32 Malasana Street (Review)

Director: Albert Pintó
Writers: Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, David Orea, Salvador S. Molina
Cast:  Begoña Vargas, Iván Marcos, Bea Segura, Sergio Castellanos, José Luis de Madariaga
Year: 2020
Min: 104

This film opens with a 1972 prologue, involving two kids getting the shit scared out of them by a creepy old lady. The story then jumps to the time period the rest of it takes place in: 1976. The Olmedo family have left their simple village life to move into a bargain priced but spacious, and fully furnished (!), apartment in Madrid. They have plucked down the last bit of cash that they have into this place, so there is no going back for them. The problem is that this is the same place we saw at the beginning of the flick. Of course, you know what that means! Yup, weird and creepy shit begins to happen. This includes marbles that roll on their own, their older son seeing a mysterious a lady across the window, a TV that talks to their youngest son Rafeal (Iván Renedo), and more. The female ghost that is haunting soon ups her terror tactics on the family, as she determined to get what she wants from them.

32 Malasana Street is a Spanish ghost/ haunted house movie that is reportedly based on a true story. While, I don't know how close this film is to the actual events depicted, it is an enjoyable ride either way. This movie is the second feature length movie from Albert Pintó having directed and co-written the 2017 film Killing God.  

Director and co-writer Pintó really know how to handle and pile on the creepy atmosphere, as he ratchets up the fear factor and pile on the scares with his pretty intense and suspenseful directing. The film even manages to have jump scares that actually work! As a matter of fact, there is at least one or two jump scares that are among the best that I have seen in a very long time. His style makes for a very good looking movie, with a couple of cool and, even, beautiful shots that really stick out in mind. And, speaking of things that are cool, I love the creepy, old lady puppet on the TV, She fucking rules!

To me, ghost stories, most of the time, work best when the spirits remain unseen. And, for the most part, this movie adheres to this. Thankfully whenever we can actually see the ghost, she remains extremely creepy. This is thanks to the lighting and editing which manage to chill the viewer. Said editing feels nice and tight and works excellently with the solid camera-work to help enhance the scares and tension. Long time horror fans will probably not find this movie to be terrifying, but they will appreciate the highly entertaining creep factor. Those more easily frightened will probably be scared shitless, though. 

The acting from the whole cast is excellent, and their characters come off as believable and likable. It makes the viewer care about what is happening and adds to the terror. You don't want anything bad to happen to this family. This all results in giving you that white knuckle feel that will keep your fist clenched whenever any of them are menaced. 

On the negative side, the movie heavily borrows from Poltergeist and the Insidious franchise. This makes the story beats not feel wholly original. But, thankfully the movie is such a fun and well made affair, that I didn't ultimately really mind this. Whereas, had I been watching a lesser film, it would've bugged me to no end. That being said when the plot and the ghost's true nature/ origin are revealed, it's really quite good. I won't give out any spoilers, but I will say that the movie feels very timely and has an important message. This, in turn, makes the ghost a sympathetic monster, something, that when done right (like here), I love.

 I find that ghost/ haunted house films are among the hardest to pull off successfully in horror. However, 32 Malasana Street hits most of the right notes. Sure, it doesn't add much, if anything new, to the genre, but it is still a frighteningly fun, rollercoaster flick. The directing, editing, and camera-work enhance the creepiness and tension. Most of the jump scares work, with one or two ranking among the best I've seen, in a long time. The acting and likable characters helps to add to the tension and fright. And, while the film borrows from others in the sub-genre, it also manages to add a ghostly origin that is timely, respectful, and makes us sympathizing with the spirit. That it accomplishes this while still keeping her menacing and scary, is quite the achievement. The movie is overall a tense and fun time, that some might find legit scary. The flick starts streaming on Shudder this Thursday, October 22, 2020. 

3 out of 4

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The Cleansing Hour (Review)

Director: Damien LeVeck 

Writers: Damien LeVeck, Aaron Horwitz

Cast: Ryan Guzman, Kyle Gallner, Alix Angelis, Chris Lew Kum Hoi, Daniel Hoffman-Gil

Year: 2019

Min: 93

Max (Ryan Guzman) is the host of a rising in popularity, live, online exorcism show called The Cleansing Hour. What is unbeknownst to his followers and viewers is that it is all a load of bullshit, as everything is scripted and uses actors. Max is, admit ably, a dick, off camera, and definitely not the primary example of priesthood. On his next episode, there is a last minute cancellation. His partner in this social empire (complete with merch like "Vatican authorized" shawls!), Drew (Kyle Gallner), asks his lovely fiancée Lane (Alix Angelis), who is an aspiring actress, herself, to step in and take over as the possessed individual.

Max isn't too pleased with these circumstances. Alas they have to go live immediately, forcing him to just go with it. Soon, Lane begins to go against script, and it doesn't take long for the reality to set in. She has been possessed by a very real, murderous, and powerful demon. Said hellish entity warns them that if they cut the feed; he will kill Lane and anyone who tries to escape. Max, with the help of of Drew, soon finds himself, in a very real and deadly exorcism, as viewership continues to rise worldwide (something the demon, himself, desires) for this live vision of demonic terror.

The Cleansing Hour is a possession/ horror film from director/ co-writer Damien LeVeck based on his 2016 short film of the same name. And, from the very get go, the movie knows how to grab and hold your attention. It starts with an exciting, albeit staged exorcism that does a good job setting up much of the film. And, once the "real" horror kicks in, it really doesn't let up, turning into one fuck of a good time.

The movie is set in current times and captures much of our world today, with its themes of social media, its popularity, and the control it can have over an individual. An example of this comes in the form of Max's desire to get more viewers, in order to get a verified account. In fact, it very much serves as a commentary on the social media obsessed culture in which we inhabit. And, in keeping with this time setting, there are also some political shots at President Trump. This is something which I definitely enjoyed. Most of these were clear and upfront, but one comes from a fan comment during the live feed, is blink and miss it. 

I really liked the behind the scenes aspect of the film, which feels very believable both in the world that it sets up and in ours. LeVeck adds some humor to the flick. Not all of it works, but some of it most certainly does. Possessed Lane delivers a couple of memorable one-liners, that are fun in a cruel and deliciously evil sort of way. 

Whenever she kills or attempts to kill, it really manages to grab your attention and glues your eyes to the screen. As such, LeVeck really knows how to pile on the nail-biting intensity. You feel as caught up as the characters watching the exorcism feed in the movie, itself. One example, of many, of  the film's power comes in the form of a truly harrowing hallucination scene. The movie leads into an extended and truly fucking awesome climax. This helps to elevate the film into yet another level of quality.  Throw in a wild epilogue of news clips and headlines, and you have a killer film that ends on a truly ass kicking note. 

The acting from the whole cast is very strong. The main characters are well defined, with Kyle Gallner's Drew and Angelis' Lane being very likable. Angelis is giving a lot to work, as she is both the sweet girlfriend and the evil and cruel demon, many times within one scene. Ryan Guzman is also given a lot to work with as Max is a complex and ever growing character. At first, he is a total dick and easy to hate. But, as the story progresses, he redeems himself and becomes more likable. Sure this isn't a new idea, especially within religious themed horrors, but his acting and the story makes it all work excellently. Even some of the minor characters are given the chance to shine, like film student Riley (the beautiful Emma Holzer), who quite frankly reminded me of many a film student, myself, included. 

This all being said, the movie does have its flaws. One of them being the fact that there are definitely some cliched spots in it. But, you will be so entertained in what is going on, that you'll look over them rather quickly. A bigger complaint, for me, comes from the jump scares, most of which are fake outs and none of which really worked.  

Another problem is the CGI, which, unfortunately, isn't very good. But, once again, the film is so involving that you can completely look past this. On the other hand, the practical FX are really good, especially a gruesome transformation. As a matter of fact, the movie also has some good moments of gross out and gore. Among these include barfing (of course!), bare feet getting cut on glass in a moments that tries to out die hard, Die Hard, immolation, finger chomping, pencil to the eye, and more. 

The sub-genre of possession is, in my very humble opinion, one of the hardest to get right in horror. Thankfully The Cleansing Hour really manages to deliver the goods and is a fun and engaging ride. Sure it has its faults, mostly when it heads towards a more cliched path. But, all of this is saved and fixed thanks to great acting, likable characters, and very strong and intense directing, The climax is fucking incredible and gets your adrenaline pumping. Throw in some commentary and allusions to the current world in which the movie was shot in (IE, pre-COVID 19 America), and you have a truly a kick ass and fun as hell satanic flick. You will be able to see The Cleansing Hour on Shudder, when it begins streaming on there on Thursday, October 8, 2020.

3.5 out of 4

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The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1987

1987 marked another stellar year for the genre. There is a great variety of sub-genres represented here, as well as the most amount of sequels, we have yet had ranked. In fact, this year is so fucking good that, I had to put more honorable mentions, than any other year, I have covered so far.

Honorable Mentions:
Prince of Darkness
Dolls
The Lost Boys
It's Alive III: Island of the Alive
The Kindred
Creepshow 2
The Gate
Angel Heart
Nekromantik 

10. The Hidden- This pulse pounding mix of sci-fi, horror, and action from A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge's director Jack Scholder is one of the most rip-roaring genre films of the 80's. Featuring an evil alien with a penchant for fast cars, pounding metal music, hot strippers, and murder. And, Kyle MacLachlan does an awesome job as one of our buddy cop heroes.

9. Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II- This vastly superior sequel (which has zero to do with the generic and overrated first film aside from taking place in the same high school, Hamilton High) is a wonderfully sexy, sleazy, and gory good time. Filled with cool set pieces and fun moments, this movie is blast from start to end. It's villianess, the titular Mary Lou Maloney (Lisa Schrage) is one of the sexiest bad girls in horror history. It's also that rarest of horror movie, where the final girl (the beautiful Wendy Lyon) gets nude.

8. Opera- Dario Argento's style is on full display, in this his last truly great movie. It is a gore drenched, exciting, and suspenseful giallo. All while being beautiful looking and wholly captivating. It's heroine/ final girl, played by the absolutely gorgeous Cristina Marsillach, is very likable and compliments the films visual beauty. The driving heavy metal music on the soundtrack give it a further kick in the ass!

