HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Larry Bishop (WILD IN THE STREETS, THE DEVIL'S 8, ANGEL UNCHAINED, SHANKS, THE BIG FIX, C.H.O.M.P.S., MAD DOG TIME, UNDERWORLD [1996], KILL BILL VOL. 2, HELL RIDE, FORGOTTEN PILLS, ADRENOCHROME) is 75.
Actor Elisha Cuthbert (ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK? [TV], BELIEVE, HOUSE OF WAX, THE QUIET, CAPTIVITY, 24 [TV], THE FORGOTTEN [TV], THE CELLAR) is 40.
Actor Nancy Everhard (DOUBLE REVENGE, DEMONSTONE, DEEPSTAR SIX, THE TRIAL OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK, THE PUNISHER [1989], THE CHINA LAKE MURDERS, URBAN LEGENDS: BLOODY MARY) is 66.
Musician Billy Idol (Music: REBEL YELL, WHIPLASH SMILE, CHARMED LIFE, CYBERPUNK, DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND, HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Movie: TRIGGER HAPPY, HEAVY METAL 2000) is 68.
Artist, Writer, Director, Producer Brian Pulido (Comics: THE UNDEAD, LADY DEATH, Movie: THE GRAVES) is 61.
Director Henry Selick (THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, CORALINE, WENDELL AND WILD) is 70.
Writer Scott Sigler (INFECTED, CONTAGIOUS, ANCESTOR, THE STARTER, THE ROOKIE, BLOOD IS RED, NOCTURNAL) is around 63 or something.

GODZILLA: FINAL WARS is 19

This was it. Toho had allowed GODZILLA movies to cross the great Pacific and play on TV for too long. There were plenty of GODZILLA fans in North America, more than in Japan. But to cover the costs of a GODZILLA movie required theatrical release.

If this movie didn't get a wide release in the U.S.A., it would be a long time before Toho could afford another GODZILLA movie.

Maybe never.

After the disastrous Sony Pictures U.S. reboot of GODZILLA 1998, Toho's 2000 Japanese made, USA release of GODZILLA showed it could be done! ... but the four GODZILLA movies released after went direct to video. So they needed a big budget, but also a serious script, but also the funky fun that GODZILLA fell into in the 1960s that attracted a television fan base different from the sober and serious GODZILLAs of the 1950s. If their newest movie didn't cut it, this would be GODZILLA: FINAL WARS.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Kim Delaney (HUNTER'S BLOOD, THE DRIFTER, SOMETHING IS OUT THERE, HANGFIRE, BODY PARTS, THE FIFTH CORNER, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF CHRISTINA, THE FORCE, PROJECT: METALBEAST, TALL, DARK AND DEADLY, DARKMAN II, SERIAL KILLER, TEMPTRESS, CLOSER AND CLOSER, ALL LIES END IN MURDER, THE DEVIL'S CHILD, MISSION TO MARS, CSI: MIAMI [TV], 10.5, 10.5: APOCALYPSE, NIGHTMARES AND DREAMSCAPES [TV], TONE DEAF) is 62.
Kim shares a November birthday with BODY PARTS alumni, Jeff Fahey.
Actor Jeff Fahey (PSYCHO III, THE SERPENT OF DEATH, IMPULSE, BODY PARTS, IRON MAZE, THE LAWNMOWER MAN, WOMAN OF DESIRE, TEMPTATION, FREEFALL, SERPENT'S LAIR, DARKMAN III: Die Darkman Die, LETHAL TENDER, DETOUR, REVELATION, THE SCULPTRESS, UNSPEAKABLE, DARK HUNTERS, CORPSES, THE EDEN FORMULA, GRINDHOUSE: PLANET TERROR, LOST [TV], BED AND BREAKFAST, MACHETE, TERROR TRAP, ELDORADO IN 3D, SUSHI GIRL, GUN, GIRLS, AND GAMBLING, TORNADO WARNING, THE SACRED, REWIND, BENEATH, THE LAST LIGHT, TOO LATE, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: The Series [TV], URGE, ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, INTRIGO: SAMARIA, MANEATER, ASSAILANT, THE LONG NIGHT, and far more) is 71.
For 2021, 2022, 2023 REQUIEM. Expected in 2022, 2023 is the Thriller, BLACK WARRANT, and Director Robert Rodriguez' HYPNOTIC.
Actor Janina Gavankar (THE GATES [TV], ARROW [TV], TRUE BLOOD [TV], THE VAMPIRE DIARIES [TV], THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA [TV], THE VANISHING OF SYDNEY HALL [TV], SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV], THE WHITE ORCHID, ENCOUNTER, BIG SKY [TV]) is 43.
Look for Janina in the upcoming 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller, CORTEX.
Actor Lauren German (DEAD ABOVE, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE [2003], Rx, BORN KILLERS, HOSTEL: PART II, MATING DANCE, DARK COUNTRY, THE DIVIDE, LUCIFER [TV]) is 44.
Actor, Stunts, Producer David William No (INVINCIBLE, REIGN IN DARKNESS, SUBTERANO, THE MATRIX RELOADED, FEED, TAE-POONG [Typhoon], ALTERED CARBON [TV], JESSICA JONES [TV], DUNE [2021]) who is 49.
Look for David in the 2022 Thriller, THE GRAY MAN.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Director Joe Dante (PIRANHA, THE HOWLING, GREMLINS, GREMLINS 2, "EERIE, INDIANA" [TV], HAUNTED LIGHTHOUSE, HOMECOMING, THE SCREWFLY SOLUTION, THE HOLE, SPLATTER [TV], BURYING THE EX, NIGHTMARE CINEMA) is 75.
Actor Ryan Kwanten (DEAD SILENCE, TRUE BLOOD [TV], RED HILL, FLIGHT 7500, SACRED LIES [TV], KILL CHAIN, 2067, THEM, LOVELAND EXPIRED, GLORIOUS, KINDRED [TV], THE PORTRAIT) is 47.
Actor Mary Elizabeth Winstead (WOLF LAKE [TV], MONSTER ISLAND, THE RING TWO, FINAL DESTINATION 3, BLACK CHRISTMAS [2006], GRINDHOUSE: DEATH PROOF, THE THING [2011], ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, THE RETURNED [TV], 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, BRAIN DEAD [TV], THE PARTS YOU LOSE, GEMINI MAN, BIRDS OF PREY, KATE) is 38.
Look for Mary in the upcoming 2024 Thriller, RICH FLU.

Roger Corman's THE TERROR Returns

Possibly the wildest thing about this movie is how the then over-confident Roger Corman lost control over the project, and everything he had to do to bring a two week production - which bloated into a 9 month production - back under his control, finish it for theater release, and still have a hit!

Fortunately he was ably served by an old Boris Karloff and a young and hungry Jack Nicholson, but that wasn't all. Roger got a fresh-faced Francis Ford Coppola to help him direct.

This is the madhouse result of Roger in his hardcore days when he refused to be defeated even by himself. My latest dive into 1963's THE TERROR.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer, Producer, Director Katheryn Bigelow (NEAR DARK, BLUE STEEL, UNDERTOW, STRANGE DAYS, THE WEIGHT OF WATER, THE HURT LOCKER, ZERO DARK THIRTY) is 72.
Kathryn shares a birthday with her STRANGE DAYS alumni, William Fichtner.
Actor Sharlto Copley (DISTRICT 9, EUROPA REPORT, ELYSIUM, OPEN GRAVE, OLDBOY [2013], MALEFICENT, HARDCORE HENRY, POWERS [TV], RUSSIAN DOLL [TV], BEAST) is 51.
Look for Sharlto in the 2022, 2023 Thriller, MONKEY MAN. Also in 2023, BOY KILLS WORLD.
Sharlto shares a birthday with his ELYSIUM alumni ...
Actor William Fichtner (VIRTUOSITY, STRANGE DAYS, SWITCHBACK, PASSION OF MIND, EQUILIBRIUM, ULTRAVIOLET, FIRST SNOW, THE DARK KNIGHT, THE BIG BANG, DRIVE ANGRY, PHANTOM, ELYSIUM, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES [2014], INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE, THE NEIGHBOR, TRAFFIK, ARMED, ALL THE DEVIL'S MEN, FINDING STEVE MCQUEEN, 88, HYPNOTIC) is 66.
Look for William's 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024? Thriller, St. SEBASTIAN, Produced and Directed by Danny DeVito. Also in 2023, THE SOUND.
William shares a birthday with his STRANGE DAYS alumni, Kathryn Bigelow, his ELYSIUM alumni, Sharlto Copley, and his THE DARK KNIGHT and INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE, alumni, Chin Han.
Actor Gerrit Graham (STRANGE HOMECOMING, PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, STRANGE NEW WORLD [1975], TUNNEL VISION, DEMON SEED, CLASS REUNION, THE CREATURE WASN'T NICE, TERROR VISION, CHOPPING MALL, RATBOY, IT'S ALIVE III, C.H.U.D. II: BUD THE CHUD, MARTIANS GO HOME, CHILD'S PLAY 2, NIGHT OF THE CYCLONE, PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT II, THE WASP WOMAN [TV - 1995], GARGOYLES [TV - 1995], CAOTICA ANA, COVE ROAD) is 74.
Actor Chin Han (THE DARK KNIGHT, 2012, CONTAGION, LAST RESORT [TV], SERANGOON ROAD [TV], THE SIXTH GUN, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE, GHOST IN THE SHELL [2017], MORTAL KOMBAT) is 54.
Visual Effects Artist Garman Herigstad (X-MEN, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, BEOWULF, THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, RA.ONE, ENDER'S GAME) is 66.
Look for Garman's work in the anticipated 2024 release of CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD.
Actor Alec Newman (DUNE [TV], LONG TIME DEAD, CHILDREN OF DUNE, FRANKENSTEIN [TV - 2004], DARK SHADOWS [TV - 2005], REICHENBACH FALLS, THE FIFTH PATIENT, THE GENE GENERATION, SILENT WITNESS [TV], A LONELY PLACE TO DIE, THE HEAD HUNTER, THE SNOWMAN, STRIKE BACK [TV], A PLAGUE TALE: INNOCENCE [VG], THE SURGE 2 [VG], UNFORGOTTEN [TV], CYBERPUNK 2077 [VG]) is 49.
Look for Alec in the upcoming 2024 Horror Thriller, THE HUNTED. Also in 2024, WINNIE THE POOH: BLOOD AND HONEY 2.
Writer Jeremy C. Shipp (VACATION, SHEEP AND WOLVES, FUNGUS OF THE HEART, CURSED, THE SUN NEVER RISES IN THE BIG CITY, ATTIC CLOWNS, BEDFELLOW, THE ATROCITIES, THE MERRY DREDGERS) is 42.
Visit Jeremy at JeremyCShipp.

SUNDAY -

Actor Jessica Camacho (LAST RESORT [TV], NIKITA [TV], VERONICA MARS, SUBURBAN GOTHIC, SLEEPY HOLLOW [TV], CRAVE: THE FAST LIFE, TAKEN [TV], ANOTHER LIFE [TV], WATCHMEN [TV]) is 41.
Actor Peter Facinelli (ANGELA, SUPERNOVA, TEMPTED, THE SCORPION KING, SIX FEET UNDER [TV], HOLLOW MAN II, DAMAGES [TV], TWILIGHT [ALL], GALLOWS HILL, THE DAMNED, FREEZER, COUNTDOWN, THE VANISHED, COUNTDOWN, THE RAVINE, ON FIRE) is 50.
Peter shares a November birthday with TWILIGHT alumni, Billy Burke.
Look for Peter in the 2023, 2024, YESTERYEAR and CAN YOU HEAR ME? Also in 2024, DEGENERATE.
Actor Ryan Robbins (LATE NIGHT SESSIONS, PAYCHECK, ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: REQUIEM, PASSENGERS, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA [TV], CAPRICA [TV], VAMPIRE [2011], APOLLO 18, SANCTUARY [TV], THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT [2012], THE KILLING [TV], FALLING SKIES [TV], ASCENSION [TV], CONTINUUM [TV], ARROW [TV], WARCRAFT, SPECTRAL, VAN HELSING [TV], GHOST WARS [TV], SCORCHED EARTH, SACRED LIES [TV], THE BLACK WIDOW KILLER, RIVERDALE [TV], THE ASTRONAUTS, DANGEROUS) is 51.

GAMERA is 58, yo!

In the 1960s, with the staggering success of Toho's GODZILLA franchise, others had to get in on the Big Horror act, and they were! From the U.S.A. and THEM, THE DEADLY MANTIS, TARANTULA, and DINOSAURUS! to the U.K. and GORGO, audiences were Koo Koo for Kaiju.

Problem was, every studio and their little sister were making Big Horror varmints and the fledging Daiei Studios needed a critter that Godzilla's studio, Toho, couldn't say "No, no." to. It also had to play in the U.S. and damn but those Yanks had everything from THE GIANT GILA MONSTER, to rather large sea slugs, to just a pink blob of goo. That's it! Those damn Yanks made a box office hit about a giant blob of goo! Then for an encore they made a hit movie about giant rocks! Not rock monsters, mind you. Just some freaking rocks that grow, break, and fall on things.

So Daiei Studios needed to get creative, by golly, and that's when writer Niisan Takahashi said, "Hey, let's make a movie about a Giant freaking turtle!" (or words to that effect. It was all in Japanese and I wasn't there). His pitch was a giant slow moving turtle that was super fast - when it wanted to be - because it could fly on rocket power! And it was even more dangerous than a regular looking turtle because, to really spice things up, instead of a beak it would have tusks!

Director Noriaki Yuasa agreed that spicy turtle was the way to go and they broke for lunch (I guess. Again, I wasn't there). Whether or not it happened this way will never be known, because after the movie was a box office smash, most everybody associated with the production insisted they thought of it first!

So what do I think of GAMERA?

ALIEN: RESURRECTION is 26

That's right! ALIEN: RESURRECTION, the worst of the sequels that killed the original franchise is a quarter century older, but still no better!

SATURDAY -

Actor Billy Burke (DON'T LOOK DOWN, KOMODO, AFTER IMAGE, ALONG CAME A SPIDER, 24 [TV], FORFEIT, FRACTURE, UNTRACEABLE, TWILIGHT [all], LUSTER, REMOVAL, DRIVE ANGRY, RED RIDING HOOD, TICKET OUT, FREAKY DEAKY, REVOLUTION [TV], LIGHTS OUT, ZOO [TV], BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN [Part 1 & 2]) is 57.
Look for Billy in the 2024 Horror Thriller, MOURNING ROCK.
Actor Katie Cassidy (THE LOST, WHEN A STRANGER CALLS, BLACK CHRISTMAS [2006], SUPERNATURAL [TV], TAKEN, HARPER'S ISLAND, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET [2010], ARROW [TV], THE SCRIBBLER, WOLVES AT THE DOOR, COVER VERSIONS, THE FLASH [TV], CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, AGENT GAME) is 38.
SFX Artist / Writer / Director / Producer Robert Kurtzman (FROM BEYOND, EVIL DEAD II, PREDATOR, PHANTASM II, DEEPSTAR SIX, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5, TREMORS, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, ARMY OF DARKNESS, Wes Crave's NEW NIGHTMARE, John Carpenter's IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, SPAWN, Stephen King's THE NIGHT FLIER, Dean Koontz' PHANTOMS, THE FACULTY, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, Stephen King's THE GREEN MILE, John Carpenter's GHOSTS OF MARS, CABIN FEVER, HULK, TREMORS 4, THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, 2001 MANIACS, HOSTEL, THE WOMAN, HOSTEL III, JOHN DIES AT THE END, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 3D, OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, IT FOLLOWS, THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE [TV], NIGHTMARES IN THE FREDDY CHAIR, MA, DOCTOR SLEEP, KILLROY WAS HERE, FIRST KILL, and much more) is 59.
Writer, Musician KM Stever (Albums: PLAYGROUND ISOLATOR, IDIOT SAVANT. Novels: KING JUGGERNAUT series) might be 63.
Actor Tracey Walter (THE FIFTH FLOOR, THE HAND, TIMERIDER, REPO MAN, CONAN THE DESTROYER, MORTUARY ACADEMY, OUT OF THE DARK, BATMAN, THE TWO JAKES, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, NOT OF THIS WORLD, LIQUID DREAMS, DELUSION, CYBORG 2, THE COMPANION, FIST OF THE NORTH STAR, DESPERATE MEASURES, BELOVED, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG, FACADE, FACE VALUE, IMPOSTOR, TED BUNDY, MONSTER MAKERS, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE [2004], WASTING AWAY, TRAILER PARK OF TERROR, DARK REEL, I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE [2010], ALYCE KILLS, MIDNIGHT SON, 31) is 76.

THE GHOUL Turns 90

Boris Karloff was 46 when he made this. He'd been in the movies for 14 years and was still riding high after 1931's FRANKENSTEIN. Such was Karloff's ability, that his face would continue to dominate movie posters for the next 30 years and, by 1963, he'd still be an A-List actor long after those who came after him had retired or died.

Boris could play powerful or pitiful, creepy or comedy. If Karloff was in your movie it was going to make bank. The man was also a charmer. Big shot producer Val Lewton went on record as saying he'd never work with Boris Karloff. Then, after a single meeting, they worked together on some of the biggest box office movies Val Lewton ever made.

In THE GHOUL, Boris needed to be both weak and pitiful, as well as powerful and dangerous. Did he pull it off?

Forrest J Ackerman Was Born This Day
When Famous Monsters of Filmland appeared on every magazine rack in every city and tiny town, Forrest J Ackerman proved that many of us weren't lonely freaks adrift in a backwoods ocean of bibles and baseball.

We were everywhere! We just had to find each other, and thanks to Uncle Forrey, we did! Comic, Horror, and SciFi conventions burst forth as people came from all over a city, a state, even the earth to attend.

Forrest with Brinke Stevens

One fan magazine wasn't enough. There were too many fans and too much money to make. Eventually there were Starlog, Fangoria, and more!

All of it born from the spark of mad passion that was Forrey Fandom!

L-R
Feo Amante, Sean Fernald, Bob Burden
Front and Center
UNCLE 4E!
Photo by Joe Moe

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Denise Crosby (ELIMINATORS, MIRACLE MILE, PET SEMATARY, DOLLY DEAREST, RELATIVE FEAR, MUTANT SPECIES, DREAM MAN, PUMPKIN MAN [TV], DEEP IMPACT, LEGEND OF THE PHANTOM RIDER, MORTUARY, BORN, INVASION ROSWELL, THE WALKING DEAD [TV], DARK INTENTIONS, THE WATCHER [2016], X-COM 2: WAR OF THE CHOSEN [VG], THE DOCTOR'S CASE, ITSY BITSY) is 65.

SCROOGED Turns 35

In 1988 it was a big enough risk making another movie adaptation of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. There were plenty of movies already made of it in one form or another, including genres of Horror,Comedy, and Musical. What's more, all of those adaptations will be on TV every December. Every 1988 city and town that had a stage theater - even if its just a high school - will have A Christmas Carol in December.

But this was probably the pitch in 1986.

Producer: "Yeah, but ours will be a modern retelling!"

Studio: "It's been done."

Producer: "And a comedy!"

Studio: "Been done."

Producer: "Yeah, but this is zen! Our protagonist is a TV executive putting on a televised stage play of A Christmas Carol only to find that he's actually living it in reality!"

Studio: ". . ."

Producer: "And it stars Bill Murray from GHOSTBUSTERS."

Studio: "You got Bill to come out of retirement?"

Producer: "Ye-es."

Studio: "Oh, what the hell? It's a Christmas movie. Okay, what's it called?"

Producer: "Uh... SCROOGED? Because, you know, he kinda gets -"

Studio: "Yeah, I got it."

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Maxwell Caulfield (THE SUPERNATURALS, MIND GAMES, PROJECT ALIEN, SUNDOWN: The Vampire In Retreat, DANCE WITH DEATH, WAXWORK II, ANIMAL INSTINCTS, MAXIMUM FORCE 2, ALIEN INTRUDER, THE PERFECT TENANT, FACING THE ENEMY, CRY OF THE WINGED SERPENT, NIGHTMARE CITY: 2035, DIRE WOLF, AXECELLERATOR) is 64.
Writer Joe Eszterhas (JAGGED EDGE, BETRAYED, BASIC INSTINCT, SLIVER, JADE) is 78.
Actor Oded Fehr (KILLER NET, THE MUMMY [1999], THE MUMMY RETURNS, RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE, CHARMED [TV], SCOOBY-DOO IN WHERE'S MY MUMMY?, SLEEPER CELL [TV], RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION, SUPER HYBRID, RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION, INESCAPABLE, COVERT AFFAIRS [TV], KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERS, STITCHERS [TV], WHITE CHAMBER, THE FIRST [TV], THE BLACK STRING, LAIR), who is 53.
Oded shares a November birthday with his THE MUMMY alumni, Kevin J. O'Connor.
Actor Franco Nero (I CRIMINALI DELLA GALASSIA, I DIAFANOIDI VENGONO DA MARTE, IL TERZO OCCHIO, LA MORTE VIENE DAL PIANETA AYTIN, GIORNATA NERA PER L'ARIETE, HITCH-HIKE, THE VISITOR, THE SALAMANDER, KAIMIKAZE 1989, THE GIRL, ALIEN TERMINATOR, DIE HARD 2, LA VOCE DEL SANGUE, MEGIDDO: The Omega Code 2, FUMATA BLANCA, DIE 8, BAD INCLINATION, BASTARDI, RASPUTIN, NEW ORDER, THE WOODS, MAMULA, JOHN WICK CHAPTER 2, THE EXECUTRIX, THE JESTER FROM TRANSYLVANIA, and I've gotta stop here because ol' Franco has made over 200 freaking movies!) who is 82.
If you are one of those Horror fans whose tastes cross over into Westerns or Crime Dramas, Franco's other flicks (DJANGO, DJANGO UNCHAINED) won't leave you wanting. With 200+ films under his belt, the man has made crap and classics.

I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE is 45

In the 1970s and 80s, Rape became fodder for Daytime TV dramas and talk shows of the era and the whole issue remained a confused mess for well over a decade to come. Except for Writer and Director Meir Zarchi, who was pushed and criticized for his stance (and saw his career damaged) but refused to back down from the statement I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE makes to this day.

And -

THE ADDAMS FAMILY is 32

Has a TV show ever become a hit movie and franchise? Yes! The awesomely powerful, seemingly unbreakable STAR TREK. Of course, that has the full force of generations of "Trekkies". Yet there is also this movie, born of an even shorter lived original TV show. Unlike STAR TREK, none of the original actors came back. And yet, despite new everyone from Director to Producers to Writers to Actors, the one thing this movie did do that even the mighty STAR TREK had trouble finding: the magic that made the original so wonderful.

This is how I felt when I first saw THE ADDAMS FAMILY in the theater.

And -

UNBREAKABLE is 22

Director M. Night Shyamalan's break out hit, THE SIXTH SENSE, amassed him a great following, a huge audience, tons of good will, and a media that was so over-hyping him (The next Hitchcock! The next Spielberg!), solely on the basis of a single movie, that it seemed they were intentionally setting him up for a fall if not an outright crash.

The press wasn't alone in this. Shyamalan, possibly seeing the success of BLADE, wanted to promote it as a Comic Book Superhero origin movie. Disney (Touchstone), however, wanted to create a rut for Shyamalan and marketed it as a Supernatural Thriller like THE SIXTH SENSE, even going so far as to cut 15 minutes out of the movie so it wouldn't conflict with the Supernatural angle. So when this movie was released the following year, many saw it as a stumble and despite it being a box office hit, M. Night Shyamalan was crushed by the bad press. Yet there were still many others who saw UNBREAKABLE as a step up.

Plus -

COCO Turns 6

What a Pixar idea! Bring the whole family into the world of the dead where skeletons exist as sentient beings who can die again when people don't remember them ("We call it the death of death") that will play on everyone's ham heartstrings!

How were they able to UN Gruesomely bring life to the dead and make it work in a family film? That's the secret of COCO.

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Jamie Campbell Bower (SWEENEY TODD [2007], ROCKnROLLA, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, THE PRISONER [TV - 2009], HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 1 & 2, THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES, FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDLEWALD, STRANGER THINGS [TV]) is 36.
Look for Jamie in the upcoming 2025 Horror Thrillers, WITCHBOARD and THE HAUNTING IN WICKER PARK.
Actor Jamie Lee Curtis (HALLOWEEN, THE FOG, PROM NIGHT, TERROR TRAIN, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, ROAD GAMES, HALLOWEEN II, BLUE STEEL, HALLOWEEN H2O, VIRUS, THE TAILOR OF PANAMA, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION, VERONICA MARS, SCREAM QUEENS [TV], HALLOWEEN [2018], AN ACCEPTABLE LOSS, KNIVES OUT, HALLOWEEN KILLS, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, HALLOWEEN ENDS, Disney's THE HAUNTED MANSION, BORDERLANDS) is 66.
SFX Artist William "Bill" Forsche (THE GAME, CRITTERS, FROM BEYOND, DOLLS, THE LOST BOYS, THE OUTING, DEAD HEAT, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4, HOWLING IV, SCANNERS II, SCANNERS III, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET [2010]) is 60.
Writer, Director Terry Gilliam (TIME BANDITS, BRAZIL, THE FISHER KING, 12 MONKEYS, THE BROTHERS GRIMM, TIDELAND, THE ZERO THEOREM) is 84.
Actor Scarlett Johanssen (EIGHT LEGGED FREAKS, THE ISLAND, THE BLACK DAHLIA, THE PRESTIGE, THE SPIRIT, IRON MAN 2, THE AVENGERS, UNDER THE SKIN, HER, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER, LUCY, AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, GHOST IN THE SHELL, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, AVENGERS: END GAME, BLACK WIDOW, TRANSFORMERS ONE) is 40.
Look for Scarlett in the 2025 Thriller, JURASSIC PARK REBIRTH.
Actor, Writer, Director Richard Stanley (HARDWARE, DUST DEVIL, THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU [w/John Frankenheimer - 1996], VAMPIRE DIARY, THE ABANDONED, THE THEATER BIZARRE, THE PROFANE EXHIBIT, I AM LEGION, REPLACE, H.P. Lovecraft's THE COLOR OUT OF SPACE) is 57.

FRANKENSTEIN Turns 92 Today

After 92 years and copious research tomes dedicated to just this one movie, what more is there left to say? Well, if you've never read Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN Or THE MODERN PROMETHEUS, you should. It's uncanny how a Science Fiction novel over 200 years old is becoming more, not less relevant, over the centuries. Bear in mind, however that the movie is certainly not the book.

This is why you should see the movie FRANKENSTEIN.

And -

WESTWORLD Turns 51!

Over 50 Years of Artificial Intelligence! Can you believe it? I can't believe it because it's not true.

Yet Writer and Director Michael Crichton, coming hot off the box office hit of his novel, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, the Bestseller list for his novel, THE TERMINAL MAN (already in production at the time), and having proved himself as a Director with his TV movie hit, THE PURSUIT, based his novel and this movie off of a visit to Walt Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

But Michael was already in the right frame of mind for robots after having penned the chilling, THE TERMINAL MAN.

More than watch the robots, he observed how the tourists reacted to them, as they murmured in awe at how realistic they were. Michael knew that we didn't have to have Intelligent self-aware robots, we could be tricked into thinking them intelligent if they just imitated us: our conversational bromides and mannerisms. And what better way to fool modern tourists than by taking them out of their comfort zone of the present, and putting them in various theme parks in history where they have no actual idea of how people communicated and behaved toward each other?

Because the danger isn't that the robots want to harm humans, but that a simple glitch makes them unable to tell humans from the robots they are programmed to harm, in fights and shoot-outs, for entertainment.

The problem is not that the robot is intelligent, but that it's not intelligent and so follows its automatic function without the ability to realize its harming life.

The idea not only works for 1973, it still works today when driverless cars can't "see" the red light and run through an intersection. If its sensors can't see the world around it, even Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics won't save you. Which is why Michael Crichton's work from JURASSIC PARK to WESTWORLD remains prophetic and relevant half a century later.

Plus -

PREDATOR 2 Turns 33

Yes, I was there to see it in theaters. No, I couldn't believe it did so poorly at the box office and I wound up being one of theose people who defended it to all who would listen. Just as I did with John Carpenter's THE THING and as I continue to do with a few other movies.

"This is exactly where the sequel should have gone!" I'd say. "Once the Predator was defeated in the jungle, the trophy hunters have to step up their game! And Danny Glover is outstanding in this. Mike Harrigan is the hard core city cop he would be if he wasn't about to retire and didn't have to babysit a traumatized man-child!"

Then I'd calm down and say something like this about PREDATOR 2.

Also -

GOTHIKA is Old Enough to Drink in a Bar

Have you ever watched a movie that had lots of possibilities? A great concept? In short, a movie that you really wanted to like? And yet, watching it through, it felt as if the Writer (?), Director(s?), and/or Producer(s?) didn't actually want you to like it?

Maybe that movie you saw was GOTHIKA?

Wassmor -

THE MIST Turns 16

Frank Darabont's movie has its defenders and I get that. I sure as hell would have loved to love it. I get why some folks find something special to like in a movie and love it enough that they'd like you to enjoy it from their perspective. I'm the same way myself about certain movies.

Yet there's a reason The Weinstein Company gave this flick a kick to the curb with a weak release and Horror audiences turned out in the first week for it, then turned away. Here is why I don't personally see myself ever being a defender of THE MIST.

Further -

TWILIGHT Turns 15

Our reviewer, Actor Diane Matson, takes a view of the movie both as a fan of the Stephanie Meyer's series, as well as a professional thespian. What did she think of TWILIGHT?

Finale -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

For a while I've been skipping past this actor. She has a varied eclectic mix of movies she's chose over the years and doesn't seem to aim her acting toward genre, which is great but not what this site is about: I don't want to "niche" anyone. However, after well over 25 years, her career is long enough to notice a pattern. Her most popular or memorable movies are consistently genre. So with this in mind I'm wishing a Happy Birthday to
Actor Jenna Malone (CONTACT, DONNIE DARKO, CORN, THE RUINS, SUCKER PUNCH, THE WAIT, THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 1 & 2, ANGELICA, THE NEON DEMON, NOCTURNAL ANIMALS, BOTTOM OF THE WORLD, ANTEBELLUM, SWALLOWED, CONSECRATION) is 39.
Look for Jenna in the upcoming Horror Thriller for 2024, THE MOVERS. Also expected in 2024, Zack Snyder's REBEL MOON PART 1: A CHILD OF FIRE.

Dario Argento's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Turns 25

Even an openly hardcore Dario Argento fan like The Horror Geek, Mike Bracken, was sorely tortured between his admiration for the director and what he endured watching a typically poor A-Pix DVD transfer of IL FANTASMA DELL'OPERA.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

Actor Laura Harris (IT [TV], FOR THOSE WHO HUNT THE WOUNDED DOWN, MURDER AT MY DOOR, HABITAT, SUICIDE KINGS, THE FACULTY, THE MANOR, THE HIGHWAY MAN, THE CALLING, 24 [TV], DEAD LIKE ME [TV], A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY, SEVERANCE, Stephen King's DEAD ZONE [TV], WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB [TV], DEFYING GRAVITY [TV], FINAL SALE, THE PRIVILEGED) is 48.
Actor Mads Mikkelsen (PUSHER [all], ANGEL OF THE NIGHT, EXIT, CASINO ROYALE [2006], VALHALLA RISING, THE DOOR [2009], CLASH OF THE TITANS [2010], MOVE ON, HANNIBAL [TV], THE SALVATION, MEN & CHICKEN, DOCTOR STRANGE, POLAR, RIDERS OF JUSTICE, CHAOS WALKING, FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRET OF DUMBLEDORE, INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY) is 58.
Look for Mads in the 2023 Thriller, 5.
Actor Ming-Na Wen (TERMINAL VOYAGE, SPAWN: THE ANIMATED SERIES [TV], SPAWN 3: ULTIMATE BATTLE, FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN, THE BATMAN [TV], VANISHED [TV], PROM NIGHT, PUSH, SGU: STARGATE UNIVERSE [TV], EUReKA [TV], SUPER CYCLONE, AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., THE DARKNESS [2016], GREMLINS: SECRETS OF THE MOGWAI [TV]) is 61.
Look for Ming-Na in the 2023 Horror Thriller SCOOB!: HOLIDAY HAUNT.
Actor Kayla Perkins (LAST BREATH, HELL-EPHONE, THE LEGACY, HALLOWEEN HOMECOMING, HELL HOUSE [2009], SANTA CLAUS VS. THE ZOMBIES, IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS, RED RIVER, POINT PLEASANT, THE GIRL, PARADISE, CRY FOR REVENGE, LAST BREATH, THE KILLBILLIES, NIGHTMARE FUEL, CYCLICAL EFFECT, KILL GRANNIE KILL, BLOODY SISTERLY LOVE, HELL NIGHT: THE SUMMONING, THE WICKED ONE, CLOWN NIGHTMARE, WICKED ONES, ) is 30.
Look for Kayla in the upcoming 2021, 2022, 2023 Horror, MAURA THE VAMPIRE PRINCESS. Also in 2023, MR. BUZZKILL, THEY SEE YOU, and THE ART OF KILLING.
Actor Sean Young (BLADE RUNNER, A KISS BEFORE DYING, FOREVER, LOVE CRIMES, ONCE UPON A CRIME, BLUE ICE, MODEL BY DAY, MIRAGE, DR. JEKYLL AND MS. HYDE, EVIL HAS A FACE, EXCEPTION TO THE RULE, THE INVADER, MOTEL BLUE, NIGHT CLASS, THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR, THREAT OF EXPOSURE, BEFORE I SAY GOODBYE, 1ST TO DIE, IN THE SHADOW OF THE COBRA, A KILLER WITHIN, THIRD MAN OUT, HEADSPACE, THE DROP, THE GARDEN, HAUNTED ECHOES, PARASOMNIA, JUGFACE, GINGERCLOWN, COMPLICITY, MY TRIP BACK TO THE DARK SIDE, DARLING, BONE TOMAHAWK, POLICE STATE, ESCAPE ROOM, BLADE RUNNER 2049, DARK ASCENSION, AXCELLERATOR, A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION) is 64.
Look for Sean's 2022 Thriller, HEATHER. And in 2023, OIUJA WITCH.

SUNDAY -

SFX Artist Paul Campion (THE LORD OF THE RINGS [all], CONSTANTINE, SIN CITY, THE DA VINCI CODE, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, 4: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, DORIAN GRAY, CLASH OF THE TITANS [2010], THE DEVIL'S ROCK, KINGSMEN: THE SECRET SERVICE, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, DETOUR [2016], FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, PYLON) is 55.
Actor Jodie Foster (THE LITTLE GIRL WHO LIVES DOWN THE LANE, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, SHADOWS AND FOG, PANIC ROOM, FLIGHTPLAN, INSIDE MAN, THE BRAVE ONE, ELYSIUM, HOTEL ARTEMIS, THE MAURITANIAN) is 60.
Jodie was the voice of Pugsly Addams in the 1973 animated series THE ADDAMS FAMILY.
Boy! The things you can learn on IMDb!
Actor Kathleen Quinlan (WHERE HAVE ALL THE PEOPLE GONE?, THE MISSING ARE DEADLY, NIGHTMARE IN BLOOD, AIRPORT '77, I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN, TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE, BLACKOUT, WARNING SIGN, MAN OUTSIDE, TRAPPED, STRAYS, LAST LIGHT, PERFECT ALIBI, BREAKDOWN, EVENT HORIZON, THE RIVERMAN, THE DEAD WILL TELL, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], HARM'S WAY, AFTER, CHIMERA STRAIN, PARALLEL, THE RUNAWAYS [TV], THE STAIRS) is 68.

ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES is 29 Today

THE ADDAMS FAMILY TV Show spent decades in syndication building up a loyal following, but all of the original actors were too old and every attempt to replicate their magic with other actors fell flat on its face. Even an actor like Tim Curry couldn't save it. And yet, somehow, lightning struck again with Barry Sonnenfeld's THE ADDAMS FAMILY. When the sequel came out the only way it could succeed was if Barry figured out a way to bottle that lightning. Did he? Read about THE ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES.

Tim Burton's SLEEPY HOLLOW Turns 23 Today

With movies like BEETLEJUICE, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, and MARS ATTACKS, Tim Burton spent years square dancing around the Horror genre for some time without ever actually jumping in. That all changed with SLEEPY HOLLOW.

HOOD OF HORROR Turns 17

Snoop Dog has an eclectic mix of movies in his catalog, but he's never done Horror unless he can Bring the Horror. With this anthology movie, Snoop did just that with HOOD OF HORROR.

SATURDAY -

Writer Stephen Moffat (Books: DOCTOR WHO: THE DAY OF THE DOCTOR.
Television: DOCTOR WHO [TV 2005-2021], JEKYLL, SHERLOCK HOLMES [TV 2010-2017], THE INSIDE MAN, THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE.
Movies: DOCTOR WHO: THE CURSE OF THE FATAL DEATH) is 62.
Look for Stephen's upcoming 2022 Mystery Thriller, [TV]. Also in 2022, [TV].
Writer Alan Moore (Comics/Novels: THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN II, THE COURTYARD, SWAMP THING, THE WATCHMEN, SPAWN: Evolution, FROM HELL, THE KILLING JOKE, CONSTANTINE, VOICE OF THE FIRE, JERUSALEM. Movies: THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, V FOR VENDETTA, CONSTANTINE, WATCHMEN, WATCHMEN [TV - 2008], WATCHMEN [TV - 2019], THE SHOW) is 70.
Writer Lyda Morehouse (ARCHANGEL PROTOCOL, FALLEN HOST, MESSIAH NODE, APOCALYPSE ARRAY) is 62 or something.

AMITYVILLE 3-D Turns 39 Today

This movie is uh.... That is, it's uh... uh. Um... Well, why don't you just go to my review? AMITYVILLE 3-D

IT Was 33 Years Ago Tonight!

The Network made pie int he sky promises, then due to their own incompetence, butchered nearly every one. Only money matters in Hollywood so they still retained the rights to make the movie. How bad was the confidence in this movie? King's hopes were now in the basement and nobody wanted producer credit. To this day the only Producer credits listed on this TV movie belong to the "hands off" titles of Associate and Executive Producer, and the rarely seen in the wild or captivity, "Supervising Producer". No actual decision making Producers.

Was there anything that could possibly save this TV disaster in the making?

Yes. One hell of a scary, wicked, yet somehow delightful clown. The legendary Tim Curry as Pennywise in IT.

HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE is Old Enough to Vote.

A long, long time ago, Warner Bros. decided to make November a Very Harry month. Shirley Muramoto's review of HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE.

THE GRAVEDANCERS Turns 17

A Rock 'em, Sock 'em, Supernatural Action Horror movie? Writer Director Mike Mendez did just that in 2006 and you'll recognize a ton of memes based on this movie you may have never seen: THE GRAVEDANCERS.

PENNY DREADFUL Turns 17

What can I say about this movie? Well let's start here: PENNY DREADFUL.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor/Stuntwoman Zoe Bell (KILL BILL [both], POSEIDON [2006], DEVIL'S DEN, PENNY DREADFUL, DEATH PROOF, PLANET TERROR, LOST [TV], REFLECTIONS, GAMER, THE FINAL DESTINATION, HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS, RAZE, IRON MAN 3, OBLIVION, THOR: RAGNAROK, FRESHWATER, PARADOX, THE BIG TAKE, MALIGNANT) is 45.
Zoe shares a November birthday with DEATH PROOF alumni, Sydney Tamiia Poitier.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Turns 39 and was Based on an Actual Incident

It was happening in Los Angeles and shocked Wes Craven so much he was inspired to make this movie: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.

And -

November's Getting Harry as HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE is 22

That's right. A new born on this day in 2001 is 22 and might be married and apparently a parent.

And if you were 22 on this day and in the theater watching a movie from yourbeloved childhood book? That means yer 44 and old!

44 isn't the new 34! Actor Daniel Radcliff is 34! You? You're 44, which is 6 years from 50 and You're F'n Old!

So walk your creaky joints down memory lane as my reviewer, Shirley Muramoto, who was but a child in the 1990s when she fell in love with J.K. Rowling's books, saw Rowling's literary visions come to life on the theater screen. HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE.

Plus -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Gemma Atkinson (NIGHT WOLF, AIRBORNE, DEVIL'S PASS, NIGHT OF THE LIVING 3D DEAD, CAIN HILL, FEVER) is 39.
Actor Kimberly J. Brown (VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU, HALLOWEENTOWN [TV], HALLOWEENTOWN II: KALABAR'S REVENGE [TV], HALLOWEENTOWN HIGH [TV], BIG BAD WOLF) who is 39.
Actor Ona Grauer (HOUSE OF THE DEAD, DEEP EVIL, CATWOMAN, ALONE IN THE DARK, FIREWALL, THE COLLECTOR [TV], YETI: CURSE OF THE SNOW DEMON, ENCOUNTER WITH DANGER, PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS, V [TV], CULT, ELYSIUM, THE WHISPERS [TV], COME TO DADDY, DYING FOR A GOOD GRADE) is 48.
Actor Marg Helgenberger (DEATH DREAMS, THROUGH THE EYES OF A KILLER, THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, DISTANT COUSINS, WHEN LOVE KILLS, SPECIES, SPECIES II, GIVING UP THE GHOST, LETHAL VOWS, MR. BROOKS, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, UNDER THE DOME [TV]) is 65.

THE FROZEN DEAD is 57

There are three types of Horror fans in the world. Those who know nothing of this movie, those who have only seen stills and don't know what the fuss is about, and those who have seen it and will never forget it.

I'll tell you what makes THE FROZEN DEAD unforgettable.

And -

HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS is Old Enough to Legally Drink.

That's right. Yer old! Yes you! Yer f'n OLD!

Anyway, Shirley Muramoto is here to tell you about a kid, a chamber, and she shan't be spoiling the secrets of HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor J.C. Brandy (HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MEYERS, DOGSTAR, DEVIL IN THE FLESH, LUCINDA'S SPELL, PROMETHEUS BOUND, COMEDY HELL, PRANK, THE VICTIM) is 47.
Look for J.C. in the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, HAUNTED: 333.
Actor Jonny Lee Miller (HACKERS, COMPLICITY, DRACULA 2000, THE ESCAPIST, MINDHUNTER, ÆON FLUX, ELI STONE [TV], DEXTER [TV], DARK SHADOWS [2012], BYZANTIUM, ELEMENTARY [TV], SETTLERS, ALICE) is 50.
Jonny shares a November birthday with DRACULA 2000 alumni, Gerard Butler.
Actor Kevin J. O'Connor (EQUINOX, NO ESCAPE, COLOR OF NIGHT, VIRTUOSITY, LORD OF ILLUSIONS, GODS AND MONSTERS, DEEP RISING, THE MUMMY, VAN HELSING, SERAPHIM FALLS, FLIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE BEAST [TV], G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, THE MOB DOCTOR [TV], THE CLEANSE, 11.22.63 [TV], CAPTIVE STATE, EXORCISM AT 60,000 FEET) is 59.
Actor Sydney Tamiia Poitier (TRUE CRIME, JOAN OF ARCADIA, VERONICA MARS, HOOD OF HORROR, GRINDHOUSE, DEATH PROOF, KNIGHT RIDER [2013 - TV], NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD ORIGINS 3D, CLINICAL, HOMECOMING [TV]) is 50.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Sandahl Bergman (SHE, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, RED SONJA, PROGRAMMED TO KILL, HELL COMES TO FROGTOWN, RAW NERVE, REVENGE ON THE HIGHWAY, NIGHT OF THE ARCHER, POSSESSED BY THE NIGHT, INNER SANCTUM II, ICE CREAM MAN, SORCERESS II) is 71.
Actor Olga Kurylenko (THE SNAKE, HITMAN, MAX PAYNE, THE ASSASSIN NEXT DOOR, CENTURION, TYRANNY [TV], MAGIC CITY [TV], OBLIVION, EMPIRES OF THE DEEP, VAMPIRE ACADEMY, NOVEMBER MAN, JUST A BREATH AWAY, THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE, MARA, THE ROOM, THE BAY OF SILENCE, LE TRADUCTEURS aka TRANSLATORS, BLACK WIDOW) is 43.
Look for Olga in the upcoming 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Thriller, EMPIRES OF THE DEEP. Also in 2023, CHIEF OF STATION.
Comic Writer/Artist Omaha Perez (HOLMES) is 52.
Writer Cat Rambo (Various short stories and collaborations, YOU SEXY THING, BEASTS OF TABAT, ALTERED AMERICA, and more) is 59.

THE INVISIBLE MAN Turns 90!

In the 1930s, Carl Lammele's Universal Pictures had over a century of classic Horror literature, esteemed in the Western world, to draw upon (mostly for free) and none of the other big studios realized that there was a vast audience out there hungering for more than boilerplate mobsters and shitkickers (Westerns). Further, that audience would make stars out of directors like Todd Browning and James Whale who were directing the scary.

In homerun after homerun, Universal Pictures made its name, legacy, and owes its success as a major studio to Horror movies, much to the embarrassment of future Universal Pictures CEOs who tried and failed to live it down or live up to such past glories.

This is what 1933 audiences saw in THE INVISIBLE MAN.

And -

Bram Stoker's DRACULA Turns 31

In the 1990s, and thanks to Actor Winona Ryder, Producer/Director Francis Ford Coppola got ahold of a television script for Dracula: The Untold Story. Reeling from several film failures that put his studio, Zoetrope, deep into debt and trouble, Coppola desperately needed a hit.

But by the 1990s, Dracula movies had been done to death: including vampire movies that brought Dracula into modern times (which in fact, is exactly what Bram Stoker's Dracula did - for its time). One thing that no one had really tried to do, however, was actually make Bram Stoker's Dracula the way that old Bram really wrote it.

So this is what Coppola did in making Bram Stoker's DRACULA.

Plus -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.

Actor Tom Atkins (THE DEADLY CARGO, THE FOG, THE NINTH CONFIGURATION, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, HALLOWEEN III, CREEPSHOW, NIGHT OF THE CREEPS, MANIAC COP, DUE OCCHI DIABOLICHI, STRIKING DISTANCE, BRUISER, OUT OF THE BLACK, MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D, DRIVE ANGRY, APOCALYPSE KISS, ENCOUNTER, TRICK) is 88.
Actor Gerard Butler (TALE OF THE MUMMY, DRACULA 2000, REIGN OF FIRE, LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER: CRADLE OF LIFE, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, BEOWULF & GRENDEL, 300, TALES OF THE BLACK FREIGHTER, GAMER, CORIOLANUS, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN [all], GEOSTORM, THE VANISHING [2018], HUNTER KILLER, GREENLAND, COPSHOP, CHASE LAST SEEN ALIVE, ) who is 54.
Actor Tracy Scoggins (WATCHERS II, PLAY MURDER FOR ME, TIMEBOMB, DEMONIC TOYS, DEAD ON, ALIEN INTRUDER, DOLLMAN VS. DEMONIC TOYS, HELLBORN, THE STRANGE CASE OF DOCTOR JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, MR. HELL, OTIS, DANTE'S COVE [TV]) is 69.

SUNDAY -

Writer Greg F. Gifune (NIGHT WORK, JUDAS GOAT, THE LIVING AND THE DEAD, DOWN TO SLEEP, A VIEW FROM THE LAKE, HERETICS, SORCERER, DEEP NIGHT, DOMINION, KINGDOM OF SHADOWS, BLOOD IN ELECTRIC BLUE, THE BLEEDING SEASON, SAYING UNCLE, LONG AFTER DARK, CHILDREN OF CHAOS, DRAGO DESCENDING) is 56.
Actor Radha Mitchell (PITCH BLACK, WHEN STRANGERS APPEAR, PHONE BOOTH, VISITORS, SILENT HILL, ROGUE, SURROGATES, THE CRAZIES [2010], SILENT HILL: REVELATION 3D SACRIFICE, EVIDENCE, FROZEN GROUND, THE DARKNESS [2016], DREAMKATCHER, ASKING FOR IT, GIRL IN THE WINDOW, DEVIL'S WORKSHOP) is 50.
Writer Gord Rollo (CRIMSON, THE JIGSAW MAN, STRANGE MAGIC, VALLEY OF THE SCARECROW) is 56.
SFX Artist, Chet Zar (THE BLOB [1988], CELLER DWELLER, DARKMAN, BLOOD SALVAGE, GHOST IN THE MACHINE, STIR OF ECHOES, PLANET OF THE APES [2001], THE RING, THE CAVE, THE RING TWO, X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, ALTERED, ONE MISSED CALL, NOTHING LEFT TO FEAR) is 56.

