Author: Kstrouse

I’m a writer, critic, podcaster, Editor in Chief (Filminquiry.com) Vice President of Genomic Operations (Katchdata.com), and overall film fanatic. While I enjoy all kinds of cinema/TV/Media, I have a special place in my heart for horror and the wonderfully weird in life.

Haunt-Tober Day 15, 2023: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

I can’t think of October- December without this Henry Selick directed and Tim Burton born, classic. Even now after rewatching (many times) I am left in awe of the artistry and the wonderful stop motion work. It conjures quite a spell and still continues to be a favorite among the masses.

Jack (Chris Sarandon) the pumpkin king’s, (lover of the macabre and ruler of Halloweentown) life is about to change as he finds out about the existence of Christmas. He’s filled with the unexpected desire to give and become his own version of Santa Claus, which, while well intended, brings disastrous results.

One of the most beautifully crafted of Danny Elfman‘s creations, The Nightmare Before Christmas dances on in your psyche, singing a song that’ll never leave you and will always give you a routinely coherent combination of eerie and emotional, Christmas and Halloween, that is endlessly satisfying.

source: Buena Vista Entertainment

The writing and story at the center is wonderfully weird (yeah, I did it) and truly genius, especially when combined with the art form they chose. The animation is flawless and smooth and has a lot of detail that makes this a masterpiece of craft.

“It’s a world unlike anything I have ever seen.”

This isn’t the first Burton project I have written about and it certainly won’t be the last. While this isn’t my favorite this does have a special place in my heart and it really speaks to me. The animation and story have a child like wonder but the themes and aesthetics are hauntingly emotional. It is also a fun story that reminds you why this time of year is so special.

It’s a testament to its staying power and importance to the holiday season.

Along with the incredible original songs and a vibe that truly speaks to film fans and outcasts alike, there is also a lovely central romance. Sally (Catherine O’Hara) and Jack’s connection is that kind of fateful love story you yearn to see, and it’s the soul of the picture.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is unique and timeless, a magical adventure that’ll delight the senses and steal your heart.

Today’s winners:

More to come!

Haunt- Tober Day 14 2023: The Faculty

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

There’s something about The Faculty that evokes nostalgia, an irreverent sense of fun, and a cool cast of young stars that perfectly captures the essence of its time. For me, it has become a film that I can watch over and over again.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez (and written by Kevin Williamson), this teen sci-fi/horror movie is an exhilarating and youthful take on the genre mix.

Strange things are happening at Herrington High School, affecting both the student body and the faculty. Drastic changes in personalities are occurring, and a group of eclectic teenagers, who usually keep their distance from each other, start noticing the patterns and become the best defense the community has.

When in doubt, look to the movies

As I mentioned before, the cast is outstanding. We have the rebellious Zeke (Josh Hartnett), the class nerd Casey (Elijah Wood), the outcast Stokely (Clea DuVall), the popular Delilah (Jordana Brewster), her boyfriend Stan (Shawn Hatosy), and the new arrival to the school, MaryBeth (Laura Harris).

The film oozes with style and pays homage to past works. While some argue that it borrows from previous movies, I believe The Faculty stands as a fair contributor of homages. It offers a “modern” take that incorporates the 90s vibe and includes clear references to films like The Thing and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

source: Miramax, Dimension Films

The adult cast is also remarkable, featuring longtime horror talents such as Famke Janssen, Robert Patrick, Salma Hayek, and the late, amazing Piper Laurie.

Are there issues with the film? Yes, but The Faculty deserves its place among the classic and influential films of the 90s. It feels unapologetic and possesses a charm that aligns with the portrayal of teenage movies from the past.

The movie includes some wonderfully grotesque sequences, including a shower scene with lumpy flesh and hair that will linger in your memory. At the end of it day it can get a bit funky with its effects, and I love it.

With a soundtrack that truly rocks and an undeniable feel of foreboding scares, The Faculty also possesses a unique blend of creativity and an engaging mix of talent that sets it apart as its own strange organism.

The Faculty is an engaging story that breezes by with an energetic fervor that doesn’t slack on bringing on the horror when it needs to.

Today’s winner:

Much more to come!

Haunt- Tober Day 13, 2023: Dylan’s New Nightmare: A Nightmare on Elm Street Fan Film

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Dylan’s New Nightmare: A Nightmare on Elm Street Fan Film a sequel to New Nightmare, is a lovingly created ode to a series that was monumental to the genre. Writer/director Cecil Laird opens the door to the past while interestingly bringing us into the future.

It’s creatively compelling, utilizing elements of the work that inspired it while showing an overall prowess. Our new Freddy (Dave McRae) and the designs, music, makeup, and costumes all feel like they were plucked from one of the films themselves. As a fan myself, that’s a beautiful thing to see.

