Connect with us

News

Revisiting Halloween 3: Why It Actually Doesn’t Suck

Published

on

halloween 3 subjectsI love Halloween, and I love Halloween. But I have a confession to make. Despite being a bona fide horror fan, I have not seen all of the Halloween films. I had seen most of them, but not all, and especially not Halloween III: Season Of The Witch, because that one doesn’t even have Michael Myers, so, I mean, come on! And from what I had heard growing up, it was just a lame movie about some deadly masks. How silly, right?

Wrong! Throughout my perusing of the Internet over the last few years, I have come across a clip from Halloween 3. You probably know it, but here it is again. [youtube id=”ssS4T_OcltU” align=”center” mode=”normal” autoplay=”no”]

The mask basically dissolved that kid’s head, and all kinds of creepy crawlies spewed out from underneath. THAT’S FUCKED UP! I kept wondering how a movie with such a horrifying scene could be considered a blemish on the Halloween franchise, and the horror genre itself. So I decided to finally watch it. I was not disappointed. halloween 3 mask deathHalloween III is not about Michael Myers. Once you acknowledge this, and the expectation shifts away from watching people flee from a Shatner-masked slasher, you will have a fine horror experience. This time, the story revolves around a mysterious company called Silver Shamrock, whose national TV commercials advertising their masks and the upcoming Halloween holiday are inescapable. A man named Harry Grimbridge is admitted to the hospital grasping a mask and warning that “they” are going to kill everyone; he is promptly killed by an emotionless goon in a dapper suit. Our hero, Dr. Challis, chases the man into the parking lot, where the goon kills himself in spectacular fashion. All kinds of mysteries shroud these events. Why was Harry so frightened? Who was after him? Why did his murderer kill himself? When Challis meets Harry’s daughter, Ellie, they discover that Harry had visited the Silver Shamrock factory in Santa Mira just days before. The two set out to the small town in search of answers. halloween 3 shopWhen they arrive, it is clear that this is no ordinary small town. A surveillance camera follows their car as they drive in, and the local motel manager has only high praise for Mr. Cochran, the owner of Silver Shamrock—as if, were he to say anything unsatisfactory about Mr. Cochran, his life would be in danger. Later, we watch as the town shutters itself at six o’clock for curfew. This place just isn’t right.

As Ellie and Challis continue to dig deeper into the secrets of Silver Shamrock and its ubiquitous jingle (set to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down”), the film builds an ominous sense of dread. Something awful is on tap for Halloween night, and we are constantly reminded of the approaching doom by the countdown presented by the advertisements as the days wear on (“Eight more days ‘til Halloween, Halloween, Halloween! Eight more days ‘til Halloween, Silver Shamrock!”). [youtube id=”WJa8WtoSWVE” align=”center” mode=”normal” autoplay=”no”]

So what of the villain, now that we don’t have Michael Myers? Instead of one knife-wielding boogeyman, the villain is an omnipotent company run by a man with a taste for old-school Samhain sacrificing, which is just as terrifying. Michael Myers may be more timeless, but don’t discount Silver Shamrock; with its dastardly uses of surveillance and mass communication, the movie may have been ahead of its time with this villain. halloween 3 cochranAfter watching this for the first time, I can only imagine that it received so much hate simply because it didn’t feature Michael Myers. That may have been understandable when it was released in 1982, but now we have gotten plenty more Halloween films with Michael Myers, so in a way we can have our cake and eat it too. The bottom line is, when viewed as a stand-alone horror film, Halloween III delivers. Give it a(nother) chance.

[youtube id=”zKNIqG9J2KU” align=”center” mode=”normal” autoplay=”no”]

 

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

Published

on

Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

News

A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

Published

on

It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

A24

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

News

Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

Published

on

Louis Leterrier

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading