Horror Report

Tag: horror

  • A creepy weekend read: True crime and the people who clean up after it

    A creepy weekend read: True crime and the people who clean up after it

    Presented on CRACKED: Things you learn when cleaning a murder site..

    There are some obvious horrid things in here–like the clean up after a body is found drained of blood in a bathtub.. and also some emotionally true things, like the fact those who find the body of someone who committed suicide are likely to do the same thing themselves..

    This article is not presented with any form of glee.. instead it is a true and accurate portrayal of the rottenness and loathsomeness that life often has..

    Read at your own mental risk..
    And don’t think for an instance that it’s easy being someone who fights crime or discovers the victims of it..and especially that it’s easy for someone to clean up after it.

    It certainly is not.

  • BLOODY MISTAKES

    BLOODY MISTAKES

    I have long believed that horror movies and professional wrestling are pop cultural examples of any given time or generation.. I have believed that, still do, and will always.

    As an example, as quick as I can explain, Hulk Hogan was the hero of the 1980s. Pure. Americana.. vitamins. The secrets of the 80s era became known later. But the bear was in the woods during the Reagan years, and flags were waving. All the while, Jason Vorhees was slashing his way through Camp Crystal Lake during the heyday of slasher flicks. But Jason wasn’t just a villain, he was commentary by filmmakers against the Christian Right. Jason was the ultimate judge and jury. Almost Godlike, some would say.. he killed those who had premarital sex and also teenagers who lost respect for adults. Fast forward to the 1990s, beer swigging Steve Austin became Stone Cold and the attitude of the Clinton years came into full swing.

    After 9/11, the birth of the torture porn films took place. Torture was ripe in American society, with debates and Dick Cheney proclaiming the goodness of ‘techniques’ to inflict pain. In movie theaters, people watched torture in the SAW franchise films and many others, including just about any gut-wrenching (literally) flick from Rob Zombie involving houses and 1000s of corpses.

    My actual interest in horror has been present since childhood. As a kid, Freddy Kreuger fascinated me as much as he scared me. The concept was genius. A dream killer.. Michael Myers and Halloween was one of my favorites, and still is. The thought of a silent killer in a William Shatner mask is horrifying alone, but add in John Carpenter’s cheap piano music that eventually became a classic and you have a match made in hell, or in this movie theater world, heaven.

    While horror has evolved, I actually think it devolved. No, not just because of the remakes.. endless remakes.. and remakes of the remakes (New Line has announced that are re-re-making the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET film again, most likely since the 2010 incarnation was so awful).. I think horror has became a mockery of itself. Instead of scaring and carrying weighty issues, often societal commentary in Hitchcock or Romero style, we are treated to an endless supply of blood and gore. Without a point..
    And sex.
    Oh yes, the sex.

    Before I get into the point of this post, I want to first say that if you really want to find creative horror—real creativity—look no further than independent filmmakers on YouTube who are busy offering up amazing short films that will scare the wits out of you. Some of them are 15 minutes.. others are two.. Either way they are amazing and fresh, not recycled nonsense like Hollywood shovels down our throats. But true scary little tales that will make you cringe if you watch them in the dark. As a matter of fact, queue a whole bunch up and play them on your SMART TV if you’re smart enough to have a SMART TV. Instead of a marathon of garbage and drivel, take an hour and watch a few short movies.. I recommend anything with Lotta Losten. Also films from SKYPEMARE.

    Back to the point of the article (since I wrote over 500 words and have yet to get to it): Bloody Disgusting, the website I follow for horror news, did something awfully disgusting the other day.. so much so that I feel it deserves some attention.

    In the interest of full disclosure, I am part time busy writing posts on NIGHT TERROR NEWS, what you see here, and also now and then updating a site called the HORROR REPORT. The HORROR REPORT has a long history, but it never quite made the fame charts in the horror world. While it focused on such film and entertainment, it also delved into the more realistic nature of the scary world. So it’s not a fan site.. Bloody-Disgusting.com is a far far far more popular site, perhaps one of the most popular in the horror website world. It’s unbeatable, even Mr. Dark at DREAD CENTRAL cannot hold a candle to the popularity of Bloody-Disgusting.
    But that doesn’t mean Bloody-Disgusting is superior.

    As a matter of fact, the site does a lot of the nonsense other sites do—turnoffs for me but clickbate for Facebook and Twitter. The lists. The ‘best ofs’ .. the top tens..

    And a top ten they offered is exactly what I wanted to discuss.

    The other day on BLOODY DISGUSTING posted August 4, a write at the site posted a story called “10 incredibly graphic sex scenes in horror movies (NSFW). Fair enough.. Sex and horror often go together, I suppose. But when you peruse the list, it’s not what you think.. Included with the list: The expected films like FRIDAY THE 13TH movies.. But so is the film ANTICHRIST, and SALO, OF THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM. And A SERBIAN FILM involving awful sex crimes to an infant. And LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, proclaiming that an “extended rape scene that is absolutely grueling.” And with that.. the floodgates of commentary on Facebook and the website opened.

    People opined quickly that rape scenes being included with what was billed as a fun little list was icky… sickening.. over the top.. wrong.. One fan of the author, in the comments thread, lectured that it seemed as though the post celebrated rape. And even a few responses from the author, Trace Thurman, showed up. Like this statement,

    “After reading the plethora of comments about the inclusion of the rapes, I take responsibility for not thinking about that aspect of rape vs sex. Those belong on a ‘most disturbing’ list.”

    The thread and Facebook comments opened up a fierce argument, often nasty crude and cruel, between readers.. Is rape sex? By definition, perhaps, but it’s forced.. should it be included with ‘sex scenes,’ and for God sakes, why included the awful SERBIAN FILM on any list at all!?

    The entire post seemed to blow up in all the wrong ways for BLOODY DISGUSTING. And it’s too late to just retract. The damage is done. Now it’s damage control time—with the author busy apologizing one by one to the commenters who seem most offended by the inclusion of such awful scenery in horror films.

    I am not someone who proclaims any allegiance to the path of censorship. However I also think ethical standards should be adhered to for common sense reasons. The other day I saw someone going to work at a business location that deals with the public, and he was wearing a “Don’t Treat on me” shirt. While I believe he has the right to wear what he wants, I simply question the logic of someone who seems to want to pick a fight for no reason..

    And in horror, as a viewer, I don’t want to see pets or babies abused. I don’t want to see the death of a child. I don’t even want to see graphic scenes. The R rated and X rated fans would call me a PG-13 wimp. I’m not completely a PG-13 fan either, but instead am more a horror of the most sort of person..

    That or I am growing up. And as a parent and husband, simply take things a different way. Like the scene in the HILLS HAVE EYES remake when my wife and I literally wept when the father was crucified and burned in front of his family in an agonizing death sequence. I actually stopped watching horror for a while after that.

    I feel somewhat bad for Trace Thurman, who now has to busily say sorry for his article and explain that often times sarcasm doesn’t come through very well. That being said, I think it was a mighty awful error to include scenes of graphic rape in a list that was advertised on Facebook with a photo featuring a pleasant looking women prior to the ‘deed being done.’

    I also think it has led to some uncomfortable soul searching for horror fans who read the post, and responded in writing.

    Once more, I don’t think censorship is an answer. Art needs to flourish and sometimes offend. That said, I think self-censorship is often intelligent. Especially when you’re writing a list about the top ten sex scenes in horror and somehow find it wise to include graphic rape.

  • The ‘head in a saucepan’ serial killer granny

    The ‘head in a saucepan’ serial killer granny

    Russia was shocked this week by the arrest of a 68-year-old woman being dubbed the babushka serial killer.. 

    Tamara Samsonova murdered a 79-year-old companion for not washing tea cups. It gets worse.. she then cut up the body and dumped parts around town.. 

    And worse: There is video of her dragging body parts from closed circuit TV–something police have enthusiastically embraced as the best evidence that the old woman did the crime.

    And not just that crime.

    RT followed the story and has an extensive report about the babushka wearing murderer.. This from the report:

    The search there produced evidence suggesting that this was not the first violent crime committed by Samsonova. Further investigation led to a discovery straight out of a horror movie.
    The investigators found a detailed diary she had kept for some years in three languages, the report said, in which Samsonova accounted for a dozen murders since the late 1990s.

    And more:

    Neighbors have described Samsonova as an “misfit.” It was revealed that she had previously been treated by a mental health clinic on more than occasion, and been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
    Once detained for Valentina’s murder, she initially said that the victim set her up and that another neighbor, a health worker by trade, assisted her in the killing, which was proved to be a lie.
    Samsonova also told police that she graduated from St. Petersburg ballet school, but in reality she used to be a bellhop in a hotel.
    Police say that before killing her victims she used to sedate them with powerful drugs to immobilize them.