Miko Hughes returns as Dylan Porter, a struggling actor and the fictional son of A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Heather Langenkamp.

The editing, cinematography, gore and sound effects are pretty stellar. For a movie that is just under thirty minutes it packs enough punch and draws enough blood to leave a mark.

I like the element regarding therapy, clinging to the explanation that a reasonable person would assume when hearing about such a terror.

In the scene there is a consistently clicking pen, as if slowly driving one insane, or trying some form of manipulation, and it is wickedly crafted bit of suspense.

This keeps to its inspirations in an intelligent fashion. In many ways, it speaks to the horror lover at my core and the creator’s as well. Being able to make a piece of art that is connected to one that you hold dear, is a remarkable thing. This never feels like a fan film or low-budget. Yes, you can see it at times and a few scenes don’t feel as cohesive, but it’s forgivable.

While I can’t say that I was ever scared by this character I have always appreciated his snarkiness, campiness, and the general creepy idea that is inherent when you consider the possibility of dreams being deadly. This is all maintained throughout in this small helping of horror.

Dylan’s New Nightmare: A Nightmare on Elm Street Fan Film is a talented reinvigoration of a nightmare welcomingly reborn.

You can watch the film online here! Dark Matter TV is doing a giveaway for a screening, follow them on Instagram here!

Today’s winners:

More to come!

Haunt- Tober Day 12 2023: The Final Girls

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Amazon’s recent release of the horror comedy Totally Killer reminded me of another film that deserves more recognition: The Final Girls.

The similarities between the two movies are actually quite astonishing. Both feature a slasher killer and incorporate an element of time travel (or something similar), as well as a young girl interacting with her mother at a similar age.

The Final Girls is original, hilarious, and uniquely fitting as both a homage to the genre and an entertaining new experience in its own right.

In many ways, The Final Girls shares the self-awareness of The Cabin in the Woods, using and playing with the tropes of the genre with comedic ease. However, it also carves out its own presence with a fresh and engaging story.

The film follows Max (played by Taissa Farmiga), who tragically loses her mother Amanda (Malin Åkerman) unexpectedly. When Max attends a screening of Camp Bloodbath, a movie her mother starred in, she finds herself transported into the 80s slasher film with her friends, where she must learn to survive alongside her mother.

Director Todd Strauss-Schulson creates a retro, horror movie-fueled world that immerses the audience and makes them feel as though they are trapped alongside the characters. The film manages to strike a balance between silliness and relatability, making The Final Girls a truly enjoyable experience.

source: Stage 6 Films

The supporting cast, which includes Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat, Alexander Ludwig, and Nina Dobrev, adds to the film’s strength. Once in the movie, the characters realize they are trapped unless they play out the events of the film, raising the question of who will survive this time around.

The chemistry between Åkerman and Farmiga is wonderful, and their relationship is touching. This, combined with the sharp comedy, is one of the reasons why The Final Girls succeeds. The film manages to blend heart and gore in a captivating way.

The Final Girls is a hidden gem that fits delightfully well into the subgenre of horror-comedy. It features witty dialogue, entertaining gags, and an underlying sense of emotional reverence.

It is one to seek out and let yourself have fun with. Just make sure you see it to the end.

Who doesn’t love a final girl?

Today’s winner:

Plenty of more Haunt-Tober to come!

Haunt-Tober 31 Days of Giveaways Prize Update: American Ghost Walks

Posted on by Kstrouse

Fancy a stroll through a haunted historical area? We do.

Meet our new supporter who has kindly donated for the 31 days of giveaways: American Ghost Walks!

They offer haunted history tours in Chicagoland, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Coastal Maine, Twin Cities, Wisconsin, and New Orleans. For more information click here.

We will be giving away 8 tickets to haunted tours! Enter here now!

There’s plenty more of Haunt-Tober to come!

Haunt-Tober 2023 Day 11: Midnight Mass

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Midnight Mass is more than a vampire story. It’s a human one. While there have been other fantastical narratives that provoke thought or explore philosophical themes, what sets Midnight Mass apart is its ability to make you almost forget its supernatural elements.

Two pivotal figures that will greatly impact the survival of Crockett Island have recently made their way to the town. The first is Father Paul Hill (played by Hamish Linklater), a new priest who takes the place of the beloved Monsignor Pruitt. The second is Riley Flynn (portrayed by Zach Gilford), the son of locals Ed (Henry Thomas) and Annie (Kristin Lehman). Riley’s return follows his release from prison, where he served time for a tragic accident that occurred while he was driving under the influence and his girlfriend lost her life.

Miracle or Menace?

A multitude of characters add depth to the story, each with their own distinctive motivations and intricately crafted personalities. Among them is Erin Greene (Kate Siegal), Riley’s former flame. Additionally, the town’s sheriff, Hassan (Rahul Kohli), plays a crucial role in the unfolding events.

