Tag: Horror

Haunt-Tober Day 20, 2023: Kalimba

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!

This was originally published on Film Inquiry.

Kalimba, the horror short written by Robbie J. Atkinson and J.E. Atkinson and directed by Robbie J. Atkinson, is an exercise in nightmare fuel.

It opens to an ominous voice and a young woman in bed. Some… thing is leering over her and we catch a quick glimpse of the creature before she wakes.

Cassidy (Raiany Silva), is quite haunted. Her nighttime disruptions are wearing on her, accumulating in various ways, from nightmares to sleep paralysis. Her relationship with her mother is shown to be estranged early on, and she doesn’t give much credence to Cassidy’s concern that something more, supernatural, may be afoot. 

It’s mentioned that her grandma may be able to help, but in this well-paced twenty minute short, we don’t yet uncover what that will entail. It spikes an intrigue that doesn’t dissipate, making the squirming discomfort last until the final shot.

KALIMBA: Effectively Alluring & Eerie
source: RPX Media Productions

The only part that doesn’t quite click is a scene between her and her friend. A welcoming bit of levity, mind you, but some of the dialogue doesn’t hit as well as the rest. 

Overall, the film is a delightfully eerie bit of filmmaking that is quite polished and formidable. It shows a keen sense of creativity and curates some lingering horror imagery. The script flows with measured intent and crafts a lot of thought-provoking elements in its small runtime. 

Terrific sound design ensures we hear every gasp, creak and groan. This adds to an already amazing atmosphere that sweeps you up. Atkinson has a unique vision, and the direction speaks to detail and unique skill. Silva is quite good as our lead, convincingly tortured and she makes for an engaging north for us to follow in the night. 

Kalimba works because it utilizes the embedded fear of the unknown mixed with the psychological thrills that keep us glued to the screen.

The short is referenced as a proof of concept for a feature and I sure hope it gets one, I’d love to see what else lurks in the dark.

Conclusion:

Kalimba is a tightly wound wonder, enigmatic and enticing. There’s a lot to love here, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this talented group.

Today’s winners of the Haunt-Tober Giveaway:

Haunt-Tober Day 19, 2023: New Project! Horror: A Journey Through the Decades

Posted on by Kstrouse

As the month sadly begins to near its end and we have but 11 days left of the giveaway, I thought it the right time to dive into Wonderfully Weird’s next project.

Currently it’s named Horror: A Journey Through the Decades (but it is possible to change in the coming days). It’s sort of a love letter to the genre going all the way back to its roots. It has come a long way and there is so much to reflect on that I can’t imagine doing it alone.

Since inquiring about how you all fell in love with horror, it made me think about how we all have our stories and our own experiences with the movies that shaped us. Those deserve to be heard!

This is an opportunity to gush about a film you adore or maybe, just respect. Regardless, you have the urge to write about it and so here we are. This will be published individually on the site as well as an eventual publishing in book form. This is unpaid unfortunately, but I will send you a copy of the book when it is released!

I am also open to feature ideas!

Horror is one of the best communities and it truly feels like a family. I’m excited to begin this new journey and create something truly unique with all of you!

To apply please go here.

And as always, thank you all.

-Kristy

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 18, 2023/COMIC CORNER: Stanley and the Haunted House

Posted on by Crockett Houghton

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!

From their inception in 2013, Storm King has continued to push the boundaries of horror for all ages. From their more mature releases to their Storm Kids line, Storm King really does have something for everybody under the sun (or the haunted night sky more likely). Stanley And The Haunted House continues that tradition of making horror accessible to even the youngest of readers and I have to say, even for a thirty-eight-year-old man, it was still pretty fun.

It all begins on Halloween night when Stanley (a hyper and precocious squirrel) and his other animal friends decide to tell each other ghost stories to get in the holiday mood. Quickly it becomes apparent that Stanley does not believe in ghosts and a challenge is handed out; to take a walk through the supposedly haunted Bunnyburrow Manor. They all meet the next day to enter the manor and very quickly any doubt that was held by Stanley is washed away. What follows is a very Scooby-Doo-like adventure, being chased from one scare to the next, all while trying to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Eventually, a lot of the mystery is unearthed (I won’t spoil it here) and new friends are made when an understanding is reached. One thing I will say is, that every home should have a candy room.

MEET THE GHOULIES AND GHOSTIES

It takes a village to make a palatable comic and the team behind Stanley And The Haunted House really nailed the assignment. Of course, with any comic, book, or even film or TV show, it all starts with the writing. Nothing can be done without a script in place and for this, Jeff Blake wrote a really compelling and fun tail (this is a pun) that not only was entertaining for the target audience and adults alike but it also managed to sneak in a positive message without being preachy. It was really well done.

The art team is a huge part of any comic, having to set the tone and convey the aesthetic that the writer was going for. Basically, they deal in mood, handing out emotion one panel at a time. The art in the Stanley books are always top notch and this was no exception. On pencils, Walter Carzon really brought us a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique style and flavor. It’s always fun for me to see animals act like people. I’m a child of the 80’s, what can I say?

The inking duties went to Horacio Ottolini who set those lines and laid in that black with precision. The shadows are deep and full of mystery, he did an amazing job. The final color was dropped in by Jeff Blake, pulling double duty. The colors really popped off the pages and ran the course of bright primaries to dark and moody muted. On letters we had, Janice Chiang, continuing her amazing run of giving each character their own voice through font. The entire look of this book is fantastic.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Like I said earlier, I’m not the target audience for this book and even still I had a good time. The story really tackles some complex questions in a childlike way that can easily be understood. It also carried with it a message of friendship and adventure, understanding others points of view, and of acceptance. It was quite beautifully done while at the same time giving the kids (the Storm Kids) who came here for frights, plenty of ghosts and jumps to wet their appetites.

The Stanley books are an ongoing series for Storm King with many adventures of these furry friends already out and ready to be consumed. Stanley And The Haunted House is a great addition to the many volumes that already exist. If you’re a fan of horror and you have children this is a perfect series for them to start growing their love as well. Or, even if you’re just an adult like me who likes to see cartoon animals act like people, this book has a little bit for everybody. I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough.

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 16, 2023: The Monster Squad

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!

Monsters run amok, terrorizing a vulnerable town, and only a group of geeky youngsters can put an end to their reign. Enter 1987’s The Monster Squad.

This squad comprises a tight-knit circle of friends who share a profound fascination for the iconic Universal Monsters. Led by the charismatic Sean Crensha (played by Andre Gower), the group also includes his sister Phoebe (portrayed by Ashley Bank), whose ardent desire to participate is palpable, as well as their loyal comrades Horace, Rudy, and Eugene.

When Dracula descends upon the town, he brings with him an unholy alliance of Frankenstein’s monster, the Wolfman, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Mummy, their nefarious intentions looming large. Armed with the diary of the legendary monster hunter Dr. Van Helsing, Sean and his friends embark on a thrilling adventure to safeguard their beloved community.

source: TriStar Pictures

Directed by the talented Fred Dekker and co-written by Dekker and the renowned Shane Black, The Monster Squad may have its imperfections, but its abundance of heart and sheer enjoyment make it impossible to part ways with this film without a beaming smile. The movie effortlessly encapsulates Shane Black’s trademark witty banter and comedic brilliance, while proudly embracing the distinct aesthetics of the 1980s. Whether this nostalgic homage is viewed as a drawback or a virtue largely depends on personal taste.

Personally, I relish a touch of delightful cheesiness, particularly in a film that revolves around the audacious dreams of children battling formidable monsters.

The Monster Squad is an enchanting cinematic experience, brimming with nostalgia and punctuated by unforgettable one-liners.

Today’s Winner:

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: