First up for the Grue-Crew is the slow burn into survival horror Killing Ground from writer/director Damien Power. The Grue-Crew want to love Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets but just can't do it on pretty colors alone. Dave launches into the Horror News of the Week with the loss of the character actor John Heard and a barrage of SDCC 2017 Horror announcements. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 225 – Killing Ground (2017) – Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planet (2017)
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Once again, Thomas and Doc jump feet first into all the super-hero, sci-fi, and fantasy film - and some TV - news from SDCC. Joining this year is the ever-talented Chad Hunt from Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast to discuss all the wonderful nuggets of nutty nonsense from WB/DC, Marvel, and more killer genre-related news from the 2017 edition of the biggest comic convention in the States. DC wows the crowd with a new Justice League trailer and a stellar line-up of upcoming films. Marvel brings down the house with Defenders, Avengers, Black Panther, and Thor Ragnarok. HBO brings a delightful Westworld Season 2 teaser. And Netflix thrills the audience with a sneak peek at Stranger Things 2. All this and more...
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
SDCC 2017 Special Extra Episode
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First up for the Grue-Crew is the unsurprisingly dull and quietly undemanding Wish Upon featuring The Conjuring's Joey King and Ryan Phillippe. The Grue-Crew rave about War for the Planet of the Apes praising the Matt Reeves, Andy Serkis, and the incredible achievements of Weta Digital. Dave launches into the Horror News of the Week with the devastating loss of the legendary George A. Romero and Academy Award winner Martin Landau. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 224 – Wish Upon (2017) – War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
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First up for the Grue-Crew is the surprising bloody and entertaining Castlevania animated original series found on Netflix. Doc and Thomas cannot let the Spider-Man: Homecoming film swing by without spinning a wondrous web around the latest Marvel film. Dave drops into the Horror News of the Week with Scream Factory's release of The Poughkeepsie Tapes, a short horror film contest run by James Wan, and a scary discussion on "Post-Horror". Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 223 – Castlevania (Netflix 2017) – Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
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Award-winning director Christopher G. Moore and Joey Fittos join the Grue-Crew this week for a bloody bucket of gory reviews and previews. First up is a look at a number of genre-related TV shows landing on the small screen. Later, the Grue-Crew forecast the Most Anticipated Horror Films of Fall 2017. Dave drops into the Horror News of the Week with the announcement that the Kevin Bacon led Tremors TV show will head to SyFy, Jane Levy & Glenn Close star in the zombie series Sea Oak, and Ron Howard inherits the mess that is the Han Solo standalone Star Wars film. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 220 – Horror on TV (Summer 2017) – Most Anticipated Horror Films (Fall 2017)
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Award-winning director Christopher G. Moore joins the Grue-Crew to discuss the summer shark movie horror film 47 Meters Down. While the underwater and shark scene thrill everyone, the crew is divided over the film's concluding switcheroo. Doc and Thomas have a difference of opinion on the sci-fi movie Kill Switch featuring Dan Stevens. Good luck with that one. Dave drops into the Horror News of the Week with a couple of trailers for Happy Death Day and Flatliners remake along with the announcement that Kevin Smith is directing a new horror anthology film called Killroy Was Here. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 220 – 47 Meters Down (2017) – Kill Switch (2017)
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The Dark Universe is upon us and thing ain't looking too bright, sadly. THE MUMMY reboot of the Universal Monster franchise has finally arrived and the Grue-Crew is here to discuss the results. The lukewarm box office and piss-poor reviews are signs enough for what the Crew will share; however, award winning director Christopher G. Moore joins the crew this week to share his ...love... for the film. Oh, dear. For the WHYBW segment, the Grue-Crew explore the A24 independent film release IT COMES AT NIGHT with a careful and critical eye. The film is catching flack for its marketing, Thomas insists to look at it without that issue in mind. Dave drops into the Horror News of the Week with the sad news of the loss of Adam West, the 1966 Batman himself. Other news includes the new Black Panther trailer and upcoming games from E3 2017 such as Transference from Spectravision. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 219 – The Mummy (2017) – It Comes at Night (2017)
