Now that we’re in single digits in our countdown to the greatest day of the year — Halloween, if you’re new here — it’s only proper to acknowledge the definitive granddaddy of all seasonal horror series. Always important to any project is the marketing, and theatrical trailers have become a staple of anticipation, no matter the genre, as they are the first introduction to the characters and the world of the film. Sometimes the hype is better than the final product, but that’s the art of a good theatrical trailer. I’ve reviewed theatrical trailers for the entire Halloween series and ranked them, starting with the least effective. This article is purely subjective, but I trust some of you out there will agree.

10. Halloween II (1981)

Ironically, my favorite entry in the franchise actually ranks least in the trailer department. It starts with a bang and keeps the momentum going — complete with the more gothic version of the theme. However, it seems too choppy, and when we reach the closing moments of Michael Myers chasing Laurie Strode, they employ the same formula as the original trailer. It works, but this trailer should have felt larger than the original, and it didn’t happen.

9. Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

Some consider Halloween: Resurrection to be the worst film in the franchise, but it certainly has its moments — and the trailer rings true to the hype of being greater than the film. It establishes the story, and offers something fresh and modern to the millennium while making sure it gives credit to the franchise history. The payoff is seeing Laurie ready to take on Michael once more. The downfall? It begins to risk giving away too much and, sigh, shows Busta Rhymes kicking Michael out the window. Boo!

8. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

I love that the trailer for Halloween 5 gets right to business, and the narration does the trick that the Halloween II trailer didn’t: pack the pace and make it clear that this film is going to be a thrill ride with higher stakes. But, like many trailers, it just reveals too much and runs too long to make it the magic that it could’ve been.

7. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

The opening to this trailer for Halloween 4 immediately brings any viewer who knew the original two entries to the immediate realization that it’s a Halloween film returning to its roots. While it does seem choppy at the time, it shows that Michael is strong, that a child is in danger and that fan favorite Dr. Loomis is back on the hunt. Donald Pleasance’s delivery of the dialogue carries this trailer from start to finish.

6. Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)

One of the greatest things of the series is Mrs. Blankenship’s monologue explaining why we celebrate Halloween. It’s chilling and intriguing at the same time. We are Danny, sitting and listening as she combines the sincere and the sinister. It’s only fitting, then, that Dimension Films used this moment to carry the entire trailer and give us a glimpse into where Michael is now and what these characters are going to face — and it feels like the Halloween season. Nothing is spoiled! It leaves eyebrows raised, pleasantly wondering what is in store.

5. Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007)

Is it a sequel? No. Is it a remake? Let’s call it a “re-imagining.” Is it Halloween 1978? Hell, no! This trailer is edited so crisp and uses the fantastic tableau shot that Zombie incorporated into a key crime scene moment to send a chill into the audience. This is going to be like nothing seen before while giving us more of Michael, for better or worse, and bringing the horror to the extreme.

4. Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)

It’s 20 years later. The scene is established. The mood is set. Jamie Lee Curtis is back, and is Michael the predator or the prey?  The late ’90s setting is apparent. We know Laurie is haunted, we know she’s been in hiding, and when that moment comes, we know that she’s going to stop running and confront Michael in an all-out war. That’s something worth 20 years of waiting.  The trailer is also capped off by a light-hearted but welcome moment between Curtis and real-life Mom Janet Leigh, giving a respected nod to the original in the process.

3. Halloween (1978)

Part of the corruption of innocence, the unexplained phenomena of psychopathology, was an inspiration behind young Michael Myers, and never had the audience seen something where the child was directly responsible for some kind of brutal murder (Village of the Damned aside). What was to be a shocker to the audience is actually revealed when Myer’s parents pull the clown mask off and we see the kid in full view. This is the classic film that sets the benchmark, and while the trailer does a fantastic job in setting up the narrative and the suspense, including the cliffhanging moment of Michael chasing Laurie, it exposes certain moments that should have remained out of it — and that’s why it just can’t rank #1 in my book.

2. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

What the hell am I thinking? This is a weird trailer because the teaser is tacked on at the top. If it really played like that, then it’s just off-setting from the beginning. Similar to Mrs. Blankenship, Dan O’Herlihy’s fantastic monolog about the dark roots and rich heritage of the Halloween season sets the tone that none of the other trailers possibly could. Because this is a Halloween film, even Myers-less, it has to establish the season. Masks, murder, children in danger, robots and science fiction? This is just something incredibly creepy, and we aren’t given any insight into how this film will play out. They even worked in the closing moment of the film without viewers realizing it. Clever!

1. Rob Zombie’s H2 [Halloween II] (2009)

You can love it or hate it — whichever way you want — but this trailer is beautifully strung together. The scenes transition nicely. It does not hide the violence. Any clip of Michael is fast and kept to the bare minimal so as to not overexpose his signature masked look or the new unmasked jacket version. The scene of Annie (Danielle Harris) looking in the bathroom mirror only to see Michael is back haunts me to this day; I still turn when looking in my mirror. It’s a great scene, and its placement in this trailer       segues nicely into something even more bizarre: the haunting resurrection of Sheri Moon’s Deborah Myers in spirit form cueing Michael during his murders. It’s bizarre, it’s some seriously fucked-up, hardcore shit, and it’s coming at us as fast as Michael himself. Dr. Loomis (Malcolm McDowell) says it best… Michael is more evolved. This is everything I want to see in a theatrical trailer, to the point where I may just go and watch the movie again right now.

There you have it, everyone. Making any ranking list, especially on one’s favorite series of all time, is not an easy task, and sometimes I was bouncing the numbers around just by one spot. I also wanted to be as honest with you, the reader, as I could. I couldn’t just put the original trailer in the #1 spot — just couldn’t. It would seem like a sell-out.

In closing, I simply say, no matter the rank you might give each trailer, I only wish you one thing — and that’s “Happy Halloween.”

Three-Three-Three-Deee-Deee-Deee

When you ask a horror fan what their favorite Friday the 13th film is, they will usually reply “the original” or “Part VI easy, no question about it.” Yet for anyone who has asked me, my reply makes them stop and think. I am referring to the third entry in the Friday the 13th franchise: Friday the 13th Part III: 3-D. For Paramount Pictures, the early 80’s saw a short-lived burst of three dimension productions so that was the logical next step to bring their Jason killer back from the dead once more. On an estimated budget of $2,300,000.00, they moved production to the west coast and got those lenses equipped to bring horror from the screen and into the viewer’s seat. Thanks to Blu-Ray, this original 3-D version is now available and comes with the classic red and blue lenses though I personally wish they would do a release that is specific to 3-D televisions and not so harsh on the eyes.

Final girl Chris Higgins played by Dana Kimmell

17 years ago, I didn’t watch the series in sequential order upon first renting so when I got to Part 3, I was already somewhat aware of the established Jason and where he ended up. Getting to see exactly how he started sporting the trademark hockey mask was a moment to remember from this film. Outside of Alice (Adrienne King of F13 Part 1 and Part 2), any of the entries I watched didn’t have a stand out female lead that connected with me the same way Chris (Dana Kimmell) did. She was, from the get go, a straight up American girl taking her friends up to Higgins Haven (a branch of Crystal Lake) for a weekend getaway and confront a fear from her past. Turns out two years prior, Chris was attacked by Jason who had stumbled upon her while she was resting in the woods. Some say the supporting characters were the blandest fodder for the kill however each one had their own distinct persona and strengths in my personal opinion. The girls felt natural and on point with the times; Debbie (Tracie Savage) was pregnant and yet even though she still hooks up with boyfriend Andy (Jeffrey Rogers), declines to have a beer therefore making a wise decision, and Vera (Catherine Parks) doesn’t have any sex, barely drinks and doesn’t really do any drugs either – yes these girls are not blatantly stupid. Chili (Rachel Howard) is the oldest of the girls and while a seemingly ditsy pothead along for the ride (while stretching the viewer’s “Just kill that dumb bitch already” mentality even I will agree), actually shows a caring but timid personality. Horror movie rules wouldn’t even dictate Vera should die outside of her honest in-your-face-but-kind-turning-down of Shelley (Larry Zerner) when he asks her out. Back to Chris though, she doesn’t make all the right decisions all the time. She has to grow! I respect that she doesn’t become this super-powered heroine who can fully fight back – she can lay in a punch and sure bring down an axe – but Kimmell plays every take like it’s her first time being involved in this horrifying situation. Word to fans – Dana Kimmell actually did a rare commentary track for the movie that was available on the 2004 DVD Box Set so seek that out because it’s worth the listen.

Friday the 13th Part 3 contains some damn fine kills

We all know that couple that is slightly older and hanging out with the group, or the outcast nerd who resorts to exhibitionist gags and pokes fun at himself rather than take insults and rejection, or the boy who has some talent but can’t get his mind off his girl for two seconds – these characters are just natural. Let the eye rolls begin because that is one of the main criticisms of the film topped off by the weak backstory and premise. It is not genius and it is not fantastic but it just pure, present and pleasant and that is why I like it. The deliberately enjoyable camp brought by the three bikers, or Crazy Ralph Version 2, named Abel (David Wiley) holding some semblance of an eyeball at the camera, all make for a pleasurable simplistic horror movie experience. It is also the only entry that definitely takes place not on the Friday but on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th (Jason X and Freddy vs. Jason isn’t calendar confirmed either I don’t think).

Don’t mess with Jason Voorhees

There are some damn fine kills (MPAA cuts aside) and Vera even gets that distinct pleasure of being the first victim ever to see Jason don his mask – and she receives an arrow for doing just that. Andy’s death is probably my favorite – I liked the character – but it’s just gruesome and swift. Harold (Steve Susskind) is just a downright pig and deserves his death; I reach for the sanitizer just watching that character. Thank God they didn’t go with the original alternate ending that would have Chris get her head chopped off after thinking she defeated Jason though because that would have been a hard pill to swallow. Interestingly, that alternate ending would exist since the film was also one of the few entries to receive a novelization tie-in; written by Michael Avalione and quite highly sought on the collector market! (This particular writer here has a copy which took him 19 years to hunt down – longer than I had even been watching the movies).

In summation, many say it sucks and I say it’s one of the best and I will stand by that! It was one of the highest grossing too as it pulled in $36,200,000.00. Hopefully this Halloween season, this retrospective will inspire you to take a look back; making sure to really take note of the characters internal struggles and what subtext each carry. Lastly, crank those surround sound speakers up and enjoy the only uniquely weird Friday the 13th theme in the history of the series. Trust me when I say…you can’t NOT enjoy it.

Which is your favorite Friday the 13th?

For the first time ever in my history, I have seen an IMDB star rating increase over the course of two hours. Thursday, October 20th, 2016, marked the day that FOX’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again premiered. First off, anything 41 years later and still getting that devoted cult attention is worth recognizing.

But is this redux worth recognizing?

Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black) plays the iconic Doctor Frank-N-Furter. The Alabama native, who has broken new ground in advocating for the LGBTQ community, brings an entirely different approach to this role than Tim Curry did in the legendary 1975 original film. This entire show is a modern day activist telling; appealing to the current – and curious – MTV crowd that might make them come out of their shells and experiment a little. No, I’m not talking about that (or am I) but rather enjoy a new take on a piece of classic cinematic and theatrical culture way ahead of its time.

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!

