We have so many scary movies to help us get into the Halloween spirit, but so few of them actually involve Halloween, costumes, or trick ‘r treating. In honor of this wonderful gory holiday, here are nine great examples of Halloween in film. Some are horror films, some are kids films, and some are respected classics. READ MORE
As we travel farther and farther away from childhood, it’s often nice to bask in the nostalgic glow of old items, even if we were never lucky enough to actually own any. Reliving childhood insecurities could even be considered a form of time travel, really.
I’m going to stop now, before I kill myself.
Check out these long lost horror products. They don’t make them like this anymore. Mostly because parents have gotten so lame. Wait a minute… we’re the parents now aren’t we? That’s it. I’m killing myself. READ MORE
When the Halloween season arrives, there’s nothing better than turning on your television and learning what your favorite characters will dress up as for their Halloween festivities.
Ironically, Halloween television is rarely about scaring viewers and almost always ends up focusing on Halloween parties. There are so many Halloween episodes out there that crowning ten best would be impossible.
Instead, here are nine favorites with one The Deadliest Warrior entry added for good measure. READ MORE
In the Oren Peli produced Chernobyl Diaries a pack of resident mutants deformed from the radioactive fallout of the Chernobyl accident hunt down and prey upon a group of tourists who become stranded in an abandoned city. While first impressions make this seem to be your average survival horror film relying on exaggerated history and jump scares, the reality of what happened back on April 26, 1986, was much more horrible and deadly.
Join us as we take a quick look back in time at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, and some of the horrible effects that came from a radiation spill 100 times worse than the nuke that poisoned Hiroshima – and get a full head of knowledge for what Chernobyl Diaries is basing their semi-fictional legend upon. READ MORE
![[Special Feature] Top 10 Most Memorable Scooby Doo Villains](/photosizer/upload/scooby040312.jpg "[Special Feature] Top 10 Most Memorable Scooby Doo Villains")
Once upon a time, Saturday mornings consisted of getting up early and watching four-hour blocks of cartoons. With the entertainment ranging from superheroes to “Smurfs,” a favorite of many children was a cowardly “Great Dane” and his four teenage human friends solving supernatural mysteries. Premiering September 13, 1969, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc. gang are still having adventures to this day. However, it’s the iconic original shows – Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, The New Scooby-Doo Movies and The Scooby-Doo Show – that produced a slew of fear inducing monsters and g-g-g-ghosts that remain prominent in many of those children’s – now adults – minds.
Each episode of the program took the teens – Fred Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinkley, and Norville “Shaggy” Rogers – along with Scooby – to a location – abandoned amusement parks, concert halls, ski slopes – and set up exactly what they were good at solving: a mystery. On occasion, Scooby’s cousin Scooby Dum or his nephew Scrappy Doo would join the group in their van, the Mystery Machine. In later years, the kids teamed up with celebrities like the Harlem Globetrotters and Sonny & Cher. No matter what, an ominous spook would ruin their day and the caper would ensue. The show included a laugh track to lighten the frightening atmosphere, and the overuse of stating the obvious – “We found a clue.” “Look! It’s a piece of paper.” “It has writing on it!” – gave it an educational edge for children.
To further ease children’s fears, Scooby-Doo villains were always unmasked at the end of episodes. Even with Old Man Smithers stating he would have gotten away with his plan if it wasn’t for those pesky kids, or even the musical montages of chase scenes, the monster incarnations still imparted terror upon kids. It didn’t matter if Shaggy and Scooby were dressed like women – the fact that they had to don disguises in order to stay alive was terrifying. Ok, I may be over exaggerating. But there were plenty of monsters that gave me nightmares. Here is a short list of some of the most memorable READ MORE
![[Special Feature] 10 Widely Seen And Wildly Underrated Horror Performances!](/photosizer/upload/1elmstree030512.jpg "[Special Feature] 10 Widely Seen And Wildly Underrated Horror Performances!")
While many of our favorite horror performances enjoy their richly deserved iconic status, there are plenty of great turns out their that don’t get nearly enough credit. And it can happen for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the movie tanked or wasn’t well regarded. But sometimes the films were hugely successful (or found cult popularity later) and their roles were simply outshined by the other stars, or elements, in the picture.
In this list I take a look at 10 performances that I feel haven’t gotten their due. I wanted the focus to be on films that you’ve likely seen (and love), so there’s a chance you may already feel the same way about many of these performances. In some cases these are roles that already get a fair amount of credit in the horror community – but are ignored in popular discussion of the performer’s overall career.
Disagree? Did I miss someone? Make sure your voice is heard in the comments!
Hit the jump to check out the list! READ MORE
![ParanormalLand22912 [Special Report] So I Watched Paranormal Activity 3 At The House It Was Filmed In...](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/ParanormalLand22912.jpg "[Special Report] So I Watched Paranormal Activity 3 At The House It Was Filmed In...")
To help celebrate the DVD/Blu-ray release of Paranormal Activity 3, Paramount recently held a contest in which two contest winners would be flown out to LA to attend a special viewing of the film at the house in which it was filmed. The winners were picked based on trivia knowledge of the franchise and, in this instance, were flown in from Michigan. They were treated to an almost private viewing of the film, dinner and a few special “guests”.
Since the house had already been gussied up for the occasion we were asked if we wanted to come along and check it out. PA3 is my favorite film in the franchise and I felt that the house lent the film a lot of personality so it was kind of a no-brainer to attend.
Hit the jump for a breakdown along with some photos and video. READ MORE
![Draper22012 [Special Feature] 10 Actors Wed Like To See Do Horror!](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/Draper22012.jpg "[Special Feature] 10 Actors Wed Like To See Do Horror!")
A lot of times bigger names tend to steer clear of the horror genre. It’s often not seen as prestigious, the budgets are lower (and thus the salary) and it’s rarely recognized come awards time. Sometimes it’s the choice of the actor not to indulge in the more bloody side of things, and sometimes their representation simply guides them away from it.
Contrary to popular belief, most horror fans are able to enjoy many films that are well outside the genre. I’ve personally noticed that many of my colleagues have an affinity for romantic comedies (myself included), however strange that may seem.
With that being in mind, have you ever been watching one of your favorite actors and wondered why they’ve only rarely (if at all) dipped their toes into your favorite category of film? I can’t put words into the mouths of people on this list – but I bet more of them than you would suspect would actually like to “slum it” a bit in the killing fields.
Either way, here’s a list of people I’d like to see get in the horror game every once in a while. While a couple of those singled out have actually been in a few slashers (etc…) at the very beginning of careers – many of them have never had the chance to be horribly murdered (or survive a series of horrible murders) onscreen.
Hit the jump to check it out and be sure to list any I may have missed in the comments! READ MORE
![GremlinsLand20412 [Script To Scream]: Gerald Dies And Gizmo Becomes A Butterfly In Gremlins!](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/GremlinsLand20412.jpg "[Script To Scream]: Gerald Dies And Gizmo Becomes A Butterfly In Gremlins!")
A film lives many lives before it ever hits the screen. The script is usually revised multiple times before a single foot of film is exposed (or the digital equivalent thereof). I’m not just talking about smaller stuff like dialogue polishes and the addition or deletion of scenes. Many times the core story is reworked in profound ways. Sometimes it’s downright shocking how different the final film can be from the initial drafts.
In this new (semi-regular) feature for Bloody-Disgusting, I’m going to take a look at some early drafts of scripts for horror films that you may have already seen and discuss the differences, whether they took a turn for the worse, better or just different. There are also a handful of scripts for sequels and remakes that never happened that are worth checking out – just to see what might have been.
These aren’t script reviews, and only rarely will I be breaking the stories down on a beat-by-beat basis. I’m just going to point out some cool, interesting and/or disastrous choices that happened along the way. Each installment will be different, and each installment will be fun. I’ll also be including sample pages (when available)* so you don’t have to take my word for it!
