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Late to the Party: Fright Night (1985)

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fright night

Welcome back, spooky darlings, to another edition of Late to the Party! This week I watched Tom Holland’s 1985 classic, Fright Night.

Fright Night, I’ve realized, is essentially a modern-day suburban retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. You’ve got Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) as a stand-in for Johnathan Harker. He realizes that his new neighbor, Jerry Dandrige (who has moved in to an aging mansion with enviable stained glass windows and antique architectural fixtures that seem oddly out of place in this 80s suburb, but, okay) has some rather frightening secrets.

via Scare Me on Fridays

Charley seeks the assistance of a renowned occult expert and supposed vampire slayer, Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall). But Vincent is a much more reluctant and dishonest double for Van Helsing. Though he eventually rises to the occasion, he begins his journey as a floundering entertainer and steadfast cynic.

Like Dracula, Jerry Dandrige (Chris Sarandon) has a Renfield-like “familiar” in his roommate, Billy Cole (Jonathan Stark). Billy takes out the trash, drives their jeep, and generally helps Jerry with the acquisition and disposal of victims. They’re best buds!

Charlie’s girlfriend, Amy (Amanda Bearse), plays the role of a surrogate Mina. She is seduced by Jerry and soon is transformed. Charley’s only hope is to kill Jerry, releasing Amy from his spell and saving them all in a grand heroic gesture.

via Scare Me on Fridays

One scene that stuck out to me was the dance floor seduction of Amy. The subtle primal awakening is communicated perfectly.

This poor girl has had a bit of an on-again, off-again relationship with Charley, and our first introduction to them as a couple is Carley’s low-key attempt to pressure her into having sex. When she bundles up the resolve to give it an honest try, Charley is too distracted by Jerry’s in-a-coffin arrival to realize that this is kind of a big deal for Amy. She storms off in a huff.

In subsequent scenes, Amy tries to open up to Charley to address the challenges in their relationship. She is continually frustrated as Charley becomes more obsessed with his new “my neighbor is a vampire” theory.

Enter Jerry. Seductive, sexy Jerry (or, at least he was 80s sexy). He is taken by her resemblance to an old lover and his raw vampire magnetism draws Amy in like a moth to a flame. She’s finally granted sensual attention, and damn, this girl is so ready.

via Amino

As always, I went head-over-heels for Fright Night‘s practical effects. There are some fantastic transformations punctuated by melting flesh and cracking bones. I was practically giddy, you guys.

I don’t care what anyone says, the real way to a woman’s heart is through gruesome practical effects.

via Twitter

Another scene worth highlighting is the wolf death. It’s actually heartbreaking (completely sold by Roddy McDowall’s reactions) and – again – the visuals are solid. I felt actual emotions because of this scene, which is no easy feat (trust me on this).

I’m going warn you about spoilers for the next paragraph, so if you – like past me – haven’t seen Fright Night, perhaps skip ahead?

The scene between the dying wolf and Vincent is skillfully presented. Vincent – who had run off to seek help – finally lives up to the strength of his as-seen-on-TV character. He gains confidence that he can be the knowledgeable vampire slayer that he pretends to be. But it’s a tragic discovery, since it comes on the heels of killing young “Evil” Ed. Ed, the awkward outcast, who was lured to the vampire life by Jerry’s promise: “they won’t pick on you anymore”. As Ed dies, he reaches out for comfort, foiled by the monster he has become.

via Movies Films and Flix

Overall, Fright Night really grew on me, and I’m glad I finally gave in and watched it.

For more Late to the Party, check out the full catalogue of recent discoveries!

I’ll leave you with this song because if I’m going to have it stuck in my head all day, dammit, you should too.

Featured image by Chris Fischer

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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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Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

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A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood
Hugh Jackman

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Jodie Comer

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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