CREEPSHOW Turns 41

Stephen King and George A.Romero wanted to make a fun Horror anthology movie. Fun like TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE would have been had some of the actors not died while making it.

The result was CREEPSHOW.

SATURDAY -

Artist Laurie Lipton - in accordance with typical female vanity stereotypes - will not mention her age.
Visit her at LaurieLipton.
Actor Bill Mosely (ENDANGERED SPECIES, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2, FAIR GAME, THE BLOB [1988], THE FIRST POWER, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD [1990], ARMY OF DARKNESS, EVIL ED, THE CONVENT, ESSENCE OF ECHOES, HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, VICIOUS, HOME SICK, CARNIVÀLE [TV], THE DEVIL'S REJECTS, EVIL BONG, A DEAD CALLING, THR3E, Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN, THE GRAVES, 2001 MANIACS: FIELD OF SCREAMS, GODKILLER, ROGUE RIVER, THE TORTURED, ELDORADO, DEAD SOULS, THE INFLICTED, TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D, HOLLISTON [TV], HOUSE OF THE WITCHDOCTOR, DISCIPLES, OLD 37, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD ORIGINS: 3D, SMOTHERED, BIG TOP EVIL, 3 FROM HELL, GOTHIC HARVEST, TABBOT'S TRAVELING CARNIVALE OF TERRORS, SLAYER: THE REPENTLESS KILLOGY, EXORCISM AT 60,000 FEET, I AM FEAR, PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND, SIN EATER, DEAD BY MIDNIGHT (Y2KILL)) is 72.
After three years, Bill is no longer associated with THE MANGLED. Look for Bill in the upcoming 2023 Horror Thrillers, HAYRIDE TO HELL, THE FETUS, and THEY TURNED US INTO KILLERS.
Writer Brett Alexander Savory (Former Editor of [now defunct] CHIzine, author of THE DISTANCE TRAVELED, IN AND DOWN, A PERFECT MACHINE) is 49, he says.
Visit him at BrettSavory.
Actor Tye Sheridan (THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT, DARK PLACES, SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, DETOUR, X-MEN APOCALYPSE, READY PLAYER ONE, X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX, THE NIGHT CLERK, WIRELESS [TV], VOYAGERS, THE CARD COUNTER) is 27.

54 Years Ago We Took a JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN

And that's where we met our earth doppleganger! An entirely preposterous premise treated with enough serious gravitas to make Roland Emmerich blush, that you too may find yourself swept away in the Rod Serling twists and turns of this bygone Cold War epic. Created by Gerry Anderson, who brought us television shows like THUNDERBIRDS, UFO, and SPACE 1999 whether we wanted them or not, this is our review of DOPPLEGANGER aka JOURNEY TO THE FAR SIDE OF THE SUN.

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Turns 29

When the lights went down and the opening movie credits came up, nobody had more apprehension than the late Anne Rice regarding what she was about to see. Yet actor Tom Cruise and Director Neil Jordan won her over in a way that never happened with any of her work onscreen again. This is how an adaptation seduced its toughest critic. Our review of INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE.

MAYHEM Turns 6

Director Joe Lynch (WRONG TURN 2, CHILLERAMA) struggled for a long time in Hollywood, but in 2017 he showed us that he was finally ready for the Big Time with MAYHEM.

And -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Brandon Berntson (Various short stories) is 52.
Actor April Monique Burril (SILVER SCREAM, CHAINSAW SALLY, COUNTESS BATHORIA'S GRAVEYARD PICTURE SHOW, A FEAST OF FLESH, CORPUS KRISTI, THE GOOD SISTERS, THE HORROR VAULT, THE CHAINSAW SALLY SHOW, LITTLE BIG BOY, POST MORTEM AMERICA: 2021, LITTLE BIG BOY, THE HOSPITAL, THE BONE GARDEN, BLOODY SCUM, CAMP KILLER, and way more) is 51.
Writer, Producer, Director Roland Emmerich (MAKING CONTACT, GHOST CHASE, MOON 44, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER, GODZILLA [1998], THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, THE THIRTEENTH FLOOR, EIGHT LEGGED FREAKS, GODZILLA: THE ANIMATED SERIES [TV], HELL, THE COLONY, MOONFALL) is 65.
Writer Neil Gaiman (Books/Comics: SANDMAN [all], NEVERWHERE, LADY JUSTICE, TEKNOPHAGE, MR. HERO, AMERICAN GODS, GOOD OMENS [w/Terry Pratchett], THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, LUCIFER, ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS, ANANSI BOYS. Movies/TV: NEVERWHERE [TV], MIRRORMASK [TV], CORALINE, AMERICAN GODS [TV], , LUCIFER [TV], GOOD OMENS [TV], THE SANDMAN [TV]) is 63.
Look for Neil's upcoming 2023 Book, ALL HALLOWS READ. And on TV, ANANSI BOYS (TV - mini-series) in 2023. Also in 2023, DEAD BOY DETECTIVES (TV).
Neil recently announced that after a long a moribund period, he's getting active with his blog again, Visit him at journal.NeilGaiman.
Writer Jason Pinter (THE MARK, THE DARKNESS, THE GUILTY, HIDEAWAY, A STRNAGER AT THE DOOR) is 45.

Nov. 9, 1984. Two Horror movies got limited releases. One successful, one less so...

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Turns 39

Nearly 20 years since the last of the Robert Englund Freddy Kruger movies (2003's FREDDY vs JASON), and yet Wes Craven's creation continues to storm at the front of Horror icons.

Wes Craven's nightmare creation was actually the tamest, most Hollywood accessible movie he'd made by that point. Yet at the same time, he based it on actual events happening in Los Angeles. Paul V. Wargelin saw it in the theater in 1984: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET.

And -

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT Turns 39

It had the gore, it had the nudity, it had everything to win an audience in 1984 except for two things. It was up against Wes Craven's A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and it had possibly the worst salesman/marketer of the 1980s. The movie that lost to Wes? SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT.

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CHILD'S PLAY Turns 35

The 1980s was the decade of cute little killer monsters. From GREMLINS to CRITTERS to DOLLS and more, your grandparents couldn't get enough. Then Don Mancini and Tom Holland's CHILD'S PLAY came along and, despite the rebrancd to "Chucky" and the rapid descent into Direct to Video - like Clive Barker's HELLRAISER of the era - an enduring franchise was born.

Also -

CHILD'S PLAY 2 Turns 33.

And it took off! The franchise I hate to love and love to hate! CHILD'S PLAY 2.

Wassmor -

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Eric Dane (CHARMED [TV], FEAST, PAINKILLER JANE, X-MEN III: THE LAST STAND, OPEN WATER 2: ADRIFT, GREY LADY, THE LAST SHIP [TV], AMERICAN CARNAGE, DANGEROUS WATERS) is 51.
Look for Eric in the 2023, 2024 Thriller BORDERLINE.
Actor Lou Ferrigno (THE INCREDIBLE HULK [TV - 1977], HERCULES [1983], THE ADVENTURES OF HERCULES [1985], DESERT WARRIOR, SINBAD OF THE SEVEN SEAS [1989], THE TRIAL OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK, THE DEATH OF THE INCREDIBLE HULK, HANGFIRE, THE INCREDIBLE HULK [1996], FROGTOWN 2, HULK [2003], THE SCORPION KING 4, THE LAST SHIP [TV], AVENGERS GRIMM, SHARKNADO 3, RING RING, MUMMY DEAREST) is 72.
Look for Lou in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Horror Thriller, THE HERMIT.
Stunt / Actor Dana Hee (CLASS OF 1999 II, THE SHADOW, TERMINAL VELOCITY, DEADLY TARGET, STRANGER BY NIGHT, SPECIES, BATMAN FOREVER, JADE, LAWNMOWER MAN 2, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, THE ASTRONAUT'S WIFE, GHOSTS OF MARS, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, BURIED ALIVE, TERMINATOR: SALVATION, LEGION, THE KEEPER, and way more) is 62.
Actor Scottie Thompson (STAR TREK [2009], SKYLINE, THE LOOKALIKE, 37, THE BLACKLIST [TV], THE FUNHOUSE MASSACRE, BEFORE I WAKE, DEAD ON ARRIVAL [2017], BROKEN GHOST, 12 MONKEYS [TV], LIMBO) is 42.
Look for Scottie in the 2023 Thriller, HELLFIRE.

HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Bram Stoker, creator of the first Vampire novel (DRACULA) and the first Zombie novel (THE JEWEL OF THE SEVEN STARS) was born today in 1847. Yes, he'd be pretty ripe for a vampire right about now.
Producer Elizabeth Avellan (EL MARIACHI, DESPERADO, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN [all], THE FACULTY, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO, SIN CITY, CURANDERO, GRINDHOUSE, DEATH PROOF, PLANET TERROR, PREDATORS, SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR, THE BLAZING WORLD, DEADLAND) is 63.
Elizabeth shares a birthday month with THE FACULTY alumni, Famke Janssen and Robert Patrick.
Producer Boaz Davidson (DOG WATCH, OUTSIDE OZONA, BRIDGE OF DRAGONS, THE 4TH FLOOR, COLD HARVEST, SPIDERS, CROCODILE, OCTOPUS, COLD HEART, SPIDERS II, REPLICANT, OCTOPUS 2, PANIC, CROCODILE 2, SHARK ATTACK 3, RATS, ALIEN HUNTER, SHARK ZONE, MANSQUITO, THE EXPENDABLES, DRIVE ANGRY, HUNTER KILLER, KILL CHAIN, JOLT, THE PROTEGE, THE ENFORCER, THE PIPERand lots more) is 80.
Look for Boaz's 2024 Horror Thriller, SUBSERVIENCE. Also in 2024, HELLBOY: THE CROOKED MAN.
Actor Jessica Lowndes (Masters of Horror: DANCE OF THE DEAD, AUTOPSY, THE HAUNTING OF MOLLY HARTLEY, ALTITUDE, THE DEVIL'S CARNIVAL, A MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE, A DEADLY ADOPTION, ABBATOIR, A FATHER'S NIGHTMARE) is 35.
Actor Dania Ramirez (BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER [TV], X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, ILLEGAL TENDER, QUARANTINE, HEROES [TV], PREMIUM RUSH, TELL ME A STORY [TV], SWEET TOOTH [TV]) is 43.
Dania shares a November birthday with her SWEET TOOTH alumni, Susan Downey. Also her X-MEN alumni, Rebecca Romjin.
Actor Chris Rankin (HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, EXPLODE, CHAPTER TWO, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATH HALLOWS PART 2, GRACIE, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES [TV]) is 40.
Actor Tara Reid (A RETURN TO SALEM'S LOT, I WOKE UP EARLY THE DAY I DIED, URBAN LEGEND, CRUEL INTENTIONS, DEVIL'S POND, ALONE IN THE DARK, THE CROW: WICKED PRAYER, INCUBUS, VIPERS, THE FIELDS, SHARKNADO [all], PARTY BUS TO HELL, WORTHLESS, OUIJA HOUSE, ART OF THE DEAD, ATTACK OF THE UNKNOWN, MUMMY DEAREST, SALLY FLOSS: DIGITAL DETECTIVE, BLOODTHIRST) is 48.
Look for Tara in the upcoming 2022, 2023, 2024, Horror Thrillers, THE CURSE OF THE ZOMBIE PIRATES and DOGGMEN.
SFX Artist Colin Strause (VOLCANO, THE X FILES, THE GLASS HOUSE, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, CONSTANTINE, VENOM [2005], THE FOG [2005], ÆON FLUX, POSEIDON [2006], X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, 300, THE INVASION, AVPR: ALIEN VS PREDATOR: REQUIEM, JUMPER, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, 2012, AVATAR, THE BOOK OF ELI, IRON MAN 2, JONAH HEX, SKYLINE, BATTLE LOS ANGELES, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, THE AVENGERS, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN 2, THE BAY, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, BEYOND SKYLINE, HARDCORE HENRY, THE CONJURING 2, DEATH NOTE, SKYLINES, CHIMERA) is 47.

STARSHIP TROOPERS Turns 26

A box office flop and one of the worst rated movies at this site, which is a damn shame because Phil Tippet's outstanding creature design, the practical and cgi artists and their SFX, all put so much damn heart into into this movie that - a quarter century later - many of the alien "bugs" remain amazing to look at. But this was the movie that eventually broke Paul Verhoven and sent him scurrying out of America and Hollywood to lick his wounds back home.

And not because it tanked at the box office, not because of fan appreciation, but because of Paul's own personal character.

This movie review, originally posted in 1997 after the weekend release of the movie, chronicles 26 years of Verhoven's humiliating misstep and why it deserves a reboot: STARSHIP TROOPERS.

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HAPPY HORROR BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Yunjin Kim (SWIRI, YESTERDAY, DIARY OF JUNE, SEVEN DAYS, LOST [TV], THE NEIGHBORS, MISTRESSES, CONFESSION) is 50.
Actor Michael Papajohn (PREDATOR 2, NAKED SOULS, ERASER, SPAWN, SPIDER-MAN, HULK, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG, SPIDER-MAN 3, I KNOW WHO KILLED ME, TERMINATOR SALVATION, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, JONAH HEX, DRIVE ANGRY, THE BOURNE LEGACY, ESCAPE PLAN, DEVIL'S DUE, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, NIGHTCRAWLER, JURASSIC WORLD, AMERICAN ULTRA, NOCTURNA, COLD MOON, JEEPERS CREEPERS III, UNHINGED, REMINISCENCE) is 59.

TIME BANDITS Turns 41

It was the ostensible "Monty Python" movie no studio wanted to make...

... until someone else made it as a low budget indie...

... and it shot to #1, crushing all the big studios who "went with someone else".

It not only became the best performing children's movie of the year, it was one of the top ten movies of 1981.

But that was 41 years ago! Why does this movie remain a fan favorite among people whose parents weren't even born at that time? To start, every single movie is its own business. An actual business with its own business license, investors, employees, and so on. Read about the enduring appeal of one of the most convoluted movies in history in a business filled with convoluted movie histories. Terry Gilliam's TIME BANDITS.

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HAPPY HORROR BIRTHDAYS TO -
By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor, Writer Trace Beaulieu (MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 [TV], MSTK3: THIS ISLAND EARTH) doesn't look a day over 64, but he'll be a day over 65 tomorrow.
Producer Susan Downey (GHOST SHIP, GOTHIKA, HOUSE OF WAX, THE REAPING, THE INVASION, ROCKNROLLA, ORPHAN, WHITEOUT, SHERLOCK HOLMES [2009], THE BOOK OF ELI, IRON MAN 2, UNKNOWN, SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS, THE FACTORY, SWEET TOOTH [TV]) is 50.
Actor Thandie Newton (INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE, LOADED, BELOVED, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II, THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARLIE, SHADE, THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK, CRASH, ROCKnROLLA, 2012, VANISHING ON 7th STREET, RETREAT, WESTWORLD [TV], REMINISCENCE) is 51.
Look for Thandie in the 2022 Thrillers, GOD'S COUNTRY and ALL THE OLD KNIVES.
Actor Rebecca Romijn (X-MEN, ROLLERBALL, FEMME FATALE, X2, THE PUNISHER, GODSEND, X3: The Last Gasp, EASTWICK, SATANIC PANIC, ENDANGERED SPECIES) is 50.
Rebecca shares a November birthday with fellow X-MEN alumni, Famke Janssen.
Actor Theresa Tilly (THE EVIL DEAD, BRUTAL MASSACRE: A COMEDY, OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, STOMPING GROUND, THE PROTOTYPE, ABIGAIL) is 70.

SUNDAY -

Actor Famke Janssen (LORD OF ILLUSIONS, GOLDENEYE, DEEP RISING, THE FACULTY, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, X-MEN, X2, X3: Death of a Franchise, TAKEN [all], 100 FEET, THE CHAMELEON, HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS, HEMLOCK GROVE [TV], THE WOLVERINE, THE BEING, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER [TV], THE BLACKLIST [TV], THE BLACKLIST: REDEMPTION [TV], THE POISON ROSE, THE CAPTURE [TV], PRIMAL, THE POSTCARD KILLINGS, THE VAULT, DANGEROUS, KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC, BOY KILLS WORLD) who is 58.
Look for Famke in the 2023, 2024 Horror, THE EXPERIMENT.
Famke shares a birthday with fellow THE FACULTY and THE POISON ROSE alumni,
Actor Robert Patrick (DIE HARD 2, TERMINATOR 2, FIRE IN THE SKY, ZERO TOLERANCE, LAST GASP, ASYLUM, THE FACULTY, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 2, THE X-FILES [TV], SPY KIDS, FIREWALL, LONELY STREET, AUTOPSY, ALIEN TRESPASS, THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND, RED FACTION: ORIGIN, TRUE BLOOD, SAFE HOUSE, KILL THE MESSENGER, HELLIONS, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN: The Series [TV], HELLIONS, LOST AFTER DARK, EDGE OF FEAR, THE POISON ROSE, A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD, WHAT JOSIAH SAW, RUSHED, PEACEMAKER [TV], DARK ASSET, and more) is 65.
Writer, Director, Producer, Jason Stephenson (OFF THE BEATEN PATH, DOOMED TO CONSUME, TERROR OVERLOAD, STRIP CLUB SLASHER, SUBURBAN MADNESS, HORRORATHON Volume 1 & 2) is 60.

A Quarter Century of THE BONE COLLECTOR

Thomas Harris is far from the only author writing Horrific and twisted detective novels, he was only fortunate enough to have two great movies, that also did great at the theater box office, based on his novels.

Jeffery Deaver is another bestselling author, but movie adaptions to his Lincoln Rhyme novels, while good to great, didn't garner big box office. Still, it's easy to see why actors at the top of their game like Densel Washington, Angelina Jolie, and Michael Rooker were eager to get onboard with screenwriter, Jeremy Iacone's adaption. If you've never seen it, this is why THE BONE COLLECTOR is worth the hunt.

THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS Turns 20

Right after the encyclopedic ANIMATRIX one off, the Warchowski's franchise stumbled with the first sequel, then crawled to a stop with the second sequel. Practically a textbook of what Not to do, this is what went wrong with THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS.

THE INCREDIBLES Is 19

Brad Bird sold Disney a Fantastic Four entry into the Superhero era before 20th Century Fox had the opportunity to churn out their craptastic Fantastic Four a year later. 4 years before Marvel finally hit their stride with 2008's IRON MAN and long before Disney bought into Marvel. Read about Pixar Disney's gateway drug into the Superhero universe, THE INCREDIBLES.