7. Predator- John (Die Hard) McTeirnan's 80's testosterone-filled classic has one of the coolest monsters in genre history. But, then again, it is handled by make-up god Stan Winston. The film is, itself, is gory, quotable as hell, and has some killer action scenes. A fucking badass mix of action, sci-fi, and horror, this is one of Arnie's best movies. 

6. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors- Chuck (The Blob) Russell directed and co-wrote, along with Frank (The Shawshank Redemption) Darabont and Bruce Wagner this amazing, wild, and highly imaginative sequel. Wes Craven even came back to work on the story and served as producer. The result is not just the best sequel in the franchise, but the finest slasher sequel ever made. It is leaps and bounds over the uninteresting and flat second installment and is filled with great FX and likable characters. There is also a returning John Saxon and the beautiful Heather Langenkamp who along with the rest of the cast (including Horror Crush Jennifer Rubin as the ultimate metal/ punk babe in Tayrn) give strong and way better than the usual, for these types of films, performances. Plus, the music by Dokken, including the amazing title song, "Dream Warriors", is fucking awesome in its own right.

5. The Monster Squad- Sometimes people want to compare this Fred Dekker classic to The Goonies, which is sort of a bummer. Honestly, this is the superior and more serious movie. The acting is great, as are Stan Winston's superior make-up FX. At the same time it plays loving tribute to the classic Universal monster movies, while adding a teensy bit of splatter. Add the memorable quotes, fun 80s music, and a fucking rollicking climax and you have a movie near and dear to my heart, as well as those of other horror fans. 

4. The Stepfather- This classy and well acted horror/ thriller is one of the best psycho killer movies of the 80s. It has an amazing performance by the great Terry O'Quinn as the title character. You will like him when he is nice, but when he snaps, holy shit! There are some great moments of tension and suspense and a sanguinary climax. It is also one of those rare horror movies where the final girl gets nude, in this scream queen and childhood crush, the beautiful and talented Jill Schoelen.

3. Near Dark- Kathryn Bigelow's masterful and perfect mix of horror, action, western, and romance is one of the greatest vampire movies ever made. It is also drenched in style and, as such, it is one of the most beautiful bloodsucker movies ever. It has one hell of a cast and some truly killer set-pieces. 

2. Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn- This is one of those movies that changed my life upon viewing it. As such, it is a film that I outright worship. One that is that rarest of sequels, IE: it fucking tops its already excellent first film. Sam Raimi's masterpiece is wild, bold, funny, and drenched in splatter. And, everything here is perfect (or near perfect): Raimi's style, the incredible, yet low budget FX, the dialogue, and, of course, Bruce Campbell's Ash.

1. Hellraiser- Like Evil Dead II, Hellraiser made me want to get into film. Clive Barker's directorial debut is one of the best debuts in the genre. The film is wonderfully original, something that is, sadly, ever so rare in our genre. And, on top of that it is also stylish, exciting, sexy, and gruesomely gory. 

Now, I would love to know what your favorite horror films of 1987 are. Tell me, in the comments section below. Also be sure to look at the preceding years, by clicking on the links below.

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1980
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1981
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1982
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1983
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1984
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1985
The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1986

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Michael Dougherty's "Ghoul Log Trick 'R Treat Sam O'Lantern" Now Streaming on Shudder!

Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/V6HBxFg45eQ

 

NEW YORK, NY – October 2, 2020 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has debuted this year’s “Ghoul Log,” a 24/7 streaming jack-o’lantern, created by Trick ‘r Treat director Michael Dougherty (Godzilla: King of the Monsters). The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern is inspired by his beloved film from Legendary Entertainment and its iconic star, Sam, the mischievous spirit of Halloween who enforces the holiday’s ancient traditions. It is available to stream on Shudder now, both on-demand and soon 24/7 via the in-app Shudder TV feed.

 

Log line: On a dark, autumnal street, the Sam O’Lantern blazes to life. While the pumpkin burns, keep your eyes peeled for the surprises it summons. 

 

“Thanks to the ongoing dumpster fire that is 2020, Halloween is going to be yet another stay-at-home activity for a lot of people, so I hope the Sam O’Lantern brings a bit of light and magick to all those in need of some holiday spirit,“ said Michael Dougherty

 

“When we thought about what would get Shudder subscribers most excited for the 2020 version of our annual Ghoul Log, our wish-list idea was to team up with Michael Dougherty for something inspired by his iconic Halloween movie Trick ‘r Treat. When we reached out to Mike, we were delighted to find out that he was not only interested in the idea, but he already had an amazing concept in mind,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager. 

 

The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern is the third in Shudder’s annual Halloween series. The Ghoul Log premiered in 2018, doing for Halloween what the famed Yule Log has long done for Christmas. Its long, unbroken feed of a candle-lit jack-o’lantern accompanied by spooky night sounds was an immediate hit. 2019 saw Return of the Ghoul Log, an animated creation courtesy of famed horror director Larry Fessenden (Depraved) and animator Beck Underwood. This year’s Ghoul Log is the first to be directly inspired by an iconic horror film. Trick ‘r Treat, released in 2009, has amassed a ravenous cult following and the Sam character has become a perennial Halloween icon inspiring a still growing line of toys, comic books, costumes, holiday décor, and theme park attractions. 

 

The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern was conceived, designed and executive produced by Dougherty and directed by Evan Gorski and Michael Babyak. It was produced by Ava Yazdani and features special effects by AtmosFX (AtmosFX.com). Trick ‘r Treat © Legendary 2007. All rights reserved.

 

ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit ​www.shudder.com​.

 

ABOUT MICHAEL DOUGHERTY

Michael Dougherty is a writer, director, and producer best known for the cult horror comedies Trick ‘r Treat (2009), Krampus (2015), and the summer blockbuster Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019). Beginning his career as an animator and illustrator, Dougherty’s animated work was featured on MTV, Nickelodeon, and a line of twisted greeting cards published by Nobleworks. He then became a screenwriter on X-Men 2 before making his directorial debut with Trick ‘r Treat, which starred Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, and Brian Cox. Dougherty’s films have spawned a long and successful line of toys, comics, and other merchandise, along with theme park attractions at Universal Studios. Dougherty’s next project is a Hellraiser TV series with HBO, based on the classic Clive Barker horror film.

 

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New Season of "Eli Roth's History of Horror Uncut" kicks off with Megan Fox and Bill Hader

‘ELI ROTH’S HISTORY OF HORROR UNCUT’ PODCAST RETURNS FOR NEW SEASON WITH EPISODES FEATURING MEGAN FOX AND BILL HADER

 

LISTEN TO NEW EPISODES ON APPLE PODCASTS, SPOTIFY AND OTHER PODCAST PLATFORMS NOW

 

September 28, 2020 — New York, NY — Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, today announced a second season of Eli Roth’s History of Horror: Uncut, premiering September 28. An extended audio companion to the television series AMC Visionaries: Eli Roth’s History of Horror whose new season premieres on AMC on October 10, the Uncut podcast offers listeners hours of never-before-heard, candid conversations with horror luminaries featured in the show.  The first two episodes showcase in-depth discussions with Megan Fox, whose 2009 film Jennifer’s Body was met with hostility upon release but has since been lauded as modern classic, and Bill Hader, who offers new perspective on his role as the adult Richie Tozier in It Chapter Two. Both episodes are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other platforms. New episodes will be released every Monday, and the full Uncut season will be available on Shudder later this year. 

 

“The reaction to Season One was beyond my wildest expectations,” said Eli Roth. “We became a top 5 podcast as soon as we debuted, and it shows the overwhelming excitement from the fans to hear these incredible stories directly from the artists. On the TV show, we have to condense everyone into one hour but on the podcast, we can really take our time, hear the full conversation and learn so much more. The stories they tell are fascinating and insightful and really make you see their work through a different lens. I’m so thankful to AMC and Shudder for letting us go much bigger with Season 2. These stories are for all time, and will be enjoyed by generations of fans for years to come”

 

Future episodes will feature actors Nancy Allen (Dressed to Kill) and Ken Foree (Dawn of the Dead), filmmakers Ari Aster (Hereditary), Roger Corman (The Masque of the Red Death), Mary Harron (American Psycho), Don Mancini (creator of the Child’s Play franchise), Barbara Muschietti (producer of the It films), Greg Nicotero (showrunner of Creepshow), André Øvredal (Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark), Eli Roth (Hostel), actor/director/FX master Tom Savini (Friday the 13th), Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys) and Rob Zombie (3 from Hell).

 

Eli Roth's History of Horror Uncut is hosted by Eli Roth featuring interviews conducted by Kurt Sayenga. The podcast is executive produced by Roth, Sayenga, Steven Michaels, Jodi Flynn, Joseph Freed and Allison Berkley. Eli Roth’s History of Horror is produced by The Content Group and Marwar Junction Productions. 

 

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ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit ​www.shudder.com​.

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The White Swan- Nocturnal Transmission (EP Review)

Musician: The White Swan

Album Title: Nocturnal Transmission

Genre/ Subgenre: Sludge Metal

Label: War Crime Recordings

Release Date: September 18, 2020

The White Swan is a sludge metal group led by Kittie's Mercedes Lander. With Nocturnal Transmission the London, Ontario trio have provided us with an atmospheric take on relationships and love. 

This EP consists of three original tracks and one cover song. The songs mix sludgy music with fuzzed out guitar riffs and Lander's powerful and, sometimes, almost pained vocals. The opening track is "In Love and Ritual". It has a droning, drag through the mud sound with almost ethereal vocals on Lander's part. The title song is next and is my favorite. It has a heavy and truly crunching Black Sabbath influence with flourishes of alt and grunge thrown in, particularly in Lander's haunting and tragic sounding voice. It has an amazing and soaring lead break at the end, that raises the track's technical bar. Next is "Purple", which has a beautiful and psychedelics intro that heads into slow and doomy riffing. It's a wonderful song that mixes the trippy with the heavy. The album closes off with an awesome cover of Tracy Bonham's "Tell It To The Sky". The song is beautiful, haunting, and soaring, all while adding in their sludgy, slow, and buzzing riffs and style. It makes for a song that one can just zone out to. And, honestly, it's my second favorite on the EP.

As soon, as I heard of Mercedes Lander's involvement with this band and album, I was really excited for it. While, sludge metal isn't one of my go to sub-genres, I really enjoyed the hell out of Nocturnal Transmission. It's a doomy, slow, and, at times, psychedelic zone out. I look forward to hearing more from them, but for now, these four songs more than satisfies that need.

