Does the Academy hate horror? "Hate" is probably a strong word, but it's not unfair to say the Academy has at least an aversion to the genre. With the notable exception of Jonathan Demme's "The Silence of the Lambs," which swept the Oscars and won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, the Oscars tend to overlook or ignore horror movies altogether. For (recent) example: many people thought Toni Collette should've at least nabbed a nomination for her incredible work in Ari Aster's "Hereditary," but that didn't happen.
Stephen King knows a thing or two about horror movies, especially since most of his books have been adapted to the screen. When it comes to King's movie adaptations, only one has achieved Oscar glory: "Misery," which earned Kathy Bates a Best Actress Oscar. But if King had his way, another one of his movies would've been recognized by the Academy,...
Stephen King knows a thing or two about horror movies, especially since most of his books have been adapted to the screen. When it comes to King's movie adaptations, only one has achieved Oscar glory: "Misery," which earned Kathy Bates a Best Actress Oscar. But if King had his way, another one of his movies would've been recognized by the Academy,...
- 5/19/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
There’s something wonderfully nerve-rattling about a “survive the night” horror scenario, whether it’s a handful of strangers trying to fend off crazed zombies in “Night of the Living Dead” or a group of sarcastic Gen Z friends suspecting each other of murder in “Bodies Bodies Bodies.”
Here are some of our favorite entries in this subgenre, where the weapons are improvised, the stakes are life and death and there’s no guarantee anyone will get out alive.
We did not include movies that take place over a few days (like “Battle Royale”) or movies that aren’t streaming right now, like “Ready or Not.”
Night of the Living Dead (1968) Continental Distributing
George Romero’s low-budget chiller, in which the dead come back to life and prey on the living, still packs a wallop more than 50 years later. Ben (Duane Jones) takes charge as shellshocked people shelter inside an isolated farmhouse…...
Here are some of our favorite entries in this subgenre, where the weapons are improvised, the stakes are life and death and there’s no guarantee anyone will get out alive.
We did not include movies that take place over a few days (like “Battle Royale”) or movies that aren’t streaming right now, like “Ready or Not.”
Night of the Living Dead (1968) Continental Distributing
George Romero’s low-budget chiller, in which the dead come back to life and prey on the living, still packs a wallop more than 50 years later. Ben (Duane Jones) takes charge as shellshocked people shelter inside an isolated farmhouse…...
- 10/30/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Traditionally the best horror films have been rated R to provide fans with the appropriate blood, guts and chills required to give a proper scare, but every so often one comes along that the MPAA doesn’t think warrants such a harsh rating yet still gives that blood curdling, spine tingling spook fest you would want from a horror movie of any rating. With the massive success of Five Night’s at Freddy’s, we wanted to know what PG13 rated Horror film has been your favorite. If you don’t see your favorite listed, click other and let us know in the comments what it is (and why)
What is your favorite PG13 rated Horror/ Scary Movie?The Mothman Prophecies (2002)Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992)Troll 2 (1990)The Grudge (2004)Warm Bodies (2013)Insidious (2010)Happy Death Day (2017)World War Z (2013)The Visit (2015)Little Shop of Horrors (1986)Poltergeist (1982)Signs (2002)Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark...
What is your favorite PG13 rated Horror/ Scary Movie?The Mothman Prophecies (2002)Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992)Troll 2 (1990)The Grudge (2004)Warm Bodies (2013)Insidious (2010)Happy Death Day (2017)World War Z (2013)The Visit (2015)Little Shop of Horrors (1986)Poltergeist (1982)Signs (2002)Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark...
- 10/29/2023
- by Brad Hamerly
- JoBlo.com
For the majority of the film industry’s existence, movie ratings were more of a vague suggestion rather than a strict guideline. Before films like Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom and Gremlins sparked a parental guidance revolution in the mid 80s, the difference between G and PG could often be something as extreme as gory decapitations or even explicit sex scenes.
And while it’s commonly accepted that the advent of the PG-13 rating resulted in studios attempting to pander to the lowest common denominator (with producers insisting that their box office revenue not be handicapped by an R rating while also not wanting to be associated with “kid” movies), I’d argue that limitations aren’t always a bad thing.
And with Blumhouse’s upcoming Five Nights at Freddy’s adaptation reminding audiences that you don’t really need traditional blood and guts to be scary, we...
And while it’s commonly accepted that the advent of the PG-13 rating resulted in studios attempting to pander to the lowest common denominator (with producers insisting that their box office revenue not be handicapped by an R rating while also not wanting to be associated with “kid” movies), I’d argue that limitations aren’t always a bad thing.
And with Blumhouse’s upcoming Five Nights at Freddy’s adaptation reminding audiences that you don’t really need traditional blood and guts to be scary, we...
- 9/5/2023
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
Stephen King knows a thing or two about haunted hotels. His "The Shining" is the granddaddy of haunted hotel tales, and he even returned to the Overlook Hotel with the sequel "Doctor Sleep." And then there's "1408," King's short story about one mean room. King originally wrote part of the story as part of his non-fiction work "On Writing." It was merely meant to illustrate how a story changes from draft to draft. But the story turned out to be pretty darn good, and a fully formed "1408" became part of an audiobook collection before ending up in King's short story anthology "Everything's Eventual."
Since this is a Stephen King story we're talking about, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling. Writers Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski took King's story and expanded it to feature length, keeping the basic outline of what King had...
Since this is a Stephen King story we're talking about, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling. Writers Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski took King's story and expanded it to feature length, keeping the basic outline of what King had...
- 8/6/2023
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
“American Crime Story” writer/producer Scott Alexander remembers the WGA strikes of 1988 and 2007 and told TheWrap that this time there’s “a sense of righteousness” as writers and actors hold out for issues like higher residuals from streaming.
“There’s a positive attitude this time and a sense of righteousness. And a sense that there’s something bigger happening here in society that wasn’t there in the previous strikes,”Alexander told TheWrap on Monday while picketing at CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
“There’s a sense of just completely not being able to back down on this one. And it’s very clear-cut. In ’88, it wasn’t really clear what we were striking for… This time, everyone knows what they’re fighting for. They’re fighting [to end] s—ty practices and streaming, and mini-rooms, and short orders and non-existent residuals,” he added.
Alexander, who also penned features “The People vs. Larry Flynt,...
“There’s a positive attitude this time and a sense of righteousness. And a sense that there’s something bigger happening here in society that wasn’t there in the previous strikes,”Alexander told TheWrap on Monday while picketing at CBS Television City in Los Angeles.
“There’s a sense of just completely not being able to back down on this one. And it’s very clear-cut. In ’88, it wasn’t really clear what we were striking for… This time, everyone knows what they’re fighting for. They’re fighting [to end] s—ty practices and streaming, and mini-rooms, and short orders and non-existent residuals,” he added.
Alexander, who also penned features “The People vs. Larry Flynt,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
When Ester Expósito walked the red carpet in Cannes two years ago, she swore she’d be back.
“I was here for a brand, to show off some jewelry,” says the actress, who became a fashion trendsetter and online influencer — with 28 million followers on Instagram — after her turn as the cold, manipulative Carla Rosón Caleruega in Netflix’s Spanish teen drama hit Elite. “But when I was up there on those steps, I thought: ‘I’m going to come back soon, not with a brand with a movie.”
As good as her word, Expósito has returned to the Croisette this year as one of the stars of Lost in the Night, the new crime drama from Mexican director Amat Escalante, which premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and is being sold worldwide by The Match Factory.
Escalante seems a long way from the soapy prep school world of Elite. The Mexican helmer,...
“I was here for a brand, to show off some jewelry,” says the actress, who became a fashion trendsetter and online influencer — with 28 million followers on Instagram — after her turn as the cold, manipulative Carla Rosón Caleruega in Netflix’s Spanish teen drama hit Elite. “But when I was up there on those steps, I thought: ‘I’m going to come back soon, not with a brand with a movie.”
As good as her word, Expósito has returned to the Croisette this year as one of the stars of Lost in the Night, the new crime drama from Mexican director Amat Escalante, which premiered in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard and is being sold worldwide by The Match Factory.
Escalante seems a long way from the soapy prep school world of Elite. The Mexican helmer,...
- 5/21/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Viaplay Content Distribution has closed the first raft of deals for its ambitious action drama film “Stockholm Bloodbath” directed by Mikael Håfström.
Ahead of Viaplay’s official streaming premiere in 2024, “Stockholm Bloodbath” will be distributed in the Nordics by Scanbox Entertainment. It will roll out in Denmark on Jan. 18th and in Sweden and Norway on Jan. 19. Splendid Film, meanwhile, has acquired all rights for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland.
“Stockholm Bloodbath” is part of Viaplay Content Distribution’s roster which will be unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival to international buyers. The company will present new and exclusive material from the film.
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital. The film follows Anne (Sophie Cookson) and her foster sister Freja (Alba August) as they seek revenge on the men who...
Ahead of Viaplay’s official streaming premiere in 2024, “Stockholm Bloodbath” will be distributed in the Nordics by Scanbox Entertainment. It will roll out in Denmark on Jan. 18th and in Sweden and Norway on Jan. 19. Splendid Film, meanwhile, has acquired all rights for Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland.
“Stockholm Bloodbath” is part of Viaplay Content Distribution’s roster which will be unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival to international buyers. The company will present new and exclusive material from the film.
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital. The film follows Anne (Sophie Cookson) and her foster sister Freja (Alba August) as they seek revenge on the men who...
- 5/11/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
New York City offers a specific arsenal of chaos, innovation, and a sense of "anything goes" when it comes to horror. The jump-scare possibilities lurking around corners are endless in the city that never sleeps. However, most films that boast being based in New York are often filmed elsewhere. This is for a myriad of reasons, but some primary ones are cost and space.
"Scream 6," the latest installment in the franchise, had audiences excited to see the action taken out of Woodsboro and Hollywood, and into the bolder and more brazen streets of the big apple, promising the kind of kills you can only get in New York City, baby! However, to clear any confusion, a specific scene in the latest Ghostface franchise hits you directly with the McGill University campus in Montréal, Canada. When I saw the film this week, I nearly shrieked at the panning shots of...
"Scream 6," the latest installment in the franchise, had audiences excited to see the action taken out of Woodsboro and Hollywood, and into the bolder and more brazen streets of the big apple, promising the kind of kills you can only get in New York City, baby! However, to clear any confusion, a specific scene in the latest Ghostface franchise hits you directly with the McGill University campus in Montréal, Canada. When I saw the film this week, I nearly shrieked at the panning shots of...
- 3/11/2023
- by Rebecca Potters
- Slash Film
Lorne Balfe, the Grammy Award winning score composer of “Dark Knight,” “Mission: Impossible” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” has joined the top notch key crew of “Stockholm Bloodbath,” Mikael Håfström’s epic adventure movie produced by Viaplay Studios.
Balfe, whose prestigious credits also include “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” “His Dark Materials” and “Genius,” is creating the score for “Stockholm Bloodbath” in collaboration with Steffen Thum, an up-and-coming German composer.
The female-led epic adventure movie, which marks Viaplay’s second English-language film original following “Hilma,” lensed in Prague and Budapest, and wrapped shooting two weeks ago. The prominent cast includes Sophie Cookson (“Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), Claes Bang, Emily Beecham (“Cruella”) and Alba August (“Becoming Astrid”). Adam Pålsson (“Young Wallander”), Matias Varela (“Assassin’s Creed”), Ulrich Thomsen (“The Blacklist”) and Jakob Oftebro (“Black Crab”) complete the cast.
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous...
Balfe, whose prestigious credits also include “Mission: Impossible – Fallout,” “His Dark Materials” and “Genius,” is creating the score for “Stockholm Bloodbath” in collaboration with Steffen Thum, an up-and-coming German composer.
The female-led epic adventure movie, which marks Viaplay’s second English-language film original following “Hilma,” lensed in Prague and Budapest, and wrapped shooting two weeks ago. The prominent cast includes Sophie Cookson (“Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), Claes Bang, Emily Beecham (“Cruella”) and Alba August (“Becoming Astrid”). Adam Pålsson (“Young Wallander”), Matias Varela (“Assassin’s Creed”), Ulrich Thomsen (“The Blacklist”) and Jakob Oftebro (“Black Crab”) complete the cast.
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous...
- 2/3/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: John Cusack has signed with APA for representation after less than half a year with Gersh.
The signing of the iconic actor, writer and producer continues the agency’s momentum under the leadership of President Jim Osborne and Head of Global Talent Andrew Rogers, who came to APA from ICM Partners after the latter’s acquisition by CAA. APA has, in the last month alone, signed such notable talents as William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Donnie Yen and Grown-ish star Trevor Jackson. Big signings in the second half of 2022 included Regina Hall, Ken Jeong, Nathalie Emmanuel, Marc Maron, Michael Rainey Jr., Russell Hornsby and Michael Cera.
Cusack is a Golden Globe, WGA and BAFTA Award nominee who over the course of around four decades, has worked with a who’s who of directors including Rob Reiner, Spike Lee, Cameron Crowe, James Mangold, Lee Daniels, Clint Eastwood, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen,...
The signing of the iconic actor, writer and producer continues the agency’s momentum under the leadership of President Jim Osborne and Head of Global Talent Andrew Rogers, who came to APA from ICM Partners after the latter’s acquisition by CAA. APA has, in the last month alone, signed such notable talents as William H. Macy, Maria Bello, Donnie Yen and Grown-ish star Trevor Jackson. Big signings in the second half of 2022 included Regina Hall, Ken Jeong, Nathalie Emmanuel, Marc Maron, Michael Rainey Jr., Russell Hornsby and Michael Cera.
Cusack is a Golden Globe, WGA and BAFTA Award nominee who over the course of around four decades, has worked with a who’s who of directors including Rob Reiner, Spike Lee, Cameron Crowe, James Mangold, Lee Daniels, Clint Eastwood, Spike Jonze, Woody Allen,...
- 1/30/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Viaplay has assembled a top notch international cast for “Stockholm Bloodbath,” Mikael Håfström’s female-led epic adventure movie. The ambitious movie marks Viaplay’s second English-language film original, following Oscar-nominated helmer Lasse Hallström’s biopic “Hilma.”
“Stockholm Bloodbath” will star Sophie Cookson (“Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), Claes Bang, Emily Beecham (“Cruella”), Alba August (“Becoming Astrid”), Adam Pålsson (“Young Wallander”), Matias Varela (“Assassin’s Creed”), Ulrich Thomsen (“The Blacklist”), Jakob Oftebro (“Kon-Tiki”).
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital.
The film follows Anne (Sophie Cookson) and her foster sister Freja (Alba August) as they seek revenge on the men who murdered their family at Anne’s wedding. Their quest leads them to Stockholm, where they are drawn into a ruthless political struggle between Sweden and Denmark that culminates in a mass execution, presided...
“Stockholm Bloodbath” will star Sophie Cookson (“Kingsman: The Golden Circle”), Claes Bang, Emily Beecham (“Cruella”), Alba August (“Becoming Astrid”), Adam Pålsson (“Young Wallander”), Matias Varela (“Assassin’s Creed”), Ulrich Thomsen (“The Blacklist”), Jakob Oftebro (“Kon-Tiki”).
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital.
The film follows Anne (Sophie Cookson) and her foster sister Freja (Alba August) as they seek revenge on the men who murdered their family at Anne’s wedding. Their quest leads them to Stockholm, where they are drawn into a ruthless political struggle between Sweden and Denmark that culminates in a mass execution, presided...
- 11/21/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jeremy Steckler is exiting his post as President of Film Production at Imperative Entertainment to focus on producing under his newly launched shingle Enhanced Hammer. In addition to leading his production company, he will act as a consultant to Imperative Entertainment on select projects. Steckler arrived at Imperative in July 2019.
“My happiest experiences over the years both as a producer and a studio executive involved working with storytellers that are operating on the highest levels making memorable, impactful work. I hope to continue to support talent that I both believe in and admire. My production company, Enhanced Hammer, is a nod to a term in the art world that connotates a work of art that is of such high quality that that it can command a premium situation. I hope to do the same in entertainment,” Steckler told Deadline.
The producer’s new shingle will continue to develop projects...
“My happiest experiences over the years both as a producer and a studio executive involved working with storytellers that are operating on the highest levels making memorable, impactful work. I hope to continue to support talent that I both believe in and admire. My production company, Enhanced Hammer, is a nod to a term in the art world that connotates a work of art that is of such high quality that that it can command a premium situation. I hope to do the same in entertainment,” Steckler told Deadline.
The producer’s new shingle will continue to develop projects...
- 9/20/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Busy times for The Losers’ Club. Earlier this month, the gang delivered not one, but two book episodes on Stephen King‘s 2002 collection Everything’s Eventual. Last week, they checked into the Dolphin Hotel to meet up with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson in 2007’s 1408. Now, they’re rounding out their coverage by revisiting TNT’s […]
The post Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King Is a Time Capsule of Cheap TV [The Losers’ Club Podcast] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
The post Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King Is a Time Capsule of Cheap TV [The Losers’ Club Podcast] appeared first on Bloody Disgusting!.
- 7/29/2022
- by Michael Roffman
- bloody-disgusting.com
Stephen King is no stranger to adaptations. His doorstopper works like "The Shining" and brisker short stories like "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" have inspired some of the most popular films of the 21st century. You could spend hours, days, maybe even weeks watching nothing but Stephen King adaptations and not get bored. Well, you might get bored, but that's on you. Still, it's easy for his less popular adaptations, the movies that aren't "The Green Mile" or "Carrie" or "It," to get lost in the shuffle. And yet, there's something special about "1408," which feels like a "Twilight Zone" episode with a luxurious runtime that...
The post The Alternate Ending of 1408 Couldn't Be More Different appeared first on /Film.
The post The Alternate Ending of 1408 Couldn't Be More Different appeared first on /Film.
- 5/6/2022
- by Kaylee Dugan
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Bluestone Entertainment, the U.S. production firm led by former New Line, Artisan and TWC Dimension production exec Richard Saperstein, is teaming up with Hungarian investment outfit Széchenyi Funds on a ten-picture financing deal over five years.
Under the deal, films will span all genres, with budgets ranging from 10-20M. Principal photography will take place primarily in Budapest, Hungary.
The first film under the partnership is the previously announced psychological sci-fi thriller Slingshot, directed by Mikael Håfström, starring Oscar-winner Casey Affleck and Tony and Emmy Award-winner Laurence Fishburne.
WME Independent is handling world sales and will give the project a market debut at Cannes this month, where the company will unveil the first footage.
Slingshot is about an astronaut struggling to maintain his grip on reality aboard a possibly fatally compromised mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan. The film also features Cannes Best Actress Award-winner Emily Beecham, Tomer Capone,...
Under the deal, films will span all genres, with budgets ranging from 10-20M. Principal photography will take place primarily in Budapest, Hungary.
The first film under the partnership is the previously announced psychological sci-fi thriller Slingshot, directed by Mikael Håfström, starring Oscar-winner Casey Affleck and Tony and Emmy Award-winner Laurence Fishburne.
WME Independent is handling world sales and will give the project a market debut at Cannes this month, where the company will unveil the first footage.
Slingshot is about an astronaut struggling to maintain his grip on reality aboard a possibly fatally compromised mission to Saturn’s moon, Titan. The film also features Cannes Best Actress Award-winner Emily Beecham, Tomer Capone,...
- 5/5/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
There might be a few people who would gladly point out that The Dolphin from the movie 1408 and the Hotel Cortez from American Horror Story: Hotel are on opposite sides of the country and couldn’t share much in common apart from the idea that they’re ghost stories set in hotels, but it’s fun to take a deeper look anyway. While The Dolphin is located in New York City, NY, and the Cortez is located in Los Angeles, CA, the fact is that they’re both haunted, but it would appear that the Cortez is a far livelier place than the
Comparing 1408 to American Horror Story: Hotel...
Comparing 1408 to American Horror Story: Hotel...
- 4/12/2022
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
Nordic streamer Viaplay is partnering with filmmaker Mikael Håfström to produce the ambitious period film “Stockholm Bloodbath.” The female-led epic adventure movie will mark the service’s second English-language film original, following Oscar-nominated helmer Lasse Hallström’s biopic “Hilma,” which will premiere later this year.
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital. The story is told through the eyes of Anne and her foster sister Freja as they seek revenge on the men who murdered their family at Anne’s wedding. Their quest leads them to Stockholm, where they are drawn into a ruthless political power struggle between Sweden and Denmark that culminates in a mass execution known to history as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
“It was a game changer in Sweden, and the country has been at Norway and Denmark, there...
Set in 1520, “Stockholm Bloodbath” explores a dark chapter in Sweden’s history, which saw the infamous massacre of nearly 100 nobles and civilians in the Swedish capital. The story is told through the eyes of Anne and her foster sister Freja as they seek revenge on the men who murdered their family at Anne’s wedding. Their quest leads them to Stockholm, where they are drawn into a ruthless political power struggle between Sweden and Denmark that culminates in a mass execution known to history as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
“It was a game changer in Sweden, and the country has been at Norway and Denmark, there...
- 2/10/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Walter Mirisch is best remembered today as the producer of studio prestige releases like In the Heat of the Night, The Apartment, and the original West Side Story, but before he became one of Hollywood’s most reliable sources of “A” pictures he toiled away in the “B” trenches of Poverty Row company Monogram. He kept the studio in the black with his Bomba the Jungle Boy series, but before establishing that franchise he produced a pair of noir movies based on material by Cornell Woolrich, the suspense writer who would hit paydirt with Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Mirisch’s first solo Monogram […]
The post I Wouldn’t Be In Your Shoes!, The Gift and 1408: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post I Wouldn’t Be In Your Shoes!, The Gift and 1408: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/4/2022
- by Jim Hemphill
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Walter Mirisch is best remembered today as the producer of studio prestige releases like In the Heat of the Night, The Apartment, and the original West Side Story, but before he became one of Hollywood’s most reliable sources of “A” pictures he toiled away in the “B” trenches of Poverty Row company Monogram. He kept the studio in the black with his Bomba the Jungle Boy series, but before establishing that franchise he produced a pair of noir movies based on material by Cornell Woolrich, the suspense writer who would hit paydirt with Hitchcock’s Rear Window. Mirisch’s first solo Monogram […]
The post I Wouldn’t Be In Your Shoes!, The Gift and 1408: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post I Wouldn’t Be In Your Shoes!, The Gift and 1408: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 2/4/2022
- by Jim Hemphill
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
“Outside the Wire” opens with a full-on action scene. Robot soldiers fight alongside human ones — or maybe against them. It’s hard to tell. Bullets fly. Tough guys in helmets crouch behind concrete barriers. Two men are hit, and their commanding officer makes plans to pull them to safety, while half a world away, in the middle of the Nevada desert, a hot shot named Harp (“Snowfall” star Damson Idris) eats gummy bears and takes control of the situation. Disobeying a direct order, he launches a drone strike, killing two and saving the other 38. In the next scene, he is court-martialed and sent to the demilitarized zone for a taste of combat.
So begins the latest Netflix action movie, which I wager will be seen by more eyeballs than took in “Tenet” on the big screen last year. They will watch because it stars Anthony Mackie as a android super-trooper,...
So begins the latest Netflix action movie, which I wager will be seen by more eyeballs than took in “Tenet” on the big screen last year. They will watch because it stars Anthony Mackie as a android super-trooper,...
- 1/13/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Almost since he became a best-selling author, Stephen King has seen his work adapted for the movies and television.
Just two years after his first novel, 1974’s Carrie, was published, a film version directed by Brian De Palma was a massive hit, earning Oscar nominations for stars Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. The floodgates opened after that, with a TV miniseries based on his second novel, ‘Salem’s Lot (1979), Stanley Kubrick’s high-profile film of The Shining (1980), Creepshow (1982), Cujo (1983), The Dead Zone (1983), Christine (1983), Children of the Corn (1984), Firestarter (1984), Silver Bullet (1985), and many more coming quickly during the next few years.
King adaptations continued well into the late 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, although the quality began to trail off and many were either quickie cash-ins, direct-to-video clunkers or both. There were high points, of course: Pet Sematary (1989), Misery (1990), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), the TV miniseries of The Stand (1994), Dolores Claiborne (1995), 1408 (2007), and The Mist (2007) are all standouts.
Just two years after his first novel, 1974’s Carrie, was published, a film version directed by Brian De Palma was a massive hit, earning Oscar nominations for stars Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. The floodgates opened after that, with a TV miniseries based on his second novel, ‘Salem’s Lot (1979), Stanley Kubrick’s high-profile film of The Shining (1980), Creepshow (1982), Cujo (1983), The Dead Zone (1983), Christine (1983), Children of the Corn (1984), Firestarter (1984), Silver Bullet (1985), and many more coming quickly during the next few years.
King adaptations continued well into the late 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, although the quality began to trail off and many were either quickie cash-ins, direct-to-video clunkers or both. There were high points, of course: Pet Sematary (1989), Misery (1990), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), the TV miniseries of The Stand (1994), Dolores Claiborne (1995), 1408 (2007), and The Mist (2007) are all standouts.
- 11/7/2020
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
You can’t go anywhere these days without bumping into a Stephen King adaptation, as the prolific author’s work is constantly mined for new movies and TV shows, a trend that’s been going on for over 40 years at this point. The results have been about as inconsistent as you’d expect, bringing us classics like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile along with disasters such as The Dark Tower and Dreamcatcher, but 1408 remains one of the most severely underrated.
The psychological thriller is a good old-fashioned two hander starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, with the plot following an author who specializes in debunking the supernatural. After checking into a hotel and failing to heed the warnings of the manager, a stay in a supposedly haunted room leads to a series of bizarre and unexplainable events.
Both Cusack and Jackson deliver solid performances, and 1408 scored generally...
The psychological thriller is a good old-fashioned two hander starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, with the plot following an author who specializes in debunking the supernatural. After checking into a hotel and failing to heed the warnings of the manager, a stay in a supposedly haunted room leads to a series of bizarre and unexplainable events.
Both Cusack and Jackson deliver solid performances, and 1408 scored generally...
- 10/1/2020
- by Scott Campbell
- We Got This Covered
Mikael Hafstrom’s adaptation of Stephen King’s short story 1408 with John Cusack is a fun and freaky flick. And today, Cusack revealed he’s up for a sequel. Cusack tells Collider: “I haven’t really done sequels as much. I did a couple of loose sequels, where I felt like I had something else to say with […]...
- 9/30/2020
- by Mike Sprague
- DreadCentral.com
*Updated on 10/18 with new listings.* It’s that time of year again, dear readers! Halloween season is finally upon us and to get you ready for all the seasonal scares, Daily Dead has once again put together our Annual Halloween Viewing Guide, which gives you a rundown of everything—from movies to specials and more—headed to the small screen over the next few weeks.
And as we’ve done in past years, we’ll be updating this list every Friday to add new programming as they’re revealed by the various channels, so be sure to check back each week to see what kind of horror and sci-fi will be headed to network and cable TV through the weekend after Halloween.