I am particularly fond of the setting—a small town or island community—as it allows us to intimately acquaint ourselves with each inhabitant. Their motives are meticulously examined, and their relationships, whether positive or negative, are laid bare.

This new addition to their congregation has a secret, and brings with him a mysterious case. It’ll change the townspeople and invite an evil disguised as a gift.

source: Netflix

This series grapples with profound questions: What gives life meaning, and how does death intersect with it? Does mortality possess a moral dimension, or is it simply a matter of survival of the fittest? The search for solace lies at the heart of this tale, a quest that resonates deeply.

Fear possesses the power to drive individuals to commit atrocious acts. It has the ability to metamorphose a person, rendering them unrecognizable. When utilized for manipulation, fear becomes an exceedingly dangerous tool. When misguided, particularly when intertwined with religious elements, an individual may succumb to it, even embracing death and murder as unknown allies.

Familial Dysfunction, Religion & Immortality

It’s an unsettling, but beautiful rumination. Midnight Mass has some entrancing scenes, poetic monologues and fantastic performances. Flanagan crafts this with the utmost care, casting light on the human moments while aptly tingling the spine during its darkest. There are some creepy sequences, intriguing questions raised and heartfelt moments that truly hit home.

The casting in Midnight Mass is nothing short of exceptional, featuring many familiar faces from Mike Flanagan‘s previous works. This series weaves a beautiful yet bittersweet symphony, exploring themes of forgiveness, morality, and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. A resonating tragedy, Midnight Mass is another must see and benefits from multiple viewings.

Streaming on Netflix!

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober 2023 Day 10: 1900- 1903 Horror Shorts

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Magic. I say this word often and with good reason. Movies, in all of their delicate glory, are pieces of pixie dust sprinkled through our television screens.

The three silent films from 1900-1903 that I am about to discuss conjure such a word. These moving pictures are our history, our start, and they are feats of ingenuity and creativity.

In a sense the first three all feel like a magic show. The way the ghosts appear and reappear or woman is severed in half. For their time the editing and design are fantastically eerie and doesn’t require a word. All three are from various places around the world.

Faust and Marguerite (1900) –Edwin S. Porter

This is a one minute short and it works like a single line story would on camera. It isn’t flashy but this story, based on a play, provides depth in a small dose.

Sometimes less is more. This inspires more mystery and questions than anything but its question mark is an enticing one to contemplate.

When a man tries to convince another to behead a woman and he refuses, he takes her place.

This US production isn’t the most stylistic or expansive, but it still leaves a mark on its viewer.

The Haunted Curiosity Shop (1901) –Walter R. Booth

My favorite of the trio, The Haunted Curiosity Shop is a ghostly delight.

It seems that there are some spirits amidst the store. These hauntings weave in and out and strike quite the curiosity from the store owner.

It’s a simple enough premise that never feels that way. Sometimes, a gentle apparition based tale is enough. The fact that Walter R. Booth was a magician is no surprise this UK film serves as a bewitching experience and showcase for the performer.

The Infernal Cauldron (1903) – Georges Méliès

This fun little number feels somehow more fantastical than the others, a rich lineup of moments that pop off the screen. The set design is a lively renaissance looking background.

The cauldron is getting fed as a demon throws three individuals inside. When they turn into flames they seek revenge and chase the demon down. Eventually, it feasts on one more as he leaps inside.

This French silent film boasts imagination that would inspire many a horror and fantasy to come.

As trailblazers for cinema to come, each deserves a watch, and all three are easily available to track down online!

Today’s winners:

Haunt- Tober 2023 Day 9/Comic Corner: John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: The Envoy

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Ah, the perils of science fiction, inflated egos, and of becoming too intelligent for our own good…

The Envoy revolves around two colleagues who were once inseparable, but have now been burdened by jealousy and competitiveness. These two brilliant minds, who were best of friends during their college days, have embarked on different paths in their respective careers. However, in the captivating world of Envoy, their destinies intertwine once again.

Meet Steven Allard and Ben Raines, both esteemed men of science. Steven, driven by the pursuit of financial gain, channels his focus into finding cures for life’s afflictions, such as cancer. On the other hand, Ben Raines, having tragically lost his wife to cancer, is on a relentless quest to establish a means of communication with the departed.

While The Envoy incorporates fresh themes and incorporates elements from other sources, it manages to retain an enthralling sense of novelty. The vivid colors and mesmerizing artwork employed in the book serve as masterful tools in constructing the atmosphere, while also providing distinct visualizations for each character. Our two protagonists, though distinct in their individuality, are equally captivating and driven in their own unique ways. The rivalry between these two goes from moderately safe to wildly unhealthy, and fast.

Is anyone out there?

