joel.'s top 13 horror films of 2018.... #11

Every year, you never know what the horror genre is going to unleash upon the world. You have an unsuspecting audience, just waiting to have their deepest and darkest fears manipulated.... all in the comfort of an air conditioned theater or their home. Not every year has been full of winners, some have proven to be better than others, but 2018 has yielded some very interesting genre fare that is full of a little bit of everything under the sun. My fellow creeps, I've put together what I feel (in my humble opinion) to be the best of the best for this year. There were a few that were nudged out by only inches and that's not a bad thing. It just proves that there are more stories to tell and makes me dream about all the amazing scares yet to come. So, without further adieu, I give you my top 13 horror films of 2018! (based on release dates and not the years they were filmed.... although some may be in the last quarter of 2017.)

11) 'The First Purge'

I have no shame in my love of 'The Purge' franchise. The first one didn't show us enough of the world that was built. The second and third, took us out into the open and slowly shifted to a more action based horror film. With a TV show and the fourth film, the series felt like it could be bordering on over saturation of the market. Once I finally saw this entry into the series, I felt like things were still alive and well. Despite mixed reviews and some hate being thrown its way, I felt like this kept the story moving forward and was worth being counted as a continuation of the series. What makes this all work, is that the world today is creepily close to reaching this outcome. I hope we never come to that, but in the meantime, it just cranks up the tension and makes this that much more frightening.



Suggested snack to eat while watching: something to binge on, before you purge

my thoughts on.... 'Halloween' (2018)

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

Every once in a while you get excited about something that's coming out. I'm not talking about general excitement, but honest to goodness, kid on Christmas, excitement. That's how it was when I went to the theater to see the newest installment in the 'Halloween' legacy. Way back when I first heard about a pitch that had happened by David Gordon Green and, none other than, Danny McBride for a new 'Halloween' film.... needless to say, I was confused. What on earth does this comedic actor and (primarily) television writer/director, know about horror? But the more I read about it and saw the legitimate passion they had for the project, the more interested I became. Then they dropped the bombshell. This was going to be a direct sequel to the original 1978 John Carpenter film. Once again, I was a little bit gobsmacked. Why on earth would you retcon everything from the past 6 sequels (not counting part 3) and/or not continue what Rob Zombie had started? It seemed a rather bold decision. Once again, I read all of the articles and saw that they had a vision. They saw something fresh and new that the rest of us did not and genuinely wanted to make the 'Halloween' film that we'd all been waiting for. I mean, the original part 2 was written in a drunken stupor and John Carpenter himself, wasn't really keen on how it turned out. Part 3 was it's own thing. Parts 4-8 created an almost impossible timeline of events and confusing back story that watered down the original material to an almost unwatchable place. Even part 8, that really could have been something good, turned into one of the biggest farces ever committed to the screen. Rob's films, essentially, could stand on their own and didn't leave much room for a continuation of the story. So, when I looked at it as a whole, what other direction could you go? Then, Jamie Lee Curtis signed on and all was well in the world. At that point, we all knew that this may be something special. Here we are, a couple of years later and the film has been unleashed to the world and it is doing some crazy box office. This just proves that Michael Myers has a staying power that can't be underestimated and that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

The film begins in Smith's Grove Sanitarium, the home of Michael Myers for the past 40 years. Now, an old man, he's never spoken a word and lives his days out as a bit of a modern day boogeyman; retired. Two podcasters come to visit him, in the hopes of getting some kind of an interview and a story for their latest episode. Upon meeting with Michael, one of them shows him the mask and we get the idea that perhaps there is something still a bit supernatural about 'The Shape'. They then head to the home Laurie Strode. The survivor of that single murderous night, in which Michael killed five other people and left her alive to tell the tale. She now lives in, basically, a compound that's compete with a shooting range, floodlights, all kinds of security and no one else but herself. The two podcasters once again attempt to get a story, in the hopes of possibly having her and Micheal sit down together to hash out their differences. We see Laurie is now a PTSD sufferer and has had a life full of sadness and struggle. All because of the actions of one man. She turns down the offer and escorts the two off her property. We then meet her daughter and granddaughter, who rarely see her, but are soon joined together for a meal. This turns out to be a bit of a good bye dinner, as Laurie plans to murder Michael as he's being moved to another location. She realizes that she can't go through with it and while Michael is on his way to his new home, he escapes. From there, it's back to Haddonfield, to once again pick up where he left off and possibly finish what he started.

I really don't want to divulge much more than that, because this is such a new film and part of the joy in seeing it is the ability to watch the events unfold naturally. While this might not be a perfect film and may have been a bit to over hyped by the press, it does pay off on the majority of what it promised. A return to form and a story that's worthy to be included in the canon that is 'Halloween'. One of the big things that immediately jumps out at you, with this film, is the score. John Carpenter returns to take what he originally wrote and expands on it in ways that punctuate the film beautifully. There are some intense moments that are only amplified by the musical score. What he's done with the music is perfect and fits tonally with what David was going for with the film itself. They really work quite well together and it lends some credence to the entire affair. Another aspect of this film that really spoke to me was the erasing of all that came after part 1. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy 2 and 3 quite a bit, but never really could appreciate the later outings like the rest of the fandom does. It wasn't until Rob Zombie's films, that I really got into the Michael mythos. I always felt like they were continually diluting what made the main character scary in the first place and making him more of a puppet that a monster. Whereas Jason was an undead killing machine and Freddy was a murdering mirth maker, Micheal became confusing. This wipes that slate clean and leaves you with the impression he may be more than just a man, but maybe not? It seems as though they were taking aspects of the other ten films and incorporating them into this one, in bits and pieces, but never really giving the audience more than a nod that they even existed. All in all, this film just felt 'right'. Like it fit perfectly in the world that John created and gave us some much needed closure on the story. Not that it's necessarily over....

With all of that being said, there were some things here that didn't work. There are some logic jumps, which kind of come with the territory. I mean, you can't make a horror film without it. At least not with a modern day boogeyman. There was one scene in particular that seemed a bit out of left field. I don't want to provide any spoilers, but it involves the doctor and.... well, you'll know it when you see it. However, the moment that part has ended, what happens next raises a lot of very interesting questions that make me look forward to the commentary on the DVD/Blu-ray release. I've also got a few minor issues with the mask itself, as I think I got a little bit spoiled with the quality of the one that Rob had created for his films. Not too mention, that if this is supposed to be the one that was used back in 1978, I would think that it wouldn't have been wearable by 2018. Based on what I know about latex masks. (Which isn't much). Finally, the ending. I'm a little puzzled by the decisions that were made with how to close out the third act. The final two shots and the (sort of) cut scene after the credits. They leave us with more questions than answers and it felt just a bit confusing. I don't know what the plan was with the franchise, when they were writing it, or if there was a plan, but it leaves me wondering if/and or what would happened next? Maybe that was the goal? All in all, this is a solid entry into the series and bookends nicely with the original films and even the remakes. Sadly, the majority of the other big names have fallen on hard times. The 'Friday the 13th' films have all but petered out, unless they do another reboot or find a fresh way to pick up where the left off. The 'Nightmare on Elm Street' films left us on a high note, only to kill that with a horrific remake. With 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre', it's become one of the most absurd timelines in cinema history. Although, I really enjoyed the most recent installment, it didn't really leave them room to grow. It's like each films is almost it's own separate entity with only Leatherface tying it all together. The 'Child's Play' films have held things together really well, in my opinion, and may finally be making a mistake with a reboot, but time will tell. Finally, 'Hellraiser'... well, that's just a mess. For the newest 'Halloween' (2018) I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 star ranking and have added it to my list of the 'Top 13 Horror Films of 2018' and justifiably so. It's a love letter to the first films, while breaking its own new ground. If you get a chance, go see this one in the theater with a room full of people and I think you'll walk away feeling satisfied. Also, thank you to Danny McBride and David Gordon Green for not making Laurie without the flaws and scars of someone who's endured a traumatic experience. Far too many films shy away from this for their 'final girl' and sadly, it ends up cheapening the story line and the characters that have been created. Bring on the next film!



If you like this film, please revisit: 'Halloween' (1978), 'Halloween' (2007) and consider the rest of them too. We all have our favorites, eh?

my thoughts on.... 'Victor Crowley'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

Adam Green, oh how I love your work. You never let anyone get in the way of what you want to do, which is usually something steeped in your love of the horror genre. Your 'Hatchet' series was a love letter to the 80's over the top slasher genre that took things to another level of insanity, but in a good way. Granted, I'm not the biggest fan of the Victor Crowley design, however, that's a minor hang up. You consistently get staples of the genre to join you in your madness, as your 'Hatchet Army' wallows in the fruits of your labor. In this 4th installment in the series and a re-branding of the franchise, Adam continues to do things his own way. This time, there seems to be a much lower budget, but he makes use of every dollar to make an incredibly fun film that features some of the mainstays and plenty of new faces to get ripped off. I think the best way to describe Adam's body of work is, “Metal”. There's a certain air to his projects that just feels like a heavy metal concert. Not just his use of metal icons, (I'm looking at you, Dee Snider in 'Holliston') but the way he presents his films. He also loves to blend a healthy dose of comedy among all the blood, guts, gore and icky stuff. It gives the audience a chance to breath and to laugh a little at the pure craziness that's unfolding before them. In 'Victor Crowley', he has some genuinely laugh out loud moments that are undeniable. By now you can probably tell that enjoyed this film. It's no secret that I'm a fan.

This time around, it's been 10 years since Victor Crowley's last rampage. No one has seen or heard from him and it seems like maybe he's gone forever. In the time that's passed, the Honey Island swamp has become a tourist attraction. People flock from miles around to visit his old stomping grounds. There are even toys in his likeness. The only survivor, that's telling the tale, is Andrew (played by Parry Shen). He's written a, somewhat factual, book on the events that nearly took his life. While on a promotional book tour, he's offered the opportunity to go back to the swamp and do an interview. Hesitant at first, he eventually gives in, when the money is too good to pass up. Meanwhile, a trio of indie horror film makers are trying to get their film adaptation of the massacre off the ground. They try and enlist Andrew to be a part of it, but he's already on his way out the door to the swamp. They head to the same destination to make a mock trailer of the film to get funding. While they're there, they begin playing the chant on YouTube that was used to bring him back from the dead. Not realizing that by doing this, they're starting the whole cycle over again. As Andres is on his way there, his plane crashes in the swamp. The trio goes to help and thus the rebirth of Victor Crowley begins.

While this film truly feels like it's on a budget, that doesn't make it any less enjoyable or entertaining. Adam utilizes minimal sets and actors, to increase the amount of blood shed and money shots. There are a few missteps in terms of special effects, but overall it's above par. This is one of the biggest draws of these films though. The over the top gore. With the 'Hatchet' films, there is zero subtlely when it comes to the violence. It's almost to the level of a Road Runner cartoon, but with entrails and eyeball gouging. It legitamtely feels like an 80's slasher film ala Tom Savini in his prime. While that may light a lot of us onlookers fire, there are some other horrific moments that don't require a blood pack or innards. Case in point, a drowning. Adam does his best to drive the point home so that when the death finally happens, it has meaning. It doesn't quite get to that level, but kudos to him for trying. He also pulls out all the stops with some fun casting choices, Kane Hodder ('Friday the 13th'), Laura Ortiz ('Holliston'), Brian Quinn ('Impractical Jokers'), Felissa Rose ('Sleepaway Camp'), Tiffany Shepis (anything low budget horror, probably has Tiffany in it), Jonah Ray ('Mystery Science Theater 3000' from 2017), Tyler Mane ('Halloween' 2007 and 2009), Adam Green (makes a cameo), Joe Lynch ('Holliston') and even Tony Todd ('Candyman') makes a comeback of sorts. Also, if you stick around through the credits, you might find another surprise. If that's not enough to get you interested, then you're reading the wrong blog.

At the end of the day, this is another decent entry in his incredibly fun franchise. If you don't mind spending almost the entire movie in or around a crashed, tiny airplane. If you like your horror on a budget. If you enjoy a solid laugh, while peeing yourself a little at the horror. If any of those things seem like something you'd dig, then this is a movie for you. It's a prime example of a film where you kind of shut your brain off at the door and just enjoy the hour and a half with old friends. It's a film that you can watch with your other Creepercast friends and share in the glow of a genre fanatics love letter to his fans. This film felt like Adam was paying tribute to his followers and thanking them for sticking by him for all these years. He didn't have to go back to the well, but I think we're all a little better for it. We don't have enough film makers in horror that just kind of do something for the sake of doing it. You can't have prime rib every night of the week forever. Sometimes you need some cotton candy. Something light and sugary to cleanse your palette. A treat that makes you feel like a kid again. That's what 'Victor Crowley' is. As long as you go into it with that mentality, then you won't walk out disappointed. I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars, for being the perfect piece of bloody candy. If you're a fan of the first three films, this may feel a bit unfinished, but I have a feeling that we're going to get another sequel at some point. If Jason Voorhees taught me anything, it's that you can't keep a good villain down.



If you like this, check out: 'Hatchet', 'Hatchet II' and 'Hatchet III'

my top 12.... 'Friday the 13th' films - The Recap!

Well there you have it! You safely navigated your way through Crystal Lake and came out alive. Jason Voorhees will always remain as one of my favorite horror icons. I'm not sure what it is about him? Whether it's the hockey mask, the fact that he's undead or just that he has a real stick to it-ness that keeps me coming back. Either way, I hope you enjoyed your trip back down memory lane. Do you agree with me? What say you Creeps?

12) Jason Goes To Hell
11) Jason X
10) Friday the 13th (2009)
9) Friday the 13th VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan
8) Friday the 13th part II
7) Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
6) Friday the 13th part VII: The New Blood
5) Friday the 13th park VI: Jason Lives
4) Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
3) Freddy vs Jason
2) Friday the 13th (1980)
1) Friday the 13th part III

Also, until we get a new 'Friday the 13th' film, check out the trailer for 'Never Hike Alone'!

my thoughts on.... David Gordon Green and Danny McBride's 'Halloween'

Ever since Michael Myers first stalked the babysitter in 1978's horror defining classic, 'Halloween', we've longed for a return to form and a decent follow up in that original franchise. 'Halloween 2' is about the closest they ever came to a proper follow up to the original, with sequel after sequel continuing to further take the story away from it's roots. To make Michael less and less frightening and more about how messed up his mask can get. However, I'm going to leave Rob Zombie's take on the series, out of this conversation. To me, they are 2 films unto themselves. Neither carrying on the story that started so many years ago, but rather to tell the story from another perspective. Granted, I'm a huge fan of Rob's work and feel that those 2 films are great examples of how to take something and make it your own. Love them or hate them, they are what Rob wanted them to be. A boogeyman built for a new generation.

With John Carpenter's masterwork slowly losing it's credibility over the years, fans have clamored for someone new to take the helm and bring us all back to basics. A streamlined piece of horror cinema that relies as much on music and mood, as it does murder and mayhem. There have been many rumors and whispers amongst horror fans for years. There have been fan films and comics and merchandising galore. There is no doubt that Michael has just as much power over the public now, as he did back in the late 70's and early 80's. People love him. In the past year or so, there were talks of John Carpenter traveling back to Haddonfield for role as producer in a new 'Halloween' installment. The buzz around this was insane. Fans were ready for him to resurrect the monster he created and to bring him back to form. Over time though, things kind of quieted, until this week. The new word on the street is something a bit unexpected. It was just announced on February 10th, that David Gordon Green (Stronger, Our Brand Is Crisis, Joe, Pineapple Express) and Danny McBride (Alien: Covenant, Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals) were in talks to bring 'Halloween' back, but they're not alone.

Now, unless you've been under a rock for the past decade, this is kind of an unusual pairing of ideas. Taking a couple of guys who don't have any real experience in the genre and handing them the keys to the kingdom. But wait, is that a bad thing? Another unlikely horror hero came out of the woodwork a while back and has been breathing life into the genre. None other than Elijah Wood. Yes, THAT Elijah Wood. It turns out, that the man is a horror fiend and ever since dipping his toe in the pond, he's been creating some pretty amazing stuff. For example, 2013's remake of 'Maniac' or 2014's 'Cooties', just to name a couple. He's also created his own production company and has been championing scary movies left and right. If this doesn't give you a little bit of hope, that two other non-fright films kind of guys, might be able to create something good.... I don't know what will. It's been proven time and time again that some of the most unsuspecting people will surprise you with how truly terrifying they can be. Maybe it's time we got a fresh set of hands on this franchise?

Danny McBride, when talking about what their 'Halloween' would be, had this to say: “You know, it’s not a remake. It’s actually, it’s gonna continue the story of Michael Myers in a really grounded way. And for our mythology, we’re focusing mainly in the first two movies and what that sets up and then where the story can go from there. Green and I are definitely going to [do] a straight-up horror. Halloween has always been one of my favorite movies of all time. There’s a simplicity and an efficiency to that first one that I think allows the movies just to be scary as hell. And so Green and I, our approach is to get back to that.” He continued on to say, “David and I are thrilled to step outside of our comedic collaborations and dive into a dark and vicious horror. Nobody will be laughing.” Right there, I get a little bit of goosebumps thinking about the prospects. Granted, 'Texas Chainsaw 3D' was the wrong way to continue a story from a fixed point in time, but if it's done right, it could be pretty amazing. Malek Akkad was even quoted, talking about the project: “It’s been a long journey with many starts and stops, but I can honestly say that I’ve never been more excited than by the team that we have assembled for the new ‘Halloween’. I truly feel this film will thrill fans, old and new, as well as being a high point in this legendary franchise.” I'm ready to see what this team might come up with. With John Carpenter still in the executive producers chair and possibly even heading up the music, and Malek Akkad behind it all, then I say let's give someone else a chance to play in this iconic sandbox. I'm ready for Michael to get back to his roots. What say you, Creeps?

my thoughts on.... the trilogy.

What is it about the trilogy that makes it so endearing? Why, when a film becomes successful, do they always talk about turning it into a trilogy? Why not just call it what it is, that they're starting a franchise? I mean, that's really what they're planning on doing.... toys, books, spin offs, etc. Yet, regardless of all that, the franchise continues on, to be the accepted course for any popular film to take.... but why is that?

Let's start with the basic core of any good storytelling. The standard format would be that it takes place in a 3 part story arc, with a beginning, middle and an end. During the course of that story arc, the main character or characters, has some sort of change or evolution. Perhaps this is what creates the success of the trilogy, that it follows the same blueprint? There's the first film, the origin story, that is act 1. Then comes the second film, where the use of the established characters starts with a bang and ends with a bang. That is act 2. Finally the third film, where we see our characters end their journey, with some sort of ultimate resolution, act 3. Each one independent of the other and capable of being a stand alone film, but all of them together, creating an epic story that should satisfy your love of the characters involved. Not unlike a good meal, it starts with a salad or an appetizer, then moves onto the entree and ends with a sinful desert. However, on some occasions.... we see the door left open at the end of the third film and that leads us into the earlier mentioned, franchise. One with potentially no end, but that's for a different article.

I, personally, am a fan of the second part of the trilogy, over the origin story. Why is it that the second installment in the series is usually the most beloved? For example, 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence' or 'The Dark Knight'. Each of these is a solid film on it's own, but as a part of the whole, they create the trilogy. All of these are a second installments in a three part story arc. I think, for me, it's all about the fact that you have an established character or characters and you throw them in a new situation and just let things happen. There doesn't always have to be the best plot, sometimes it's a repeat of the first movie's story line and other times it's a new direction for the series. No matter what though, since the origin story is out of the way, all bets are off.

This isn't always the case, however. There are just as many bad examples of number two's (hehehe) that left a lot to be desired. 'From Dusk 'till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money' or 'Predator 2', as a couple of examples. There's no hard and fast rules as to which part of a trilogy will stand out the most, but there is one thing that seems to stay fairly consistent, the third part is usually a let down. Why is it then, that when you have all the pieces of the puzzle and something that the public wants.... does the third and final act of the trilogy almost always disappoint? Could it be that the writers ran out of ideas or that the engine just ran out of steam? Perhaps it's a third reason, that we'll get to shortly. 'Hostel III' or Spider-Man 3', are examples of trilogy's that failed to complete the cycle. It isn't always the rule, there are a few exceptions to the rule, but you could almost put money on the fact that the third part of a trilogy will always let you down. However, for OCD completionists like me, I have to watch it, no matter what and if I love the trilogy as a whole.... I have to own it too. No exceptions. Yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment.

Occasionally, you get the trilogy that starts strong, continues strong and ends with a bang. They're few and far between, but they do exist. My belief is that the movies that are created, written and always treated as though they'll be a trilogy, end up being the most successful ones. Meaning, that if you conceive a story to be broken into three parts or is long enough to be divided into a trilogy, then those films will work as a whole body of work. Because the writer knows exactly where the characters are going to end up and how they will get there. The result is that we don't have to suffer through a weak chapter in the trilogy. The only issue, these diamonds in the rough seem to experience, is poor translation to the screen. I have, as of the writing of this article, yet to see a trilogy be rebooted/reimagined into a new trilogy that is as strong as the original. 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' films may prove that it can be done. The original films are incredibly strong and the first part in David Fincher's re-telling was just as strong. When the material is air tight, it just takes a little bit of magic and all the moving parts to work in unison and you get cinema magic.

 

What's the point of all this? I spent a period recently, watching several trilogy's to see what I could gleam from the experience. 'Hostel', 'Joyride' and 'The Human Centipede' were some of the movies on my list. Of those, 'Hostel' fell prey to the standard cliches mentioned in the first part of the post. 'Joyride' never had a chance. The material was not strong enough to support more than one film. The second and third were basically after thoughts to cash in on the success of the original. Sadly, they were complete garbage. Finally, 'The Human Centipede', proved to be the last type of trilogy I mentioned. The one where the creator had a trilogy in mind from the beginning and had the support and drive to make it a reality. Was it successful? I think Tom Six made something that will stand the test of time and be puzzled over and studied for years to tome. I've become somewhat of a fan boy, over the years, but worry that he might not be able to translate that success into something new? Something outside of 'The Human Centipede'? Time will tell, my friends. Time will tell.

I'm a fan of the stand alone film, but if the character is strong enough, I love seeing it turn into a trilogy or a franchise. For me, if I love a character, I want to see them in other situations. I want them to come back and entertain me again. No matter what genre it is or whatever the outcome. Every movie has the potential to become a series of movies. I've seen so many films that should have never had the capability or reason to be more than one film. Yet, box office results, big studio decisions and new ideas from the writers, can turn a single into a series. Sometimes they overstay their welcome, but who's to say when enough is a enough? Is it that different from a television series? A standard season of any series is between 6 to 13 + episodes. At 30 mins to an hour each, that's longer than most trilogy's and sometimes even some franchises. (I'm looking at you 'Witchcraft'.) I think it's all about changing your perspective. Look at it like you would a television series or a book series or a comic book. Some stories are intended to be serialized and ongoing, but for some reason, movies are held to a slightly different standard and I'm not sure why that is? Just like with reboots or remakes, why can't these just be considered another legitimate form of creativity? If you can cover another persons song, why not retell another persons movie? If the character, world or story is iconic enough, it will continue to live outside of the original source material. It may even outlive the creator themselves. Just look at something like 'Star Wars', 'James Bond' or 'Doctor Who', these creations took on a life of their own and have lent themselves to so much more out of the humble places where they began. So much so, that the fans have taken up the mantle and are expanding the universe beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. Horror may be every other genre's uncle, that nobody talks about, but even it has characters like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees. Characters so iconic that they've spawned video games, comic books and a mythos that John Carpenter, Wes Craven and Sean Cunningham never dreamed of when they first gave birth to the ideas. So let's embrace the trilogy, for what it is, and encourage film makers to strive for a character or world that can support the weight of multiple entries. I'm all for watching a character grow or change or even in some cases, just keep killing campers in unique ways as a cautionary tale for premarital sex. Plus, box sets look great on my movie shelves.

BREAKING NEWS! 'Halloween' reboot may finally have legs! (and a knife)

Good Evening, Creeps!
The rumor mill has been buzzing this week about some pretty exciting 'Halloween' news! It would seem that Blumhouse will be picking up the 'Halloween' franchise and giving it another reboot. Jason Blum made the announcement with Zanne Devine and David Thwaites from Miramax and Malek Akkad from Trancas. Malek is the son of the man that believed in 'Halloween' and continued the terror, until his untimely death. Even, with all of that power behind it, the icing on the cake was the announcement that John Carpenter would be teaming up with them as an executive producer and possibly even scoring the film!

