Dickson_Holiday_Banner_12_18_12

[Year End] What Counts As “Horror”?

Oh hey, I didn’t see you there!

What is horror? What counts as horror? You guys might have noticed a few films in my “Best And Worst” that don’t necessarily fit the conventionally accepted mold for a genre film. Chronicle and The Grey for example, are two movies that more than likely would not be filed on the “Horror” shelf at Blockbuster or under the “Horror” tab in iTunes.

The reason they’re featured here? Sometimes it’s fun to write about movies that, while they have horror elements, stretch the scope of the content we feature on the site. It’s fun to have more colors to play with and, more importantly, it’s fun to expose you guys to this stuff. I like talking to the readers about it, conversing with you in the comments about what does or doesn’t turn you on about any given film. It’s not for hits, believe me. If you think something like The Grey pulls in more traffic than Maniac or Texas Chainsaw 3D you’re wrong. I feel that discussing films that might seem tertiary to the genre improves the quality of the overall conversation. It provides a better context in which to discuss the nuts and bolts of the pure horror films that drive 95% of our “movies” page.

It’s also incredibly entertaining to talk about movies that skirt genres rather than embrace them wholeheartedly, since it allows us to look at the very criteria we use to define those genres. Let’s talk more inside (spoilers within)… READ MORE

Neuromancer_Banner_7_29_12

Liam Neeson And Mark Wahlberg Circle Vincenzo Natali’s Adaptation Of ‘Neuromancer’

We reported last month that Vincenzo Natali (Splice, Cube) has been tapped to direct the upcoming motion picture adaptation of William Gibson’s seminal science fiction novel Neuromancer. And now there’s some A-level talent circling the project. Namely Liam Neeson (The Grey) and Mark Wahlberg (Boogie Nights).

Per Moviehole, “Mark Wahlberg and Liam Neeson are mulling over offers to headline director Vicenzo Natali’s long-gestating adaptation of Neuromancer, based on the classic literary offering by William Gibson. Wahlberg, who has a solid working relationship with the film’s producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura (he cast the former in ‘Four Brothers’ and ‘Shooter’), would play the anti-hero Case. Neeson, who like Wahlberg will receive a pay-or-play deal, would be the twisted tool Armitage.

Neuromancer is the story of a washed-up computer hacker hired by a mysterious employer to work on the ultimate hack. Seven Arts sees Neuromancer as part of a potential multi film series as many of Gibson’s sci-fi masterpieces have yet to be adapted to the big screen.

Liam Neeson Will ‘Walk Among the Tombstones’

Liam Neeson is set to star as Matt Scudder in A Walk Among the Tombstones, the Scott Frank-scripted adaptation of the Lawrence Block book series, reports Deadline.

In ‘A Walk Among the Tombstones,’ Neeson plays Scudder at the time he’s an ex-NYPD cop and unlicensed private detective and recovering alcoholic. He’s hired to find the kidnapped wife of a drug dealer. In the process, he discovers that the kidnappers have done this before and it has led to brutal murders.

Block’s Scudder character was previously played by Jeff Bridges in the Hal Ashby-directed 8 Million Ways To Die. Double Feature Films partners Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher will produce with Danny DeVito and his Jersey Films.

The movie will begin production February, 2013 in New York and is the first film in a new three-year deal between Exclusive Media and Cross Creek Pictures to develop, finance and produce at least two films per year, with budgets up to $65 million. Each of the films will be released through Universal Pictures, which has a slate distribution deal with Cross Creek.

[Blu-ray Review] Joe Carnahan’s ‘The Grey’

Reviewed by Mike Ferraro

If you said about a decade ago that Liam Neeson would shape up to be one of the best action stars around, no one would have believed you. Ever since he punched his way through Europe in Pierre Morel’s Taken, it seems that action yet another of Neeson’s niches. Sure, he’s had a misstep or two (Unknown, the Titans films), but here comes The Grey to completely forgive any wrongdoing he has done. Calling this a straight-up action film (as marketing would have had you believe) is simply not doing the film justice. READ MORE

Open Road’s ‘The Grey’ Gets Jam-Packed Home Video Release

1thegrey110811 Open Roads The Grey Gets Jam Packed Home Video Release

When a plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness, the survivors must battle extreme weather conditions, devastating injuries and a pack of rogue wolves in order to stay alive in the riveting action adventure The Grey (review), coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack with UltraViolet, as well as DVD, Digital Download and On Demand on May 22, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Starring Academy Award-nominee Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List, Taken), The Grey pits man against nature in a non-stop, life-or-death battle.

