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Late to the Party: The Fly (1986)

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GoldblumTruth be told, a traditional Late to the Party this was not. It wasn’t that I’d never seen The Fly, only that after the passage of more than a decade, I simply hadn’t the faintest recollection of David Cronenberg’s hit save the general plot or that it starred Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis.

Beyond that (and Patti Pauley’s eloquent love letter for the film’s 30th anniversary), however, I went into The Fly with fresh eyes, and can say that what I enjoyed most was its simplicity. Cronenberg focused on the characters rather than spectacular feats made possible by Goldblum’s new “spidey senses,” a decision which, for my money, made a ridiculous premise work.

For those who don’t know, Goldblum played Seth Brundle, a brilliant yet reclusive scientist on the verge of perfecting teleportation. Brundle meets journalist Veronica Quaife (Davis) and the story goes from Quaife believing Brundle to be a flake to wanting to break the story of a lifetime to falling for the quirky expert. Enter the literal fly in the ointment and Brundle discovers that he had been genetically fused with a fly which happened to land in the telepod during an experiment and you have the catalyst for the film.

Goldblum was absolutely brilliant as Brundle. Let’s be honest, who can pull off eagerly energetic while socially awkward better than Jeff Goldblum?

Rest assured, a character such as Brundle is not an easy one to pull off. That said, Goldblum nailed the oddball aspect of Brundle’s pre-fly infestation personality, but had the dramatic chops to convince as the aggressive and impatient “Dr.-Ian-Malcolm-on-crack” post-metamorphosis. Goldblum possessed the innocent, inquisitive charm of magician David Copperfield (check the hair and you’ll be sure to agree), but the nature of a character searching for answers required an actor who was incapable of speaking without thinking. Name an actor more adept at appearing to have had his lines pop into his head seconds before he blurts them and I’ll show you a liar.

The chemistry between Goldblum and Davis was undeniable. The intellectual and playful banter and staging of their own fusion was paced seamlessly, and thanks to the aforementioned fleshing out of their respective characters, plausibly.

And thank whatever God you pray to Cronenberg was unable to utilize CGI for The Fly because to an old schooler like me, practical effects will always win the day. The make-up and effects were minimalist and when teamed with the story and performances of Goldblum and Davis, allowed The Fly to remain a horror film with heart rather than teetering into a cheesy tale that didn’t know when to quit.

FlyAt its essence the film documents the slow but steady destruction of both characters. Goldblum psychologically and physically and Davis emotionally. Davis matches Goldblum’s skill throughout as a woman who find herself torn between saving the man she loves and fear for her own safety. Again, the pacing is spot on because neither Goldblum nor Davis slide too far too soon. Instead, they deteriorate progressively, and what’s more, believably until each reaches a point of no return.

In the middle is Stathis Borans (John Getz), Davis’ ex-boyfriend as well as editor of her magazine. Though he plays the role of jilted and jealous douche bag to perfection, Getz’s arc is an odd one because he ends up the hero of the film. Piggish advances and the type of sexually harassing power plays that you read about are replaced with genuine concern and finally, the resolve necessary to do what must be done.

The Fly is a movie to savor as it unfolds. There was no need to fill in blanks that were best left to the imagination, and I cannot bestow enough praise upon Cronenberg that the flick ended exactly when it should have.

Along the way, one of my favorite Goldblum deliveries made an appearance and I can guarantee I’ll be actively looking to drop “You got it, alright. You just can’t handle it” at my first opportunity. Not to mention a baboon, gymnastics routine, the mouthwatering combination of chocolate and scotch, a War Games moment and a larvae nightmare.

With smatterings of horror, drama and humor, The Fly offers a little something for everyone and is damn fun to watch.

Oh, and one final thought before signing off: The Fly was a remake.

The original was released in 1958. Cronenberg’s version was a re-imagining. Much like John Carpenter’s The Thing. And Fede Alvarez’s Evil Dead. So do me a favor, keep that in mind before pontificating about the sanctity of classics. Not all remakes turn out, but once in a while, new artists pick up the ideas of others and pull it off.

Be sure to check back for next week’s Late to the Party when we drop a mystery flick on ya.

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“Mickey Vs. Winnie”: Iconic Childhood Characters Collide in A Terrifying Versus Slasher

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iHorror is diving deep into film production with a chilling new project that’s sure to redefine your childhood memories. We’re thrilled to introduce ‘Mickey vs. Winnie,’ a groundbreaking horror slasher directed by Glenn Douglas Packard. This isn’t just any horror slasher; it’s a visceral showdown between twisted versions of childhood favorites Mickey Mouse and Winnie-the-Pooh. ‘Mickey vs. Winnie’ brings together the now-public-domain characters from A. A. Milne’s ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ books and Mickey Mouse from the 1920s ‘Steamboat Willie’ cartoon in a VS battle like never before seen.

Mickey VS Winnie
Mickey VS Winnie Poster

Set in the 1920s, the plot kicks off with a disturbing narrative about two convicts who escape into a cursed forest, only to be swallowed by its dark essence. Fast forward a hundred years, and the story picks up with a group of thrill-seeking friends whose nature getaway goes horribly wrong. They accidentally venture into the same cursed woods, finding themselves face-to-face with the now monstrous versions of Mickey and Winnie. What follows is a night filled with terror, as these beloved characters mutate into horrifying adversaries, unleashing a frenzy of violence and bloodshed.

Glenn Douglas Packard, an Emmy-nominated choreographer turned filmmaker known for his work on “Pitchfork,” brings a unique creative vision to this film. Packard describes “Mickey vs. Winnie” as a tribute to horror fans’ love for iconic crossovers, which often remain just a fantasy due to licensing restrictions. “Our film celebrates the thrill of combining legendary characters in unexpected ways, serving up a nightmarish yet exhilarating cinematic experience,” says Packard.

Produced by Packard and his creative partner Rachel Carter under the Untouchables Entertainment banner, and our very own Anthony Pernicka, founder of iHorror, “Mickey vs. Winnie” promises to deliver an entirely new take on these iconic figures. “Forget what you know about Mickey and Winnie,” Pernicka enthuses. “Our film portrays these characters not as mere masked figures but as transformed, live-action horrors that merge innocence with malevolence. The intense scenes crafted for this movie will change how you see these characters forever.”

Currently underway in Michigan, the production of “Mickey vs. Winnie” is a testament to pushing boundaries, which horror loves to do. As iHorror ventures into producing our own films, we’re excited to share this thrilling, terrifying journey with you, our loyal audience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to transform the familiar into the frightful in ways you’ve never imagined.

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Mike Flanagan Comes Aboard To Assist in Completion of ‘Shelby Oaks’

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shelby oaks

If you have been following Chris Stuckmann on YouTube you are aware of the struggles he has had getting his horror movie Shelby Oaks finished. But there’s good news about the project today. Director Mike Flanagan (Ouija: Origin Of Evil, Doctor Sleep and The Haunting) is backing the film as a co-executive producer which might bring it much closer to being released. Flanagan is a part of the collective Intrepid Pictures which also includes Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka.

Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks

Stuckmann is a YouTube movie critic who’s been on the platform for over a decade. He came under some scrutiny for announcing on his channel two years ago that he would no longer be reviewing films negatively. However contrary to that statement, he did a non-review essay of the panned Madame Web recently saying, that studios strong-arm directors to make films just for the sake of keeping failing franchises alive. It seemed like a critique disguised as a discussion video.

But Stuckmann has his own movie to worry about. In one of Kickstarter’s most successful campaigns, he managed to raise over $1 million for his debut feature film Shelby Oaks which now sits in post-production. 

Hopefully, with Flanagan and Intrepid’s help, the road to Shelby Oak’s completion is reaching its end. 

“It’s been inspiring to watch Chris working toward his dreams over the past few years, and the tenacity and DIY spirit he displayed while bringing Shelby Oaks to life reminded me so much of my own journey over a decade ago,” Flanagan told Deadline. “It’s been an honor to walk a few steps with him on his path, and to offer support for Chris’ vision for his ambitious, unique movie. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”

Stuckmann says Intrepid Pictures has inspired him for years and, “it’s a dream come true to work with Mike and Trevor on my first feature.”

Producer Aaron B. Koontz of Paper Street Pictures has been working with Stuckmann since the beginning is also excited about the collaboration.

“For a film that had such a hard time getting going, it’s remarkable the doors that then opened to us,” said Koontz. “The success of our Kickstarter followed by the on-going leadership and guidance from Mike, Trevor, and Melinda is beyond anything I could have hoped for.”

Deadline describes the plot of Shelby Oaks as follows:

“A combination of documentary, found footage, and traditional film footage styles, Shelby Oaks centers on Mia’s (Camille Sullivan) frantic search for her sister, Riley, (Sarah Durn) who ominously disappeared in the last tape of her “Paranormal Paranoids” investigative series. As Mia’s obsession grows, she begins to suspect that the imaginary demon from Riley’s childhood may have been real.”

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New ‘MaXXXine’ Image is Pure 80s Costume Core

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A24 has unveiled a captivating new image of Mia Goth in her role as the titular character in “MaXXXine”. This release comes approximately a year and a half after the previous installment in Ti West’s expansive horror saga, which covers more than seven decades.

MaXXXine Official Trailer

His latest continues the story arc of freckle-faced aspiring starlet Maxine Minx from the first film X which took place in Texas in 1979. With stars in her eyes and blood on her hands, Maxine moves into a new decade and a new city, Hollywood, in pursuit of an acting career, “But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.”

The photo below is the latest snapshot released from the film and shows Maxine in full Thunderdome drag amid a crowd of teased hair and rebellious 80s fashion.

MaXXXine is set to open in theaters on July 5.

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