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Horror Fuel

A Whole New Thing: When a Remake Isn’t a Remake

It’s Not A Remake The Thing, 2011, is NOT a remake. It is a prequel. I just did more than the entire Universal Studios marketing department with that clarification. John Carpenter got royally screwed on his 1982 masterpiece. Some call The Thing his greatest film. Others, like me, call it one of the greatest films ever made for any genre. Carpenter’s film was buried in 1982 by a candy pilfering alien and Spielberg. Between a lackluster marketing campaign by Universal Studios and America’s pop sugar desire for heart glowing aliens, The Thing, 1982, never really had a chance. Carpenter himself saw the handwriting on the wall after exiting a plane to giant advertisements for ET: The Extraterrestrial. “We’re done,” he lamented. However home video and cable gave his film a new life, and eventually the tortoise caught up and passed the alien. Today, Carpenter’s film is regarded as timeless and as mentioned, by many, his best. The film is deserving

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Nov 12, 2015
Horror Fuel

‘Hardcore’ Is The Perfect Title For This POV Horror Action Thriller

STX Entertainment won the bidding for the indie film ‘Hardcore’ that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this week with the final bid of $10 Million. The film is not like most of the movies we see from either Lionsgate or Universal, ‘Hardcore’ is fast paced horror action thriller, shot completely from the first person perspective. Director llya Naishuller’s film was shot in the popular style of many video games that puts viewers right in the center of that action. The film follows Henry, a newly resurrected cyborg who must find a way to save his wife/creator from the clutches of a psychotic tyrant, Akan, with telekinetic powers and a an army of mercenaries. Henry is joined by Jimmy, Henry’s only hope. ‘Hardcore’ stars Sharlto Copley, Haley Benet, Danila Kozlovsky , Cyrus Arnold, llya Naishuller, Will Stewart, Andrei Dementiev amd Darya Charusha. It might be a while before we know ‘Hardcore’s’ release date.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Sep 21, 2015
Horror Fuel

The 90s: Designer Horror

Jordache Horror Somewhere in the 80s, someone got the idea that horror should be less frightening and more sexy and trendy. I am not sure where it happened, but a good starting point might be Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The “World Premiere Video” back when MTV aired videos and before its implosion was the thing to see. Director John Landis was in between the smash hit horror classic, An American Werewolf in London and the public relations nightmare of Twilight Zone: The Movie. Michael Jackson was truly The King of Pop, and his LP, Thriller elevated MTV into something else…exactly what, I don’t know, but Thriller was more than a video. It was a pop culture event and it used horror as its spring board. Vincent Price became known to a the Pepsi Generation as “the old dude who “rapped” in Thriller and laughed at the end. Academy Award winner and makeup genius, Rick Baker did the makeup effects and suddenly

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Sep 1, 2015
Horror Fuel

The Numinous by Tristan Michie

The Numinous by Tristan Michie could most easily be classified as a science fiction-thriller, but it definitely has some horror and suspense elements thrown in. Although I made contact with Michie in a writing group, I was interested in reading The Numinous based on the premise, alone. One of my favorite films is Event Horizon and I couldn’t help but see the resemblance in the book’s concept. Book Description: Light years away from home drifts a cold, bleak ship; seemingly void of all life……. Markus Clyde woke from his Stasis in a lonely, dark room, dimly lit by the emergency power. With not another soul in sight. In his confused and disorientated state, he desperately tries to figure out what has happened, why was he here? Where are the rest of the crew? With power rapidly failing and disturbing events occurring throughout the ship, he finds himself in a race against time. To get the ship home……. Or die trying.

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Aug 15, 2015
Horror Fuel

Three Strangers Struggle To Survive The End Of The World In ‘Z For Zachariah’

After the nuclear war, a young woman, surviving in an untouched town, believing for a year that she may be the only survivor, until one day she stumbles upon a scientist. The scientist, effected by radiation and nearly driven mad, has been on a desperate search for survivors. The two begin to build a fragile relationship. When another survivor enters the valley he will challenge what the two have established. ‘Z For Zachariah’ is based on the novel by Robert C. O’Brien, by the same name, that was published in 1974. This horror-thriller was adapted by Nissar Modi and directed by Craig Zobel. The movie stars The Wolf of Wall Street’ actress Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) and Chris Pine (Star Trek Into the Darkness). ‘Z For Zachariah’ will premier in select theaters on August 21st and is set to be released on DVD later this year.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 7, 2015
Horror Fuel

THEM Episode 1 of Season 1 by M.D. Massey

THEM Episode 1 of Season 1 by M.D. Massey is a self described “paranormal post-apocalyptic thrill ride”. As with Champagne Jackson Kicks Zombie Ass, THEM immediately had some large shoes to fill by virtue of its tagline and book description. Description: THEM: Season 1, Episode 1 Scratch Sullivan is a professional monster hunter eking out a living after the zombie apocalypse. Z hunter, some would say… but he hunts more than just zombies. You see, there are deadlier predators roaming the badlands, where the fallout and some very nasty inhabitants have made it impossible for all but the bravest and most foolhardy to venture. Thing is, Scratch is happy enough with the odd job killing THEM and occasionally shacking up with his on and off girlfriend, Kara. But when a powerful vampire tips him off to a potential invasion of werewolves and zombies into the safe zone he protects, he’s forced to head straight into the heart of the deadlands

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
May 21, 2015
Horror Fuel

Movie Review : The Intruders (2015)

After the death of her mother, Rose Halshford and her father, Jerry, move into a new home. While Jerry is working long hours at his architectural firm, Rose is left alone in the big old house. When Rose learns about the disappearance of the girl who once lived in the house she becomes obsessed with figuring out exactly what happened to her. Strange things begin to happen around the house when she’s alone. Is it the spirit of the missing girl trying to communicate or is it an intruder playing games? ‘iCarly’ star Miranda Cosgrove plays Rose, the main role in this psychological thriller. Donal Logue of ‘Vikings’ plays the role of Jerry, the distant father. Austin Butler (Switched At Birth) , Noah is Rose’s love interest, and is the only one who believes Rose’s claims. Seasoned actor Tom Sizemore (Splinter) and Jenessa Grant are Rose and Jerry’s mysterious neighbors. Adam Massey directed this movie, which was written by Jason

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Mar 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

A Look At The Indie Horror ‘The Divine Tragedies’

Brothers, James and Jon Kondelik, have teamed up on the project titled ‘The Divine Tragedies’ to explore the world of serial killers in his 2015 film about the brother team of Leopold and Loeb who test their victim’s morality while looking for the perfect victim. Ken Foree (Dawn of the Dead) plays the role of Detective Homer Gaul, who is closing in on the killers. ‘The Divine Tragedies’ also stars Graham Denman (The Haunting of Whaley House), Hannah Levien (Children of Sorrow) , Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) and Sean Whalen (Twister, Men In Black, Hatchet 3). ‘The Divine Tragedies’ is actually based on the true story of Charles Brubaker and his half brother, Thomas Lo Bianco. This horror-thriller is already in post-production. The Indie film’s release date should be announced soon.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Mar 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

Dead Days Season One Episode Two by Ryan Casey

(Pardon the author picture. The only cover image I could find for Episode Two was tiny!) Back in January I reviewed Ryan Casey’s best selling Dead Days Season One, Episode One. He was kind enough to send me a copy of the Dead Days Complete Season One Collection (Books 1-6) that is currently available on Amazon (and a myriad of other retailers) to check out and review. So far I have only gotten through Season One Episode Two, but what a ride! Scene Description: 5/5 I may have said it before, but I’ll say it again. I love Casey’s writing style. The level of detail put into each and every scene really drives whatever emotion or action is featured home. There are truly devastating scenes in Dead Days S1E2, just as there are thrilling action sequences. Although the description is often gory (as zombie fiction tends to mandate…), it is still eloquent and very beautiful. My favorite comparison comes from

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Mar 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

American Revenant: Settlers and Sorrow

American Revenant: Settlers and Sorrow by author John L. Davis IV is the second book in the American Revenant series. If somehow you’ve missed my review of the first book, American Revenant: Hometown Exodus then you need desperately to catch up so that you can read this recently released work of zombie fiction. Synopsis: The story that began in the novella American Revenant: Hometown Exodus continues in this new full length novel! Rejoin Gordon, Mike, Jimmy, and the rest of the group as they fight for survival. Forced to flee their hometown with friends and family, they must find someplace safe, both from their fellow man, and the ravenous dead. Could you Survive? Entertainment: 5/5 This measure was surprisingly difficult to evaluate and put a fixed value on. The reason for this is that American Revenant: Settlers and Sorrow alternates frequently between being a somewhat sluggish account of the daily life of modern-day settlers who are trying to establish a

