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Haunted Halls and Spooky Thrills: Midsummer Scream 2023

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This past weekend, the Long Beach Convention Center was the scene of a celebration, but not just any old celebration, a celebration of Halloween and horror. The Sixth Annual Midsummer Scream had nearly 45,000 in attendance, with over 350 vendors selling all types of merchandise and all things Halloween.

Midsummer Scream offered a popular nine walk-through haunted experiences along with photo displays, the Hall of Shadows is always a popular attraction each year, and the time, talent, and effort never cease to amaze me. With lasers of light, fog creatures, and noise, you have no choice but to allow this attraction to put you into to a spooky and Halloween mood.

Midsummer Scream – July 28th thru July 30th, 2023 – Long Beach, California

The convention ran for three days, July 28 thru July 30th, 2023, the first day being the shortest, with the doors opening from 6-10 p.m. The convention center didn’t take long to fill up; I suspect that this might have largely to do with the popular and eerie Hall of Shadows being opened on Friday when usually it’s just Saturday and Sunday. Midsummer Scream takes place during the summer months, adding a unique twist to the convention experience by celebrating Halloween well ahead of schedule.

Midsummer Scream – July 28th thru July 30th, 2023 – Long Beach, California

Many factors contribute to the uniqueness that is Midsummer Scream. They celebrate Halloween as its primary theme, making it an ideal destination for those who have a passion for the spooky holiday and all things related to it. The convention offers a diverse array of horror-centric programming, including haunted houses, mazes, panel discussions, workshops, and demonstrations, all centered around the horror genre.

Attendees are provided with immersive experiences, such as interactive haunted attractions, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the world of horror. The event attracts notable guests from the industry, including actors, directors, writers, and special effects artists – now, people are given the opportunity to interact with these talented individuals.

The Boogeyman Experience – MidSummer Scream 2023

I had a grand time experiencing “The Boogeyman Experience,” I was excited because I had seen The Boogyman and thoroughly enjoyed it. The experience was located on the 2nd floor of the Long Beach Convention Center; right around the corner, their Grand Ballroom held the afterparty and some extensive panel presentations such as Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. Upon arrival, I was asked to sign a digital waiver with a scanned QR code; this was very unnerving. Upon entry, we were paired with two other people, and the experience began and was around three minutes long. One person was to leave the group and enter a pitch-black room set up as a bedroom. I, along with the other two, would go to a monitoring station where we could see the person in the bedroom; it was using an infrared night-vision type camera to capture the video. The task was simple: give directions over a microphone to the person in the room to assist in finding unique objects related to The Boogeyman, and the person would provide clues and suggestions on where to find these items. If the team failed, The Boogeyman would come and take the person away, so they said. With the help of our team, all items were found. 

Coming Soon – The Boogeyman

Even though the experience was short, I had a tremendously good time. It was a great experience, considering it was a temporary structure, and I know a lot of work was put into it. I walked away, satisfied and slightly scared, wondering what could have happened if we had lost. It will be available on digital on August 29 and on Blu-ray and DVD on October 10. 

Midsummer Scream – July 28th thru July 30th, 2023 – Long Beach, California

This event continues to outdo itself each year, and I have yet to have a negative experience. The only negative comes on the final day at the last hour, knowing we will have to wait a year to enjoy this Halloween Festival again. Midsummer Scream sets itself apart from other conventions because they continue to focus on Halloween and horror, specialized programming, along with immersive experiences, makes it a one-of-a-kind one-stop shop for everyone. Fostering a strong sense of community among horror enthusiasts and creating that vibrant and exciting atmosphere is what it’s all about.

Midsummer Scream – July 28th thru July 30th, 2023 – Long Beach, California

Midsummer Scream – July 28th thru July 30th, 2023 – Long Beach, California

Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director)

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Rob Zombie Joins McFarlane Figurine’s “Music Maniacs” Line

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Rob Zombie is joining the growing cast of horror music legends for McFarlane collectibles. The toy company, headed by Todd McFarlane, has been doing its Movie Maniacs line since 1998, and this year they have created a new series called Music Maniacs. This includes legendary musicians, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, and Trooper Eddie from Iron Maiden.

Adding to that iconic list is director Rob Zombie formerly of the band White Zombie. Yesterday, via Instagram, Zombie posted that his likeness will join the Music Maniacs line. The “Dracula” music video inspires his pose.

He wrote: “Another Zombie action figure is headed your way from @toddmcfarlane ☠️ It’s been 24 years since the first one he did of me! Crazy! ☠️ Preorder now! Coming this summer.”

This won’t be the first time Zombie has been featured with the company. Back in 2000, his likeness was the inspiration for a “Super Stage” edition where he is equipped with hydraulic claws in a diorama made of stones and human skulls.

For now, McFarlane’s Music Maniacs collection is only available for pre-order. The Zombie figure is limited to only 6,200 pieces. Pre-order yours at the McFarlane Toys website.

Specs:

  • Incredibly detailed 6” scale figure featuring ROB ZOMBIE likeness
  • Designed with up to 12 points of articulation for posing and play
  • Accessories include microphone and mic stand
  • Includes art card with numbered certificate of authenticity
  • Showcased in Music Maniacs themed window box packaging
  • Collect all McFarlane Toys Music Maniacs Metal Figures
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“In a Violent Nature” So Gory Audience Member Throws Up During Screening

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in a violent nature horror movie

Chis Nash (ABC’s of Death 2) just debuted his new horror film, In a Violent Nature, at the Chicago Critics Film Fest. Based on the audience’s reaction, those with squeamish stomachs may want to bring a barf bag to this one.

Thats right, we have another horror film that is causing audience members to walk out of the screening. According to a report from Film Updates at least one audience member threw up in the middle of the film. You can hear audio of the audience reaction to the film below.

In a Violent Nature

This is far from the first horror film to claim this kind of audience reaction. However, early reports of In a Violent Nature indicates that this film may be just that violent. The film promises to reinvent the slasher genre by telling the story from the killer’s perspective.

Here is the official synopsis for the film. When a group of teens takes a locket from a collapsed fire tower in the woods, they unwittingly resurrect the rotting corpse of Johnny, a vengeful spirit spurred on by a horrific 60-year old crime. The undead killer soon embarks on a bloody rampage to retrieve the stolen locket, methodically slaughtering anyone who gets in his way.

While we will have to wait and see if In a Violent Nature lives up to all of its hype, recent responses on X offer nothing but praise for the film. One user even makes the bold claim that this adaptation is like an arthouse Friday the 13th.

In a Violent Nature will receive a limited theatrical run starting May 31, 2024. The film will then be released on Shudder sometime later in the year. Make sure to check out the promo images and trailer below.

In a violent nature
In a violent nature
in a violent nature
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New Windswept Action Trailer for ‘Twisters’ Will Blow You Away

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The summer movie blockbuster game came in soft with The Fall Guy, but the new trailer for Twisters is bringing back the magic with an intense trailer full of action and suspense. Steven Spielberg’s production company, Amblin, is behind this newest disaster film just like its 1996 predecessor.

This time Daisy Edgar-Jones plays the female lead named Kate Cooper, “a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better. As storm season intensifies, terrifying phenomena never seen before are unleashed, and Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma in the fight of their lives.”

Twisters cast includes Nope’s Brandon Perea, Sasha Lane (American Honey), Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), Kiernan Shipka (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Nik Dodani (Atypical) and Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney (Beautiful Boy).

Twisters is directed by Lee Isaac Chung and hits theaters on July 19.

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