The Doctor's Prognosis

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

2023-10-30T19:00:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone. Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films and TV shows you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

TERRIFIER

I had heard so much hype about this series so I watched part 1 and 2 back to back. The first Terrifier is an ultra-violent slasher flick that follows a crazy clown as he stalks and kills multiple victims on Halloween night.

Directed by Damien Leone, this movie is a throwback to 80s style slasher movies with practical special effects. Part of what makes this film stand out is its antagonist, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton). Art is a terrifying killer who is unpredictable. Art is gleeful in torturing and murdering his victims. He savors it and there is no apparent rhyme or reason to what he does.

"What did I do?"

Another reason this movie stands out is because it is one of the goriest movies around. If that is the kind of slasher flick you enjoy, this may be your cup of tea.

TERRIFIER 2

Whatever you thought of Terrifier, the sequel is everything its predecessor was and more. This time around, there is a proper protagonist with the introduction of Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera). Sienna has a proper character arc and even helps introduce a new element that was missing from the nihilistic first film: hope.

Sienna dons a pretty cool costume.

While the first film was straight up horror, the second film has more fantasy elements. That is not to say that they skimped on the gore. This film is bloodier and more brutal than ever. There is even a scene that reportedly made some audiences vomit and faint in disgust. However, the gore is so over-the-top and ridiculous that it borders onto dark comedy despite the extreme violence.

"Ain't I a stinker?"

If you think you have the stomach for it, Terrifier 2 is easy to recommend.

SMILE

After witnessing a traumatic incident with her patient, Dr. Rose Cotter begins to experience terrifying occurrences she cannot explain. As her life and mental stability begin to unravel, Rose must confront her traumatic past to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

Yikes!

This is definitely one of the creepiest films I have ever seen. Every time someone on the screen smiled their creepy smile, I genuinely got chills. This movie just gave me an icky feeling and I mean that in the best way possible. The story itself is also deep as it explores trauma and overcoming it. This is an excellent horror film and I highly recommend giving it a watch.

AS THE GODS WILL

A group of high school students are forced to play a supernatural game of death. With no idea who is behind the games, their only option is to continue winning to survive.

The first event is a deadly game of Red Light, Green Light with a talking Daruma.

Directed by Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi the Killer), this movie is based on the manga of the same name. These types of stories are all the rage with shows like Squid Game and Alice in Borderland proving popular. There are definitely some similarities but this film is still worth checking out on its own merit. Unfortunately, the film does leave some story threads hanging. It is clear there is more to it. So if an incomplete story bothers you, you may want to skip this film since there is no sequel planned at the moment. But as a whole, the film is still satisfying even without answering all the questions it props up.

DEADSTREAM

A disgraced internet personality tries to win his audience back by live streaming his stay overnight at an abandoned haunted house. Things take a turn for the worse when he accidentally awakens a malevolent spirit.

I admit that I would like to see a real live stream doing stupid things like this.

A modern take on found footage films, Deadstream is clever, creepy, and genuinely funny. Running at just 1 hour and 27 minutes, the movie makes the most of its time and is entertaining throughout. Even though the comedy is great, the film also has moments of tension. This is an easy horror comedy to recommend. Give this one a look.

SKINAMARINK

Two children wake up in the middle of the night to find that their father is missing, and all the windows and doors in their home have vanished.

This Canadian-made horror film is difficult to describe. There is very little narrative of any kind. It really just follows these children, who you barely even see, as they navigate their own home which has apparently turned against them.

I think this is one of those films that relies on your own imagination. To really put yourself in the film and get the most out of it, I recommend watching it at night with all your lights off. Put away your phones and any other distractions to be immersed. You will feel like the children in this film, not knowing what is going on but still feel a sense of dread as you navigate their home.

The film is often dark and grainy, leaving the horror to the viewer's imagination.

Ultimately, I think this film will be divisive but if you think you can immerse yourself like I described then it is worth checking out. It is a unique experience.

INFINITY POOL

A couple on vacation ventures outside their resort but soon find themselves involved with a culture of violence, hedonism, and horror.

Directed by Brandon Cronenberg (son of renowned filmmaker David Cronenberg), this trippy film features stand out acting from the excellent Mia Goth (X, Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman, Succession).

Mia Goth has quickly made a name for herself in the horror genre.

Without giving anything away, this film is a real mindbender that asks some tough questions and takes the viewer on a journey with unsettling themes. Do morals decay when consequences are removed? I think audiences will also have some healthy debate about what really happened in the film. This is one to watch.

M3GAN

A brilliant roboticist named Gemma designs M3GAN, a robot with advanced artificial intelligence built to be the ultimate companion for children. When Gemma becomes the caretaker to her 8 year old niece, Gemma decides to use a M3GAN prototype to help her with her new duties. But things do not work out the way Gemma had hoped.

The Olsen Twins are back in the spotlight.... Which one is this again?

This film really surprised me. It is a clever modern take on movies like Child's Play but still stands out on its own. M3GAN is also a surprisingly funny film and the gore is kept to a minimum despite the violence so it is appealing to a fairly large audience. Watch this movie now.

TALK TO ME

A group of friends conjure spirits using an embalmed hand for fun and thrills, until one of them goes too far and unleashes a sinister evil.

Oh she's just letting a spirit possess her. What could go wrong?

This is a really good thriller with great acting and genuinely unsettling moments. The film explores the theme of grief throughout, and shows the devastating consequences of messing with supernatural forces you do not understand. This film gets a big thumbs up from me.

NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU

A seamstress living alone in her childhood home soon finds herself fighting for her life against an extraterrestrial threat.

Written and directed by Brian Druffield (who wrote the fun horror comedy The Babysitter), this sci-fi horror film stands out because there is no dialogue. This can be polarizing but a good film does not need to tell you what is happening when they can show you. While not very scary, this film is a fun watch as the protagonist has to overcome bigger and bigger threats.

This seamstress is surprising decent at fighting aliens.

Now if this film was just about fighting aliens, it would be a miss but there is a running theme about trauma. One could even argue that overcoming trauma is what the film is really all about. However, I think the ending will be divisive. It is open to interpretation but I think it is fun to talk to your friends about what the film and ending really mean. Go watch this movie now!

EVIL DEAD RISE

Two estranged sisters have their reunion cut short when they must battle for survival and save their family from evil flesh-possessing demons.

This film surprised me. The trailer did not impress me but this turned out being an intense and gory movie. I missed the comedy from the old Ash Williams movies but it still has what you expect from the Evil Dead franchise such as fast and frantic gory action.

It's not Evil Dead without a chainsaw.

If you enjoy the Evil Dead movies, this is a worthy standalone flick.

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

The latest Netflix drama from Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush) involves a story following siblings Frederick and Madeline Usher who built a powerful pharmaceutical empire. However, everything they created begins to crumble when the heirs to the Usher Dynasty begin to die one by one.

"The Usher heirs are doing what now?!"

Loosely based on the short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe, this limited series is a love letter to the master of the macabre himself. There are several references to the works of Poe including character names, episode titles, and even some of the situations these characters find themselves in. If you are a fan of Poe, you will likely love this show.