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Mar 21, 2015

More from Thriller

Horror Fuel

A Whole New Thing: When a Remake Isn’t a Remake

It’s Not A Remake The Thing, 2011, is NOT a remake. It is a prequel. I just did more than the entire Universal Studios marketing department with that clarification. John Carpenter got royally screwed on his 1982 masterpiece. Some call The Thing his greatest film. Others, like me, call it one of the greatest films ever made for any genre. Carpenter’s film was buried in 1982 by a candy pilfering alien and Spielberg. Between a lackluster marketing campaign by Universal Studios and America’s pop sugar desire for heart glowing aliens, The Thing, 1982, never really had a chance. Carpenter himself saw the handwriting on the wall after exiting a plane to giant advertisements for ET: The Extraterrestrial. “We’re done,” he lamented. However home video and cable gave his film a new life, and eventually the tortoise caught up and passed the alien. Today, Carpenter’s film is regarded as timeless and as mentioned, by many, his best. The film is deserving

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Nov 12, 2015
Horror Fuel

‘Hardcore’ Is The Perfect Title For This POV Horror Action Thriller

STX Entertainment won the bidding for the indie film ‘Hardcore’ that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this week with the final bid of $10 Million. The film is not like most of the movies we see from either Lionsgate or Universal, ‘Hardcore’ is fast paced horror action thriller, shot completely from the first person perspective. Director llya Naishuller’s film was shot in the popular style of many video games that puts viewers right in the center of that action. The film follows Henry, a newly resurrected cyborg who must find a way to save his wife/creator from the clutches of a psychotic tyrant, Akan, with telekinetic powers and a an army of mercenaries. Henry is joined by Jimmy, Henry’s only hope. ‘Hardcore’ stars Sharlto Copley, Haley Benet, Danila Kozlovsky , Cyrus Arnold, llya Naishuller, Will Stewart, Andrei Dementiev amd Darya Charusha. It might be a while before we know ‘Hardcore’s’ release date.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Sep 21, 2015
Horror Fuel

The 90s: Designer Horror

Jordache Horror Somewhere in the 80s, someone got the idea that horror should be less frightening and more sexy and trendy. I am not sure where it happened, but a good starting point might be Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The “World Premiere Video” back when MTV aired videos and before its implosion was the thing to see. Director John Landis was in between the smash hit horror classic, An American Werewolf in London and the public relations nightmare of Twilight Zone: The Movie. Michael Jackson was truly The King of Pop, and his LP, Thriller elevated MTV into something else…exactly what, I don’t know, but Thriller was more than a video. It was a pop culture event and it used horror as its spring board. Vincent Price became known to a the Pepsi Generation as “the old dude who “rapped” in Thriller and laughed at the end. Academy Award winner and makeup genius, Rick Baker did the makeup effects and suddenly

Continue reading →
Capt McNeely
Sep 1, 2015
Horror Fuel

The Numinous by Tristan Michie

The Numinous by Tristan Michie could most easily be classified as a science fiction-thriller, but it definitely has some horror and suspense elements thrown in. Although I made contact with Michie in a writing group, I was interested in reading The Numinous based on the premise, alone. One of my favorite films is Event Horizon and I couldn’t help but see the resemblance in the book’s concept. Book Description: Light years away from home drifts a cold, bleak ship; seemingly void of all life……. Markus Clyde woke from his Stasis in a lonely, dark room, dimly lit by the emergency power. With not another soul in sight. In his confused and disorientated state, he desperately tries to figure out what has happened, why was he here? Where are the rest of the crew? With power rapidly failing and disturbing events occurring throughout the ship, he finds himself in a race against time. To get the ship home……. Or die trying.

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Aug 15, 2015
Horror Fuel

Three Strangers Struggle To Survive The End Of The World In ‘Z For Zachariah’

After the nuclear war, a young woman, surviving in an untouched town, believing for a year that she may be the only survivor, until one day she stumbles upon a scientist. The scientist, effected by radiation and nearly driven mad, has been on a desperate search for survivors. The two begin to build a fragile relationship. When another survivor enters the valley he will challenge what the two have established. ‘Z For Zachariah’ is based on the novel by Robert C. O’Brien, by the same name, that was published in 1974. This horror-thriller was adapted by Nissar Modi and directed by Craig Zobel. The movie stars The Wolf of Wall Street’ actress Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) and Chris Pine (Star Trek Into the Darkness). ‘Z For Zachariah’ will premier in select theaters on August 21st and is set to be released on DVD later this year.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Jun 7, 2015
Horror Fuel

