With the vampire trend running full steam, it is slowly making me throw up in my mouth. Not because I don't like vampires, it's because all these recent vampires are emo teenagers looking for love. Give me a break. Vampires should be sinister and scary. Let me give you examples of REAL vampire flicks....
1. Salem's Lot
This movie scared the crap out of me as a kid. It's Stephen King's most underrated film and nails vampirism perfectly. Who would've thought that a made for tv movie would be so freakin' scary! The scene with the little vampire kid scratching at that window still gives me chills to this day. And the glow in the dark eyes of the vampires are still EXTREMELY effective. Even though the head vampire, Barlow, is a complete rip-off of Nosferatu, he is still realistic and scary. If you haven't seen this movie, give it a go.
2. Fright Night
Fright Night is awesome! I don't know one person who doesn't like this movie. My son, who was born 10 years after Fright Night was released, loves this movie. It mixed horror and comedy beautifully. All the characters were identifiable and likable. Roddy McDowell gives his best performance of his career as a has-been horror movie icon turned vampire hunter. This movie is timeless.
3. Lost Boys
Even though this movie had a lot of homosexual undertones (the shirtless Rob Lowe poster, Corey Haim's flamboyant wardrobe, "I ain't got a man, I ain't got a home, I'm a lonely girl!" bathtub scene) this movie is one of the best vampire movies ever. As an 80s kid, this flick was monumental in my eyes. It was trendy, stylish, and addictive. I watched The Lost Boys probably 100 times as a kid. There were pretty much no scares in the movie, but Joel Shumacher nails it with the action and comedy. The movie has aged well even though the movie was made in 1985. And please....don't judge this movie by it's sequel.
4. From Dusk Till Dawn
I'm a huge Robert Rodriguez fan and that's because of this movie. I never liked George Clooney either but he was perfect as one half of the psychotic Gecko brothers. He plays probably one of my favorite roles I've ever seen. The movie has Tarantino all over it too which is what made it so appealing. The movie starts off as a heist flick and then suddenly out of nowhere vampires appear. It was genius. It's funny, gory, and action-packed. This movie is probably the first on the list I would recommend everyone watch first.
5. Blade 2
Most people like the first Blade as do I. But I feel the second is better. Del Toro's Reaper vampires are stunning. They have jaws like The Predator and make every scene gory. This movie has action from start to finish and keeps you entertained the whole time. This sequel is one of the rare instances where it's better than the original. Blade 2 is a true showcase for Del Toro's knack for creating original and memorable creatures.
6. Let the Right One In
This movie was a HUGE surprise. I had no idea it was going to be as good as it was. Who would've thought a swedish movie about child vampires would be so original and great. The atmosphere the movie is set in is perfect. Most will shy away from this movie because it's foreign. I beg you not to.
7. Vamp
This movie was made in 1985 and I'll be the first to admit it hasn't aged well. But, that doesn't mean it still isn't a good movie. It's like a buddy comedy with vampires. Vamp is definitely more comedy than horror, so don't expect scares. Actually, had I not seen this movie in the 80s, it probably wouldn't be on my list. But it is because it's still entertaining after all these years. Grace Jones as a vampire?? Come on!! I couldn't find the trailer. so here's a scene...
8. 30 Days of Night
I'm a sucker for survival movies and this one doesn't disappoint. Being stranded in Alaska during their "blackout" with vampires is pure genius. The graphic novel was excellent and the movie was even better. The setting is the true star of the movie. It's dark and cold and that's exactly how you feel watching it. If anything, check this movie out for the best over-head shot scene I've ever encountered.
9. Bram Stoker's Dracula
I didn't appreciate this movie the first time I saw it. Honestly, it took 3 times. I think it was the whole Keanu Reeves thing throwing me off. I don't know. But the important thing is that I like it now. Gary Oldman as Dracula is perfect. He is one of the best actors alive and proudly puts it on display here. If you've seen it once and didn't like it. I say give it another chance.
10. Dracula (1931)
The original that created horror movies as we know it. Nuff said.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Weinsteins Stop Pre-Production on Halloween 3-D
A bit of good news to me. I think that IF they decide to make a third Halloween, they should take their time with it and not rush it like H2.
Source Hollywood Deadline:
So here's what happened: the script only came in Friday, and it was the first draft that Dimension Films had seen. And The Weinstein Co was rushing to get the film into production for a November start date because it has to be done by January when director Patrick Lussier starts a film for Avi Lerner. A release for Summer 2010 was planned. Sure, the rumor mill claims TWC is out of money amid all those layoffs, and TWC couldn't agree on a $2.5M budget battle with Lussier, and TWC had key crew ready to fly to Shreveport. But I understand that Bob Weinstein shut down H3D pre-production "because Bob just felt it was rushing too fast." Now Dimension plans to start the film after My Bloody Valentine 3D helmer Lussier is free. (After all, the film editor got his directing start making Dracula 2000 for the Weinsteins.) But I know what you're thinking: Rob Zombie's reboot sequel Halloween II did lousy at the box office so perhaps TWC wants to cut its losses. "We make those pics for very little money and tight marketing dollars so anything north of $25M is a huge success for us," an insider tells me. Meanwhile, HII, whose domestic total is now $32M, will get a re-release on Halloween in selected theaters for midnight showings.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) trailer
So far, Michael Bay has remade horror movies the way they should be.
A re-imagining of the horror icon Freddy Krueger, a serial-killer who wields a glove with four blades embedded in the fingers and kills people in their dreams, resulting in their real death in reality.
A re-imagining of the horror icon Freddy Krueger, a serial-killer who wields a glove with four blades embedded in the fingers and kills people in their dreams, resulting in their real death in reality.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Weinstein Brothers Talk Ramkes for 2010
Ok, I respect the Weinstein's more than pretty much anyone in Hollywood exec scene. They are/were always known to take risks on movies Hollywood would never give a chance (Scream, Pulp Fiction, True Romance, Lord of the Rings, Sin City, etc.). But now I'm kind of torn. In this article from Variety it seems like the Weinsteins are following the trend of remakes and 3-D. I'm shocked actually. But given the Weinsteins track record, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
Source Variety:
Promising that “I'm going back to doing what I do best,” Bob Weinstein has unveiled several films to be released by Dimension over the next year, many in 3-D.
Scream IV will start production in April or May as the first of a new trilogy and the company is talking to Wes Craven to direct, Weinstein reports. Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette will star.
In addition, the company wants to shoot Halloween III in 3-D, aiming to release it in October 2010. Dimension also is remaking the cult classic, Children of the Corn.
I’m heading back to my franchise films,” Weinstein declared, citing plans to shoot sequels to "Hell Raisers” (yeah, I'm sure he meant Hellraiser) and Scanners in 3D. Also on the slate are Short Circuit and American Warewolf in London (again, I'm sure he meant "Werewolf"). “These films are our strength and we are committed to doing them in style.”
The first three Scream pictures registered grosses of roughly $100 million a piece in the U.S.
Weinstein also said that The Road will open wide on November 25th in some 800 theatres.
In response to a query, Weinstein said “there is no question that financing is readily available to produce and market these films.” He added: “I am eager to expand our scope in the 3D business.”
Source Variety:
Promising that “I'm going back to doing what I do best,” Bob Weinstein has unveiled several films to be released by Dimension over the next year, many in 3-D.
Scream IV will start production in April or May as the first of a new trilogy and the company is talking to Wes Craven to direct, Weinstein reports. Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette will star.
In addition, the company wants to shoot Halloween III in 3-D, aiming to release it in October 2010. Dimension also is remaking the cult classic, Children of the Corn.
I’m heading back to my franchise films,” Weinstein declared, citing plans to shoot sequels to "Hell Raisers” (yeah, I'm sure he meant Hellraiser) and Scanners in 3D. Also on the slate are Short Circuit and American Warewolf in London (again, I'm sure he meant "Werewolf"). “These films are our strength and we are committed to doing them in style.”
The first three Scream pictures registered grosses of roughly $100 million a piece in the U.S.
Weinstein also said that The Road will open wide on November 25th in some 800 theatres.
In response to a query, Weinstein said “there is no question that financing is readily available to produce and market these films.” He added: “I am eager to expand our scope in the 3D business.”
Corey Feldman Confirms 'Lost Boys: The Thirst'

After the last one, I say NOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Source Bloody Disgusting:
Now that Warner Premiere's Lost Boys: The Thirst has officially been announced, star Corey Feldman responded to the news on his official blog where he not only confirms Jamison Newlander's return as Alan Frog, but also reveals that this time he'll be an executive producer on the project. Will his involvement make it better? Who knows, either way it'll be exciting to see the Frog brothers back in full force. Read on for the blog entry and watch for more on Dario Piana directed sequel as it comes in.
Corey Feldman in The Lost Boys: The Tribe"In keeping with that positivity, I have some exciting news that I just can’t keep under wraps any longer! Well actually someone leaked it first but since its already all over the net here goes….. as the title above us reads we are finally going to make a third installment to The Lost Boys series. I am very excited to get started," Feldman writes on his official blog.
"The title of the film will be Lost Boys: The Thirst and I am excited to say it will be a full scale return of the Frog Brothers (that means Jamison Newlander). Not like the tease in the last film. I would say this will be much closer to the comic book series. I do not want to tell you too much about it other than I have been lucky enough to be asked to Executive Produce the film for Warners. What that means is that I will have more creative involvement than ever before. I promise to do my very best to give the fans what they want this time around."
In terms of the style of the film, Felman writes, "This film will also have a bit more modern of a look to it as it is being directed by Italian director Dario Piana who directed a very futuristic Horror film called 'The Deaths of Ian Stone'," adding that the score will have a special treat, " I am also pleased to announce that Truth Movement has been asked to contribute some music to the films soundtrack. Which is an absolute dream come true for me, as I so much loved the soundtrack from the original film. I can not tell you anything more about the cast at this time. We are set to start shooting in November in South Africa. I will miss you while I’m gone but don’t worry I’ll write while I’m away."
Here's the synopsis Bloody Disgusting got their hands on exclusively: When veteran vampire hunter Edgar Frog finds himself destitute and almost friendless, he thinks his live has hit bottom - but wealthy vampire-romance novelist Gwen Liebling offers him a small fortune to go on the vampire hunt of a lifetime and rescue her son Peter from the Alpha Vampire D.J.Dusk. With the help of his friends Zoe, Lars and Blake, Edgar heads into a bloody battle to exterminate evil." Shooting is set to begin this November in South Africa.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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