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

The show also features excellent acting and a very topical story that is darkly satirical. The show is not very scary but features the expected elements from gothic literature as well as strong characters. Definitely give this show a watch. The Fall of the House of Usher is available on Netflix now.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just keep away from the clowns. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special 2022

2022-10-30T20:27:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

HELLRAISER (2022)

Surprisingly released straight to Hulu, this reboot follows a young woman struggling with addiction. She soon finds herself in possession of the ancient puzzle box known as the Lament Configuration, unaware that its purpose is to summon the dreaded Cenobites.

Directed by David Bruckner (The Ritual, VHS), this new version of Hellraiser tries some new things and sets up some new rules. For example, solving the Lament Configuration alone isn't enough to be sent to Hell. The puzzle box now hides a blade which will doom whomever is cut regardless of who solved it. Unfortunately, this resulted in the movie devolving into a slasher flick at times but it was still an interesting change. There are other changes to the rules but I am not sure the film quite follows them all as it appears to break them at times.

Another change is the Cenobites no longer wear leather. Instead, they appear to wear their own mutilated flesh as clothes. The Cenobites are as scary as ever and Jamie Clayton is amazing as the new Pinhead. She did her own interpretation and knocked it out of the park.

Jamie Clayton kills it as Pinhead... Bad pun not intended.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this take on the Clive Barker classic despite its flaws. It felt like the story had a message. It shows what addiction can do to someone as they take down those around them, including loved ones. If you enjoyed the original film, I suggest giving this one a try.

X

Set in 1979, a small cast and crew set out to make an adult film on an elderly couple's property in rural Texas. But the filmmakers soon find themselves fighting for their lives.

I think I downloaded the wrong adult film.

Directed by Ti West (The Sacrament), this is a fun homage to 70's slasher flicks like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The film also features standout performances by Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega.

X was just released this year and a followup called Pearl was already released in theaters to great reviews. I have yet to see it but based on what I saw from X, I look forward to checking Pearl out as well.

THE BLACK PHONE

A 13-year-old boy is kidnapped and held prisoner in a soundproof basement by a sadistic masked killer. However, the boy soon finds out he can communicate with the murderer's previous victims through a disconnected phone on the wall. Will they be able to help the boy escape?

"Who wants to see the back of my van?"

Directed by Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, Sinister), and based on a short story of the same name by Joe Hill, this was an intense thriller and one of my favorite horror films this year. Ethan Hawke is super creepy as the masked antagonist. The film will have you on the edge of your seat while you root for the protagonist to escape. Highly recommended.

NOPE

This sci-fi horror movie follows two horse-wrangling siblings as they attempt to capture evidence of an unidentified flying object. But what is it exactly they are trying to capture?

What exactly is going on here? An abduction? Do you really want to know?.... Nope.

This is another great horror film from director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us). What I enjoy about Peele's films is how layered they are. I can also tell he is a fan of The Twilight Zone since his films often feel like they were inspired by the old sci-fi show. If you liked his previous films then this is an easy one to recommend.

BARBARIAN

A young woman books a rental home but discovers it was somehow booked at the same time by a strange man. Against her better judgement, the young lady decides to stay anyway. But she soon learns things are not how they seem at this creepy house.

This might just be my favorite horror film this year. I do not want to give anything away but the film kind of changes genre in the middle of it, and yet it continues to throw twists at the viewer as the story moves along.

Justin Long plays one of the most detestable characters in the film but also has some of the funniest scenes.

Writer/director Zach Cregger clearly took a lot of risks with this film. It has some of the tropes you expect from a horror movie but also eschews the typical formulas audiences have come to expect. That might be polarizing to some but I think that it mostly works in this case. It is a surprising and entertaining film. A stand out among horror movies. It is also available on streaming platforms right now. I think this is one of those movies that is best watched knowing as little as possible, and even better when watching it with a group of people. So go find some friends and make this a priority.

WEREWOLF BY NIGHT

This Disney+ MCU special follows a group of deadly hunters who convene following the death of their leader. The attendees are then instructed to participate in a deadly competition to determine a new leader, and for possession of a powerful artifact.

The titular Werewolf by Night is just one of the new characters introduced to the MCU

I was really surprised by this special. You wouldn't think a good horror film would debut on Disney+ taking place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but here we are. The great thing is you do not need any knowledge of the MCU to enjoy it. This short film is under an hour but serves as an homage to classic Universal monster movies. It isn't scary but the film is surprisingly bloody and gory. It is all done in black and white, which may be why they can get away with it.

This was a fun special and my only criticism is that I want to see more of these characters. Here's hoping we'll see them in future MCU releases.

PREY

This is another film I am surprised went straight to Hulu as it could have made a lot of money in theaters. The story follows a Comanche warrior who finds herself having to protect her people from a highly evolved alien predator.

Taking place in 1719, Prey is the fifth entry in the Predator film franchise and a prequel to the previous four films. This movie features the Feral Predator with a much more primitive look.

He's ugly even for the Yautja (the name of the Predator race).

This is the best Predator film in a long time. It does follow somewhat of a slasher flick formula but it is so well done and unique with the setting and characters. My only small gripe is that it was filmed mostly in English but I can understand why they did that. I recommend watching this film with the Comanche dub. It's just more immersive that way. Big thumbs up for this one.

ANNIHILATION

A biologist and former soldier joins a dangerous expedition into a mysterious zone where the normal laws of nature do not apply.

Directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Men) and based on the novel of the same name, this sci-fi horror story has some Lovecraftian elements similar to the film Color Out of Space (which is an adaptation of a Lovecraft story). Both films focus on a mysterious, extraterrestrial force that lands on Earth and begins to warp reality around it. It is like a horrific infection that cannot be contained.

Annihilation features imagery that is both beautiful and horrific.

I think this film is a little more cerebral than most horror movies as it explores challenging themes but that is why I love it. This is a film that makes you think and you may be wondering what exactly you experienced by the film's end. This film also has a great cast featuring Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Leon: The Professional) and Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina, Inside Llewyn Davis) so check this film out now.

THE MIDNIGHT CLUB

The latest Netflix offering from Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush) centers on a group of eight terminally ill young adults who live in at a mysterious manor and gather at midnight to tell scary stories.

Based on the Christopher Pike novel of the same name, despite the setting lending itself to an anthology series, this is not that kind of show. There are central mysteries the characters explore within the manor, and the stories they tell mainly serve as a form of character development. The club members often put themselves into the stories they tell, making the stories more of an extension of who they really are and what they have experienced.

The Midnight Club getting ready to "make ghosts" by telling their stories.

I went into this show thinking it was a limited series like all of Flanagan's previous Netflix shows like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Bly Manor. However, the story ends with some story threads left unfinished and some mysteries unexplained. I was disappointed at first but then I found out that Flanagan meant for this to have multiple seasons. I am hoping that happens but a second season has not yet been announced.

Ultimately, this show was not very scary but features strong characters like most of Flanagan's previous efforts. This first season (and maybe last) offers an emotional journey that happens to have a lot of jump scares. Give this show a chance and maybe we will get that second season. The Midnight Club is streaming on Netflix now.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just don't solve any puzzle boxes if you don't know where they came from. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

2021-10-27T17:45:00.004-07:00

Welcome to my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19 still around, that may be a good idea), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SQUID GAME

This super popular Netflix Korean drama series features hundreds of contestants competing in children's games for a large sum of cash. But they have to stake their lives to win.