**All listings are in Est.**
**Updated Listings Are In Bold.**
Thursday, October 31st
1:00am – Scream 4 (Paramount)
1:00am – The Walking Dead (1936) (Turner Classic Movies)
1:15am...
And as we’ve done in past years, we’ll be updating this list every Friday to add new programming as they’re revealed by the various channels, so be sure to check back each week to see what kind of horror and sci-fi will be headed to network and cable TV through the weekend after Halloween.
**All listings are in Est.**
**Updated Listings Are In Bold.**
Thursday, October 31st
1:00am – Scream 4 (Paramount)
1:00am – The Walking Dead (1936) (Turner Classic Movies)
1:15am...
- 10/31/2019
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Joshua Winning Oct 30, 2019
Stephen King has never been hotter at the multiplex. These terrifying scenes are some of his most memorable big screen scares…
Horror master Stephen King has been adapted many times with varying degrees of success, and these days it seems like movie and TV adaptations are coming almost as fast as he can write them. These movies have released to varying degrees of success, but the very best ones have managed to captivate and/or scare us as well as a good King story.
Right on time for the King movie renaissance, we're taking a look at the scariest King movie moments. This isn't a list of the best adaptations as a whole, though (but you can find that here), which would, of course, include titles like Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption. Instead, this list focuses purely on the scariest bits in King's big screen repertoir.
Stephen King has never been hotter at the multiplex. These terrifying scenes are some of his most memorable big screen scares…
Horror master Stephen King has been adapted many times with varying degrees of success, and these days it seems like movie and TV adaptations are coming almost as fast as he can write them. These movies have released to varying degrees of success, but the very best ones have managed to captivate and/or scare us as well as a good King story.
Right on time for the King movie renaissance, we're taking a look at the scariest King movie moments. This isn't a list of the best adaptations as a whole, though (but you can find that here), which would, of course, include titles like Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption. Instead, this list focuses purely on the scariest bits in King's big screen repertoir.
- 10/30/2019
- Den of Geek
“Snowfall” star Damson Idris is set to star alongside Anthony Mackie in Netflix’s futuristic sci-fi thriller “Outside the Wire” as the second lead, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Emily Beecham (“Little Joe” and “Daphne”) is also joining the cast. She most recently earned the Best Actress Award at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival for her role in “Little Joe.”
Mikael Håfström, who directed “Escape Plan” and “1408,” will direct the film that 42 and Automatik are producing. Brian Kavanaugh-Jones is producing for Automatik, while Ben Pugh and Erica Steinberg are producing for 42, Jason Spire is producing for Inspire Entertainment. Mackie will also serve as a producer, and Rob Yescombe and Rowan Athale wrote the script.
Also Read: Anthony Mackie to Star in Futuristic Action Thriller 'Outside the Wire' at Netflix
“Outside the Wire” is set in the future and follows a drone pilot who...
Emily Beecham (“Little Joe” and “Daphne”) is also joining the cast. She most recently earned the Best Actress Award at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival for her role in “Little Joe.”
Mikael Håfström, who directed “Escape Plan” and “1408,” will direct the film that 42 and Automatik are producing. Brian Kavanaugh-Jones is producing for Automatik, while Ben Pugh and Erica Steinberg are producing for 42, Jason Spire is producing for Inspire Entertainment. Mackie will also serve as a producer, and Rob Yescombe and Rowan Athale wrote the script.
Also Read: Anthony Mackie to Star in Futuristic Action Thriller 'Outside the Wire' at Netflix
“Outside the Wire” is set in the future and follows a drone pilot who...
- 7/17/2019
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Oh if this was an article about the book-bound or TV villains that have come along thanks to Stephen King the list would continue to expand since the master of horror has unveiled a great many villains in his time and a plethora of nightmares that would send even the strongest-willed individual running to their nearest shrink for a sleeping aid. But when talking about movie monsters King still has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, though I will be refraining from movies such as Pet Semetary, the Dark Tower, and even The Mist and 1408 since not despite
Ranking The Top Five Monsters in Stephen King Movies...
Ranking The Top Five Monsters in Stephen King Movies...
- 7/14/2019
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
Anthony Mackie has landed another role post “Avengers: Endgame,” as the Falcon actor is set to star in the futuristic, action sci-fi “Outside the Wire” for Netflix, it was announced on Friday.
Mikael Håfström, who directed “Escape Plan” and “1408,” will direct the film that 42 and Automatik are producing. Brian Kavanaugh-Jones is producing for Automatik, while Ben Pugh and Erica Steinberg are producing for 42, Jason Spire is producing for Inspire Entertainment. Mackie will also serve as a producer.
“Outside the Wire” is set in the future and follows a drone pilot who is sent into a deadly militarized zone, where he finds himself working for an android officer tasked to locate a doomsday device before the insurgents do.
Also Read: 'Black Mirror' Season 5: Anthony Mackie Has a Wandering Eye in Teaser for 'Striking Vipers' Episode (Video)
Rob Yescombe and Rowan Athale wrote the script, and principal photography...
Mikael Håfström, who directed “Escape Plan” and “1408,” will direct the film that 42 and Automatik are producing. Brian Kavanaugh-Jones is producing for Automatik, while Ben Pugh and Erica Steinberg are producing for 42, Jason Spire is producing for Inspire Entertainment. Mackie will also serve as a producer.
“Outside the Wire” is set in the future and follows a drone pilot who is sent into a deadly militarized zone, where he finds himself working for an android officer tasked to locate a doomsday device before the insurgents do.
Also Read: 'Black Mirror' Season 5: Anthony Mackie Has a Wandering Eye in Teaser for 'Striking Vipers' Episode (Video)
Rob Yescombe and Rowan Athale wrote the script, and principal photography...
- 6/7/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Possession Diaries
Stars: Katherine Munroe , Delilah Cotto, Noel Gugliemi, James Russo, Johnny Ortiz, Eileen Dietz, Monica Engesser | Written by Juan Frausto, Rich Wealthy | Directed by Juan Frausto
Name: The Possession Diaries
2019
Appearance: Set in a single room, a woman named Rebecca (played by a rather intense Katherine Munroe) keeps a video diary of her possession by a demon after playing with an ouija board. Cue lots of spooky shenanigans.
Possession Diaries. A full confession of a possession.
What? The whole film takes place in a single room?
Yes. Other than a couple of phone call scenes, pretty much all the action in Possession Diaries happens in one room with Rebecca staring at her webcam telling us and her followers all about her slow, very slow, possession.
What possessed them to do such a thing?
Well done. There are plenty of horror films set in a single location, such as Xavier Gens...
Stars: Katherine Munroe , Delilah Cotto, Noel Gugliemi, James Russo, Johnny Ortiz, Eileen Dietz, Monica Engesser | Written by Juan Frausto, Rich Wealthy | Directed by Juan Frausto
Name: The Possession Diaries
2019
Appearance: Set in a single room, a woman named Rebecca (played by a rather intense Katherine Munroe) keeps a video diary of her possession by a demon after playing with an ouija board. Cue lots of spooky shenanigans.
Possession Diaries. A full confession of a possession.
What? The whole film takes place in a single room?
Yes. Other than a couple of phone call scenes, pretty much all the action in Possession Diaries happens in one room with Rebecca staring at her webcam telling us and her followers all about her slow, very slow, possession.
What possessed them to do such a thing?
Well done. There are plenty of horror films set in a single location, such as Xavier Gens...
- 6/3/2019
- by Aaron Shakespeare
- Nerdly
Nick Morgulis Apr 5, 2019
Producer Mark Vahradian drills down into the making of Pet Sematary
This article contains spoilers for Pet Sematary.
Mark Vahradian has been a producer or executive producer on the Transformers franchise, as well as movies like Deepwater Horizon, Salt, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and more. He’s also produced horror films such as 1408 and The Devil Inside, but now he wades into Stephen King territory as a producer on the new adaptation of the author’s classic 1983 novel Pet Sematary.
Like producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura and screenwriter Jeff Buhler, Vahradian felt the gravity of adapting one of King’s darkest and best-known novels, especially since there was already a film version in 1989 that has been generally held in solid regard.
But this grim tale of an innocent family torn asunder by unexpected death, grief and a hidden, ancient burial ground suffused with a malevolent power was...
Producer Mark Vahradian drills down into the making of Pet Sematary
This article contains spoilers for Pet Sematary.
Mark Vahradian has been a producer or executive producer on the Transformers franchise, as well as movies like Deepwater Horizon, Salt, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and more. He’s also produced horror films such as 1408 and The Devil Inside, but now he wades into Stephen King territory as a producer on the new adaptation of the author’s classic 1983 novel Pet Sematary.
Like producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura and screenwriter Jeff Buhler, Vahradian felt the gravity of adapting one of King’s darkest and best-known novels, especially since there was already a film version in 1989 that has been generally held in solid regard.
But this grim tale of an innocent family torn asunder by unexpected death, grief and a hidden, ancient burial ground suffused with a malevolent power was...
- 4/5/2019
- Den of Geek
Nick Morgulis Apr 3, 2019
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura explains the new twist at the heart of Pet Sematary.
