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We’re Living in a Golden Era of Stephen King Films

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It’s almost never been better to be a fan of Stephen King.

From It to Gerald’s Game to 11.22.63, we’ve been getting absolutely pummelled with knockout after knockout with material based on the author’s work. And even though there have been a few duds – The Dark Tower really, really missed the mark – we should be thankful for the soon-to-be classics that have been introduced as of late.

The monetary success of It alone should be enough to get any horror fan excited. Things were looking somewhat bleak earlier in the year with Friday the 13th’s cancellation, due to poor performances on seemingly surefire hits like Rings. Thankfully, Stephen King has always been a dependable source for scares, and the numbers don’t lie. It was a commercial and critical success, and you can be sure that we’re about to see a lot more with the author’s name on it based on that alone.

And if things continue the way they have been, I’ll be a very happy person. Gerald’s Game, for those who haven’t seen it, is nothing short of phenomenal. “That scene” in particular – those of you who have seen it will know what I’m talking about – is sure to end up on a lot of people’s lists for scariest and most cringe-worthy horror moments of all time in years to come. But before any of you gorehounds freak out, hear me out; yes, I acknowledge that there have been much more extreme sequences in films before, some that may even rival the one in Gerald’s Game, but its placement during the film and execution is almost unparalleled. This isn’t a movie that is aiming to push Fulci out of the spotlight; this is a movie that, for the most part, is devoid of any other real extreme gore, making its inclusion that much more surprising and altogether terrifying.

Netflix

We’ve not seen this much wealth in the realm of Stephen King films since the 1980’s. And even then, though there were many, many classics being produced, there were also a lot of missteps. For a while, it seemed like King was getting a reputation of being a silly pulp writer because of it. A movie bearing Stephen King’s name, at least for a while, didn’t really mean that you were in for anything truly horrifying. Fun, yes, but it was much lighter than where we are today.

We then had one of the worst films ever made in Dreamcatcher, further sullying his reputation in film. It wasn’t like the man was responsible for directing them – it was simply that many of his ideas are so out there, so outlandish, that what worked on paper was incredibly hard to replicate on film.

Which is also why It was so surprising. It’s one of the more fantastic, epic novels the author has ever brought into this world, and yet, Andy Muschietti’s film seemed to capture all of it perfectly. For those who are still uptight about the 1990 miniseries, I’m here to reaffirm that it’s more than okay to prefer the new version. I certainly do. Pennywise has found a new avatar in the form of Skaarsgaard, and I find no reason to look back, wonderful as Curry was. I think it a lot of people were more honest with themselves and less afraid to fight nostalgia, they’d admit the same thing.

EW

I’d like to see some more updated adaptations with the way things have been going. Children of the Corn, for example, would be a great choice, as would Pet Sematary. A lot of filmmakers have now grown up with a love for King and his novels and their respective adaptations; true love that has shaped their desires to work in film or literature. These are the kind of people we need working on his films. For a while, this was not the case; as John Carpenter said himself, Christine was simply a job he was hired to do. Though the results were fine enough, it was unfortunately devoid of passion. You can say what you will about It, Gerald’s Game, and even 11.22.63 (though really, what bad could you possibly have to say about that one?), but criticizing them for being without passion is simply false.

Luckily, it doesn’t appear that this train is slowing down anytime soon. 1922 has just been released to mainly positive reviews, and Hulu’s Castle Rock is on the horizon, which is hopefully going to live up to expectations. Sure, The Mist has been canceled, and I can’t help but refer back to the disappointment that was The Dark Tower, but for all of the letdowns, the stronger entries seem to be so overpowering that those flubs can be overlooked.

As a huge fan of the novelist, I feel very lucky to be alive in a time where there seems to be such a renewed interest in getting his works the adaptations they deserve. In 2017, we’ve amassed such a wealth of classics, both modern and nostalgic, that it’s overwhelming in scope. Appreciate what you have, folks, because King is one in a million.

Rolling Stone

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

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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.

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Morticia & Wednesday Addams Join Monster High Skullector Series

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

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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.

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