SATURDAY -

Actor Olivia Taylor Dudley (CHILLERAMA, CHERNOBYL DIARIES, TRANSENDENCE, THE BARBER [2014], DUDE BRO PARTY MASSACRE III, THE VATICAN TAPES, APPLETON, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION, THE MAGICIANS [TV], SHE DIES TOMORROW, CRAWLSPACE) is 38.
Look for Olivia in the upcoming 2022, 2023 Thriller, CANARY. Also expected in 2022, CHUCK HANK AND THE SAN DIEGO TWINS. And in 2023, ONYX FORTUITOUS AND THE TALISMAN OF SOULS.
Actor, Stuntman Ken Kirzinger (FRIDAY THE 13th PART VIII: JASON TAKES MANHATTAN, THE X-FILES [TV], THE 13TH WARRIOR, MISSION TO MARS, THIR13EN GHOSTS, INSOMNIA, DREAMCATCHER, X2, FREDDY VS. JASON, PAYCHECK, THE FOG [2005], X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, THE INCREDIBLE HULK, WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END, JOY RIDE 2, WATCHMEN, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL [2008], X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON, THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, JOY RIDE 3, and more) is 64.
Ken Kirzinger shares a birthday month with FREDDY VS. JASON alumni, Katherine Isabelle.
Actor Travis Van Winkle (CONFESSION, LEFT IN DARKNESS, ASYLUM [2008], FRIDAY THE 13TH [2009], BLOODWORK, 247°F, RITES OF PASSAGE, THE LAST SHIP [TV], INSTINCT [TV]) is 41.

John Carpenter's THEY LIVE Turns 35

It's flawed but cool and more than a little hypocritical. The evergreen pop-influence of John Carpenter's THEY LIVE.

18 Years Ago the Sky Fell on Disney

The growing cult-status of Director Mark Dindal's CHICKEN LITTLE.

7 Years of DOCTOR STRANGE

It built great box office, but despite the fan popular actors, the character isn't building much following for DOCTOR STRANGE.

What Began in Japan 69 Years Ago Became a World-Wide Phenomenon

Believe it or not, Japan's GOJIRA didn't reach U.S. shores until 2004: 50 Years! This is why: GODZILLA - 1954.

And -

Carrie Turns 47

It was 1976, Hollywood movie public schools were segregated, and White kids preyed on White. Which was a foolish thing to do if you bullied CARRIE White.

Plus -

It was 18 Years Ago When We Danced After Dark

Great Script, Great Direction, Great Acting, and Great Practical Effects. Then the investors saw all that and decided to go with a crap cheap cgi finale. Why one of the scariest movies you may have never watched (though you've probably seen a ton of its freaky movie stills through years of Social Media memes) got limited release and why you should seek out Mike Mendez' THE GRAVEDANCERS.

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HAPPY HORROR THRILLER BIRTHDAYS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Debbie Rochon (NEGATIVES, BANNED, VALERIE, BLACK EASTER, REGENERATED MAN, ABDUCTED II, SHRIEK OF THE LYCANTHROPE, DEPRAVED, TROMEO AND JULIET, SANTA CLAWS, EVIL AMBITIONS, CYBER VENGEANCE, THE VAMPIRE'S SEDUCTION, ALIEN AGENDA, RAGE OF THE WEREWOLF, TERROR FIRMER, HELLBLOCK 13, CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER IV, THE RESURRECTION GAME, MULVA: ZOMBIE ASS KICKER!, KILLJOY 2, VAMPIRE QUEEN, DEADLY STINGERS, CHAINSAW CHEERLEADERS, DEAD END [2010], SINEATERS, IMAGO, SICK, DEATH HOUSE, ALTERSCAPE, FANTASMA [2018], SHAKESPEARE'S SH*TSTORM, and a whole lot more) is 55.
SFX MUA, Actor Tom Savini (DEAD OF NIGHT, MARTIN, DAWN OF THE DEAD, MANIAC, CREEPSHOW, CREEPSHOW 2, DAY OF THE DEAD, TWO EVIL EYES, HEARTSTOPPER, INNOCENT BLOOD, THE DEMOLITIONIST, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, THE MONSTER MAN, WEB OF DARKNESS, CHILDREN OF THE LIVING DEAD, EYES ARE UPON YOU, TED BUNDY, BLOOD BATH, ZOMBIEGEDDON, VICIOUS, DAWN OF THE DEAD [2004], FOREST OF THE DAMNED, LAND OF THE DEAD, GRINDHOUSE, PLANET TERROR, DIARY OF THE DEAD, THE DEAD MATTER, HORRORWEEN, DEATH FROM ABOVE, COOL AS HELL, THE SADIST [2013], FROM DUSK TILL DAWN [TV], and way more) is 77.
Actor Gemma Ward (STRANGERS, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES) is 36.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN Part 3...

The Second Day of Dia de los Muertos: Remembrance.

And -

JACOB'S LADDER Turns 33

Review of JACOB'S LADDER by Bram Stoker award winning author and fellow Feo Amante alumni, Brian Keene.

Plus -

THE BONE COLLECTOR Turns 24

Thomas Harris is far from the only author writing Horrific and twisted detective novels, he was only fortunate enough to have two great movies, that also did great at the theater box office, based on his novels.

Jeffery Deaver is another bestselling author, but movie adaptions to his Lincoln Rhyme novels, while good to great, didn't garner big box office. Still, it's easy to see why actors at the top of their game like Densel Washington, Angelina Jolie, and Michael Rooker were eager to get onboard with screenwriter, Jeremy Iacone's adaption. If you've never seen it, this is why THE BONE COLLECTOR is worth the hunt.

Also -

MONSTERS, INC. is 22

I was there on opening day to see it on the giant screen! Remembering MONSTERS, INC.

Wassmor -

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Writer Peter Atkins (MORNINGSTAR, BIG THUNDER, HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER 2, HELLRAISER III, WISHMASTER, HELLRAISER: BLOODLINE, PRISONERS OF THE SUN) is 68.
Actor Samantha Ferris (DEADLOCKED, BLACKWOODS, SHATTERED, LOST IN THE DARK, THE 4400 [TV], SUPERNATURAL [TV], GRACE, THE KILLING MACHINE, THE TALL MAN, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN, SALVATION [TV], NEWLYWED AND DEAD, DEVIL IN OHIO [TV]) is 55.
Actor Katharine Isabelle (KNIGHT MOVES, VOYAGE OF TERROR, DISTURBING BEHAVIOR, Da VINCI'S INQUEST [TV], GINGER SNAPS [all], BONES, INSOMNIA, CARRIE [2002], FREDDY VS. JASON, SPOOKY HOUSE, SHOW ME, OGRE, RAMPAGE, HARD RIDE TO HELL, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT: DARK DAYS, AMERICAN MARY, BEING HUMAN [TV], 13 EERIE, TORMENT, PRIMARY, SEE NO EVIL 2, 88, HANNIBAL [TV], THE GIRL IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS, BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE, THE ORDER [TV], THE GREEN SEA, NIGHT OF THE ANIMATED DEAD) is 42.
Actor Michael Bailey Smith (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5, THE FANTASTIC FOUR [1994], CYBORG 3, SPACE MARINES, LOVE HER MADLY, CHARMED [TV], MEN IN BLACK II, BLACK MASK 2, MONSTER MAN, CLAWED, THE HILLS HAVE EYES [2006], THE HILLS HAVE EYES II [2007], CHAIN LETTER, BLOOD SHOT, BLACK RIDER: REVELATION ROAD, KIDS VS MONSTERS) is 66.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN: DAY 2...

The centerpiece of this banner for Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos
is the art of José Guadalupe Posada.

Countries adopt a wide variety of foreign holidays and make them their own, instilling their own customs into them, and world-wide the examples are many: HALLOWEEN, Christmas, Mardi Gras, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, and more.

Even in China, their resolutely non-religious government still celebrates Christmas and goes to great expense to hire Caucasian men to fly in and cosplay as Santa for the children.

Purists say Day of the Dead, which begins on November 1 and ends on November 2, is not a Mexican version of Halloween*. Yet Hallowmass (revamped to All Saint's Day), which also begins on Nov. 1, bears striking similarities to the Latin America version. Moreover no one can deny the obvious, that down through the years children and adults from both cultures increasingly celebrate with dressing up in costume and, depending on the state/cuidad, going door to door asking for dulce (candy). HALLOWEEN and DÍA de los MUERTOS are no longer the somber Catholic Feast for the Dead the European church created centuries ago.

33 Days of HALLOWEEN! Day 32

*Halloween comes from Hallowtide or Allhallowtide, which begins, not ends, on October 31 and continues through Nov. 2.

And -

DOWN TO THE BONE by René Castillo

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PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE Turns 49

I was a kid when I saw this movie playing at a Science Fiction convention. They had a huge screen set-up and a far better sound system than I've heard at any subsequent conventions. I'd gone to the screening room to catch a different movie and Brian De Palma's passion project was so good I still can't remember the name of the movie I originally went to see!

Discover the bizarre life and times of Writer and Director Brian De Palma's PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE.

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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS TO -

By E.C. McMullen Jr.
Actor Toni Collette (THE SIXTH SENSE, SHAFT, CHANGING LANES, THE NIGHT LISTENER, LIKE MINDS, THE DEAD GIRLS, JASPER JONES, FRIGHT NIGHT [2011], HITCHCOCK, HOSTAGES [TV], KRAMPUS [2015], UNLOCKED, HEREDITARY, VELVET BUZZSAW, KNIVES OUT, I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, STOWAWAY, NIGHTMARE ALLEY, PIECES OF HER [TV], THE STAIRCASE [TV], THE POWER [TV], RUBY GILLMAN TEENAGE KRAKEN) is 51.
Look for Toni in the upcoming 2023, 2024 Thriller, MICKEY 7. Also in 2024, JUROR #2.
Writer, Director, Producer Lucky McKee (MAY, Masters of Horror: SICK GIRL, THE LOST, ROMAN, THE WOODS, RED, THE WOMAN, ALL CHEERLEADERS DIE, THE MAN WHO KILLED HITLER AND THEN THE BIGFOOT, KINDRED SPIRITS, DEATHCEMBER, OLD MAN) is 47.
Look for Lucky's 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 production of the animated Horror Thriller, THE WEIRD KIDZ, now starting the Film Festival circuit.
Actor Natalia Tena (HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, WOMB, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 & 2, GAME OF THRONES [TV], 50 KISSES, RESIDUE, THE REFUGEES [TV], ORIGIN [TV], THE BABY, JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4, BORDERLINE) is 39.