I didn't know this, but did you know Universal did something similar to Disney's Wonderful World of Color? Their show is called, Universal's Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories.Best yet, the whole thing is narrated by Mr.Likes to take a bath in a casket. Horror starts at 6:29.
In other news:
Universal Pictures has signed a two-year production deal with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who are best know for writing "Star Trek" and "Transformers." The duo will kick off their new relationship with modern reboots of Universal's "Van Helsing" and "The Mummy" franchises.
At this point, very little is known about the two films, except that Tom Cruise is attached to produce and star in "Van Helsing," which was turned into a film in 2004 with Hugh Jackman (pictured) playing the title character.
"We're thrilled to call Universal Pictures our home," said Kurtzman and Orci. "They
really understand the importance of building a strong creative team and
giving our shared projects their full support. We're proud to start
making movies that will live as part of Universal's enduring legacy."
Source: Universal Pictures
Personal Comments: I'm personally a fan of the 90s The Mummy. I never saw it as a remake of the Boris Karloff film, but more of a film that paid homage to it. It's one of my personal favorite popcorn films and was one of the first modern horror films I was ever allowed to see.
Van Helsing is another film I sort of grown up with, even though it's kind of bad. I'm actually really curious to see how both these films will turn out.
Politics in general will probably never be a focus on this blog. Mostly because I really don't feel that its appropriate for me to spew out my personal beliefs on here. However there are times where it really can't be helped. The above video is an ad for the ever so brilliant Rick Santorum. The ad seems to be putting a bit of a horror 50s B-movie spin on how our country will be, if Obama gets reelected. I'll be honest I'm not really all that thrilled when it comes to many the decisions Obama has made during his time in office, but trying to make a connection between Obama and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran is going a bit too far.
I can't say that the video is not well shot because as far as most political ads go this one is probably one of the most coherent ones I've seen. I think those who are already a bit paranoid about Obama's stances on things will be affected by this video to a certain degree. It's certainly different as far as political ads go.
Rick Santorum has always been a bit too much for me. Frankly, the fact that such extremists exist scares me.
For some more political horror humor check out this great article on cracked
As you all know Comic Con has come and gone and with it new Monster High Dolls were revealed. For the special event a special Ghoulia doll dressed as her favorite superhero Dead Fast was released.To my knowledge she was only available at Comic Con much like the special black and white Frankie doll from last year. If you want to get a hold of this darling you'll probably have to find her online. It is great to know that the Monster High dolls have seem to find a niche in the nerd scene and have since grown in popularity. When the Monster High dolls first came out I thought they would be a coming and passing fad that would surly never catch on. A line of dolls based off classic horror monsters was surly a ludicrous idea.
After all most little girls have little to no interest in anything that is ooky or spooky in nature, but here we are a whole year later with the line becoming more popular than ever. Who knows how long these line of dolls will last, but all I know that even though I'm past the age of actually playing with such fanciful things I'm quite glad they are around. For all I know these dolls have created an increase interest in classic horror films with the youth of today and that I am grateful for. As for the dolls themselves, I've never seen such diversity in appearance in a line of dolls, with defining personalities and quirks. It might go without saying, but these are certainly not just your average fashion doll. We no longer have a line of dolls that are completely cookie cutter perfect , but have a line of dolls that are cooky or quirky in nature and let girls go know it's okay to be a little strange because deep down we all are.Hopefully we'll see these dolls for many years to come, perhaps to the time when I have children of my very own or nieces, etc.
A nice little animated short for the event.
During Comic Con we saw the revelation to two new dolls that will be seen store shelves in the near future. Toralei Stripe is the daughter of the werecats (a reference to Val Lewton's Cat People perhaps?) Her name stems from the Tora, which is Tiger in Japanese. The next doll we have that is due to be out is Nefera de Nile the daughter of the mummy and sister of Cleo de Nile. Not much to say on the doll about the doll herself except I can't help notice the violet eyes they gave her that are strikingly similar to that of the late Elizabeth Taylor. (Note: The most well known portrayal of Cleopatra was done by Elizabeth Taylor who had violet colored eyes.)
(Left) Toralei (Right) Nefera
Along with the two dolls fans had a chance to vote from one of three dolls presented to become one of the news dolls for the 2012 series.
