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Ash Slices His Way Through Deadites in “Ash Vs. Evil Dead Season 2”

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Written by Shannon McGrew

Following “Ash vs. Evil Dead”‘s hugely successful debut on the Starz Channel last year, audiences have received the gift that keeps on giving in the form of Bruce Campbell’s portrayal of the much older, but just as amazing, Ash Williams. This past week, in preparation for the Blu-ray/DVD release, I had the chance to binge watch the second season in its entirety, and though I didn’t like it as much as the first season, it still lived up to the high standards of what I expected.

“Ash vs. Evil Dead Season 2” kicks off with Ash (Bruce Campbell), Pablo (Ray Santiago), and Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) living their lives in Jacksonville, FL. However, since evil is never far from Ash, it once again rears its ugly head forcing Ash and the gang to leave FL and return to his hometown, Elk Grove. Once there, they are confronted by Ruby (Lucy Lawless), who informs them that the evil is also stalking her and she needs their help. Against their better judgment, the gang forms an unlikely alliance with Ruby in hopes of destroying the evil that has befallen them before it destroys Elk Grove.

The show wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible chemistry between all the actors. Bruce Campbell once again shows no signs of slowing down in terms of his witty one-liners and undeniable charm. This season there was more of a focus on Ray Santiago’s character which I really enjoyed. Though Pablo will always be Ash’s sidekick, the fact that they gave him an intriguing storyline that included the Necronomicon was quite entertaining. As for Dana DeLorenzo, that woman can do no wrong in my book. She is a force to be reckoned with who has located her true calling in kicking ass and taking names. Lucy Lawless one again proved her worth as Ruby, though I felt her storyline wasn’t as strong.

(L-R) Dana DeLorenzo and Ray Santiago star in Lionsgate Home Entertainment ASH VS. EVIL DEAD

 

One of the aspects that I loved so much about the first season was the designs of the deadites as well as the creatures released from the Necronomicon. This season there wasn’t as much creature design which I really missed. The main focus was on the deadites, which were just as amazing as they have always been, as well as Ruby’s “children”. I did enjoy how these monstrosities were designed and how they interacted with those they confronted, but I really felt like something was missing in the overall design of the creatures. We were also introduced to the incredibly powerful demon Baal, played by Joel Tobeck, who made it his personal goal to do whatever he could to try and destroy Ash and retrieve the Necronomicon. In regards to the gore level in this show, gore-hounds will be pleased as punch to learn that there are some spectacular death scenes. One thing this show is not in need of is more carnage and destruction, it has that in spades, and quite honestly, it’s one of the best parts of this series.

(L-R) Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi star in Lionsgate Home Entertainment’s ASH VS. EVIL DEAD

I did enjoy that we got to go to Elk Grove and see what Ash’s hometown was like 30 years later. This was made especially intriguing by the introduction of Ash’s father, played by veteran actor Lee Majors. Their interaction was a combination of humor, hatred, and comeuppances, that made for some quality television viewing. It became quite apparent very quickly as to why Ash has the personality that he does due to the type of person his father is. Having to go back to Elk Grove forced Ash to confront his past and those who believe that he was the true killer – and many, many people believe Ash (or as they call him, Ashy Slashy), is the one responsible for all the murders years ago in that fateful cabin. With Ash going home, the viewer gets to see some fantastic cameos, most notably by Ted Raimi and Ellen Sandweiss who played the original Cheryl in The Evil Dead film.

Overall, “Ash vs. Evil Dead Season 2” still comes out on top and is easily one of the best television shows I’ve seen in years. Though I may not have been as blown away as I was with the first season, I still think this one has some incredibly amazing moments and reveals. Going back and learning about Ash’s life and seeing his hometown really gave viewers a better understanding of why Ash is who he is. The writers also did an impressive job of bringing the show’s story full circle with the return of the infamous cabin in the woods. As for those wondering if there will be a season 3, have no fear, as the third season has been filmed! With that said, there will be so much more to come and many more deadites to be killed.

“Ash vs. Evil Dead Season 2” is now available to own on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD from Lionsgate.

 

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“Mickey Vs. Winnie”: Iconic Childhood Characters Collide in A Terrifying Versus Slasher

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iHorror is diving deep into film production with a chilling new project that’s sure to redefine your childhood memories. We’re thrilled to introduce ‘Mickey vs. Winnie,’ a groundbreaking horror slasher directed by Glenn Douglas Packard. This isn’t just any horror slasher; it’s a visceral showdown between twisted versions of childhood favorites Mickey Mouse and Winnie-the-Pooh. ‘Mickey vs. Winnie’ brings together the now-public-domain characters from A. A. Milne’s ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ books and Mickey Mouse from the 1920s ‘Steamboat Willie’ cartoon in a VS battle like never before seen.