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Special guest Caitlin Turner joins the Grue-Crew to tackle the French horror film Raw which caused quite a stir at a recent horror film festival. At TIFF last year, audience members were made ill watching this film. Imagine how excited The Black Saint is to see this film. Find out how it fares with his review. For the WHYBW segment, the Grue-Crew turn their attention to the latest DCEU entry Wonder Woman. Does the box office champion bode well for the future of the DC cinematic heroes? Dave dives into the Horror News of the Week with Adam Wingard helming the upcoming Godzilla vs King Kong film, The Mist getting a new bug-filled trailer, and the Dark Universe is set to unleash Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 218 – Raw (2017) – Wonder Woman (2017)
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The Alien franchise returns to theaters this past weekend with Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant. While it is a direct sequel to Prometheus, featuring fan-favorite David (Michael Fassbender), the film suggests a new origin for the xenomorph species....and a plethora of gory, gruesome special effects! For the What Have You Been Watching segment, Thomas visits David Lynch's Twin Peaks The Return on Showtime. Dave dives into the Horror News of the Week with the Sony announcement that Tom Hardy is Venom, George Romero is shopping Road of the Dead, and Universal has relabeled its upcoming monster franchise Dark Universe. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 216 – Alien: Covenant (2017) – Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)
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The Grue-Crew catch a pair of VOD horror offerings this week with Mike Mendez' Don't Kill It as the feature review and Dan Berk & Robert Olsen's Stake Land 2: The Stakelander in the What Have You Been Watching segment. What they find, despite both being written by the Berk & Olsen team, is that mileage varies. One of the films lands on the positive side of the draw while the other dips into a less favorable reaction. At least there's plenty of Dolph Lundgren! Dave sadly shares the Horror News of the Week with the passing of two legendary character actors: RIP Michael Parks and Power Booth. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 215 – Don't Kill It (2017) – Stake Land II (2017)
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A bunch of a-holes gathers to discuss Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The Grue-Crew are joined by American Gods Fan Podcast host Christopher G. Moore and Decades of Horror The Classic Era host Chad Hunt to share their love for the continuing adventures of Starlord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, and Baby Groot. "I'm Mary Poppins, y'all!" Yondu steals the movie. There is no doubt Marvel has another huge hit on their hands. Dave grabs the Horror News of the Week reigns with a trio of movie trailers including It, The Dark Tower, and Blade Runner 2049. Closing out the show Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 214 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
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The Grue-Crew clash over the Nacho Vigalondo film Colossal, a killer Kaiju film with a kick-ass twist. It is also one of the most original films you will see this year. Thomas surprises everyone else on the podcast with a positive review of the Blumhouse film that snuck into theaters this weekend, Sleight from writer/director J.D. Dillard. Dave grabs the Horror News of the Week reigns with the sad news of the passing of legendary director Jonathan Demme, the man who gave horror fans Silence of the Lambs. He also shares news of M. Night Shyamalan's next film, the sequel to Unbreakable and Split titled Glass, coming our way January 2019 and the announcement that David Fincher is all but signed on the dotted line to direct Brad Pitt in World War Z 2. Who knew that would be a thing? Thomas and Santos participate in a battle of wits with this week's Stump the Saint!
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 213 – Colossal (2017)
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The Grue-Crew gather to see if the Phoenix can rise from the ashes and not be Forgotten on the 212th episode of Horror News Radio. Co-hosts Doc Rotten, The Black Saint, Dave Dreher, and Thomas Mariani ponder why Phoenix Forgotten even got a theatrical release and take a look at the Shudder Exclusive We Are The Flesh. Dave steers the Horror News of the Week segment with mentions of a King Kong Skull Island TV series and the announced release date - finally - for the Friday the 13th game. Thomas challenges The Black Saint to another round of Stump the Saint that should not be missed.