Don't play games with this guy.

This 9-episode show is popular for a reason. It features a layered story with superb acting, memorable characters, and class themes such as those found in movies like Parasite and Snowpiercer. Even the titular squid game can be dissected to represent class struggle. The story leaves enough open for a second season but I honestly feel like the show would still feel complete if that never happens. There are spoilers everywhere online so definitely make this one a priority if you somehow have not yet seen it.

MALIGNANT

A woman named Madison has terrifying visions of grisly murders, but she soon learns that these visions are all too real.

"Hello, police? I'd like to report a murder only I can see in my head.... Hello?"

Directed by one of my favorite horror directors, James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Insidious), Malignant is something very different from Wan's previous horror films. It feels more like an homage to B-movies with the frantic violence of a Sam Raimi film like Evil Dead, and this movie gets incredibly violent. There is a big twist that I will not spoil but once you get there, the gory action turns up several notches. The twist is ridiculous, and the movie feels like it was made as a bad movie on purpose, but somehow it still works. My only critique is that since the premise is so bizarre that Wan should have made this more of a horror comedy. It takes itself maybe a little too seriously but Wan is so good that this movie still ends up very entertaining. Give this one a chance.

MIDNIGHT MASS

This Netflix limited series takes place in an isolated town on a small island where a mysterious, charismatic priest arrives, bringing miracles and hope with him. As expected, not all is as it seems.

The priest means well but you know what they say about good intentions.

This show is the latest offering from creator/director Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush). While not as scary as Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House, or as emotional as his follow-up The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass instead offers a slow burn that builds up to a horrific climax. It features strong acting and a topical, layered story showing the potential terror resulting from misplaced faith. Another great show from Mike Flanagan.

ALICE IN BORDERLAND

This Netflix series follows an aimless gamer and his friends as they are transported to a strange, empty version of Tokyo, Japan where they are forced to play sadistic games just to survive.

"Does Tokyo sound a little quiet to you guys?"

Based on the manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland is yet another show featuring games with lives on the line but it also stands out for its creativity. It kind of feels like Saw meets Squid Game. Part of the fun is the characters figuring out the rules of the games because they are not always straightforward. Another thing I enjoyed about this show is that it feels like a live acton manga with the kind of tropes and story beats you would expect, especially once the story arc reaches its climax. A second season has been confirmed and I hope they are able to keep the quality of the show up. This might be one of the better manga adaptations around so definitely check this one out.

PSYCHO GOREMAN

Two siblings inadvertently resurrect an ancient alien overlord but then force him to do their childish biddings by using a magical amulet. However, this soon draws the attention of intergalactic assassins from around the universe.

This little girl is almost as big a psycho as Psycho Goreman himself.

Directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void), this film is a campy, gory love letter to 80s horror movies. It feels like a cross between E.T. and The Toxic Avenger. It's cheesy, it's violent, it's absurd, and it's very funny at times. I also love how the film uses so many practical effects. The downside is the little girl is incredibly annoying, and some of the jokes fall flat, but overall this is an entertaining, over-the-top movie that does not take itself seriously at all. This will not be for everyone but if my description caught your attention then this may be for you.

AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

A family wakes up on Christmas Day to find their house surrounded by a mysterious substance, followed by the TV set displaying a simple message: "Stay Indoors and Await Further Instructions". As the TV begins to give orders, the situation escalates. How far will this family go to follow these orders?

Sick nose ring, bro.

This is a great sci-fi horror film reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. It takes a dark satirical look at topical themes such as xenophobia and media-driven paranoia. Some of these themes may be too on the nose but that does not detract too much from the film. Give this a watch if you are a fan of science fiction style parables.

CANDYMAN (2021)

An artist looking for inspiration explores the history of the Candyman, but his sanity soon begins to unravel as he unwittingly unleashes a deluge of violence.

Be his victim.... Wait, who the hell is that?!

Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and DaCosta, this reboot/sequel is a followup to the old movies but also expands on the mythos with some mixed results that I think mostly works. It is difficult to outdo the original film's slow burn and psychological terror, so they went in a different direction. For example, the racial undertones of the original film are replaced with overt racial themes. Moreover, the Candyman's motivations in the original film are more mysterious, which is part of what makes it so scary. Without giving anything away, Candyman's purpose is much clearer in this film, although the film contradicts this purpose at least once. This clearer purpose also makes this sequel less scary. Despite that, I still enjoyed this film and it has an important message to tell. Some may not like the new direction but overall the new film is a worthy sequel.

BATTLE ROYALE

In near-future Japan, the government passes the BR Act to curb rising juvenile delinquency. A class of 9th graders learns what that means when they are captured and forced to fight to the death on an island in the annual Battle Royale.

There are no winners in the Battle Royale. Only survivors.

I would be remiss if I talked about Squid Game and Alice in Borderland without also talking about their source of inspiration. Battle Royale is a highly influential film based on the novel of the same name. It has been a while since I had seen this film but it still holds up incredibly well. In fact, I think my appreciation for it has only grown over time. The interesting characters, the horrors of the situation, and the question of "What would you do?" really pull the viewer in. This is a film that has often been imitated but it is still one of the best around. Definitely give new shows like Squid Game a watch but go out of your way to watch this classic.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just maybe don't play any games with strangers in the subways, OK? Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Deluxe Halloween Movie Special

2020-10-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the deluxe edition of my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and sometimes TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19, a lot of us don't have much of a choice), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK

This horror film follows a group of kids in a small town who make the erroneous decision to enter a local derelict mansion. They soon stumble onto a book of scary stories written by a tortured young woman who lived there. But these stories soon become all too real.

Produced by Guillermo del Toro and based on the popular anthology book of the same name, this movie does a decent job of weaving in some of the well known stories and monsters from the book within the main story of the film. The best thing about the movie is that the monsters actually look like they do in the book, which is no small feet considering the creepy art.

It's ok... I'm sure she just wants a hug.

This is still a kids movie (PG-13) but manages to be genuinely scary throughout while never taking it too far. It is not a bloody or gory movie though there is a little body horror. If you are a fan of the old books, you should find this enjoyable.

ONE CUT OF THE DEAD

A hack director and his small crew set out to shoot a low budget zombie flick in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility. But the crew is soon attacked by real zombies, and it's all captured in one take.

Little do they know what awaits them...

This horror comedy really surprised me in the best way possible. The movie is not exactly what it purports to be but I won't spoil it for you here. It ruins the film knowing the twist. Just know that the movie is not over when you see the first credits roll, which happens after a 40 minute take. Keep watching the rest of the movie and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. This film has instantly become one of my favorite horror movies of all time, and it only becomes more enjoyable when I share it with others who end up loving the film. It's funny, inspiring, and it just makes you feel good. If you only watch one movie this Halloween, make it this one.

TURBO KID

A teenage comic book fan takes up the guise of his favorite super hero in order to save his new friend from a brutal overlord in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of... 1997?

This is how we dress after covid-19 is finally over in the far-flung future of... 1997.

Dripping with an 80s aesthetic, Turbo Kid feels like a cross between a Saturday morning cartoon and Mad Max except everyone rides around on bikes. It's absurd but it's highly entertaining. It's also surprisingly gory, which is sometimes used for comedic effect. I would love to see more movies like this. If this sounds like your kind of flick, I highly recommend you check it out.

There is also a really cool short video prequel to the movie. It does give you an idea on what to expect from the film but I think it makes more sense if you watch the movie first so maybe wait to watch it.

THE INVISIBLE MAN

A woman escapes an abusive relationship with a wealthy optics engineer who later commits suicide. However, the woman soon finds herself stalked by a dangerous invisible figure.

"Please! You can't make me watch The Mummy!"

Produced by Blumhouse, this is a reboot of the classic Universal monster and the results are much better than I could have hoped. This is a surprisingly scary movie with great acting and cool special effects. Despite being a reboot of a classic, the story feels fresh. I would love to see Universal do something similar with their other classic monsters. This is one of the best new horror movies of 2020. Check this one out.

READY OR NOT

A woman marries the man of her dreams at his family's luxurious mansion but her wedding day takes a turn for the worse when she is forced to take part in a deadly game of hide and seek.

Not a family I would want to marry into.

Starring Samara Weaving as the newlywed bride, this is a fun horror comedy with a great premise, funny characters, and a satisfying ending. I can't help but feel like I would like to see a sequel or even a prequel. There are a lot of interesting directions the story could take from here and the background to the story is intriguing. The characters especially stand out so I would love to see them featured again. More movies in this universe please.

HOST

Six friends decide they want to contact the dead during lockdown so they attempt a seance over Zoom. Unfortunately, the girls do not get the results they desire.

When someone goes to the restroom and forgets to turn off their camera.

Filmed entirely during quarantine, this is a short but clever horror film that is also very topical. The acting is great and there are plenty of scares. This is also one of the best horror films to come out this year. With a runtime of only 57 minutes, I think you can squeeze this one into your schedule. It is a Shudder exclusive but you can get a free trial on Prime Video right now so check it out if you can.

THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR

A young woman takes the job of an au pair for two orphaned children at Bly Manor but she soon begins to see apparitions that haunt the premises.

You could not pay me to step foot in this creepy room.

Loosely based on the Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw, this Netflix series is creator Mike Flanagan's followup to The Haunting of Hill House, though there is no connection between the stories. The acting is superb, the characters are all very deep, and the atmosphere is creepy. However, this new story is not terrifying like Hill House was. But do not let that stop you from watching this 9-episode series. The finale is gut-wrenching and it earns the emotional ending. Well worth it watching through this series. I highly recommend it.

WHO'S WATCHING OLIVER

A mentally unstable loner is pushed by his overbearing mum to go on a killing spree while on vacation. Desperate to escape a life thrust onto him, things turn for the better when he meets the beautiful Sophia.

Just the usual story of serial killer meets girl.

This indie film was a surprise. It's gory and hard to watch at times but it's ultimately a love story following survivors of abuse. Russell Geoffrey Bank does a great job as the titular character. Oliver does horrifying things to the women he rapes and murders but you can't help but want to root for him to escape. It is worth a watch if you can get past some of the subject matter.

COLOR OUT OF SPACE

When a strange meteorite lands near their home, the Gardner Family soon find themselves contending with a terrifying organism that begins to infect the land they live on as well as their bodies and minds.

Sick look for a rave.

Loosely based on the H.P. Lovecraft story of the same name, this film is filled with the kinds of imagery and themes you expect: body horror, strange amorphous creatures, and people going insane. The film also stars Nicolas Cage who hams it up but it works for this crazy movie. This film is a bizarre technicolor trip and it builds to an insane finale, and I loved it. For the uninitiated, Lovecraft stories have inspired some of the best horror films such as The Thing, Evil Dead, and Event Horizon. This has become one of my favorite new horror movies.

IT CHAPTER 2

The Losers Club comes back to Derry, Maine 27 years later when they learn the terrifying Pennywise has returned.

Aw... he just wants to play.

While the first film was a coming of age story, the sequel is about coming back home to face your demons. This film also has a great cast including James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain but Bill Hader really steals the movie with his lines and entertaining delivery. Unfortunately, this movie is not as scary as its predecessor. However, Bill Skarsgård is still amazing as Pennywise and it is still entertaining to see such a great monster on screen even if not as scary this time around. This is ultimately a disappointing follow up to the first film but still worth a watch for the great characters.

MANDY

A loving couple lead a peaceful life in the Pacific Northwest. That peace is soon shattered by a satanic cult, leaving only a man filled with vengeance in his heart.

You got a little something on yo... you know what? Never mind.

Starring Nicolas Cage, this film was produced by the same people who made Color Out of Space. It was also inspired by the works of Lovecraft and shares the same bizarre technicolor aesthetic as the other film. The difference is this is a revenge movie where the protagonist must battle a hellish cult. The film is trippy and gory, and Nicolas Cage really hams it up again but it really works well for these films. I highly recommend giving this a watch.

DOCTOR SLEEP

Struggling with alcoholism, Dan Torrance is all grown up and still traumatized by the sinister events that took place at the Overlook Hotel so long ago. Dan meets a young girl named Abra who is also gifted with the "shining". But they soon find themselves having to battle a mysterious group of psychic vampires called the True Knot.

The twins at the Overlook Hotel are still super creepy.

Based on the Stephen King book of the same name and directed by Mike Flanagan, this is the sequel to The Shining. The True Knot are an interesting group of villains and I appreciate someone finally doing a movie with psychic vampires. However, this film is not really scary at all, which is disappointing since the director is known for making such great horror films like Hush, Oculus, and Ouija: Origin of Evil. That said, it is still creepy at times and I enjoyed the movie overall. I still recommend watching it just don't expect it to be scary.

MAYHEM

Attorney Derek Cho is unjustly fired from his job but his day gets worse when a dangerous virus that brings out people's worst impulses breaks out in his corporate law office complex, resulting in violence and chaos. Infected and trapped in the quarantined building, Derek must now fight for his job and his life.

Surviving in this office requires a new skillset.

Starring Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not), this is a bloody but cathartic movie that is a mix of action, comedy, and horror. Derek teams up with a former client named Melanie Cross (Weaving) so they can work their way up the building and settle their scores with the executives at the top. My main critique is that it could have played up the titular mayhem more. It doesn't feel quite as chaotic as I thought it would but it is still an enjoyable film with a bit of a message to go with it.

DEVIL

A group of five strangers get stuck on an elevator but a mysterious force soon begins to terrorize them.

The horror... no masks or social distancing.

Written and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, I braced for the worst but this was actually a decent horror movie. There are some parts that just felt like the writers were holding the audience's hands to explain things in a rather heavy-handed way but the premise is an interesting idea, and I enjoyed the movie overall. I think the pros outweigh the cons in this one.

Z

An eight-year-old boy's imaginary friend "Z" begins to terrorize his family.

He's just expressing himself through art.

This is a small film with a very simple premise and an effective one at that. Imaginary friends are supposed to be normal but what happens when it manifests into something terrifying? This movie has some interesting twists, a creepy soundtrack, and it is genuinely scary. Sometimes simple stories are better.

ASH VS EVIL DEAD

Bruce Campbell is back as Ash Williams who has spent nearly 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity, and the horrors born of the Necronomicon. However, the Deadites are back and now the prophesied hero Ash must team up with new friends to stand a chance against the Evil Dead.

Groovy.