 

3.5 out of 5

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Shudder Highlights: October 2020

2020’s ALL-NEW GHOUL LOG — October 1

Halloween’s answer to the Christmas Yule Log, the Ghoul Log is: a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern (available on demand as a Shudder TV feed ‘round the clock) that offers the perfect ambience for all your Halloween festivities. This year’s edition has been lovingly crafted by a fan-favorite filmmaker who knows a thing or two about the holiday. Visit Shudder October 1 for the big reveal… (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

 

JOE BOB’S HALLOWEEN HIDEAWAY — October 23 at 9pm ET

Horror host and drive-in movie expert Joe Bob has left the trailer park behind in favor of a more remote retreat, but he’s still ready to serve up a double feature of films hand-picked for your Halloween enjoyment. Premieres live on the ShudderTV feed Friday, October 23, and will be made available on demand on Monday, October 26. (Also in Shudder Canada)

 

THE CREEPSHOW HALLOWEEN SPECIAL — October 26

Though Greg Nicotero and his team are hard at work shooting season 2 (coming in 2021), they’ve crafted a fully animated Creepshow special for us just in time for Halloween, featuring two tales to die for: “Survivor Type,” based on the short story by Stephen King and adapted by Nicotero, stars Kiefer Sutherland (24, Designated Survivor) as a man determined to stay alive alone on a deserted island no matter what the cost. “Twittering from the Circus of the Dead,” based on the short story by Joe Hill and adapted by Melanie Dale, stars Joey King (The Kissing Booth, The Act) as a teen whose family road trip includes a visit to the gravest show on earth. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

 

SHUDDER ORIGINAL/EXCLUSIVE MOVIES

 

SCARE ME — October 1

Sundance 2020 Official Selection. During a power outage, two strangers tell scary stories. The more Fred and Fanny commit to their tales, the more the stories come to life in the dark of a Catskills cabin. The horrors of reality manifest when Fred confronts his ultimate fear: Fanny may be the better storyteller. Starring Aya Cash, Josh Ruben and Chris Redd. Directed by Josh Ruben. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) Trailer: https://youtu.be/NeYWT7CnFK0 

 

THE CLEANSING HOUR — October 8

Max and Drew are millennial entrepreneurs who’ve made themselves famous with a webcast they created called “The Cleansing Hour,” which streams live exorcisms. The catch? Each ceremony is elaborately staged to look real in order to dupe their global audience—until today, when today’s subject, Drew’s fiancé, actually turns out to be possessed. Starring Ryan Guzman, Kyle Gallner, Alix Angelis. Directed by Damien LeVeck. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) Trailer:  https://youtu.be/mUGfkayica4 

 

THE MORTUARY COLLECTION — October 15

A young drifter applies for a job at the local mortuary and meets an eccentric mortician who chronicles the strange history of the town through a series of twisted tales, each more terrifying than the last. Starring Clancy Brown, Caitlin Custer, Barak Hardley, Christine Kilmer and Jacob Elordi. Directed by Ryan Spindell. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)

 

32 MALASANA STREET — October 22

It’s 1976. The Olmedo family has left the countryside for a new life in Madrid. But their new home becomes a house of horrors in this hit supernatural thriller based on actual paranormal events. Starring Begoña Vargas, Iván Marcos, Bea Segura, Sergio Castellanos, José Luis de Madariaga, Iván Renedo, Javier Botet. Directed by Alberto Pintó. A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ)

 

MAY THE DEVIL TAKE YOU TOO — October 29

Timo Tjahjanto has made a name for himself as one of the world’s most exciting horror directors, with standout segments in anthology films The ABCs of Death and V/H/S/ 2, and features like supernatural thrill ride May the Devil Take You and action extravaganza The Night Comes for Us. Now Tjahjanto returns with a sequel to his unforgettable 2018 hit. Two years after escaping from demonic terror, a young woman is still haunted by unnatural visions. The dangers that await her and her friends grow as a figure of darkness rises, threatening to take their lives. Starring Chelsea Islan, Widika Sidmore, Baskara Mahendra and Hadijah Shahab. Directed by Timo Tjahjanto. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)

 

SHUDDER’S HALLOWEEN HOTLINE

 

EVERY FRIDAY IN OCTOBER FROM 3-4PM ET

For the second year, Shudder’s head curator, Samuel Zimmerman, will be offering callers live, personalized picks for what to watch every Friday in October. Movie lovers from around the world are invited to call Sam (via a new number to be announced) Fridays from 3-4pm ET, share their mood or taste, and from that information, Sam will use his horror knowledge to select films from Shudder’s vast library for them. (Read a recap of last year’s hotline recommendations.)

 

We can’t promise every call will be answered, but Sam will get to as many as he can during each hour. While the recommendations are provided for free, please note that normal phone and long-distance charges may apply.

 

NEW COLLECTIONS FOR OCTOBER

 

“THE PRICE OF FRIGHT”  — OCTOBER 1

Terror, thy name is Price! In film history, few actors have been as closely associated with horror as Vincent Price, and for good reason. Price presented a unique brand of intelligence and refinement underscored with a delight in the macabre and a touch of madness. This Halloween, we are thrilled (and chilled) to present five classic films starring “the Merchant of Menace.”