As always, the HNR Grue-Crew would love to hear from you, the listeners, the fans. You can always reach out via email at feedback(AT)horrornewsradio(DOT)com or find us on Twitter: Doc Rotten | Dave Dreher | The Black Saint | Thomas Mariani. Also, like us on Facebook and join the Horror News Radio Facebook Group.
Horror News Radio
Episode 212 – Phoenix Forgotten (2017)
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The Grue-Crew rev up their engines for a brief detour this week as they cover the star-studded over-the-top action film THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS. The cast includes regulars Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and Nathalie Emmanuel as Dominic Torreto's lovable rat-pack of street racers turned International spies. It's Bond on wheels and all about ... family. Jason Statham returns in a major way to punch things up while Kurt Russell makes a welcomed appearance and Helen Mirren cameos. Mad Max: Fury Road's Charlize Theron is on board as Blofeld...er...Cypher, the film's villain. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Thomas grabs the wheel in attempts to course correct HNR back into the world of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy with a look at Netflix's Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return. The Black Saint and Dave ring in with their thoughts on Joel Hodgson's reigniting the franchise as it looks satirically back a number for forgotten gems...well, maybe not "gems" but...nevermind, they're bad...oh, so, bad. You know you're in for a special time when it is "Avalanche" for the win.
Dave pilots this week's edition of Horror News of the Week with the long-anticipated trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the rumor that Universal is eyeing Bill Condon to direct The Bride of Frankenstein, and the casting of Sam Elliot in The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot. HNR and Gruesome Magazine are heading to a number of horror conventions and film festival in the coming months Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival in May to Dragon Con in September.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 211 – The Fate of the Furious (2017)
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Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's not a horror film but the Grue-Crew, on occasion, dive into the action pool to see what else lies in the cinematic wasteland of Hollywood offerings. The Fate of the Furious is just crazy enough to lure HNR's attention in that direction. Combined with some genre favorites (c'mon Kurt Russell!) and the promise of incredible stunts, it's too delicious to resist. Well, for everyone save Dave, who still refuses to join Dom's family. High octane hilarity awaits!
Netflix continues to win genre fans' hearts with the return of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Thomas leads the review of the first four episodes of every madcap, laff-track minute, featuring riffs on everything from Reptilicus to Avalanche. Even Peter Cushing isn't spared as they skewer his film At the Earth's Core. Check out how Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return fares and stands up next to the original.
Pheonix Forgotten (2017)
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tagline "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror filmmakers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
The Grue-Crew settle down to tackle the latest film from director Sean Byrne titled The Devil's Candy. The film universally surprised the crew with its heavy metal sensibilities and strong family core brilliantly blended with a horrific tale of madness, murder, and possession. Featuring Ethan Embry, Shiri Appleby, Kiara Glasco, and Pruitt Taylor Vince, The Devil's Candy hits hard and fast with a quick paced 79 minutes. Highly recommended, a review to grab your attention.
For this episode's What Have You Been Watching Segment, the Grue head over to Netflix to take in a sci-fi thriller from director Charlie McDowell and writer Justin Lader. The film is The Discovery. The premise is strong where a group of scientist proves the existence of the afterlife but the film drives off course for its over-explained finale. Regardless, the ideas are fascinating and the cast is rich featuring Robert Redford, Jason Segel, Rooney Mara, and Jesse Plemons.
Dave pilots this week's edition of Horror News of the Week with the trailer for Thor Ragnarok, the announcement of a Haunting TV series from Mike Flanagan, and unearthed alternate endings for The Blair Witch Project. HNR and Gruesome Magazine are heading to a number of horror conventions and film festival in the coming months Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival in May to Dragon Con in September.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 210 – The Devil's Candy (2017)
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The first three months of 2017 are already promising enough with films like Split, Get Out, and The Void claiming spots in the Grue-crew's top 10 for the year. The film this week, The Devil's Candy, is a last minute substitute feature review when the original choice was discovered to be unavailable. Wow! What a fortuitous alternative. The Devil's Candy is yet another strong contender for the best of the year with great performances from its cast, a killer soundtrack, and shocking tale of horror. Check this one out!
With a cast like this, expectations are high for The Discovery. Certainly, Robert Redford, Mary Steenburgen, and Rooney Mara are fantastic, Jason Segel and Jesse Plemons are no slouches either. But the film, directed by Charlie McDowell, despite its incredibly fascinating setup, drops the ball, in the end, leaving the Crew a little underwhelmed. Yet, the journey was not entirely fruitless. The divisive film gets put through the wringer this week.
Fate of the Furious (2017)
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
For our special anniversary episode of Horror News Radio, the Grue-Crew scoured and scraped for a film worth to be included. They found the film they were looking for in the film THE VOID from directors Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski. The film unfolds like a classic gore-fest from the Eighties complete with gruesome practical effects and splatter galore. The film is swimming in crimson goo with monsters and mayhem around every dimly lit corner. Ah! A match made in heaven...or...it that elsewhere....?
This episode marks four years since the Grue-Crew first gathered to record the podcast, featuring a review of the Evil Dead remake. A few fans sent in questions and congratulations - and there may a familiar voice heard among them. In the What Have You Been Watching segment David and Doc discuss the season finale of The Walking Dead and the surprising turn of events in Bates Motel.
Dave pilots this week's edition of Horror News of the Week with a round up of recent trailers from It to Annabelle: Creation to The Mummy. HNR and Gruesome Magazine are heading to a number of horror conventions and film festival in the coming months Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival in May to Dragon Con in September.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 209 – The Void (2017)
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The Black Saint says it best that The Void draws upon the classics in the genre: Hellraiser, John Carpenter's The Thing, even Halloween II and many others. But, as Thomas agrees, it doesn't do so to simply reference or homage those classics. The film uses those concepts to build into its own unique and bloody narrative. It is a treat for horror fans, especially those who remember watching classics from the local Mom and Pop VHS shop. Aaron Poole leads the cast which features Ellen Wong, Kathleen Munroe, Kenneth Walsh, Amy Groening, Evan Stern, Stephanie Belding, and Art Hindle. A must see!
Dave Dreher and Doc Rotten reflect on the Seventh season of The Walking Dead as the season finale airs. The expected grand extravaganza ended up being a bit of a whimper as the drop in ratings illustrates. The finale had a moment or two - mostly surrounding Negan - but the end result was a bit of an anticlimactic let down. Dave and Doc quickly turn their attention to the far more successful but no less controversial recent episodes of Bates Motel that weave Marion Crane (Rihanna) into the TV version. For Dave and Doc the variation on the classic "shower scene" was a season highlight while many across the internet have been panning the choice. Regardless, the performances from Eddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga are extraordinary.
To Be Determined
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
Paul Cardullo joins Doc Rotten to discuss the 10 films that played during the 18th Annual Nevermore Film Festival in Durham, NC, February 24-26, 2017. Each year, the highly anticipated film festival shares some of the best the horror genre has to offer - along with some sci-fi and thriller options as well. Ten films were presented during the weekend, 9 were in competition and one (The Love Witch) was an official release included during the event. Each film had something unique to offer. Doc and Paul share their thoughts on each film
Horror News Radio Extra
Episode 11 – The 18th Annual Nevermore Film Festival, Durham, NC, 2017
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Not only does the Nevermore Film Festival have some of the best horror films, it also schedules a number of terrific shorts in a series of 90-120 minute blocks. They too are always fantastic. While Doc and Paul concentrate on the features for this podcast, they also caught some fine examples of short films, including but not limited to The Call of Charlie, Born Again, Death Metal, and The Fisherman's Wife. Below are the ten feature films.
Waiting patiently for Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant to arrive this Summer, the Grue-Crew whet their appetites for aliens vs human carnage with the Daniel Espinosa sci-fi/horror opus Life out in theaters March 2, 2017. The film plays close to type combining Alien with Gravity as a newly discovered alien rips through a small group of space scientists. Fun times! The best thing about the film is the Twilight Zone down-beat ending that is pretty spectacular. Getting there garners mixed results from the Grue-crew.
Shudder once again serves up new material with the premiere of Prevenge from writer/director and star Alice Lowe. Dave returns this week to share his affection for this film with Thomas passionately backing him up. However, Doc steps into the ring in the opposite corner and that never goes well. Regardless, you're going to want to hear the review and check out this horror film on Shudder.
Dave pilots this week's edition of Horror News of the Week with a possible Venom R-rated horror film and the Escape from New York remake finds a director. HNR and Gruesome Magazine are heading to a number of horror conventions and film festival in the coming months with Joey Fittos covering New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival March 31 - April 2, 2017. This week Doc Rotten discusses his visit to Mad Monster Party Carolina, March 24-26, 2017.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 208 – Life (2017)
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Hitting theaters this past weekend is the promising blend of Alien and Gravity as Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rebecca Ferguson face down the ferocious machinations from director Daniel Espinosa and Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick (Deadpool) in the sci-fi/horror film Life (2017). A team of scientist on the International space station circling Earth discover an alien life form that grows into a monster willing to kill to survive. While much of the film feels like seen-that/done-that, the ending of the film is quite memorable and thrilling. Great special effects and solid cinematography don't always win out over spotty character development and massive plot hole. Yet, the film is fun.
Heading straight to Shudder streaming site after a positive debut at SXSW, Prevenge from writer/director Alice Lowe features a pregnant mother-to-be facing either a massive mental break down or an evil force from within encouraging her to act out on her anger issues, slicing and dicing anyone who crosses her path to shreds. Fun is had by all, maybe. The Grue-crew dive into the the horror film with great respect from most and a hint of disdain from one. Uh, oh.
The Void
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
James Gunn (Slither, Guardians of the Galaxy) returns to the horror genre as the screenwriter and producer of THE BELKO EXPERIMENT. Remember, the popular Marvel director once wrote the screenplays for the Scooby Doo films and Zack Snyder's remake of Dawn of the Dead. With The Belko Experiment from director Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, Rogue), Gunn swipes heavily from Battle Royale working double time to shove in a healthy dash of Office Space. So, what exactly does the Horror News Radio Grue-Crew think of his efforts. What you hear may surprise you...be warned.
Thomas is leading this week's edition of Horror News of the Week with the sad news of the passing of comic horror legend Berni Wrightson who co-created DC's the Swamp Thing and illustrated the Creepshow adaptation along with a beautiful rendition of the classic Frankenstein novel. He will be missed. HNR and Gruesome Magazine are heading to a number of horror conventions and film festival in the coming months with Joey Fittos covering New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival March 31 - April 2, 2017 and Doc Rotten and John Black heading to Mad Monster Party Carolina, March 24-26, 2017.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 207 – The Belko Experiment (2017)
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The cast for THE BELKO EXPERIMENT is an impressive collection of fine actors for a modestly budgeted horror entry: John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, John C. McGinley, Melonie Diaz, Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn, and Gregg Henry. The gore is splattered throughout and the surprises pile up as the body count rises. But the film steers clear of anything heavy with its social commentary and inventive kills. The pacing, the music, and the editing prevent the film from escaping the bland execution of a promising premise. Stick with the trailer...or check out the review from the Grue-Crew. The movie is D.O.A.
Life
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
Legendary continues their MonsterVerse with the release of Kong: Skull Island, following up the American version of Godzilla (2014). With director Jordan Vogt-Roberts at the helm, the film is a B-movie picture with an A-movie cast and budget, including increasing Kong's size to become over 100 feet tall. It may be the best big dumb monster movie ever. The Grue-crew hunker down in the podcast jungle to share their thoughts on the furry Kaiju beast and his battles with helicopters, a giant octopus, some deadly "skull crawlers", and one mean looking Samuel L. Jackson. While the film is a gas, it may be the stinger that has the crew all giddy.
Dave is back with another edition of Horror News of the Week with talk of Behind the Mask getting a comic book, another Friday the 13th game trailer, and Netflix picking up the Godzilla anime feature. HNR and Gruesome Magazine are heading to a number of horror conventions and film festival in the coming months with Joey Fittos covering Monster-Mania this past weekend and Doc Rotten and John Black heading to Mad Monster Party Carolina, March 24-26, 2017.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 206 – Kong: Skull Island (2017)
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Check out this killer A movie cast: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John C. Reilly, John Goodman, Corey Hawkins, John Ortiz, Tian Jing, Toby Kebbell, Jason Mitchell, Shea Wingham, Thomas Mann, Eugene Cordero, and Richard Jenkins. Too bad most of them are nothing more than fodder for Kong and his monster mates on Skull Island to stomp, eat, and squish in glorious monster movie mayhem. Kong is truly King! He is amazing in the film, wonderfully rendered and perfectly integrated in the world of Kong. The film also sets up the eventual Godzilla vs Kong MonsterVerse confrontation due in 2020 with a fun little stinger at the very end of the credits. With a simple Godzilla roar, imaginations soar. But, first, what do the Grue-Crew thing of Kong: Skull Island.
The Belko Experiment
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
The X-Men franchise go raw once again with the R-Rated Logan from director James Mangold. Last year we were treated to Deadpool, this years brings Wolverine as we've longed to see him since debuting seventeen years ago. Hugh Jackman reprises the role of James Howlett one last time with Patrick Stewart in tow as Professor X. The Grue-crew champion the film's gritty, violent tone and praise the performances. Give Stewart a Supporting Oscar, now, please.
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 205 – Logan (2017)
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X-Men fans are treated to the most mature super hero film to reach theaters in some time. Deadpool was more raunchy and the DC films are missing the mark, James Mangold's Logan nails the delivery. The story is gripping, the conflicts are dire, and the stakes are more personable. The film doesn't skimp on gory action - plenty crimson enough to satisfy horror fans with decapitations and dismemberment galore. Jackman and Stewart give their best performances as Logan and Xavier while Dafne Keen makes an impressive debut as Laura Kinney, X-23. Oddly enough, the best super hero film is one that plays less like a super hero film than all the rest. Go figure.
Kong: Skull Island
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
Emmy Award winning comedic actor and first time writer/director Jordan Peele gets his first bite at feature filmmaking with Get Out, a racially charged horror/comedy about a young man (Daniel Kaluuya) taking a trip with his girlfriend (Allison Williams) to meet her parents, only for horror to be lurking in their secluded house. The Grue Crew has a spirited conversation about the topic, all without the help of their fearless leader. Yes, for the first time in over 200 episodes, Doc Rotten is out sick and the children will come out and play... or kill each other. Whatever comes first.
The remaining crew also dive into the female driven horror anthology XX. Five segments from five different female directors, all centered around women dealing with a variety of horror. Children who won't eat. A secret that could ruin their child's birthday. Camping with the opposite sex. A son with an absent father who has far darker ties than she has let on. Plus, it's all wrapped in a package of spooky stop-motion! What's not to love?
Dave guides the Crew through Horror News of the Week, lead off with the remembering the dearly departed Bill Paxton. HNR continues its trek through film festivals and conventions, the next stop being Mad Monster Party in Rock Hill, SC March 24th - 26, 2017!
Co-hosts Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don’t forget – Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 204 – Get Out (2017)
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Meeting your girlfriend's family is tough for anyone. It's even worse when they're a bunch of crazy white people. The Grue Crew may be short one Doc, but award winning filmmaker Christopher G. Moore is there to spread all sort of love for Jordan Peele's Get Out. The crew commends the clear displays of love for horror, the daring racial themes and masterful balance of horror with humor to both alleviate and strengthen the tension. Yet, there's still plenty of discourse here, mainly over the extensive praise that's been lauded on the film and the concept of hype backlash. Santos and Thomas go head to head... even though they both really enjoyed the movie. Must be an HNR episode!
XX isn't just the correct chromosome pattern for the directors of this horror anthology. It's harbinger of the many deaths that take place over this horror anthology. Directors Karyn Kusama, Roxanne Benjamin, Sofia Carrillo, Jovanka Vuckovic and Annie Clark (or St. Vincent, for indie rock music fans) have crafted five segments all themed around women and horror. Santos and Thomas discuss the foibles and charms of this horror anthology, arguing over which ones work and which ones don't. There's an unevenness like most horror anthologies, but the nuggets of pure gold are worth searching for!
Logan
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
Doc Rotten, Thomas Mariani, and Christopher G. Moore gather to discuss the most anticipated genre films of 2017, taking a look at Sci-fi, Action, and Fantasy films coming out in theaters over the next twelve months. Based on list generated by HNR & DOH hosts, Gruesome Magazine contributors, Patreon supporters, and fans & listeners of Horror News Radio, the list comprises of films we're all dying to see. The list contains a number of Marvel films from Logan to Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2. DC is represented as well with their high profile entry Wonder Woman. Sci-Fi looks back at a genre classic with Blade Runner 2049 and looks toward the future with Luc Besson's Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. And then there's a little ditty known as Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi. Tons to discuss, let the fun begin.
Horror News Radio Extra
Episode 10 – The Most Anticipated Genre Films of 2017
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Voted on by HNR Patreon members, the Grue-Crew, and fans hanging out at the HNR Facebook Group, the following list represents the top 10 films that made the final cut. Note: the dates displayed may change before the film makes it to the theater.
After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Time-traveling agent Valerian is sent to investigate a galactic empire, along with his partner Laureline.
When an attack on the Kingsman headquarters takes place and a new villain rises, Eggsy and Merlin are forced to work together with the American agency Statesman to save the world.
An Amazon princess leaves her island home to explore the world and, in doing so, becomes one of the world's greatest heroes.
Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the saga.
Thor must face the Hulk in a gladiator match and save his people from the ruthless Hela.
In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.
Following the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), Peter Parker attempts to balance his life in high school with his career as the web-slinging superhero Spider-Man.
Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' continues the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.
Visionary director Gore Verbinksi returns to the genre with A Cure For Wellness, a trippy, psychological horror tale about a Wall Street stockbroker (Dane DeHaan) who is sent to retrieve his company's CEO Roland Pembroke from a wellness center tucked away in the Swiss Alps. The Grue-Crew eagerly dive into the world of cinematographer Bojan Bazelli but fight the boredom of the repetitive, meandering story from screenwriter Justin Haythe.
From the Swiss Alps to the Great Wall of China, the Grue-Crew continue circling the globe with Zhang Yimou's The Great Wall. Taking place during the Song dynasty and the reign of the Renzong Emperor, a pair of European mercenaries (Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal) team up with a group of Chinese soldiers known as the Nameless Order to defeat an attacking army of monsters. The Chinese-US co-production is a huge hit in China, but how with the film fare with the Grue-Crew?
Dave guides the Horror News of the Week with the surprise announcement that Hulu, Stephen King, and J.J. Abrams are teaming up to bring horror fans tales from Castle Rock. As the year begins, HNR sets its eyes on a number of horror film festivals to attend throughout the year. Up first is Nevermore Horror Film Festival in Durham, NC on February 24 - 26, 2017.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 203 – A Cure For Wellness (2017) – The Great Wall (2017)
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Gore Verbinski's return to horror -- since his j-horror remake The Ring (2002) -- is a promising concept, but one meet with reservation. While Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Rango are favorites of the Grue-Crew (as is MouseHunt, to some), The Weather Man and The Lone Ranger are not so much. The trailers for A Cure For Wellness look amazing with interesting visuals and an intriguing plot. However, the film itself is a bit of a bore even with its Stanley Kubrick and Ken Russell influences and captivating visual flourishes. The Grue-Crew discuss the film's high points and troubles for their review of this week's theatrical opening.
Touted as the most expensive film made in China, The Great Wall finally makes its way to U.S. shores after making over $200 million overseas. The Chinese-US co-production features Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal in the leads with Jing Tian, Andly Lau, Zhang Hanyu, Eddie Peng, Lu Han, Lin Gengxin, Chen Xuedong, and Huang Xuan leading the Chinese army station atop the Great Wall of China. The film features a massive mystical (or, perhaps, alien) army of creatures attacking the wall in an effort to get to the densely populated cities on the other side. While a great deal of fun, the film is a bit drab and Damon is horribly miscast. The Grue-Crew review the film a bit more favorably than Verbinski's snooze-fest.
Get Out!
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.
Katee Sackhoff and Lucy Boynton go up against Javier Botet in Caradog W. James' Don't Knock Twice, a film that cements the trend of witch films hitting theaters and VOD over the past year. It provides an interesting series of scares and a healthy dose of atmosphere along with great performances from its leads for a satisfying and creepy tale worth seeking out. The Grue-Crew review the film and reveal their favorite scenes as they struggle with some of the film's missteps along the way.
Keanu Reeves doesn't get enough love. His films, while some are iconic, often get dumped upon mightily. However, John Wick (2014) surprised most everyone with an exceptional action film. This week, the Grue-Crew creep outside the horror box to take a look at the extraordinarily violent - and often gory - sequel John Wick Chapter 2. Reeves cements John Wick as a character that rivals Neo and Johnny Utah as one of his best onscreen characters. And the rest of the film lives up to his lead. Awesome!
Dave guides the Horror News of the Week with the announcement that David Gordon Green and Danny McBride will handle the next Halloween movie - with John Carpenter's blessing - and B-movie nonsense has never been as bizarre as Zombie Cats from Mars. Oh, my! As the year begins, HNR sets its eyes on a number of horror film festivals to attend throughout the year. Up first is Nevermore Horror Film Festival in Durham, NC on February 24 - 26, 2017.
Co-hosts Doc Rotten, Santos (The Black Saint) Ellin Jr., Dave Dreher and Thomas Mariani are back again this week to give you the best in horror as they recap, review and obliterate all that is horror this week! Oh, and don't forget - Stump the Saint! (Brought to you by Gruesome Magazine)
Horror News Radio
Episode 202 – Don't Knock Twice (2017) – John Wick Chapter 2 (2017)
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Witches: cant' live with 'em; can't live without 'em. Or, well, maybe you can, but the horror genre is, as of late, far better with them in its cinematic arsenal. Don't Knock Twice is another film in that sub-genre and another film that deserves a far better release than straight to VOD. While not entirely successful (for most of the HNR Grue-Crew), the film does provide terrific atmospher and thrilling chills and scares. To the film's credit, it ends on a terrific shocker that elevates the film above many of the films of similar tone and story. Full of surprises, great performances, and creepy tone, Don't Knock Twice is a solid entry for 2017.
"Somebody, please, get this man...a gun!" Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King decides to aid Keanu Reeve's John Wick as he faces every hit-man in New York. The action is incredible, the violence is poetic, and the film is never shy to splatter blood about, liberally. While not technically a horror film in any sense of the word, John Wick Chapter 2 certainly appeals to horror film aficionado's sense of cinematic joy. This film delivers straight up action and mayhem and should not be missed.
A Cure for Wellness - The Great Wall
Gruesome Magazine Spring 2017 is coming! That's right, the very first issue of an all-new horror magazine from the Grue-Crew behind Horror News Radio and Gruesome Magazine website will land late February 2017. The tag line "Horror Festival Hits - Independent Films - The Future of Horror" reflects the focus of the magazine on the up'n'coming horror film makers and their films in Horror Film Festivals across the globe. Check out the GM page for more details.