The Weekly Wrap-Up: January 17-23, 2009
Along with the theatrical premieres of both Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and Outlander (in some lucky markets), a slew of DVD’s hit the street during the week of January 17-23, 2009. And there was a lot of news to cover, too, including the following highlights:
Bad things often happen in threes, but hopefully this trio of trailers will prove the exception. Spend a little time with Wolvesbayne, Quantum Apocalypse, and Chrome Angels and see what you think of their chances.
One film that could easily go either way is The Horseman, Platinum Dunes’ next original production after The Unborn. Dennis Quaid’s been hit or miss over the years, but Horseman seems to hold some real potential if the new trailer can be trusted. The international poster definitely has a high creep-out factor to it.
I don’t see many comments about his contributions, but I sure hope you guys appreciate Rick Trembles’ Motion Picture Purgatory feature as much as I do. Most recently he took on My Bloody Valentine 3D — full frontal and all!
My affection for Midnight Meat Train is pretty well known, so I’m optimistic that the next Barker adaptation, Dread, will be close to MMT in quality. Phil Newton, our man in the UK, sent over a brief set visit preview along with an early still. We should have lots more to pass along shortly so stay tuned.
Sundance is winding down, and thanks to our newest contributor Heather Wixson, we scored reviews for Grace and Dead Snow, both of which generated a great deal of buzz at the fest. Heather also enjoyed an engaging conversation with Paul Solet and Adam Green (Grace‘s director and producer, respectively) that sheds some light on the process behind getting their film made.
The strangest announcement to come out of Sundance involved the possibility of comedian/actor Bill Hader and “SNL” writer Simon Rich developing a slasher film for Judd Apatow?!? We’ve certainly heard stranger things, and who knows? Maybe this one will really happen as opposed to Red State, Kevin Smith’s eternally “in pre-production” horror film we’ve been reporting on for how long now?
The best casting news of the new year so far has to be Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford joining Cabin in the Woods, written by Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon. Mum’s the word on Cabin‘s plot details, but I really couldn’t care less at this point since both of these guys are consummate pros and elevate every project of which they’re a part. [As a side note, it’s not horror, but if you’re an indie lover, don’t miss Jenkins in The Visitor; it’s truly exceptional, and his Oscar nomination is very well deserved!]
I’m not entirely sure why, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to point you in the direction of the trailer for predatorial car flick Hybrid and some plot explanation from its screenwriter, Neal Marshall Stevens. This one has Special Foycast written all over it!
It’s been years since Stephen King introduced us all to his vision of a killer car, but he’s still a literary force to be reckoned with. Next up is Under the Dome, which is scheduled for release in November, 2009. Fan or not, you can’t deny the man’s impact on the genre. It’ll be interesting to see what the consensus is on this one.
Although I’m not a gamer per se (or does Rock Band count?), I couldn’t get enough of The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay and jumped at the chance to check out the first four minutes of its sequel, Assault on Dark Athena. As expected, it is absolutely beautiful — and full of promise of the badassedness to come.
Speaking of badasses, they don’t come much cooler than the Preacher, and it looks like he’s finally going to be getting his due in a feature film. Along with director Sam Mendes, production house Original Films has hired John August to write the screenplay. Of even more interest to this Woman, August just finished up the script for the Tim Burton/Johnny Depp version of Dark Shadows. It’s really happening, folks! Oh, be still my heart!
Zombie Strippers turned out to be a lot more fun than I expected, so I’m keeping an open mind with regard to a movie that seems to be sort of its sister-in-arms: Lesbian Vampire Killers. If the title alone isn’t enough to pique your interest, take a peek at the three new stills that came our way a few days ago.
While we’re on the subject of good times, how about that Black Devil Doll? Have you ever seen a trailer more full of mayhem, debauchery, and political incorrectness? And now, finally, it appears that the opportunity to watch the finished product is close at hand. Starting in April, 2009, a handful of theatres will be showing Black Devil Doll in special screenings prior the DVD release.
Unfortunately, there will be no more screenings of any kind on Monsters HD, which is why the Woman’s Story of the Week is Rest in Peace, Monsters HD. No matter what any of us might feel about the various entities out there vying to become bona fide broadcast horror channels, the failure of any of them is also a failure for the genre and its fans. Times are tough, and it’s likely we’re going to be seeing other companies involved in one facet or another of horror going under. All we can do is stick together and try to learn from their mistakes. In the meantime, here’s to you, Monsters HD! Nobody’s done it better!
Until next time …
– The Woman In Black
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Debi Moore
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