Daughter of Arachne
This is without a doubt the most daring doll Mattel has ever done. The doll is without a doubt creative, but is actually one of the first dolls that could actually be classified as scary in the Monster High Series. I have no doubt that many younger children would be a tad bit afraid of this doll. After all arachnephobia is one of the most common fears. The doll would be more suited for collectors rather than an actual play toy for children.
Scarah Screams
Out of all the dolls shown Scarah was the one that got my vote. She might not be all that interesting appearance wise, but she isthe most stable out of the three dolls. I'm curious to see what her origin will be. Daughter of the Banshee, perhaps?
Headless Headmistress Blood Good
I'm a fan of Washington Irving's tale Sleepy Hallow, so I've always had a soft spot for the Headless Mistress in the cartoons. I can't see her being a big hit with children and parents. It's hard enough keeping a doll in one piece and with a doll that looses her head around a child, disaster is sure to happen. Her head must be attached by magnets, but even then she is better off as a limited collectors piece.
Along with new dolls new fashions are on the way. To continue with the Deadication series we have attire for Clawdeens business class and the most adorable outfit for Draculaura's school newspaper.
-Horrorwood Doll
Anne Rice the most renown writer of vampire and supernatural literature and is making her comeback with werewolf fiction. Mrs. Rice has just recently announced about her new werewolf novel " The Wolf Gift" at San Diego Comic Con.
It's about a young man who becomes a werewolf. It's my take on what that
experience is like for that young man, to experience that transformation
and how it works in his life and how he copes with it."- Anne Rice
To watch the actual interview please go to this link.
I don't think many will be against Mrs. Rice going back to her horror roots; for a time she denounced her vampire novels, but it seems she is ready to come back to writing supernatural writings. Anne Rice is one of the most important and influential writers for vampire fiction, right after Bram Stoker, so it'll be interesting to see what she can do for werewolf literature.
Anne at Comic Con
Hey, guys look its some videos of Anne Rice at Comic Con doing a signing for the graphic novelization of her book Servant of the Bones.
It's just so wonderful to see Anne Rice back in the swing of things and in such a jubilant mood. I really hope to see Anne Rice at more conventions and might I say that the woman looks spectacular for a woman who is close to the age of 70. -sigh- FYI I am forever envious of anyone who had a chance to go to Comic Con in San Diego.
Interview with the Vampire Graphic Novel
Those who are fans of The Vampire Chronicles will be pleased to know that a graphic novelization of Anne Rice's most famous work Interview with the Vampire. The graphic novel is set to be released in the fall of 2012 (-cough- -cough- A perfect present for ones 21st birthday.) and will be told from the point of view Claudia, the vampire child. Ashley Marie Witter will be responsible for illustrating the story. Mr. Rice had this to say on the current artwork of the story."I am looking at the drawings, they have such wonderful detail in the
costumes, and in my work costumes are almost like a character," said
Rice. "They are part of the work, and they got that. What I look for in a
movie or a book like this is the essence—baroque detail, sensuality,
luxurious hair, faces that are intriguing and deep—and they got it
here."
You can learn a bit more on the upcoming graphic novel here.
I'm personally ecstatic about Rice writing another supernatural novel and I can't help, but jump for fangirl joy when I found that there will be a graphic novel done on one of my favorite pieces of literature. I adore the artwork that I've seen so far and I love that that Claudia will be the narrator of this piece.
I've heard of Dracula:The Musical, Frankenstein: The Musical,Dance of the Vampires: The Musical, Evil Dead:The Musical, but I've never heard of Carrie: The Musical. What a ludicrous notion. Who would be crazy enough to make a musical out of a horror film/book. Goodness when will they stop, we don't need another Shrek or Spiderman musical. Psh, lets see what we got in store for us.
Carrie Musical-Eve Was Weak with clips from the 1970s Carrie.
0.0 I honestly don't care if no one likes musicals, that's a quality song, right there. Heh, maybe this think won't be too bad after all. In fact a musical version of Carrie could really bring the story to life. This musical could easily be the next big horror musical like Sweeney Todd or Little Shop of Horrors.
