Connect with us

News

A Damn Fine Actor: Remembering Miguel Ferrer

Published

on

Enthralled is the word I’m going to go with. I was enthralled with Robocop the first time I set eyes on the sci-fi classic. With Peter Weller as the title character to be sure, but also with the young, punk executive who saw an opportunity and seized it. He was no-nonsense, tough and devoured whenever he appeared on screen.

My thoughts mimicked those of his Bob Morton character, “I fuckin’ love that guy!”

His name was Miguel Ferrer, and he succumbed to cancer today at the age of 61.

Funny how someone you never met could have such a lasting impact. Robocop has a special place in my heart because of where I was in my life when I took it all in, and so too Miguel Ferrer.

Forever a character actor who appeared in countless successful films and television projects, I could never shake the thought, “I fuckin’ love that guy!” or wrap my head around the fact that he wasn’t a bigger star.

For years I had described New York Yankees and future Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter as a superstar with the heart of a utility player. Ferrer was the mirror opposite as a performer. Ferrer possessed the talent of a superstar with the heart of a complimentary actor.

And compliment he did.

When I first arrived at iHorror, I was looking for a new addiction, and Patti Pauley put me on to “Twin Peaks.” I cannot thank her enough for exposing me to that beautifully strange slice of pie.

One can imagine my glee when I saw not only the name of Everett McGill in the credits, but Miguel Ferrer as well.

Albert Rosenfield was a bit bereft of “the social niceties.” Put another way, he was a prick of monumental proportion in the early going. Cold, clinical, condescending, cocky. Hell, even Andy (Harry Goaz) called him out, and Andy loved everybody.

Somewhere along the line, though, things changed. Ferrer’s character was no longer unlikable, he ceased spewing anger and began speaking with affection and admiration, and damned if he wasn’t worthy of being a Bookhouse Boy.

It was a turnaround that came about so abruptly that it seemed unreal, but that was in keeping with the charm of “Twin Peaks.” It didn’t have to make sense, you just went with it.

From that moment forward, Ferrer’s presence offered incredible humanity to the show. For all its quirks and over-the-top qualities, Ferrer felt authentic. In his characters’ unrivaled forensic research, comforting Agent Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) and imploring Cooper and Sheriff Truman (Michael Ontkean) to find the beast before he took another bite.

In short, if you were lucky enough to see Ferrer on screen, you were buying in. Whether it was humor, confidence, abrasiveness, sympathy or concern, you were all-in because Ferrer’s performances felt genuine, even when they were intended to be caricatures of a cliche.

I’ll finish with this, because it just feels like the right way to say goodbye. And I think I speak for “Twin Peaks” fans everywhere when I say “We love you, too.”

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Lists

The Top-Searched Free Horror/Action Movies on Tubi This Week

Published

on

The free streaming service Tubi is a great place to scroll when you’re unsure what to watch. They are not sponsored or affiliated with iHorror. Still, we really appreciate their library because it’s so robust and has many obscure horror movies so rare you can’t find them anywhere in the wild except, if you’re lucky, in a moist cardboard box at a yard sale. Other than Tubi, where else are you going to find Nightwish (1990), Spookies (1986), or The Power (1984)?

We take a look at the most searched horror titles on the platform this week, hopefully, to save you some time in your endeavor to find something free to watch on Tubi.

Interestingly at the top of the list is one of the most polarizing sequels ever made, the female-led Ghostbusters reboot from 2016. Perhaps viewers have seen the latest sequel Frozen Empire and are curious about this franchise anomaly. They will be happy to know it’s not as bad as some think and is genuinely funny in spots.

So take a look at the list below and tell us if you are interested in any of them this weekend.

1. Ghostbusters (2016)

Ghostbusters (2016)

An otherworldly invasion of New York City assembles a pair of proton-packed paranormal enthusiasts, a nuclear engineer and a subway worker for battle.An otherworldly invasion of New York City assembles a pair of proton-packed paranormal enthusiasts, a nuclear engineer and a subway worker for battle.

2. Rampage

When a group of animals becomes vicious after a genetic experiment goes awry, a primatologist must find an antidote to avert a global catastrophe.

3. The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren uncover an occult conspiracy as they help a defendant argue that a demon forced him to commit murder.

4. Terrifier 2

After being resurrected by a sinister entity, Art the Clown returns to Miles County, where his next victims, a teenage girl and her brother, await.

5. Don’t Breathe

A group of teens breaks into a blind man’s home, thinking they’ll get away with the perfect crime but get more than they bargained for once inside.

6. The Conjuring 2

In one of their most terrifying paranormal investigations, Lorraine and Ed Warren help a single mother of four in a house plagued by sinister spirits.

7. Child’s Play (1988)

A dying serial killer uses voodoo to transfer his soul into a Chucky doll which winds up in the hands of a boy who may be the doll’s next victim.

8. Jeepers Creepers 2

When their bus breaks down on a deserted road, a team of high school athletes discovers an opponent they cannot defeat and may not survive.

9. Jeepers Creepers

After making a horrific discovery in the basement of an old church, a pair of siblings find themselves the chosen prey of an indestructible force.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

News

Morticia & Wednesday Addams Join Monster High Skullector Series

Published

on

Believe it or not, Mattel’s Monster High doll brand has an immense following with both young and not-so-young collectors. 

In that same vein, the fan base for The Addams Family is also very large. Now, the two are collaborating to create a line of collectible dolls that celebrate both worlds and what they have created is a combination of fashion dolls and goth fantasy. Forget Barbie, these ladies know who they are.

The dolls are based on Morticia and Wednesday Addams from the 2019 Addams Family animated movie. 

As with any niche collectibles these aren’t cheap they bring with them a $90 price tag, but it’s an investment as a lot of these toys become more valuable over time. 

“There goes the neighborhood. Meet the Addams Family’s ghoulishly glamorous mother-daughter duo with a Monster High twist. Inspired by the animated movie and clad in spiderweb lace and skull prints, the Morticia and Wednesday Addams Skullector doll two-pack makes for a gift that’s so macabre, it’s downright pathological.”

If you want to pre-purchase this set check out The Monster High website.

Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Footwear for Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Morticia Addams Skullector doll
Morticia Addams doll shoes
Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading

News

1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

Published

on

The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Listen to the 'Eye On Horror Podcast'

Continue Reading