 

Featuring three of Price’s acclaimed Edgar Allan Poe films directed by Roger Corman—The Fall of the House of Usher, The Masque of the Red Death and The Tomb of Ligeia—along with Theater of Blood (co-starring Diana Rigg) and The Monster Club (premiering Oct. 5) with John Carradine and Donald Pleasence. (Oct. 1 titles also available on Shudder Canada)

 

ALL NEW TITLES FOR OCTOBER

 

October 1

“THE PRICE OF FRIGHT” (see above for details)

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (Director: Roger Corman)

THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (Director: Roger Corman)

THE TOMB OF LIGEIA (Director: Roger Corman)

THEATER OF BLOOD (Director: Douglas Hickox)

(Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

FROM BEYOND (Director: Stuart Gordon)

The Resonator, a powerful machine that can control the sixth sense, has killed its creator and sent his associate into an insane asylum. But when a psychiatrist becomes determined to continue the experiment, she unwittingly opens the door to a hostile parallel universe. Starring Barbara Crampton, Carolyn Purdee-Gordon, Jeffrey Combs, Ken Foree, Ted Sorel (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

THE GHOUL LOG (see above for details) 

 

HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES (Director: Rob Zombie)

This gore fest follows two young couples on their quest to find the truth about a mythical character known only as "Dr. Satan." Set in rural Texas in the 1970s, the group gets more than they bargained for when they find themselves stranded in an all-too-realistic house of horrors. The introduction to Zombie's now-cult Firefly clan, the director's debut remains a vicious funhouse imbued with the savage quality of 70s terror. Starring Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon, Karen Black, Rainn Wilson (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

SCARE ME (see above for details) 

 

October 5

THE DEEPER YOU DIG (Directors: Toby Poser, John Adams)

14-year old Echo and her mother Ivy, a tarot card reader, live a quiet life in a rural area. When reclusive Kurt moves down the road to restore an abandoned farmhouse, an accident leads to Echo’s murder, and suddenly three lives collide in mysterious and wicked ways.  Starring John Adams, Toby Poser, Zelda Adams 

 

THE MONSTER CLUB (Director: Roy Ward Baker) — Part of “The Price of Fright” Collection

A vampire invites a horror writer to a very exclusive gathering to share tales of the macabre, each adapted from stories by R. Chetwynd-Hayes. Starring Vincent Price, John Carradine, Donald Pleasence, Barbara Kellerman

 

WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (Director: Chris LaMartina)

In 1987, a TV news team tried to contact spirits in a haunted house. But something went wrong. Three decades later, the recording of this spooky special has finally surfaced and viewers can now see what really went on that fateful night - complete with commercials! Think Grindhouse meets Paranormal Activity and you’ll know what to expect from this hilarious parody of found footage horror. Starring Paul Fahrenkopf, Aaron Henkin, Nicolette le Faye (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)

 

October 8

THE CLEANSING HOUR (see above for details) 

 

October 12

MOHAWK (Director: Ted Geoghegan)

After a member of her tribe sets an American soldiers’ camp ablaze, a young female Mohawk finds herself pursued by a ruthless band of renegades bent on revenge. Fleeing deep into the woods, Mohawk youths Oak and Calvin confront the bloodthirsty Colonel Holt and his soldiers. As the Americans seem to close in from all sides, the trio must summon every resource, both real and supernatural, as the brutal attack escalates. Starring Kaniehtiio Horn, Ezra Buzzington, Eamon Farren  (Also available on Shudder ANZ)

 

October 15

THE MORTUARY COLLECTION (see above for details) 

 

October 19

SLEEP TIGHT (Director: Jaume Balagueró)

A deranged doorman becomes obsessed with making a woman's life pure and utter hell. Acclaimed director Jaume Balagueró (the REC series) serves up an unnerving tale of obsession and torment that delivers nonstop thrills right up to its shocking conclusion. Starring Luis Tosar, Marta Etura, Alberto San Juan (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

THEM (ILS) (Director: David Moreau)

A group of hooded strangers stalk a couple in this French horror film par excellance. Critically acclaimed upon its release, Them—along with films like High Tension, Inside, and Martyrs—hooked the rest of the world on gruesome Gallic gore-fests. Starring Olivia Bonamy, Michael Cohen, Adriana Mocca

 

October 22

32 MALASANA STREET (see above for details) 

 

October 23

JOE BOB’S HALLOWEEN HIDEAWAY (see above for details) 

 

October 26

THE CREEPSHOW HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (see above for details) 

 

October 29

MAY THE DEVIL TAKE YOU TOO (see above for details) 

 

###

 

ABOUT SHUDDER:

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. To experience Shudder commitment-free for 7 days, visit ​www.shudder.com​.

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Shudder Has Surpassed 1 Million Subscribers!

DRIVEN BY ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING, AMC NETWORKS’ SHUDDER SURPASSES ONE MILLION SUBSCRIBERS

September 22, 2020 — New York, NY — AMC Networks’ SHUDDER, the premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today it has surpassed a major milestone and is now streaming to more than one million members. The streaming service saw a surge in usage and new memberships that began with the debut of its original series Creepshow last September, and has continued throughout 2020 with its second hit original series, Cursed Films, and a lineup of acclaimed original films that includes The Room, Z, The Beach House and Host, among others.