If you are a fan of the Evil Dead movies then this show is for you. It features the bloody action and slapstick gore you remember. Meet new friends like Pablo and Kelly who help Ash fight off the Deadites. There are new types of enemies for Ash to contend with too as the series expands the mythology introduced in the movies. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after three seasons but what you have in those seasons is satisfying for fans.

That's it for the deluxe edition of my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Maybe next year we can just watch horror movies instead of also living in one. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

2019-10-30T18:05:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

MIDSOMMAR

This horror film follows a couple who travel to Sweden to visit a friend's rural hometown during a rare midsummer festival. What begins as an idyllic summer retreat soon takes a disturbing turn.

When I found out Popeyes ran out of their chicken sandwich.

This film was written and directed by Ari Aster who also wrote and directed last year's critically acclaimed Hereditary. While not as scary, this film definitely still stands out thanks to great acting and a layered story. Where Hereditary was all about loss and grief, Midsommar is all about relationships. Aster takes this theme to an unnerving place but it is a journey worth taking. I highly recommend this film. I will have to keep my eye out for more from this writer/director.

US

This film centers on a family of four as they arrive at their summer home in Santa Cruz. However, the family is soon attacked by four strangers who shortly reveal themselves to be the family's dopplegangers.

"I said I don't want your scout cookies!"

Written and directed by Jordan Peele (Get Out), this film starts out as a simple home invasion but quickly becomes much more. Peele introduces a new kind of monster with its own mythology and meaning behind it. The acting is also top notch with Lupita Nyong'o (Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave) starring. This is definitely a must-watch for horror fans.

OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL

The prequel to the 2014 horror movie Ouija, this film is centered on a family that runs a seance business. The widowed mother decides to bring in a Ouija board as a new prop but she soon regrets that mistake. Things take a turn for the worse when the youngest daughter builds an especially close bond with the board.

I know... I'm shocked a Ouija movie ended up good too.

Directed by Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, The Haunting of Hill House), whose praises I have sung on previous blog entries, this prequel is way better than the original movie. The youngest daughter shows she has acting chops and this film is genuinely creepy throughout. I admittedly got chills a few times. Maybe don't watch it if you plan on going to sleep soon after but this is another must-see for horror fans.

BRIGHTBURN

This horror movie follows familiar comic book style tropes, focusing on a young alien boy adopted by a couple in a small town. As the boy nears puberty, a power begins to manifest within him as well as a darkness. Can anyone stop a super boy gone wrong?

You're pretty much done if you see this little guy.

Directed by David Yarovesky (The Hive), this film does not quite live up to the premise. More could have been done on the horror side of things but this is an interesting take on the Superman set up, and one fans of both horror and comics may enjoy. Give this one a look.

PET SEMATARY

A remake of the 1989 classic, and based on a Stephen King novel, this film follows a family that just moved into a small rural town in Maine from the big city. The family soon discovers a mysterious burial ground where the dead come back to life but sometimes... dead is better.

"Sometimes the original is better."

Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Starry Eyes), I was disappointed with how flat this movie came off at times. The film definitely has its good points though and there are some creepy moments. The story also takes a different direction than the original. If you are curious, it may be worth a watch. However, I cannot help but feel that would be time better spent just watching the original movie or reading the book.

SWAMP THING

I often plug TV series on here and this is a really cool one for comic book and horror fans. The 10-episode first season follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane as she investigates a bizarre and deadly swamp-borne virus in her childhood home of Marais, Louisiana. Abby develops a bond with scientist Alec Holland but tragedy strikes. Alec seemingly dies but is soon transformed into the Swamp Thing.

Swamp Thing himself is simultaneously both scary and badass.

Based on the comic book of the same name, and executive produced by James Wan (Insidious, The Conjuring, Aquaman), this series thankfully leans heavy into its horror roots with gory special effects. This gives the show something to make it stand out. In addition, the characters are likable and the story is intriguing. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled before the first season even finished due to cost issues. Hopefully someone can pick it up but the first season is worth watching if you like comic books and horror. The series is currently available only on the DC Universe app.

That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

2018-11-08T20:25:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. I am a little late this year but if you would like to keep Halloween going in November, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

RAW

This French-Belgian horror film follows a young vegetarian named Justine who begins her first semester at veterinary school. During a hazing ritual, Justine reluctantly eats raw meat for the first time. The former vegetarian soon finds herself craving not just meat, but human flesh.

I may have to go vegetarian for a while after watching this.

At its core, the film is a coming of age story about a young woman who also happens to have an insatiable hunger for flesh. It is a unique and stand out horror film, which is not easy to pull off nowadays. The film also received critical acclaim for Julia Ducournau's direction and screenplay. This is one to watch.

THE VOID

This film follows a police officer and a small group of people who are trapped in a hospital when they are surrounded by mysterious hooded figures. Events turn for the worse when the group is attacked by grotesque monsters. They soon discover the hospital may house something far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

"You might want to get that checked."

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, this movie is a love letter to 80s horror films like The Thing. It has body horror and some great practical effects. If you are a fan of these things, check this movie out. It is not perfect, but it has quickly become one of my favorite horror movies to rewatch during Halloween time.

HEREDITARY

This film follows the Graham family as they deal with the death of their matriarch. The family soon find themselves haunted. But with mental illness running in the family, how can they tell what is real? The truth is the family may have inherited a far more sinister fate.

Same.

Written and directed by Ari Aster, this film received critical acclaim, with an exceptional performance by actress Toni Collette. The story is incredibly layered and slowly builds to a crescendo. I highly recommend this film.

A DARK SONG

This psychological gem follows a grieving mother and an occultist as they perform a ritual to contact the dead. Unfortunately, things do not quite go as planned.

What could go wrong?

Like Hereditary, this film is a slow burn but also a rewarding experience. A Dark Song offers an unsettling atmosphere that digs into your mind and stays with you even after the credits have rolled. The film also has some surprisingly beautiful scenes and a positive message amidst the horror.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Written and directed by Liam Gavin, check this movie out for something different.

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

OK this is a Netflix series and not a movie, but this is a must watch for fans of horror. The 10-episode first season follows the Crain family as they recall their time as children at the haunted Hill House. Now adults, the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past.

Just a typical day for the Crain family.

Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, the series was created and directed by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Oculus, Hush, and Gerald's Game. All films I have recommended in my blog in the past. Basically, if Flanagan directed it, give it a look.

"So... whose turn is it to sleep on the couch?"

This series features a genuinely scary and layered story with some standout acting as well. It really delves into who these people are and has some strong characterizations. The best way to describe it is a horror version of This Is Us. Go binge it... now.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all had fun this year. Happy Belated Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

2017-10-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

GERALD'S GAME

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, this is a psychological horror film that follows a woman that gets a little kinky with her husband in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Her husband decides he wants to handcuff her to the bedpost. However, he soon suffers a heart attack, leaving his wife to fend for herself while she begins hearing voices and having strange visions.

Finally.... Someone is here to help.

This movie stands out thanks to the great acting by Carla Gugino (Watchmen, Sin City), who has to carry an entire movie about a woman handcuffed to a bed. This is also thanks to the masterful directing by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Hush and Oculus, two horror films I have praised in the past. Flanagan has definitely made me take notice with his quality of films. I will definitely keep an eye out for more from this director.

