THE ARRIVAL Turns 28

Writer and Director David Twohy (PITCH BLACK, IMPOSTOR, BELOW, THE PERFECT GETAWAY) has spent his career bubbling just below the surface of "Breakout". He's written and directed some good movies, with some great moments, but as of this date, no great movies.

That said, there's always just enough about his stories to keep you coming back and THE ARRIVAL is no exception.

And -

THE SUM OF ALL FEARS is 22

In his life, Tom Clancy had a huge following for his best selling novels. Novels so minutely accurate to the intricacies of real world governments and their various weapons programs and technology, that the CIA and NSA found themselves both intimidated by and attracted to his fiction.

But as often happens, once you gain an expertise on a subject, there will be those who are peddling a narrative that won't like your facts and they won't like your freely speaking about them.

But in life, Tom was so huge that everything that had his touch turned to gold. Not just his novels, but when he turned his attention to making the most realistic Video War Games anyone had ever seen, those too became bestsellers.

Holy shit how Hollywood wanted a piece of that action!

And it worked! One Tom Clancy movie after the next was a hit: I'm talking world-wide market hit. Unfortunately, the actors in Tom Clancy movies would catch such flack from their peers that they'd back off making any more. Which is why, during Paramount Pictures run of Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan movies, the titular character is played by a different actor every time. Further, every actor who played Jack would, at some point, badmouth Tom Clancy and so their role.

This is what happened when Harrison Ford left the franchise with SUM OF ALL FEARS.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
In 2023 I finally added Colin Farrel to this list. I'd never want to put someone in our favorite genres who didn't want to be here, but with his long cinema history now in plain hindsight, Colin's overall ouvre has a distinct twist to nearly every movie he makes. That twist is invariably dark humored and dark fantasy even when its not outright Horror, Thriller, Mystery, and / or Suspense.

Nearly all of his crime movies have a Science Fiction or Supernatural element or, in some cases, a borderland of cryptozoology that exists between Science and Supernatural - whether by intent or extraordinary circumstance.

So without further ado, a Happy Birthday welcome to

Actor Colin Farrell (THE WAR ZONE, MINORITY REPORT, PHONE BOOTH, THE RECRUIT, DAREDEVIL, TRIAGE, ONDINE, FRIGHT NIGHT, TOTAL RECALL [2012], WINTER'S TALE, THE LOBSTER, TRUE DETECTIVE [TV], SOLACE, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER, THE BEGUILED, LEGEND OF CAMBRIA [TV], THE GENTLEMEN, ARTEMIS FOWL, AVA, VOYAGERS, AFTER YANG, THE NORTH WATER [TV], THE BATMAN, THIRTEEN LIVES) is 47.
Look for Colin in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, THE PENGUIN (TV).

WRONG TURN Can Legally Drink

Practical SFX artist, Stan Winston, who won an Emmy for his creature creations in GARGOYLES, won an Oscar for his creations in TERMINATOR 2, won a 2nd Oscar for his creations in JURASSIC PARK, and created the Hockey Mask for Jason in FRIDAY THE 13th 3D (was rewarded for his years in the franchise by being left uncredited), Produced and Created the inbred rednecks for WRONG TURN. It would be his last Slasher movie.

And -

THE STRANGERS Turn 16

Horror writer Monica J. O'Rourke (SUFFER THE FLESH, Editor of DECADENCE ONE, DECADENCE TWO) wrote the movie review for THE STRANGERS way back in 2008. But did she like it?

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Keir Dullea (BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, DE SADE, BLACK CHRISTMAS, IL DIAVOLO NEL CERVELLO, WELCOME TO BLOOD CITY, THE HAUNTING OF JULIA, BRAINWAVES, BLIND DATE, THE NEXT ONE, 2010, ALIEN HUNTER, SPACE STATION 76, FAHRENHEIT 451 [2018], VALLEY OF THE GODS) is 87.
Writer / Producer / Actor Kevin Eastman (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [all], HEAVY METAL magazine, GUNS OF EL CHUPACABRA, RIDE WITH THE DEVIL, HEAVY METAL 2000, CITIZEN TOXIE, TALES FROM THE CRAPPER, HIGHLANDER: THE SEARCH FOR VENGEANCE, WAR OF THE WORLDS: GOLIATH, REDCON-1) is 59.
Since 1995, this porn cougar has turned her sights toward Horror / Thriller movies. That's not to say porn isn't still involved, but it's cool to see a Cream Queen turn Scream Queen all the same.
Actor Tammy Parks (ATTACK OF THE 60 FOOT CENTERFOLD, DAY OF THE WARRIOR, TITANIC 2000, EROTIC GHOST, BLOOD FOR THE MUSE, LITTLE SHOP OF EROTICA) is 55.
Actor Mark Sheppard (FIREFLY [TV], DEEP SHOCK, EVIL EYES, 24 [TV], BROKEN [2006], MEDIUM [TV], BATTLESTAR GALACTICA [TV], BIONIC WOMAN [TV], DOLLHOUSE [TV], MYSTERIOUS ISLAND [2010], WAR OF THE WORLDS: GOLIATH, X-TINCTION: PREDATOR X, WAREHOUSE 13 [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], DOOM PATROL [TV]) is 60.

DEAD & BURIED is 43

How good was Dan O'Bannon and Ronald Shusetts' first major motion picture after ALIEN? Read my review of DEAD & BURIED.

And -

DRAG ME TO HELL Turns 15

In 2009 I was in Hollywood, and this is how I saw DRAG ME TO HELL.

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

Actor Justin Chon (HACK!, THE TWILIGHT SAGA [all], DETENTION OF THE DEAD, INNOCENT BLOOD [2013], LIKE LAMBS, SATANIC, DEAD TRIGGER, DECEPTION [TV]) is 43.
Composer Danny Elfman (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, BEETLEJUICE, SCROOGED, GHOSTBUSTERS II, BATMAN, NIGHTBREED, DARKMAN, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, ARMY OF DARKNESS, THE FRIGHTENERS, MEN IN BLACK, MARS ATTACKS!, SLEEPY HOLLOW, PLANET OF THE APES [2001], SPIDER-MAN [all], RED DRAGON, THE HULK, THE CORPSE BRIDE, 9, WANTED, HELLBOY II, TERMINATOR SALVATION, THE WOLFMAN, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, DARK SHADOWS, MEN IN BLACK III, FRANKENWEENIE, HITCHCOCK, OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, GOOSEBUMPS, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS, NEXT EXIT, WEDNESDAY [TV], 65, BLOODY BRIDGET) is 71.
Danny Elfman shares a May birthday with MARS ATTACKS! alumni, Pam Grier.
Look for Danny's work in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror comedy BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE.
Writer Derek Gunn (VAMPIRE APOCALYPSE [all three], THE ESTUARY) is 58.
Actor Ted Levine (THROUGH NAKED EYES, BETRAYED, NEXT OF KIN, LOVE AT LARGE, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, MOB JUSTICE, DETONATOR, THE MANGLER, MAD CITY, SWITCHBACK, MOBY DICK [TV], WILD WILD WEST, EVOLUTION, THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARLIE, WONDERLAND, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE [2004], BIRTH, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], THE JUSTICE LEAGUE [TV], SHUTTER ISLAND, A SINGLE SHOT, DEEP DARK CANYON, JIMMY, BANSHEE CHAPTER, CHILD OF GRACE, THE BRIDGE [TV], DIG TWO GRAVES, BOTTOM OF THE WORLD, THE ALIENIST [TV], JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM, A VIOLENT SEPARATION) is 68.
Look for Ted in the upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, STARBRIGHT.
Actor Adrian Paul (LAST RITES, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH [1989], WAR OF THE WORLDS [TV], DARK SHADOWS [TV], HIGHLANDER [TV], PREMONITION, HIGHLANDER: Endgame, THE BREED, THE VOID, NEMESIS GAME, ALIEN TRACKER, THROTTLE, SEANCE, WRAITHS OF ROANOKE, EYEBORGS, NINE MILES DOWN, THE HEAVY, COLD FUSION, DEADLY DESCENT, AE: APOCALYPSE EARTH, SNAP SHOT, GLIA, THE PREY) is 65.
Look for Adrian in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, LIFE CYCLE 63.

HAPPY ROLAND EMMERICH DAY!

THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR Turns 25

This is what happened upon release of THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR.

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THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW Turns 20

This is why you are likely to enjoy Emmerich's failure at grade-school science, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW.

Plus -

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

Actor Laura Bailey (DRAGON BALL [TV, VG, everything!], DEVIL SUMMONER: SOUL HACKERS [VG], BLUE GENDER [TV], BLOODRAYNE [VG], SPIRAL: BONDS OF REASONING [TV], DUES EX: INVISIBLE WAR [VG], GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST [TV], GENESIS OF AQUARION [TV], MONSTER [TV - 2004 - 2010], MR. BROOKS, EVANGELION: 1.0, UNDERBELLY, VAMPIRE KNIGHT [TV], RESIDENT EVIL: DEGENERATION, DUSK, FROM THE DARK, DREAMKILLER [VG], IRON MAN [TV 2010], MONSTER HIGH: SCREAM BUILDING, X-MEN [TV - 2011], HELLSING ULTIMATE [TV], SPIDER-MAN [TV - 2017], and so much more! With 456 credits, Laura is likely the most recognizable voice you've heard in every anime you've ever seen and game you've ever played!) is 43.
Actor Carroll Baker (IL DOLCE CORPO DI DEBORAH, ORGASMO [1969], COSI DOLCE...COSI PERVERSA, PARANOIA, LA ULTIMA SENORA ANDERSON, IL DIAVOLO A SETTE FACCE, BABA YAGA, IL FIORE DAI PETALI D'ACCIAIO, IL CORPO, CYCLONE, LAS FLORES DEL VICIO, THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS, IM SOG DES BOSEN, SKELETONS, THE GAME and a whole lot more) is 91.
Many of her Horror Thriller movies were directed by Umberto Lenzi - so we're waiting for the Blu-Ray releases.
Writer Geoff Cooper (BUM PISS AND OTHER CITY SCENTS, SHADES [w/Brian Keene], ANSWERS OF SILENCE, and a slew of Horror anthologies) is 63 or something.
Geoff shares a May birthday with fellow 4X4 alumni, Michael T. Huyck.
Actor Robbi Chong (THE OUTER LIMITS [TV], POLTERGIEST: The Legacy [TV], THE EVIL INSIDE ME) is 59.
Actor Ashley Laurence (HELLRAISER, HELLRAISER II, HELLRAISER III, LURKING FEAR, BLOOD RUN, A MURDER OF CROWS, WARLOCK III, CYPRESS EDGE, CHILL, RED, THE VANISHING OF ETHAN CARTER [VG]) is 58.

KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE Turns 37

The Chiodo Brothers worked on everyone else's movies, often finding themselves on par with Jim Henson's HA and occasionally surpassing the abilities of Disney itself.

So why not make a movie showcasing their own practical effect creations?

From such a desire, KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE was born.

And -

X3: THE LAST STAND is 18

It was the second sequel of a surprise hit first movie and bigger surprise of the hit first sequel. It was also a Marvel property under control of 20th Century Fox and they wanted to wrest control of the franchise away from the folks who made it a hit (the folks they hire to do the job). So out with our director of our two smash hits. While we're at it, let's lose our audience by killing off plenty of the X-MEN. Hey, since we're butchering our best and biggest, how about we get Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) to direct?

With a record setting blockbuster first week opening (to no one's surprise), Director Brett Ratner took full credit, crowing over how he'd even beaten Steven Spielberg's first weekend record (his mentor). But the movie took a nose down in its second week and went into free fall, leaving Brett stuck with that too. Fan anticipation of all future X-MEN movies would never peak as high as they did in the months leading up to X3. From then to the present, Brett never had another big opening weekend that came anywhere close to X3 THE LAST STAND and he never directed another Marvel movie for any studio again.

Plus -

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

Writer Joseph D'Lacey (MEAT, THE GARBAGE MAN, BLOOD FUGUE, THE KILL CREW, BLACK FEATHERS, ROAD KILL, SPLINTERS, WEED) says he's 102 but I think he doesn't look a day over 103.
Actor Linnea Quigley (PSYCHO FROM TEXAS, SANCTUARY FOR EVIL, SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, CREEPOZOIDS, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIME BOWL-A-RAMA, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4, INNOCENT BLOOD, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS [2009], and over 50 more) is 66.
Linnea shares a May birthday with her INNOCENT BLOOD alumni Anne Parillaud.

SUNDAY -

Actor Helena Bonham Carter (FRANKENSTEIN, FIGHT CLUB, PLANET OF THE APES [2001], WALLACE & GROMIT IN THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT, CORPSE BRIDE, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, SWEENEY TODD, TERMINATOR: SALVATION, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 1, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 2, DARK SHADOWS, ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, THE DARK CRYSTAL: THE AGE OF RESISTANCE [TV], ENOLA HOLMES [all], THE HOUSE) is 58.
Writer Alexa deMonterice (Various short stories) is probably 63.
Actor Kevin Gage (STRANGELAND, RICKY 6, TICKER, MAY, LIGHTENING BUG, PAPARAZZI, CHAOS, AMUSEMENT, KILL THEORY, LAID TO REST, THE KILLING JAR, AMERICAN GIRLS, FEAR CLINIC, JURASSIC CITY, DAY LABOR) is 66.
Look for Kevin's 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, ESCAPE FROM BLACK WATER.
Writer, Producer, Director Alex Garland (28 DAYS LATER, SUNSHINE, 28 WEEKS LATER, NEVER LET ME GO, DREDD, EX MACHINA, ANNIHILATION, DEVS [TV], MEN, CIVIL WAR) is 54.
Alex shares a May birthday with his 28 DAYS LATER and SUNSHINE alumni, Cillian Murphy.
Look for Alex's upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, NEVER LET ME GO [TV]. And in 2025, the Horror Thriller, 28 YEARS LATER.
Writer Drew McWeeney (Masters of Horror: CIGARETTE BURNS [TV], PRO-LIFE [TV], Fear Itself: SKIN AND BONES [TV]) is 63 or something.
Actor, Writer, Director Adam Robitel (X-MEN, 2001 MANIACS, 2001 MANIACS: FIELD OF SCREAMS, CHILLERAMA, CUT/PRINT, THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN, CONTRACTED: PHASE II, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION, INSIDEOUS: THE LAST KEY, ESCAPE ROOM [all]) is 46.

BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES is 54

The dumpster fire of making shitty sequels at Fox seems to have begun with BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES.

SATURDAY -

Actor Zazie Beets (GEOSTORM, DEADPOOL 2, SLICE, WOUNDS, THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY, SEBERG, JOKER, LUCY IN THE SKY, NINE DAYS, STILL HERE, INVINCIBLE [TV], BULLET) is 32.
Look for Zazie in the 2024 Thriller, THE DUTCHMAN.
Writer, Director, Producer Neil Marshall (KILLING TIME, DOG SOLDIERS, THE DESCENT, DOOMSDAY, CENTURION, HELLBOY [2019], THE RECKONING, THE LAIR) is 53.
Actor Ian McKellen (THE KEEP, WINDMILLS OF THE GODS, SIX DEGREES OF SEPERATION, THE SHADOW, SWEPT FROM THE SEA, GODS AND MONSTERS, APT PUPIL, X-MEN [all], THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], NEVERWAS, ASYLUM [2005], DISPLACED, THE DA VINCI CODE, THE HOBBIT [all], X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, MR. HOLMES, INFINITUM) is 85.
Look for Ian in the upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Mystery, SCHADENFREUDE.
Actor Cillian Murphy (28 DAYS LATER, BATMAN BEGINS, RED EYE, SUNSHINE, THE DARK KNIGHT, PEACOCK, INCEPTION, TRON: LEGACY, RETREAT, IN TIME, RED LIGHTS, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, TRANSCENDENCE, ANNA, A QUIET PLACE II) is 41.
Look for Cillian in the 2025 Horror Thriller, 28 YEARS LATER.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END be 17

It seemed like nothing could derail the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise. If Johnny did something unsavory in real life? Well hell, that just makes his pirate character all the more relevant!

Yes, we all know about the damn divorce! But that epic disaster was unknown and unpredictable when PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END set sail in 2007.

THE EXECUTION Goes Live in the U.S., May 28

And -

DAWN OF THE DEAD is 45

I know of at least one first sequel movie that blew its audience away! They came out of the theater jumping and talking and the line of people waiting for the next show saw this and their anticipation level shot through the roof!

OMG this is going to be a great movie! Holy Shit! Hurry! Hurry!

And apparently that's how it was for the 1978 audience who went to see George A. Romero and Dario Argento's DAWN OF THE DEAD.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Horror Bookstore owner, Alan Beatts (Owner of SF / Fantasy / & Horror Bookstore, Borderlands) who is about 63.
SFX Artist / Producer Charles Chiodo (Michael Jackson's THRILLER, THE LOST BOYS, CRITTERS [all], KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE, SCREAMERS, KING COBRA, DEMON ISLAND, ALIEN ABDUCTION) is 72.
Look for Charles's upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller THE RETURN OF THE KILLER CLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE 3D.
Actor Sybil Danning (EYE IN THE LABYRINTH, THE RED QUEEN KILLS SEVEN TIMES, BLUEBEARD, CAT IN THE CAGE, METEOR, BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, NIGHTKILL, THE SALAMANDER, TERMINATE WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE, JULIE DARLING, THEY'RE PLAYING WITH FIRE, THE PANTHER SQUAD, HOWLING II, THE TOMB, THE PHANTOM EMPIRE, GRINDHOUSE, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, VIRUS X) is 72.
Writer Gregory Funaro (THE SCULPTOR, THE IMPALER) is 63 or something.
Actor Doug Jones (THE NEWLYDEADS, NIGHT ANGEL, BATMAN RETURNS, MIMIC, BUG BUSTER, JACK FROST 2, MEN IN BLACK II, HELLBOY [all], DOOM, THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI, PAN'S LABYRINTH, QUARANTINE, ANGEL OF DEATH, CARNIES, LEGION, CYRUS, UNIVERSAL DEAD, ABSENTIA, END OF THE ROAD, JOHN DIES AT THE END, THE LID, HUMAN FACTOR, FALLING SKIES [TV], THE WATCH, LOVE IN THE TIME OF MONSTERS, INNOCENT BLOOD, UNHALLOWED, DUST OF WAR, CRUEL WILL, ALWAYS WATCHING: A MARBLE HORNETS STORY, CRIMSON PEAK, GEHENNA: WHERE DEATH LIVES, PATIENT SEVEN, THE STRAIN [TV], OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL, THE BYE BYE MAN, THE TERROR OF HALLOW'S EVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER, 5TH PASSENGER, HELL'S KITTY, AUTOMATA [TV], THE CIRCUIT, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS [TV]) is 64.
Look for Doug's upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, NOSFERATU. Also in 2023, 2024 DON'T OPEN THE DOOR. Plus, THE WEIGHT OF DARKNESS, IF IT BLEEDS.
Writer Cameron C Pierce (ABORTION ARCADE, THE PICKLED APOCALYPSE OF PANCAKE ISLAND, LOST IN CAT BRAIN LAND) is 62 or something.

THE SHINING is 43

Here is the inane tale of Stephen King's Stanley Kubrick's THE SHINING.

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THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK Turns 27

Everybody wanted to play in Michael Crichton's sandbox including Steven Spielberg. Steven is renown for bringing a kind of cinema magic to movies that few can match. Throughout his career, however, he can rarely do it twice in a row, and just as rarely tries.

But hey, LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK had the drive of Michael's original sequel novel behind it! So how did it turn out?

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Mark Arnold (TEEN WOLF, TRANCERS 4, TRANCERS 5, ALIEN ENCOUNTER, JACK RIO, EAARLY BIRD, MILE END, ABDUCT, LAST STOP, IT CAME FROM THE DESERT, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, BLADE RUNNER 2049, ANAMORPHOSIS, RIDE, DADDY'S GIRL, CRYSTAL'S SHADOW, ANGEL HAS FALLEN, ABSENTIA [TV], WRATH OF MAN, THE KRAMPUS CALENDAR, FEAR THE INVISIBLE MAN, WEREWOLF SANTA) is 67.
Look for Mark in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, THE MAN IN MY BASEMENT.
Actor Joan Collins (SUBTERFUGE, REVENGE, TALES FROM THE CRYPT [1972], FEAR IN THE NIGHT, TALES THAT WITNESS MADNESS, DARK PLACES, THE DEVIL WITHIN HER, EMPIRE OF THE ANTS, THE BIG SLEEP, MARPLE: THEY DO IT WITH MIRRORS, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV]) is 91.
Look for Joan in the upcoming 2024 Mystery, MURDER BETWEEN FRIENDS.
Actor Melissa McBride (MUTANT SPECIES, THE MIST, THE WALKING DEAD, THE RECONSTRUCTION OF WILLIAM ZERO, THE WALKING DEAD: DARYL DIXON) is 60.
Actor Felissa Rose (SLEEPAWAY CAMP, NIKOS THE IMPALER, HORROR, ZOMBIEGEDDON, CORPSES ARE FOREVER, CEREBRAL PRINT: THE SECRET FILES, DEAD SERIOUS, NEW YORK'S VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE 2005, DEAD THINGS, SLAUGHTER PARTY, SATAN'S PLAYGROUND, UNDER SURVEILLANCE, EVIL EVER AFTER, DEAD AND GONE, PSYCHO SLEEPOVER, RETURN TO SLEEPAWAY CAMP, CAESAR AND OTTO'S SUMMER CAMP MASSACRE [all], SILENT NIGHT ZOMBIE NIGHT, DAHMER VS. GACY, BREATH OF HATE, ALIENS VS. A-HOLES, POE, DROPPING EVIL, THE PERFECT HOUSE, CAMP DREAD, BLOOD RESERVOIR, JURASSIC CITY, Over 80 credits in all, and all pretty much like these!) is 55.

ALIEN³ is 33

The fans believed they were getting a new ALIEN movie and, so far, each one got better. Although at that point, there'd only been one sequel and 20th Century Fox had no idea where to go next.

What the fans didn't know is that the stewards guiding the franchise, hadn't clue one as to what the audience wanted or where the movie could go. This became painfully obvious when audiences first saw ALIEN³.

And -

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

Actor Camren Bicondova (GIRL HOUSE, GOTHAM [TV], GOTHAM STORIES [TV]) is 22.
Actor Kent Cheng (SHAN KOU, JUI GWAI CHAT HUNG, XIONG BANG, YE JING HUNG, CHE WAN, XIN TI, AO YI BAI, LING CHINI WAN CAN, ZHOU GUI DA SHI, MA YE CHUAN KI, THE SPOOKY FAMILY, ZAISHI ZHUI HUN, GOU YEUNG YI SANG, BLOODY BROTHERS, SLEEPWALKER, WHO IS UNDERCOVER?) who is 73.
Actor Sean Gunn (TROMEO & JULIET, STRICKEN, THE AUTEUR THEORY, THE SPECIALS, THE SUPER, H+, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, THE HIVE, THE BELKO EXPERIMENT, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, AGNES, SUICIDE SQUAD [2021], I AM MORTAL, GIVE ME AN A) is 50.
Writer and feoamante.com alumni, Michael T. Huyck (RANDOM ACTS OF WEIRDNESS, THE ASYLUM II: The Violent Ward, HORROR GARAGE MAGAZINE #8, STUDIES IN MODERN HORROR, TOP INTERNATIONAL HORROR 2003, and reviews here) is 63.
Actor Michael Kelly (UNBREAKABLE, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], OUT THERE, TOOTH AND NAIL, CHANGELING, TENDERNESS, DEFENDOR, LAW ABIDING CITIZEN, FAIR GAME, THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, CRIMINAL MINDS: SUSPECT BEHAVIOR [TV], CHRONICLE, PERSON OF INTEREST [TV], NOW YOU SEE ME, VIRAL, TABOO [TV], OUTSIDE THE WIRE, PANTHEON [TV]) is 57.
Actor Mike Muscat (SCARED TO DEATH, HUNTER'S BLOOD, RETRIBUTION, ASSAULT OF THE KILLER BIMBOS, TERMINATOR 2, THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, 9 LIVES OF MARA, DECADENT EVIL II, BORN, DARK STREETS, NOBODY SMILING, HORRORWEEN, WATCH THE SKY) who is 71.
Actor Tao Okamoto (THE WOLVERINE, HANNIBAL [TV], THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE [TV], PERFECT, LAPLACE'S WITCH, WESTWORLD [TV]) is 39.
Actor Maggie Q (METAL MAYHEM, MANHATTAN MIDNIGHT, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE III, THE COUNTING HOUSE, DECEPTION, PRIEST, DIVERGENT, INSURGENT, ALLEGIANT, THE CRASH, SLUMBER, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR [TV], FANTASY ISLAND, DEATH OF ME, THE PROTOGE) is 45.
Look for Maggie in the 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, FEAR THE NIGHT.

GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN is 69

GOJIRA was a huge hit and the money didn't stop coming. While Director Ishiro Honda was busy with sales and trying to get it into the U.S. market, Toho Pictures rushed to deliver a second Gojira move for their newborn fans.

What Toho got was what they asked for: A rush job. Yet it could have been so much worse, and Hollywood proved it by... by... ugh! Just read about 1955's GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN.

And -

THE GREEN SLIME is 56

The same year that MGM released Stanley Kubrick's epic and awe inspiring 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, the studio also brought audiences, THE GREEN SLIME!

The contrast between the two could not be starker.

Plus -

MAD MAX: THE ROAD WARRIOR Turns 42

Down in the middle of nowhere on the island continent of Australia, 35 year old Writer, Producer, and Director, George Miller and his crew - on the smallest of shoe string budgets - made the cinema franchise that defined the road movie. But just like all movies that define their genre, the first movie, still racing around the world for attention, needed that hit second movie to solidify its legacy. MAD MAX2: THE ROAD WARRIOR gave it all the horsepower it needed!

Also -

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

Actor Fairuza Balk (DECEPTIONS, RETURN TO OZ, DISCOVERY, DEADLY INTENTIONS... AGAIN?, THE DANGER OF LOVE: THE CAROLYN WARMUS STORY, MURDER IN THE HEARTLAND, TOLLBOOTH, THE CRAFT, THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU, AMERICAN PERFEKT, GRINDSTONE ROAD, ORPHEUS, WHAT IS IT?, Masters of Horror: PICK ME UP, DOSE OF REALITY, AUGUST FALLS, TRESPASSERS, THE CRAFT: LEGACY) is 50.
Writer, interviewer Stanley Wiater (DARK DREAMERS book. DARK DREAMERS [TV], Editor: NIGHT VISIONS 7, DARK THOUGHTS ON WRITING: Advice and Commentary From Fifty Masters of Fear and Suspense, RICHARD MATHESON: The Twilight Zone Scripts, RICHARD MATHESON Collected Stories) is ...what... 63 by now?

GODZILLA (1998) Turns 26

Why isn't this movie forgiven and allowed to become a classic after a quarter of a century? Oh, we'll tell you why! GODZILLA fans and filmmakers everywhere, this is where the audience is right and the makers of GODZILLA (1998) were wrong.

And -

THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Turns 13

Director Gore Verbinski left the franchise he created after AT WORLD'S END and talk began about ending the series at three.

But Disney was strongly attached to the franchise, was certain they could keep it going and, besides, it was now their most popular ride at their theme parks. Like Barbossa and Sparrow, they had to keep the series alive and Rob Marshall was contracted to direct it.

Could Rob Skipper the franchise Gore left behind? This is what happened with THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES.

Plus -

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

Writer Adam-Troy Castro (LOST IN BOOTH NINE, SPIDER-MAN: THE GATHERING OF THE SINISTER SIX, SPIDER-MAN: REVENGE OF THE SINISTER SIX, SPIDER-MAN: THE SECRET OF THE SINISTER SIX, EMISSARIES FROM THE DEAD [Andrea Cort Series], THE SHALLOW END OF THE POOL) is 64.
Writer, Director Mike Flanagan (ABSENTIA, OCULUS, HUSH, BEFORE I WAKE, OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL, GERALD'S GAME, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE [TV], DOCTOR SLEEP, MIDNIGHT MASS [TV], THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER [TV]) is 47.
Actor Tony Goldwyn (JASON LIVES: FRIDAY THE 13th PART VI, DARK HOLIDAY [TV], GHOST, TRACES OF RED, THE PELICAN BRIEF, THE LAST TATTOO, VAULT OF HORROR I, KISS THE GIRLS, THE LESSER EVIL, THE 6TH DAY, ABANDON, GHOSTS NEVER SLEEP, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT [2009], THE MECHANIC [2011], DIVERGENT, INSURGENT, THE BELKO EXPERIMENT, SCANDAL [TV], CHAMBERS [TV], THE HOT ZONE [TV], PLANE) is 64.
Actor Timothy Olyphant (SCREAM 2, AUGGIE ROSE, SHADOW REALM, DREAMCATCHER, HITMAN, DAMAGES [TV], JUSTIFIED [TV], A PERFECT GETAWAY, THE CRAZIES [2010], I AM NUMBER FOUR, BONE TOMAHAWK, THE MAN ON CARRION ROAD, THE SANTA CLARITA DIET [TV], FARGO [TV], FULL CIRCLE [TV]) is 56.
Look for Timothy in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, HAVOC.
Writer John Skipp (THE LIGHT AT THE END [w/Craig Spector], BOOK OF THE DEAD [w/Craig Spector], THE BRIDGE [w/Craig Spector], A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET: THE DREAM CHILD [w/Craig Spector], STUPOGRAPHY, THE LONG LAST CALL, JAKE'S WAKE [w/Cody Goodfellow], MONDO ZOMBIE, SPORE [w/Cody Goodfellow], THE ART OF HORRIBLE PEOPLE) is 678.