Directed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical 1, 2, and 3) this new version had strong anticipations going into it, not just from the core Rocky Horror audience, but musical critics who are all too familiar with his work and the bar set by FOX’s previous outings such as Grease: Live. Credit to him, and the direction he gave despite the restricting television medium was strong, but I did wish it had the “LIVE” appeal — sadly this was an actual movie version and therefore not broadcast in the moment. The costume design though was spectacular as was the make-up, lighting, stage, and all those internal works from the crew did not go unnoticed.

God Bless Tim Curry. The veteran actor, whom unfortunately has undergone some serious health issues in the past few years, came back to the Rocky Horror world he helped make famous (as the original Frank-N-Further in the film version) to play the Narrator/Criminologist. As a fan of his work, it is great to see him on that screen again and some scenes seem stressed while others he fits naturally in with his signature screen presence.

While the meta-world may rejoice for what this new entry brings, it seemed a deliberately campy take on the pre-established classic and brilliance that the original concept brought. I read some critics dismay over the fourth-wall break of the in-theatre audience watching along with us… actually I liked that aspect simply because the entire narrative took the “this is a show and not anything else” parody/paradox approach.

Ahhh the songs… the opening “Midnight Double-Feature Show” gave an excellent introduction and they even did a spin on “Time Warp” so respect to that because we didn’t need a rehash of the unbeatable original. I might point out that Reeve Carney (Horror fans you will know him from Penny Dreadful) did a superb job as Riff Raff – I mean he practically channeled Richard O’Brien’s voice and mannerisms. Was he THAT perfect and to the same level? No. But fantastic never-the-less. Same goes to Victoria Justice (Zoey 101) as Janet. A Susan Sarandon she was not but come that second and third act, Victoria really leveled up! Her performance of “Touch Me” was extraordinary; practically saving her entire part in this film and winning me over. Adam Lambert as Eddie (originally played my Meat Loaf) was a stand-out moment as well.

Annoying commercial breaks aside, The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again is worth getting on DVD when available or checking out a rerun. A friend of mine said it best that he watched this “not really comparing it too much to the original” (thank you for the insight Ulises Minor Vázquez a.k.a. Pro-Wrestler Gabriel Fuerza) because I think he had the right approach. It gave fresh pizzazz to this 2016 Halloween season and also likely encouraged and inspired today’s LGBTQ youth. It’s not for everyone and doesn’t have the magic of the original, but give the credit to fresh takes, and the look, that went into giving something that modern audiences could watch either separately, with friends, or with family. There’s still a glimmering light over at that Frankenstein place!

Did you watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show? Tell me what you thought in the comments section below.

“[40oz. Of Horror] have claimed a stake for themselves as the unabashed party animals in the horror podcast scene.”

-Rue Morgue Magazine

You guys, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t proud of our boys Chad and James. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t proud of this little podcast. I’d really be lying if I said that we all weren’t struck fucking speechless when we saw a positive review of the 40oz. Of Horror! Podcast in the latest issue of Rue Morgue Magazine!

For James… this is his mag, man! This is his Rolling Stone!

We didn’t know the review was happening, but it did. We didn’t start this thing because of us. It’s never been about us. It all started at the horror cons, meeting new friends and talking horror over some beers. We’re humbled and grateful. Thanks for sticking with us. Thanks for drinking up. Check out the review below.

From Rue Morgue:

“More often than not, swilling brews and booze can lead to dumb jokes or obnoxious rants. As such, I was wary about a podcast called 40oz. Of Horror and even more hesitant when the first episode I heard consisted of them discussing the douchebaggery and debauchery of the Indy 500. And yet, I found myself won over by these genre superfans who have claimed a stake for themselves as the unabashed party animals in the horror podcast scene. Their love for horror is as apparent as their appreciation of fine, micro-brewed lager. Friends since childhood, show hosts Chad Butrum and James Dunn have zero pretentious in their approach to horror, and their genuine affection for one another is as obvious as it is infectious. They cover the latest in horror news along with your typical fanboy updates but also veer into their other interests, including racing, wrestling and other sports. It would be easy to slam a couple guys for sucking suds and yacking it up but Chad and James are likable enough that it works, and I must admit, that if I were inclined to pound back a six-pack and listen to a horror podcast, this would be my show of choice… especially since their belches sound so vivid you can practically smell them. Bottoms up!”

I have a soft spot, a scab that I keep picking, for Rob Zombie’s movies. Something about the look of them really tickles my fancy: the grittiness to it all, the sweat stained look on everyone’s skin and clothing, and just that undeniable stench of body odor and swamp ass in that dry heat where so many of his movies seem to take place. Perhaps it is the country music fan in me that appeals?

I also love seeing Sheri Moon-Zombie half naked. That’s a big one for any male horror fan young or old.

It feels like I waited years to finally see Rob Zombie’s 31. I heard rumours about it around the time that The Lords of Salem was hitting horrorfests. At one point, I was even thinking it was secretly Halloween 3 (given the specific number of 31 and all) but then production was stalled. I heard reshoots were necessary and when it was finally finished, the production company that purchased it went bankrupt.

That undeniable stench of body odor and swamp ass

Alas, a teaser poster went online this past summer and suddenly there were select screenings. In Canada, I waited for some concrete release date in a theatre and not simply on iTunes but nothing certain. One warm October night, I switched on my Android TV Box and there it was, ready for my viewing pleasure. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I knew I was going get an hour and a half of great shock cinema; plenty of gore, guts with gratuitous nip slips in between.

The movie starts off introducing five travelling carnival workers who are inevitably kidnapped, held hostage, and forced to try and survive a twelve hour murder marathon in which they will be hunted like wild game. Its Stone Cold Steve Austin’s The Condemned meets Predators so I can’t say Zombie reinvented the wheel with the plot in this one. To sum it up for this genre, think basically the three-way love child of The Running Man, The Purge and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. (…But really, what’s so bad with that? It’s Rob Zombie!)

What the fuck is up with all these killer clowns?

What he lacks in story originality, all the creativity reflected through the villains in this film was outstanding. Emphasis on character and unique new additions to our horror fandom is something Zombie nails out of the park every time. From Malcolm McDowell looking like Paul Revere – sporting a powder white wig and taking bets on who’s next to die – to a Neo-Nazi midget who swings switchblades, the twin brothers that opted to dress as dirty clowns (talk about foreshadowing current clown events) that wield chainsaws to, finally, Doom-Head. This guy is a one hundred and forty pound easy fan favourite murderer. Doom-Head, when he isn’t taking his skin boat to tuna town, acts and looks like the most violent Joker incarnation that Batman has ever laid his dark knight eyes on. This crew of murderous monsters would be the most fucked up alternative Suicide Squad ever.

The movie holds so much within its carnival atmosphere that I need not spoil it here. The psychedelic trip for the viewer, which anybody who has watched a Rob Zombie film knows all too well, will appreciate this particular visit. Needless to say I loved 31 and I’m no critic by any means (great thing to say while reviewing a movie). Zombie didn’t break any new ground which did leave a tad bit of disappointment seeing as how this movie was to be his climactic horror presentation. That said I believe he gave a perfectly acceptable gore driven movie; balancing blood, nudity and rip-roaring fun.

Technical glitches aside, we have our first live WWE Pay-Per-View recap under our belts. In this episode, we review ‘No Mercy.’ Check it out and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

I often think about how things might have been different if we had the internet and social media back in the day. But what if the teenagers in one of the most iconic horror movies of all time had social media?” What if the Nightmare on Elm Street kids had Facebook? What would that be like for Freddy Krueger’s Elm Street children? Here’s a look at the Elm Street Kids’ Facebook timeline — a modernization — taking place in 2016 Springwood, Ohio as their nightmares about the Springwood Slasher unfold.