 

“The addition of original series and movies turbocharged our growth and turned Shudder into a must-have service for anyone interested in great horror, thriller or supernatural entertainment,” said Miguel Penella, AMC Networks SVOD President. “Our relentless focus on quality programming, innovative content and finding the best up-and-coming creators has enabled Shudder to break out in the crowded world of subscription services. Shudder’s success comes as our other targeted SVOD services—Acorn TV, Sundance Now and UMC—continue their strong subscriber growth momentum by super-serving passionate fans with the content they love the most.”

 

Shudder has frequently been recognized as one of the best targeted streaming services due to its quality collection of exclusives, originals and genre classics, and its unparalleled selection of independent horror films from around the world. According to Rotten Tomatoes, 3 of the top 4 horror films released in 2020 are Shudder films, including the #1 movie of the year, the Zoom-based quarantine horror film Host, which was written and shot in just 12 weeks during quarantine. 

 

Shudder’s first original scripted series, Creepshow, broke all of the streamer’s viewership records when it debuted in 2019, and finished as the top-reviewed new horror series across all networks and streamers that year. Creepshow is currently in production on season 2. Meanwhile, Shudder’s hosted movie show The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs continued to be a social media phenomenon, with new episodes typically trending #1 on Twitter on the night they debut.

 

Shudder’s growth has also been fueled by a string of successful launches on new platforms and in new territories. In August, Shudder debuted in Australia and New Zealand, further expanding its international reach which includes the U.S., Canada, Germany, the UK, and Ireland. In the U.S., Shudder has recently launched on Roku Channels, Charter/Spectrum, DISH and Sling.

 

Shudder is widely available through its own apps on web, mobile, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Xbox, as well as through Apple TV Channels in the US and Amazon Prime Video in the US, Canada and UK.

 

Shudder is the second of AMC Networks’ suite of SVOD services to surpass the one million subscriber milestone, following Acorn TV which reached that mark last September. Together, AMC Networks’ SVOD services are expected to reach between 3.5-4 million subscribers by year-end 2020.

 

###

 

ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.

 

ABOUT AMC NETWORKS

Known for its groundbreaking and celebrated original content, AMC Networks is the company behind the award-winning brands AMC, BBC AMERICA, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films. Its diverse line-up of popular and critically-acclaimed series and independent films include Killing Eve, Better Call Saul and The Walking Dead, which has been the #1 show on ad-supported cable television for ten consecutive years, as well as Portlandia, Brockmire, Love After Lockup, and the films Boyhood, Death of Stalin, and many more. Its original series Mad Men and Breaking Bad are widely recognized as being among the most influential and acclaimed shows in the history of TV. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its production business; AMC Networks International, its international programming business; the subscription streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now, Acorn TV and UMC; and Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business. For more information, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com.

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Jillian Janson Receives NightMoves Nomination For Best Female Performer

The hardcore hottie is in the running for her 5th trophy from the annual awards show.

(HOLLYWOOD, CA) Popular adult actress Jillian Janson (https://twitter.com/XOJillianJanson) lands a 2020 NightMoves Award nomination for Best Female Performer. The celebrated seductress is a definite contender to take home an award at the 28th annual NightMoves event. Jillian's already impressive filmography has seen fiery new entries over the past year, as she's shown her sex skills in recent releases from Evil Angel, Tushy, and Brazzers. NightMoves have recognized the brunette beauty as a nominee in the Best Female Performer category of the fan-voted event.

 

"I am honored to be nominated for a NightMoves award," said Jillian. "The show and experience hold a special place in my heart! I encourage my fans and friends to vote!"

 

Online voting for the 28th Annual NightMoves has begun and continues through Thursday, October 15th. Fans can show their support for Jillian and cast their vote on the official NightMoves website: https://nightmovesonline.com/vote-now/. The winners will be announced on Sunday, November 8th, 2020.

 

Should Jillian win the Best Female Performer award, this would be the second time she won the title and her fifth overall trophy. In 2015 Jillian won her first NightMoves Award, which was the Best Female Performer category. In 2017 she took home the Best Body title and in 2019, Best Feature Dancer. Also, in 2019, Jillian was honored with the NightMoves Hall of Fame trophy.

 

Everyone looking to show Jillian their appreciation for her performances can do so by heading to the NightMoves website and vote for her as Best Female Performer!

 

For more Jillian Janson, please visit the Jillian Janson network:
https://jillianjansonxxx.com/
https://www.TheRealJillianJanson.com
https://www.JillianJansonEntertainment.com
https://www.Twitter.com/xoJillianJanson
https://www.instagram.com/jillianjansonxx/
https://www.sextpanther.com/Jillian-Janson
https://www.DreamLover.com/JillianJanson
https://www.onlyfans.com/xojillianjanson
Amazon Wishlist: https://amzn.to/1malZ6s

 

Jillian Janson is represented by Matrix Models
www.matrixmodels.com
john@matrixmodels.com
310-795-5006

 

To book Jillian Janson for a feature dance appearance, please visit:
www.TheLeeNetwork.com

 

To interview Jillian Janson for your website and/or publication;
Please contact Star Factory PR:
(818) 732-0191
Info@StarFactoryPR.com

 

A Press Release by
Star Factory PR
StarFactoryPR.com
@StarFactoryPR
###

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The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1986

I thought that 1985 was an amazing year for the genre, but 1986 might actually beat it. The amount of legit classic movies contained in '86 is fucking staggering. While it is an absolutely and possibly definitive year for sci-fi/ horror (half the movies here fall under some type of film in this sub-genre), in particular, other styles and sub-genres of horror were also well represented. Plus, practical FX reach an all time high with much of the work I picked here, especially in terms of the top two movies.