THE SACRAMENT

This found footage horror film follows two journalists who document their friend's journey to find his missing sister at Eden Parish, a utopian religious community. Of course, all is not what it seems.

"Behave and I'll let you have some punch."

It takes some time to build to it, but the climax goes all out with the protagonists in a race to escape with their lives. Part of what makes this film so effective is that it is based on the real events of the Jonestown Massacre of 1978. It is a reminder that some of the biggest monsters are just regular people like you and me.

ILL - THE RITUAL

This little gem is a foreign film entirely in Russian, but do not let that stop you from checking it out. The story revolves around two sisters. After their mother passes away from an illness, the younger sister becomes gravely ill. The older sister seeks help from a parish priest and soon finds a way to combat the illness by diving into her sister's subconscious in order to find what is really making her sick.

That thing crawling from the tree is a whole lot of NOPE.

Unfortunately, this film did not come off as very scary, but it has other strengths. In particular, the visuals are stunning. Every time the film delved into the subconscious mind, I could not pull my eyes away. It is best described as a surreal landscape that is both grotesque yet beautiful in its own way. Definitely give this one a shot. Films like this need more love.

CREEP

This is a found footage film that follows a videographer who answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day shoot in a remote town. As you can expect, the guy who ran the ad is not exactly as he appears.

Nope... Nothing creepy to see here. Just keep moving right al-*runs away*

This might not sound like the most original film, but it is very well executed. The acting is good, and the director does a great job at building tension throughout until the climax. This is worth a view for sure.

IT

Another film based on a Stephen King novel, this is a newer take on an old favorite. And I was pleasantly surprised how good this new iteration was. The story revolves around a group of kids who band together to fight a shape-shifting monster who emerges every 27 years to prey on children.

As if you needed another reason to hate clowns.

The child actors are really talented and the movie does not pull any punches when it comes to the scares. This is a genuinely frightening film with Bill Skarsgård excelling as the terrifying Pennywise. The story really pulls you in and makes you root for the children. You always feel like they are in real danger that could come at any minute. This is a must watch for horror fans.

WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE

After they decided to kill off Freddy, where could the studios go? They decided to go a little "meta" with this film. Actress Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors) plays herself in this film, which takes place in the "real world" where the horror franchise is still popular despite Freddy dying in the last flick. But Heather has been receiving some weird prank calls, and she soon begins experiencing some odd dreams as well. But are they really dreams?

Freddy looks decidedly more demonic, and somehow more frightening than ever.

I was really surprised with this film. There is less gore than the average Freddy movie, but it is a lot more psychological, and in some ways more frightening. It does get a little silly at times but it is done tongue-in-cheek. This film really smart, and almost feels like a cross between Candyman and a regular Nightmare movie. This film comes highly recommended. Especially if you have already watched all the other films in the series. This might just be the best Nightmare.

GET OUT

Written and directed by Jordan Peele, this film revolves around an African American man who decides it is time to go meet his white girlfriend's parents out in their secluded estate in the woods. Thankfully, his girlfriend's parents are quite accommodating. Almost too accommodating. At first, the young man thinks the parents are just overcompensating because he is black and they want to be accepting. However, say it with me now.... all is not how it seems.

When you accidentally delete a song on your playlist and can't remember which one.

This film is another standout this year with superb acting by Daniel Kaluuya (Broken Mirror) and sharp writing and directing from Peele. The film is quite funny, but still scary when it needs to be, and also quite thought-provoking. This is another must-watch for horror fans.

That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

2016-10-30T20:48:00.004-07:00

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

THE CONJURING 2

This is the sequel to the film that introduced us to the possessed doll Annabelle, which got its own spinoff. Like the first film, the story revolves around real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. This time they try to help a family in London who believe they are haunted by malicious spirits.

Hey, I didn't know Marilyn Manson was in this!

The film is masterfully directed by James Wan, who also directed The Conjuring, Saw, and Insidious. Wan has a way of building up tension and scaring his audience even when it is obvious something is going to happen. Basically, if James Wan is attached to direct a horror movie, I would make it a point to watch it. This is a must-see for horror fans.

THE WITCH

This gem is a period piece based in 1630 New England. The story follows a family that is plagued by witchcraft, causing a rift within the family as the members begin to blame each other.

"That'll learn 'em to bust my tomater."

This one is a slow burn, so some people may not have the patience to sit through this to get to the payoff. But if you do, you will be treated to some amazing acting and some standout cinematography. This is a thought-provoking film and well worth a shot. Writer/director Robert Eggers made an impressive debut with this one. Give it a watch.

HUSH

This is a home invasion film with the twist that the protagonist is a deaf mute. This adds an extra challenge to the heroine since she can't hear the masked man stalking her. It also shows how great the film is to be able to be so engaging with so little dialogue throughout.

"Oh, a guest? He looks nice!"

The film is directed by Mike Flanagan who also worked on Oculus, a great psychological horror film I recommended in the past. He also directed Ouija: Origin of Evil, a film I have yet to see but is getting a lot of great buzz. Mike Flanagan is clearly leaving his mark in the horror genre. Give this one a look.

HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH

I am a big fan of the original Hellraiser, and the sequel was a worthy but flawed followup. This film is not quite as good those two films.

Could be worse. You could...... nah this is as bad as it gets. Enjoy eternal suffering!

This sequel sees Pinhead released on Earth to cause havoc. It's up to an investigative reporter to send Pinhead and his minions back to Hell. Unfortunately, some of the new Cenobites are a little lame.

Meet Camerahead!..... Let's just pretend he never existed.

There is a scene where Pinhead lets loose and kills a bunch of people in a bar. It is kind of cool if you like wanton destruction. But it does feel a little small-scale considering the film is called Hell on Earth. The movie should feel bigger, but never gets there.

If you really want more Pinhead, this is harmless enough. Otherwise, it's pretty skippable.

THE ABCs of DEATH

This is a horror comedy anthology that takes us through the alphabet. There are 26 tales all shown in alphabetical order including A is for Apocalypse, B is for Bigfoot, and so on and so forth. Unfortunately the quality of these shorts are very uneven. There are some truly bad shorts such as F is for Fart.

I'm not.

The film is made up of shorts from directors all over the world who were given complete creative control. Maybe too much creative control because the good is far outweighed by the tasteless and disgusting. Some shorts will leave you wondering what the director was thinking.

What am I even watching?!

If you like movies made in bad taste, maybe you will enjoy this. A lot of it is difficult to watch, and downright embarrassing at times. For most of you, I cannot recommend this. There are far better anthology films to watch.

TRICK 'r TREAT

Now this is a horror comedy anthology I can get behind. Unlike most anthologies, this film follows several characters in a little town whose lives are all intertwined. The film also introduces us to my favorite new horror mascot, Sam.

"I just want some candy..... honest!"

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, the film excels mostly because it is the focused creative vision of one person. The stories are interwoven and play off each other in a smart manner. This is a fun film for sure. Make this a priority if you want to watch a good horror flick.

THE INVITATION

This is another slow build but it is an easier watch for most people compared to The Witch. The story follows a man who is invited to attend a dinner party by his ex-wife and her new husband. Soon, he begins to suspect that everyone in attendance is in grave danger.

"I'm not worried... I just suffer from resting suspicious face."

