trick-r-treat

[Special Feature] 10 Awful Ways To Die This Halloween

Halloween is supposed to be a night for celebrating the darker sides of human nature. But just like with Christmas, it’s original meaning has been adulterated by consumerism. Instead of worrying about demons and zombies, we now spend Halloween collecting buckets of candy and/or ogling sexy maids/nurses/teachers/adult babies.

Let’s bring the focus back on what Halloween’s really about: Death. While you’re out trick or treating this year, keep these wonderful Halloween-themed threats in mind. READ MORE

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[Special Feature] Top 10 Most Memorable ‘Scooby-Doo’ Villains

 [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!

 [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

[Special Feature] 10 Actors We’d Like To See Do Horror!

Draper22012 [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

‘Underworld: Awakening 3D’ Made $25 Million This Weekend, What Did You Think?

 Underworld: Awakening 3D Made $25 Million This Weekend,  What Did You Think?

I know a TON of you guys saw Underworld: Awakening 3D this weekend. It just grossed an estimated $25 million, outpacing Rise Of The Lycans by a significant margin.

While I didn’t love the movie (I’m not a huge Underworld fan), I did think it was the best in the series. From my review.

There’s almost a remarkable spark that accompanies this synergy of people cutting the bullsh*t and consciously embracing the humble simplicity of making a film designed only to be the very best kind of this type of movie. And that’s exactly what ‘Underworld: Awakening’ is. Sure I’m grading on a curve here, but it’s easily the best ‘Underworld’ movie. I was actually entertained throughout its appropriately brief 88 minute running time.

But what did you guys think? Write in with your review now!

Also, given this film’s box office performance and its ‘A-’ Cinemascore (which means that audiences liked it enough that we can expect it to continue to do well next weekend, unlike Devil Inside), I’d say it’s more than likely we’ll be seeing a 5TH Underworld film – even though one has yet to be officially announced.

Hit up the comments to let us know what you’d like to see in the 5th one, or if you just want the series to die already! READ MORE

[Video Review] Don Allen’s Take On ‘Underworld: Awakening 3D’

 [Video Review] Don Allens Take On Underworld: Awakening 3D

Underworld: Awakening 3D hit theaters this weekend and Don Allen checks in with his video review.

Don liked the film a hair more than I did (my review), but we both agree that Awakening makes a wise decision by shackling off the heavy handed romance and mythology heading straight into the action.

Don’t forget to write in with your review here!

In theaters this weekend, “Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein, this sequel stars Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, and Charles “I want the Ajanti Dagger!” Dance.

Hit the jump for the video review! READ MORE

[BD Review] ‘Underworld: Awakening 3D’ Is Easily The Best In The Series

 [BD Review] Underworld: Awakening 3D Is Easily The Best In The Series

Underworld: Awakening 3D hits theaters today and we have our official review!

There’s almost a remarkable spark that accompanies this synergy of people cutting the bullsh*t and consciously embracing the humble simplicity of making a film designed only to be the very best kind of this type of movie. And that’s exactly what ‘Underworld: Awakening’ is. Sure I’m grading on a curve here, but it’s easily the best ‘Underworld’ movie. I was actually entertained throughout its appropriately brief 88 minute running time.

Click here for the review. And don’t forget to write in with your review here.

In theaters today, “Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein, this sequel stars Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, and Charles “I want the Ajanti Dagger!” Dance. READ MORE

[Interview] Kate Beckinsale Talks Returning For ‘Underworld Awakening 3D’ & The Updated ‘Total Recall’

 [Interview] Kate Beckinsale Talks Returning For Underworld Awakening 3D & The Updated Total Recall

Last week I had the chance to sit down with the stars of Underworld: Awakening 3D, Kate Beckinsale chiefly among them.

The new film adds a wrinkle to the mix by including actual humans in the ongoing battle between Vampires and Lycans. I talked to the newer members of the cast (Theo James, India Eisley and Michael Ealy) about joining the long running franchise. Meanwhile, Kate Beckinsale seemed quite happy to be back and was able to go into some detail regarding the tone of the upcoming ‘Total Recall’ remake.

I was also surprised to hear that co-directors Marlind & Stein literally alternated days on set, trading off which one of them got to call the shots depending on the day. Judging from these interviews, it would appear that process went shockingly smoothly.

In theaters January 20, “Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein, this sequel stars Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, and Charles “I want the Ajanti Dagger!” Dance.

Hit the jump to check out the interviews! READ MORE

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] INDIE RELEASES

 [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

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] RANDOM BIG STUDIOS

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] RANDOM BIG STUDIOS

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

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] LIONSGATE

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] LIONSGATE

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

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] DIMENSION FILMS

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] DIMENSION FILMS

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

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] WARNER BROS. PICTURES

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] WARNER BROS. PICTURES

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

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] UNIVERSAL PICTURES

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Even though they own the rights to all of the elusive “Universal Monsters”, Universal Pictures hasn’t been too kind to the horror genre. In fact, this past year saw the release of only two, both of which sucked complete ass: Dream House and The Thing. It only gets worse…

For the sake of intrigue, Universal Pictures’ upcoming genre list is filled with films either in production or going into production. While most won’t find their way into theaters until 2013, a few may find a very late 2012 release. READ MORE

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] PARAMOUNT PICTURES

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Paramount Pictures has never been a studio that caters to the horror crowd. Just this past year they only released Paranormal Activity 3 and the not-so-horror Super 8.

