SHUDDER: SEPTEMBER 2019 U.S. HIGHLIGHTS

NEW ORIGINAL SERIES

CREEPSHOW: A SHUDDER ORIGINAL SERIES — series premiere Thursday, September 26 

The Most Fun You’ll Ever Have Being Scared! From showrunner Greg Nicotero (​The Walking Dead​) comes a new Shudder Original anthology horror series based on the iconic 1982 film written by Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero. 

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/inzsKlVR_N8 

Each of the six episodes features two stories. In the premiere, those stories are:

“Gray Matter,” 

Story by Stephen King, adapted by Byron Willinger and Philip de Blasi

Directed by Greg Nicotero

Synopsis: Doc and Chief, two old-timers in a small, dying town, brave a storm to check on Richie, an alcoholic single father, after encountering his terrified son at the local convenience store. 

“The House of the Head”  

Written by Josh Malerman (Bird Box)

Directed by John Harrison

Synopsis: Evie discovers her new dollhouse might be haunted. 

“Gray Matter” stars Giancarlo Esposito (Emmy-nominated for Better Call Saul), Tobin Bell (Saw, Belzebuth) and Adrienne Barbeau (who also appeared in the original Creepshow movie) and is adapted from a story originally published in Stephen King’s 1978 bestselling collection, Night Shift.

New Creepshow episodes premiere Thursdays through October 31. 

SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE TITLES

THE WRATH — Thursday, September 5

Director: Young-sun Yoo, Cast: Hong-il Choi, Young hee Seo, Na-Eun Son

In this supernatural creeper set in 14th century Korea, a curse is killing the sons of the kingdom’s highest-ranking official.  When the final son dies, his pregnant widow, Ok-bun, must face vicious family politics and the vengeful spirit descending on the household. A remake of 1986 Korean horror essential, Woman’s Wail, The Wrath is elegant horror with funhouse chills. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)

TRAILER: https://youtu.be/HpSzxbMBt5E 

SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE TBA — Thursday, September 12

Details coming soon.

HELL HOUSE LLC III: LAKE OF FIRE — Thursday, September 19

Director: Stephen Cognetti, Cast: Gabriel Chytry, Elizabeth Vermilyea, Sam Kazzi

In the final installment, guests both past and present will be forced to battle for their souls in Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire, as all is revealed about the infamous Abaddon Hotel and the evil that dwells there. Set one year after the events of Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel, the hotel is on the verge of being torn down when it is purchased by billionaire Russell Wynn (Gabriel T. Chytry) as the new home for his popular interactive show, “Insomnia.” He invites journalist Venessa Sheppard (Elizabeth Vermilyea) and her crew to record everything happening inside the hotel leading up to the performance, but they soon encounter a more nefarious plot, one that threatens to unleash a veritable hell on earth.

TEASER TRAILER: https://youtu.be/l53UHYXwy6k

SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE TBA — Tuesday, September 24

Details coming soon.

NEW MOVIES FOR SEPTEMBER

September 9

Train to Busan (Director: Yeon Sang-ho)

When a mysterious virus breaks out across the country, the infected turn into the murderous undead. A few terrified travelers find themselves trapped on a bullet train from hell, fighting for their lives as hordes of the living dead crash towards them, crawling closer with every stop. Suspicion is rife and tensions run high as some will do anything to make it to the safe zone and survive. Starring: Yoo Gong, Yu-mi Jung, Dong-seok Ma (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Note: This will be the first time Train to Busan is available alongside the Shudder Exclusive Seoul Station, Busan’s animated prequel from director Yeon Sang-ho. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

September 16

Hands of the Ripper (Director: Peter Sasdy)

The infant daughter of Jack the Ripper is witness to her mother’s brutal murder at the hands of her father. Fifteen years later, she had grown into  a troubled young woman who is seemingly possessed by the spirit of her father. While in a trance, she continues his murderous killing spree but has no recollection of the events afterwards. A sympathetic psychiatrist takes her in and is convinced he can cure her condition. Soon, however, he comes to regret his decision. Starring: Eric Porter, Angharad Rees, Jane Merrow  (Also available on Shudder Canada)

September 23

Twins of Evil (Director: John Hough)

After being orphaned, two beautiful identical twins move from Vienna to the village of Karnstein to live with their Uncle, a fanatical Puritan. Nearby, the Count of the village is performing a sacrificial rite to raise his ancestor, the vampire Countess. After she bites him, he too becomes a vampire and sets off in search of victims. Starring: Peter Cushing, Dennis Price, Mary Collinson (Also available on Shudder Canada)

Vampire Circus (Director: Robert Young)

A circus arrives at a Serbian village where it will perform a show for the local inhabitants. Many of them believe that the plague that has gripped their village is the result of a curse inflicted on them years before by Count Mitterhouse, a vampire. Unbeknown to them, the leader of the circus is the Count’s cousin intent on reviving his relative and having his revenge. Starring: Adrienne Corri, Thorley Walters, Anthony Higgins (Also available on Shudder Canada)

September 30

The Taking of Deborah Logan (Director: Adam Robitel)

After months of searching, Mia has found the perfect subject for her PhD thesis film on Alzheimer’s Disease.  For the next several months, cameras will record the everyday life of Deborah Logan and her daughter, Sarah. Mia and her crew will document the physical effects the disease on Deborah, and the emotional and mental toll it takes on Sarah, her primary caregiver. As they begin the filming, the cameras record Deborah and Sarah’s day-to-day activities, with Mia noting the telltale signs of the progressive disease.  As the days progress, strange things begin to happen around Deborah that are not consistent with any findings about Alzheimer’s. Something else has taken control of Deborah’s life, an evil threatens to consume anyone and everyone who try to stop it. Starring: Jill Larson, Anne Ramsay, Michelle Ang  

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DR. JEKYLL AND SISTER HYDE (Review)

Title: Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde
Director: Roy Ward Baker
Writer:  Brian Clemens, based upon the story by Robert Louis Stevenson
Cast: Ralph Bates, Martine Beswick, Gerald Sim, Lewis Fiander, Dorothy Alison, Neil Wilson
Min: 94
Year: 1971

At the start of our story, Professor Robertson (Gerald Sim) goes to visit his friend Dr. Jekyll (Ralph Bates). Jekyll is a young scientist who is so obsessed with his research and work that he never leaves his house, where his lab is found at. Currently, he is working on an anti-virus, that will kill other viruses. But, Robertson tells him that he will need to live well beyond his own lifetime to discover the anti-viruses to all viruses. Jekyll soon realizes that he will need to extend his own life to achieve his goal.

His studies lead him to discover that women age slower than men. So, he precedes to put female hormones into a fly, which turns it female. He decides to try the process on himself, first by extracting the hormones from female corpses. To get these, he is eventually helped by the infamous grave-robbers, Burke and Hare (Ivor Dean and Tony Calvin, respectively). He makes an elixir from this which turns him into a beautiful woman (Martine Beswick). When, the gorgeous girl, Susan Spencer (Susan Brodrick) who lives with her brother and mother in the floor above him, sees her she thinks that they are a couple. Being attracted to the handsome doctor she is a disappointed. But, he tells her that the lady is in fact her widowed sister, Mrs. Hyde. Her brother, who name is Howard (Lewis Fiander), in turn sees the gorgeous Mrs. Hyde and is immediately attracted to her.

But, when the villagers get to Burke and Hare and exact punishment for their heinous deeds, Jekyll must resort to other methods to get the hormones. IE, he begins to kill hookers in Whitechapel no less, à la Jack the Ripper. Meanwhile, Robertson begins to suspect that it is Jekyll who is racking up the body count of streetwalkers. As Jekyll realizes that they are on to him, he decides to become Mrs. Hyde to kill more hookers and collect what he needs. The thing is that Hyde begins to relish in murder, unlike Jekyll who kills for, what he thinks is a greater good. Soon, both he and the sexy, seductive, and deadly Hyde begin to battle for control of his body and mind. And, she sets her eyes on Susan, who she feels is threat to her.

Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde represents the second time Hammer studios tried to a take on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde, the first being the disappointing Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll. This film though, underrated, is vastly superior and, in fact, ranks among the legendary studio's finest outputs. It is a bold, original, and fascinating take on the source material, especially for its time. 

What could have come off as campy is handled with much deft by director Roy Ward (The Vampire Lovers) Baker. There is some humor, but this actually helps the film, lightening it and coming it at just the right time, rather than bringing it down. The pacing is well handled and thus the movie is never boring. The plot with its exploration of sex and sexuality feels, for this time, fresh, bold, and comes off as highly interesting.  It all leads to an exciting climax and a very well done and highly satisfying if slightly and fittingly horrific ending.  

The success of the flick is also in large part to the strong acting from the cast. Ralph Bates is likable, well when isn't slashing up hookers anyway, and complex in his role of Dr. Jekyll. Meanwhile, the gorgeous Martine (One Million Years B.C.) Beswick is a site to behold as Sister Hyde. She is unquestionably beautiful and breathtaking in her looks, but it is her acting talent that really propels her further in her role. The character of Hyde is sexy, seductive, cold, and evil, all of which  is so very realistically bought to life by Beswick. The rest of cast are all equally excellent in their respective roles, especially Fiander, Sim, and the lovely Ms. Brodrick.

It is interesting to note, that this movie is rated PG. But, this most definitely 70's PG getting away with a lot of crazy shit that would never even get a PG-13 today, much less a PG! There are bits of gore, but much is left to your imagination. Edited expertly these scenes leave you feeling that you have seen much more than you actually have, save for an impressive knife through and out the front of a girl's neck. There is, however, some very welcomed skin by way of the lovely Beswick, who bares her wondrous boobs and ass for the camera.

Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde is a Hammer movie that doesn't get talked about nearly enough. Which is an utter shame, because it truly ranks among the studio's finest output. It took your humble reviewer and loyal Hammer fan ages to see it, thanks to a screening as part of Quad Cinema's, in NYC, current festival of later day Hammer movies. It's sexy, fun, and innovative movie with a bold and, then, different take on a story told a million times over. Topped off with superlative acting and the undisputed beauty, skin, and talent of Beswick, it is a must for fans of Hammer and Gothic horror. Sadly, we here in the US aren't left with many options to see it in (unless you have a region free Blu-ray player, that is), as it was released by Anchor Bay ages ago in a now out-of-print DVD. Here is hoping someone gives us a US Blu-ray version and soon!

4 out of 4 

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THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL (Review)

Title: The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll
Director: Terence Fisher
Writer: Wolf Mankowitz
Cast: Paul Massie, Dawn Adams, Christopher Lee, David Kossoff, Norma Marla, Francis De Wolf
Year: 1960
Min: 88

Dr. Henry Jekyll (Paul Massie) is working on a formula that will separate the good side of man and the uncontrolled, dark side. In the meantime, his beautiful wife, Kitty (Dawn Adams) is cheating on him with his old friend Paul Allen (Christopher Lee), who is also leaching money off of him. Jekyll decides to test the the formula on himself. He becomes a younger and more handsome man, named Hyde. As Hyde, he is a lecherous, perverse, unscrupulous, and, ultimately murderous man.

He catches Kitty in her cheating ways and passes himself off as a friend of Jekyll, and takes this chance to pretend to befriend Paul. At the same time, he takes an interest in sexy exotic dancer and snake charmer Maria (Norma Marla), who ultimately falls for his charms. He also tries to worm his way into Jekyll's house and decides that he must not only make Paul pay for his misgivings but have Kitty, as well.

 Hammer Studios first attempt at adapting Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde takes some liberties with the novella. It takes a more psychological and pyschosexual approach to the subject matter, than some other adaptations may have been. Unfortunately the end result is not as a great as it could or should have been, but is also not with its share of merits.

The movie is highly aided by very strong performances. Massie is great in the dual role, so good that I honestly thought it was two different actors in the role! Of course, this does explain why Jekyll's beard always looked kinda ''off'' to me. Lee is phenomenal as Paul Allen. He exceeds a certain sleazebag and sex appeal filled charm in the role. But, it is also a complex one, that has at least a few  heroic moments. Everyone else in the movie's cast does a fine job in their respective parts. Also, keep a eye out for the late, great Oliver Reed in a cameo, as man who wants to brawl with Hyde over his treatment of a ''harlot''.

The film's interest in studying the duality of man is certainly inspired by the book. And, there are some interesting moments and ideas presented. But, it simply does not go far enough. The movie is  many times very quiet, which by definition can be fine, but the horror is ultimately too subdued. Even for an early Hammer movie it is quite restrained in what happens, action wise. However, there an undercurrent of a maturity and dark sexuality that do make it interesting from a psychological narrative.

After a whole lot of not much happening the movie begins to pick up some steam. It heads into an admit ably enthralling and, at few points, shocking climax. Unfortunately, the actual ending, though competent, is kind of flat. It hurts the upward mobility that the story had taken. Although, there is some credit to be given as it is an outcome not seen in any other take on this classic story.

The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll is an interesting but somewhat disappointing entry in Hammer's studio legendary run. It is expertly acted and has some good ideas. But, for a good part of the film not much happens. The horror is very restrained to the point of being nonexistent, save for the well done climax. A flat ending further adds to the movie's uneven quality. It can be found on a Hammer Films Double Feature Blu-ray along with the superior The Gorgon put out by Mills Creek Entertainment.

2 out of 4

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Chiller Theatre April 2017

On April 22, 2017, two of my friends, Alan and Freddie, and I went to have another awesome time at one of the coolest and best cons in the world, Chiller! We were super excited as this marked the return to the old location at the Hilton Parippany in Parippany, NJ!!

The guest list was truly fucking awesome, one of the best I've seen! The three of us went up to a various celebs. The first one I went up to was the beautiful Veronica Carlson. The former Hammer beauty was part of a British invasion of actors and actresses, many of whom like her had worked for the legendary studio, who were signing at the con. She signed my Dracula four film collection DVD that I own, for her work in Dracula Has Risen from the Grave. She is still beautiful, as well as being a very classy and friendly lady.

Next up for me was Tracie Savage from Friday the 13th 3D. The still beautiful actress played the character of Debbie, IE the character that reads the first issue of Fangoria (with Godzilla on the cover) and later gets a knife through her back and out her chest, in that sequel. Tracie was very friendly, in person. I asked her how it was to shoot that scene, she told me that it took about 3 hours to shoot between the FX work and using the 3D camera!

Stacey Nelkin was who we went up to next. She talked to us for a good amount of time, telling us that now she is working with people who suffer from mental issues. She even asked us what we each do. She was so sweet and awesome in person! She is also still so pretty in person, with a really great smile. Talking and meeting her was such a pleasure. She signed my Blu-ray of Halloween III: Season of the Witch.

The last person I went up was the celeb that I was most pumped to meet, the gorgeous Alexandra Paul! She was so awesome in person! We got to talk to her about what Stephen King books to read (my top three favorites that I recommended to her were: Cujo, The Shining, and Salem's Lot). We also talked about Cujo, as in the actual movie, and more King books! As, I felt that I had to, I told her that when I was a little I had seen Christine and totally crushed on her! She was so sweet and humble, about it all.

As a matter of fact, all of the celebs, that we met, were so sweet, friendly, and awesome. What's great about Chiller is how one can actually talked to celebs. There is no pressure, and at this hotel, it doesn't feel horribly crowded. It was just a blast!

After we were done with getting our autographs, a couple of us went to a Hammer Horror panel with Caroline Munro, Christopher Neame, Janina Faye, Martine Beswick, Mark Lester, and Veronica Carlson. It was an awesome, albeit short panel. As a huge Hammer fan, I am glad  that we attended it!

 

 

 

Later in the day, we got to meet up with our friend Liz and met her friends. We had dinner with them, then headed back to join the party. As always, it was a great time to be had, as music was played with celebs joining in, like Bai Ling who joined The Dead Elvi onstage. She sang and sexily danced the night away. Below, is a video of her dancing, shot by NegativePop!

 

I got some really cool stuff at the con: Blu-rays of Venom (which I got for free for buying Screem magazine), Hammer Double Feature of The Two Faces of Doctor Jekyll and The Gorgon, Jack Frost, and The Dario Argento Collection (The Cat O'Nine Tails, Deep Red, and Inferno). As well as Funko Pops of Paige from WWE and Mr. Poopy Butthole from Rick and Morty.

These are the aforementioned autographs that I got:

We had an AWESOME time! This ranks as one of the best Chillers ever! We can't wait to come back!

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I AM YOUR FATHER (Review)

Title: I Am Your Father  

Writers/ Directors:  Toni Bestard, Marcos Cabotá  
Cast: David Prowse, Kenny Baker, Jeremy Bulloch, Ben Burtt, Marcos Cabotá, Lou Ferringo     Year: 2015  

Min: 83  

David Prowse is the actor who played one of the greatest villains in cinema history: Darth Vader, in the original Star Wars trilogy. He is now 80 years old and has been, for many years, completely forgotten/ ignored by Lucasfilm, despite his iconic role. Two Spanish filmmakers try to discover what lead to this behavior by Lucas and company and attempt to pay loving tribute to the actor. They also decide to this by giving him the chance to do the one thing Prowse never could or was allowed to do, play the scene in Return of the Jedi where the redeemed Vader removes his mask and shows his face (in the actual movie actor Sebastian Shaw played him for this pivotal scene).

I Am Your Father is an excellent documentary about an actor that seemingly has gotten shafted by Lucasfilm and might be forgotten by some. But, he shouldn't be. True Star Wars fans know this. And, this docu solidifies and reminds us why. It consists of interviews with people who worked behind the camera on the Star Wars films, and actors and friends, who know and or worked with Prowse. Shit, even James Earl Jones, who gave Vader's voice chimes in. It is fascinating to find out what lead to George Lucas/ Lucasfilm and their ultimate ignoring of Prowse and whether it is warranted or not. And, of course, there is lots of interviewing of Prowse. He comes off as very sweet and despite the animosity shown by Lucasfilm, his great love of the Vader and Star Wars endures.

 I love that there is a Hammer Films poster behind him.

The interviews are honest and captivating as is the structure of documentary. It moves swiftly and is clearly done by a duo who love Star Wars, Vader, and Prowse. Their decision to shoot the unmasking Return scene is, in of itself, is proof of it. By the last 15 minutes or so, I was so moved, tears ran down my face.

There are no Star Wars clips, but I didn't expect there to be. However, being a HUGE horror fan (with a true love of Hammer Films) on top of being a HUGE Star Wars I loved that they showed clips of his Hammer monster roles (like his excellent portrayal of the monster in Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell). They also show his crossing the street commercials which reportedly saved thousands of lives in England. Getting back to the horror connection, it is also awesome that while the credits role, we are shown pictures of horror/ monster actors like Boris "Frankenstein's Monster" Karloff, Lon "The Phantom of the Opera" Chaney, Robert "Freddy Kreuger" Englund, Doug "Pinhead" Bradley, etc, and Prowse is shown among them. It's a truly perfect way to end the proceedings.

This is the second of two must see documentaries concerning Star Wars released this year. The other being Elstree 1976. Both are must sees (and both are on Netflix, right now), and both feature Prowse. It's actually on that one that I first heard about the heat that Lucas holds for Prowse. But, this one is the better of the two. In fact, this is the finest documentary on Star Wars since The People Vs. George Lucas. 

I Am Your Father is entertaining, honest, loving, and moving. I cannot say enough good things about it. I had the pleasure of meeting David Prowse at a Fangoria Weekend of Horrors many years ago, but I knew about him ever since I was a little kid. Darth Vader is my favorite character in the Star Wars franchise, a film franchise I so very deeply love. Any and all Star Wars fans must see this docu, especially since, as I mentioned earlier, is on Netflix currently. Highest possible recommendation. 

4 out of 4

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Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter

This time my latest review for best-horror-movies.com has me taking a look at Hammer's classic mix of horror and adventure: Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter. Check it out here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/review?name=captain-kornos-vampire-hunter-1974-review

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The Evil of Frankenstein

My latest review for Best-horror-movies.com has me taking on The Evil of Frankenstein from Hammer Films. Check out what I think about it here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/review?name=the-evil-of-frankenstein-1964-review

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Countess Dracula

 

I review yet another Hammer film for best-horror-movies.com, this one starring the beautiful Ingrid Pitt and inspired by Countess Elizabeth Bathory, Countess Dracula. You can check out the review here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/countess-dracula-1971-review.html

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To the Devil… A Daughter

 

For my latest review for best-horror-movies.com I take on what would be the last Hammer Studios film for many, many years, the Christopher Lee/ Natassia Kinski film To the Devil... A Daughter. Read it here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/to-the-devil-a-daughter-1976-review.html

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The Vampire Lovers

I continue my review of Hammer horror films for best-horror-films.com with one of the finest lesbian vampire films ever made The Vampire Lovers starring the gorgeous Ingrid Pitt. You can read the review here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/the-vampire-lovers-1970-review.html

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The Mummy (1959)

I continue my reviews of classic Hammer horror for Best-Horror-movies.com with this superior take on the bandaged Egyptian terror. You can read it here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/the-mummy-1959-review.html

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The Curse of the Werewolf

My latest review for Best-Horror-movies.com is Hammer's phenomenal classic with Oliver Reed The Curse of the Werewolf. You can read it here: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/the-curse-of-the-werewolf-1961-review.html

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Now playing: Entombed - Morbid Devourment
via FoxyTunes

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Brides of Dracula & Taste the Blood of Dracula

I have my first two reviews for Best-horror-movies.com up. Both are for two of the finest of Hammer's Dracula sequels, Brides of Dracula and Taste the Blood of the Dracula.

You can read them here:
Brides of Dracula: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/the-brides-of-dracula-1960-review.html
Taste the Blood Dracula: http://www.best-horror-movies.com/taste-the-blood-of-dracula-1970-review.html

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Now playing: Gwar - Maggots
via FoxyTunes

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The 10 Best Hammer Horror Movies

My latest article for Best-Horror-Movies.com has me picking the best of Britain's Hammer Horror. You can read my pics here: http://ossuary.best-horror-movies.com/m/news/view/62527/The-10-Best-Hammer-Horror-Movies

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