They make contact with an extraterrestrial and also get success in testing this strange blue box that seems to cure cancer. How? Why? Maybe we don’t need to know…

It’s a clever concept, one that feeds our science fiction fix while also delving into some horrifying depths.

The comic is more dialogue heavy than many and could use more entertainment driven sequences. It never feels too talky, but it borders it. Still, the artwork is fantastic, and the character work is top notch.

With electrifying cover art (pun intended) that smartly ensnares the reader, you’re immediately intrigued.

The narrative brings a lot of exposition and yet leaves a lot mysterious which can challenge a reader who needs to know each distinct detail. The artwork by Esparza is mesmerizing though, and I only wish there were more action to show it off.

John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: The Envoy is a valued addition to the lineup of work with a clever story and transportive designs.

Today’s winner:

Stay tuned for more coverage and winners!!

Bestselling Comics

2023 KINO Short Film Fest

Posted on by Kstrouse

We’re so excited to share with WW&H Filmmakers & Film Lovers alike the 2023 KINO Short Film Fest. Proudly sponsored by Panavision & Final Draft. Applicants and filmmakers from all over the globe can submit short films in all genres.

The winning filmmakers will receive one of two top prizes:
The Judge’s Choice of $25,000
The People’s Choice of $5,000
Other prizes awarded:
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Documentary Short
Best LGBT Short
Best Horror Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Animated Short
Best Student Short

Films are also eligible for consideration for KINO (a film finance company) to collaborate with a filmmaker to make their feature film. No other film festival offers this. Each category will be adjudicated by a series of working professionals specializing in that genre (i.e. Animation = Pixar Animator. Horror = SAW Franchise Writer etc.) Winners will be announced live in Los Angeles on January 31st, 2024 at the historic Hollywood Legion Theater.

APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT HERE.
Discount Code: ‘WW&H’ for one-time submission for WW&H Filmmakers.
OR a KINO Pro option at $12.99/mo (this one is great if filmmaker has more than one short as multiple submissions are included + industry workshops, events and more)
For more information, check out:
KINO Website
KINO Instagram

KINO PRO is a community and a network of filmmakers that collaborates and builds the future
of film together. We connect the right people to epic opportunities.
Part of KINO’s MISSION is to build a network of creatives while championing and supporting emerging filmmakers. Beyond submitting your short, you’ll be able to create a public profile and include each cast/crew that participated on your short film. This creates the opportunity to celebrate each role on a film set and get noticed for your work outside of this competition. KINO is creating the bridge from emerging to working filmmaker. We look forward to seeing how YOU tell stories.

Questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
brit@kino.studio

Haunt-Tober 2023 Day 8: The Invisible Man (2020)

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

When it comes to taking on a canon like this, a film needs to truly stand out, and The Invisible Man certainly achieves that. Adapted from the classic H.G. Wells novel, this film cleverly infuses a modern flair into the story by exploring themes such as domestic abuse, gaslighting, and the impact of technology on our lives, all while maintaining its ability to frighten. 

Our protagonist Cecilia Kass played by the remarkable Elisabeth Moss, manages to escape the clutches of her abusive husband, the wealthy optics engineer and businessman Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). It requires her to go to extraordinary lengths to disappear, and even after she discovers that he is supposedly “dead,” her instincts persistently tell her that he is still relentlessly hunting her down.

She stays with her childhood friend, Detective James Lanier (Aldis Hodge), and his teenage daughter, Sydney (Storm Reid).

Moss’s performance exhibits incredible depth, portraying her character with unwavering intensity and strength, despite her crumbling circumstances. The antagonist, too, is menacing, intelligent, and maniacal, embodying a mad scientist whose mind-boggling inventions serve to further his own agenda of control.

source: Blumhouse

The Invisible Man is a thought-provoking thriller that expertly utilizes suspense to keep the audience in the dark. The cinematography skillfully employs angles and effects to emphasize the concept of invisibility, further immersing viewers in the experience.

The film masterfully blends psychological horror, jump scares, and an ongoing sense of unease, continually leaving you on edge, wondering when and if the invisible man will reveal himself. Is he watching at this very moment? Lurking in the shadows? The terror experienced in this film extends beyond Moss‘s exceptional portrayal, as the keen direction creates a palpable paranoia that sends shivers down the audience’s collective spine.

The script doesn’t waste a moment. There’s no excess and each scene and line of dialogue or purposeful lack thereof is thrilling. Writer/director Leigh Whannell has really honed his craft and this is just another stunner to add to his filmography.

And let’s not forget to mention the absolutely stellar visual effects that truly add to the film’s overall impact, and push this film into an inherently unsettling place: the idea of being watched.

The Invisible Man is an intelligent and creepy adaptation that is anchored by one of Moss‘ best.

Today’s winner: