Horror Gossip: 06.18.2009

Updates:
So I am a little late getting this column in. I’ve had a fever and I was waiting on an interview with Emily Haack who is the star of Scrap Book. We pushed the interview back so you can see it on the next column. This column may not be as awesome as my past columns but I do have a lot of news on sequels and remakes. I have sent in a lot of reviews as well. You can check them out; Black Christmas (original-and I did a great job), Night of the Demons II, Night of the Demons III, Mulberry Street, Deaths of Ian Stone, Penny Dreadful, and more. I am still in the middle of writing Stephen King’s IT and you expect to see reviews on Tooth and Nail, Ice From the Sun, Borderland, and Lake Dead. If anyone has any special requests let me know. I heard that we have filled the last spot for the all girl podcast. I have no idea when we are going to start but I am excited. Did you guys like the new layout for the site? I hope my column isn’t hard to find and confusing
now. Well if it is then you’re retarded. I like the changes. Onto all the gossip…

Most Anticipated:
Grace: I am wanting to see the film GRACE more and more now. A couple of days ago I filled you in on how another victim fainted during the screening. Now I have to see what is so disgusting..or scary? What is this film doing that is so detrimental to susceptible beings? Back in January it was reported that two theater attendees had fainted at a Sundance Film Festival screening of Paul Solet’s Grace, a report that created instant attention amongst horror fans. Then we find out a fan claimed to have had a similar incident at the screening at USC in California. Read what he had to say, and what director Paul Solet responded with when Bloody Disgusting had a chat with them:

Like I said, I didn’t see the whole thing. This is because I, horror film aficionado and splatterpunk enthusiast, was defeated by “Grace.” I got up to get some air because the movie was getting to me, and wound up passing out in the bathroom and escaping home with a couple of broken fingers and a busted chin.

Coincidence? Do you think his blood sugar was low? Or was he really terrified of the film? I received a free poster for GRACE but I cannot put it up because my boyfriend thinks it’s too scary. Guess I will be giving away another fantastic horror movie poster. *sigh*

Strip Club Slasher: Titties and gore are a good combination. Who can lie about that? I mean, who is going to sit there and be angry at the fact that there are titties in a horror movie? You pretty much expect and demand to see titties…at least I do and everyone I know does. There is no fun seeing a virgin die….none. We have seen it all and if you’re going to be mundane you better have titties flopping around. I swear I am straight as an arrow but everyone likes titties. I informed you all of the fun-ness that is Burlesque Massacre but did you hear about Strip Club Slasher? Sadly, we still have to wait for this SLASHER to get filmed, but hopefully it happens real soon. Filmmaker, Jason Stephenson, is looking to assemble this piece (of ass) for our viewing pleasure. His wonderful cast includes Joe Knetter, Elske McCain (below), Scarlet Salem, Rachel Grubb, Leah Avery, Corrine Manning, and Linday Starr. The story goes a little something like this…

A seedy, small town strip joint takes a down and dirty donkey punch
to the back of the head when one of the girls is brutally murdered. Fearing that the killer may be targeting the local talent, the authorities shut the place down while they investigate the crime. Sad and scared, the other girls decide to spend the weekend together to reflect on the loss of their friend and to keep each other safe. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll ensue before everything comes to a scream-filled halt when a madman starts picking them off in a brutal display of blood drenched depravity!

White Out: Oooh sh*t. I am so excited about this film. For one I heart Kate Beckinsale. She is a great actress with a fine ass. In case you guys haven’t heard of the film the synopsis goes a little something like this….

A U.S. marshal (Kate Beckinsale), the only one assigned to Antarctica, must investigate a murder there within three days before the arctic winter begins. She crosses paths with a U.N. operative (Gabriel Macht), also investigating the murder.She must chases down suspects and finds more murders. Early in the story, Steko is attacked by the killer and left for dead in a storm. She saves herself but loses two fingers due to severe cold-related injuries.

It’s based on the comic and well everyone knows I like comics. Tom Skerritt will also be there. He was the bomb in Top Gun. Columbus Short has made a comment like, “Whiteout it alot more boring than 30 Days of Night, i don’t wanna talk about it.” Well I guess we will have to see for ourselves. I say..highly anticipated folks.

Least Anticipated:

DVD NEWS:
Got some fresh news from Code Red. Code Red has been releasing some of my favorite forgotten cult films. I try to keep in contact with them and receive as much information as possible. Some dates for release have been changed it appears. TRAPPED will now come out on 8/4, and THE WEEKEND MURDERS will be released on 8/11. CHOKE CANYON has been postponed due to poor pre-book, and NIGHT OF THE DRIBBLER has been pushed back to later this year, as has POWER PLAY. Also added to the list are STUNT ROCK (coming September 1st) and THE STRANGENESS (coming August 25th) So look forward to that kiddies. Other news with Code Red is about Comedy troupes helping out Exploitation Cinema! Comedy troupe CINEMA HEAD CHEESE, led by 42nd STREET FOREVER creator Jeff Dolniak and comedians Kevin Moyer and David Hayes, recorded a comedic commentary for 3 of the EXPLOITATION CINEMA titles from Navarre. You can hear them destroy DON’T GO IN THE WOODS on the double bill DVD with THE FOREST, as well as see them make mockery out of TEENAGE MOTHER on the TEENAGE GRAFFITI double bill. They are also on the upcoming SUPERARGO disc.

Did you know that CURTAINS was out on DVD? For two years I’ve been ranting about how this should be on DVD and it has been released in the UK???? I just found this out today and thought to myself *mother f*cker* Why didn’t anyone tell me? Here I am sounding like a moron going “Oh it should be on dvd” Thanks dudes. If you aren’t familiar with the film, do check out my review for it in the reviews section. It’s a scary little piece with hag masks and dolls and a beautiful scene of the actress from Happy Birthday To Me getting killed while skating on ice. Any who so the film IS out on DVD in the UK and you can actually get it off amazon. Here is link

Did I ever mention that I adore Women in Prison movies? I love Chained Heat. When I met Linda Blair I desperately wanted to speak to her about the film but seeing how she was so busy I couldn’t :( Any who some awesome dvd news on women in prison movies. 
Three of the Most Shocking, Violent and Sexy Women-In-Prison Films You’ve Never Seen – only from Retro Shock-O-Rama Cinema!

THE HOT BOX (1972)
Four hot American nurses are kidnapped by guerrillas and forced to join the cause. As the junta strikes back, the ladies are caught in a deadly crossfire. A classic American WIP produced by Jonathan Demme (Caged Heat) and drive-in legend Roger Corman and starring the seductive Laurie Rose. The revolution never looked so sexy!

WOMEN IN CELL BLOCK 7 (1977)
A Mafioso’s daughter goes undercover in a woman’s prison to clear her father’s name. Stripped of all human dignity, the inmates submit to terrible tortures and sell their souls for a few hours of lesbian lust. A legendary Italian WIP featuring the super-sexy Anita Strindberg (The Eroticist) and the lovely Jenny Tamburi (Frankenstein: Italian Style).

ESCAPE FROM HELL (1980)
The explosive tale of nubile women forced to work as slave labor in the jungles of Brazil. Beaten and tortured by their heartless captors, they endure every humiliation imaginable. Only the snake-infested jungle offers a glimmer of hope for survival. A super hardedge WIP by the legendary Edward Müller and starring transsexual bombshell Ajita Wilson.

Sequels Shmequels. Remakes Shmemakes:
Donnie Darko 3?
There have been a few rumors lately about Richard Kelly (director) returning to do a third Donnie Darko film. Actually, maybe we should just call this part two instead — I like to pretend S. Darko doesn’t exist. Anyway, Kelly was quoted earlier in the week stating that he has a new “Darko” project in the works. Now, was he referring to a second sequel, or an original film under his Darko production banner? Who knows, really. It’s too soon to tell, until we hear a more definitive word from the man himself. Another sequel to Darko? Shirley you can’t be serious? I am serious…and don’t call me Shirley.

Batman 3 Director Open:
A trusted industry source tells Batman-On-Film.com that Nolan, helmer of “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”, might not be returning for the foreseeable third film in the bank-busting series. And considering Nolan has been taking his time in agreeing to a third film (though some say the “Interception” agreement enclosed a promise from the filmmaker that he’d also give them a third “Batman”), that’s probably easier to believe than we’d like it to be.

It’s understandable the guy probably feels he’ll never top “The Dark Knight” – because most of us feel the same way. It can’t… won’t… be topped. There has to be a reason, besides cabbage, for the guy to come back. Even Christian Bale feels the same way. He’s not a sure thing either. Obviously the talent, and the WB have different reasons for doing another – though I don’t doubt they’d like to make a good film, Benjamin’s are their first priority – and if I was a betting man, I’d say lay some chips down on the studio putting this into production before Nolan and Bale are ready to go.

Ledger’s death rocked Nolan so much that he reportedly decided then-and-there that “Dark Knight” would be his last Batman movie. And also, says the site, Warner wants to have The Joker back in the third film (as Moviehole told you last year) – and Nolan, understandably, isn’t keen on that. And who can f*ckin’ blame him!?

Scribe David Goyer told me a couple of years ago that the plan was – remember, Heath Ledger was still alive at the time – to have The Joker AND Harvey Dent appear in both ‘’The Dark Knight” AND the film that followed it. I think it goes without saying that the plans to carry the characters over to a second film were abandoned when Ledger passed away. And from what I’ve heard, with the passing of Ledger, he treatment for the third film has all but been tossed out.

Friday the 13th Sequel Remake:
What is the f*cking point these new film makers are trying to make? I am so f*cking tired of this. I have met Derek Mears and I enjoyed his company very much but F*CK! I do not care to see the remake or the sequel remake. Pfft. There were also some statements floating around about a possible 3D addition to the sequel but it is now known that this is untrue because it will be way too expensive. Everyone’s hoping that this one will be more true to the original part two instead of a remake altogether. I think it taking place in the wintery snow months is a nice addition, how about you? Or would you like it kept in the summer?
Earlier this year, Jason Voorhees returned with a vengeance. Platinum Dunes’ reboot of the “Friday the 13th” franchise slashed its way to a $19 million opening day on Friday, February 13, on its way to a $40-plus million opening weekend.

“You can never expect that to happen,” acknowledges producer Brad Fuller. “We can’t imagine that we’ll ever have an opening like that again. We’ve love to, but that’s one for the record books.”

But records are made to be broken and Platinum Dunes is in development on a “Friday the 13th” sequel, with Damian Shannon and Mark Swift working on a script.

Speaking with a select group of reporters on the set of their upcoming remake/reboot of “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Fuller and producing partner Andrew Form sound proud of the achievement on the first “Friday the 13th” film.

“We did love the movie,” Fuller says. “It felt like the movie came out at a time where there were a lot of very down horror movies and upsetting horror movies and we had a great date, obviously and the movie, it was a party. You know, we went to theaters. We watched it. It was a party in the theaters. Audiences were screaming at it and loving it. It was one of those fun horror experiences and I think that for audience members who were looking for the same DNA as the original “Friday the 13ths,” they were very satisfied with that and for people who were looking to pick us apart, and there are a couple of those. This will come as a shock to you, but there are. They were disappointed with it. But at the end of the day, I think it’s a really fun horror movie and it’s not so gristly that it becomes fetishishy and eliminates a good portion of the audience.”

Classic Remakes:
Not sure what the world has come to. I am so upset I could cry but I keep repeating, “It’s only a movie.” Frankenstein has been done and done again. We all know Del Dorro is working on another remake for it but did you hear about the remake for Bride of Frankenstein? I can’t see that being as bad as another addition to Frankenstein but we will have to see. The companies are in talks with Neil Burger to write and direct their long-stirring remake of the 1935 monster movie. Burger, who would pen the script with writing partner Dirk Wittenborn, most prominently wrote and helmed “The Illusionist,” the Edward Norton magician mystery that earned nearly $40 million for Yari Film Group in 2006.

Universal is eager to develop reboots of its library of classic monster titles, insiders in the development community said. It is developing a new version of “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” the 1954 Jack Arnold pic about a monstrous fish that a group of travelers encounters in the Amazon, and later this year it will release the Benicio Del Toro-toplined “The Wolf Man,” an update on George Waggner’s 1941 werewolf tale.

“Frankenstein” has been remade numerous times — Mary Shelley’s book sits in the public domain — but “Bride” has had only one other go-round on the big screen: a 1985 version at Columbia starring Sting and Jennifer Beals. In 1999, Bill Condon’s “Gods and Monsters,” a biopic of Whale, did show clips from the film and re-created the bride herself. Now a man known for illusions is going to try to do the same.

We talked about the remake for Creature of the Black Lagoon on my previous column. If you missed it then stop being lazy and read it you fag. I am moving onto another remake…well it’s a remake of a remake of a remake really. That’s Little Shop of Horrors. The man who’s going to be directing this remake is Declan O’Brien, the guy behind such works as the upcoming Wrong Turn 3 (there was a Wrong Turn 2?!) and a few TV sci-fi movies called Cyclops, Monster Ark and Rock Monster. I’ve known this for quite some time now but hadn’t mentioned it in previous columns. Here is what O’brien has to say..

“I just optioned the remake rights… We’re going to set that up as a studio feature… After I did this movie for Roger [Corman] called Cyclops he was so happy he said, ‘This is the best movie that’s come through my doors in 20 years, so here’s my catalogue, pick something else.’” “I have a take on it you’re not going to expect. I’m taking it in a different direction, let’s put it that way.”

Ghostbusters III: The film is not set to be released in 2012. Dan Aykroyd has said hopefully the film will begin shooting in Winter *fingers crossed* And Sigourney Weaver has confirmed that she will be adding onto the cast. Everyone is returning to this film. Bill Murray, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, and Harold Ramis. Just wanted to remind you guys of this awesome news.