    Various other names are being used to describe the the killer–the media enjoys dubbing someone something, in this instance creativity is taking hold. Like this: The ‘Granny Ripper.’ The Babushka Yaga. Or this.. Granny the Ripper. And countless more.

    While some may be having obvious fun with the age of the criminal, the murders seem as horrific as anything conducted by a killer less her age. Brutal and inescapable.

    And now with a diary, police  believe it’s proove enough that she committed countless other crimes beyond the pale.

    One neighbor told RT reporters that this entire scenario was even worse than a horror movie.
    Funny she said that. The first thing I thought was that some creative movie maker out there was going to make a horror film based on this.

    Which in itself seems tragic and gross just as much as the crime that may inspire it..

  • M NIGHT not so Wayward in new show

    M NIGHT not so Wayward in new show

    Director M. Night Shyamalan poses for portrait during the 2015 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California July 9, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
    Director M. Night Shyamalan poses for portrait during the 2015 Comic-Con International Convention in San Diego, California July 9, 2015. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

    For years, the legendary M Night Shyamalan has lost his luster.. gone were the hits and surprise endings.. And in were the critics who slammed him for lame story lines and hackneyed tales and fables.

    WAYWARD PINES was different..
    Since the inception of the show, ratings were strong.

    Viewers seemingly have become content with NIGHT’s PINES after ten episodes–something people were pondering, would viewers accept his style after so many busts at the box office..? They did.

    The program has already covered Blake Crouch’s entire trilogy.. But rumors persist: If FOX wants more, there are ideas..  There are also rumored ‘preliminary’ discussions about the program and whether more are coming..

    FOX may see ratings and get ideas. The series began strong–and ended strong. The show was strong throughout the duration.. TVSERIESFINALE.COM has the numbers proving success.. there were only two weeks where large drop offs took place. Otherwise, the final show soared 22%..

    x x x

    The success of WAYWARD PINES is fueling hopes in the Shyamalan camp that the pesky movies some former fans called atrocities in cinema may be behind him. Things like THE VILLAGE, LADY IN THE WATER, and THE HAPPENING–though I have professed  my fondness on a number of occasions for all three aforementioned non-hits.

    This fall, September 11 to be exact, THE VISIT will premiere in theaters..
    To what audiences?
    To what money?
    To what success or lukewarm response?

    Time will tell.

    But I think the M NIGHT name may be stronger than the weakest moments. People are fond of THE SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS. That is how we got to know Shaymalan. And all those others are forgivable.

    In the movie business, directors get second chances. In this case, perhaps 5th chances.

    After WAYWARD PINES, newfound respect is being given to Shyamalan–perhaps enough respect that he will end up with a season 2 along with a hit autumn chiller..

  • A SHORT HORROR FILM NAMED CYNTHIA

    A SHORT HORROR FILM NAMED CYNTHIA

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aei_tOBPsWI?feature=oembed]

    This is a short horror film named CYNTHIA from  kpictures

    .“Cynthia,” is the story about a man in purgatory who’s soul is being condemned to hell by his murdered girlfriend under the gaze of the devil who eagerly awaits. 

    It’s a well-spent 10 minutes of time.

    “Cynthia” is an Official Selection of the Winter Film Awards 2015 and played there this year in New York City.

    A Kaleidoscope Pictures Inc. Production
    Written and Directed by: Christopher Wells

    Bravo.

  • Not a ghost tale, but perhaps even scarier

    Not a ghost tale, but perhaps even scarier

    I read a fascinating article–thank God I am not the victim here or it would not be fascinating at all–today about a family in New Jersey fleeing their new ‘dream home’ because of frightening letters they were receiving from someone who called himself ‘The Watcher.’  

    According to the article, the previous owners never told the new ones about this strange person.. 

    A lawsuit has been filed.

    From CBS NEW YORK:

    As CBS2’s Valerie Castro reported, the large six-bedroom home in Union County is being watched – according to a lawsuit filed by its new owners.

    They paid $1.3 million for their “dream home” in the picturesque town of Westfield. They claim the previous owners were aware of a man who calls himself “the Watcher,” but they never said anything.

    “I would be pretty upset if I bought a house and found out that the previous owners knew about it,” said Robert Hagen of Westfield.

    Since moving in, the owners said they have received numerous letters from the mysterious person. “The Watcher” claimed the home “has been the subject of my family for decades,” and “I have been put in charge of watching and waiting for its second coming,” Castro reported.

    The new owners have several children, and other letters asked, “Have they found out what’s in the walls yet?” and “I am pleased to know your names now, and the name of the young blood you have brought to me,” Castro reported.

    The bone-chilling letters were enough to send the new family packing. The incident was so unnerving that Westfield Mayor Andy Skibitsky addressed the issue at a Town Council meeting Tuesday night.

    There have been frightening ghost stories, such as the Amityville Horror, supposedly chasing a family from their abode. I don’t think I have ever heard of a story quite like the one linked here.. 

    This sounds like the plot of a movie..
    People are scarier than ghosts..

  • OPINION ARTICLE IN QUARTZ: On the 40th anniversary of Jaws, pity the American horror film

    OPINION ARTICLE IN QUARTZ: On the 40th anniversary of Jaws, pity the American horror film

    OPINION ARTICLE IN QUARTZ: On the 40th anniversary of Jaws, pity the American horror film

    Good read by Catriona Miller…

    I don’t consider JAWS the classic others do, but I see the point of the article. Horror has fallen steadily since then in the eyes of some… however there are amazing films the mainstream media often chooses to ignore. This year they could not ignore IT FOLLOWS
    There are worthwhile films out there.. but you have to look to find them.

    I still believe that professional wrestling and horror movies best show the pop culture of the time they are from.. Regardless of what reviewers or ‘experts’ in the entertainment field say.. 

    Miller may be right when about the fall of the American horror film.
    But we still have the Japanese and Iranians.. Creativity still abounds. 

  • Untitled post 13290

    ROB ZOMBIE promising a NON HORROR flick about Groucho Marx.. 

    I have been a long time critic of Zombie’s style of horror, I think it did more harm than good since HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES became a hit. 

    But he also struck while the iron was hot, figuring out what the post 9/11 horror crowd would accept and celebrate. Even though I disdain his style, especially his HALLOWEEN remakes, 

    I think Zombie is one of the most creative and greatest movie makers alive today. 

    His films may not be my cup of tea, but those cups are enjoyed thoroughly by millions of others. So really, in the end, my criticism is more a matter of opinion than factual based.  And a Groucho Marx movie? Now I’ll try that one.

  • Halloween reboot in the works

    Halloween reboot in the works

    Halloween reboot in the works

    The already overdone and failed concept of endless Halloween movies is going to get another run. And just in case there are any people still looking forward to it, read the exclusive MOVIE HOLE infornation they obtained:

    Titled “Halloween Returns”, the new project will be a standalone film set to reintroduce audiences to Michael Myers years after his initial rampage.

    “Halloween Returns” will pit a new group of Haddonfield youngsters against Myers. The now 18-year-old child of one of Myers’ victims plays a central role along with the child of a cop whose long been obsessed with Myers’ case, even putting it before his own daughter.

    Myers is now on death row and the two kids with their own personal vendettas against the killer sneak in to watch his execution. But when things go awry and Myers escapes, the pair, along with their friends, find themselves in the firing line.

    This just sounds all wrong. Plain wrong..

    I have become weary of Michael Myers, but this death row concept for someone who has already been killed 8 times plus is plain ludicrous.

    I actually wish someone would remake Halloween 3—as a horror fan, I have always been outnumbered in my appreciation of the Season Of Thr Witch..

    Instead though Hollywood will return to the tried and true method of pointless slasher trasher with a storyline to match. ..

    Save us.
    Someone.

  • HORROR FANS DELIGHT: STREAMING IS COMING

    HORROR FANS DELIGHT: STREAMING IS COMING

    VARIETY was the first to report news of this hours ago, before it was picked up by several horror fan sites and other news outlets.. Janko Roettgers from VARIETY did the reporting. No need to paraphrase when the quote will suffice:

    Be prepared to be scared: AMC Networks has begun an invite-only beta test of their horror-centric OTTvideo service Shudder. The service offers streaming access to full-length ad-free horror movies, and wants to eventually launch on a number of TV streaming devices. Its technology is being powered by and Softbank-owned online video platform Dramafever.

    Consumers who previously signed up on Shudder’s public pre-launch website have started to get invites over the last 24 hours, and can now join the service for two free months. After that, Shudder is charging $4.99 a month, or $49.99 for a full year. An AMC Networks spokesperson confirmed the beta test Tuesday, but said that there’s no firm date yet for Shudder coming out of beta.

    Genre specific content is not a new idea.. But coming more to fruition in recent years. Undoubtedly this idea will spark interest in horror fans..