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Late To The Party: ‘Salem’s Lot (1979) – iHorror

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Carrie

 

It’s taken me over thirty years but I’ve finally had the chance to sit down to this Stephen King bloody-sucking classic. ‘Salem’s Lot came to life in King’s masterful imagination when he first dared to ponder what would happen if Count Dracula moved into town? Being the genius that he was, Stephen King then turned that spark of curiosity into a modern day horror classic.

 

image via IMDB

 

Salem’s Lot was the first of King’s books I ever read. I picked up my copy for seven pounds (plus some outrageous import tax) back at Anglia, the only English bookstore (back in the 90’s) we had in St. Petersburg, Russia, and could not put it down. It became the first of many more of the King’s books I would eventually add to my library. For the longest time, ‘Salem’s Lot was in fact my favorite Stephen King book, even beating the stellar accomplishments of The Stand and Pet Sematary for me. As of 2016 IT has become my King favorite, but ‘Salem’s Lot still holds that special place for me. So much so that I had to re-read this past Spring. The same awe and wonder are still there.

 

image via IMDB

 

So, with the novel still freshly imprinted on my mind, how does the movie hold up? Filmed in 1979, by horror legend Tobe Hooper of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame, the movie has picked up a wild cult following over the years.

Immediately I’m reminded what this movie could have been. Previously I discussed how George Romero (Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) was set to collaborate with Stephen King and bring the vampire tour de force to life on the big screen. No disrespects to our beloved Mr. Hooper, but I do feel we were robbed as horror fans. Especially when you compare the demonic duo’s gruesome work with the fan-beloved Creepshow.

Hooper’s movie is good, if not, perhaps, just a little dated. The same slow burn build that he used in his titanic hit TCM was reused for ‘Salem’s Lot. However, whereas I feel the style worked brilliantly for his cannibal masterpiece the same praise cannot exactly be employed for his blood-sucking fiends. Mood, atmosphere, character build – these are all established in the novel. Stephen King brilliantly makes the town of ‘Salem’s Lot a lead character. That’s almost impossible to do, and only a master of the art can pull it off. Not only that, but his main character for the story is the Marsten House, a demonic abode standing – looming – over the sleepy town and acting like a live beacon drawing to itself very evil things. Naturally, drawn to the house is our ancient vampire, Barlow.

 

image via Stephen King Wiki

 

The movie follows this same thought, but it would be damned tricky to make a movie where the main characters are both a haunted house and a doomed town. And here is where we stop comparing to the book, because otherwise that would be self-destructive. Last I’ll say on the subject: go read the book!

This may not be my favorite Stephen King film adaptation, but I did enjoy it. The movie works in spite of it’s flaws. The differences from book to film are certainly there, but not enough to ruin some good-old fashioned spooky cinematic fun. Yeah sure, Barlow’s looks are taken straight out of Nosferatu, and his suave old-world hypnotism is replaced by grunts and growls; and yeah ok, his right hand man is no longer the gaunt, bald, menacing presence as he was in the novel, but here acts more like a Disney villain, but it’s still a fun watch nonetheless.

 

'Salem's Lot

image via Amazon

 

That being said I can’t neglect to praise where this film rocks! I have to give it to the ‘window scene.’ That moment still works and it’s been the nightmare fuel for many viewers over the years. Also, even though I may not have cared for Barlow’s (Reggie Nalder) growling performance, I did love the vampire makeup and effects. Seeing the undead fiends hovering above the ground with eternal hunger and predatory patience makes the movie a must-see experience.

 

image via giphy

 

There is a 2004 remake floating around out there, and yeah I’ve seen it. I just can’t remember the damn thing at all. It was that forgettable. This one though will stay with me and it deserves to be considered a classic.

Ok with all that said, I can’t help but think this story is set for a PROPER remake. Stephen King’s works all seem to be part of a remake craze right now, and good thing too! I’m excited. With things like IT, The Stand, and Tommy Knockers all slated for the future I’d like to return to the shadowy streets of ‘Salem’s Lot.

 

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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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