In the late 1970s, Stephen King had the idea of selling his short stories for ONE DOLLAR and a contract to let young filmmakers make their own films based on his works. After King’s approval, these films were only available for viewing at film festivals around the world. For the last forty-plus years and over hundreds of films made, The Dollar Baby program has made a serious impact not only on the Stephen King world, but the film industry itself.

Unfortunately, for Stephen King fans, unless you attended these film festivals, you basically would never be able to see them. In fact, most Stephen King fans have never even heard of the Dollar Baby program. Well, that’s where I come in. I have been interviewing Dollar Baby filmmakers and reviewing their films for eight years. During that time, not only have I also hosted two Dollar Baby Film fests at Crypticon Horror Con in Minnesota, but I also built a trust, a bond, and a friendship with all of the Dollar Baby community.

As a major Stephen King fan, I decided it was time to pull the curtain back and show the fans just what they have been missing. In this book, readers will learn all about the Dollar Baby program, fun facts, trivia, personal stories from the fans themselves, special guests contributors, essays, Where Are They Now?, 55 exclusive interviews with the Dollar Baby filmmakers and reviews of their films, and a whole lot more! I cover every possible angle of the Dollar Baby program and it’s all here to enjoy! So, sit back, relax, and get ready to go behind the exclusive curtain and prepare yourselves to enter…Stephen King Dollar Baby: The Book!

You can buy the book on Amazon here!

Here we are, already in the first week of January 2018, looking forward to new goals, plans, and possibilities. Before you pack up your Christmas tree, or start your 2018 to do list, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the best that 2017 had to offer in film. Here are my…Top 15… favorite films of 2017.

You may have seen some of these at the theater, and agree, they are worthwhile taking another look at on DVD as well.

15. LIFE – At first I thought this was going to be just another “ALIENS rip-off”, but it turned out to be very good, with a great twist to the ending.

14. SUBURBICON – A cross between a who done it, and a twisted dark comedy, by who else, the Coen Brothers (who brought us the film, FARGO). An entertaining film, starring Matt Damon. Worth a watch.

13. KONG: SKULL ISLAND – Again, I thought, “not another King Kong rip-off”, but I was wrong. A sequel to the original King Kong, much better than I expected. You just can’t keep a big ape down!

12. WONDER WOMAN – This year had many superhero films, and this was considered by most critics, the best superhero film of the year. I thought it was well done, and the sequel is being filmed this year.

11. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – The magic of Disney never ceases to amaze, and they have now started a new trend with live action versions of their animated classics, beginning with Beauty and the Beast. This is the first of many to come. This film was beautifully done, entertaining, with great F/X, and Emma Watson was breathtaking as Belle.

10. SPLIT - Leave it to talented director, M. Night Shyamalan, to bring us yet another story which challenges the imagination, and also offers us his trademark offbeat ending. A sequel to this film is already in the works.

9. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 – One of many sequels this year, and loads of fun. Although I liked the first film a bit more, this sci-fi sequel gave us laughs, action, and a great soundtrack. Look for the ‘Guardians’ to make an appearance in the new… AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR… in theaters this summer.

8. ALIEN: COVENANT – This sequel to the ALIEN franchise, brought back original ALIEN director, Ridley Scott, who has once again shown us that space can be more than, to coin a phrase…the final frontier.

7. IT – Author Stephen King, had two films on the big screen this summer, and the film IT, was the evident winner between the two. A big screen remake, based on the classic book, and the made for television mini-series, from 1990. As a huge Stephen King fan, I can tell you, this was well executed, more frightening than the television version, and it broke a billion dollars at the box office world wide! A Part 2 is coming in 2019 (if you haven’t read the book), I highly recommend IT.

6. LOGAN – This was the first of the wave of superhero films released in 2017. The third and final installment in the WOLVERINE franchise. Truly, a very well done sequel, and what I consider the best of the trilogy.

5. SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING – We have seen 5 Spider-man films, two different actors playing the web slinging hero, but this time they got it right! This new Spider-man is played by Tom Holland, and he did a fantastic job! This film was visually fun, action-packed, and as I called it in my review, the John Hughes of superhero films. Spidey makes an appearance in the upcoming new AVENGERS: INFINITY WARS, this summer as well.

4. WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES – There are very few “perfect” trilogies in film history (STAR WARS, TOY STORY, and BACK TO THE FUTURE to name a few), however,you can add the PLANET OF THE APES to that list. This film has a great story, amazing F/X, and a lot of heart. I loved it!

3. MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS – This classic story has been made several times before, but not quite like this. It has a great cast, and is an edge of your seat tale of suspense. I was thrilled to find out the sequel, DEATH ON THE NILE is now in production.

2. BLADE RUNNER 2049 – I will tell you, I have reviewed hundreds of films, and have written 5 years worth of Year-End Wrap-Ups, but to pick the best, and favorite film of 2017, was tough this year, because as much as I wanted this film to be, NUMERO UNO, I had to place it in the number two position. As a major Blade Runner fan since 1982, this long-awaited sequel didn’t disappoint at all! It is above and beyond! The story is solid, the acting and cast, perfect, the music mesmreizing, and the F/X is mind-blowing! But the true feature in this film is really the portrayal and vision of the future, our future. The imagination the creators of this film had is just beyond words! It is a film that has to be seen to experience. I can’t recommend it enough! And if you’ve never seen the original 1982 classic, BLADE RUNNER…please do so, it’s truly that good, and brings everything together in this film. And now, the best of the best…my favorite film of 2017 (no surprise)…

1. STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – I picked this film not only because I am an extreme Star Wars fan, or because it was Carrie (Princess Leia) Fisher’s last film, or part of the franchise, I chose this film because it is without question, a SOLID SEQUEL! A really great story, F/X, and a film with heart! It is everything a Star Wars fan looks for in a sequel. It runs a very close 2nd as the best in the Star Wars franchise, right there with THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, being in my opinion, the best of all the franchise. This sequel was perfect, and I can’t wait for Episode 9, coming in 2019!

There you have it, the best of the best! I didn’t get to see all of the films I would have liked to in 2017, however, there are some Oscar contenders out in theaters right now! You can still catch: THE POST, DARKEST HOUR, DETROIT, and DUNKIRK, in theaters yet, and you can watch all of my list here of top rated films on DVD. Look for my 2018 Preview coming soon! Until then, get out of the cold, and into a warm theater to enjoy a great movie! HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Having covered the onscreen terror essentials with Horror 101: The A-List of Horror Films and Monster Movies, Aaron “Dr. AC” Christensen is back with a brand new compendium of essays from the brightest and bloodiest genre aficionados around the globe.

Published by Kitley’s Krypt, Hidden horror: A Celebration of 101 Underrated and Overlooked Fright Flicks features insights from 101 informed enthusiasts the world over, each paying tribute to their favorite overlooked creature feature, moldy oldie or trashy treat. Physical copies are now available from Amazon and other retailers, with a Kindle release scheduled for late January. Contributors include Fangoria’s Tony Timpone and Chris Alexander, Rue Morgue’s Dave Alexander, Monica S. Kuebler and John W. Bowen, HorrorHound’s Kristy Jett, Kenneth Nelson and Nathan Hanneman, Videohound’s Mike Mayo, Twitch’s Dave Canfield, FEARnet’s Lawrence P. Raffel and many more. Cult filmmaker and Blue Underground founder William Lustig (Maniac, Maniac Cop) provides the foreword.

The result is a roster of films as impressive as the bylines, highlighting silent classics such as The Man Who Laughs and The Hands of Orlac alongside foreign horrors like Tombs of the Blind Dead and Tenebrae. Schlocky shockers The Horror of Party Beach and Humanoids from the Deep share space with mind-benders like Possession and The Tenant. With 101 literary love letters to 101 underrated titles, you’ll soon be combing your queues and video shelves to see every last one!

]]> http://www.throughtheblackhole.com/en/hidden-horror-a-celebration-of-101-underrated-and-overlooked-fright-flicks/feed/ 0 http://www.throughtheblackhole.com/en/english-some-guy-who-kills-people-dvdblu-ray-available/ http://www.throughtheblackhole.com/en/english-some-guy-who-kills-people-dvdblu-ray-available/#comments Sun, 11 Nov 2012 21:32:43 +0000 Giulio De Gaetano http://www.throughtheblackhole.com/?p=8465

Some Guy Who Kills People, part slasher – part comedy – wholly brilliant, is set to become the cult movie event of the year. Blackly comic, genuinely scary and heart-warming all at the same time, it stars a stellar cast including Kevin Corrigan (Pineapple Express, Fringe, Superbad), Lucy Davis (The Office, Shaun Of The Dead), Karen Black (House of 1000 Corpses) and Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) and hits cinemas on 5 October 2012 and DVD, Blu-ray, Download and On Demand on 8 October 2012.