I won't spoil the ending, but the film gets incredibly intense once it reaches its climax. The payoff is well worth the buildup. Definitely put this on your to-do list.

HOUSEBOUND

This is a New Zealand horror comedy that revolves around a woman under house arrest at her estranged mother's house. Hilarity and spiritual hijinks ensue. One of the funnier elements in the film is Amos the security guard who is also an amateur parapsychologist.

"Let me handle this. I've read some books!"

The best thing about this film is that it somehow manages to balance the comedy and horror elements so well, which is very difficult to do. The film is tense when it needs to be, but somehow manages to make you laugh the next moment, and vice versa. It is masterfully done. This is one to watch if you want some levity with your horror.

GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)

I decided to give this one a chance since I love the original movie so much. How does it stack up? I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining this film is. The dialogue is incredibly funny at times.

I was crying from laughter at this scene.

However, as funny as it is, I couldn't help but feel this didn't have to be a Ghostbusters movie. The best comedy almost always came from scenes that had nothing to do with busting ghosts. The fight scenes near the climax were silly and, unlike the original, the film never feels scary.

Furthermore, the main villain is lame. And while the ghosts are well designed, they look too cartoony. This is partly because all the ghosts have so much bright, colorful halos surrounding their bodies.

Cool ghost design. Maybe just dial back the bright blue a little bit.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining film. It might not be as good as the original, but it is better than the sequel and worth a look if you can get past any preconceived notions. Give it a chance when you're ready.

That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Teaser Trailer

2016-10-19T19:05:00.002-07:00

Marvel Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2! Need a hug?

Fantastic trailer that has that same fun feel we remember from the first film. And who can't get behind cute little baby Groot? More of this please!

Marvel also released a new poster for the film.

Written and directed by James Gunn, the film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Glenn Close, Chris Sullivan, Sylvester Stallone, and Kurt Russell.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will arrive in US theaters on May 5, 2017.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Official Trailer

2016-08-11T20:09:00.001-07:00

Darth Vader returns in the new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story!

Still digging the vibe from this film as it feels so different from other Star Wars movies, but still feels like it belongs in that universe. It will be interesting to see how they use Darth Vader. I hope he gets to do more than just look menacing from behind. Either way, cannot wait to see more.

Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, and Jonathan Aris.

The story takes place before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and follows a band of resistance fighters on a daring mission to steal the plans for the Empire's Death Star.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is scheduled to arrive in US theaters on December 16, 2016.

Wonder Woman and Justice League - SDCC Trailers

2016-07-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Warner Bros. has released the Comic-Con trailer for Wonder Woman!

Definitely feels different from Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, which might be a good thing. I like what I see so far. It is fun seeing Wonder Woman plow through random soldiers, but they may be a little too easy to take down. Knowing Warner Bros, they will give Wonder Woman a suitably formidable antagonist to fight. Looking forward to seeing more.

Directed by Patty Jenkins, the films stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Lucy Davis, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Florence Kasumba, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Ewen Bremner, Saïd Taghmaoui, and Elena Anaya.

Here is a synopsis:

"Diana (Gal Gadot), princess of the Amazons, was raised on a sheltered island and trained to be an unconquerable fighter. After American pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes on the island and tells her about a world war that is happening, Diana leaves her home to try to stop the war."

Surprisingly, Warner Bros. also released the Comic-Con trailer for Justice League!

It is exciting to finally see all these characters together on screen. Looks like Warner Bros. is changing the overall tone of their films to feel less grim. This is not a bad choice, but hopefully they also understand that it will require more than just a tonal shift to make the films work. As of now, I am cautiously optimistic.

Directed by Zack Snyder, the film stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, and Ray Fisher.

Here is the official synopsis:

"Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes - Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash - it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions."

Wonder Woman will arrive on July 2, 2017, while Justice League is scheduled for release on November 17, 2017.

Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders - SDCC Teaser Trailers

2016-07-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Sweet Christmas! Watch the SDCC teaser trailer for Marvel's original Netflix series, Luke Cage!

Assuming the show follows the same quality as Daredevil and Jessica Jones, Luke Cage will be a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre.

Here is an official synopsis:

"After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive who attempts to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But soon he is pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city - forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury."

Want more? Marvel also released a teaser trailer for Iron Fist!

Here is a short synopsis:

"Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City, after being missing for years, to fight corruption with a proficiency in kung-fu and the ability to call upon the power of the Iron Fist."

But that's not all. Marvel also revealed the teaser trailer for The Defenders!

The Defenders serves as a culmination of the various Marvel Netflix shows. It features Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist as they unite to face their biggest threat yet.

Finally, Marvel also released an awesome sizzle trailer for their Netflix programs..... because apparently we are not hyped enough.

The first season of Luke Cage will debut on Netflix on September 30, 2016. The Defenders will arrive sometime in 2017. No release date was revealed for Iron Fist, but it is expected to premiere in 2017.

Doctor Strange - Official Teaser Trailer

2016-04-12T22:43:00.002-07:00

Check out the official teaser trailer for Marvel's Doctor Strange!

That was some amazing imagery. Very exotic and otherworldly. Feels much different than anything else from Marvel, yet still feels like it fits in well. Cannot wait to see more.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mads Mikkelsen, and Tilda Swinton.

The story revolves around an arrogant but brilliant surgeon, Stephen Strange, who learns the mystic arts from the Ancient One after his career is destroyed by a near-fatal car accident.

Doctor Strange is set to release in US theaters on November 4, 2016.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Official Teaser Trailer

2016-04-07T20:23:00.001-07:00

Watch the official teaser trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story!

I love this teaser trailer. The AT-ATs look amazing, and the film already looks different from the other entries in the series. It feels a little grittier and more realistic, which also makes it feel fresh. Hopefully more of the future Star Wars films follow this one's lead and take a few risks. Definitely looking forward to the next trailer.

Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, and Jonathan Aris.

The story takes place before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and follows a band of resistance fighters on a daring mission to steal the plans for the Empire's Death Star.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is scheduled to arrive in US theaters on December 16, 2016.

Captain America: Civil War - Second Official Trailer

2016-03-10T19:37:00.002-08:00

The new Spider-Man debuts in the latest trailer for Captain America: Civil War!

This looks great so far. We saw Black Panther take down the Winter Soldier from a speeding motorcycle, Ant-Man riding Hawkeye's arrow, and Spider-Man finally jump in to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time!

Interestingly, Spider-Man's eyes can change size, which appears to be facilitated by mechanical shutters as evidenced by the details around the eyes in the pic above, and the sound that can be heard as the eyes change in the trailer. Very clever design reminiscent of a camera's aperture, which may have been inspired by Peter Parker's "real life" job as a photographer for the Daily Bugle.

Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), the film stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Chadwick Boseman, Jeremy Renner, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, and Martin Freeman.

Here is an official synopsis:

"Captain America: Civil War finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps - one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark's surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability."

Captain America: Civil War will swing into US theaters on May 6, 2016.

Ghostbusters - First Official Trailer

2016-03-03T19:14:00.001-08:00

Watch the first official trailer for the Ghostbusters reboot. Who you gonna call?

That last line got a laugh out of me. Also, Kate McKinnon looks like she could steal the movie with her unique character. She really stands out. I like the look of the ghosts, which is similar to the old films but with an updated touch. They even had the library ghost and a Slimer cameo!

