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‘Fantasm’ Shines A Bright Light On Horror Love [review]

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Fantasm is a documentary from horror fan Kyle Kuchta, in which he goes to six horror conventions, and talks to people about the convention scene and horror fandom in general. At a succinct hour-long runtime, it’s definitely worth your time. Let’s face it. If you’re on iHorror right now, you’re exactly who this film is for.

Fantasm doesn’t come with a lot of frills. Just a bunch of horror lovers talking about loving horror and how fans who share this passion like to come together to celebrate it.

While most of the discussion comes from various vendors and genre media folks, who appear at the shows repeatedly, there are also a handful of genre stars who took the time to share some thoughts about horror convention culture. These include A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Heather Langenkamp and Amanda Wyss, Tom Atkins (Night of the Creeps, Halloween III, The Fog), and Tuesday Knight (NOES 4). Even Zombie’s Richard Johnson makes an appearance.

You’ll hear from Fangoria’s Justin Beahm, Jack Bennett of Blood and Guts with Scott Ian, and Ben Scrivensand Kristy Jett from Fright-Rags, to name a few.

The specific shows Kuchta attended include Monster Mania 23 (2012), Rock and Shock (2012), Spooky Empire (2012) Horrorhound Weekend (2012), Monster Mania 24 (2013), and Horrorhound Weekend (2013).

I’m personally not a huge convention guy. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the community and the events. It’s more that I’m always broke and have limited time for extra fun stuff, so even when I do attend, I’m usually only there for a couple of hours at most. Fantasm more than anything is about those who spend a lot of time – like all three days worth – at the shows.

I’ve also never been to any of the shows chronicled in the film, but from the looks of it, they’re pretty similar to ones I’ve attended, so regardless of which events you do attend, you’ll likely find some familiarity in the film.

One thing is made very clear by Fantasm. Okay, actually two things. One: people really fucking love Norman Reedus. Two: Horror convention culture is only getting bigger and drawing more people.

There’s nothing really to dislike about Fantasm. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll almost certainly enjoy sitting back and appreciating just how important it is to so many people – people who are probably in some ways a lot like you.

The film does make me feel a little old, as it’s told from the perspective of a guy who credits the Dawn of the Dead remake with getting him into horror. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a really good movie. I just feel really, really old. But that’s part of the message here too. This stuff is for people of all ages. These shows draw kids that are younger than ten, people in their sixties and beyond, and everyone in between. There’s something for everyone.

The shows are compared by various people to high school reunions you actually want to go to, Christmas for horror fans, Thanksgiving weekend for horror fans, sporting events for horror fans, and church for horror fans. Pick an analogy, and that basically sums it up.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

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atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

Airport ’75

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

The Clovehitch Killer

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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