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Late to the Party: MISERY (1990)

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Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. I write for a horror publication – is that so hard to believe? His movies seem to be hit or miss, and that’s not the man’s fault. It’s always interesting to see how one person’s story is seen through another’s retelling. I loved his novella, The Mist. The film adaption, though? Could not stand it. On the other hand, I thought that the film version of Stand By Me (which was based on another novella, titled The Body) was ten times more enjoyable.

Never reading King’s original book, however, I thought that Misery would be a fun experiment for me. In almost every occasion, I’ve experienced King’s stories through text first and moving picture later. I wondered how it would be to watch something of his first, and then read it.

Well, I haven’t gotten around to reading Misery yet, but I think that’s understandable given that I just finished the movie last night. So, I can’t speak on how it compares to the book, but maybe I don’t need to. Film and literature are two completely different animals, and I treat them as such. In any case, I enjoyed Misery very much.

The plot of the film is pretty damn straightforward. An author, Paul Sheldon (James Caan) gets in a car wreck during a snowstorm and is rescued by his “biggest fan,” Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). She nurses him back to health, but there’s something a little off about her. In other words, she’s completely nuts. Wilkes forces Sheldon to write another sequel to his “Misery” novels when she reads the ending of the most recent one and decides that she doesn’t like it. The rest of the film follows an act of give and pull between the two as Sheldon attempts to survive Wilkes’ psychosis.

Caan and Bates both excel in their roles, and while at first I was expecting Bates to steal the show, I ended up completely enamored with James Caan’s portrayal of the writer. The man brings a lot of personality and humanity to the role; with Bates, well, she did the whole “crazy bitch” thing perfectly as well. I loved how obsessive and ridiculous the character was.

But besides the two of them, my favorite part of the film would probably be the scenery. The snow gave a very pleasing backdrop to a sadistic situation, which made Sheldon’s situation all the more sinister. Wilkes is a monster, through and through. The beauty of her character (and the horror, for that matter) is how deceptive her sinister-ness is (I don’t think that’s a word – just go with it). She doesn’t look like anyone overtly threatening, and she certainly doesn’t sound it. Wilkes is very much the definition of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

There were no big surprises for me to be found in Misery. If I could complain about one thing, it would be how straightforward the plot was. But then again, maybe that’s the beauty of the film. It’s such a simple premise. There could have realistically been one or two endings to the situation – Sheldon lives or Sheldon dies. While there was a degree of tension throughout, it never got to heart racing levels. Still, the strength of the characters in the film make for a highly enjoyable watch.

Misery is a horror film for those who don’t particularly enjoy horror films. It’s got great character acting and a steady, believable plot. The absence of anything too gory or violent besides one or two scenes will make it fine enough for anyone looking for a chill that won’t run unsettlingly deep.

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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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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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