Horror 2010 - The Body Count So Far!

HORROR 2010 – THE BODY COUNT SO FAR
With the remake of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (2010) soon leaving the box office to make way for the summer blockbusters and the impending release of the most anticipated horror film of the summer SPLICE just around the corner it’s time to take a look at the horror films thus far released in 2010. The box office info was obtained from the website of Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com).

1. SHUTTER ISLAND ($127.6 million) – This Martin Scorsese back to terrifying form after a long hiatus since his remake of CAPE FEAR. Although this film had trouble finally making it to the big screen after several changes in release dates, the long delays did not hamper the success of the film and it is, in fact, one of the highlights of 2010 whether horror film or not.

2. THE WOLFMAN ($62 million) – This film was plagued with all types of problems from the moment it was announced to be in production to its final release and although it had a healthy opening weekend subsequent weeks proved that there was little audience for this overblown remake. It was all action and no heart. Now that the film is being released in a longer version on DVD there is hope that audiences will finally be able to see the film in a more complete form.

3. A NIGHTMARE OF ELM STREET (approx. $60.6 million) – Although this remake has been one of the most profitable in recent years it also boasts one of the worst reactions by fans. It’s steep attendance drop from week 1 to week 2 of release was a disaster giving the film one of the worst second week percentage drops of any other film this year. It seems that fans were not inspired by this timid remake.

4. LEGION ($40.2 million) – This action-religious-horror film left many scratching their heads as it was neither a true horror film and neither a true action film. It had its successful moments but these were few and far in between leaving many genre fans just waiting for it to hit DVD rather than waste the time at the box office.

5. THE CRAZIES ($39.1 million) – A remake that fans actually liked. Although the film only did mediocre business fans enjoyed the update of George A. Romero’s original infectious disease tail. This update was suspenseful and effective on many levels and was different enough from the original to not be openly compared.

6. DAYBREAKERS ($30.1 million) – One of my favorites of the year that did not translate into huge box office success. This was more an intelligent action film when fans were looking for a horror film (especially after being assaulted by the likes of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON last year). This film also had release troubles and it didn’t help that it was over shadowed but the juggernaut that was AVATAR. This is still one of the best horror films of the year as well as one of the best vampire films in the last few years (this coming from someone who doesn’t particularly like vampire films).

7. REPO MEN ($13.8 million) – Some may ask why I include this sci-fi hybrid on this list but let’s not discredit this highly violent film that documents the horrors of a future in which a repo man can rip the heart out of a still living human being. This is a horror film if there ever is one plus it’s interesting to compare this film with the similarly themed REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA from last year.

8. HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE) ($115,186) – Although it’s only had a limited release, this film has had a polarizing effect of audiences everywhere (including those who were lucky enough to see it while it was in film festivals). Critics either love or loathe this film which is mark of some of the best indie horror films. Any film that can divide an audience as much as this one is good in my book.

9. AFTER.LIFE ($108, 595) – This ghost story boasts an incredible cast from an all new voice in horror as this was the director’s debut film. Despite the limited release the film got very good reviews and there is hope that when the film finally reaches DVD that it will find its audience.

10. BEST WORST MOVIE ($31,208) – Who said that documentary films had to suck? This documentary of the legacy of the infamous TROLL 2 has gotten great reviews from audiences at film festivals everywhere and it’s a miracle that the film was even given a limited theatrical release. Despite this I’m assured that the film will find an audience just like the original film it is based on.

There have been several other horror films released theatrically in 2010 but Box Office Mojo does not always track all the limited release films. Despite this info 2010 has been a very limited year thus far for the horror genre and there is hope that things will change once we get into the end of summer (when horror films are more plentiful).

10 Most Influential Zombie Films

When Cryptshow.Net creator Ron McLellen asked me to do an article of the ten most influential zombie films I was beside myself. I’m a huge admirer and follower of the genre from countries all across the world so choosing only ten films out of the hundreds available was going to be a daunting task. Which films to choose whether they are just plain excellent verses whether or not they’ve had an impact of the genre, this was going to be the hardest choice for me but I hope that the ten films I’ve chosen will suffice it for the most diehard of zombie fans, and if not, I invite criticism of all kinds.