Mickey VS Winnie
Mickey VS Winnie Poster

Set in the 1920s, the plot kicks off with a disturbing narrative about two convicts who escape into a cursed forest, only to be swallowed by its dark essence. Fast forward a hundred years, and the story picks up with a group of thrill-seeking friends whose nature getaway goes horribly wrong. They accidentally venture into the same cursed woods, finding themselves face-to-face with the now monstrous versions of Mickey and Winnie. What follows is a night filled with terror, as these beloved characters mutate into horrifying adversaries, unleashing a frenzy of violence and bloodshed.

Glenn Douglas Packard, an Emmy-nominated choreographer turned filmmaker known for his work on “Pitchfork,” brings a unique creative vision to this film. Packard describes “Mickey vs. Winnie” as a tribute to horror fans’ love for iconic crossovers, which often remain just a fantasy due to licensing restrictions. “Our film celebrates the thrill of combining legendary characters in unexpected ways, serving up a nightmarish yet exhilarating cinematic experience,” says Packard.

Produced by Packard and his creative partner Rachel Carter under the Untouchables Entertainment banner, and our very own Anthony Pernicka, founder of iHorror, “Mickey vs. Winnie” promises to deliver an entirely new take on these iconic figures. “Forget what you know about Mickey and Winnie,” Pernicka enthuses. “Our film portrays these characters not as mere masked figures but as transformed, live-action horrors that merge innocence with malevolence. The intense scenes crafted for this movie will change how you see these characters forever.”

Currently underway in Michigan, the production of “Mickey vs. Winnie” is a testament to pushing boundaries, which horror loves to do. As iHorror ventures into producing our own films, we’re excited to share this thrilling, terrifying journey with you, our loyal audience. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to transform the familiar into the frightful in ways you’ve never imagined.

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Mike Flanagan Comes Aboard To Assist in Completion of ‘Shelby Oaks’

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shelby oaks

If you have been following Chris Stuckmann on YouTube you are aware of the struggles he has had getting his horror movie Shelby Oaks finished. But there’s good news about the project today. Director Mike Flanagan (Ouija: Origin Of Evil, Doctor Sleep and The Haunting) is backing the film as a co-executive producer which might bring it much closer to being released. Flanagan is a part of the collective Intrepid Pictures which also includes Trevor Macy and Melinda Nishioka.

Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks

Stuckmann is a YouTube movie critic who’s been on the platform for over a decade. He came under some scrutiny for announcing on his channel two years ago that he would no longer be reviewing films negatively. However contrary to that statement, he did a non-review essay of the panned Madame Web recently saying, that studios strong-arm directors to make films just for the sake of keeping failing franchises alive. It seemed like a critique disguised as a discussion video.

But Stuckmann has his own movie to worry about. In one of Kickstarter’s most successful campaigns, he managed to raise over $1 million for his debut feature film Shelby Oaks which now sits in post-production. 

Hopefully, with Flanagan and Intrepid’s help, the road to Shelby Oak’s completion is reaching its end. 

“It’s been inspiring to watch Chris working toward his dreams over the past few years, and the tenacity and DIY spirit he displayed while bringing Shelby Oaks to life reminded me so much of my own journey over a decade ago,” Flanagan told Deadline. “It’s been an honor to walk a few steps with him on his path, and to offer support for Chris’ vision for his ambitious, unique movie. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”

Stuckmann says Intrepid Pictures has inspired him for years and, “it’s a dream come true to work with Mike and Trevor on my first feature.”

Producer Aaron B. Koontz of Paper Street Pictures has been working with Stuckmann since the beginning is also excited about the collaboration.

“For a film that had such a hard time getting going, it’s remarkable the doors that then opened to us,” said Koontz. “The success of our Kickstarter followed by the on-going leadership and guidance from Mike, Trevor, and Melinda is beyond anything I could have hoped for.”

Deadline describes the plot of Shelby Oaks as follows:

“A combination of documentary, found footage, and traditional film footage styles, Shelby Oaks centers on Mia’s (Camille Sullivan) frantic search for her sister, Riley, (Sarah Durn) who ominously disappeared in the last tape of her “Paranormal Paranoids” investigative series. As Mia’s obsession grows, she begins to suspect that the imaginary demon from Riley’s childhood may have been real.”

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New ‘MaXXXine’ Image is Pure 80s Costume Core

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A24 has unveiled a captivating new image of Mia Goth in her role as the titular character in “MaXXXine”. This release comes approximately a year and a half after the previous installment in Ti West’s expansive horror saga, which covers more than seven decades.

MaXXXine Official Trailer

His latest continues the story arc of freckle-faced aspiring starlet Maxine Minx from the first film X which took place in Texas in 1979. With stars in her eyes and blood on her hands, Maxine moves into a new decade and a new city, Hollywood, in pursuit of an acting career, “But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.”

The photo below is the latest snapshot released from the film and shows Maxine in full Thunderdome drag amid a crowd of teased hair and rebellious 80s fashion.

MaXXXine is set to open in theaters on July 5.

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