The Hunger Sequel: F*ck me….is what I said when I found this out a couple of days ago. That’s right folks. There is going to be a sequel. I love this movie. I looooove Catherine Deneuve (did I spell that right?), David Bowie, and Susan Surrandon. I love vampires. I love the plot. But it wouldn’t be America without f*cking up all the best films out there now would it? After having a chat with ComingSoon.net, it appears as though Scott is working on a sequel to THE HUNGER–and not a remake. I’m completely shocked. But why don’t we hear what Scott had to say: I’m not going to tell you how we’re doing it, but I’m controlling it and it’s gone to the next level. It’s not a reinvention or reinterpretation, it starts in New York and it ends up in Sao Paulo, so it’s a very different movie, but it springboards off the original.

Buffy World News:
Everyone knows by now that there is probably going to be a Buffy film based off the Buffy series and not a remake of the original film. Well Joss Whedon is not touching it. It’s no surprise that the Buffy fans worldwide were a little disappointed when the found out that series creator Joss Whedon was going to have nothing to do with the reboot. The producers eventually approached Whedon about the project and he told Entertainment Weekly this: “I think that’s something better left untouched by me. So, I wish them luck.” I was a tad disappointed when I found out he wouldn’t be involved. But lets face it, there’s nothing you can do with this. I said before that if Sarah Michelle Gellar is on board (which I hear she is) then I am on board. After thinking about it I just don’t know. I don’t know for sure what good can possibly come of this film. I am not too scared to admit I LOVE the movie and the series. True, it has its gay moments but come on…it was the 1990s and I grew up with it and there are vampires involved. Can you honestly say Buffy is worse than Twilight and a lot of that other queer sh*t that came out in the 90s? Excuse me for saying queer so much, I am a Texan so it’s okay. Everything’s queer to me if it’s no good and this film just may be very queer. Guess we will wait and see. Yours truly will be updating you with ALL the latest news on Buffy and still carrying on the news with the comic books with Buffy and Angel as well.

Televised Horror:
Now that Buffy and Angel are no longer I don’t watch many horror or science fiction series. I do however love the f*ck out of HBO’s True Blood. It’s by far the most violent and sexual vampire series ever to grace television. If you haven’t checked it out I suggest you do. Of course it has a romantic side but it happens to be a very brutal show. I mean, these vampires are chewing off body parts and God knows what else. It is very brutal. Everyone is f*cking the sh*t out of each other and there is gore everywhere. The story line has you addicted too. The characters and actors are just amazing. I could go on and on about the amazingness that is True Blood but very little time and so much to talk about. Anywho last week True Blood premiered and you should watch it on HBO this Sunday. Season two is going to be one hell of a ride and I cannot wait for the next episode.

Horror Comics:
VAMPIRELLA: The Second Coming #1: Vampirella is not real. Like Marilyn Monroe and Betty Page she’s a cultural phenomenon now woven into society’s DNA, a symbol of sensuality and power. So thinks a group of women who become increasingly and inexplicably fascinated with her, getting Vampi tattoos, researching her story and seeking each other out to celebrate her. But as a virus ravages Washington, possessing any man it comes across and liberating their darkest desires, these women feel a call from something… or someone… to battle this new threat. Who is doing this to them? Is Vampirella real after all? Find out on 09.10.09: The Second Coming of Vampirella!

Written by award-winning Phil Hester (Darkness) with art by up-and comer Daniel Sampere. Features four covers celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Vampirella, by Arthur Suydam, (Marvel Zombies), Joe Jusko (Tomb Raider), Ryan Stegman (Grimm’s Fairy Tales), a never before seen cover by the legendary Jose Gonzalez. Incredible $1.99 cover price on each issue of the series! All story, no interior ads! Get the opportunity to order an Arthur Suydam Museum Edition with every 40 copies ordered!

Hack/Slash news:
For five years now, Cassie Hack and a gas mask wearing hulk of a man called Vlad have been hunting. What their hunting is human in most cases – supernatural in others, but what they’re hunting is the hunters.

Think of them as serial-killer-killers.

Hack/Slash is going on twenty-issues with more on the way, and Devil’s Due Publishing recently released a one-shot entitled Hack/Slash: Entry Wound designed as an “entry point” issue for new readers. It’s become the flagship title for the Chicago-based DDP, scratching the itch for horror while empowering the victims to fight back. Debuting in comics in 2004, its’ evocative blend of horror, humor and humanity has spawned a stage play an upcoming movie and even pushed the lead character Cassie to be a Suicide Girl.

Angel #22 preview:
Angel #22 arrived in stores on June 17 from IDW Publishing. The issue is written by Kelley Armstrong, with art by Dave Ross and covers by Gabriel Rodriguez and Nick Runge.

Here’s how IDW describes the issue: “The fallout from the Fall has left Angel beset by problems both mortal and from Above, and it all comes to a head here. Angel and the Potentates face one menace while Connor and Dez have their own problems to deal with. And what about the guy with the actual wings?” Angel #22 will be 32 pages and will cost $3.99.

Look forward to the next column. It’s going to be even better.