The zombie genre would not be what it is today without the success and influence of director George A. Romero’s original Night of the Living Dead (1968). Considered the grandfather of zombie films (although Romero considers his creature ghouls and not zombies) NOTLD gave cinema a true monster in the returned from the dead and walking around aimlessly craving human flesh creation. The zombie had appeared in cinema prior to this film but was never more popular until after the success of this film. In fact, many zombie films prior to NOTLD were played for humor while Romero’s film is played 100% straight with a growing sense of dread throughout. There is no zombie film produced today that does not owe a debt of gratitude to the influences that NOTLD has had on the genre.

Romero would again change the face of the zombie genre with his next zombie film Dawn of the Dead (1978). Whereas NOTLD was played straight, DOTD had its tongue played firmly in cheek. Romero has repeatedly maintained that this film was a live comic book which is evident from it’s over the top violence (the beginning massacre and following moments) and comic overtones (displayed especially at raiding of the mall montage and the climax of the film). Although the film has its comic moments it’s also a very polarizing film due to the film’s themes and political commentary throughout which is something that the zombie genre (and for that matter horror films in general) are not known for. Another influence that this film had on the genre is its international success. Because the film was co-produced by the Italian director Dario Argento, an international version (simply titled Zombi or Zombi, Dawn of the Dead) broke all kinds of Box Office records and opened the doors for other zombie films to be produced all over the world.

On the opposite spectrum of the zombie genre there was crafted Return of the Living Dead (1985) which took Romero’s zombie and turned it on its head. This film created the talking and sometimes intelligent zombie and gave them a purpose – “brains.” Played for laughs as well as scares this cult favorite gave future zombie productions a different type of zombie from the one that Romero made popular. This film also had a huge influence of the music for the zombie film (and horror films in general). Although the international version of Dawn of the Dead had the rock music of Goblin, it was ROTLD that made rock music popular in zombie films. Its album was a huge success at the time. The debate over talking or non-talking zombies would never be the same after the success of this film.

Due to the international success of DOTD, the Italian film market would forever change. To follow in the footsteps of that film was the in-name-only sequel Zombi 2 (aka Zombie) (1979) from acclaimed director Lucio Fulci. Returning to the original zombie from voodoo folklore this film has nothing to do with DOTD but it acts as somewhat of a prequel to the events in that film. Fulci’s film was brutal and gory with no limits and uncompromising in every way. This success of this film not only mad Fulci and international name to genre fans everywhere but also influenced the entire Italian horror film industry. After this film there were a plethora of zombie films that assaulted the international market under all types of relevant (and sometimes irrelevant) names. Fulci himself would direct three more highly influential cult favorites in City of the Living Dead (1980), The Beyond (1981), and House By the Cemetery (1981). The Italian film industry would never be the same again.

I would have to say that the most influential “traditional” zombie film would have to be director Wes Craven’s The Serpent & the Rainbow (1988). Based on the non-fiction book by Wade Davis is as psychological thriller on the origins of zombification, magic, voodoo, and an entire culture of people who “believe.” There has been no other film like it and I doubt there will be another. Although the film was a modest success at the Box Office its cult status is undeniable. Many of the more low-key and indie films borrow a lot more from the zombie conventions of this film rather than the more spectacular elements of all the films thus far mentioned. Although the film White Zombie (1932) has the distinction of being one of the first zombie films to feature “traditional” zombies its influences on the genre in no way out way those of Craven’s film.

If it’s splatter you want than it’s splatter you’ll get in director Peter Jackson’s over the top film Braindead (aka Dead Alive) (1992). Not only did this film introduce the world to Jackson but it also introduced to the world a more over the top and comedic approach to the zombie film which offered not only laughs and buckets of gore but a “real” plot and story to what could have easily become another throwaway zombie film. It’s also a “love affair” for not only zombie fans but horror fans in general as it was a film that openly paid homage to many of the films that came before it (long before Scream made it “cool” to do so). This film made it possible for other low budget films to be made. With the success of this film came a flood of low budget zombie splatter films (now a genre all its own) from all over the world (most notably from the shores of Japan whose films were way over the top and the zombie genre seemed to be everywhere) some for better and some for the worse.

In 2002 the zombie genre would again be changed forever with the release of 28 Days Later. Although now traditionally a zombie film, this film features the infected who are every bit a zombie except for the fact that they aren’t dead. This film also introduced the fast moving zombie, or more appropriately made them popular. This film broke all types of taboos in regards to the mainstream zombie genre not to mention the fact that it was shot on digital video giving the film a gritty and almost realistic aesthetic. This film also made “infected” people popular to include in the zombie genre when every other similar film before this one separated the two sub-genres. After this film became an international hit the shores were consumed with digital video filmed zombie films some of which have developed their own cult following.

Mentioning the popularity of fast zombies cannot be discussed without mentioning the most influential one of them all which is the remake of Dawn of the Dead (2004). Whereas 28 Days Later introduced the fast running infected, it was this film that introduced the real fast moving…no running zombie. This remake, at the time, was a rarity as it had many name actors attached (Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Mekhi Phifer, and Jake Webber, to name a few) in what could have been a Box Office dud considering that there had not been many zombie films that actually made a profit in years. This was a suspenseful and terror filled horror film that, while it paid homage to the original, was an original film all its own (the mark of how a remake should be made). The film was a huge Box Office success that not only made the zombie genre popular again but ushered in a new era of horror remakes (now all the rage over the past few years). The success of this film also made it possible for Romero to finally get financing for his next zombie film Land of the Dead (2005), which in my book was an excellent thing. There was no turning back now, the debate over fast verses slow moving zombies would forever change the face of the genre.

Despite what mainly people may think Resident Evil (2002) is one of the most popular and successful zombie franchises ever. It also happens to be based on one of the most popular horror video game series ever despite the fact that this first film in the franchise bares little resemblance to any of the games. A lot of the film’s popularity is due to the presence of star Milla Jovovich because at the time zombie films still weren’t as popular as they would become after the release of 28 Days Later and the remake of Dawn of the Dead. Despite the horror and terror of the film (which was slight) audiences loved the action and this film had plenty of it. Zombie films didn’t just have to be horror films but they could also be action films as well. Borrowing from the experience of playing the video game audiences had action and violence and loud music which brought the film to life. The success of this film has thus far spawned three sequels (the latest one due out in just a few months) as well as made it popular again to adapt video games for the big screen. There has also been an animated feature length film – Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008).

The final film on my list is Shaun of the Dead (2004). This hugely popular film introduced the world to the rom-com-zombie film (romantic-comedy-zombie). This loving homage to zombie films from Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg (who co-wrote the film) not only has all the requirements of the “Romero” zombie film but also throws in a dash of the romantic comedy as the main character Shaun (played by Pegg) is trying to fix his love life with his girlfriend while the events of the zombie apocalypse is just the background by which the film is played. There have been a few films of this nature (Zombie Honeymoon being the most well known and released the same year) but none have become as popular or as well loved as this film. There have been plenty of zombie comedies in the years following this film but none have been able to fuse the horror elements with those of comedy and the romantic comedy as well as this film (even though many films continue to try).

All of the zombie films discussed in this film have had a hand in shaping the zombie genre and many have even become cult classics. There are many other films that have had just as much an influence on the genre as these films and should be included on this list but these films are the ones that every self respecting zombie fan should be well versed in. Other notable films that could be included are The Evil Dead, Dead & Buried, Creepshow, Dead & Breakfast, Night of the Creeps, Lifeforce, Slither, Masters of Horror episode “Homecoming,” Prince of Darkness, White Zombie, The Beyond, [REC], Tombs of the Blind Dead, The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue, Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things, Shockwaves, Dead Snow, Fido, Planet Terror, and Poltrygeist, to name a few.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET: The Franchise!

With the latest addition in American remakes of classic horror cinema – A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), just hitting theaters, I thought now would be a good time to take a look back at the entire franchise and see how well it stands up today.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984)
Still a quintessential horror film by one of today’s most successful horror directors Wes Craven. This is the film that “built” New Line Cinema as it was the company’s first major substantial success story. This film holds up very well even by today’s standards due to its innovative story and cinematography. It also holds up well due to its lack of humor (which would over shadow much of the rest of the series) and its many elements of suspense. One of the things that make this film so successful is Craven’s use of suspense to terrify the audience rather than pure gore (although the film does boast some very bloody scenes).

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2: FREDDY’S REVENGE (1985)
Not the most liked of the series but it is one of the few that holds up well because it’s main purpose is still to frighten and scare the audience so the imagery is still very powerful despite the departures in story that may hamper the film. The film also lacks the humor of subsequent films allowing this film to remain in the category of horror. Although some of the acting is borderline adequate (most of the young stars never go on to do anything else substantial), the film is filled with atmosphere and a great production design and style that can be traced in many of the subsequent sequels.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: THE DREAM WARRIORS (1987)
One of the strongest of the sequels not just in terms of story and theme, but production design, cinematography, special fx, and casting. This is by far one of the best of the sequels. Despite the fact that all elements of horror and suspense to the character of Freddy is gone, the film makes up for it in strides in so many other ways. This is good and bad as the humor displayed in this film from the Freddy character would demystify the character in future installments. This film would also force subsequent films to rely on the “dream death” as a means to tell the story rather than come up with an actual story to hinge each of the films on.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER (1988)
Trying to take the franchise into a new era, this film first kills off the remaining “Elm Street children” before expanding Freddy’s playground. With the exception of the character who transforms into a cockroach this film is pretty forgettable. It has its moments of entertainment but the film tries too hard to add more insight on the dream world and how it is controlled and how it functions. This is a major flaw of not only this film but later films as well.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5: THE DREAM CHILD (1989)
The series was running out of ideas by the time this film came around. With only a few Freddy kills (none of which are interesting) this is the most timid of the franchise. The one thing that this film does get right is the production design, tone, and atmosphere. Despite the lame death scenes this film is dark not only in atmosphere but story as well which is the film’s only saving grace. The franchise is at a low point but it gets even lower with –

FREDDY’S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE (`1991)
By far the worst film in the series. By the time this film was released there was only one place left for the series to go and that was 100% “camp.” Besides the Wizard of Oz and Nintendo riffs this is the most unwatchable of the series (unless of course you like camp). This film isn’t even worth watching for the 3-D ending. I love Yaphet Kotto and Lisa Zane but neither of these two actors could save this mess. This is one film that should have gone straight to video.

Wes Craven’s NEW NIGHTMARE (1994)
By far the best sequel in the franchise. Original creator Wes Craven returns to bring an all new nightmare to the screen by mixing film fiction with reality and myth & folklore. It’s one of the most creative films not only of the franchise but of Craven’s career. Despite the many suspenseful aspects of the film, the film’s only flaw lies in the fact that it tries to erase the memory of all the other sequels that came before it (but can’t).

FREDDY VS. JASON (2003)
Who knew that a match up between two of the greatest icons of horror cinema would be this much fun! Despite the borderline camp elements of the film, there is enough violence and good humor to make this one of the best films in the series based on the entertainment value alone. I was actually hoping for a sequel but this would never be (unless of course you read the graphic novel Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash, which adds the Evil Dead franchise to the mix).

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (2010)
This timid remake has a pacing problem and no style of its own as it takes a page from the book of remakes The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) and Friday the 13th (2009). The film never finds its own heartbeat and seems like too much of a retread of the original. The origin of Freddy (although very interesting) bogs down the film with unnecessary info and none of the characters are all that interesting making for a very dull film.

Despite my misgivings for the A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), there are many whom this film was their first exposure to the franchise and thus is something of a highlight to the genre. This film is no Freddy’s Dead, so there are several good qualities to recommend (none seem to come to mind just yet) and first timers to the franchise will relish J. Earl’s performance as the iconic Fred Kruger (one of the film’s only high points).