Directed by Joe Carnahan (The A-Team, Smokin Aces), the film also features Dermot Mulroney (J. Edgar, Big Miracle), Frank Grillo (Warrior, Minority Report), James Badge Dale (Shame, The Departed), Joe Anderson (Across the Universe, Love Happens), Dallas Roberts (3:10 to Yuma, Walk the Line) and Nonso Anozie (Atonement, RocknRolla).

The Grey Blu-ray Combo Pack delivers the film in perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound and features bonus content including deleted scenes and feature commentary by co-writer and director Joe Carnahan and editors Roger Barton (Transformers: Dark of the Moon) and Jason Hellmann (G-Force). The Blu-ray Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet, a DVD, and a Digital Copy of the film – so consumers can truly enjoy the movie anytime, anywhere, on the device of their choice! UltraViolet is the revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows and put them in the cloud. From there, they can download and stream instantly to computers, tablets and smartphones. In addition, consumers can redeem a Digital Copy of the film from a variety of retail partners, who offer many viewing options including iTunes, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch,Android, connected televisions, Blu-ray player apps, and more! READ MORE

4484-poster

The Grey

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

Red Band Trailer For ‘The Grey’ Shows A Glimpse Of The Carnage!

1thegrey110811 Red Band Trailer For The Grey Shows A Glimpse Of The Carnage!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

I really love this movie and will share my review with you later this week. If you’re so inclined, check out the interview I posted this morning with Liam Neeson and Joe Carnahan. It’s a frank, long, interesting read about both the emotional and physical challenges of making the film.

And check out this new red band trailer after the jump! NSFW!
READ MORE

Exclusive

[Interview] Liam Neeson & Joe Carnahan Discuss ‘The Grey’, What It Means To Be A Man, And (Of Course) Wolves

1thegrey110811 [Interview] Liam Neeson & Joe Carnahan Discuss The Grey, What It Means To Be A Man, And (Of Course) Wolves

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

I recently sat down with Neeson and Carnahan for a frank chat about the themes behind the film and the challenges of making it. It’s nice to love a movie as unabashedly as I do this one, so this conversation was definitely a treat for me. Also, it was late in the day so Carnahan was nursing a scotch while Neeson opted for wine – and the conversation flows freely accordingly.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

Hit the jump to check out the interview! READ MORE

Several Clips From ‘The Grey’ Show Their Teeth

1thegrey110811 Several Clips From The Grey Show Their Teeth

The hype behind Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey is out of control as I’ve yet to hear a single negative thing about Open Road’s survival thriller opening in theaters January 27.

We’ve now landed a handful of clips from the widely praised thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson. Dig on ‘em all after the break.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Neeson’s First Encounter With Vicious Wolves In ‘The Grey’ Clipage!

 Neesons First Encounter With Vicious Wolves In The Grey Clipage!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a widely praised thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

Originally pushing for Oscar glory, various critics have already been raving about the thriller. With Evan Dickson’s review forthcoming, Bloody Disgusting scored a exclusive clip, a tense scene in which Neeson first encounters the pack of wolves.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

First ‘The Grey’ Clip A Running Of The Wolves

1thegrey110811 First The Grey Clip A Running Of The Wolves

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a widely praised thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

With our official review forthcoming, get a taste of the thrills in the first clip that can only be compared to the running of the bulls, only with wolves.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Survival Horror ‘The Grey’ a “Man’s Man’s Movie”

1thegrey110811 Survival Horror The Grey a Mans Mans Movie

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

The film apparently screened for critics and the result was overwhelmingly positive. So much so that Open Road created a third trailer featuring new footage and loads of quotes. My personal favorite: “It’s a man’s man’s movie.” Unlike 300, this appears to be a true statement.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Second ‘The Grey’ Trailer Crash Lands With More Story

1thegrey110811 Second The Grey Trailer Crash Lands With More Story

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

While I was already blown away by the film’s first trailer, the latest delivers pretty much the same with a little bit more story. Check it out inside.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

New ‘The Grey’ Imagery Brings the Deep Freeze

1thegrey110811 New The Grey Imagery Brings the Deep Freeze

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

Originally hoping to gain Oscar attention, the film is supposed to be really, really good. We’ve added a few new images to the gallery, click above to see ‘em all.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Go Bold or Go Home: Official Poster for ‘The Grey’

