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Boomschtick: Review of Ash vs Evil Dead S02E01 — “Home”

Published

8 years ago

October 2, 2016

“I’ve made a huge mess.”

Ten months after Ash (Bruce Campbell) and Ruby (Lucy Lawless) made a pact for the Ghostbeaters to lay down their weapons and head back to their lives, the author of the Necronomicon admits that she has lost control of her “children” and needs Ash and his cohorts to help her send them back to hell.

The first few minutes from “Ash vs Evil Dead’s” Season 2 premiere came locked and loaded. Of course, the splatstick fare of blood, guts and one-liners are abundant, but we also learn a bit more about Ruby and why Ash and the group need to head back to The King’s hometown. In short, the story lines which will drive the second set of ten episodes have already been revealed, now we just enjoy the ride.

With that in mind, if you haven’t seen “Home,” we suggest you turn around and head back because there will be spoilers.

What interested me most about the premiere was not about new characters or even the dynamic between Ash and the suddenly desperate Ruby, but rather that the show took time to focus on Pablo (Ray Santiago) and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo). You’ll recall that the truce agreed upon from Season 1 had nothing to do with the thoughts or feelings of Ash’s minions, nor was living it up in Jacksonville, because while Ash was partying, Pablo and Kelly were busing tables and tending bar, respectively.

The tandem aren’t quite resentful, but certainly frustrated. You picking up on the theme, because it doesn’t appear to have been lost on the Deadites?

Possession notwithstanding, Ash’s sidekicks had evil come at them in a rather straightforward manner throughout the first season. The tandem didn’t have to endure the Deadite mind-fucks Ash had at the cabin back in the day (or even last season), but it certainly seems that the Evil Dead universe will continue to expand with meatier plots involving the Boomstick Butcher’s left and right hands (forgive the pun). Both get their craniums toyed with in hopes of planting seeds of mutiny, and we all know that Kelly has a far shorter distance to travel than Pablo when it comes to that particular road.

ghostbeaters While we didn’t get to see Ted Raimi in the opener, we do get a glimpse of the Kandarian Dagger, a taunting chant we may have heard before and the Six Million Dollar Man. Let’s just say that if you had any lingering doubt whether Lee Majors would adapt to the genre, fret no more because he was bloody seamless as Ash’s father, Brock. DeLorenzo told iHorror that no one could deliver a one-liner better than Campbell — unless they were Majors — and she was right. Pops is quick on the trigger and with biting words, thinks Pablo is an illegal and isn’t exactly keen on his son’s return. Not that he’s alone. No one in Elk Grove wants Ashy Slashy there.

So they embarked on a quest to find Ruby and it didn’t take them long to do just that, which symbolized the final bricks of a foundation that will carry us through Season 2.

We’d be remiss if we neglected some fantastic references from the season debut before moving on to questions heading into Episode 2.

We had learned that the events surrounding Army of Darkness were fair game this year, and the show doesn’t waste time alluding to the third film of the Evil Dead trilogy. You’ll know it when you hear it because there are a couple of not-so subtle moments that will make that huge grin you’re already sporting nearly rip your face off.

On the subtle (and excessively excited) side, though, I am convinced there was a nod to The ‘Burbs in the season premiere. I don’t want to spoil it by saying anything more, but just know that it is there and it will elicit a “God, I love this ~~street~~ show!”

Season 2 looks to up the ante from character development to buckets of blood and even the baddest villain in Evil Dead history that Ms. DeLorenzo had told us about. However, there are questions:

For all his bluster and bravado, why did Ash tuck tail and run 30 years ago rather than explain what really happened at the cabin?
Why didn’t his father believe his son when he told him that he did not murder Cheryl or his friends?
What is Ruby’s end game? We know she needs Ash’s help now, but when will she once again assume the upper hand?
What else can the Necronomicon do that we aren’t aware of?
Is Pablo assuming Cheryl’s role? What’s with the waking nightmare visions and doodling?
And you know the Deadites are merely using Kelly’s subconscious against her. When will she lash out and take things in her own direction?

Look, “Ash vs Evil Dead” is a show that can be enjoyed at face value, but it’s just far more fun to dig a little deeper in anticipation of what’s to come. Let’s not forget, Ruby fought alongside Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan, but our favorite “dipshit” is her Obi-Wan.

If that’s not a reason to come back every week, we don’t know what else we can do for you.

Catch you on the flip-flop.

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News

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

Published

5 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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.

“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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News

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

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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]

Published

8 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Timothy Rawles

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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