACTION [TV], NIGHTMARE ALLEY, MY ANIMAL) is 77.
Actor Bridgete Regan (HIDE [TV], BEAUTY AND THE BEAST [TV], JOHN WICK, AGENT CARTER [TV], DEVIL'S GATE, THE LAST SHIP [TV], PARADISE LOST [TV], BATWOMAN [TV], THE WINCHESTERS [TV]) is 42.
Look for Bridget in the 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, WEAK.

IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS Is 29

Some John Carpenter fans are bored by this movie, others are bananas for it. Welcome to the polarizing world of John Carpenter, where practically every movie he makes doesn't quite satisfy his old fans, yet almost always brings him new ones.

John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN fans aren't his strongest THE THING fans and they aren't quite the BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA fans, and so on.

So if you've yet to see this movie, this is why you might become a IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS fan.

THE INNKEEPERS Turns 13

Slow, but not as sloth as most Ti West movies, if you're looking for the perfect lonely (or even date) movie on a dark winter night, you might like THE INNKEEPERS.

New NEON Trailer for...?

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor, Writer, Director Oz Perkins (PSYCHO II, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, WOLF, SECRETARY, DEAD & BREAKFAST, EROSION, THE UTAH MURDER PROJECT, STAR TREK [2009], REMOVAL, COLD COMES THE NIGHT, THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER, THE GIRL IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS, I AM THE PRETTY THING THAT LIVES IN THE HOUSE, GRETEL AND HANSEL, NOPE) is 49.
Look for Oz as Screenwriter and Director of the 2024 Horror Thrillers, LONG LEGS and Stephen King's THE MONKEY, Produced by James Wan.

THE SWISS CONSPIRACY Movie Review

When an ultra successful Science Fiction Horror movie director, renown for making not JUST Science Fiction Horror, but Classic, Top 10 in everyone's list, Science Fiction Horror, decides to switch gears and try his hand at an all star Action Thriller, who is going to turn him down?

That's exactly what Director Jack Arnold (IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, THIS ISLAND EARTH, TARANTULA, THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN) did with this 1976 Thriller, THE SWISS CONSPIRACY.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor / Producer Michael C. Hall (PAYCHECK, 6 FEET UNDER [TV], DEXTER [TV], GAMER, COLD IN JULY, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON, SHADOWPLAY [TV], DEXTER: NEW BLOOD, JOHN AND THE HOLE, DEXTER: NEW BLOOD) is 53.
Actor Brian Krause (SLEEPWALKERS, MIND GAMES, NAKED SOULS, TIES THAT BIND, CHARMED [TV], DEVIL'S DIARY, LOCH NESS TERROR, WARBIRDS, JACK RIO, TRILOQUIST, NOWHERE TO HIDE, GROWTH, 2012 SUPERNOVA, CYRUS, RAIN FROM STARS, PLAN 9, CAMEL SPIDERS, SNITCH, ABEO PHARISEE, RETRIBUTION, COFFIN BABY, ALIEN RISING [previously GEMINI RISING], POSIEDON REX, HOUSE OF PURGATORY, DARK RISING [TV], PLAN 9, RIBBONS, EARTHTASTROPHE, HAUNTED MAZE, UPLOADED, THE KILLING PACT, BE AFRAID, CUCUY: THE BOOGEYMAN, THE DEMONOLOGIST, TRAUMA THERAPY, SECRETS IN THE WATER, UPLOADED, THE WINDIGO, HOMESTEAD) is 55.
Look for Brian's expected 2023, 2024 Horror release of, THE DESECRATED ONES. Also in 2024, SLAY RIDE: THE MOVIE.
Actor Rachelle Lefevre (BIG WOLF ON CAMPUS [TV], THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV - 1999], DEAD AWAKE, ABANDON, DECEPTION, GHOST WRITER [2007], TWILIGHT, DO YOU KNOW ME, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, THE SUMMIT [TV], THE CALLER [2011], A GIFTED MAN [TV], OMERTA, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - Part 2, WHITE HOUSE DOWN, HOMEFRONT, UNDER THE DOME [TV], HOLLOW IN THE LAND, RECLAIM, EDGE OF WINTER, HOLLOW IN THE LAND, THE SOUNDS [TV]) is 45.