News
Horror Movie Anniversaries: Celebrating 30 Years Of The Fly
Written by Patti Pauley
Thirty years ago today, something absolutely wonderful burst its way onto the horror movie market. David Cronenberg’s The Fly changed the way we looked at pesky poo-loving insects indefinitely, and I wanted to take a moment of my time to appreciate the gorgeous horror tragedy that has managed to keep us delightfully entertained and continually makes us vomit in our mouths a little three decades after the initial widespread theatrical release. Many horror bloggers before me have written about their fondness for this 1986 gem, and it’s a beautiful thing honestly. I’m not exactly sure what I can say that already hasn’t been stated about this national treasure, but I’m absolutely not going to let that stop me from giving a deserving nod to one of the greatest films to come out of the eighties.
If you’re going to remake a classic horror film, this is how it’s done.
For those who had no unearthly idea, the Cronenberg masterpiece is actually a remake of the 1958 science-fiction horror that starred the talents of David Hedison, Patricia Owens, and Vincent Price. The original is a classic film from an era that was learning how to push boundaries within film. In 1986, the remake that stars Geena Davis, John Getz, and launched Jeff Goldblum into superstar status, not only pushed the grotesque card, but did it in such a way that it was disgustingly beautiful. in 1958 you felt a little bad for the character of Andre (Hedison). I mean, the guy had the head and the hand of an insect. It was pretty shitty. But we never really felt THAT bad for the character, given the fact there really wasn’t a ton of human screen time for him. Goldblum’s character of Seth Brundle however, hits all the feels. His transformation into Brundlefly was painful and tragic on so many levels. In many ways, it’s not just a horror/ sci-fi film. It’s a love story gone terribly wrong. Watching Davis’ character of Veronica gazing upon on what is speculated as the love of her life, suffering from this mishap, is more than heartbreaking. The film dives miles deep into character emotions and if you don’t feel it, you sir have a heart of molasses.
Seriously, the monster magic is some of the best I’ve ever seen.
Sure, it may be a little under the radar if you’re comparing it to today’s technology, but when we’re talking practical effects you have to give a standing ovation to the special effects and make-up department. The Fly is not only a triumph in storytelling, but in the visual effects as well. Makeup wizards Chris Walas and Stephen Doo Pwah deservedly won an academy award for their makeup effects on The Fly, but they didn’t forget to thank the actor who brought Brundlefly to life. With the collaboration of these genius and stomach-turning prosthetics, and Goldblum’s brilliant acting chops, this movie gave us the most disgusting character that we’ve ever fallen in love with. Ever. After Seth Brundle steps out of a telepod that unknowingly to him, fused his DNA with that of a fly, his transformation begins slowly almost by the hour it seems into something eventually unrecognizable. With every layer of make-up, Goldblum submerged himself an inch deeper into the beast of Brundlefly. As we inch to the close of the film, the monstrous puppet that was used for the final result is a beautifully built piece of art that both horrifies and saddens us as we remember the innocent and bright soul underneath.
Let’s talk about that controversial deleted scene, shall we?
The deleted scene that was hidden from the public until a special two-disc DVD was released containing the footage, was originally cut from the film after an audience test screening in Toronto. According to Producer Stuart Cornfield, the theater guests were disgusted to the point of projectile vomit. The movie has some pretty nasty scenes that could definitely make someone gag a little, but I suppose this really was just a bit much for some. Apparently the general public didn’t take to kindly to Brundle experimenting on helpless animals and then bludgeoning them to death. Understandable. The scene had it been kept in, would make some folks take away any pity they may had for Seth, turning him from a helpless victim to animal-murdering dickbag. However, I can see what they were ultimately aiming for and from what I took from the scene, was an act of complete desperation. Brundle was halfway through his transformation and scrambling to find a cure as time was running short. You could see the defeat in his mangled face after the terribly gone wrong experiment on the roof, and ummm, ripping off an insect leg that had spawned from his stomach with his mouth. The whole scene is slightly painful to watch, but at least for me, not in a bad sense. There are a LOT of scenes from this film that will make you squirm. In my opinion, the scene with the dog in The Fly 2 was way worse than this.
The Fly is considered David Cronenberg’s crowning achievement in horror films, and I won’t disagree. It is truly a masterpiece in the sense of just how fragile life really is and the feelings the film evokes from your senses. It is so rare folks, that a horror movie such as this comes along that is done extraordinarily well in every goddamn aspect. Imaginative, compelling, and the dehumanization of what was once a curious man who has been forced into “insect politics”, is brilliant every time you view it. The Fly turns 30 years-old today. Don’t be afraid to pop that groundbreaking film into your DVD player in honor of not only of one of the best remakes, but also one of the greatest horror films of the twentieth century.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BzwxJ-M_M0
'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Follow our new YouTube channel "Mysteries and Movies" here.
Movies
Trailer for ‘The Exorcism’ Has Russell Crowe Possessed
The latest exorcism movie is about to drop this summer. It’s aptly titled The Exorcism and it stars Academy Award winner turned B-movie savant Russell Crowe. The trailer dropped today and by the looks of it, we are getting a possession movie that takes place on a movie set.
Just like this year’s recent demon-in-media-space film Late Night With the Devil, The Exorcism happens during a production. Although the former takes place on a live network talk show, the latter is on an active sound stage. Hopefully, it won’t be entirely serious and we’ll get some meta chuckles out of it.
The film will open in theaters on June 7, but since Shudder also acquired it, it probably won’t be long after that until it finds a home on the streaming service.
Crowe plays, “Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce.”
Crowe did see some success in last year’s The Pope’s Exorcist mostly because his character was so over-the-top and infused with such comical hubris it bordered on parody. We will see if that is the route actor-turned-director Joshua John Miller takes with The Exorcism.
'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Follow our new YouTube channel "Mysteries and Movies" here.
News
Win a Stay at The Lizzie Borden House From Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween has declared that this week marks the start of spooky season and to celebrate they are offering fans a chance to stay at the Lizzie Borden House with so many perks Lizzie herself would approve.
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA is claimed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Of course one lucky winner and up to 12 of their friends will find out if the rumors are true if they win the grand prize: A private stay in the notorious house.
“We are delighted to work with Spirit Halloween to roll out the red carpet and offer the public a chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, which also includes additional haunted experiences and merchandise,” said Lance Zaal, President & Founder of US Ghost Adventures.
Fans can enter to win by following Spirit Halloween‘s Instagram and leaving a comment on the contest post from now through April 28.
The prize also includes:
An exclusive guided house tour, including insider insight around the murder, the trial, and commonly reported hauntings
A late-night ghost tour, complete with professional ghost-hunting gear
A private breakfast in the Borden family dining room
A ghost hunting starter kit with two pieces of Ghost Daddy Ghost Hunting Gear and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course
The ultimate Lizzie Borden gift package, featuring an official hatchet, the Lizzie Borden board game, Lily the Haunted Doll, and America’s Most Haunted Volume II
Winner’s choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston for two
“Our Halfway to Halloween celebration provides fans an exhilarating taste of what’s to come this fall and empowers them to start planning for their favorite season as early as they please,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We have cultivated an incredible following of enthusiasts who embody the Halloween lifestyle, and we’re thrilled to bring the fun back to life.”
Spirit Halloween is also preparing for their retail haunted houses. On Thursday, August 1 their flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. will officially open to start off the season. That event usually draws in hordes of people eager to see what new merch, animatronics, and exclusive IP goods will be trending this year.
'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Follow our new YouTube channel "Mysteries and Movies" here.
Movies
’28 Years Later’ Trilogy Taking Shape With Serious Star Power
Danny Boyle is revisiting his 28 Days Later universe with three new films. He will direct the first, 28 Years Later, with two more to follow. Deadline is reporting that sources say Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have been cast for the first entry, a sequel to the original. Details are being kept under wraps so we don’t know how or if the first original sequel 28 Weeks Later fits into the project.
Boyle will direct the first movie but it’s unclear which role he will take on in the subsequent films. What is known is Candyman (2021) director Nia DaCosta is scheduled to direct the second film in this trilogy and that the third will be filmed immediately afterward. Whether DaCosta will direct both is still unclear.
Alex Garland is writing the scripts. Garland is having a successful time at the box office right now. He wrote and directed the current action/thriller Civil War which was just knocked out of the theatrical top spot by Radio Silence’s Abigail.
There is no word yet on when, or where, 28 Years Later will start production.
The original film followed Jim (Cillian Murphy) who wakes from a coma to find that London is currently dealing with a zombie outbreak.
'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Follow our new YouTube channel "Mysteries and Movies" here.
-
News7 days ago
Brad Dourif Says He’s Retiring Except For One Important Role
-
Strange and Unusual7 days ago
Man Arrested for Allegedly Taking a Severed Leg From Crash Site And Eating It
-
News5 days ago
Original Blair Witch Cast Ask Lionsgate for Retroactive Residuals in Light of New Film
-
Movies6 days ago
Spider-Man With a Cronenberg Twist in This Fan-Made Short
-
Editorial7 days ago
7 Great ‘Scream’ Fan Films & Shorts Worth a Watch
-
Movies7 days ago
Cannabis-Themed Horror Movie ‘Trim Season’ Official Trailer
-
News3 days ago
Perhaps the Scariest, Most Disturbing Series of The Year
-
Movies4 days ago
New F-Bomb Laden ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Trailer: Bloody Buddy Movie
You must be logged in to post a comment Login