This Pet Sematary article contains spoilers.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura has some experience with the canon of horror icon Stephen King: in 2007 he produced the sleeper hit 1408, a genuinely unnerving tale about a haunted hotel room that was based on a King short story. But 1408 was a relatively obscure yarn. Taking on Pet Sematary, the near-legendary 1983 novel that the author once said he was too horrified to publish, is a whole other coffin full of worms.
For one thing, there’s the book itself, which King fans revere as one of his greatest, and which -- with its imagery of the eerie, misspelled titular setting -- has found its way into the imagination of the public at large. And then there’s the first movie made from the material, a 1989 film directed by Mary Lambert,...
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura explains the new twist at the heart of Pet Sematary.
This Pet Sematary article contains spoilers.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura has some experience with the canon of horror icon Stephen King: in 2007 he produced the sleeper hit 1408, a genuinely unnerving tale about a haunted hotel room that was based on a King short story. But 1408 was a relatively obscure yarn. Taking on Pet Sematary, the near-legendary 1983 novel that the author once said he was too horrified to publish, is a whole other coffin full of worms.
For one thing, there’s the book itself, which King fans revere as one of his greatest, and which -- with its imagery of the eerie, misspelled titular setting -- has found its way into the imagination of the public at large. And then there’s the first movie made from the material, a 1989 film directed by Mary Lambert,...
- 4/3/2019
- Den of Geek
Children, cats and all kinds of terrifying corpses rise from the grave in the latest trailer for “Pet Sematary,” based on Stephen King’s bestselling 1983 horror novel.
“Pet Sematary” follows Dr. Louis Creed (Jason Clarke) and his family who move next to a pet cemetery in the Maine countryside, only to discover that the cemetery brings back anyone or anything buried on its grounds in a malicious, decrepit state.
“They come back but they don’t come back the same,” kookie neighbor, Jud Crandall (John Lithgow), warns Louis and his wife Rachel (Amy Seimetz).
Also Read: Stephen King's Appeal Prompts Local Paper to Save Freelance Book Reviews
When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to the ancient burial ground for help and “unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.”
Cue a flood of walking corpses, kids in creepy cat masks and Church, the undead feline that still haunts many of us from our childhood.
“Pet Sematary” follows Dr. Louis Creed (Jason Clarke) and his family who move next to a pet cemetery in the Maine countryside, only to discover that the cemetery brings back anyone or anything buried on its grounds in a malicious, decrepit state.
“They come back but they don’t come back the same,” kookie neighbor, Jud Crandall (John Lithgow), warns Louis and his wife Rachel (Amy Seimetz).
Also Read: Stephen King's Appeal Prompts Local Paper to Save Freelance Book Reviews
When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to the ancient burial ground for help and “unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.”
Cue a flood of walking corpses, kids in creepy cat masks and Church, the undead feline that still haunts many of us from our childhood.
- 2/7/2019
- by Debbie Emery
- The Wrap
Welcome to Hill House.
If you've been itching for a chilling, fresh, atmospheric horror series, then this is the place you want to be. There is something sinister living within the walls of the hundred-year-old compound, and the Crain families destiny will forever be defined by the time spent calling that castle home.
The Haunting of Hill House Season 1 Episode 1 and The Haunting of Hill House Season 1 Episode 2 both dive right into the then and the now of the Crains and the supernatural occurrences that plagued them and continue to shape their identities.
The first few episodes of any series are crafted to set the scene for what's to come. A chance to introduce central characters, the plot and the overarching themes. Here, we meet a seemingly close-knit family, led by straight-laced Hugh and vibrant Olivia, who struggle both in the past and present with their experiences about this house.
If you've been itching for a chilling, fresh, atmospheric horror series, then this is the place you want to be. There is something sinister living within the walls of the hundred-year-old compound, and the Crain families destiny will forever be defined by the time spent calling that castle home.
The Haunting of Hill House Season 1 Episode 1 and The Haunting of Hill House Season 1 Episode 2 both dive right into the then and the now of the Crains and the supernatural occurrences that plagued them and continue to shape their identities.
The first few episodes of any series are crafted to set the scene for what's to come. A chance to introduce central characters, the plot and the overarching themes. Here, we meet a seemingly close-knit family, led by straight-laced Hugh and vibrant Olivia, who struggle both in the past and present with their experiences about this house.
- 10/14/2018
- by Whitney Evans
- TVfanatic
The first trailer for “Pet Sematary” is just as creepy as you’d expect with kids in animal masks parading through an overgrown wood to the sound of a toy drum.
Based on one of Stephen King’s hit novels, “Pet Sematary” follows a doctor and his family who move next to a pet cemetery in the countryside, only to discover that the cemetery brings back anyone or anything buried on its grounds in a malicious, decrepit state.
Despite this, the doctor attempts to use it to resurrect his son after he’s killed in a car accident, to horrifying results.
As John Lithgow says in the trailer’s voiceover, “Sometimes dead is better.”
Also Read: Stephen King Calls Out Susan Collins, His State's Senator, on Day of Kavanaugh Vote
Lithgow stars with Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, Jeté Laurence, 3-year-old twins Hugo and Lucas Lavoie. Jeff Buhler wrote the screenplay for the film,...
Based on one of Stephen King’s hit novels, “Pet Sematary” follows a doctor and his family who move next to a pet cemetery in the countryside, only to discover that the cemetery brings back anyone or anything buried on its grounds in a malicious, decrepit state.
Despite this, the doctor attempts to use it to resurrect his son after he’s killed in a car accident, to horrifying results.
As John Lithgow says in the trailer’s voiceover, “Sometimes dead is better.”
Also Read: Stephen King Calls Out Susan Collins, His State's Senator, on Day of Kavanaugh Vote
Lithgow stars with Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, Jeté Laurence, 3-year-old twins Hugo and Lucas Lavoie. Jeff Buhler wrote the screenplay for the film,...
- 10/10/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Hopefully you circle anticipated release dates in pencil on your calendar, because Godzilla: King of the Monsters and the new Pet Sematary movie now have new release dates.
According to Exhibitor Relations, Godzilla: King of the Monsters (the sequel to 2014's Godzilla) is now slated for a May 31st, 2019 release from Warner Bros., bumping it back slightly from its previous March 22nd, 2019 debut date.
Boxoffice and Bloody Disgusting, meanwhile, reveal that the new Pet Sematary film, will now be released by Paramount Pictures on April 5th, 2019, bumping it up two weeks from its original April 19th, 2019 date.
Read on for additional details on both movies, and stay tuned to Daily Dead for further updates!
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (from the press release): "The film... is being directed by Michael Dougherty (“Krampus”), and stars Oscar nominees Vera Farmiga, and Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai”) and Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine...
According to Exhibitor Relations, Godzilla: King of the Monsters (the sequel to 2014's Godzilla) is now slated for a May 31st, 2019 release from Warner Bros., bumping it back slightly from its previous March 22nd, 2019 debut date.
Boxoffice and Bloody Disgusting, meanwhile, reveal that the new Pet Sematary film, will now be released by Paramount Pictures on April 5th, 2019, bumping it up two weeks from its original April 19th, 2019 date.
Read on for additional details on both movies, and stay tuned to Daily Dead for further updates!
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (from the press release): "The film... is being directed by Michael Dougherty (“Krampus”), and stars Oscar nominees Vera Farmiga, and Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai”) and Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine...
- 5/23/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Readers first learned that "sometimes dead is better" when Stephen King's Pet Sematary was published in 1983, and they'll soon learn that morbid lesson again with Paramount Pictures' upcoming reimagining of the heart-wrenching horror novel, which has now added another actor to its ranks.
EW reports that John Lithgow will play the role of Jud Crandall in the new film adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. Played by Fred Gwynne (The Munsters) in Mary Lambert's 1989 movie adaptation, Jud is a central character in the chilling story of Pet Sematary.
As fans of the book and previous movie know, Jud is the elderly next-door neighbor of Louis Creed and his family, who have just moved into their home in a somewhat secluded region of Maine. Jud is the one who introduces Louis to the ancient burial ground nearby where pets have been laid to rest... and come back from their freshly dug graves.
EW reports that John Lithgow will play the role of Jud Crandall in the new film adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. Played by Fred Gwynne (The Munsters) in Mary Lambert's 1989 movie adaptation, Jud is a central character in the chilling story of Pet Sematary.
As fans of the book and previous movie know, Jud is the elderly next-door neighbor of Louis Creed and his family, who have just moved into their home in a somewhat secluded region of Maine. Jud is the one who introduces Louis to the ancient burial ground nearby where pets have been laid to rest... and come back from their freshly dug graves.
- 5/4/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Readers first learned that "sometimes dead is better" when Stephen King's Pet Sematary was published in 1983, and they'll soon learn that morbid lesson again with Paramount Pictures' upcoming reimagining of the heart-wrenching horror novel, which could potentially star Jason Clarke.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Clarke is in talks to star in the lead role as a doctor and father (named Louis Creed if the movie gives the character the same name as the one in the book), who moves his family to a country home near the cursed burial grounds where pets have been laid to rest... before coming back to life with a vengeance. No other cast members have currently been announced for the new Pet Sematary movie.