Honorable Mentions:
Chopping Mall
Combat Shock 
Critters
Witchboard
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 

10. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives- Fast paced and with a sense of humor, this is easily the best of the Friday sequels. The character of Tommy Jarvis (Thom Matthews), the hotness of Jennifer Cooke and other babes, and great music by Alice Cooper add to the fun. Plus, the beginning is one of the best starts to any slasher flick. 

9. Psycho III- While, most tend to prefer the second film, when it comes to the sequels, I prefer this one. It's a fun little flick, with some good kills, and great acting, especially from Anthony Perkins (who also does a fine job directing this flick) and Jeff Fahey. 

8. The Hitcher- A violent, exciting, and intense mix of action, horror, and thriller, this flick is an intense, good time. It also features an excellently chilling performance by the late, great Rutger Hauer as the psychotic killer. It earns itself extra points by having one of the most brutal and memorable kills of the 80's without showing anything.  

7. Blue Velvet- David Lynch's haunting and disturbing genre bender, mixing elements of drama, neo-noir, and psychological horror, is one of the most unforgettable movies of the 80s. Its tale of evil and corruption lurking within small-town America became one of Lynch's favorite subjects, in particular with Twin Peaks. The acting is phenomenal, especially from a chilling and menacing Dennis Hopper as psychopath Frank Booth. This is one that will stay with you with well after the movie is done. 

6. From Beyond- Stuart Gordon's gruesome and excellently made sci-fi/ horror movies is his second best film. It has great acting from its cast and the amazing FX are jaw-dropping in quality (especially when you realize that is a low budget flick). Said FX help to deliver some excellent and gruesome gore. While, the beautiful Barbara Crampton provides some amazing eye candy, especially in a S&M outfit, that she famously wears.

5. Night of the Creeps- Fred (The Monster Squad) Dekker's cult classic has everything you could ever want from a genre flick. These being: horror homages (including naming characters after horror and sci-fi directors), aliens, killer slugs, quotable quotes, zombies, action, Tom Atkins (in what might be his best and most badass role), and nudity, including that of gorgeous, lead actress (a true horror rarity!) Jill Whitlow . It is a movie close to my heart, and one I can heavily relate to. And, it only gets better with age!

4. Class of Nuke 'Em High- To me, this sci-fi/ horror/ comedy splatterfest is Troma's best flick. Lloyd Kaufman's funny, wild, and fast paced classic is filled with all the things that make this kind of movie great: gore, slime, monsters, punks, nudity, and babes (my personal favorite being Theo Cohen playing bad punk hottie Muffey) galore. It's also uproariously funny with the kind of wonderfully unPC humor that only Troma can provide us with.

3. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer- John McNaughton's masterpiece is one of the most chilling, disturbing, and horrifically realistic serial killer movies ever made, as well as one of the finest movies in the entire genre. It's elevated to the stratosphere, thanks to the great acting from the three leads, especially Michael Rooker as the title character (inspired by real life serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, of course). The hard to watch home invasion scene will haunt you forever. 

2. The Fly- To me, this is David Cronenberg's best film, which is honestly saying a lot, as well as being my favorite remake. This near perfect masterpiece has flawless acting (especially from Jeff Goldblum), a great script, expert directing (I mean it is fucking Cronenberg, after all!), and some of the greatest practical FX you will ever see. Said FX are stomach churning, yet the movie is also profound, moving, intelligent, fully enthralling, and, at times, nightmarish. Beyond its graphic gore, the movie achieves many other great moments, like Seth Brundle's (Goldblum) talk about "insect politics". Scenes like this rank among the finest of any horror or sci-fi movie. As a matter of fact, as great as the original is, this film is even better!

1. Aliens- This master classic from James Cameron is the rarest of the rare. For not only is it a superior sequel, but it is also a perfect movie. No movie in the history of cinema does a better job of mixing action, sci-fi, and horror. It's practical FX are some of the greatest ever, including what might be the greatest monster in all of horror (and beyond!): the Alien Queen. The score by James Horner is one of my all time favorites. Then, there is the excellent acting from the awesome cast, and the great character that they bring to life. Most especially amazing is Sigourney Weaver as Ripley, the greatest heroine/ final girl in ALL of horror cinema. The film is exciting, adrenaline pumping, scary, yet filled with heart and soul, it is fucking everything, and then some. I could go on and on, but you can read a further dive into my love for it here. 

Is 1986 the best year in the 80's (and beyond possibly) for horror? I think it is. Let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments section below. Also, let me know your picks for the best of this year. And, check out my picks for the preceding years in the links below:

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1980

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1981

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1982

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1983

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1984

The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1985

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