Despite your opinion of the new film or any of the previous films the Nightmare franchise has had an immense effect on the horror genre past, present, and now into the future.

Graphic Novel Review: HAUNT Vol. 1

I almost didn’t pick up the first volume of the graphic novel HAUNT because it so reminded up of the character of Spawn, which I hate to say I really never cared for. The series even has two of the people behind Spawn attached – Todd McFarlane, inker and co-creator, and Greg Capullo, layout artist. What finally convinced me to pick up the first volume of HAUNT (which collects the first five issues of the series) was that Robert Kirkman was writer and co-creator. I’m a huge fan of his THE WALKING DEAD and CAPES series, among others, and so I decided to take a chance (the book is less than $10.00 so that’s also a plus). I’m glad I did.

This first volume of the series presents a conflicted priest (Daniel) whose brother (Kurt, a Special Ops with the military) is killed by a clandestine group who want some Top secret info that they think he has. Kurt finds himself trapped between the world of the living and that of the dead and only Daniel can see him. Daniel and his dead brother’s ghost Kurt also have an uncommon relationship as Kurt has the ability to inhabit his brother’s body and transform them into a supernatural entity who is virtually indestructible. Things get more complicated when the clandestine group who killed Kurt go after his widow forcing Daniel (with Kurt’s help) to protect her at all costs.

Like most of Kirkman’s work the story stays character oriented and is always fast paced leaving little space for fluff. Kirkman & McFarlane did a great job crafting the background and universe of the characters which a lot of it finds its way into these first five issues (graphic novel). The artwork is also top notch.

Although there are the obvious Spawn influences, the book stands on its own and is a great addition to both Kirkman and McFarlane’s repertoire. I just hope that any follow up series/volumes are as good.

Graphic Novel Review: BEYOND WONDERLAND

Continuing the events started in Return To Wonderland the second book in the trilogy, Beyond Wonderland – finds Callie hiding from the world under a new alias Lacy with her boyfriend Brandon and awaiting the birth of her unborn child. Callie would like nothing more than to forget her misadventures in Wonderland and that she manipulated her murderous brother into taking her place in that world. Now she is suffering from nightmares and possible delusions that her brother, now as a version of the Mad Hatter, may have found a way into the real world and may want not only revenge on her but her unborn child as well.

The story of Beyond Wonderland, written by Raven Gregory with artwork by Daniel Leister, is an excellent follow up of the story started in the first series as this story focuses on events in the real world rather than those in Wonderland. Don not fret as familiar faces are everywhere as we become aware that the evil that inhabits Wonderland not only has its sights on the real world and therefore this makes for a great middle story before the final showdown. Fans of the first series have nothing to worry about as there is plenty of nightmarish visions to be had as well as the required violence of the typical Grimm Fairy Tales series.

One of the reasons why I enjoy this series so much is the attention to details in regards not only to story and characters but in the history of the world that has been created (which is expanded even further in the Tales From Wonderland graphic novels and stories). Another asset to this series is that because events take place so long after Return To Wonderland, new readers will have no problem jumping right into this story.

With the shock ending of the second part of the trilogy I’m looking forward to seeing how they wrap things up in the final story Escape From Wonderland.

Book Review: ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST: HOW THE LIVING DEAD DEVOURED POP CULTURE by David Flint

Let me just say that “I love zombie films.” Always have an always will ever since I was we little one pf the age of about thirteen and I saw Night of the Living Dead (1968) for the very first time. That film warped my fragile little mind (more because black and white films seemed scarier to me as a child than color films). So when I talk about David Flint’s book Zombie Holocaust: How the Living Dead Devoured Pop Culture it’s from the perspective of a zombie fan…first.

In saying this I must also say that this book was made specifically for the zombie film fan as it covers a huge wealth of films (some of which even I’ve never seen). Even people who have even a vague knowledge of the zombie subgenre will enjoy this book. Flint packs in a lot of general knowledge about the zombie genre from its very beginning s with such films as White Zombie (1932) and Revolt of the Zombies (1936) to modern day films such as the Will Smith starring I Am Legend (2007) and American Zombie (2007), among others. It even touches on foreign zombie films and zombie memorabilia all in the hopes of displaying how the zombie has become such a huge part of pop culture.

There is no denying that the zombie has been embedded into our pop culture in a huge way from Night of the Living Dead lunch pails to Shaun of the Dead action figures (not to mention those for Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Resident Evil, and even the Living Dead Dolls) to any and all types of memorabilia and collectible. Flint’s book is not only broken up by time period but also other means as well dedicating a chapter to foreign films, gaming, television, and even online content. Although the book does not go into elaborate details, it does give a fascinating overview which will not only enlighten but entertain as well. Flint also problems a wealth of posters, photos, and memorabilia of a wide variety of films throughout the entire book with an added color section in the center as well.

If there is one thing I dislike about the book it is that sometimes it seems like it is just sprouting a bunch of names of films just to squeeze as many as it can in, which can be annoying if you want to know more about the films that are just mentioned in passing. Other than this the book is a very comprehensive book on the zombie genre and culture and a book that no true zombie fan should go without.

Graphic Novel Review: DIE HARD: YEAR ONE Vol. 1

The Die Hard film franchise is nothing short of amazing as it still manages to pack the theaters especially after the most previous one Live Free or Die Hard was a huge hit. Now the infamous John McClane faces a whole new villain – his first year on the job. Boom! Studios latest hit Die Hard: Year One takes us to the very beginning as we see McClane as a rookie cop on the job in New York City during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration. He gets more than he bargained for when he gets mixed up with an innocent woman who accidentally witnesses two cops murder a man in cold blood. These two cooked cops are part of an even bigger conspiracy that threatens the Bicentennial celebration as well as many innocent lives. Now McClane must prove that he’s more than just a rookie cop in order to uncover the conspiracy and save the girl.

Written by Howard Chaykin, with art by Stephen Thompson, and colorist Matthew Wilson Die Hard: Year One is a great addition to the franchise. Both Chaykin and Thompson capture the spirit and humor of the films in this Year One story leaving little hints of things to come in the future. The story is fast paced and yet still tells a very good story. If there’s one complaint it’s that it was too short. At only originally 4 issues long, the series goes by way to fast (and I wanted to read more) but I guess it’s a good thing that this is only the beginning for the character for Boom! Studios.

Another great thing about the graphic novel edition is that they collect all the various covers from the series so you get a glimpse into all the contributing artists which is always an asset in my book. It is also presented as a hard back version rather than the standard soft cover so you know you’re getting more bang for your buck (also included is what has now become a standard for hard back editions is a book mark or page placement). Hopefully, this is a sign of great things to come.

Graphic Novel Review: TALES FROM WONDERLAND Vol. 1

The first volume of stories contained within Tales From Wonderland Vol. 1 collects a variety of the one-shots based on the hugely popular Zenescope Wonderland series (which includes Return, Beyond, and Escape From Wonderland). In this volume we learn about many of the various characters that inhabit the world of Wonderland. The stories are written by Joe Brusha, Ralph Tedesco, and Raven Gregory with various artists who contribute to the series.

In this volume we get to see origin of the Queen of Hearts (“Queen of Hearts”), the first Mad hatter (“The Story of the Mad Hatter”), Alice’s original journey into Wonderland (“Alice”), and the origin of Wonderland itself (“The Experiment”). As a bonus this volume also contains the preview issue #0 and first issues of the Beyond Wonderland series (which is the second series in the trilogy following Return to Wonderland and ending with Escape from Wonderland). This volume also contains a collection of the various covers for the one-shots so that fans can see all the different contributions from various artists.

For those readers who have not read the actual series of Wonderland books this is a great stepping on point as it introduces readers to some of the main characters of the universe and even the origin of the Wonderland universe itself. For those who have already read the previous series this is a great way to learn about some of your favorite characters. Be warned that for those of you who have never read this series before these stories are very graphic in nature staying closer to the “Grimm” Fairy tale rather than the Disney version of the characters. This is a very violent series.