Variety previously revealed that Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, the filmmakers behind 2014's Starry Eyes, have been set by Paramount to direct a new take on King's classic 1983 novel about life,...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Clarke is in talks to star in the lead role as a doctor and father (named Louis Creed if the movie gives the character the same name as the one in the book), who moves his family to a country home near the cursed burial grounds where pets have been laid to rest... before coming back to life with a vengeance. No other cast members have currently been announced for the new Pet Sematary movie.
Variety previously revealed that Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, the filmmakers behind 2014's Starry Eyes, have been set by Paramount to direct a new take on King's classic 1983 novel about life,...
- 4/16/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Jason Clarke is in talks to play the lead role in Paramount’s upcoming remake of “Pet Sematary,” individuals with knowledge of the project have told TheWrap.
Based on one of Stephen King’s hit novels, “Pet Sematary” follows a doctor and his family who move out next to a pet cemetery in the countryside, only to discover that the cemetery brings back anyone or anything buried on its grounds in a malicious, decrepit state. Despite this, the doctor attempts to use it to resurrect his son after he’s killed in a car accident, to horrifying results.
Also Read: James McAvoy, Bill Hader in Talks to Join 'It: Chapter Two'
Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who previously produced the adaptation of King’s “1408,” will produce with Mark Vahradian and Steven Schneider. The first “Pet Sematary” was released in 1989 and starred Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne and Denise Crosby. Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch will direct this version.
Clarke, whose past work includes “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” can currently be seen in theaters playing Ted Kennedy in the true-story drama “Chappaquiddick.” He will also appear in Damien Chazelle’s Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man” later this year. He is repped by Wme, Robert Stein Management and attorney Carlos Goodman.
Read original story Jason Clarke in Talks to Lead Paramount’s ‘Pet Sematary’ Remake At TheWrap...
Based on one of Stephen King’s hit novels, “Pet Sematary” follows a doctor and his family who move out next to a pet cemetery in the countryside, only to discover that the cemetery brings back anyone or anything buried on its grounds in a malicious, decrepit state. Despite this, the doctor attempts to use it to resurrect his son after he’s killed in a car accident, to horrifying results.
Also Read: James McAvoy, Bill Hader in Talks to Join 'It: Chapter Two'
Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who previously produced the adaptation of King’s “1408,” will produce with Mark Vahradian and Steven Schneider. The first “Pet Sematary” was released in 1989 and starred Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne and Denise Crosby. Dennis Widmyer and Kevin Kolsch will direct this version.
Clarke, whose past work includes “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” can currently be seen in theaters playing Ted Kennedy in the true-story drama “Chappaquiddick.” He will also appear in Damien Chazelle’s Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man” later this year. He is repped by Wme, Robert Stein Management and attorney Carlos Goodman.
Read original story Jason Clarke in Talks to Lead Paramount’s ‘Pet Sematary’ Remake At TheWrap...
- 4/16/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
John Saavedra Nov 8, 2019
From campy to gruesome to terrifying, there's an adaptation for everyone. These are the best Stephen King movies.
This Stephen King article contains major spoilers.
Stephen King, the master of horror and one of America's most important writers, has enjoyed a very successful career, thanks to his prolific pen and the many adaptations his tales have inspired, whether it be in the movies or on TV. While for many fans, King means creepy novels like It or 'Salem's Lot and sprawling epics like The Dark Tower series and The Stand, others have flocked around the stuff based on his work. And for good reason: has any other modern writer inspired as many cinematic classics? King might even be the best-adapted writer in literary history. At least it's easy for a nerd to think so.
I had a tough time coming up with this list and ranking...
From campy to gruesome to terrifying, there's an adaptation for everyone. These are the best Stephen King movies.
This Stephen King article contains major spoilers.
Stephen King, the master of horror and one of America's most important writers, has enjoyed a very successful career, thanks to his prolific pen and the many adaptations his tales have inspired, whether it be in the movies or on TV. While for many fans, King means creepy novels like It or 'Salem's Lot and sprawling epics like The Dark Tower series and The Stand, others have flocked around the stuff based on his work. And for good reason: has any other modern writer inspired as many cinematic classics? King might even be the best-adapted writer in literary history. At least it's easy for a nerd to think so.
I had a tough time coming up with this list and ranking...
- 3/10/2016
- Den of Geek
John Saavedra Sep 3, 2019
From a story about a demonic clown to a haunted hotel, these are the 10 Stephen King horror novels you can't miss!
There's no doubt that writer Stephen King is best known for the horror novels that haunt his special corner of American literature. But the extremely prolific writer has also written plenty of dark/epic fantasy, science fiction, literary, mystery, and even romance. In fact, there are plenty of examples of genre-mixing in his writing. Books like Lisey's Story (a truly fantastic read), Duma Key, The Green Mile, The Eyes of the Dragon, Bag of Bones, and The Dark Tower series are fantastic examples of what King can do with just about any genre of fiction.
It can be hard to make a distinction between King's true horror books and those that happen to have some scary moments in them. But that's why we're here. We've made...
From a story about a demonic clown to a haunted hotel, these are the 10 Stephen King horror novels you can't miss!
There's no doubt that writer Stephen King is best known for the horror novels that haunt his special corner of American literature. But the extremely prolific writer has also written plenty of dark/epic fantasy, science fiction, literary, mystery, and even romance. In fact, there are plenty of examples of genre-mixing in his writing. Books like Lisey's Story (a truly fantastic read), Duma Key, The Green Mile, The Eyes of the Dragon, Bag of Bones, and The Dark Tower series are fantastic examples of what King can do with just about any genre of fiction.
It can be hard to make a distinction between King's true horror books and those that happen to have some scary moments in them. But that's why we're here. We've made...
- 10/1/2015
- Den of Geek
John Saavedra Oct 9, 2018
From a story about a demonic clown to a haunted hotel, these are the 10 Stephen King horror novels you can't miss!
There's no doubt that writer Stephen King is best known for the horror novels that haunt his special corner of American literature. But the extremely prolific writer has also written plenty of dark/epic fantasy, science fiction, literary, mystery, and even romance. In fact, there are plenty of examples of genre-mixing in his writing. Books like Lisey's Story (a truly fantastic read), Duma Key, The Green Mile, The Eyes of the Dragon, Bag of Bones, and The Dark Tower series are fantastic examples of what King can do with just about any genre of fiction.
It can be hard to make a distinction between King's true horror books and those that happen to have some scary moments in them. But that's why we're here. We've made...
From a story about a demonic clown to a haunted hotel, these are the 10 Stephen King horror novels you can't miss!
There's no doubt that writer Stephen King is best known for the horror novels that haunt his special corner of American literature. But the extremely prolific writer has also written plenty of dark/epic fantasy, science fiction, literary, mystery, and even romance. In fact, there are plenty of examples of genre-mixing in his writing. Books like Lisey's Story (a truly fantastic read), Duma Key, The Green Mile, The Eyes of the Dragon, Bag of Bones, and The Dark Tower series are fantastic examples of what King can do with just about any genre of fiction.
It can be hard to make a distinction between King's true horror books and those that happen to have some scary moments in them. But that's why we're here. We've made...
- 10/1/2015
- Den of Geek
Weinstein Co. has set a September 16 Blu-ray date for the Stephen King adaptation 1408, which grossed over $70 million at the domestic box office. Highdefdigest reports that the initial specs are still scarce, though early details indicate a single-disc BD-50 dual-layer presentation with 1080p video and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Surround audio. No word yet on supplements or whether the Blu-ray will include the unrated extended version found on the two-disc standard DVD edition. "1408" is the tale of a debunker of paranormal occurrences (John Cusack) who encounters real terror when he checks into the notorious Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel.
- 6/28/2008
- bloody-disgusting.com
Rick Sands, who played a key role in MGM's ongoing efforts to reinvent itself, resigned Wednesday as the company's COO.
Last month, MGM chairman and CEO Harry Sloan named former Universal executive Mary Parent chairman of MGM's worldwide motion picture group, charging her with developing MGM's film slate. That move, which gave responsibilities for worldwide theatrical production, distribution, marketing and business affairs to Parent, undercut Sands' role in those areas, raising the question about his future at the company.
Joining MGM in January 2006 as Sloan set about reviving the privately held company, Sands focused on re-establishing MGM as theatrical distributor. He also had a hand in MGM moving its home entertainment business from Sony to Fox, and he developed the company's worldwide TV sales and digital-media divisions.
To quickly enter the theatrical arena, MGM offered itself out as a rent-a-studio for independent producers looking for an outlet for their product in theaters and on pay cable, where MGM has had an output deal with Showtime.
Since then, MGM has released nearly 40 films. It struck pay dirt with some titles: Rocky Balboa, in which it held a stake, became its top 2006 release, hitting $70.3 million domestically; and the horror movie 1408, from the Weinstein Co., grossed nearly $72 million in 2007.
Last month, MGM chairman and CEO Harry Sloan named former Universal executive Mary Parent chairman of MGM's worldwide motion picture group, charging her with developing MGM's film slate. That move, which gave responsibilities for worldwide theatrical production, distribution, marketing and business affairs to Parent, undercut Sands' role in those areas, raising the question about his future at the company.
Joining MGM in January 2006 as Sloan set about reviving the privately held company, Sands focused on re-establishing MGM as theatrical distributor. He also had a hand in MGM moving its home entertainment business from Sony to Fox, and he developed the company's worldwide TV sales and digital-media divisions.
To quickly enter the theatrical arena, MGM offered itself out as a rent-a-studio for independent producers looking for an outlet for their product in theaters and on pay cable, where MGM has had an output deal with Showtime.
Since then, MGM has released nearly 40 films. It struck pay dirt with some titles: Rocky Balboa, in which it held a stake, became its top 2006 release, hitting $70.3 million domestically; and the horror movie 1408, from the Weinstein Co., grossed nearly $72 million in 2007.
NEW YORK -- Francois Martin has been promoted to senior vp marketing for Dimension Films.
The former vp marketing will spearhead campaigns, oversee marketing plans and look for partnerships to sell films from the Weinstein Co. genre division's slate.
Martin will continue working with TWC executive vp marketing Gary Faber in the company's New York offices. He'll also continue media planning and promotion work on all films for TWC and the company's home video arm Genius Products. He reports directly to Bob Weinstein.
In his earlier post, Martin worked on campaigns for such films as 1408, Grindhouse and The Great Debaters. He came to TWC after a three-year stint as director of marketing and media at the Weinstein-run Miramax Films, where he worked on such films as The Aviator, Chicago and City of God.
The former vp marketing will spearhead campaigns, oversee marketing plans and look for partnerships to sell films from the Weinstein Co. genre division's slate.
Martin will continue working with TWC executive vp marketing Gary Faber in the company's New York offices. He'll also continue media planning and promotion work on all films for TWC and the company's home video arm Genius Products. He reports directly to Bob Weinstein.
In his earlier post, Martin worked on campaigns for such films as 1408, Grindhouse and The Great Debaters. He came to TWC after a three-year stint as director of marketing and media at the Weinstein-run Miramax Films, where he worked on such films as The Aviator, Chicago and City of God.
- 2/12/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Saperstein's long-expected exit as Dimension Films president of production is finally official.
In July, Dimension parent Weinstein Co. denied that Saperstein had been fired. Late Wednesday, the company issued a statement saying the exec and the company "have decided to sever their relationship."
The long goodbye suggests the parties involved needed the extra time to reach a settlement on Saperstein's existing contract.
During his tenure at Dimension, Saperstein was involved with the summer horror hits 1408 and Halloween and such upcoming films as Frank Darabont's adaptation of Stephen King's The Mist.
Saperstein declined comment on the circumstances surrounding his exit, saying only, "I'm proud of what we accomplished at Dimension during my time there, and I'm looking forward to future challenges."...
In July, Dimension parent Weinstein Co. denied that Saperstein had been fired. Late Wednesday, the company issued a statement saying the exec and the company "have decided to sever their relationship."
The long goodbye suggests the parties involved needed the extra time to reach a settlement on Saperstein's existing contract.
During his tenure at Dimension, Saperstein was involved with the summer horror hits 1408 and Halloween and such upcoming films as Frank Darabont's adaptation of Stephen King's The Mist.
Saperstein declined comment on the circumstances surrounding his exit, saying only, "I'm proud of what we accomplished at Dimension during my time there, and I'm looking forward to future challenges."...
- 9/20/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taking a page from the biblical story of Noah's ark, Universal Pictures launched its PG-rated comedy Evan Almighty during the weekend. But while the film floated atop the North American boxoffice with an estimated $32.1 million, the studio found itself battling a perception that the returns on the pricey movie were less than miraculous.
Paramount Vantage's debut of the true-life thriller A Mighty Heart also appeared to meet resistance. The political thriller, opening in 1,355 theaters, bowed to an estimated $4 million for a 10th-place showing overall.
On the other hand, MGM's release of the Weinstein Co.'s PG-13 horror show 1408 exceeded expectations, seemingly reversing the boxoffice curse that has bedeviled R-rated horror movies in recent months by checking in with a strong second-place showing and an estimated $20.2 million.
For the fourth consecutive weekend, boxoffice returns for the top 10 films were down compared with the same frame a year ago. According to Nielsen EDI, the weekend's top 10 collected $122.6 million, down 2% from last year, when Sony Pictures' comedy Click led the listings with a $40 million opening.
Given Evan's price tag -- the studio has officially pegged it at $175 million -- the movie might have set itself up for a fall. It follows in the wake of Jim Carrey's PG-13 Bruce Almighty, which opened in 2003 to a three-day take of $68 million during the Memorial Day weekend.
But Evan -- from director Tom Shadyac and screenwriter Steve Oedekerk, who both worked on the original -- was designed more as a spinoff than a direct sequel. The new movie follows Steve Carell's character -- a preening newscaster in the first film -- who has been elected to the U.S. Congress and has moved his family to Virginia, where God (again in the form of Morgan Freeman) comes calling with predictions of stormy weather. In a bid for the family audience, Evan stayed within PG territory and, with its biblical overtones, even reached out to heartland Christian audiences.
With the latest tracking studies leading into the weekend suggesting that Evan would arrive in mid-$30 million territory, the movie's $32.1 million came up short. Its ultimate fate will depend on how much of a family audience it can attract during the next few weeks.
Universal reported Sunday that families accounted for 45% of Evan's opening-weekend audience, with parents comprising 24% of the crowd and children under age 13 another 21%. Slightly more than half of the overall audience, 52%, was over 25. The film earned an A-minus rating from cinemaScore.
Paramount Vantage's debut of the true-life thriller A Mighty Heart also appeared to meet resistance. The political thriller, opening in 1,355 theaters, bowed to an estimated $4 million for a 10th-place showing overall.
On the other hand, MGM's release of the Weinstein Co.'s PG-13 horror show 1408 exceeded expectations, seemingly reversing the boxoffice curse that has bedeviled R-rated horror movies in recent months by checking in with a strong second-place showing and an estimated $20.2 million.
For the fourth consecutive weekend, boxoffice returns for the top 10 films were down compared with the same frame a year ago. According to Nielsen EDI, the weekend's top 10 collected $122.6 million, down 2% from last year, when Sony Pictures' comedy Click led the listings with a $40 million opening.
Given Evan's price tag -- the studio has officially pegged it at $175 million -- the movie might have set itself up for a fall. It follows in the wake of Jim Carrey's PG-13 Bruce Almighty, which opened in 2003 to a three-day take of $68 million during the Memorial Day weekend.
But Evan -- from director Tom Shadyac and screenwriter Steve Oedekerk, who both worked on the original -- was designed more as a spinoff than a direct sequel. The new movie follows Steve Carell's character -- a preening newscaster in the first film -- who has been elected to the U.S. Congress and has moved his family to Virginia, where God (again in the form of Morgan Freeman) comes calling with predictions of stormy weather. In a bid for the family audience, Evan stayed within PG territory and, with its biblical overtones, even reached out to heartland Christian audiences.
With the latest tracking studies leading into the weekend suggesting that Evan would arrive in mid-$30 million territory, the movie's $32.1 million came up short. Its ultimate fate will depend on how much of a family audience it can attract during the next few weeks.
Universal reported Sunday that families accounted for 45% of Evan's opening-weekend audience, with parents comprising 24% of the crowd and children under age 13 another 21%. Slightly more than half of the overall audience, 52%, was over 25. The film earned an A-minus rating from cinemaScore.
- 6/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will moviegoers flood the multiplex for the new comedy Evan Almighty, opening this weekend, or will the modern-day take on the Noah's ark tale face a boxoffice drought? That's the question confronting Hollywood as it steers toward midsummer waters.
Universal Pictures' pricey Evan -- the studio has pegged its budget at $175 million -- is destined to take the top spot from 20th Century Fox's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which opened last weekend to $58.1 million. But the question of how big the new comedy bows is a matter of some suspense.
Although the spotlight will shine on Evan, bowing in 3,602 theaters, several other titles also will get their feet wet. 1408, a high-end horror tale from the Weinstein Co. that MGM is distributing, looks as if it will trigger more excitement than the recent spate of hard-R horror outings, while Paramount Vantage's A Mighty Heart attempts to counter the summer fluff by appealing to more serious-minded moviegoers. In addition, Michael Moore's Sicko opens in one theater in New York before going wide next weekend.
Technically, Evan is a sequel to 2003's Bruce Almighty, in which Jim Carrey struck a bargain with God (the sly Morgan Freeman). That movie opened to a four-day Memorial Day weekend haul of $85.7 million; its three-day figure was $70 million.
Universal Pictures' pricey Evan -- the studio has pegged its budget at $175 million -- is destined to take the top spot from 20th Century Fox's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which opened last weekend to $58.1 million. But the question of how big the new comedy bows is a matter of some suspense.
Although the spotlight will shine on Evan, bowing in 3,602 theaters, several other titles also will get their feet wet. 1408, a high-end horror tale from the Weinstein Co. that MGM is distributing, looks as if it will trigger more excitement than the recent spate of hard-R horror outings, while Paramount Vantage's A Mighty Heart attempts to counter the summer fluff by appealing to more serious-minded moviegoers. In addition, Michael Moore's Sicko opens in one theater in New York before going wide next weekend.
Technically, Evan is a sequel to 2003's Bruce Almighty, in which Jim Carrey struck a bargain with God (the sly Morgan Freeman). That movie opened to a four-day Memorial Day weekend haul of $85.7 million; its three-day figure was $70 million.
- 6/22/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Any film that uses the Carpenters' pop hit "We've Only Just Begun" for scares instead of sentimentality must be credited with a quirky sense of humor. The presence of John Cusack in the cast -- actually, he's almost the entire cast -- confirms the movie's hip, humorous approach to the horror genre.
1408 is adapted from a Stephen King short story that bears some similarities to his famous novel The Shining, though it probably won't duplicate the boxoffice success of Stanley Kubrick's film. Like The Shining, this chamber piece is set in a haunted hotel. Cusack plays Mike Enslin, a jaded writer who traffics in trashy books about cursed locales. Although he plays up to his gullible readers, he clearly doesn't buy into the supernatural trappings that he cynically exploits. But when he checks into room 1408 of New York's Dolphin Hotel, the terrifying happenings quickly turn a scoffer into a believer.
Actually, he turns a little too quickly into a hysteric begging to escape from his locked chamber. The movie might have benefited from a slightly more gradual character transformation, because his character is really the entire movie. Samuel L. Jackson has a small supporting part as the hotel manager who tries to warn Enslin of the dark history of the room, and Mary McCormack has an even smaller part as Enslin's estranged wife, who appears mainly in subliminal flashbacks. Cusack is virtually the whole show, and it's a tribute to his skills as well as to those of the director, Mikael Hafstrom (who previously made the Oscar-nominated Swedish film Evil as well as the Clive Owen-Jennifer Aniston dud Derailed), that the claustrophobic film remains as effective as it is.
Other films like The Shining or the Robert Wise version of The Haunting have confined the characters as well as the viewers to a single setting. But those films featured rather spacious, grandiose haunted houses, whereas most of 1408 takes place in just two rooms of an otherwise benign hotel. Hafstrom and his technical team do wonders with altering the dimensions of the suite, introducing all kinds of physical threats -- fires, floods and ghostly apparitions -- within the minimalist set.
Some of these threats are psychological, as well. It turns out that Mike is still trying to come to terms with a family tragedy, and the room seems able to call up his personal demons as well as all the vengeful force of the natural world. Cusack manages to summon deep wellsprings of personal grief along with breezy humor and naked animal terror. It's a tour de force performance that confirms the talents of this remarkably versatile, sometimes underrated actor.
The film also deserves praise for going against the grain of today's grisly, sadistic horror films. Although it's a lot bloodier than 1963's The Haunting, it's hardly in the same violent league as the "Saw" and Hostel movies that seem to be in fashion today. Audiences who wouldn't dream of seeing one of those movies might be tickled by this film's PG-13 scares, though teens who love more graphic gore will find this a little too mild for their tastes.
It's a film that probably falls too uneasily between two schools of terror to be a huge hit, and it's not quite consistent enough to rank as a classic in the genre; while some of the twists in the final reel are clever, others are disappointing.
Even with its flaws, however, 1408 deserves to be appreciated by connoisseurs of acting and bravura filmmaking.
1408
MGM
Dimension Films
Credits: Director: Mikael Hafstrom; Screenwriters: Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski; Based on the short story by: Stephen King; Producer: Lorenzo di Bonaventura; Executive producers: Jake Myers, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein; Director of photography: Benoit Delhomme; Production designer: Andrew Laws; Music: Gabriel Yared; Costume designer: Natalie Ward; Editor: Peter Boyle. Cast: Mike Enslin: John Cusack; Gerald Olin: Samuel L. Jackson; Lily Enslin: Mary McCormack; Sam Farrell: Tony Shalhoub; Katie Enslin: Jasmine Jessica Anthony; Father: Len Cariou.
MPAA rating PG-13, running time 102 minutes.
1408 is adapted from a Stephen King short story that bears some similarities to his famous novel The Shining, though it probably won't duplicate the boxoffice success of Stanley Kubrick's film. Like The Shining, this chamber piece is set in a haunted hotel. Cusack plays Mike Enslin, a jaded writer who traffics in trashy books about cursed locales. Although he plays up to his gullible readers, he clearly doesn't buy into the supernatural trappings that he cynically exploits. But when he checks into room 1408 of New York's Dolphin Hotel, the terrifying happenings quickly turn a scoffer into a believer.
Actually, he turns a little too quickly into a hysteric begging to escape from his locked chamber. The movie might have benefited from a slightly more gradual character transformation, because his character is really the entire movie. Samuel L. Jackson has a small supporting part as the hotel manager who tries to warn Enslin of the dark history of the room, and Mary McCormack has an even smaller part as Enslin's estranged wife, who appears mainly in subliminal flashbacks. Cusack is virtually the whole show, and it's a tribute to his skills as well as to those of the director, Mikael Hafstrom (who previously made the Oscar-nominated Swedish film Evil as well as the Clive Owen-Jennifer Aniston dud Derailed), that the claustrophobic film remains as effective as it is.
Other films like The Shining or the Robert Wise version of The Haunting have confined the characters as well as the viewers to a single setting. But those films featured rather spacious, grandiose haunted houses, whereas most of 1408 takes place in just two rooms of an otherwise benign hotel. Hafstrom and his technical team do wonders with altering the dimensions of the suite, introducing all kinds of physical threats -- fires, floods and ghostly apparitions -- within the minimalist set.
Some of these threats are psychological, as well. It turns out that Mike is still trying to come to terms with a family tragedy, and the room seems able to call up his personal demons as well as all the vengeful force of the natural world. Cusack manages to summon deep wellsprings of personal grief along with breezy humor and naked animal terror. It's a tour de force performance that confirms the talents of this remarkably versatile, sometimes underrated actor.
The film also deserves praise for going against the grain of today's grisly, sadistic horror films. Although it's a lot bloodier than 1963's The Haunting, it's hardly in the same violent league as the "Saw" and Hostel movies that seem to be in fashion today. Audiences who wouldn't dream of seeing one of those movies might be tickled by this film's PG-13 scares, though teens who love more graphic gore will find this a little too mild for their tastes.
It's a film that probably falls too uneasily between two schools of terror to be a huge hit, and it's not quite consistent enough to rank as a classic in the genre; while some of the twists in the final reel are clever, others are disappointing.
Even with its flaws, however, 1408 deserves to be appreciated by connoisseurs of acting and bravura filmmaking.
1408
MGM
Dimension Films
Credits: Director: Mikael Hafstrom; Screenwriters: Matt Greenberg, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski; Based on the short story by: Stephen King; Producer: Lorenzo di Bonaventura; Executive producers: Jake Myers, Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein; Director of photography: Benoit Delhomme; Production designer: Andrew Laws; Music: Gabriel Yared; Costume designer: Natalie Ward; Editor: Peter Boyle. Cast: Mike Enslin: John Cusack; Gerald Olin: Samuel L. Jackson; Lily Enslin: Mary McCormack; Sam Farrell: Tony Shalhoub; Katie Enslin: Jasmine Jessica Anthony; Father: Len Cariou.
MPAA rating PG-13, running time 102 minutes.
- 6/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
John Cusack and Sean Hayes have joined the voice cast of Exodus Film Group's CG-animated feature comedy Igor. The Weinstein Co. will distribute the film, which is being directed by Tony Leondis.
Cusack, who replaces Christian Slater on the project, will voice the title character of Igor, a gifted scientist who is born with a hunch on his back and is forced to serve a cruel scientist named Dr. Glickenstein. Hayes is playing Brian the Brain, a brain in a jar who is one of Igor's sidekicks and inventions.
The voice cast includes Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese.
Chris McKenna wrote the screenplay. Exodus' CEO John D. Eraklis is producing along with Exodus president Max Howard.
The film is set for an Oct. 24, 2008, release.
Cusack next will appear in the Weinstein Co.'s Grace Is Gone and Dimension's 1408. Hayes is best known for playing Jack on Will & Grace. He previously provided his voice for The Cat in the Hat and Cats & Dogs.
Both are repped by WMA.
Cusack, who replaces Christian Slater on the project, will voice the title character of Igor, a gifted scientist who is born with a hunch on his back and is forced to serve a cruel scientist named Dr. Glickenstein. Hayes is playing Brian the Brain, a brain in a jar who is one of Igor's sidekicks and inventions.
The voice cast includes Jeremy Piven, Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Molly Shannon, Steve Buscemi and John Cleese.
Chris McKenna wrote the screenplay. Exodus' CEO John D. Eraklis is producing along with Exodus president Max Howard.
The film is set for an Oct. 24, 2008, release.
Cusack next will appear in the Weinstein Co.'s Grace Is Gone and Dimension's 1408. Hayes is best known for playing Jack on Will & Grace. He previously provided his voice for The Cat in the Hat and Cats & Dogs.
Both are repped by WMA.
- 3/28/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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