Taking much different strides than last year, they’re kicking off 2012 with a genre pic in theaters the very first week of the New Year. And in addition to yet another Paranormal Activity, they do have quite a few horror films slated for release. Check out after the break to see everything arriving in a theaters in 2012 from Paramount Pictures! What are you most excited for? READ MORE

Lots of Selene In Fresh Character Banner and ‘Underworld: Awakening’ One-Sheet

 Lots of Selene In Fresh Character Banner and Underworld: Awakening One Sheet

After leaking earlier this year, Sony Screen Gems has finally released the completed one-sheet for Underworld: Awakening. It once again puts Selene (played by Kate Beckinsale) front an center; it’s eye candy that never gets old. In addition, we’ve tossed up a newly released character banner that’s full of ammo.

In theaters January 20 from directors Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein, “Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.READ MORE

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

Summit Entertainment is pushing hard to get their fingers into the horror genre. The effort is noted, even though they really don’t have much of a track record yet.

This past year they started off strong taking a big chance on Patrick Lussier and Todd Farmer’s Drive Angry 3D, a super fun movie that nobody saw (what’s wrong with you!). Other than that they continually pushed The Darkest Hour to the brink of death and saw yet another Twilight film in theaters.

Next year’s lineup isn’t all that impressive either, although who doesn’t want to see more of Amanda Seyfried in a genre pic? I’m also quite curious to see what All the Boys Love Mandy Lane director Jonathan Levine can pull off with zombies. READ MORE

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] SONY PICTURES

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] SONY PICTURES

Last year Sony Pictures/Columbia/Screen Gems released a slew of mediocre genre titles from Straw Dogs to Priest, Battle Los Angeles and The Roommate. 2012 looks a bit of the same with a few new additions.

Next year kicks off with Underworld: Awakening, the fourth film in the franchise, the first in 3-D. It looks like a strong departure from the previous titles, which is mildly exciting. The buzz behind Ghost Rider is beyond negative, while Men in Black 3 looks like more of the same, which isn’t necessarily bad thing — it’s consistent.

Read on to see the full 2012 slate and watch for a new studio each day until, well, we run out! READ MORE

[2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

 [2012 HORROR MOVIE PREVIEW] TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Twentieth Century Fox has been the bane of all of our horror existences as they’re responsible for delivering more than a decade of absolute crap. Every new franchise, remake or sequel was beyond mediocre as they all transcended into the landfill of forgotten films.

Things changed in 2011 as word behind the scenes was that top executives (such as co-chairman and CEO Tom Rothman) finally started to leave the filmmakers alone to deliver the kind of films they wanted to make. The result was two incredible summer blockbusters: X-Men: First Class and The Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Now that the dust has settled, and the studio has proven they can deliver quality films, looking ahead to 2012 is filled with excitement. Will Ridley Scott deliver with his Alien prequel, Prometheus, or will Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter be as insane and exciting as the novella?

This is how we wanted to kick off our 2012 preview pieces, with pure and utter excitement! READ MORE

[Special Feature] Reflect Back On the ‘Underworld’ Franchise & Its Sexy Heroines!

 [Special Feature] Reflect Back On the Underworld Franchise & Its Sexy Heroines!

With Screen Gems’ Underworld: Awakening 3D hitting theaters on January 20, 2012 (which is just around the corner, practice writing that new year now so your checks are legit in a few weeks) you might be looking for a refresher on some of the events of the franchise. These films, believe it or not, have been going strong for almost a decade now – and since they focus heavily on the lineage of several specific families and clans viewed though the lens of a highly political war between Vampires and Lycans – they’re not 100% stand alone.

And one thing is certainly different this time as opposed to the prior outing – Kate Beckinsale has returned to the series, reprising her role as Selene. Also changing hands are the reigns behind the camera – the film is directed by Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein. It also stars Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley and Charles Dance.

Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species.

Hit the jump for a quick, Underworld: Awakening 3D sponsored, look back at the first three films. READ MORE

[Special Feature] ‘Dream House’ Presents Five Of The Scariest Movie Houses Of All Time!

It’s often wildly underestimated how your living environment impacts the way you feel. Even after doing away with fancy stuff like interior decorators, Feng Shui and “Better Homes And Gardens” it often just comes down to the basics of the space. Some places make you feel at home, other places can make you feel “off”… and other places can drive you a little nuts. And if you don’t believe in any of that stuff, well, there’s still plenty of houses occupied by serial killers, cannibal families and maybe… just maybe … a few ghosts.

