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When (Misleading) Movie Trailers Betray Us

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When I was younger, I thought the absolute best job in the world would be to make movie trailers. Yeah. Cowgirl, firewoman, and astronaut-ninja-princess were all vetoed in favor of putting together movie clips in such a way that viewers would gasp in shock and wonder and fight each other to death getting in line to see movies that I selected just the right soundtrack for (yes, I thought that decision would be up to me. Life was happier before I learned about copyrights and shit) and edited to perfection. I gave up on that dream when I dropped out of college (the second time), not that a CC in Michigan offered such courses, but lately I’ve been thinking maybe I should go back for a third shot, because editors these days just don’t seem to appreciate the responsibility they have.

How many times, fellow horror fans? How many times has a trailer sucked you in, only to have you shell out $18 for a ticket just to have you end up throat punching a stranger in anger when the movie BLOWS? Off the top of my head I can think of a gazillion trailers that have straight. Up. Lied. Do you remember the DECEPTION that was the trailer for Paranormal Activity 3? So many scenes that weren’t even in the fucking movie?! I was so pissed! The trailer…not in good faith–and I…

nancy the craft

Whew. Deep breath. I’m back. You just have to understand how excited I was for that movie because of a bullshit trailer that lied to me.

But it’s really not the first time, is it? And it certainly won’t be the last. In my humble opinion, here are a few of the trailers that made a movie look far too good. And not in a “just doing my job way”, but in a “irresponsible to the audience” way.

The Houses October Built

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I feel really bad about this one, because one of the first posts I ever made to this site was about The Houses October Built. I was so excited! Like a kid in a candy store, or, well, me on Halloween. Clowns, haunted houses, the coin flip of the found footage…sigh. It could have been great. But, as you may or may not know, it was not. It was actually one of the worst things I’ve ever done to myself. From a mildly promising beginning to the peak that just never came, this movie couldn’t hold my attention, and I don’t know that anyone could watch this beginning to end without at least one nap halfway through.

The Babadook

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Whether you were pleased with the final product or not, it’s hard to argue that the trailer was miles ahead of the movie. The Babadook was infinitely scarier when it was a gravelly voice in the dark, and the climax of the movie was much more tolerable when it was spliced into fragments and not being passed as an actual climax. And depending on where you fall with quasi-ambiguous endings, one could argue that the terror was entirely sucked out of the movie itself in the last ten minutes.

Ouija

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Ugh. As far as overselling it…Jesus. I was really excited for this movie, thanks to the trailer. And then I was thought, “No, Michele. It’s PG-13. Don’t even bother.” And then I watched the trailer again. And then I decided I was being a movie snob. And then I watched it. And then I lost those 89 minutes of my life forever. FOREVER. The trailer made Ouija look horrifying, quick paced, and most of all, interesting. It was roughly 0% of any of those things. It was the kind of movie I would use to introduce a skittish tween to horror, as softcore as off brand vanilla ice cream. No. Vanilla frozen yogurt. There was definitely not the level of terror and mayhem implied by the trailer.

Paranormal Activity 3

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Perhaps the worst of the worst, as I’ve already said. I know I wasn’t the only one who was pissed–viewers took to social media in droves to express their frustration (which is nothing new for horror fans, but this was at least a semi-legitimate complaint). The vast majority of this trailer wasn’t even in the fucking movie. That, my friends, is bullshit. This blatantly fraudulent fuckery is apparently an attempt to surprise and, theoretically, horrify viewers more effectively. The trailer provides the overall central plot line in a way slightly more engaging than just advertising, “Hey, the third installment of the series is coming out. Come see it if you’re into that kind of thing” without giving away any key scenes, and actually very few minor scenes, either.

But…does it work? Creating scenes specifically for trailers means no wasted jump scares, no chance of any hidden twists being given away too soon (we all know that one horror nerd that can’t fucking wait to spoil newly released movies and will study intently each individual frame of a three minute trailer just to get a leg up on the ending), but still entice the viewer into actually paying to see the movie with a reasonable expectation of the general story. In theory, it should work. Upon some introspection, I’ve concluded that it’s an eensy bit possible that I simply don’t like trailers too far removed from the actual movie only because that’s not how I’m used to it being done. It’s very possible there’s other fans out there that love it.

Conversely, it’s just as possible that misleading movie trailers are only pissing off and possibly alienating fans. It’s 2015–everyone shares shit on social media, trailers for any movie can be found on YouTube and tweeted or Facebooked or that Google Plus thing that nobody really ever uses and shared millions of times; advertising is all but done for the studios. Why bother creating an entirely new movie for the sake of marketing when that appears to be the least of concerns?

It goes both ways, too. Some movies are edited to appear less rad than they are. Event Horizon looked more like a modernized retelling of the sci-fi flick 2001: A Space Odyssey than the ball of terror it actually was (do you know what the crew was doing in that recovered footage? Do you?). The Cabin in the Woods had a standard, by-the-books trailer that didn’t even hint at the steaming pile of awesome Joss Whedon bestowed upon us. That, too, seems irresponsible.

So, because I know you’re just dying to tell me how wrong I am, I invite you to sound off in the comments. What trailer do you have beef with? Or do you like it when trailers intentionally leave out/add huge plot points or scenes? Where and how should I go die because I don’t know anything about horror? Let me hear it, and shit, maybe we’ll end up writing a post together.

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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