A musical based off Stephen King's iconic book Carrie is returning to stage. The original Carrie musical made its debut in 1988, however the musical didn't last long, due to certain problems. The script was weak, along with some of the songs,pouring blood caused Linzi Hateley's (Carrie) microphone to malfunction, Barbara Cook (Margaret) was almost decapitated by a set piece opening night, and constant rewrites lead to the shows demise. The show received mixed reviews along with boos and cheers during each performance. There were only 16 previews and 5 performances before it was closed and cemented its place as "the most expensive quick flop in Broadway history."-New York Times.
Over the years there have been several small unofficial musical performances and it wasn't till 2009 was there a serious revive of the musical in the works. On November 20th a reading was held for the new production that showed a reworked script and new songs that were put in place of the less than stellar ones. It has been confirmed that the new Carrie musical will be shown at the Lucille Lortel Theatre by MCC Theater for the 2011/2012 off-Broadway season.
This June we'll be seeing more dvds from the Mistress of the Dark. Each dvd will be a double feature that will contain two episodes from Elvira's most rescent season. The first dvd will be a a zombie double feature with I Eat Your Skin and George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Elvira follows up here zombie fest with back to back Hammer horror films The Satanic Rites of Dracula and The Werewolf of Washington. Future dvds will feature great horror icons such as Bela Lugosi in Scared to Death paired with Manster and Boris Karloff in The Terror with Jack Nicholson in Eagah! If you've ever wanted a way to spice up your horror dvd collectionor you just wanted someone to add snarky comments with you, while you watch these ghoulishly terrible flicks, then these dvds are for you.
No news yet on where you can get these treasures,but I'm betting you'll be able to find them here.
Johnny Depp fangirls can now rejoice becaue there is now going to be a film where Johnny Depp is a vampire. If you haven't heared the new Tim Burton is directing a film adaption to the 1960s supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows. The film is set to debut May 11th, 2012 and is supposed to follow the life of the vampire Barnabus Collins. It has been known that it's been Johnny Depp's lifelong dream to play Barnabus Collins. Beleive it or not the show Dark Shadows was a huge thing for the children of th 60s and 70s. The show also left a huge impact and you'd be pretty surprise by how much it has influenced the horror genre or the world in general. (Probably, should do a post on this.) Anyways in an interview for Entertainment Weekly Johnny, states "I do remember, very vividly, practically sprinting home from school in the afternoon to see Jonathan Frid play Barnabas Collins. Even then, at that age, I knew – this has got to be weird. I loved it. I loved the show,” he says. “This soap opera with gothic vampires. I knew, ‘This is not All My Children.’”
The film has been cast and it's been reported that the filming process is currently happening. Here is the current known cast list. A bit dissapointing to see that a few of my favorite characters will not be included in the film,but what do you expect whenthe film is limited to a 2-hour time restraint.
Cast
Johnny Depp- Barnabus Collins (Great actor, but will probably differ from Johnathin Frid's version.) Helena Bohman Cater-Dr. Julia Hoffman (Freakin called it.) Chloe Moretz- Carolyn Stoddard Eva Green-Angelique Bouchard (Angelique is my fav. character. I'm not sure how I feel about Eva Green in the role because I haven't seen much of her work.) Michelle Pfeiffer-Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (In my opinion Michelle should have been Angelique. No one plays delightfully crazy like she does. Not to mention she actually resembles the orginal actress a bit more apperance wise.) Thomas McDonnel-Young Barnabus Collins (Not surprising since he has been described as looking like a young Johnny Depp.) Jackie Earle Halie-Willie Loomis (Perfect casting here.) Bella Heathcote-Victoria Winters Gulliver McGrath-David Collins
This is old news, but I might as well post it here anyways. In 2012 there will be a new Buffy film (most likely in 3-d.) that will be and written by Whit Anderson whose a long time fan of the original show.
The producer will be Charles Roven (Produced Batman Begins) and Steve Alexander will produce the feature film alongside Doug Davison and Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment. The film is supposed to feature an older and possibly darker Buffy, which will have no relation to the show. The film will not feature anyone from the original show and of course the biggest uproar against this is there will be no Joss Wheadon involved.
