CAST: Brian Cox (Mr. Kreeg), Quinn Lord (Sam/Peeping Tommy), Anna Paquin (Laurie), Dylan Baker (Steven), Leslie Bibb (Emma), Tahmoh Penikett (Henry), Rochelle Aytes (Maria), Britt Mckillip (Macy), Moneca Delain (Janet) Lauren Lee Smith (Danielle), Brett Kelly (Charlie), Jean-Luc Bilodeau (Schrader).
Anna Paquin, Rochelle Ates, Moneca Delain & Leslie Bibb
Trick ‘r Treat returns to theaters in 4K in a special Fathom Events showing with a Holiday addition of the 1996 animated short Season’s Greetings, that is a preface to Michael Dougherty’s 2007 cult classic. Get your tickets now for this Halloween special that will be in theaters for two dates only – October 14th and 16th. Tom Lucas, Vice President of Studio Relations at Fathom Entertainment, on the re-release of Trick ‘r Treat : “Horror fans have long been thirsting for Trick ‘r Treat to take its rightful place back on the big screen and in cinemas nationwide. Fathom is thrilled to bring this classic horror film back in theaters in sparkling 4K with our partners just in time for Halloween. A stellar cast helps make Trick ‘r Treat a frightening cinematic experience fans will not want to miss!”
Dylan Baker
Trick ‘r Treat is comprised of four entwined tales that that keep you guessing until the very end. The entire cast makes this one unforgettable night in the annals of Halloween. The leads, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin & Dylan Baker are all triumphantly successful in both leading and misleading the audience through four truly original tales of everyone’s favorite fright night.
Brian Cox, Rochelle Ates & Moneca Delain
Weather you go to the Fathom event or watch it on streaming, it is still the best Halloween night horror!
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
Anna Paquin’s character “Laurie” is named after Laurie Strode from Halloween (1977).
Various cast & crew member childhood pictures can be seen in the opening credits.
CAST: Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), Julia Louise-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), Lewis Pullman (Robert Reynolds), David Harbour (Alexei Shostakov), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Hannah John-Kamen (Ava Starr), Oleg Kurylenko (Antonia Dreykov), Geraldine Viswanathan (Mel).
Yelena Belova considering the possibilities
At some point, I had lost interest in the Marvel Universe films. They no longer had the power and humor that I had enjoyed in earlier outings. It even took me a little while to finally decide to watch Thunderbolts*, and I regret waiting.
Yelena Belova committing B&E on an epic scale
The film brings back the powerful pace and comedy of the early films and streamers. Florence Pugh leads a game cast that includes the multi-talented trio of Julia Louise-Drefus, David Harbour & Sebastion Stan.
Alexei Shostakov, Ava Starr, Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova&John Walkerenjoy a quiet moment
This is easily one of the best Marvel projects, period. It stands with some of their other triumphs: Theatrical – The Avengers, Thor, X-Men, Black Widow & Streaming – Jessica Jones & Daredevil. There are many more, these are just a few of my favorites.
The entire cast moves with confidence and acumen in every gesture to bring a bulletproof picture to the screen. Florence Pugh expands her character and David Harbour brings knockabout insanity to a new high. Sebastion Stan remains stoically serious as he learns first hand what the expression ‘herding cats’ means.
Alexei Shostakov, Sebastian Stan, Julia Louise-Dreyfus, Ava Starr, Yelena Belova & John Walker
Florence Pugh continues the evolution of the character of Yelena Belova without missing a beat and is followed closely by Sebastion Stan & David Harbour. The entire cast is in synchronization and each situation takes us further down the rabbit hole that Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has created.
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
The 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Thunderbolts* was released on 2 May 2025, the 17th anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Florence Pugh wanted to do the stunt at the beginning of the film and explained, “As we got closer and closer to shooting, they said they don’t think it’s going to happen because it’s a crazy insurance ordeal and obviously we’re not going to throw me off the second tallest building in the world,” Pugh said. “I was like what the f*ck? Of course we are! We have to do that. I was being a sassy Karen emailing Kevin and saying it’s going to do wonders for the press tour. We have to do this! We’re going to have three women break three different Guinness World Records and we’ll do this and this. I had to keep on pushing and then they’re like, ‘Okay, if you want to fall off the second tallest building, we’ll figure it out for you.'”
When Madeline seems to vanish after entering the McKittrick Hotel, Scottie slips into a vortex of confusion which is best illustrated by Donald Spoto in his The Art of Alfred Hitchcock: Fifty Years of his Motion Pictures.
“…we are as confused as Scottie. Any logical explanation offered in retrospect–that the two women were in collusion, or that Madeleine escaped through a rear door–is in no way supported by the text or the atmosphere at this point. Scottie wonders whether Madeleine is in fact a spirit or a figment of his imagination.”
At this point, Scottie has completely left reality behind and is prepared to accept any eventuality without question. We accept it as well. We too, have been enchanted by this chimerical beauty.
Madeline’s Car
Scottie drives to Elster’s address and sees that Madeline’s car is parked there. The nosegay she has carried with her can be seen set on the dashboard through the front window. Scottie decides he needs more information and when he asks Midge who she knows that could help with the history of the cities’ local color she responds, “You mean the gay old days of gay old San Francisco–who shot who in the Embarcadero in August 1879?” That is exactly what he is looking for as he moves into the past along with Madeline.
Midge in her Studio
Midge takes him to an expert on the comings and goings of old San Francisco, the man who runs the Argosy Book Shop, Pop Liebl. Pop Leible remembers, “Ah yes, I remember. Carlotta. The beautiful Carlotta. The sad Carlotta.” Learning that the McKittrick Hotel was actually a house built for Carlotta by an unnamed “…rich man, a powerful man,” that used her and took their child and, “…threw her away.” He gets the full story about Carlotta’s sad encounter with a rich and powerful man and a leg up on what it is that Madeline is being drawn into. Not for a moment does he stop to compare it to his encounter with Elster, who is also a rich and powerful man. Everything that Scottie encounters pulls him deeper into the romantic fantasy that has him mesmerized.
Pop Liebl at the Argosy Book Store
Scottie then goes to see Gavin and he gets the picture from his side, and everything that Scottie has turned up is verified by Gavin with bits of information about Madeline’s family including that she has old jewelry that was once owned by Carlotta.
Gavin & Scotty
Carlotta was Madeline’s Great Grand Mother and after she was deserted by the man whose child she bore (Madeline’s Grand Mother), she committed suicide. Gavin also tells Scottie that Madeline has no knowledge of any of this. It has been kept from her because of the fact that her Grand Mother took her own life and Madeline has her blood. Scottie’s increasing drinking is emphasized when he’s heard all that Gavin has to say, as he downs his drink and says, “Boy! I need this!”
Madeline
Scottie then continues his shadowing of Madeline and is led first to the Museum where she view’s Carlotta’s portrait, then to the Golden Gate Bridge. Getting out of his car, he watches as she throws petals from the nosegay into the water and then jumps. He immediately runs to jump in and save her. After he puts her into the car, she appears to be trying to say something, but is unconscious.
Madeline & Scotty
NEXT: Desire
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
Costume designer Edith Head and Alfred Hitchcock worked together to give Madeleine’s clothing an eerie appearance. Her trademark gray suit was chosen for its color because they thought it seemed odd for a blonde woman to be wearing all gray. In addition, they added the black scarf to her white coat because of the odd contrast. But when Kim Novak reported for filming she had “all sorts of preconceived notions” about her character according to Hitchcock, including what she would and would not wear. She told the director she did not like the grey suit and black shoes she was slated to wear, thinking them too heavy and stiff for her character. Novak later recalled, “I didn’t think it would matter to him what kind of shoes I wore. I had never had a director who was particular about the costumes, the way they were designed, the specific colors. The two things he wanted the most were those shoes and that gray suit.” Hitchcock expressed to Novak that the visual aspect of the film much more important to him than the story, and insisted on her wearing the suit and the shoes that he Edith Head had planned several months ago. Novak complied, seeing it as a part of Madeline’s character.
Characters created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel
CAST: David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Isabel Merced (Hawkgirl), Maria Gabriela de Faria (The Engineer). Skylar Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Sara Sampiao (Eve Teschmacher).
James Gunn has an exceptional track record that began at Troma Films. He wrote and directed one of the most inventive of the Marvel films, Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequels, and he has just done it again with DC’s Superman. He has become one of the most successful film-makers in Hollywood. The reasons for that are clearly visible in his latest offering which has taken him from Marvel to DC where has revitalized the Superman franchise.
Superman / Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen & Clark Kent/Metamorpho / Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl & Mr. Terrific(Click on any picture to see full size images)
The writer/director has once again exceeded expectations. I remember that leading up to the release of Guardians of the Galaxy, I was thinking, (a talking racoon?), and I’d be the first to object to putting Krypto in a live action Superman film, but–yes Gunn has also made that work. This Superman is not only the best Superman film ever, but is also among the best films of the year. Gunn’s almost mystical power to make exactly the right decision at every turn is spellbinding.
Mr. Terrific & Lois Lane / Mr. Terrific / Lex Luthor / Eve Teschmacher(Click on any picture to see full size images)
From Krypto to Guy Gardner to Metamorpho, to Eve Teschmacher, each character is perfectly placed and executed to support and move the narrative around the films center. Every character and every action surprises while fitting like a piece to a complex puzzle. It is not a case of bringing in characters or stars simply to add flash to the film (I’m so happy with that pun), but as part of the structure in the writing. These characters created dimensions beyond those found in past versions.
The Engineer, Eve & Lex
Gabriela de Faria’s Engineer is the perfectly evil right arm for Lex. The entire complex of Lex Corp becomes a character in the film as a counterpoint to Superman’s Fortress of Solitude–which turns out to be anything but. The casting of Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor was right up there with the recasting of Superman. Both actors suit their roles so well that it is now hard for me to imagine anyone else in their places.
Perry White / Jimmy Olsen / Clark Kent / Superman(Click on any picture to see full size images)
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane & Skylar Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen are also strong additions to the cast. Skylar’s Jimmy is made more believable than in past versions yet supplies comic relief in one of the best sub-plots ever. Lois is in love, but still a hard nosed reporter always putting the story first.
Supergirl
To top it all off there is a cameo made by everybody’s favorite super hero cousin, Supergirl. James Gunn’s Superman is the perfect Summer movie to get the family out of this oppressive heat. It also must be seen on the big screen! 5/5 Stars.
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
David Corenswet took inspiration for his portrayal of Clark Kent from his brother-in-law, who stands 6’8” and is “the quietest, most wonderful man,” in spite of his stature. For his portrayal of Superman, Corenswet took inspiration from Christopher Reeve.
James Gunn said Godzilla Minus One as a major influence on this film. He explained, “I tried to fuse elements like giant monsters, robots, flying dogs and other superheroes… My goal was to make a film like Godzilla Minus One, which depicted Godzilla but also had great human drama.”
Gunn’s Superman is the first film since Superman Returns (2006) to utilize John Williams’s main theme from Superman (1978) as the character’s main leitmotif in the film’s score. James Gunn cited the theme as one of the greatest film scores of all time and associated it with the character of Superman since the beginning of development on this film.
CAST: Scarlett Johansson (Zora Bennett), Mahershala Ali (Duncan Kincaid), Jonathan Bailey (Dr. Henry Loomis), Rupert Friend (Martin Krebs), Manuel-Garcia Ruflo (Reuben Delgado), Luna Blaise (Teresa Delgado), David Iacono (Xavier Dobbs), Audrina Miranda (Isabella Delgado), Philippine Velge (Nina), Béchir Sylvain (LeClerc).
Xavier Dobbs & Manuel-Garcia Ruflo
The opening scenes are slow and devoid of humor, and do little more than to set up the premise of getting dino DNA to be used in pharmaceuticals without really developing the characters played by Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Martin Krebs. The scene on the expedition’s boat does little to advance the character development until the introduction of the secondary players.
Audrina Miranda, Manuel-Garcia Ruflo, Luna Blaise & Xavier Dobbs
The scenes at sea needed to be reversed (they would have played better if we met the Delgado family before seeing the crew on their way to grab the McGuffin of dino DNA). Even with the lack of character development for the leads and a slow start, Jurassic World: Rebirth moves on to be one of the best entries in the series of Crichton’s popular brain child since the original film. The Delgado family unknowingly sails into dangerous waters and finds themselves in dire straights. Their interaction before and after they are attacked by the creature builds their characters and powerfully affects the viewer.
Xavier Dobbs, Manuel-Garcia Ruflo, Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali & Jonathan Bailey
Before their boat is capsized they are able to put out an SOS. The crew led by Duncan Kincaid answers the call against the objections of Rupert Friend (as he begins to reveal his character), who is funding the expedition and wants no delays. Kincaid ignores Friend and the tension between the investor and the crew begins and will continue to grow. The family is relieved to be saved from their terrifying situation, but soon realizes that they are now in an even more precarious position.
Audrina Miranda, Luna Blaise, Manuel-Garcia Ruflo & Scarlett Johansson
The Delgado’s path crosses perilously with the expedition’s and they soon become a major part of the adventure. The family quickly becomes the pumping heart of the film. They bring the viewer deeper into the narrative. Their survival becomes paramount as they are thrown into one horrific situation after another while Zora Bennett and Dr. Loomis focus on getting the three blood samples that are needed to make a fortune for Friend and his company.
Scarlett Johansson
The expedition’s crew finds more obstacles than they bargained for as the islands mutated inhabitants seem to be expecting them. The special effects are excellent and what really matters most in these movies is the carnage inflicted by the creatures and there is plenty of that along with some harrowing saves.A perfect summer movie that will please most fans and even some naysayers. It is different enough from the prior films to be looked at as a stand alone in this ever growing series.
Scarlett Johansson & Jonathan Bailey
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
Jonathan Bailey (Dr. Henry Loomis) contributes to the film score. He plays clarinet in several orchestral tracks and performs the solo heard during the scene when his character touches a dinosaur for the first time.
The first film in the Jurassic Park film series that does not have any cast members from prior films.
Jennifer Lawrence & Amanda Seyfried turned down the role of Zora Bennett.
Jonathan Bailey’s character is named Dr. Henry Loomis in tribute to Dr. Samuel Loomis, Donald Pleasence’s name in the original Halloween.
CAST: Robert Pattinson (Mickey Barnes), Naomi Ackie (Nasha), Steven Yeun (Timo), Mark Ruffalo (Kenneth Marshall), Toni Collette (Ylfa), Annamaria Vartolomei (Kia Katz), Daniel Henshall (Preston), Patsy Ferran (Dorothy) & Steve Park (Zeke).
Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes
Brilliantly conceived and executed, Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17 is stunning from its opening shots and continues to stun as the twisted tale unravels. Pattinson is perfect as the patsy in an unbelievably insane plan to colonize a barren planet. His every expression and silence solidify his performance as the luckless Micky 17.
Robert Pattinson as Mickey 17
The trip into space is led by the corrupt Kenneth Marshall, who is played so over the top by Ruffalo that Toni Collette’s Yifa seems sane in comparison. Mark Ruffalo’s character is clearly inspired by Donald Trump. His crazed followers even wear red hats.
Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall
Marshall is using a technology that is illegal on earth in his quest to colonize the snow covered planet he has chosen. With this technology he will be able to do research faster without loss of life or wasting time finding replacements for those who die in his service.
Mark Ruffalo, Annamaria Valtolomei, Toni Collette & Patsy Ferran
The planet that Marshall has chosen to colonize will be named after the realm in Norse Mythology where it is always winter. Those who have not led an heroic life are sent to Niflheim in the afterlife. Another hint that Marshall is a parody of Trump.
Mark Ruffalo & Toni Colette
The film is a study in nihilism and a collapsing reality where even the most outlandish things become commonplace with the right power pushing them. The nightmarish landscape darkens the fiendish human horror.
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
The film’s creepers were designed by Bong and Jang Hee-chul who has been collaborating with Bong to create monsters for his movies since The Host (2006).
Mickey 17 was filmed between August 2022 and January 2023.
Hammer House of Horror had only one season, but was consistently well written, cast, and produced. Stars included Jon Finch (Frenzy), Denholm Elliott (A Room With a View, Raiders of the Lost Ark), Brian Cox (Red, Penny Dreadful), Peter Cushing (Star Wars), Diana Dors (The Unholy Wife), Rosalyn Landor (Star Trek: the Next Generation), Barbara Kellerman (The Oblong Box) Prunella Gee (Never Say Never Again), Rachel Davies (Midsomer Murders).
Witching Time
Jon Finch & Prunella Gee in S1 E1: Witching Time
The first offering, Witching Time is the story of a love triangle that has an unwelcomed interloper from the past who livens up a boring bit of cuckoldry.
The Thirteenth Reunion
Julia Foster in S1 E2: The Thirteenth Reunion
A reporter that writes a women’s column is burning to move into hard news. She talks her editor into approving her investigation of a medical facility and gets much more than she bargains for in this eerie feast of a story.
Rude Awakening
Denholm Elliott & Lucy Gutteridge in S1 E3: Rude Awakening
A Real Estate Broker has fantasies about his assistant, and after a time is unable to divide them from reality. Denholm Elliott shines in this fair warning to philanderers everywhere.
Growing Pains
Barbara Kellerman in S1 E4: Growing Pains
Terence & Laurie Morton adopt a boy after the death of their son who managed to poison himself in his father’s lab. Scientific experimentation leads to a horrifying haunting in this solid entry in the series. The adopted James seems like a normal boy, but once he is moves in, something seems off.
The House That Bled to Death
Nicholas Ball & Rachel Davies in S1 E5: The House That Bled to Death
A family moves into a house where a horrific murder was committed. Strange things begin happening not long after, but the best laid plans often go awry–don’t they?
Charlie Boy
Marius Goring & Angela Lawson in S1 E6: Charlie Boy
A carved African fetish can’t actually kill, or can it? Superstition often clouds common sense, but what happens when common sense isn’t enough?
The Silent Scream
Peter Cushing & Brian Cox in S1 E7: The Silent Scream
Peter Cushing, as a pet store proprietor who manipulates an ex-con into an experiment about confinement without bars. It turns out that he is not so much a pet store own as he is a mad scientist. Excellent performances all around in this eerie episode.
Children of the Moon
Diana Dors in S1 E8: Children of the Moon
Lost in the woods, a couple come upon an old mansion. They are invited in only to find not things are not as they seem. The children have a howling good time.
Carpathian Eagle
Anthony Valentine & Suzanne Daniels in S1 E9: Carpathian Eagle
A serial killer is cutting men’s hearts out. A police detective is working the case and finds that a long dead 300 year old Carpathian countess who murdered her lovers took their hearts. As he investigates, he get input from a writer that is writing about the Countess. Could it be a dead women doing the killing or a copycat?
Guardian of the Abyss
Rosalyn Landor, Ray Lonnen & Sharon Fussey in S1 E10: Guardian of the Abyss
A woman with an antiques dealer friend, buy a box of junk at an auction. In the box she finds a antique mirror that turns out to be a scrying glass. The object brings trouble to the antiques dealer as it brings him into contact with a woman that has escaped Satanists and the deranged hypnotist who leads them.
Visitor From the Grave
Simon MacCorkindale & Kathryn Leigh Scott in S1 E11: Visitor From the Grave
Penny is alone at home when an intruder violently breaks into her house. He attacks her in attempt to rape her. Terrified she shoots and kills him. Her husband returns home and his wife is hysterical. Once he calms her down, he tells her the the man is someone he knows, a gambler. He admits that he owed the man money. He convinces his wife that they should bury him in the woods, she becomes hysterical again and we find that she has been institutionalized in the past. Once the dead man is buried, she begins to see him everywhere. She even sees the car that he drove that her husband had disposed of in the lake. Is she insane or being haunted?
The Two Faces of Evil
Gary Raymond & Anna Calder-Marshall in S1 E12: The Two Faces of Evil
A family picks up a hitchhiker dressed in the same yellow raincoat and hat that Janet just saw on a scarecrow in a field they were passing. It is pouring rain and Martin almost runs over the hitchhiker. Martin offers him a ride and once in the car, the man attacks Martin causing a horrible crash. Janet awakes in hospital to find her husband recovering from serious injuries, but when she gets him home, he just isn’t himself.
The Mark of Satan
Peter McEnery in S1 E13 The Mark of Satan
Working in a morgue as an assistant, Edwyn Rord attends the body of a man that died trying to drill a hole into his head because he believed he was infected by evil. Edwyn begins to believe that he has become infected by the evil virus and becomes obsessed with the number 9. His paranoia expands at every turn.
Bill Skarsgard & Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu (2024)
Directed by Robert Eggers
Screenplay by Robert Eggers
Henrik Galeen: inspired by his screenplay for Nosferatu (1922)
Bram Stoker: inspired by his novel, Dracula (1897)
Music by Robin Carolan
Cinematography by Jarin Blaschke
Edited by Louise Ford
Production Design by Craig Lathrop
CAST: Lily-Rose Depp (Ellen Hutter), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hutter), Bill Skarsgard (Count Orlock), Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Friedrich Harding), Willem Dafoe (Professor Albin Eberhardt von Franz), Emma Corrin (Anna Harding), Ralph Ineson (Wilhelm Sievers), Simon McBurney (Knock)
Nosferatu’s opening scene swiftly establishes a bond between Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp) and the unearthly. There is a fervid sexuality in her reactions within her fit of delirium that goes beyond mere dreams. It hits notes that are played throughout this remake of the symphony of horror. Although the credits refer to the 1922 classic as an “inspiration,” it was also a road map for the script. This does not detract from the power of Egger’s creation, because all of the elements are blown up into perfect visuals, from the set decoration of Beatrice Brentnerova to the costume design by Linda Muir and David Schwed. It is a well thought out and lavish production that moves in contrasting scenes of shadow and light.
Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu (2024)
The cast also brings this thrice retold tale to life, endowing their characters with believable passion and fear. Lily-Rose Depp portrays Ellen as an innocent who has been ravaged in her soul. She is plagued by portent dreams that terrify her and recalls a pleasure that she knows is profane and thus, forbidden. The more that she fights it, the stronger becomes the demon’s hold and sway on her. Her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult), accepts an assignment to travel to close a deal with a wealthy Count. Ellen begs him not to take the assignment. Going against her wishes, he soon finds that his wife’s fears were not unfounded. He quickly falls under the thrall of the demonic Count Orlok. Much to his horror, he realizes that Orlok is going after his wife.
Nicholas Hoult in Nosferatu (2024)
Hoult’s Thomas is confident and determined until he wakes up to what is actually going on around him. His sudden panic is palpable. This is Hoult’s third horror outing. The first two were both horror/comedies, Warm Bodies (2013) and the recent Renfield (2023). His Thomas is perfectly realized and echoes the original film’s in its economy.
Bill Skarsgard as Count Orlock in Nosferatu (2024)
Bill Skarsgard is a formidable Orlock, frightening in both light and shadow as he pulls his prey into his web. Skarsgard worked very hard on the sound of his voice for the character, even going to an opera coach to lower his voice one full octave. This combined with his acting skill–and the make–up and prosthetics created the most terrifying Count Orlok on film.
Emma Corrin as Anna Harding in Nosferatu (2024)
As friends of the Hutters, Anna Harding (Emma Corrin) and Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) are perfect as a staid couple of some means, and take Ellen in for the time that Thomas will be gone.
Emma Corrin & Lily-Rose Depp in Nosferatu (2024)
Professor Albin Eberhardt von Franz (Willem Dafoe), is a perfect match of character and actor. Every moment he is in the film is heightened.
Willem Dafoe as Professor Albin Eberhardt von Franz in Nosferatu (2024)
Easily the most accomplished remake of the original silent film. Powerfully directed, acted and produced.
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
The film is the third remake of Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922). The first two remakes are: Nosferatu the Vampire (1979) and Nosferatu (2023).
The castle scenes were filmed in the Pernstejn Castle in the Czech Republic, the same location that was used for Werne Herzog’s Nosferatu the Vampire (1979)
To get the film’s eerie moonlit look for the night scenes, filming was done during the day and in post production the film was run through a computer to remove the red and yellow color spectra.
Meanwhile, at Universal, where their monsters had built an empire, the last of their famous monsters was unleashed in 1954. The Creature From the Black Lagoon spawned two sequels and remains popular to this day, but a change was on the horizon.
It was even double billed with another 3D film, It Came From Outer Space (1954)
That change came in the form of a flying saucer. Even the various Universal Abbott & Costello meet the monster vehicles couldn’t hold back the change that was landing in theaters. In fact, the comedy duo joined in with Abbott & Costello Go to Mars (1953).
Bud Abbott & Lou Costello with Mari Blanchard for Abbott & Costello Go to Mars (1953)
In 1951 both RKO & 20th Century Fox released science fiction films. RKO horrified movie goers with, The Thing From Another World, and Fox scored with, The Day the Earth Stood Still. In spite of the Thing’s resembling a jacked-up Frankenstein’s Monster, this was an invader from outer space.
The Thing From Another World (1951)
It is interesting to note the two different approaches these films took. The Thing From Another World reflected a hostile alien that was bent on destruction, while The Day the Earth Stood Still presented an alien that was on Earth to attempt to reason with the planet’s leaders about the dangers of atomic weapons. Their Federation of Planets is warning the people of Earth to find their way to peace or suffer the consequences.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Universal’s first entry in looking skyward was 1953’s It Came From Outer Space, (see Part 4 of this series of posts) based on a story by Ray Bradbury, it took a very different turn on the alien question. Richard Carlson plays John Putnam, an amateur astronomer who discovers an alien spacecraft after watching what he thought was a very large meteor, as he and his girl friend (Barbara Rush) were struggling toward a first kiss.
Lobby Card, It Came From Outer Space (1953)
Typical 50’s scientist, pipe smoking and awkward with woman, he immediately contacts a friend with a helicopter to to take them to the site of the meteor landing. Going down into the smoking crater by himself–he sees an alien ship, but when the ship door closes, it causes a rock slide that he narrowly escapes.
It Came From Outer Space (1953)
Against the advice of his girl and his pilot friend, he tells the arriving Sheriff that it was not a meteor, but a space ship. Of course, no one believes him. Even his girl friend seems to have doubts. It looks like an invasion for sure, but it is only an unscheduled crash landing and the aliens need help to get back in the sky. They seem to have no interest in the planet Earth at all.
This Island Earth (1955)
With This Island, Earth, Universal takes an entirely different approach to the alien question. Though it was science fiction, some of the aliens could have joined the parade of Universal monsters.
This Island Earth (1955) Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow & Regis Parton
This film is important because it’s not an invasion at all, but a group of alien’s asking for Earth’s assistance in repairing the protective shield around their planet which is under attack from a hostile race from another planet.
This Island Earth (1955) Faith Domergue, Rex Reason, Jeff Morrow & Regis Parton
The cast is led by Jeff Morrow, Rex Reason, (who would also the appear in the 1956 Universal production of The Creature Walks Among Us), and Faith Domergue (Cult of the Cobra also Universal 1955) rounds off the cast and is a hit with the aliens.
20 Million Miles to Earth is an entertaining spectacle brought to life largely through Ray Harryhausen’s animated special effects.
William Hopper & JoanTaylor in20 MillionMiles to Earth (1957) Lobby Card & Promotional Art
William Hopper who plays Col. Robert Calder is best know for his role of Paul Drake in long running TV show, Perry Mason. Joan Taylor was in a number of westerns and guest starred in TV shows throughout the 1950’s & 60’s.
This Island Earth
It took 2 years altogether to complete the special effects – which were very expensive for the time.
20 Million Miles to Earth
The film was originally going to be set in Chicago, with the rocket crashing in Lake Michigan. Before submitting the idea, Ray Harryhausen decided to change the setting to Italy at the last minute because he’d always wanted to travel there.
It Came From Outer Space
The mutant costume originally had legs that matched the upper body. Making the legs look and work properly was so difficult, and they were pressed by studio deadlines they decided to have the mutant wear a pair of slacks. Movie posters show the mutant as it was supposed to appear.
Screenplay by Terry Hayes based on the Novel by Charles Williams
Cinematography by Dean Semier
Edited by Richard Francis-Bruce
MAIN CAST: Nicole Kidman (Rae Ingram), Sam Neill (John Ingram) & Billy Zane (Hughie Warriner)
ORPHEUS VIDEO TAPE CAST:Rob Mullinar (Russel Bellows), Lisa Collins (Cruise Girl 1), Paula Hudson-Brinkley (Cruise Girl 2), Sharon Cook (Cruise Girl 3), Malinda Rutter (Cruise Girl 4)
MAINLAND CAST: George Shevtsov (Doctor), Michael Long (Specialist Doctor)
The film begins as a train pulls into a station and we see sailors through the cars’ windows. As the passengers move from the cars to the platform, the sailors are greeted by their girlfriends, wives, and mothers. Their commander however, John Ingram (Sam Neill) stands waiting as the platform empties. We feel his anxiousness grow as he keeps checking his watch. Then, he notices two police officers in the distance surveying him. This does not set him at ease. He walks toward the officers.
Nicole Kidman & Sam Neill in Dead Calm (1989)
Rae (Nicole Kidman) has had a car accident and is in the hospital where Ingram learns that their child was killed in a head on collision. We experience the horror of it through Rae’s eyes staring up at us, as the doctor tries to bring her out of the shock by having John speak to her. When she comes out of the nightmare, she is already on the yacht.
Nicole Kidman & Sam Neill in Dead Calm (1989)
Her husband has taken her out to sea to rest and recuperate from the trauma. The calm sea is an idyllic setting. They are both hopeful that it will help them move on, but then a derelict schooner appears in the distance. Rae wants to ignore it, but John cannot.
Nicole Kidman & Billy Zane in Dead Calm (1989)
Then, Rae spots a dinghy approaching. They let Hughie (Billy Zane) onto the yacht. Initially, they think he is just in shock. His erratic behavior could be the result of being trapped on a sinking ship. While they wait for Hughie to calm down, they ask him questions; what happened to the other passengers, and how the ship was damaged.
Nicole Kidman in Dead Calm (1989)
Hughie’s story of food poisoning taking the lives of the 5 other passengers doesn’t hold water for John. Once he gets Hughie to go to rest, he takes the dinghy and goes out to the derelict.
Nicole Kidman in Dead Calm (1989
Having a main cast of just 3, there is plenty of room for close-ups. One of Kidman’s strengths is that she says so much with her face alone. From her early film roles in Dead Calm (1989) and To Die For (1995) to her latest projects, Nicole Kidman has shown herself to be one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. In addition to her talent, she has a keen sense of what she is able to achieve in a role. This profile will focus on a number of her key performances.
Nicole Kidman in Dead Calm (1989)
When Dead Calm was released, Kidman was 19 and unknown in the US. Dead Calm was her first large budget film. Instead of being fearful of the role, she embraced it. She took sailing lessons in order to be able to do the sailing herself. She was also able to do all the action scenes.
Nicole Kidman & Billy Zane in Dead Calm (1989)
Her preparation paid off as her seamless performance stands out as one of the highs in suspense cinema. From the moment that Hughie comes aboard, she moves from shock to suspicion to horror to determination, and even manages to seduce him to gain leverage.
Nicole Kidman & Billy Zane in Dead Calm (1989)
The real suspense begins once John is on the derelict and Rae is alone with Hughie. It is Nicole Kidman’s performance, the excellent direction, editing & photography by Phillip Noyce, Richard Francis-Bruce &Dean Semier that make this film a milestone in the suspense genre that even Hitchcock would love.
Facts, Rumors & Hearsay
In a 2021 interview with Marc Maron, Sam Neill expressed some discomfort over the fact that he was twice Nicole Kidman’s age when they played a couple in this film.
In May 1987 as production began, Neil was 39 years of age and Kidman was 19.
Sophia Loren, Michelle Pfeiffer, Veronica Ferres, Cher & Susan Sarandon were considered for the role of Rae Ingram.