SUNDAY -

Actor Drew Fuller (VOODOO ACADEMY, ANGELS DON'T SLEEP HERE, VAMPIRE CLAN, CHARMED [TV], NUMBERED WITH THE DEAD, 911 NIGHTMARE, TEST PATTERN) who is 41.
Actor Grace Jones (NIGHTMARE CITY, CONAN THE DESTROYER, VAMP, WOLF GIRL / BLOOD MOON, GUTTERDAMMERUNG) is 75.
Actor Geraldine Somerville (HAUNTED, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, THE SAFE HOUSE, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, 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 RIOT CLUB, AUTOMATA, PRIME SUSPECT 1973 [TV], KISS ME FIRST [TV], THE GENTLEMEN) is 57.
Actor Sean Whalen (THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, BATMAN RETURNS, STEPMONSTER, DOPPLEGANGER, TWISTER, THE CABLE GUY, MEN IN BLACK, SUICIDE KINGS, IDLE HANDS, PYTHON, DEEP SHOCK, CHASING GHOSTS, DRIVE-THRU, LAID TO REST, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, THE FP, ALL SUPERHEROES MUST DIE [all], HATCHETT III, MURDER OF A CAT, CAESAR AND OTTO'S PARANORMAL HALLOWEEN, BLOOD BROTHERS, THE AXE MURDERS OF VILLISCA, WORLD OF DEATH, DEATH HOUSE, DARK TALES, BABYSITTER'S NIGHTMARE, UGLY SWEATER PARTY, 3 FROM HELL, SLAYER: THE REPENTLESS KILLOGY, BENEATH US ALL) is 60.
Look for Sean in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (?) Horror movie, SCREAM BLOODY MURDER CHEER BLOODY MURDER. Also in 2024, Sean takes the Writer, Director, Actor reigns in his directoral debut. The Horror Comedy, CRUST.

ALIEN COVENANT Turns 7

ALIEN fans had no idea that Ridley would go the way of George Lucas and George A. Romero with the very franchises that created their careers. But Scott did with PROMETHEUS. Then with ALIEN COVENANT, he sunk ever deeper into the depths.

SATURDAY -

THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES Turns 53

In retrospect, Vincent Price's acting career seems indestructible and THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES is one of the reasons why.

SHE-WOLF OF LONDON Turns 78

If the studio heads could have only imagined what a Long Life this movie would have, they may not have overlooked the One Big SPOILER issue with SHE-WOLF OF LONDON.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Yvonne Mason (SILENT SCREAM, BRILLIANT INSANITY, WHEN FATES COLLIDE, A VOICE FROM THE GRAVE) is 67.
Writer, Actor Nikki Reed (CHERRY CRUSH, TWILIGHT [all], PAWN, SNAP, IN YOUR EYES, MURDER OF A CAT, JACK GOES HOME, SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV], V-WARS [TV]) is 36.
Nikki shares a May birthday with her TWILIGHT alumni, Robert Pattinson.
Musician / Composer Trent Reznor (NINE INCH NAILS, Music featured in THE CROW, NATURAL BORN KILLERS, SE7EN, LOST HIGHWAY, FINAL DESTINATION, TOMB RAIDER, RESIDENT EVIL, TETSUO: THE BULLET MAN, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, THE FROZEN DEAD [TV], THE LOFT, BIRD BOX, WATCHMEN [TV], BONES AND ALL, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, and the video games QUAKE, DOOM3) is 60 today.
Did you know that of all of Trent's NIN songs, CLOSER gets the most play in movie soundtracks?
Look for Trent's upcoming Thriller, THE GORGE.
Actor Erin Richards (EXPIRY DATE, ABRAHAM'S POINT, OPEN GRAVE, THE QUIET ONES, QUANTUM BREAK [VG], GOTHAM [TV]) is 38.
Writer Stewart Sternberg (THE RAVENING) is at least 63.
Writer Karen E. Taylor (BLOOD SECRETS, THE VAMPIRE LEGACY series, TWELVE STEPS FROM DARKNESS) is wa-ay up there! Possibly 63!
Actor Paige Turco (TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III, DEAD FUNNY, AMERICAN GOTHIC [TV], DARK TIDES, URBANIA, RUNAWAY VIRUS, DEAD DOG, THE EMPATH, THE AGENCY [TV], RHINOCEROS EYES, DAMAGES [TV], THE STEPFATHER [2009], SEPARATED AT BIRTH, THE 100 [TV], BOOKS OF BLOOD [TV]) is 59.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor David Boreanaz (MACABRE PAIR OF SHORTS, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], ANGEL [TV], VALENTINE, THE CROW: WICKED PRAYER, BONES [TV], SUFFERING MAN'S CHARITY) is 55.
David shares a May 16 birthday with fellow THE CROW: Wicked Prayer alumni, Danny Trejo.
Actor Pierce Brosnan (NOMADS, THE FOURTH PROTOCOL, TAFFIN, THE LAWNMOWER MAN, LIVE WIRE, DEATH TRAIN, GOLDENEYE, MARS ATTACKS!, DANTE'S PEAK, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, THE TAILOR OF PANAMA, DIE ANOTHER DAY, AFTER THE SUNSET, THE MATADOR, SHATTERED, PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTENING THIEF, SALVATION BOULEVARD, BAG OF BONES [TV], THE WORLD'S END, URGE, I.T., THE FOREIGNER, SPINNING MAN, FALSE POSITIVE, BLACK ADAM) is 72.
Look for Pierce in the 2024 Thriller, BLACK BAG.
Actor Danny Trejo (THE HIDDEN, DEATHWISH 4, KINJITE, CARNAL CRIMES, MANIAC COP 2, DESPERADO, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN [all], ANACONDA, THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, THE SALTON SEA, THE NIGHTSTALKER, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, THE CURSE OF EL CHARRO, LOST, VENICE UNDERGROUND, ALL SOULS DAY, CHASING GHOSTS, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, THE CROW: WICKED PRAYER, 7 MUMMIES, Snoop Dogg's HOOD OF HORROR, PROPENSITY, GRINDHOUSE, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, PREDATORS, MACHETE [all], SUSHI GIRL, HAUNTED HIGH, THE CLOTH, THE INSOMNIAC, DEATH RACE: INFERNO, ZOMBIE HUNTER, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: THE SERIES [TV], 3 FROM HELL, VAMPFATHER, THE LEGEND OF LA LLARONA, and way more with 28 yet-to-be-released Feature films as of this writing) is 82.
Artist Chad Michael Ward (Movie: THE GENE GENERATION, STRANGE BLOOD. Movie Poster: THE PROFANE EXHIBIT. Book: AUTOPSYROTICA, IMMODERATION) is 53.

INVISIBLE INVADERS are Ready for Social Security!

For many people, the scariest monster is the killer you can't see, because there's no way to know when its there: When It Is Near! That's the secret sauce of some of cinema's scariest Horror movies from THE INVISIBLE MAN to FORBIDDEN PLANET to FINAL DESTINATION. But it also worked in INVISIBLE INVADERS.

And -

THE MATRIX RELOADED can Legally Drink

In 2003, the excitement for the first THE MATRIX sequel felt like a rescue. George Lucas let fans down with his Phantom Menace, but the (then) Warchowski Bros. would set the blockbuster year off right!

They won't let us down!

Genre movies are going to be fun again!

Then we packed the theaters for a massive opening weekend, the lights went down, and this is what we saw, watching THE MATRIX RELOADED.

Plus -

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Turns 9

There was a new actor playing Max and, unlike the plethora of actors playing James Bond through the many decades, actor Tom Hardy was justifiably concerned. He didn't want his career to wind up scorched as the George Lazenby of Max.

That was just one of the problems George Miller had to contend with while going through the Herculean effort of making MAD MAX: FURY ROAD.

Finale -

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

Director/Producer Rob Bowman (WEREWOLF [TV - 1987], DARK SHADOWS [TV - 1991], THE X-FILES [TV], REIGN OF FIRE, ELEKTRA, NIGHT STALKER [TV-2005], NIGHTMARES AND DREAMSCAPES: From The Stories of Stephen King [2006], CASTLE) is 64.
Actor Alexandra Breckenridge (VAMPIRE CLAN, MURDER BOOK, TRUE BLOOD [TV], THE WALKING DEAD, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], ZIPPER, ALWAYS WATCHING: A MARBLE HORNETS STORY, DARK, BROKEN VOWS) is 42.
Alexandra shares a May 15 birthday with her TRUE BLOOD alumni, Sam Trammell.
Look for Alexandra in the 2023, 2024 Thriller, IN LIMBO.
Actor Tatsuya Fujiwara (BATTLE ROYALE, KAMEN GAKUEN, BATTLE ROYALE II, FURUHATA NINZABURO FINAL, DEATH NOTE, DEATH NOTE: THE LAST NAME, DEATH NOTE: L CHANGE THE WORLD, SNAKES AND EARRINGS, THE INCITE MILL, BRUTUS HEART, ST: KEISHICHÔ KAGAKU SÔSAHAN, SHIELD OF STRAW, MONSTERZ, ST: AKA TO SHIRO NO SÔSA FILE [TV], ST: AKA TO SHIRO NO SÔSA FILE The Movie, ERASED, SOSHITE: DAREMO INAKUNATTA, DEATH NOTE: LIGHT UP THE WORLD, NINGEN NO SHÔMEI, MEMOIRS OF A MURDERER, REVERSE [TV], YONIMO KIMYÔ NA MONOGATARI: AUTUMN 2017 SPECIAL, THE SUN DOES NOT MOVE, THE METHOD OF REPULSING THE DOVE, and more) is 42.
Actor / Producer Amy Rene LaFavers (CLOSET SPACE, SWEATSHOP, HAUNTED TRAILER, PSYCHIC EXPERIMENT, IMAGO, DARK RITUAL) is 53.
Writer Mark Tarrant (THE BLOOD RIDER, TALES OF THE DEAD WALKER, TALES OF JUSTICE BLACKBURN: VAMPIRE REGULATOR) is like, 63 or something.
Actor Sam Trammell (UNDERMIND, ALIEN VS PREDATOR: REQUIEM, TRUE BLOOD [TV], THE PRIVILEGED, ALL MISTAKES BURIED, THE ORDER [TV], I SEE YOU, RECKONING [TV], AMERICAN REFUGEE, ORGAN TRAIL) is 53.
Look for Sam's upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, PURSUED - Written, Produced, and Directed by Jeffrey Obrow (THE KINDRED). Also expected in 2024, ReENTRY.
Actor Ashlynn Yennie (THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE [FIRST SEQUENCE], AMERICAN MANIACS, THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE II [FULL SEQUENCE], AMERICAN MANIACS, FRACTURED, THE SCRIBBLER, FEAR INC., THE GHOST AND THE WHALE, THE WRONG NEIGHBOR, HIDDEN INTENTIONS, THE WRONG MOMMY, VARIANT, KILLER CHEERLEADER, BURNING LITTLE LIES, ANTIDOTE, DEADLY DUE DATE, BOUND BY BLACKMAIL) is 39.
Look for Ashlynn in the upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, THEY WATCH.

Arrow Video Shoots PANDEMONIUM to May 27

French Macabre Horror Movie, PANDEMONIUM played the major genre film festivals and now comes to VOD, SVOD, TVOD, Apple, and Prime this May 27. Written and Directed by Quarxx (ALL THE GODS IN THE SKY), it stars Hugo Dillion (MORTEL [TV], THE FIVE DEVILS) and Arben Bajraktaraj (HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, TAKEN).

And -

CONAN THE BARBARIAN Turns 42

Italian movie Producer, Dino De Laurentiis was already impressed with Arnold Schwarzenegger as someone who could fill the sandals of Robert E. Howard's heroic anti-hero, Conan. But musclebound weightlifters grafted into movies and TV shows where they couldn't act had many box office crashes and few box office flights. Arnold stood apart because he was taking acting lessons and wanted to be good at it.

Arnold was so serious about it, that he impressed fellow actors Max von Sydow and James Earl Jones, who both gave him lessons on the set during downtime while shooting CONAN THE BARBARIAN.

Plus -

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

Actor, Director Danny Huston (THE HUMAN FACTOR, MISTER CORBETT'S GHOST, THE MADDENING, SUSAN'S PLAN, 21 GRAMS, SILVER CITY, BIRTH, THE CONSTANT GARDENER, CHILDREN OF MEN, FADE TO BLACK, THE NUMBER 23, THE KINGDOM, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, EDGE OF DARKNESS, CLASH OF THE TITANS, THE WARRIOR'S WAY, A MONSTER IN PARIS, WRATH OF THE TITANS, MAGIC CITY [TV], HITCHCOCK, TIGERS, JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE FLASHPOINT PARADOX, AMERICAN HORROR STORY [TV], PRESSURE, FRANKENSTEIN [2015], PARANOID [TV], IO, ANGEL HAS FALLEN, MARLOWE, CONSECRATION) is 62.
Look for Danny in the 2021, 2022, 2023 (?) Horror movie, RED BIRD LANE, Directed by David Slade (HARD CANDY, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE). Also expected in 2023, THE CROW, directed by Rupert Sanders (SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, GHOST IN THE SHELL [2017]).
Actor Tim Roth (TO KILL A PRIEST, RESERVOIR DOGS, BACKSLIDING, HEART OF DARKNESS, PULP FICTION, PLANET OF THE APES [2001], SILVER CITY, THE LAST SIGN, DARK WATER [2005], YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH, FUNNY GAMES, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, LIE TO ME [TV], ARBITRAGE, LIABILITY, MÖBIUS, HARDCORE HENRY, THE HATEFUL EIGHT, TWIN PEAKS [TV - 2017], THE SONG OF NAMES, RESURRECTION, SHE-HULK [TV]) is 63.
Writer, Producer, Director Robert Zemeckis (ROMANCING THE STONE, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, DEATH BECOMES HER, TALES FROM THE CRYPT [TV], HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL [1999], TH13RTEEN GHOSTS, RITUAL, GHOST SHIP, GOTHIKA, HOUSE OF WAX [2005], WHAT LIES BENEATH, TALES FROM THE CRYPT: BORDELLO OF BLOOD, MONSTER HOUSE, THE REAPING, BEOWULF, MANIFEST [TV], PROJECT BLUE BOOK [TV], WHAT/IF?, MANIFEST [TV], THE WITCHES, FINCH) is 73.
Look for Robert's 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller STEEL SOLDIERS.

WEREWOLF OF LONDON Turns 88

Universal Picture's first Werewolf.

They went for a fuzzy Science Fiction angle over superstition and, while this dapper Werewolf is never seen drinking Pina Coladas down at Trader Vic's, his hair is indeed, Perfect! WEREWOLF OF LONDON again.

And -

Today marks 47 Years of THE CAR

The George Barris design is why its a classic and the concept is why its ripe for remake: THE CAR.

Plus -

FRIDAY THE 13th: Part VII - THE NEW BLOOD is 36

As the entire franchise aims only to hack and slash in one movie after the next, forever looping, it leaves a lot of Horror, Thriller, and genuine creepy as hell scares on the table. We cover the storyline often visually hinted at but never explored in screenwriter Ken "The Fan Behind The Mask" King's review of FRIDAY THE 13th Part VII: THE NEW BLOOD.

Also -

It's Been 30 Years Since THE CROW

Because of the tragic killing on set of Brandon Lee, the screenplay needed a doctor. It had to be fixed. Changes needed to be made. Otherwise, Miramax would have to count it a loss and no one would ever see Lee's last movie.

But what they did have was gold. Brandon loved the script and loved his role. So they re-wrote James O'Barr's story with his blessing. Brandon had become his friend during the time leading up to production and during it.

O'Barr's story was a cathartic journey through hell for a real life personal tragedy involving the woman he loved. With Lee's death on set, he had to go through it all over again. The subsequent sequels made it all worse.

Now they're talking remake and fans of the original aren't happy about it, as you'd expect. But those fans of the movie never saw O'Barr's original story. Between a thoroughly reworked script and the final edit that had to put it all together and make sense of everything, O'Barr's masterwork became something else.

So before we boo remake, let's remember 1994's original THE CROW.

Finale -

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

Actor, Producer, Director, Editor Bryan Coyne (SILENT NIGHT ZOMBIE NIGHT, HE, THE BLACK BOX, ORGY OF THE DAMNED, THE HUMAN RACE, INFERNAL, BAD APPLES) is 62 or something.
Look for Bryan's upcoming turn as a Writer, Director, and Producer on the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror movie, UTERO, starring John Gulager (Writer and Director of FEAST) and Diane Ayala Goldner (actor FEAST).
Actor, Director, Producer Andreas Pape (MIDNIGHT'S CALLING, HUNTING CREATURES, SOUNDS OF FEAR, MUTATION 2, MUTATION 3, SPACE WOLF, BEYOND THE LIMITS, RIGOR MORTIS, SOUNDS OF FEAR, LORD OF THE UNDEAD, THE LEGEND OF MOONLIGHT MOUNTAIN, POINT OF FEAR, BARRICADE, CABLE SKID, FEARMAKERS, METAL MAN, TIMO ROSE'S BEAST, LA PETITE MORT, POPULAR, TERROR CREEK, NECRONOS, PROJECT GENESIS, LEGEND OF HELL, SAVAGE LOVE, NO MERCYNARY, BUNKER OF THE DEAD, ENEME) is 43.
Actor Robert Pattinson (HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, THE HAUNTED AIRMAN, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, TWILIGHT, TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE, [ALL], COSMOPOLIS, THE ROVER, HIGH LIFE, THE LIGHTHOUSE, TENET, THE BATMAN) is 37.
Look for Robert in the upcoming 2023 Thriller, MICKEY 7.
Actor Iwan Rheon (RESISTANCE, MISFITS [TV], GAME OF THRONES [TV], RESIDUE, MERMAID'S SONG, ALIEN INVASION: S.U.M.1, RIVIERA [TV], INHUMANS [TV], RIVIERA [TV], BARBARIANS, THE LIGHT IN THE HALL [TV], THE MAGIC FLUTE) is 37.
Look for Iwan in the 2023 Thriller, WOLF [TV].

