Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Stand’.

If there is one particular constant that exists in modern storytelling, it would have to be that creative minds from all walks of life, are going to find a way to update and spin age-old storytelling concepts and notions for modern audiences. Simply because some of those concepts no longer resonate in modern times, since our beliefs and understanding of the world change as time marches on, and that's precisely why storytellers are eager to give these old ideas new life and new perspective. So that the lesson embedded within said concepts can continue to thrive, and for a fine example of how this plays out, then look no further than Stephen King’s 1978 novel, The Stand.
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For this particular book, and oddly enough its 1994 television counterpart, really did a phenomenal job of adapting and updating the supremely rigid and stoic Book of Revelations from the Bible for modern audiences. For now, the outlandish Holy plagues that Revelations spoke of, were given new life by way of germ warfare and science gone wrong, and the grand battle that the forces of Heaven and Hell took part in later on in Revelations, were now handled by flawed human beings that let their moral compass and their courage decide the ultimate fate of mankind and these changes were downright brilliant to say the least. For they created a supernatural story that was grounded in reality, which made it palatable and iconic in its own right, to the point where we are currently enjoying a new iteration of this particular tale.

Which should mean that the 2020 edition of The Stand is following in the footsteps of its predecessor and updating these themes for a new generation of viewers and at first glance it appeared as though that was going to be the case. For it not only offered up some poignant and powerful commentary on modern disasters, but it really did start to move this story in a bold new direction, before making quite the storytelling change in this week’s tale. Because ‘Blank Page’s is a chapter in this adventure that opted to roll with a more literal re-telling of the Bible and the Book of Revelations. Which is quite brave for certain, and it accomplished this particular feat by offering up a supremely unique examination of the nature of good and evil and the power of faith.  

Which at their core, seem like innocuous and cliché examinations to work with. But the sheer fact that the series took the time to explore the nature of good and evil, in such an old school manner, is proof positive that this series is suddenly eager to examine more classic Biblical concepts. Because this examination felt as though it was ripped from the pages of the good book, and seeing them here in such a pure manner is off-putting at first, as is this episode's commentary on faith and destiny. Because you simply don't expect a story this complex and this poignant to just place such simple and direct concepts in front an audience that is in fact, expecting a little nuance from the story. But slowly but surely, these elements started to reveal what the show was trying to accomplish by introducing these classic elements into the mix.  

In that, clearly Josh Boone and company want to truly hammer home the awe and gravity of that final battle between good and evil in the Book of Revelations and the only way to accomplish that particular feat, is by purifying where the characters stand on either side of that equation. Which is why we saw Stu and Glen and Nick and Fran and Larry, quickly acquiesce to Mother Abagail's tutelage in this story, so that they establish themselves as true forces for good. Ones that know that there is a higher power working behind the scenes here, that they need to trust in. And of course, Nadine's life long commitment to Flagg and Harold's slow fall from grace, along with the broken visitor in this tale... allow for the story to establish the pure evil of Randall Flagg, and his and evil's influence over broken souls and well, at this point it is definitely safe to say that this storytelling decision is going to be quite polarizing for certain.

Because critics of the series will use this interesting choice to once again declare how the show has failed to properly pay respect to the source material and the iteration that came before it, while others will see this as a bold new experiment for horror, since the genre usually only flirts with the purity of religion. But make no mistake about it, this is a unique decision for certain, one that this reviewer cannot declare as good or bad. Simply because, we haven't seen the payoff just yet. But in the here and the now, we would be foolish to not point out that this was quite the jarring tale since its push to go this route makes it appear as though the story is spinning its wheels. And it will be quite interesting to see if in fact, The Stand is masterfully putting something powerful together by way of a slow burn approach that is filled with bold decisions, or if it is nothing more than a series of bold missteps, and the only way to know for certain; is to continue this fascinating journey. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Stand’.
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Each and every one of us out there, firmly believe that we have a genuine purpose in life and that belief exists for a reason. Simply because, we all harbor unique and magnificent talents, the kind that really do set us apart from the pack and they motivate us to make them the focal point of our lives. Because deep down we know that if we can make that happen, we will enjoy happiness and peace in ways we never thought possible. But what is genuinely fascinating about our quest to fulfill our purpose, is that said quest, only works within certain parameters. Specifically… modern society. For without its intricate structure, the quest to become a doctor, a mathematician or a musician seemingly becomes meaningless.

For we need people to make our purpose thrive, which begs a horrifying question… in that, what would our purpose become if by chance the world came to an end and humanity ceased to exist? Which is a conundrum that this week’s episode of The Stand takes the time to explore, by introducing us to a musician who is without purpose, and when we catch up with Larry Underwood in ‘Pocket Savior’, he’s basically reflecting upon the chain of events that brought him to this point in life. After all, it wasn't that long ago that his new single, ‘Baby Can You Dig Your Man', was climbing the charts, meaning that at long last; his dreams of being a successful musician were finally coming to fruition. Which should have given him great internal peace since he was fulfilling his purpose in life at last. But instead, all he found was strife, courtesy of the horror that is Captain Trips.

For the arrival of the Superflu and the end of the world sent Larry’s life into a tailspin, one that forced him to kick into survival mode after his mother passed away from this horrific bug. Which made it seem as though the story was going to immediately focus upon what Larry's new purpose in life was going to be. But instead, the episode opted to offer up some unique examinations on this matter, such as how a lack of a purpose can in fact… destroy a person. Since Larry’s new apocalypse companion, a well-to-do woman named Rita Blakemoor, struggled mightily with the end times. For now, there was little for her to do and little for her to look forward to, and without any direction or purpose in life, she took her own, believing that there was simply no point to her existence anymore. 

Which should have in turn, given Larry clarity and direction as well. But instead, he was still just a man getting by, one that eventually became close with a woman named Nadine Cross and her adopted son named Joe, and they both believed that their purpose at this point was to answer the call that Mother Abigail was sending their way. But even after arriving in Boulder… Larry was still lost and without direction and well, while some would cite this lack of clarity for a character to be a horrible idea storytelling wise, this is actually quite the brilliant decision for certain. Because it appears to be a part of a grand master plan. One that will allow for this series to explore what comes next when one has survived an outright, life-changing cataclysm and of course… what our purpose might look like in life if we were forced to start over from scratch and were facing dangerous odds, the kind that just so happened to be brewing in the background of this particular tale.

For while Larry tried to figure out what his tomorrow is going to look like and his place in the Boulder Free Zone, evil was making some serious moves. For Randall Flagg was making efforts to gather followers of his own and he found simple ways to gain their trust and their loyalty and it was quite unsettling to know that he’s eager to prey upon the weak and broken to his bidding. Since those are the kind of people that will go down swinging when given the opportunity and it is equally as unsettling to know that one of his recruits, has made their way to the Zone. For Nadine holds the sigil of evil that Lloyd Henreid accepted as well, and that undoubtedly means that trouble is brewing in the Free Zone, the kind that will put a damper on everything that Mother Abigail is working to build.

If anything, this was simply a wonderful way to continue to flesh out this new imagining of Stephen King’s iconic novel and a wonderful way to set the stage for a grand showdown between good versus evil. For slowly but surely, sides are being taken and lines are being drawn. And Nadine's decision to commit to evil so early in the story, will undoubtedly allow for this series to properly examine how sometimes evil is a choice. One that people gradually commit to and grow into and it will be quite interesting to watch her gently slide into the darkness as this story rolls along, and it will be equally as fascinating to watch our heroes grow into something more as they discover their powerful purpose in this grand fight, all thanks to evil’s powerful and aggressive machinations. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Climate of the Hunter’.
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What’s truly amazing about the horror industry in 2020, is that its current popularity has finally given it the respect it is due. To the point where horror stories in every visual medium, are finally receiving proper funding on a consistent basis, and they are now filled to the brim with A-list talent in front of and behind the camera and that has led to some impressive storytelling for certain. The kind that is as polished as any other visual medium out there. But while that has led to slick production values and big-time stories that everyone can enjoy, reaching this particular level of popularity is not without its drawbacks. 
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Because back in the day, when horror was nothing more than a VHS darling and shunned by major audiences, horror filmmakers were eager to push the envelope storytelling wise and try new things with the medium, because why not? Which led to an artistic era of horror for a time, one where the visuals felt akin to an art house film and were complete with all kinds of fascinating gore and strange twists and turns. But while horror has stepped away from this more experimental style of storytelling in order to please and terrify the masses, there are some filmmakers out there that are eager to explore the potential of horror stories that defy the norms and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a scary story in that vein in Climate of the Hunter.

Now in this particular film, we are whisked away to the mountains to meet a trio of individuals named Wesley and Elizabeth and Alma. And these old and flirtatious friends have come here to get away from the ills of the world and to refocus their lives. For Alma is in a tough place mentally and emotionally and Wesley is dealing with the internal and external fallout of committing his wife to a psychiatric institute. But while it is wonderful for these individuals to simply escape the spoils of everyday life, old feelings and concerns about the future and Wesley’s true identity make this a tense weekend at best. Because Alma believes that something is quite off about Wesley, in fact… she’s concerned that his time abroad and his marital strife has motivated him to do something quite drastic and join the ranks of the vampire, and if that is indeed the case, then she will stop at nothing to end the second life of this bloodsucker in order to keep her flawed family, safe.

So, what is truly fascinating about this film, is that co-writer/director Mickey Reece opted to go all out in paying homage to the more experimental era of horror… by outright recreating it. Because this movie looks and feels as though it was made in 1975 and that is no small feat. But Mister Reece takes us back in time in a smooth and organic manner and the wonder of this homage doesn’t end with its breathtaking visuals. For the overall plot is designed to also plunge us into the heart an art-house horror film from the 70s and Reece succeeds in recreating that as well. Courtesy of some captivating interactions between some supremely quirky characters and all of this makes for an engrossing experience. One that also offers up quite the mystery, since we are never quite clear as to whether or not Wesley is in fact, a vampire.
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But while the homages to the 70s are quite delightful and unique in their own right, the underlying themes in this story and its exploration of the human condition are what allows for it to stand out. Because this movie does take the time to spotlight some real-world horrors that aren’t explored all that often in this genre, such as the ravages of time and mental illness. Something that the film accomplishes by putting the shock that accompanies growing older on full display. Since our main characters are stunned over what time has done to their bodies and their minds and their souls, and their reflections do a fine job of reminding us of the terror that comes about when we ponder upon our eventual end and the horror that also comes forth from watching our loved ones lose control of mental faculties. And placing all of that into the framework of this story, allows for some powerful moments to take place. The kind that leave you with more questions than answers.  

Which may seem like a disservice to the audience, but that is something that is in line with the film’s overall design. Since a great deal of those art house horror flicks from the 1970s preferred to leave certain aspects of their finales ambiguous and well, in the end, all of these elements meld together to create an absolutely unique and downright brilliant horror film. One that offers up a powerful sense of dread and hopelessness, but not in the traditional sense in the slightest. Since those emotions appear here courtesy of regret and fear and all of the traits, we spend a lifetime trying to abandon and well, that definitely makes this horror flick a must-see. In part so that newer fans can be introduced to an era of the genre that was far more experimental than it is today, but also to enjoy a powerful story about the horrors of time and how they are in fact… inescapable.

​There is something to be said about living in a small community, since most people that do never want to leave. With most of the world being blocked out, people are able to go along with their own business and do not have to worry about many things. But when the outsiders start to come in and see how peaceful things can really be outside of the big city, they decide that it may be the place for them as well and that can cause problems. Not needing the big box stores, much less more than one building to house different businesses, the outsiders always want to bring in their outside luxuries but have no idea what it will do to the formerly quiet town.

Graves Island is an out of the way island that just sticks to its roots and that is why the locals like it there, that and nobody meddles in their business.  But a rash of strange deaths in the woods over the years has sparked the interest of Stacy and Ned Ryerson who want to do a documentary on the island’s jaded past. Arriving on the island to see it is more of a one-horse town, Ned, Stacy and their helper April check into a ratty old hotel run by Jacob Wiggenstein and his family and are far from impressed with their surroundings. Checking in with Sheriff Ree on where and when they can shoot, he gives them free reign, but a warning as well, since the island has been known to gobble people up, never to be seen again.

Young Sam Wiggenstein and Brooke Ree have a little secret that they hope nobody finds out about. Young love has not passed as the two look forward to doing everything together for the rest of their days. But they both know that there is something strange happening on the island and would like nothing better to escape. When coming across the body of an outsider in the woods, Sam picks up the professor's backpack and sees that it contains some very strange accusations about the island and the families that have been living there for generations. With deaths being chalked up to his family name, along with Brooke’s, he knows that it is time to leave and has a plan on how the two can escape without anybody being the wiser. 

​Graves Island is not without its demons as King James Strang was the reverend who was killed by his parishioners. With his new way of preaching, he also punished those who did not follow his teachings to show how much strength was needed to live on the island. Before dying, the preacher cursed all of the men involved and vowed that none of their families would be safe until they were all dead. Thinking little about this, the men buried the King and his family, but had no idea what they had released on the island.

With the King’s story only being a legend, Stacy, Ned and April find out that it sparks some hatred when talking to the sheriff about what might have happened on the island back in the day.  But after seeing their professor friend has been hacked limb from limb and seeing that his heart was ripped out of his chest, they are starting to believe. But there is someone else on the island that is taking care of the business that the long dead preacher is not as Lucas Heidegger is also about punishing the guilty. After hearing that April has been killed by someone or something in the woods, Stacy and Ned know that it is time to leave before they suffer the same fate. But some things are easier said than done as they quickly find out when a dead reverend, live crazy man, sheriff and island owner are all after them, but there might be help on the horizon when Sam and Brooke are looking for help in their own way.

I must admit that this movie kind of surprised me when all was said and done. The main characters were great, especially Lucas who knows what needs to be done on the island to keep it running the way it has for generations. Then with the King coming from the grave and seemingly picking off people in the woods at random, along with taking their hearts, well, my gore need was fulfilled. I liked the little love story that played out between Sam and Brooke as they are looking for a better life and I am sure that when Stacy and Ned met the young couple, they saw a bit of themselves there. I like the idea of a ghost hunting for vengeance and I wonder who the King’s next victim on the island will be, since it appears, he is about to lose the only youth element that was left. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘A Creepshow Holiday Special’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the horror genre has become a true staple of modern pop-culture, because we now see scary stories popping up everywhere in the medium. Which is truly a horror fan’s dream come true, since there was a time that this genre was seen in an incredibly negative light and shunned by the general public. But while it is indeed wonderful to see tales of terror enjoy their day in the sun, its popularity has brought about a few drawbacks here and there. Such as the fact that some fans, expect every new horror story that arrives on the market to be an outright, in your face fright fest and well, that is simply an unrealistic expectation to have for this ancient and storied genre. Because in reality, horror stories are extremely diverse when it comes to how they terrify audiences.
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For some of them use gore to get the scares across, while others use psychological cues and careful storytelling in order to get our skin crawling. Or in the case of more recent tales of terror; they make use of real-world elements to bring out our darkest fears and concerns so we can face them in a cerebral and unsettling manner. But what truly makes this genre so dynamic and so incredible, is the sheer fact that it also knows how to have fun, and this is perhaps the most difficult concept for some to comprehend. Because finding humor in someone getting sawed in half just doesn’t seem all that acceptable. But when a horror comedy is done right, it is something that is truly magical and unsettling in its own special way and really… all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because A Creepshow Holiday Special is a fine example of how a horror story can tell a sweeping and splatter-y and creepy tale in a supremely fun manner.

Which is a feat that ‘Shapeshifters Anonymous’ accomplishes in part, by outright fooling the audience. Because right out of the gate, all signs are pointing toward a more traditional Creepshow tale, one that will explore how twisted creatures that go bump in the night, live with their gory gifts. As evidenced by the fact that our main character, a fellow named Robert Weston, is desperate to find support in regard to a strange problem he’s now encountering in everyday life. In that, he tends to wake up often with some ugly digestive problems, that kind that result from say… eating an entire human being. Which leads him to believe he’s a werewolf and that in turn, motivates him to seek out a support group that shares the namesake of this episode and well… that’s when this story takes quite the lighthearted turn. For we quickly come to learn that shapeshifters aren’t evil in the slightest. Instead, they’re just everyday folks with a special ability that they too are trying to understand, and they meet in secret often because there are some in this world, Santa Claus to be specific, that outright despise their kind and will stop at nothing to end them. 

Which is a wild plot to say the least, one that completely and utterly takes you off guard and outright needs to be celebrated to be honest. Simply because this is hands-down the most ambitious episode of this series to date for several reasons. First and foremost, because it is indeed a hardcore horror comedy, one that holds nothing back joke wise and well… the humor works to a tee here. Largely due to the fact that Anna Camp and Adam Pally have wonderful on-screen chemistry and great comedic backgrounds and they use that to their advantage in this tale and the audience definitely benefits from that. Because the jokes truly leave you laughing out loud in this story, and they arrive in such a rapid-fire fashion that you’ll likely need to watch this episode several times in order to properly soak up all the humor that it has to offer. But what’s truly amazing about this particular tale is that it also features some incredibly epic moments as well.
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Because this episode is also filled to the brim with some serious action and buckets of gore, something that comes of courtesy of the Santa Claus twist, and the decision to provide the viewer with a final act that is part Rambo and part grindhouse is a brilliant one to say the least. Because it leaves the viewer hooting and hollering when the bullets begin to fly, and the cheers only get louder when the limbs start to fly as well. For the special effects in this segment are of the same high quality that we’ve come to expect from this series, and those wondrous effects are taken to a whole new level once the big bad of this story makes his entrance and well, all of this is a testament to Greg Nicotero’s skills behind the camera. For he wrote and directed this particular episode and did such a phenomenal job in those roles that everything here feels seamless and organic and akin to a big budget horror flick when all is said and done.

But what matters most when it comes to this special, is that it truly hammers home the fact that horror doesn’t always have to be brooding and filled with dread and scares that give you nightmares. It can be an outright blast and still make you uncomfortable, as evidenced by the number of intestines that pop out in this particular tale and really in the end, this is a magnificent episode through and through. Because not only does it pay rich tribute to the legacy of this franchise, since this is ‘The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verill’ on steroids, it’s a top-notch horror comedy, which is no easy feat. Because one wrong step with the jokes and the whole thing becomes a campy nightmare. But this one is flawless, and it is the perfect way for horror fans out there to celebrate the horror-days, and hopefully, we will see more comedic and fun horror stories akin to this one, when season two of Creepshow arrives in 2021. Until next time, kiddies.

‘A Creepshow Holiday Special’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder, and to learn more about the making of this episode; read our interview with ‘Creepshow' Showrunner Greg Nicotero.

It is always important to look out for your friends, because you never know when they will need you the most. When times get rough, you may never really know what is going on in their minds and if they are in need of help before doing something stupid. Simply asking if they are alright may not be enough to keep this from happening, you need to look deeper. Asking the right questions and not allowing yourself to be shut out of the relationship is key, especially if you want to be the friend that you know you can be.
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Fresh out of rehab, Christian has been able to convince his friends to help him with his final film project for school so he can graduate. With his best friend Sophia running the show, Carlos doing the sound, Hassan behind the camera, his cousin Patty doing makeup and best friend Bo coming in from out of town to direct, nothing could go wrong. Being able to get a great location in town, the Goodwin Manor, which is rumored to be haunted, it is the perfect place for Christian’s vision to come to life, but even with all of the research that was done on the old estate, it cannot prepare him and his friends for what is lingering within the old walls.

The house is in perfect order and seems to be ready for them to start shooting right away. Doing a little scout trip around the house to check the sound and see how video friendly it really is, Carlos and Patty have a little trick to play on their uptight producer Sophia and after scaring her socks off, the group tries to get all of the laughs out before getting back to business. With more of the house to scout, Carlos gets sidetracked with his camera and discovers that the group is not alone in the house. Getting taken over by something that is curious about what is happening in the house, Carlos speaks a different way than he normally does and while this does not affect his actions, he gets very upset while looking out of a window towards the town that took the Goodwin’s lives many years ago. Being freed from the spell and getting sick, the team knows that their friend needs a doctor, but seeing that their car tires are all slashed, they will have to wait until morning to do anything.

Sitting down and collecting themselves and getting ready to spend the night in the old house, things slowly start to come alive in the ancient halls. When hearing a crash, Patty finds an old copy of the Necronomicon that only witches would have used for their spells. Giving a little credence to the old Goodwin stories that surround the house of the three women being witches, she is not able to pass on what she knows as another witch has taken her over. Not understanding what is happening in the house, Christian tries to think of another way to get free of whatever spell is being placed on them, but it is too little, too late as the witches have been awakened from their slumber and are looking to take revenge on anyone that gets in their way.

While I did enjoy how the story played out, I was a little upset with the inconsistent way the movie was filmed. Being a found footage film, there were plenty of shots as the friends started dying off that were not shot by anyone in the group. With that being said, I liked how the backstory of the Goodwin Witches came to life on the screen, being able to be seen in either their beautiful form, or their ghostly killing form, it was pretty neat. I also liked the characters and their battles between each other, especially when Bo started to get too full of himself. Not a bad movie overall, and as long as you don’t mind a couple errors in the way it was shot and some very cute special effects, it does keep you entertained throughout. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, 'Better Watch Out'.
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Thus far, our journey through some of the finest holiday themed horror exclusives/originals that Shudder has to offer, has yielded an interesting surprise. In that, the films that populate this sub-genre… work hard to not offend their viewer or cross too many lines. Which makes sense to say the least, since the holiday season is indeed a sacred time of year for so many. So, offering up a holiday horror flick that pulls out of all of the stops and dives into some twisted premises seems sacrilegious and inappropriate for certain, and that’s why they straight up stick to more philosophical themes or home invasion storylines when telling their stories, so they never once cross that invisible line. In fact, that latter element is one of note, simply because it has become a sub-genre staple. Since it offers up an entertaining horror story that keeps the sanctity of the holiday intact.
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After all, the person or persons that break into a home to wreak havoc under the mistletoe aren’t indicative of anything sour in regard to mankind, they’re just horrible people/monsters that opted to turn their back on what matters. and they just so happened to make their move at Christmastime. But while that is definitely a safe and smooth route to go filmmaking wise to create an entertaining holiday horror film, that formula is not without its drawbacks. Because it unfortunately doesn’t challenge the audience in the slightest, nor does it break any new ground in the genre because it is about as cliché as it comes. Which is a bit of a shame since this genre is known for going against the grain and challenging its audience. But once in a great while, a holiday horror film comes along that is eager to defy convention and offer up something bold and dynamic and downright terrifying and it just so happens that Shudder is host to a film that meets that particular criteria in Better Watch Out.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a young woman named Ashley who is on her way to a babysitting gig, one that should prove to be quite boring and uneventful. For she is going to babysit Luke Lerner, a twelve-year-old boy that she's watched over for years and knows quite well. But it doesn’t take long for poor Ashley to realize that her seemingly routine night is going to be anything but. For someone is lurking outside of the Lerner household, and they seem quite eager to cause harm to both Luke and Ashley for reasons unknown. But once Ashley is able to discover exactly who is terrorizing the household and why… this nightmare evening is going to take a far more frightening turn, simply because the culprit of this heinous act is someone that she thought she could trust and the betrayal that this person has brought upon her, will shatter their relationship.

So, it really is best to declare this particular horror feature as downright brilliant for several reasons. One of which relates to the fact… that this movie lulls you into a false sense of security. Because early on this one really does feel like a traditional holiday, home invasion movie. For it is filled to the brim with innocent and pure characters like Luke and Ashley, and it truly seems as though the randomness and cruelty of the world has found them, and they will have to fight like never before to survive the night. But the grand reveal that Luke is the one behind this entire mess, changes the dynamic of this film completely. Largely because it is indeed screwed up that a twelve-year-old is willing to put people in danger over notions of love, but also because we quickly come to learn that Luke is not all what he appears to be.
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In fact, he is nothing more than a wannabe Ted Bundy in a Christmas sweater, and the lengths that he is willing to go in order to gain control over what quickly becomes a hopeless situation, and to maintain his standing as the good-est boy, adds a real sense of danger to this story. Plus, you're left stunned since you simply cannot believe the fact that this pre-teen is an outright psychopathic monster and that shocking twist immediately draws you into this quality story and never lets go. Simply because you have to know as to whether or not Luke’s special brand of evil can be defeated in the slightest and also to see what other surprises this film has in store for you, and it doesn’t disappoint in that particular arena either. Because it also offers up some unexpectedly savage and twisted kills, the kind that make you squirm for certain.

But while that makes it sound as though this particular tale is a non-stop nightmare from beginning to end, that simply isn't the case. Because this is a story that also knows how to have a little fun by way some delightfully dark humor, the kind that definitely helps to relieve the tension. And of course, a story this intimate doesn't work in the slightest without quality acting and you'll find that here too. Because Olivia DeJonge and Levi Miller are simply electric as Ashley and Luke, respectively, and they sell every single moment in this story. But what truly makes this movie so incredibly special, is that it really is quite original and refreshing for certain. Thanks to the fact that it takes a tried and true trope, one that was starting to look a little worse for the wear, and flips it upside down in the most dynamic manner imaginable. 

'Better Watch Out' is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Stand’.
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Something that is truly fascinating about stories that revolve around the end of the world, is that these tales tend to sanitize what would be a genuinely horrifying experience, and it makes sense as to why that is the case. After all, audiences dive into a particular story to be entertained over anything else and watching or reading about the chaos that ensues as everything mankind has worked to build, collapses around dynamic characters… is an unsettling experience for certain. One that few could argue offers genuine entertainment value. So instead, storytellers tend to gloss over the end and get right to the rebuilding process so that the audience can instead feel inspiration and hope.   
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But once in a great while, a story comes along that holds nothing back in its exploration of what the world would look like if it ended tomorrow, and what tomorrow would look like for the survivors of the apocalypse and one particular tale that perfectly encapsulates the horror of such an event is Stephen King’s The Stand. For his sweeping epic about a world decimated by the creation of a super flu nicknamed ‘Captain Trips’, held nothing back in its exploration of how the end would bring mankind to its knees. Before shifting gears to become a modern re-telling of the Book of Revelations, one that was as much about overcoming the evil within our souls as it was about overcoming the evil of Randall Flagg. 

But while King’s novel is a visceral and horrifying experience, one that truly puts the savagery of man on display, the 1994 miniseries adaptation of the book, suffered from the aforementioned sanitization, despite the fact that King wrote the screenplay himself. A problem that like ties into the era in which it was released, since Director Mick Garris and King ran into problems with ABC in regard to what they could and could not show on television in the 1990s. But thankfully, now that horror is mainstream at last and now that networks and producers are eager to push the envelope in order to tell bold stories that keep people talking, King’s sprawling story about the end of the world is finally getting the proper respect it deserves on CBS All Access.

For a new iteration of The Stand arrived on the streaming service today and well, it is definitely everything fans of this book and of horror could hope for and more. Because ‘The End’ really does offer up a no-holds barred exploration of the end of the world, since everything we see in the opening chapter of this limited series is about as bleak as it gets. For once ‘Captain Trips’ takes hold in the United States, it doesn’t take long for the world to fall apart, and it is the swift manner in which writer/director Josh Boone ends the modern world that makes this premiere so horrifying. Because we would like to think that mankind would put up a fight and try and beat this thing. But instead, our species collectively succumbs to the super flu with minimal fuss, allowing for everything we hold dear to disappear in the blink of an eye. 
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But while that concept alone is horrifying enough, and painfully relevant since we are in the midst of a pandemic right now… it is the response of our main characters that truly allows for the horror in question to unfold. Take Frannie Goldsmith’s journey for instance, since she is forced to watch her father, her rock, waste away under the flu’s influence before burying him in her own backyard and being left to her own devices and seeing the world collapse around her pushes her to nearly take her own life. And for that matter, Stu Redman’s journey is one that is also of note, simply because his immunity to the super flu puts him in a burdensome place. One where he is forced to watch people suffer and succumb to the virus while he soldiers on and watching that play out is quite unsettling for certain since it lends to the hopeless nature of the story.

However, what’s truly amazing about this opening chapter, is that its portrayal of the end is so bleak and so powerful, that you get lost within the devastation and that’s a good thing. Because it adds gravity to the arrival of Randall Flagg and it invests the viewer in the bigger story that is brewing. Because the closing moments of this tale make it clear that evil is trying to corrupt or destroy everything good about humanity and just like that… you want to see it fail and that definitely compels you to continue to the journey so you can see Flagg’s defeat, and so that you can see what other horrors await us down the line storytelling wise. Because if this series premiere is any indication of what is to come, then we are going to be in for once visceral and terrifying experience, one that truly explores the darkness that we carry and what it will take to conquer it. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Christmas Presence’.
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One particular element that people love when it comes to holiday stories, is the sheer fact that a fair number of them deal with the notion of redemption. Because there is something quite powerful and about enjoying a story in print or on screen, that features sour people who are eventually infected by the wonder of the season, which of course... motivates them to change their life (or their lives) for the better. And what makes that tried and true plot so powerful, is the sheer fact that it speaks to the season's sense of renewal and these stories immediately lift our spirts up and give us hope, and that is precisely why we will drop everything to watch It's a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol when they pop up on television, so we can simply soak up the good vibes they send our way.

But while it is indeed nice to enjoy a story that genuinely explores the magic of the holiday season and be reminded of the fact that being kind to others costs us nothing, the fact of the matter is, these types of stories at their core, are somewhat unrealistic. Because there arrives a point in our lives, where we come to realize that some people are set in their ways, to the point where even the experiences that Scrooge goes through wouldn’t change their course in the slightest. Which sometimes does leave one to wonder, what a holiday tale might look like if by chance it was assembled in a more realistic manner, one where the main characters refused to learn the life lessons the spirits are trying to teach them and it just so happens, that Shudder plays host to an exclusive/original that explores that very notion in Christmas Presence.

Now in this particular film, we are transported to the middle of nowhere in England, where a woman named McKenzie has rented out an absolutely gorgeous countryside home for Christmas. One that can host all of her friends and all of their respective problems and egos and well, once everyone arrives at this magnificent abode, it truly seems as though this group of friends are going to be able to put their differences and issues aside and enjoy the season in the most positive way imaginable. But once one member of their group disappears abruptly, the positive mood disappears and is replaced by utter fear. For they quickly realize that something sinister from beyond is stalking them and its arrival is going to force the group to make quite the difficult decision. In that, they can either put their issues aside and work together in order to survive this onslaught of evil, or they can stick with what works and hope for the best. But either way, they will have to decide quickly as to which path to take… for what lurks in the darkness is quite impatient and it is only a matter of time before it makes a horrifying choice of its own. 

So, what makes this particular horror film worth the audience’s while, is the sheer fact that it really does feature a bevy of lead characters that are genuinely sour people. The kind that are all about their ego or close-minded views and initially, that is a bit off-putting for certain. Because we tend to expect our main characters to be heroic or good in nature. But it doesn’t take long for the viewer to realize that this is all part of a master plan to explore as to what a holiday story looks like when bad people are unwilling to learn the lessons being sent their way and the end result of that… is a tale that is downright fascinating. Because that particular twist adds a genuine sense of realism to this story since we’ve all known folks who refuse to let go of their crap when a crisis arrives, and it leaves the viewer quite curious as to how someone like that is going to respond when the matter at hand gets worse.

But while that does make for quite the intriguing experience, the wonder of this film doesn’t end with its shocking exploration of how people sometimes refuse to let go of fear and negativity. Because this is also a top-notch horror film as well, one that does a wonderful job of manipulating its audience emotionally. A feat that this movie accomplishes, by taking its time to set up its story. Because early on, we spend a lot of time with the characters and properly get to know their quirks, and our curiosity as to why they are so jaded and ignorant, lowers our guard just enough that when the horror hits, it hits hard and the movie doesn’t let up from there. In fact, this is a story that simply gets bleaker the longer it continues along, to the point where the shocking ending of this tale leaves you utterly silent because you simply weren’t expecting the finale of this story to be so incredibly devastating.

If anything, all of these elements make this a supremely unique watch, simply because it serves as the anthesis to the traditional holiday story. Because there is no character growth to be found here, nor is there any semblance of redemption. Just a bevy of bad people who think that their rotten ways can somehow get them out of another jam and that’s quite bold to say the least. Because even holiday horror stories tend to have some kind of bright side embedded into their fabric, but this one could care less about such matters, it simply wants to assault the senses and it does a fine job of that. Because this one stays with you for quite a while after it has come to an end, thanks to the fact that it puts the worst monster of all on display in this horrific holiday tale; the one that we carry in the depths of our souls.

‘Christmas Presence’ is streaming now exclusively on Shudder.

Knowing the history of where you live can come in handy at some point, especially when you want to scare people off from living in your town. If you had a brutal murder spree or nuclear weapons being tested nearby, it could keep many of the undesirables from moving in. Of course, you could make something like that up, but with the internet fitting into everyone’s pocket these days, a quick fact check to prove you wrong only makes you look bad. But if you are lucky enough to have something strange that happened in your town and it does not sit right with the people that you don’t want coming in, it is an easy thing to embrace.
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Needing to come up with a midterm project for class, David and James have come up with the idea to look into a major local legend, the legend of Dorchester Stewart or The Crinoline Head killer.  To their amazement, none of the class seems to have heard about this local legend that killed six people ten years ago, but they do know that their teacher, Mr. Donner, knows plenty about it. Being present for the murders, Paul Donner was befriended by Dorchester Stewart and was taken to the psycho’s lake house. Being lucky enough to escape with one other person, Paul has tried to keep the mentions about this travesty under wraps, because reliving it brings him nothing but pain.

Seeing the emotions of their teacher, the class knows much more now than they ever did before and David and Josh are allowed to move forward with their subject. Borrowing Mr. Donner’s file that he has kept on Crinoline Head for many years, the two have a huge advantage to where their story can take them and over the weekend, they are planning on visiting the site of the murders. Being stopped in the common area by their classmates Shelby and Donna, the two young men get a happy surprise when they find out the girls want to go with them to check it out. Finding out more about Dorchester Stewart and what he did has raised their interests in the story and Shelby wants to be able to get David alone for a while to see if he has interest in her, like she has in him.

Arriving at the address of the old lake house, the group is surprised that there is no house there, but a trailer occupied by Betsy who keeps an eye over the area. Since the Stewart house burned down years ago, Betsy has found her greatest job and wants the kids to leave, or get with her, whichever they prefer.  Allowing the four to stay and do their little project, the group is joined by more of their classmates who want to find out more about the murders as well. As the classmates start pairing off and try to find something to occupy themselves with, David and Shelby come across an old farmhouse that is filled to the brim with dolls and David knows that it has to be where Dorchester moved to after his childhood home burned down. Believing that the killer is alive and well and now being able to prove it will make his project earth shattering, but he and the group will have to survive the weekend to get the word out.

Talk about a messed-up tale about a young man that has turned into a killer. Still not knowing his true motivations, Dorchester Stewart is still on the prowl for meat and anyone that comes onto his property is fair game. I really enjoyed hearing the story from Mr. Donner about what happened ten years ago during the murders and was impressed that the story was simply told, and no flashbacks were shown. Leaving a little something up to the imagination is something that many movies have been lacking over the years. The cast was great, and you get to see Donna grow up in front of your eyes, well, get silly to try and impress a boy for the first time in her life. Betsy was a fun character and gives a couple life lessons in between her innuendoes that were just fantastic. This movie may have you wondering what is really happening at your local lake, especially if there is any sort of legend about it. Stay Scared.