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Horror Movie Anniversaries: Celebrating 30 Years Of The Fly

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Written by Patti Pauley

Thirty years ago today, something absolutely wonderful burst its way onto the horror movie market. David Cronenberg’s The Fly changed the way we looked at pesky poo-loving insects indefinitely, and I wanted to take a moment of my time to appreciate the gorgeous horror tragedy that has managed to keep us delightfully entertained and continually makes us vomit in our mouths a little three decades after the initial widespread theatrical release. Many horror bloggers before me have written about their fondness for this 1986 gem, and it’s a beautiful thing honestly. I’m not exactly sure what I can say that already hasn’t been stated about this national treasure, but I’m absolutely not going to let that stop me from giving a deserving nod to one of the greatest films to come out of the eighties.

fly giphy

 

 

If you’re going to remake a classic horror film, this is how it’s done.

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For those who had no unearthly idea, the Cronenberg masterpiece is actually a remake of the 1958 science-fiction horror that starred the talents of David Hedison, Patricia Owens, and Vincent Price. The original is a classic film from an era that was learning how to push boundaries within film. In 1986, the remake that stars Geena Davis, John Getz, and launched Jeff Goldblum into superstar status, not only pushed the grotesque card, but did it in such a way that it was disgustingly beautiful. in 1958 you felt a little bad for the character of Andre (Hedison). I mean, the guy had the head and the hand of an insect. It was pretty shitty. But we never really felt THAT bad for the character, given the fact there really wasn’t a ton of human screen time for him. Goldblum’s character of Seth Brundle however, hits all the feels. His transformation into Brundlefly was painful and tragic on so many levels. In many ways, it’s not just a horror/ sci-fi film. It’s a love story gone terribly wrong. Watching Davis’ character of Veronica gazing upon on what is speculated as the love of her life, suffering from this mishap, is more than heartbreaking. The film dives miles deep into character emotions and if you don’t feel it, you sir have a heart of molasses.

 

Seriously, the monster magic is some of the best I’ve ever seen.

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Sure, it may be a little under the radar if you’re comparing it to today’s technology, but when we’re talking practical effects you have to give a standing ovation to the special effects and make-up department. The Fly is not only a triumph in storytelling, but in the visual effects as well. Makeup wizards Chris Walas and Stephen Doo Pwah deservedly won an academy award for their makeup effects on The Fly, but they didn’t forget to thank the actor who brought Brundlefly to life. With the collaboration of these genius and stomach-turning prosthetics, and Goldblum’s brilliant acting chops, this movie gave us the most disgusting character that we’ve ever fallen in love with. Ever. After Seth Brundle steps out of a telepod that unknowingly to him, fused his DNA with that of a fly, his transformation begins slowly almost by the hour it seems into something eventually unrecognizable. With every layer of make-up, Goldblum submerged himself an inch deeper into the beast of Brundlefly. As we inch to the close of the film, the monstrous puppet that was used for the final result is a beautifully built piece of art that both horrifies and saddens us as we remember the innocent and bright soul underneath.

brundle fly transformation animation

Let’s talk about that controversial deleted scene, shall we?

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The deleted scene that was hidden from the public until a special two-disc DVD was released containing the footage, was originally cut from the film after an audience test screening in Toronto. According to Producer Stuart Cornfield, the theater guests were disgusted to the point of projectile vomit. The movie has some pretty nasty scenes that could definitely make someone gag a little, but I suppose this really was just a bit much for some. Apparently the general public didn’t take to kindly to Brundle experimenting on helpless animals and then bludgeoning them to death. Understandable. The scene had it been kept in, would make some folks take away any pity they may had for Seth, turning him from a helpless victim to animal-murdering dickbag. However, I can see what they were ultimately aiming for and from what I took from the scene, was an act of complete desperation. Brundle was halfway through his transformation and scrambling to find a cure as time was running short. You could see the defeat in his mangled face after the terribly gone wrong experiment on the roof, and ummm, ripping off an insect leg that had spawned from his stomach with his mouth. The whole scene is slightly painful to watch, but at least for me, not in a bad sense. There are a LOT of scenes from this film that will make you squirm. In my opinion, the scene with the dog in The Fly 2 was way worse than this.

 

The Fly is considered David Cronenberg’s crowning achievement in horror films, and I won’t disagree. It is truly a masterpiece in the sense of just how fragile life really is and the feelings the film evokes from your senses. It is so rare folks, that a horror movie such as this comes along that is done extraordinarily well in every goddamn aspect. Imaginative, compelling, and the dehumanization of what was once a curious man who has been forced into “insect politics”, is brilliant every time you view it. The Fly turns 30 years-old today. Don’t be afraid to pop that groundbreaking film into your DVD player in honor of not only of one of the best remakes, but also one of the greatest horror films of the twentieth century.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BzwxJ-M_M0

 

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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