 Go Bold or Go Home: Official Poster for The Grey

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

After the release of a “filler” poster, Open Road has now put out the official one sheet that’s hoping Neeson has the star power to sell the movie. The tagline is pretty dope, though: “Live or die on this day…

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.
READ MORE

Tame Poster, First Stills for Open Road’s ‘The Grey’

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

While a powerful trailer was released last week, we just now got our mitts on the first three stills and teaser poster, all of which aren’t so strong.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

 Tame Poster, First Stills for Open Roads The Grey

READ MORE

Liam Neeson Punches a Wolf in ‘The Grey’ Teaser Trailer!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

This afternoon the official trailer has made its way online and it’s powerful stuff; it’s survival horror at its best!

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

 Liam Neeson Punches a Wolf in The Grey Teaser Trailer!

READ MORE

Open Road Chills Up 2012 for ‘The Grey’

Open Road has announced a January 27, 2012 release for Director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla ), and Joe Anderson.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

 Open Road Chills Up 2012 for The Grey
READ MORE

Update: Studios Hunt Survival Horror ‘The Grey’

Update: Open Road is said to be finalizing a deal.

Based on a 30-minute reel being shown to distributors as we speak, bidding is getting hot and heavy on The Grey, the Joe Carnahan-directed drama about an oil drilling team struggling to survive in the wilds of Alaska after their plane crashes smack in the middle of a territorial rogue wolf pack, reports Deadline.

Liam Neeson, Dallas Roberts, James Badge Dale, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Nonso Anozie, and Joe Anderson star in the film. CAA is shopping the Scott Free-produced pic with Warner Bros, Open Road, Summit, Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company and FilmDistrict are all in the mix.

Apparently, they’re seeking heavy distribution (3,000 theaters) and expect Neeson’s performance to be in the Oscar mix.
READ MORE

3512-poster

Unknown

Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth.

Free ‘Unknown’ Screening In Orlando Next Tuesday

Although Jaume Collet-Serra stumbled through House Of Wax, a dreadful rendition of Tourist Trap (with a single death being its saving grace), he surprised many genre fans with 2009′s Orphan. On February 18, Collet-Serra’s third film for Dark Castle, Unknown, will be hitting theatres, but B-D has a chance for Orlando readers to see it early. The screening will take place on Tuesday, February 15, at 7:30 PM at Regal Winter Park (510 N. Orlando Ave.). To win one pass (good for two people each), all you have to do is show up at 6:00 PM in front of the theatre, where we’ll be on hand to give out passes on a first-come, first-served basis.
READ MORE

First ‘Unknown’ Clip Derailed

I’m not sure how we got tricked into covering this. I guess because it comes from the director of Orphan and House of Wax? Don’t fret, Jaume Collet-Serra’s thriller Unknown will arrive in theaters February 18th and then the only thing known will be how good or bad it was.

This morning the first clip arrived online and features Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) and Gina (Diane Kruger) as they evade pursuers through the streets of Berlin in a taxi.

Neeson plays Dr. Martin Harris, who awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (January Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth.
READ MORE

Finally A Few Action Shots in ‘Unknown’ Image Gallery

With House of Wax and Orphan director Jaume Collet-Serra’s Unknown arriving in theaters February 18, Warner Bros. Pictures has provided Bloody Disgusting with over 30 hi-res images from the film featuring the first action shots of stars Liam Neeson and January Jones (*creepy drool*).

In the thriller, Dr. Martin Harris (Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth.

Click the image for the full hi-res gallery:


unknownnewsite012611 Finally A Few Action Shots in Unknown Image Gallery

READ MORE

New Uneventful Stills from ‘Unknown’

I’ve been begging for some interesting images from House of Wax/Orphan director Jaume Collet-Serra’s Unknown, and unfortunately the best of the new batch features a look at “Mad Men” starlette January Jones (mmmm, mmmm, mmmm). In theaters February 18 from Warners, Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) awakens after a car accident in Berlin to discover that his wife (Jones) suddenly doesn’t recognize him and another man (Aidan Quinn) has assumed his identity. Ignored by disbelieving authorities and hunted by mysterious assassins, he finds himself alone, tired and on the run. Aided by an unlikely ally (Diane Kruger), Martin plunges headlong into a deadly mystery that will force him to question his sanity, his identity, and just how far he’s willing to go to uncover the truth.
READ MORE