Universal Pictures’ suspense thriller Dream House (official website) hits theaters on September 30th. Directed by Jim Sheridan, the film stars Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, Rachel Weisz, Marton Csokas, Elias Koteas and Jane Alexander.

In the film, “Successful publisher Will Atenton (Craig) quit a high power job in Manhattan to relocate his wife, Libby (Weisz), and two girls to a quaint New England town. But as they settle into their new life, they discover their perfect home was the murder scene of a mother and her children. And the entire city believes it was at the hands of the husband who survived.

When Will investigates, he’s not sure if he’s starting to see ghosts or if the tragic story is just hitting too close to home. His only clues come from Ann Paterson (Watts), a mysterious neighbor who knew those who were shot. And as Will and Ann piece together the haunting puzzle, they must find out who murdered the family in Will’s dream house before he returns to kill again.

Hit the jump for our Dream House sponsored look at five of the scariest movie houses of all time!

Dream House [Special Feature] Dream House Presents Five Of The Scariest Movie Houses Of All Time!

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[Special Feature] ‘Straw Dogs’ Presents The Top 10 Bloody Disgusting Scenes Of Normal People Losing It And Going Bat-sh*t Crazy! Part One!

Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing one of our heroes, or even just a regular guy, get pushed so far they absolutely snap. It reminds us that we’re not alone on the occasions that we’re full of rage and want to lash out. That’s why the movies are great! We can watch people do it for us so we don’t have to go to jail or actually hurt anyone!

Sony Screen Gems’ Straw Dogs (official website), a remake of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 classic, arrives in theaters September 16. To say Dustin Hoffman `loses it’ in the original Straw Dogs would be an understatement, so if the remake is anything like it – and it probably is – expect James Marsden to have some seriously crazy blood on his hands by the time he leaves that country cottage.

In the reboot, “David and Amy Sumner (James Marsden and Kate Bosworth), a Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife, return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father’s death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy’s ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgård), leading to a violent confrontation.”

Hit the jump for PART ONE of our Straw Dogs sponsored compilation of people losing their cool on film!

 [Special Feature] Straw Dogs Presents The Top 10 Bloody Disgusting Scenes Of Normal People Losing It And Going Bat sh*t Crazy! Part One!
 [Special Feature] Straw Dogs Presents The Top 10 Bloody Disgusting Scenes Of Normal People Losing It And Going Bat sh*t Crazy! Part One!
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Interview

[Video Interview] ‘The Caller’ Director Matthew Parkhill and Star Stephen Moyer

Earlier this week Bloody Disgusting stringer Evan Dickson flew out to Puerto Rico for the red carpet premiere of Samuel Goldwyn Films’ The Caller (review), which is now open in limited theaters across the country.

Yesterday we brought you Evan’s report from the event, while inside you’ll now find our exclusive video interviews with Director Matthew Parkhill and “True Blood” star Stephen Moyer.

When troubled divorcee, Mary Kee, begins to receive mysterious phone calls from an unknown caller she quickly begins to feel haunted in her own home. When she discovers that the person is calling from the past, Mary realizes that she will have to kill her in order to survive but how do you kill someone living in the past and what will happen if she fails.

Caller is a chilling supernatural thriller in the tradition of The Grudge and The Ring.

 [Video Interview] The Caller Director Matthew Parkhill and Star Stephen Moyer

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Interview

[Special Report] ‘The Caller’ Premiere in Puerto Rico: Lights! Camera! Hurricane!

Samuel Goldwyn Films’ suspense thriller The Caller is headed to select cities this Friday, August 26th. Directed by Matthew Parkhill from a script by Sergio Casci and starring Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight, New Moon), Stephen Moyer (“True Blood”, Quills), Ed Quinn (“True Blood”, “Eureka”) Luis Guzman (Boogie Nights) and Lorna Raver (Drag Me To Hell), the film centers around a recent divorcee who starts receiving some seriously needy and deranged phone calls on the old-timey landline in her new apartment.

Originally set to film in New York, the movie instead set up shop in Puerto Rico to take advantage of the territory’s tax incentives and the assistance of the local film commission. The subsequent plan was to shoot San Juan and pass it off as New York, but the filmmakers wisely decided to take full advantage of the exotic local flavor (and avoid the insurmountable task of finding more than two square feet of the Caribbean island that could pass for the Big Apple) and adapted the story to take place in the Puerto Rican capital instead.

Earlier this week I flew out to the island – which was literally enveloped by Hurricane Irene at the time – to attend the premiere, get a feel for the vibes of San Juan (the city is something of a character in the movie) and with speak with some of the film’s cast and crew about their soon to be notoriously difficult 23 day shoot. A shoot most of the people I spoke to felt was appropriately mirrored by the many, many difficulties that beset the premiere and, well… everything that went down over the past few days.

Check it out after the jump.

 [Special Report] The Caller Premiere in Puerto Rico: Lights! Camera! Hurricane!

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