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The Thanksgiving Slasher You Never Knew Existed

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Think you have seen every slasher film there is — every one that takes place on a United States holiday circa the 80’s? Think again.

This Thanksgiving gem is called “Blood Rage,” originally “Nightmare at Shadow Woods,” but if you watch it on Amazon Prime right now you’ll notice the title credit sequence has it as “Slasher.” Confused? Just look for “Blood Rage” on Amazon.

You see, in 1987 the film had a theatrical run but was heavily edited and released as “Nightmare at Shadow Woods,” Arrow has resurrected it, put all the missing pieces back and re-released it on DVD.

In the title role is whiskey voiced Louise Lasser as the matriarch of twins Todd and Terry; one a sociopath the other his pawn. In the cold open amid synth-heavy Casio keyboard midi claps and cymbals, we are introduced to the young twins at a  drive-in theater with their mom and her new beau.

The boys sneak out of the car and spy another couple in mid coitus. The young Terry somehow has an axe and bludgeons the man’s face with the blade then implicates his twin. As a result Todd is institutionalized having been fingered for the crime.

Todd is catatonic but escapes the hospital ten years later. Meanwhile his twin, the real guilty one, is enjoying Thanksgiving with mom who makes an announcement she is engaged. For some reason Todd isn’t thankful for this revelation and goes on a killing spree. His victims are high school (college?) friends although, it’s not clear why.

As slasher movies go, this one is surprisingly gory. Although the kills aren’t that great, you’ll appreciate the department workroom’s detailed and sometimes effective attempts at viscera.

Who doesn’t love when a therapist is separated from the bottom half of her body and her legs continue to move? Or soon-to-be-stepdad is be-handed with a beer still attached — It’s really cult gold. Especially one scene involving the same stepdad in an office chair (wait for it).

It’s sort of American Psycho without the etiquette or wealth.

Mark Soper plays both Terry and his twin brother. He gives a sort of humorous side to Terry, trying to perfect the 80’s art of zingers before or after some kills. “It’s not cranberry sauce,” he says at one point after tasting the blood spatter on his jersey. So that’s what you’ve got to work with for 90 minutes.

But through its thigh hemmed gym shorts, calf length striped tube socks, headbands and feathered hair  “Blood Rage” isn’t at all bad.

All the tropes are there if only briefly and the cube in the Magic 8 Ball would make a better script, this 80’s blood bath should be more of a cult classic than it is: heavy handed piano F and F sharp keys notwithstanding. This is strictly-by-the numbers horror fare, none of them prime.

It has a high body count and a twist ending so awkward you’ll writhe in discomfort as the performers try to method act their way out of it.

Undeniably campy, overacted and with an overstuffed gimmick, “Blood Rage” is a finely cooked turkey just in time for Thanksgiving.

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Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

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Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

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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A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

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It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

A24

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

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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Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

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Louis Leterrier

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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