There wasn't a lot of information, but Blum was quoted as saying:
“We’re not being vague because we know and we’re not telling. We’re being vague because we don’t know. We’re talking about different things. But I do feel like all of us kind of want to go back to that – I don’t know. I’m going out on a limb here. Malek, you guys tell me if you disagree – I don’t think we want to make it too meta, you know what I mean? We want to make it like it was – back to the basics – and not get into too much back story which we don’t need.”

This may be the combination that this franchise needs. Granted, I'm a die hard fan of both of Rob Zombie's installments and felt that they laid the groundwork for something really worthwhile. Granted, part 2 ended with a bit of an impossible scenario or one that would be difficult to carry on with. However, nothing is impossible with Michael Myers. But with that being said, I can't deny that the combination of producers, studio and John Carpenter, makes me drool a little.

As if this news wasn't enough, there was talk of 'Oculus' and 'Hush' director Mike Flanagen possibly wanting to direct. However there has been even more recent rumblings of another candidate who might breathe life in the Shape. Adam Wingard, director of 'You're Next' and 'The Guest' went viral with a lot of posts about 'Halloween' and is a very proud fan boy of the series of films. While nothing is set in stone yet, he would make an amazing choice to sit behind the lens and create something new and scary again.

All we can do for now, is wait and hope that everything finally pans out for Michael and his murderous intentions.

For more information on the whole, exciting story, check out the press release below:
"JOHN CARPENTER TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE NEW ‘HALLOWEEN’ FOR MIRAMAX®, TRANCAS AND BLUMHOUSE

LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2016 – John Carpenter, the multiple award-winning and legendary filmmaker and creator of the original Halloween films, will return to the franchise as executive producer on a new production of the iconic horror movie, it was jointly announced today by MIRAMAX® and Trancas International Films — MIRAMAX® and Blumhouse Productions will co- finance development and production, with Malek Akkad serving as producer under his Trancas banner and Jason Blum producing for Blumhouse. MIRAMAX®, which holds worldwide distribution rights, will determine its theatrical distribution partner at a future date.
The HALLOWEEN film franchise that was started in part by Carpenter and Moustapha Akkad in 1978 has spawned ten films generating a total of nearly $400 million in worldwide box office. John Carpenter said: “38 years after the original Halloween I’m going to help to try to make the 10th sequel the scariest of them all.”

Malek Akkad said: “Trancas International is thrilled to be teaming up with Miramax on Halloween, one of the most enduring horror franchises in film. We are also very excited to be working with Jason Blum and the whole team at Blumhouse. Together, along with the return of legendary filmmaker John Carpenter, we are eager to make a film that will be a milestone in the franchise’s legacy and that will excite the fans, young and old.”
Zanne Devine, MIRAMAX’s EVP Film & Television, said: “Malek Akkad’s legacy with the Halloween franchise accompanied by Blumhouse’s unprecedented talent in the horror genre lays the foundation of a formidable team to create the next chapter of this iconic fan favorite. Having John Carpenter godfather the reboot of the iconic franchise he helped create brings it full circle. We couldn’t be in better company bringing Halloween back to the big screen.”

Jason Blum said: “Halloween is one of those milestone films that inspired everyone at our company to get into the world of scary movies. The great Malek Akkad and John Carpenter have a special place in the hearts of all genre fans and we are so excited that Miramax brought us together. We cannot wait to find and collaborate with the right filmmaker to give Halloween fans the movie they deserve.”David Thwaites will oversee the reboot for MIRAMAX® with Carpenter and the companies planning to immediately go out to filmmakers and fast-track the project.

The Academy Award®-winning John Carpenter has written, directed, composed and/or edited over 20 films over the course of his career. An international household name, he is probably best known for his iconic features Halloween, The Thing, The Fog and Big Trouble in Little China, to name a few. As a musician, Carpenter kicks off his world tour in Los Angeles later this month, featuring songs from his Lost Themes and Lost Themes II albums – which he recorded with his son, Cody Carpenter. The 30+ city tour ends in Paris late November. He is repped by APA and Stankevich Law."
Christmas may be coming earlier than expected for all of the 'Halloween' fans!