Meet Ken Boyd: small-town loner and comic-book nerd, making ends meet by pushing a broom around the local ice-cream parlour. Fresh out of the loony bin, where he spent years recovering from the horrific torture he suffered at the hands of the high school basketball jocks, Ken (Corrigan) wants nothing more than to just be left alone. But when the lovely Stephanie (Davis) comes into Ken’s life and he is reunited with his estranged, 11 year old daughter Amy, things finally seem to be looking up.  Even his constantly disappointed mother (Black) and the town Sheriff (Bostwick) start to treat him with a little more respect.  That is, until those very same jocks that Ken deems responsible for his ruined life start turning up dead…

Directed by Jack Perez (Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus) and executive produced by John Landis (An American Werewolf in London), Some Guy Who Kills People is screamingout to be seen.

A new King of Horror’s facebook page was born by the hands of Tony Northrup: All Thing’s King, the Stephen King Fan Page. This fan page brings it to you hot off the slab! .

Here, we will talk about and share everything from books, stories, movies, TV, Exclusive Stephen King news updates, products, tattoos, personal retrospects, photos, art, trivia, and anything else we can fit in. This is a fun page that will make you feel right at home if you are a true King fan or just a beginner. We welcome everyone with only three friendly rules:

(1)treat your fellow members respectfully
(2) Keep the drama at the door
(3) HAVE FUN!!!

You will find all kinds of fun features as well as new ones. Interviews with celebrities, and contests. We offer you the Best & Latest of Stephen King and we hope you enjoy our page. We may be small now, but we will “Stand & be true” and always “remember the face of our Fathers” here at All Thing’s King!!! SO, jump in the convo TODAY!!! Like Mother Abigail says: “We’re ALL friends here!“ and of course.. “LONG DAYS, PLEASANT NIGHTS!“

The Viscera Organization is delighted to bring you the upcoming Viscera Film Festival on July 7th, showcasing the best new horror films by women. Viscera’s mission is to inspire, educate, and spotlight talented women within the genre in order to promote equality.

The 2012 festival will be bigger and better than ever. Come get wrapped in the splendor of the luxurious Egyptian Theatre and immerse yourself in the world created by this year’s celebrated filmmakers. Attendees will be treated to a lineup of thirteen incredible shorts, including the first film in our new Fresh Blood (under 18) category, as well as a special Sneak Peek feature film screening of Danielle Harris’ directorial debut, Among Friends. Extraordinary filmmaker Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary) will be presented the Inspiration Award onstage. The Viscera Organization will also be announcing the inception of MOHA, the Mistresses of Horror Alliance.

An unbelievable ticket price of only $11 includes: an open bar provided by Hypnotiq, Pama, and Izze; catering by Anarkitchen; live performers; the carpet and awards ceremonies; and entry into the After Party with a cash bar.

To cap it all off, AstraPacific is providing a large bus with graphics for attendees to check out as well as for transport to the After Party at The Hotel Roosevelt. This is going to be one fantastic party with tons of awesome chicks. How could you go wrong?

SATURDAY 7, JULY 2012

3:30PM – Among Friends Sneak Peek Screening
5:00PM – Carpet Ceremony
7:30PM – Shorts Program
9:00PM – Intermission
10:00PM- Q & A and Awards Ceremony
11:00PM – After Party

Price: $11.00 (YES, for the entire evening)

American Cinematheque at The Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

The Dark Tower saga seemed to have reached the end of the line when Roland reached the Tower itself, nevertheless the comic-books about the gunslinger past let the reader hear a echo of a possible “sequel”. And now the eighth book slides into the hole left by fourth (Wizard and Glass) and fifth book (Wolves of the Calla), trying to make alive the desire of Stephen King himself to write other lines about the story, His story.

The wind through the keyhole, already available on store in America, is about Roland, Susannah, Jake, Oy and Eddie path during the timeline covered by the escape from the Emerald City and the arrive in Calla Byrn Sturgis. The audio-book version is already available too.