If you have not heard of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" do a damn google search and look it up on wikipedia. To give you an idea you an idea how big the show is was voted by TV Guide as one of the top cult shows of all time. Empire magazine voted it No.2 as one of the best shows of all time. There was also a Buffy film back in 1992, but it's pale in comparison to the show. Did I mention it was a show about vampires before there was half a dozen of them like there is now?
When Joss Whedon found out about the news he released this statement to E-news.
"Kristin, I'm glad you asked for my thoughts on the announcement of Buffy the cinema film. This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths -- just because they can't think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself.
Obviously I have strong, mixed emotions about something like this. My first reaction upon hearing who was writing it was, 'Whit Stillman AND Wes Anderson? This is gonna be the most sardonically adorable movie EVER.' Apparently I was misinformed. Then I thought, 'I'll make a mint! This is worth more than all my Toy Story residuals combined!' Apparently I am seldom informed of anything. And possibly a little slow. But seriously, are vampires even popular any more?
I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death. But, you know, AFTER. I don't love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I'm also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly. I can't wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I'm making a Batman movie. Because there's a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.
Leave me to my pain! Sincerely, Joss Whedon."
I am of course a huge Buffy fan and the fact that they are making a film without Joss Whedon who gave the concept any depth annoys me. (Seriously, have you seen the orginal film? It sucks.) I find it odd that those behind this film feel that Buffy needs an update because when you go back and look at the show itself the writing and issues dealt within the show was slightly ahead of its time. The cynic in me beleives that this will be a pointless Twilight cash in or another mindless fail of a girl power flick. I will give the film a chance till I see the first trailer. The good thing this is an actual fan who is behind this and for all I know the film might be darker and take Buffy in a new direction, similar to how the Christopher Nolan films took batman in a new direction. However, those behind the film have failed to respect the actual creators wishes and for me that is the biggest no, no when it comes to this film.
Oh yes and if you want to give yourself a heart attack read this.....It's a joke of course.
Just a few months after the final Harry Potter installment, Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter) is set to make a debut in a horror film called "The Woman in Black.". The film is set to be released in the UK on October 28th. (No word as of yet on if and when it will be released in the U.S) The film seems to be a remake of the 1989 made for TV film as well as a movie adaption to the book that was written by Susan Hill. You can now watch the teaser trailer, which is posted below.
"A young lawyer travels to a remote village to organize a recently
deceased client's papers, where he discovers the ghost of a scorned
woman set on vengeance."-Synopsis of the film.
The synopsis is a bit vague as well as the trailer, but it looks promising. I am curious to see if this film will start off Daniel Radcliff's career as an actor that is known besides his role as "The boy who lived".
If you wish to see the 1989 television film, you can catch it on youtube here. (I have yet to watch it myself,but one I get the chance. I will most likely post a review of it on here.)
You can purchase the book that inspired both film on Amazon here. You can most likely find it at your local library as well.
Note: For a horror blog there has definitely been a lack of horror film review material. I apologize. I'm trying to make a horror review system that will separate us from other horror blogs. Also to note the real world seems to keep me rather busy, but you will begin to see more horror film material either this or next month.
She's back! Miss Alice is not well because her Wonderland has gone back to hell. The long awaited sequel to American Mcgee's Alice is finally here after eleven long years. This time Alice must come back to Wonderland after eleven years and save it from the evil that resides within it and her. You can come and play with Alice on June 14th, 2011 on PS3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows.
Before its release a few horrific teaser trailers have found a way onto the inter-webs. One thing is sure the game is bound to be bloody good fun.
There have been talks about a film adaption for awhile now, many seem to think Tim Burton is the man for the job. I on the other hand can't help, but think of Zack Snyder. Have you seen the trailer for Sucker Punch? It looks quite similar to the overall game's style. Not to mention the quote "This is Madness! This is WONDERLAND!" will likely make an appearance.
(Note: I can't help but be amazed by all the lovely outfits Alice has been given. I can almost guarantee that a future Halloween costume shall be inspired by one of them.)
The original Alice was released in 2000 and was highly acclaimed for it's graphics and complexity. It was released by EA games and was their first game even given the Mature rating. The game is highly sought after and copies have been known to be $50-100 sometimes more. For years there have been rumors about a movie in the making. Rumors have involved Wes Craven and Sarah Michelle Gellar owning rights to the film. To better understand the new game, why not check out the original? The original opening scene of the game can be seen below.
Glorious news! Alice Cooper the King of Shock Rock has finally been inducted into
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.( About F@*%&ing time. I've been bitching about this
for a few years now. ABBA and Madonna was in the Hall of fame before Alice!) It
happened last night (03/14/2011) at The Waldorf-Astoria on Monday in New York
City. He was presented by Rob Zombie(Who has yet to be inducted himself)
Anyways, Alice accepted the award with a snake around his neck. (Of
course) From what I've read there was a stellar speeches and performances to be
had at the show. You can watch Alice get his award on the Fuse, on the 20th
(Sunday) at 9 pm/8c.
Of course there was a snake.
Which, I would love to see except during that day and time I'll be at a
wedding. -_-
Here is a real conversation I had after I found out he had finally going to be
inducted.
Me: -Squee- (Dancing around, while cat glares at me. Mom is weirded out and
asks. What I'm so excited about.) Alice Cooper finally got inducted into the
Rock and Roll hall of fame. :D I can't wait to watch the show on the Fuse.
Mom: You do realize that's the same night as your cousin's wedding
Me: Mother F#@&%er! (Okay, didn't quite
say that, but close) Wait, Rachel as in the cousin who was somewhat obsessed
with Alice Cooper so much, that everyone started calling her "The Bride of Alice
Cooper" is getting married?
Mom: Yes!
Me: Do you think she'll watch it with me?
Anyways, my goal is to find a way to at least catch Alice's performance on
the show during the wedding reception. Wish me luck!
Also, besides airing The Rock Hall of Fame Fuse is also have two television
specials on Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie on their Mad Genius segment. http://www.fusemusic.com/mad-genius/
"Are you thinking of playing in more shows with the original band in
the near future?"
"I think it is inevitable. We have kind of been looking for an excuse to do
that anyway. Why not do 4 or 5 major cities, Detroit especially since that's
where we broke out of. Los Angelos, New York, London, Toronto. Those were like
the five cities where we got our biggest push. We might do that in the spring."
"I've read that you're cutting a new album with Bob Ezrin.
"
"Yeah. It's like the Beatles doing another album with George Martin. We are
doing Welcome To Me Nightmare Part II. We decided, why not give Alice another
nightmare? All of the songs are written at this point. I can't see it coming out
until spring of next year."
Hell yes! I need my debit card, damn it! Must purchase tickets! Please come
to Denver. We are a rock state damn it! There is also going to be a new album.
;D You have unleashed the dawn of a 1,000 squees! -SQUEEEEEEEEEE!-
Even though the Alice Cooper band is mostly known for "School's Out for
Summer" that is far from their greatest song. Everyone has their favorite it
could be the rebellious "I'm Eighteen", the provocative "Feed my Frankenstein" or
the madness that is known as "The Black Widow" My personal favorite would have
to be "Second Coming" which is in my opinion highly underrated. Listen below.
Now, that Alice is where he belongs, I need something new to bitch about. Hey, Rock Hall of Fame, Why the hell is Joan Jett not been inducted yet? Goodness, someone is a slacker.
On an interesting note, who do you think from this current time will be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame?
My votes would be:
The Killers
My Chemical Romance (They started a music trend. Shut up and deal with it.)
Muse (It's a possibility)
Evanescene
Paramore
Jet
Lady Gaga (Woman has already made a huge musical impact in such a short time.)
Avenged Sevenfold
Green Day (Mostly for American Idiot)
Artist: Takato Yamamoto A.k.A the picture I will have at least one complaint about.
If you haven't heard Japan was hit with an earthquake that was an 8.9 on the richter scale and soon after a massive tsunami hit parts of Japan and a cluster of islands that make up Samoa. The current death toll in certain areas of Japan has been estimated to be around 10,000 (Most likely more), severe economic damage is incontrovertible, the property damage is inconceivable,and one of their nuclear reactors might face a total meltdown. This is of course quite dismal and it is important to help out those in need during times of crisis. Here is a link to 7 ways you can help with the calamity.