That said, I think this looks just OK so far. I would be more excited if this was a sequel with the ladies taking over for the old team. They could always open a dimensional rift and team up with Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore somewhere down the line. Nonetheless, what they have here looks acceptable. Hope to see more soon.

Directed by Paul Feig (Bridemaids, The Heat), the movie stars Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth, Andy Garcia, Michael K. Williams, Matt Walsh, and Neil Casey.

Ghostbusters will arrive in US theaters on July 15, 2016.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Official Final Trailer

2016-02-11T19:32:00.003-08:00

Watch the epic final trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice!

Wow, that was the best trailer by far. Batman looked brutal in the opening fight scene. This is the trailer they should have released in the first place. I am definitely pumped to watch this now more than ever.

Directed by Zack Snyder, the film stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Holly Hunter, and Jason Momoa.

Here is an official synopsis:

"Fearing the actions of a god-like super hero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis' most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it's ever known before."

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will arrive in US theaters on March 25, 2016.

Suicide Squad - Second Trailer

2016-01-19T21:32:00.002-08:00

Watch the newest trailer for Suicide Squad! "Worst. Heroes. Ever."

This could be one of the better DC Comics films. Looks like a lot of fun and true to the roots of the original characters. See what happens when you take chances on more obscure properties?

Directed by David Ayer, the film stars Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as The Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adam Beach as Slipknot, and Jay Hernandez as El Diablo.

Here is a short synopsis:

"It feels good to be bad... Assemble a team of the world's most dangerous, incarcerated Super Villains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government's disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren't picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitable fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it's every man for himself?"

Suicide Squad is scheduled to arrive in US theaters on August 5, 2016.

Deadpool - Red Band Trailer 2

2015-12-25T09:40:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas! I give you the awesome new red band trailer for Deadpool!

This looks like a really fun movie with great action and funny dialogue. Ryan Reynolds just gets the character. This is one I have to see in theaters.

Directed by Tim Miller, the film stars Ryan Reynolds, TJ Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, and Stefan Kapicic.

Here is short synopsis:

"Based upon Marvel Comics' most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life."

Deadpool arrives in US theaters on February 12, 2016.

Independence Day: Resurgence - First Official Trailer

2015-12-13T13:45:00.001-08:00

The aliens return in the first official trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence!

This looks like a lot of fun. It was a smart idea to take the alien tech from the original encounter to improve the Earth's own technology. The special effects look great, and I loved how they used the big speech from the original movie.

Directed by Roland Emmerich, the film stars Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Maika Monroe, Vivica A. Fox, Judd Hirsch, William Fichtner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Sela Ward, Angelababy, and Brent Spiner.

Here is a short synopsis:

"After Independence Day redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global catastrophe on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens' advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction."

Independence Day: Resurgence will arrive in US theaters on June 24, 2016.

X-Men: Apocalypse - First Official Trailer

2015-12-11T19:18:00.004-08:00

The end is nigh in the first official trailer for X-Men: Apocalypse!

Apocalypse looks a lot better in the trailer than he did previously released photos. Either way, this looks like a fun blockbuster.

Directed by Bryan Singer, the film stars Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Sophie Turner, Rose Byrne, Nicholas Hoult, Evan Peters, Alexandra Shipp, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Ben Hardy, Tye Sheridan, Lana Condor, and Oscar Isaac.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction."

X-Men: Apocalypse will arrive in US theaters on May 27, 2016.

Street Fighter V - F.A.N.G Reveal Trailer & DLC Characters Announced

2015-12-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Capcom revealed F.A.N.G and 6 DLC characters for Street Fighter V at PlayStation Experience!

F.A.N.G is a Shadaloo fighter who uses poison, which damages his opponent over time. He looks a little silly, but he also looks like a unique and fun character to use.

F.A.N.G is the 16th and final playable character to be revealed for the fighting game's starting roster of world warriors including Ryu, Chun-Li, Charlie Nash, M. Bison, Cammy, Birdie, Ken, Vega, Necalli, R. Mika, Rashid, Karin, Zangief, Laura, and Dhalsim.

Capcom also revealed 6 new DLC characters, which will be released over the course of the first year after the game launches. These fighters will be Alex, Guile, Balrog, Ibuki, Juri, and Urien. The plan is to release a new character every 2 months. Players can purchase the characters outright or earn them by playing the game.

For the impatient type, you can preorder the DLC characters now with the Street Fighter V Season Pass for $29.99. The season pass also includes a premium costume for each DLC character and an exclusive PS4 theme.

Street Fighter V is scheduled to release exclusively on the PS4 and PC on February 16, 2016 in North America and Europe.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Official Trailer 2

2015-12-02T22:25:00.001-08:00

Doomsday appears in the new trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice!

Still not sure about Lex Luthor, but it is exciting to see Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman teaming up against the devastating Doomsday. Just as exciting, this film will be a catalyst for several more DC Comics based movies, including the eventual release of a Justice League film. Hopefully Warner Bros. can keep the quality of the films up.

Directed by Zack Snyder, the film stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Holly Hunter, and Jason Momoa.

Here is an official synopsis:

"Fearing the actions of a god-like super hero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis' most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it's ever known before."

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will arrive in US theaters on March 25, 2016.

Captain America: Civil War - First Official Trailer

2015-11-24T22:18:00.001-08:00

It's here! Marvel has released the first official trailer for Captain America: Civil War!

First of all, Black Panther looks awesome. Second, this movie may be even bigger than Avengers: Age of Ultron. We will see some of the usual team members like Black Widow and Hawkeye, as well as newer additions such as Ant-Man and Spider-Man. It will be interesting to see how they handle so many characters, even if the focus is mainly on Captain America.

Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), the film stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd, Chadwick Boseman, Jeremy Renner, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Holland, and Martin Freeman.

Here is an official synopsis:

"Captain America: Civil War picks up where Avengers: Age of Ultron left off, as Steve Rodgers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain."

Captain America: Civil War will arrive in US theaters on May 6, 2016.

DC's Legends of Tomorrow - New First Look Trailer

2015-11-23T20:12:00.004-08:00

The CW has released an awesome new trailer for their new crossover series, DC's Legends of Tomorrow!

Yes, that is Doctor Who alumnus Arthur Darvill as a time traveller. With a formidable villain like Vandal Savage taking center stage, this new program has a lot going for it.

The show stars Victor Garber as Dr. Martin Stein/Firestorm, Brandon Routh as Ray Palmer/The Atom, Caity Lotz as Sara Lance/White Canary, Arthur Darvill as Rip Hunter, Ciara Renee as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, Franz Drameh as Jay Jackson/Firestorm, Dominic Purcell as Mick Rory/Heat Wave, and Wentworth Miller as Leonard Snart/Captain Cold.

Here is an official synopsis:

"When heroes alone are not enough... the world needs legends. Having seen the future, one he will desperately try to prevent from happening, time-traveling rogue Rip Hunter is tasked with assembling a disparate group of both heroes and villains to confront of an unstoppable threat - one in which not only is the planet at stake, but all of time itself. Can this ragtag team defeat an immortal threat unlike anything they have ever known?"

DC's Legends of Tomorrow is set to debut on The CW on January 21, 2016.