SUNDAY -

Actor Stephen Baldwin (BITTER HARVEST, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, DEAD WEEKEND, MR. MURDER, SCARRED CITY, X CHANGE, DEAD AWAKE, SPIDER'S WEB, SHELTER ISLAND, FALLACY, BOUND BY LIES, DARK STORM, THE GENIUS CLUB, SHARK IN VENICE, SHOOT THE DUKE, LET THE GAME BEGIN, MISSION: THE PROPHET, 2047: SIGHTS OF DEATH, MAGI, BLOOD PAGEANT, NOVA VITA [TV]) is 57.
Actor Bruce Boxleitner (TRON, FROM THE DEAD OF NIGHT, MURDEROUS VISION, CONTAGION, PERILOUS, SILENCE, BRILLIANT, SNAKEHEAD TERROR, THEY ARE AMONG US, LIFE IN THE BALANCE, LEGION OF THE DEAD, A KILLER UPSTAIRS, KING OF THE LOST WORLD, MYSTERY WOMAN, PANDEMIC, BONE EATER, DEAD SPACE: DOWNFALL, TRON: LEGACY, 51, ANIMEN: THE GALACTIC BATTLE, TRON: UPRISING [TV], THE OATH, MATCHMAKER MYSTERIES: A FATAL ROMANCE, THE WARRANT: BREAKER'S LAW, BABYLON 5: THE ROAD HOME) is 74.
Actor Gabriel Byrne (THE KEEP, GOTHIC, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, STIGMATA, END OF DAYS, SPIDER, GHOST SHIP, SHADE, JINDABYNE, I, ANNA, SECRET STATE [TV], QUIRKE [TV], VAMPIRE ACADEMY, HEREDITARY, IN THE CLOUD, MANIAC [TV], LOST GIRLS, WAR OF THE WORLDS [TV]) is 74.
Look for Gabriel in the upcoming 2024 Thriller and JOHN WICK spin-off, BALLERINA.
Actor Samantha Mathis (FORBIDDEN SUN, 83 HOURS 'TIL DAWN, HARSH REALM [TV], ATTRACTION, AMERICAN PSYCHO, THE PUNISHER [2004], 'SALEM'S LOT [TV - 2004], NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES: FROM THE STORIES OF STEPHEN KING, THE NEW DAUGHTER, BURIED, ORDER OF CHAOS, GOOD DAY FOR IT, ATLAS SHRUGGED II, UNDER THE DOME [TV], THE STRAIN [TV], BOARDING SCHOOL, THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER, 12 DESPERATE HOURS, PET SEMETARY: BLOODLINES) is 54.
Look for Samantha in the upcoming 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, THE GEORGETOWN PROJECT THE EXORCISM.
Actor Ving Rhames (JACOB'S LADDER, THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, TERROR ON TRACK 9, PULP FICTION, FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN, DARK BLUE, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], DAY OF THE DEAD [2007], EVIL ANGEL, ECHELON CONSPIRACY, SURROGATES, PIRANHA 3D, DEATH RACE: FRANKENSTEIN LIVES, THE RIVER MURDERS, JULIA X 3D, ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, SEVEN BELOW, PIRANHA 3DD, DEATH RACE: INFERNO, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 2, WENDEL & WILD) is 65.
Actor Richard Riehle (BLACK RAIN, TRIAL BY FIRE, SO PROUDLY WE HAIL, KEEPER OF THE CITY, FRIED GREEN TOMATOES, BODY OF EVIDENCE, THE FUGITIVE, SHADOW OF OBSESSION, A STRANGER IN TOWN, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG, THE ARRANGEMENT, TERMINAL, EXECUTIVE DECISION, TOO FAST TOO YOUNG, THE FAN, THE LAST RESORT, ONE EIGHT SEVEN, COLD NIGHT INTO DAWN, MR. MURDER, JUDAS KISS, THE LESSER EVIL, MERCURY RISING, DESPERATE MEASURES, TIME CHANGER, MONSTER MAKERS, JANE DOE: THE WRONG FACE, THE DARKROOM, FIERCE FRIEND, THE LOST, DARK MIND, HATCHET, THE BEACH PARTY AT THE THRESHOLD OF HELL, DISMAL, WASTING AWAY, RESURRECTION MARY, HINDSIGHT, NOWHERE TO HIDE, MESSENGERS 2: THE SCARECROW, PROJECT SOLITUDE, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II, THE LAST LOVECRAFT, 1001 WAYS TO ENJOY THE MISSIONARY POSITION, CHILLERAMA, BLACK VELVET, THE WATERMEN, EXTRACTED, BREATHLESS [2012], TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D, FRIEND REQUEST, THE SCRIBBLER, THE CABINING, TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, PILOT ERROR, AMNESIAC, PRIMROSE LANE, CONTRACTED: PHASE II, HELEN KELLER VS. NIGHTWOLVES, DEMENTIA, FEAR INC., CITRUS SPRINGS, BAD APPLES, WEST OF HELL, INVISIBLE MOTHER, 3 FROM HELL, LIMBO, CHASE, HUNTED [TV], DIGGING TO DEATH, DESTINATION MARFA, FUZZY HEAD) is 76.
Look for Richard's upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (?) Horror, 30 TO 40 45. And in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (?) Horror Thriller, MADE VICIOUS.

SATURDAY -

Actor Thomas Downey (HITTERS, JOLLY ROGER: MASSACRE AT CUTTER'S COVE, H.G. WELLS WAR OF THE WORLDS [2005], FRANKENSTEIN REBORN, THE BEAST OF BRAY ROAD, SHAPESHIFTER, KING OF THE LOST WORLD, EXORCISM: THE POSSESSION OF GAIL BOWERS, HILLSIDE CANNIBALS, DRACULA'S CURSE, TRANSMORPHERS, PARANORMAL INCIDENT, MIRROR IMAGE, 616: PARANORMAL INCIDENT, AXE GIANT: THE WRATH OF PAUL BUNYAN, SORORITY PARTY MASSACRE, ZEDD, THE BURNING DEAD, BETHANY, #CAPTURED, ZOMBIE, DARK IMAGE, DOLLS, ZOMBIE [2019], BEAST MODE, BLACK NOISE) is 55.
Actor Nicky Katt (GREMLINS, THE 'BURBS, MARTIANS GO HOME, STRANGE DAYS, BATMAN & ROBIN, DELIVERED, Dean Koontz: PHANTOMS, THE LIMEY, WAKING LIFE, INSOMNIA, RIDING THE BULLET, SIN CITY, DEATH PROOF, PLANET TERROR) is 54.
Writer, Producer, and Actor Marguerite MacIntyre (BURY THE EVIDENCE, RED DRAGON, KYLE XY [TV], THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], APRIL APOCALYPSE) is 59.
Actor Aaron Pearl (ALIEN ABDUCTION, VOYAGE OF TERROR, WRONGFULLY ACCUSED, MURDER SHE PURRED: A MRS. MURPHY MYSTERY, ESCAPE FROM MARS, ATOMIC TRAIN, HEAVEN'S FIRE, THE SPRING, DANGEROUS ATTRACTION, OUTER LIMITS, X2, I ACCUSE, BLOODSUCKERS, INTELLIGENCE [2005], ENGAGED TO KILL, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, THE SUSPECT, BLACK CHRISTMAS, WHITE NOISE 2: THE LIGHT, INTELLIGENCE [2006 - TV], VICE, YETI: CURSE OF THE SNOW DEMON, VIPERS, FAR CRY, THE SEAMSTRESS, HARPER'S ISLAND [TV], ICE QUAKE, GODZILLA [2014], BLACKWAY, RIVER ROAD, DEADLY ATTRACTION, ANTHEM OF A TEENAGE PROPHET, ENDLESS, THE UNFORGIVABLE) is 52.
Look for Aaron in the upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, RESURRECTION FACTOR.

28 WEEKS LATER Turns 17

28 MONTHS LATER is in pre-production with original creator, Danny Boyle, back in the Director's chair. Once in a Murder Moon, the third movie in a Horror franchise is known to save the trilogy if the first sequel nearly killed it (THE OMEN III, A NIGHTMARE ON ELMSTREET 3, THE EXORCIST III, PHANTASM III, not many). More often than not, however, it's the third movie that's usually the final nail in the franchise, or at best, an oblique shift to any further movies in the franchise (CHILD'S PLAY 3 - last of the "Child's Play" titles) or at worst, the urine soaked passage to Direct to Home Video (AMITYVILLE 3D, HELLRAISER 3, CANDYMAN 3, HOUSE 3, THE CROW: SALVATION). Still, after all of these years, Danny hasn't given up on a second sequel to his most profitable franchise, turning that ship around to former glory!

But maybe he shouldn't give up after we saw, 28 WEEKS LATER.

Boris Karloff's BEDLAM Turns 78

In 1946, while Bela Lugosi's career was sliding, Boris Karloff, thanks in part to his association with the wildly popular Val Lewton, was rising.

With Lewton, Boris made respectable Horror for discerning adults. But how many people do you know who have ever heard of Val Lewton today? And how many do you know who have ever heard of what is considered one of Val Lewton and Boris Karloff's best, BEDLAM?

And -

Neil Marshall's DOG SOLDIERS is 22

If you don't know, this movie is either a Werewolf story involving soldiers, or a Soldier story involving werewolves.

This is the brutal beauty of DOG SOLDIERS.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Editor, DP, Actor, Director, and pretty much everything else in film, Danny Draven (HORRORVISION, THE FRIGHTENING, CRYPTZ, HELL ASYLUM, DEATHBED, DARK WALKER, WITCHES OF THE CARIBBEAN, DARK WALKER, GHOST MONTH, SKULL HEADS, THE EVIL BONG 3D, ZOMBIES VS STRIPPERS, DANNY DRAVEN'S MATERS OF TERROR [TV], and a lot more) is 47.
Actor Meg Foster (WELCOME TO ARROW BEACH, THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW, THE OSTERMAN WEEKEND, THEY LIVE, LEVIATHAN, STEPFATHER II, SHRUNKEN HEADS, OBLIVION, THE KILLERS WITHIN, THE MINUS MAN, SEBASTIAN, THE LORDS OF SALEM, RAVENSWOOD [TV], THE ORIGINALS [TV], 31, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS [TV], JEEPERS CREEPERS 3, OVERLORD, INVESTIGATION 13, THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS VAMPIRES, HELLBLAZERS, HAUNTED 333, THE ACCURSED) is 76.
Look for Meg in the upcoming 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, Horror Thriller, S2K.
Composer Jay Ferguson (THE TERMINATOR, PULSE [1988], BAD DREAMS, TALES FROM THE CRYPT [TV], A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5, TREMORS 2, TREMORS 4, WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB [TV]) is 77.
Artist Eric J (REX MUNDI, THE PHANTOM) is 49. Visit him at EricJ-Art.

SOYLENT GREEN Turns 51 in the U.S.A.

The fact that political dystopian science fiction books and movies miss their date of expiration never means that their warning is obsolete. George Orwell's 1984 forever hangs over our heads and the very people who espouse a Big Brother government are often the same ones irritably telling us to ignore that "Orwell stuff".

This movie's due date was 2022. Are the lessons of SOYLENT GREEN also outdated?

And -

FRIDAY THE 13th Is 43

Sean S. Cunningham saw John Carpenter's success with HALLOWEEN and he really wanted a piece of that! God, how he wanted to copy John Carpenter!

Now he just needed a holiday.

No good Holidays worth his time (Arbor Day Massacre? Surely you jest!) but lots of people are superstitious about the number 13 and ... and ... Friday the 13th! Well there you go! With this in mind he commissioned a movie poster, then put that sucker in a newspaper ad. Paramount Pictures took the bait.

Now all Sean needed was a script!

A FRIDAY THE 13th script that would haunt Sean for ... A Very Long Time...

43 years to be exact.

Plus -

THE FIFTH ELEMENT Turns 27

It's a SciFi Action Thriller, not Science Fiction and by that I mean FLASH GORDON comic book-style Space Opera over hardcore Science Fiction like FORBIDDEN PLANET, 2001, ALIEN, or John Carpenter's THE THING. This is why THE FIFTH ELEMENT is such fun!

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Rosario Dawson (MEN IN BLACK II, SIN CITY, GRINDHOUSE, DEATH PROOF, DESCENT, EAGLE EYE, GEMINI DIVISION [TV], KILLSHOT, THE HAUNTED WORLD OF EL SUPERBEASTO, PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF, UNSTOPPABLE, TRANCE, RAZE, PARTS PER BILLION, SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR, THE CAPTIVE, LUKE CAGE [TV], DAREDEVIL [TV], IRON FIST [TV], THE DEFENDERS [TV], ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP, BRIARPATCH [TV], DMZ, HAUNTED MANSION) is 45.
Look for Rosario in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller TV show, GHOSTS OF RUIN.
Actor Anthony "Corlan" Higgins (TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA, VAMPIRE CIRCUS, FLAVIA THE HERETIC, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, THE DRAUGHTMAN'S CONTRACT, THE BRIDE, THE COLD ROOM, YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES, SHERLOCK HOLMES RETURNS, DEEPLY, MALICE IN WONDERLAND, and more) who is 77 today.
SFX Artist Kevin Pike (JAWS, THE CAR, JAWS 2, STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN, INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, WARNING SIGN, JURASSIC PARK, ED WOOD, THE PUPPET MASTERS, SCREAM 3, BLACK SCORPION, JURASSIC PARK III, FEAST, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES [TV]) is 73.
Director, Producer Chuck Russell (HELL NIGHT, THE SEDUCTION, DREAMSCAPE, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS, THE BLOB [1988], THE MASK, BLESS THE CHILD, THE SCORPION KING, COLLATERAL) is 66.
Actor and Producer Chris Staviski (CARNIES, THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE, BLOODY BLOODY BIBLE CAMP, CHILLERAMA, PAIN IS BEAUTIFUL, WEREWOLVES IN HEAT, ANOTHER PLAN FROM OUTER SPACE, DEATH BY MIDNIGHT) is 55.
Actor Chris Zylka (KA-BOOM, MY SUPER PSYCHO SWEET 16: PART 2, SHARK NIGHT 3D, THE SECRET CIRCLE [TV], PIRANHA 3DD, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, TWISTED [TV], FREAKS OF NATURE, WELCOME TO WILLITS, THE LEFTOVERS [TV], DARE ME [TV], MODEL HOUSE) is 39.

THE CORPSE VANISHES Turns 82

If you've never seen it and you love old Bela, you're going to be entertained when THE CORPSE VANISHES.

And -

J.J. Abrams "Kelvin Timeline" STAR TREK Turns 15

Paramount felt what the Star Trek franchise really needed was a guy who successfully made his mark in television shows that started hot and prematurely fizzled out. Paramount needed someone like J.J.Abrams, who openly didn't like Star Trek because he couldn't understand it: it was over his head. And because he couldn't understand it, what was the point of making a movie that a massive world-wide fanbase could understand?

Abrams wanted to play to the lowest common denominator: A small slice of movie audience who didn't like Star Trek but might like the franchise he was selling because he dumbed it down. The desperate Star Trek fans were a bunch of rubes who only understood lame-brain science stuff, so they'd turn out en mass and maybe even convince themselves they enjoyed it (like I did. Mea culpa)!

At first.

Which meant they could get two, maybe three movies out of the way before audiences turned their backs on it. That's why the studio bean counters gave their cynical greenlight to J.J. Abrams STAR TREK.

Plus -

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

Actor Nora Arnezeder (LES DUEX MONDES, MANIAC [2012], ZOO [TV], IN THE CLOUD, ORIGIN [TV], BERSERK, FARAWAY EYES, RIVIERA [TV], THE COLONY, ARMY OF THE DEAD, THAT COLD DEAD LOOK IN YOUR EYES) is 35.
Look for Nora in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thriller, AMERICAN STAR.
Actor David Keith (FIRESTARTER, TEMPTATION, DEADLY SINS, EPOCH, ANTHRAX, CARRIE [TV], SABRETOOTH, WATERVILLE, DAREDEVIL, HANGMAN'S CURSE, DEEP SHOCK, EPOCH: EVOLUTION [TV], ALL SOULS DAY, LOCUSTS: THE 8th DAY, SUCCUBUS: HELLBENT, UNREQUITED, AWAKEN [2015]) is 69.
Look for David in the upcoming 2022 Horror Thriller, I'LL BE WATCHING.
Writer/Director David Winning (FRIDAY THE 13th [TV], KILLER IMAGE, ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? [TV], GOOSEBUMPS [TV], PROFILE FOR MURDER, EXCEPTION TO THE RULE, DEAD MAN'S GUN [TV], NIGHT MAN [TV], DON'T LOOK BEHIND YOU, PAST SINS [TV], PAST SINS, SOMETHING BENEATH, BLACK SWARM, SWAMP DEVIL, TODD AND THE BOOK OF PURE EVIL [TV], MUTANT WORLD, UNDER FIRE, CRADLE OF LIES, INFIDELITY IN SURBURBIA, VAN HELSING [TV]) who is 63.

May is Mummy Month

THE MUMMY is 25

When a moderately young and surprisingly successful Stephen Sommers mentioned in passing that he'd love to take on the famous Universal Mummy Monster franchise, UP sat up and took notice. Once DEEP RISING made fat profit, despite playing in theaters against James Cameron's box office gigantic TITANIC, there was no going back on Stephen Sommers THE MUMMY.

And -

May is Marvel Month

IRON MAN 2 is 14

So this is what happened with IRON MAN 2.

Also -

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

Actor Carrie Henn (ALIENS, THUNDER ISLAND) is 47.
Actor Traci Lords (NOT OF THIS EARTH, SHOCK 'EM DEAD, RAW NERVE, THE TOMMY KNOCKERS, SERIAL MOM, CIRCUITRY MAN II, SKINNER, VIRTOUSITY, UNDERWORLD [1996], BLADE, YOU'RE KILLING ME, DEATHLANDS, CRAZY EIGHTS, PRINCESS OF MARS, POINT OF ENTRY, EXCISION, DEVIL MAY CALL, NIGHTMARE NURSE, MANIPULATED, THE FARM, NICOLE, HER EX & THE KILLER) is 55.

PERPETUAL BULLET Now Available in Special Hardcover Edition

Author E.C. McMullen Jr., creator of Feo Amante's Horror Thriller, found getting his short stories published in mags and anthos was great at first.

Then, after years of this, he realized his stories were spread out everywhere in limited magazine runs and their availability vanished over time, lost to any readers who would look. Even worse was his life being wasted on glacial response from publishers even when eventually accepted!

This despite the fact that his stories often received critical acclaim time and again.

PERPETUAL BULLET is his collection of previously published shorts plus a few bonuses. Available in a new Special Edition Hardcover, Paperback, and Kindle now!

And -

INSANE LIKE ME gets a June 4 VOD / Digital Release

Plus -

BLACK SABBATH Turns 62

The same Mario Bava whose movies stylistically, in both design and story, heavily influenced everything from STAR TREK (TOS) to ALIEN to FRIDAY THE 13th and who knows what else? When it comes to modern Horror and Heavily Metal, there is a falling domino line from Mario Bava to the present, making him, if not the father, then at least the Godfather of it all. And that all began about 60 years ago with BLACK SABBATH.

Also -

PHANTASM III Turns 30

The ball was back and so was a cheer from the Phans when a grown-up A. Michael Baldwin returned to play his character Mike (PHANTASM, PHANTASM IV) in PHANTASM III: Lord Of The Dead.

Finale -

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

Writer Nancy Kilpatrick (THE VAMPIRE STORIES OF NANCY KILPATRICK, THE GOTH BIBLE, ETERNAL CITY, POWER OF THE BLOODWORLD series, BLOOD LOVER, EVOLVE: VAMPIRE STORIES OF THE NEW UNDEAD) is 63 or something.
Actor Emily Alyn Lind (ENTER THE VOID, EASTWICK [TV], THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUTT 2, MOCKINGBIRD, REVENGE [TV], HIDDEN [2015], LIGHTS OUT, THE BABYSITTER [2017], REPLICAS, DOCTOR SLEEP, SACRED LIES [TV], THE BABYSITTER: KILLER QUEEN, EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE) is 23.
Look for Emily in the 2023 release of the new GHOSTBUSTERS sequel.
Actor Anne Parillaud (NIKITA, INNOCENT BLOOD, PASSAGE À L'ACTE, DEAD GIRL, SHATTERED IMAGE, DEADLINES, DANS TON SOMMEIL [In Their Sleep]) is 64.
Look for Anne in the 2024 Thriller and John Wick spin-off, BALLERINA.

SUNDAY -

Actor John Rhys-Davies (SPHINX, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, WAXWORK, THE LOST WORLD, THE UNAMEABLE II, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, CHUPACABRA TERROR, TAINTED LOVE, ANACONDA 3, ANACONDA 4, 31 NORTH 62 EAST, FEROCIOUS PLANET, MEDIUM RAW: NIGHT OF THE WOLF, FEROCIOUS PLANET, ESCAPE, 100 DEGREES BELOW ZERO, PRISONERS OF THE SUN, TIME LAPSE [2014], AUX, AQUAMAN, G-LOC, THE GATES, over 270 movies and TV episodes in all!) is 79.
Look for John in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, NAMELESS. Also in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 SHADOW WARS.
Actor Lance Henriksen (MANSION OF THE DOOMED, DAMIEN: Omen II, THE VISITOR, PIRANHA II, NIGHTMARES, THE TERMINATOR, ALIENS, NEAR DARK, PUMPKIN HEAD ALIEN³, SCREAM 3, MIMIC 3, ALIEN VS PREDATOR, HELLRAISER: HELLWORLD, ABOMINABLE, SASQUATCH MOUNTAIN, PUMPKINHEAD: ASHES TO ASHES, PUMPKINHEAD: BLOOD FUED, DARK REEL, DEAD WATER, DYING GOD, NECESSARY EVIL, ALONE IN THE DARK II, SCREAMERS: THE HUNTING, CYRUS [2010], THE LOST TRIBE, THE PENITENT MAN, THE GENESIS CODE, SCREAM OF THE BANSHEE, GOOD DAY FOR IT, THE ARCADIAN, MONSTER BRAWL, IT'S IN THE BLOOD, SIN REAPER 3D, TRON: UPRISING [TV], GINGERCLOWN, ALIEN RISING, BLOOD SHOT, DARK AWAKENING, HOLLOWS GROVE, PARANORMAL ISLAND, STUNG, HARBINGER, KIDS VS MONSTERS, JUSTICE SERVED, DAYLIGHT'S END, GEHENNA: WHERE DEATH LIVES, THE UNWILLING, LAKE EERIE, NEEDLESTICK, WRAITH [2017], MOM AND DAD, WHY?, A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD, THE UNHEALER, THE DEAD OF NIGHT, ALTERED REALITY, and a lot more - 263 movies and TV episodes in all!) is 84.
Look for Lance in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Thriller, ONE. Also in 2024, AWAKEN THE REAPER.
Actor Vincent Kartheiser (RICKY 6, THE TIES THAT BIND, THE UNSAID, ANGEL [TV], NOW, IN TIME, DAY OUT OF DAYS, A KIND OF MURDER, MY FRIEND DAHMER, MOST LIKELY TO MURDER, AMERICAN HANGMAN, CRYPTO, PROVEN INNOCENT [TV], ULTRASOUND, TITANS [TV]) is 44.
Writer Yvonne Navarro (DEAD RUSH, FINAL IMPACT, RED SHADOWS, SPECIES, SPECIES II, THAT'S NOT MY NAME, DEAD TIMES, AFTERAGE, MIRROR ME, ELEKTRA, ULTRAVIOLET, HELLBOY, AVP: RIFTWAR w/Weston Ochse) is 66.

SATURDAY -

Actor Nicholas Hamilton (STRANGERLAND, THE DARK TOWER, IT [2017], IT: CHAPTER 2, ENDLESS, GEN V) is 23.
Look for Nicholas in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror, CREEPERS DO NOT ENTER, based on the best selling novel, CREEPERS, by David Morrell.
Actor Jesse Moss (ReBOOT [TV], MUMMIES ALIVE! THE LEGEND BEGINS, GINGER SNAPS, FINAL DESTINATION 3, THE COLLECTOR [TV], WHISTLER [TV], THE UNINVITED, MERLIN AND THE BOOK OF BEASTS, TUCKER & DALE VS EVIL, DEAR MR. GACY, IRON GOLEM, SEEDS OF DESTRUCTION, 13 EERIE, EXTRATERRESTRIAL, WOLFCOP, STILL/BORN, GHOST WARS [TV], DADDY'S GIRL, MORNING SHOW MYSTERIES [TV], THE HOLLOW [TV]) is 40.
Actor Emily Perkins (IT [1990], PAST PERFECT, GINGER SNAPS [all], INSOMINA, Da VINCI'S INQUEST, BLOOD: A BUTCHER'S TALE, REPEATERS, SUPERNATURAL [TV], EXTRATERRESTRIAL) is 46.

May Is Mummy Month

THE MUMMY RETURNS is 23

Aw man! It was great to see the fun cast together again! And The Rock was at his prime and he was going to be... The Scorpion King (we had no idea but it sounded cool and we were there for it!). What a great movie! All building up to the appearance of the Scorpion King!

Then... we saw it, and that utterly changed the direction of THE MUMMY RETURNS.

May Is Marvel Month

SPIDER-MAN 3 is 17

There could have been many more SPIDER-MAN movies with the Sam Raimi cast. Unfortunately the only actor who got out of it unscathed was J.K. Simmons. My first watch was pure geek giddiness. But some movies cannot withstand repeated viewings and that's what happened with most of us who saw SPIDER-MAN 3.

May Is Marvel Month

SPIDER-MAN is 22

It was 2001! Hot Marvel movies like BLADE opened the door to Box office gold and X-MEN laid the foundation. It was no fluke! A BLADE sequel was in the works and a Horror director was signed on. An X-MEN sequel was in the works and it began with a Horror director!

Then on September 9, 2001, a day that changed the world for the worse put the brakes on Sam Raimi and Marvel Studios' ascent.

It would be a new year before Columbia Picture's SPIDER-MAN would be released.

And -

IRON MAN 3 is 11 Years Old

How to put this?

For whatever reason(s) which are none too clear, somewhere in the chain they threw away everything they learned that far in making hit, fan pleasing Marvel movies, and made a parody IRON MAN 3 so mediocre that it destroyed the franchise for the next ten years and damaged the MCU brand.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Director Joseph Kosinski (TRON: LEGACY, OBLIVION, ESCAPE FROM SPIDERHEAD) is 49.
Actor Kristin Lehman (TOE TAGS, FOREVER KNIGHT [TV], BLEEDERS aka HEMOGLOBIN, POLTERGEIST: THE LEGACY [TV], THE OUTER LIMITS [TV], STRANGE WORLD [TV], CENTURY CITY [TV], THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, KILLER INSTINCT [TV], RAPID FIRE, THE GATHERING [TV], THE KILLING [TV], THE LOFT, MOTIVE [TV], GHOST WARS [TV], ALTERED CARBON [TV], MIDNIGHT MASS [TV]) is 51.
Actor Zoé De Grand Maison (A CHRISTMAS HORROR STORY, ORPHAN BLACK, SEA CHANGE, STICKMAN, RIVERDALE [TV], FORTUNATE SON [TV], ORGAN TRAIL) is 28.

THE BEAST OF YUCCA FLATS Turns 63

In 1961 it was the worst movie ever released in the U.S.A.!

But that's a highly competitive field and it lost that emblem a long time ago. Never-the-less, this movie once occupied such a lowly perch and reviewer Kelly Parks forced himself to watch THE BEAST OF YUCCA FLATS out of sheer masochism.

And -

Like It Or Not, May Is Marvel Month So Let's Get To It:

X-MEN 2 is Old Enough to Legally Drink

A quarter Century ago, New Line Cinema's BLADE opened the door for Marvel movies. When it did, Columbia Pictures stopped sitting on their hands and finally committed to their SPIDER-MAN property. To top Sony's Columbia, 20th Century Fox finally roused from their moribund business model: their decade plus of fence sitting on their X-MEN property.

The first X-MEN, in 2000, led by a cast of TV show and character actors, was a surprising smash hit. Let's make that sequel!

Holy shit! Columbia Picture's much delayed SPIDER-MAN (2002) is a smash! Sony is rushing forward on the sequel!

Will director and co-writer Bryan Singer make lightning strike twice with X-MEN 2?

Plus -

IRON MAN Turns 16

This is how Stan actually turned Universal's loss to his gain and used it as a launch pad for his MCU, with two Marvel movies released within months of each other, starting with IRON MAN!

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Angeline Hawkes (THE COMMANDMENTS, THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY, THE SWAN ROAD, BLOOD ALONE, INFERNO: TALES OF HELL AND HORROR) is 53.
Visit her at Angeline Hawkes.com.
Actor, Producer Dwayne Johnson (THE MUMMY RETURNS, THE SCORPION KING, DOOM, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, RAMPAGE, BLACK ADAM) is 52.
Look for Dwayne in the upcoming 2024 Horror Thriller, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA.
Actor Ari Lehman (FRIDAY THE 13th [1980], THANXGIVING, HELL-EPHONE, TERROR OVERLOAD, THE GIRL [2011], HOUSE OF FORBIDDEN SECRETS, EASTER SUNDAY, DEATHWOODS, CHEERLEADER CAMP: TO THE DEATH, BITE SCHOOL, THE BARN, PI DAY DIE DAY, CAMP KILLER, TERROR TALES, SCARRED, SILK SCREAM, LEAF BLOWER MASSACRE 2, CLOWN MOTEL: SPIRITS ARISE, THE LURKER, EASTER HOLOCAUST, CARNAL MONSTERS, SLUTTY THE CLOWN, APPETITE FOR SIN, THE DEMENTED, THE BLACK BOOK, CLOWN MOTEL 2) is 59.
Writer Stephen Mark Rainey (DARK SHADOWS, FUGUE DEVIL, THE LAST TRUMPET, BALAK, LEGENDS OF THE NIGHT, OTHER GODS, THE LEBO COVEN, THE GODS OF MOAB, BLUE DEVIL ISLAND, THE NIGHTMARE FRONTIER, THE MONARCHS, AMERI-SCARES WEST VIRGINIA: LAIR OF THE MOTHMAN) is 65.
Visit him at Stephen Mark Rainey.com.
Actor David Suchet (REILLY: ACE OF SPIES [TV], THE FALCON AND THE SNOWMAN, Agatha Christie's THIRTEEN AT DINNER [TV], Agatha Christie: POIROT [TV], DEADLY VOYAGE [TV], A PERFECT MURDER, DRACULA [2006 - TV], AMERICAN ASSASSIN, HIS DARK MATERIALS [TV]) is 76.
Actor Alicia Ziegler (LAKE PLACID 2, WOLF TOWN, RISE OF THE DINOSAURS, DEADLY REVENGE, HIDE AND GO SEEK, THE EX NEXT DOOR, ROMEO AND JULIET KILLERS, ECHO BASE) is 43.

May 28: 4DM will Release Psychological Thriller
THE EXECUTION

And -

FRIDAY THE 13th Part 2 Turns 43

Though Cunningham had the low budget of Bob Clark and John Carpenter's indie slashers, he also had something the other two directors didn't have: the big studio clout of Paramount Pictures. And that, kiddies, is part of the reason that we still have FRIDAY THE 13th Part 2, today.

*Michael Keaton in Multiplicity.

Plus -

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

Everyone from Disney to Columbia Pictures figured out how to make a winning Marvel movie. Only 20th Century Fox threw themselves off of a cliff, nearly every single time they made one.

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE was no exception.

Also -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Julie Benz (DUE OCCHI DIABOLICI aka TWO EVIL EYES, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], BAD GIRLS FROM VALLEY HIGH, SATAN'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS [TV], ANGEL [TV], SHRIEK IF YOU KNOW WHAT I DID LAST FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH, TAKEN [TV], HALO 2 [Game], A FATE TOTALLY WORSE THAN DEATH, 8MM2, SAW V, DEXTER [TV], PUNISHER: WAR ZONE, HELD HOSTAGE, ANSWERS TO NOTHING, A GIFTED MAN [TV], DEFIANCE [TV], CIRCLE, HAVENHURST, V.C. Andrews' HEAVEN, FOSTER BOY, NOCTURNE) is 51.
Actor Ariel Gade (DARK WATER [2005], INVASION [TV], AVP:R, METEOR [TV], SOME GUY WHO KILLS PEOPLE, THE EX NEXT DOOR) is 26.