THEM Episode 1 of Season 1 by M.D. Massey

THEM Episode 1 of Season 1 by M.D. Massey is a self described “paranormal post-apocalyptic thrill ride”. As with Champagne Jackson Kicks Zombie Ass, THEM immediately had some large shoes to fill by virtue of its tagline and book description. Description: THEM: Season 1, Episode 1 Scratch Sullivan is a professional monster hunter eking out a living after the zombie apocalypse. Z hunter, some would say… but he hunts more than just zombies. You see, there are deadlier predators roaming the badlands, where the fallout and some very nasty inhabitants have made it impossible for all but the bravest and most foolhardy to venture. Thing is, Scratch is happy enough with the odd job killing THEM and occasionally shacking up with his on and off girlfriend, Kara. But when a powerful vampire tips him off to a potential invasion of werewolves and zombies into the safe zone he protects, he’s forced to head straight into the heart of the deadlands

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
May 21, 2015
Horror Fuel

Movie Review : The Intruders (2015)

After the death of her mother, Rose Halshford and her father, Jerry, move into a new home. While Jerry is working long hours at his architectural firm, Rose is left alone in the big old house. When Rose learns about the disappearance of the girl who once lived in the house she becomes obsessed with figuring out exactly what happened to her. Strange things begin to happen around the house when she’s alone. Is it the spirit of the missing girl trying to communicate or is it an intruder playing games? ‘iCarly’ star Miranda Cosgrove plays Rose, the main role in this psychological thriller. Donal Logue of ‘Vikings’ plays the role of Jerry, the distant father. Austin Butler (Switched At Birth) , Noah is Rose’s love interest, and is the only one who believes Rose’s claims. Seasoned actor Tom Sizemore (Splinter) and Jenessa Grant are Rose and Jerry’s mysterious neighbors. Adam Massey directed this movie, which was written by Jason

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Mar 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

A Look At The Indie Horror ‘The Divine Tragedies’

Brothers, James and Jon Kondelik, have teamed up on the project titled ‘The Divine Tragedies’ to explore the world of serial killers in his 2015 film about the brother team of Leopold and Loeb who test their victim’s morality while looking for the perfect victim. Ken Foree (Dawn of the Dead) plays the role of Detective Homer Gaul, who is closing in on the killers. ‘The Divine Tragedies’ also stars Graham Denman (The Haunting of Whaley House), Hannah Levien (Children of Sorrow) , Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) and Sean Whalen (Twister, Men In Black, Hatchet 3). ‘The Divine Tragedies’ is actually based on the true story of Charles Brubaker and his half brother, Thomas Lo Bianco. This horror-thriller is already in post-production. The Indie film’s release date should be announced soon.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Mar 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

Dead Days Season One Episode Two by Ryan Casey

(Pardon the author picture. The only cover image I could find for Episode Two was tiny!) Back in January I reviewed Ryan Casey’s best selling Dead Days Season One, Episode One. He was kind enough to send me a copy of the Dead Days Complete Season One Collection (Books 1-6) that is currently available on Amazon (and a myriad of other retailers) to check out and review. So far I have only gotten through Season One Episode Two, but what a ride! Scene Description: 5/5 I may have said it before, but I’ll say it again. I love Casey’s writing style. The level of detail put into each and every scene really drives whatever emotion or action is featured home. There are truly devastating scenes in Dead Days S1E2, just as there are thrilling action sequences. Although the description is often gory (as zombie fiction tends to mandate…), it is still eloquent and very beautiful. My favorite comparison comes from

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Mar 29, 2015
Horror Fuel

American Revenant: Settlers and Sorrow

American Revenant: Settlers and Sorrow by author John L. Davis IV is the second book in the American Revenant series. If somehow you’ve missed my review of the first book, American Revenant: Hometown Exodus then you need desperately to catch up so that you can read this recently released work of zombie fiction. Synopsis: The story that began in the novella American Revenant: Hometown Exodus continues in this new full length novel! Rejoin Gordon, Mike, Jimmy, and the rest of the group as they fight for survival. Forced to flee their hometown with friends and family, they must find someplace safe, both from their fellow man, and the ravenous dead. Could you Survive? Entertainment: 5/5 This measure was surprisingly difficult to evaluate and put a fixed value on. The reason for this is that American Revenant: Settlers and Sorrow alternates frequently between being a somewhat sluggish account of the daily life of modern-day settlers who are trying to establish a

Continue reading →
Fox Emm
Mar 21, 2015
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