Earth 2, the epic sci-fi series created by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment – a bona fide lost sci-fi treasure – is finally making its way to DVD in the UK, almost 20 years after it first aired on TV screens to great acclaim from fans and critics alike.

This rarely seen classic will make its DVD debut at last courtesy of Mediumrare on 28 May 2012. Earth 2 The Complete Series boasts a fantastic, stellar cast that includes Tim Curry, Virginia Madsen, Terry O’Quinn and Deborah Farentino.

Most filmmakers start with short films and Independent Films of which many are posted on Youtube, or other Internet sites. For the lucky few, their films are viewed at Film Fest’s around the world. In some cases film companies are so impressed, they financially back these films, and they do everything to promote them, and so it begins.

Our first spotlight is on a young and upcoming filmmaker who realized his passion for films at the young age of 11. He has already achieved several accomplishments, and is about to embark on his first full length feature film, based on a short story by the Master of Horror himself, Stephen King. So sit back and enjoy our first ever, “FILMMAKERS SPOTLIGHT“, featuring Seb Shaw. Seb Shaw has loved watching films from a very early age. From classic Westerns with his Granddad, and old Black and White films with his Nan, he knew even back then he wanted to someday entertain people.

While he was still a youngster in school, his teacher was so impressed with one of his short stories, she sent it off to the University of Avon, which Seb attended years later. That short story was clearly the booster for what would eventually lead Seb in the direction of filmmaking.

Seb began his education in the small village of Lapworth, where he also was part of a community acting group. After completing high school at Campion, it was off to the University of Avon. Between the years of 2009-2011, he studied Media at Stratford Upon Avon University, completing one year of Media, Art, and Design. He is currently studying HND Media at BA Media Production, Coventry University. It was during this time that Seb realized his dream of becoming a filmmaker, simply as he would put it, “to put smiles on people’s faces”.

While he was at Avon, Seb worked at a live On-Line College T.V. show called, “Reverb”, which was a skits and live music type of show. He was also behind the camera for 2 years filming a children’s charity show called, ‘”Needline”, which helped underpriviledged children. However, the highlight of Seb’s education came when he made a trip to New York City, where he wrote, produced, directed, and edited a short film about Soho. While still attending Coventry University, Seb has written and filmed two short films, “The Actor”,and, “Remember”, a film about, “the human spirit”. He also produced a short film called, “Snowblind”, which was filmed in the beautiful frigid country of Iceland, of which Seb has said, “… was a BIG challenge in those conditions, and with a full crew …“. However, even in those conditions, he managed to pull it off.

As of right now, Seb Shaw‘s current project is his biggest challange. Seb has taken part in an on-line project called, A DOLLAR BABY. This is a special project for upcoming filmmakers who make a film adapted from one of Stephen King‘s books, buying the rights for only one dollar. Once they are finished, King himself views these films, giving the approval on those he likes, and he and several backers fund the project. One particular story caught Seb’s interest, Boogeyman, which was first published in 1973, in Cavalier magazine, and later in King’s book of short stories called NIGHT SHIFT. A later film adaptation of the story was done by Jeff C. Schiro, in 1982.

When I asked Seb,” What is it about,” Horror Films”, that draws you to that genre”, it was an easy reply most of us can relate to, “..I enjoy being scared”. Seb Shaw began his love of,” horror”, with the Pre-Teen books called,” Goosebumps”, when he was 9 yrs. old. He wants to do horror films that, “..will stay with the audience LONG after the film is over, and the credits roll”, ‘Something they think about before they go to bed, and the first thing they think about when they wake up..”. Camera’s roll for Boogeyman in April 2012, and is aiming for a summer 2012 release. It will be on the Independent Film Fest Circuit, as well as on-Line.

With the original storyline being adapted from Stephen King’s book, a talented cast and crew, filmmaker Seb Shaw can’t go wrong. When asked “What is it you would like to accomplish with this film”? Seb’s response comes easy, “I think it’s all about the passion and desire to make a great film for an audience, and that’s the thrill for me“

You can watch Seb Shaw’s The Boogeyman teaser trailer here, read latest news of Facebook page here and join the Stephen King Central official Fan page here.