*This applies only to older and previously released films that are already part of the culture. We’re not in the business of leaking or sabotaging projects in development.
First up is Joe Dante’s Gremlins, written by Chris Columbus. Hit the jump to check it out! READ MORE
![[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] INDIE RELEASES](/photosizer/upload/2012_HorrorPreview.jpg "[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] INDIE RELEASES")
I’m out of breath. Every year we work on our annual best & worst lists, along with these 2012 previews pieces. It’s an insane amount of work that it all seems worth it when they’re all live on the site. It’s fun looking back while simultaneously projecting forward.
Next year looks great, as the several preview pieces will foreshadow. But the real gems aren’t with the big studios, it’s with the new mini majors and independent filmmakers. Ending our two week long extravaganza, inside you’ll see what the indie filmmaker has in store for 2012. What are you most excited for? READ MORE
My favorite portion of our annual feature film previews are the roundup pieces, you know, the list containing nuggets of release info from various studios.
This year, mini majors like Magnet, Magnolia, CBS Films, Open Road and Relativity didn’t get their own sections, but do have a slew of quality horror on the way. While the major studios appear to be taking a backseat to genre filmmaking, there are others out there who still live and die off the release of horror.
Inside you’ll find our list of new horror from said mini majors arriving in theaters come 2012. Watch for our final piece featuring independent horror tomorrow! READ MORE
I hadn’t realized it until just now – and it’s kind of a shocker – Lionsgate didn’t release a single horror film in 2011. The mini major has been known for releasing a slew of genre pics every year, anchored by their franchise moneymaker Saw. With no Saw for October, the year didn’t even carry any garnish.
What does 2012 look like? Thankfully, the Gate is returning to their horrific ways kicking the year off with The Cabin in the Woods. And while many of their genre productions aren’t yet slated for release, there are an abundance of titles to be extremely excited for. Check out the 2012 preview after the break. What are you most pumped to see? READ MORE
![[BEST & WORST 11] Mr. Disgustings List of the Best Horror Films of 2011!](/photosizer/upload/2011_BestAndWorst.jpg "[BEST & WORST 11] Mr. Disgustings List of the Best Horror Films of 2011!")
Those of you following Bloody Disgusting for the better part of the decade will know that my list is always dominated by independent/festival features, which is pretty telling about the crop of films screened throughout the year. From my perspective, the indie filmmaker is one of passion, intensity, and that of no barriers; (generally) they have no rules and nobody creeping over their shoulder telling them what to do. The result is staggering when compared to the average, bland, faceless and soulless genre flicks released by studios. (Note: some of the below films are listed as released by a major studio, although, they were actually acquired at a film festival by said studio for release in 2012.)
And speaking of major studios, there are a few that actually broke through the barrier and blew my mind; such the case with Twentieth Century Fox who has probably made my top 10 list for the first time in, well, ever.
Still, the most glaring oddity is the addition of both a direct-to-disc release and a television series, which is also probably the first time in years that either has made my list.
I digress… enough with the banter, below you’ll find the crop of the best horror of 2011. READ MORE
This year totally sucked, but in all honesty it wasn’t that bad. Usually my “worst of” list requires me to thin out my selections and dump a handful under “dishonorable mentions.” Even looking back through my selections I don’t feel a burning sensation inside, at least not until I get to the bottom of the list. The fact is, this year was loaded with mediocre horror, with a few cinematic abortions trickled in here and there. I think the most disappointing aspect of the following list is that I was forced to include two television series, which is thankfully canceled out by FX’s mind-bogglingly incredible “American Horror Story”.
But when it comes to the big screen, I actually pondered the possibility of making it just a special feature on the “single worst film of 2011″. One flick is such a soulless, putrid piece of garbage that it deserves to be kicked while it’s down.
I had to stop myself, because that’s just mean-spirited (and it’s the holidays!), so without further adieu you’ll find my list of the worst horror in 2011. Let 2012 be better, please. READ MORE
![CreatureLand121511 [BEST & WORST 11] The Worst Posters of the Year!](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/CreatureLand121511.jpg "[BEST & WORST 11] The Worst Posters of the Year!")
Posters, when done right, are an art form. Sure, they’re advertisements, but they’re also such a great artistic challenge. Representing the identity of a movie – and getting people in the door – with a single image? That’s tough.
So tough, in fact, that it’s very rarely done properly anymore. And look, I know that studio mandates can wreck a poster (floating heads etc…) just as much as a bad artist can – but a wrecked poster is a wrecked poster.
Hit the jump to check out some truly awful posters (with one great one thrown in for contrast)! READ MORE
![InnLAnd113011 [BEST & WORST 11] The Best Posters of the Year!](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/InnLAnd113011.jpg "[BEST & WORST 11] The Best Posters of the Year!")
Posters, when done right, are an art form. Sure, they’re advertisements, but they’re also such a great artistic challenge. Representing the identity of a movie – and getting people in the door – with a single image? That’s tough.
Making it even tougher these days are mandates from studios to their marketing departments to emphasize their perception of the film’s commercial assets (stars, animals, Katherine Heigl sometimes) rather than the film itself.
Here’s a gaggle of posters that got it right this year. Some of them are for great films and some are the most dangerous breed of all – great posters for terrible films. READ MORE
![Dickson121511 [BEST & WORST 11] Evan Dicksons 5 Worst Moments In Horror 2011!](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/Dickson121511.jpg "[BEST & WORST 11] Evan Dicksons 5 Worst Moments In Horror 2011!")
Oh hey, I didn’t see you there!
I came to the conclusion that writing a list of the worst films of the year would not be an appropriate way to quantify the amount of pain some of the weaker entries in the genre have caused me this year.
So if we’re talking damages and therapy bills, I figure life comes down to handful of formative moments. Some of these moments are beautiful and grand, others are painful and wretched. For example, there are numerous films this year that would have made my “Top Worst” list – except that many of them in their entirety aren’t as painful as one single second of ‘Creature’. I also don’t want to kick a bunch of poor indie movies while they’re down – no one’s gonna see them anyway. Better to stick to the wide releases.
As a proud “bottom-feeder”, hit the jump to check out my list of the 5 Worst Moments in Horror 2011! READ MORE
Oh hey, I didn’t see you there!
Guys, I had a hard time with my year-end “best-of” list. It’s not that I didn’t see enough horror movies that I loved enough this year to make the cut (though unfortunately that’s almost true). No, it’s just that there are six movies vying for pole position that all appeal to me in very different ways.
Sure, I know that some films are “better” than others. There’s one film on here that I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it got some Oscar love. The remaining five? Well, I’d be shocked if they did. Would I place The Innkeepers above Martha Marcy Mary Marlene? No. But depending on the type of thrills and scares you’re into it might be a much better fit. Are either one of them as kinetic, chaotic and invigorating as You’re Next!? Nope. But that’s what makes horror great! It’s a surprisingly diverse genre with more to offer than most casual viewers give it credit for.
Are these my absolute six favorite films of the year? Well, almost all of them would be in my overall Top Ten along with The Descendants and Young Adult. But we’re not here to talk about those films, so hit the jump for my favorite horror (ish) films of 2011*. READ MORE
Dimension Films is struggling to get their feet under ‘em and have full intentions of running full steam ahead. Last year they got Scream 4 in theaters, along with Apollo 18. But they didn’t hit the jackpot with either, and have changed the faces behind the curtain multiple times. The decision-making is looking more and more like a game of pin the tail on the donkey (only with scripts) with the future remaining fuzzy.
When I prepped this article, Dimension had slated a few horror films for 2012, now, everything is labeled TBD (to be determined). There’s a ton of great stuff in the pipeline, but who knows if any of it will come into fruition. READ MORE
![KevinTalk121511 [BEST & WORST 11] The Best Trailers of the Year!](http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/photosizer/upload/KevinTalk121511.jpg "[BEST & WORST 11] The Best Trailers of the Year!")
Even if the movie it’s advertising isn’t so great (though many of the trailers on this list are for great films) an effective teaser can often be an inspiring piece of work that you watch again and again.
While I only feel that way about a few trailers every year – and not everything on this list elicits that kind of reaction from me – there’s also something to be said for the rare clip that fully and honestly embraces the movie it’s selling. Especially if that movie’s great (and dangerously if that movie’s bad).
Hit the jump to find out which trailers made the cut! READ MORE
Most of these are trailers for films so bad there’s simply no way to cull two minutes of footage from them and make them look good. Though many of them try, they fail and end up as middling pieces of marketing.
Then there are the ones who seem to know just how bad the film is, as if the guy cutting the trailer realized that people were going to waste actual money to see this thing if he did his job properly and “saved the film”.
This dude – let’s call him “Hero” – looks like he cut some of these teasers, valiantly laying his job on the line to tell us to avoid these movies.
Check out some truly bad trailers after the jump! READ MORE
Like my worst-of list, my best-of compilation was really easy to put together. There was quite a bit I liked this year and, unfortunately, six of the films below haven’t been released stateside yet – The Divide and Kill List are around the corner, though. Every year, I toy with the idea of not including unreleased films because it leaves little room for discussion once it’s posted, but in the end, I just wouldn’t be happy with the list- for purely selfish reasons, it’s a little easier to do it like this since I wouldn’t have to hold off on (and possibly forget to use since I saw it so long ago) films like The Loved Ones, which I used last year.
Out of the thirteen films on this list (including three honorable mentions), more than half are foreign, six are performed in a foreign language (seven if you count hood slang), one received a perfect score from me, and zero are remakes, sequels, reboots, or prequels. READ MORE
As far as the genre goes, there were a lot more films that I found to be mediocre than ones that I outright hated, which made compiling this list extremely easy. If I were to generalize 2011, I’d say the biggest problem was that a lot of the films were too long. Many of them could’ve benefitted from being 20 minutes shorter, or even just being a short rather than feature-length. Then, of course, there are others that just simply shouldn’t have been made – I’m still having nightmares about Peter Sarsgaard’s giant deformed head in Green Lantern. Bereavement and Hellraiser: Revelations were disqualified because I couldn’t sit through more than 20 minutes of either – life is too short, guys.
Out of the ten films on my worst-of list (plus three horrible mentions), five are sequels or prequels (which shouldn’t surprise anyone), three were directed by once prominent names in horror, one is an abomination of a script that was pretty good once upon a time, and all of them are hard to sit through. Not counting the horrible mentions, I would award each film one skull, putting them all on an even playing field. Putting them in sequential order was extremely difficult and even though I’m happy with my final decision, just remember: I hate them all equally (for different reasons)! READ MORE
Warner Bros. Pictures has always been one of the best genre studios, and with the recent absorption of New Line Cinema I expected much, much more. While we still wait for a new Freddy vs Jason, A Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th, the studio continues to push out mainstream horror in the likes of Contagion, Red Riding Hood, The Rite and Unknown. Other than Final Destination 5, 2011 wasn’t a very good year.
Warners has taken an even further step back as they only have ONE horror pic slotted for 2012, with another subgenre production slated to begin as well. We’ll be lucky to see both in theaters next year. Come on Warners, remember that New Line was the house that Freddy built — show some respect!! READ MORE
Most Popular
Most commented on articles over the past 7 days.
Featured Stories
Top Stories From Bloody Disgusting
Please reactivate your account by selecting a new password and entering the secret code obtained from your email address.
6 Comments
[BD Caption Contest] Win Sopranos Site Tour of New York City & T-Shirt From Alan Robert Tours4Fun.com