Making My Return...

It's been a whole nine months since I've last done a review, or any other sort of post on this blog, and the reason stemmed from two key things: me being burnt out, and the lack of good horror films coming out.

If you're a minion and follow my blog, then you know from time to time I'm known for disappearing for random amounts of time. It's my fault for not being totally open and explaining why I just up and disappear. I regret not writing a post making everyone aware of that fact that I'd be taking a hiatus for the better part of a year, and I'm going to make it a point to change that the next time I decide to take a break.

Change is inevitable...

Dear Grimm Army,

Over the past few weeks I've been brainstorming, and I came to the conclusion that there's things about my blog that I've never finished, announced, and/or put the finishing touches on. I honestly didn't expect to be so fond of this whole blogging thing, so I never really took the time to smooth out the rough patches. So from now on, things are going to be happening a little differently...

First of all, I've changed the tabs at the top of this blog to more suitable ones. For example, I took down the "gore" and "foreign horror" tabs and replaced them with "book reviews" and "screener reviews". See, much more suitable. However, due to me being a pretty busy guy, I haven't had the time to go back and label everything to make sure they fall into the right tabs. Fore example, my Prom Night 2 review is the only film under the "film reviews" tab right now. So, throughout this weekend and all next week, or until everything is properly labeled, I'll be going back and fixing the labels so that everything is conveniently where it should be.

Secondly, I've added an official about me to this blog also and ditched the side column one. This was so I can say more without having that little side gadget grow too extensive, and so I can explain my "blogging mission" and why I ever even started doing "film reviews" in the first place. Be sure to check it out in the very first tab. Hopefully this will clear some things up for some people. Since I plan on sticking around a while, I know I should make myself comfortable and make these adjustments.To read my "About me", click HERE.

Lastly, you're going to hear more from me but see less of me. I know, you're probably thinking "huh?", right? Well let me explain to you what I mean. I set a schedule for myself of doing 5 posts a week, including "Horror Toy Tuesday" and "Throwback Thursday". However, I've come to realize that that particular schedule no longer works for me, because I've got longer and more detailed reviews that I'd love to write and get off of my chest. And, I simply can't do that if I'm putting the pressure on myself to do several posts per week. So, for the sake of myself and those who read my little blog, I will still be doing "Horror Toy Tuesday" and "Throwback Thursday" every week, but outside of that I may only get to do one or two other reviews for the week. See, I'm focusing on quality and not quantity anymore. I apply that to all things in my life, so it's time to apply that to my dear blog, here. So, although you may only get one or two reviews out of me a week, they'll be beefy and very informative reviews that will hopefully educate the reader on things they had no previous knowledge of. Expect bigger and longer reviews. Though I've already switched my review length to the five paragraph method, I assure you that they'll be some long paragraphs. So it's simple, rather than get three reviews from me a week (excluding "Horror Toy Tuesday" and "Throwback Thursday") of decent or short length, you'll start to see less reviews and more well written and informative reviews. That's why I started blogging in the first place. It's about time I got my ass into shape and do what I set out to do here, and deliver reviews that aren't what you see when you go to any random review blog. But, on the plus side, if I have a bunch of screeners or other small and non-elaborate posts to do in a week, you'll see more of me. It all just comes down to the amount of time put into each post on how many I can produce each week.

As always, I'm grateful for my readers and fans out there and I'm thankful for your undying support. Hopefully, seeing less of me will be for the better of your reading appetite. This blog is just an extension of me, and in a life where I'm expanding everything and always looking for the utmost improvement, I must include my blog in that.

Have a kick-ass weekend,

Grimm

Picked up 'CASSADAGA' on DVD for real cheap!

PLOT: Devastated by the death of her youngster sister, Lily Morel seeks solace at the spiritualist community of Cassadaga. But instead of finding closure, she contacts something else- the vengeful ghost of a murdered young woman. With her life crumbling all-around her, Lily races to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the woman's death- a task that will bring her face-to-face with a sadistic serial killer known only as "Geppetto."

My Batman Day Purchases

If there's one thing that I'm almost as passionate about as horror, it's Batman. As a lot of you know, I grew up a fan of the character and still am in present day. And while I'll admit that Batman having his own day is a bit over the top, it's also really cool for the nerds out there, like me.

I want to suck your Blood: 10 Scariest Movie Vampires

Seeing as I've touched up on the best movie werewolves (if you missed it click here), I figured it's time to name drop the scariest vampires in cinema history. Again like in my lycanthrope post, this list does not reflect my opinion on the films listed, for I myself, don't necessarily like all of the flicks on this list. This is simply a look at the 10 scariest designs that blood suckers have had throughout history. We're talking the ugly of ugly, and the nasty of nasty.

10 Scariest Movie Clowns

I've done the best Werewolves and Vampire Hunters before, and I think it's time that I tackle the topic of the scariest clowns in cinema history. Coulrophobia is what they call it when someone is scared of clowns. I think it's crazy that being afraid of funnymen has its very own term, to be honest. And, I find it to be a bit ridiculous. We're all afraid of something, but is there really a need to label everything? Either way, regardless of if you're generally terrified of men in painted faces, or if you're just frightened by clowns all together, the ones on this list are sure to make your skin crawl, even if you aren't intimidated by painted up comedians, or suffer from Coulrophobia.

Have a Horror film or book you'd like me to review?

Email me at: grimmreviewz@hotmail.com

NOTE: I receive a lot of emails on a daily basis, so it's easy to get backed up. If it takes a bit to get a response from me, don't worry. If it's urgent you can always tweet to me and get my attention. Also note that I only give honest reviews. I don't sugarcoat anything for anyone. I'm an honest critic.

BESTIES coming to VOD January 21st

At the start of next year, there's a  new Single White Female coming to town in the thriller, Besties from Phase 4 Films. 

"Besties tells the story of two high school girls-- Sandy, a high school freshman and self-described loser and Ashley, a sexy senior and Sandy's former babysitter. Sandy hoping to forge a friendship with the most popular girl in school, arranges to be left at home under Ashley's supervision while her father goes out of town. Little did Sandy know that an unexpected visitor from Ashley's past will leave the awkward freshman and her idol tangled up in a manipulative and deadly friendship."

Written/Directed by Rebecca Cutter, Besties features standout turns from Madison Riley (Grown Ups) and Olivia Crocicchia (Rescue Me), with 90's icon Corin Nemec (The Stand) co-starring.

This is one I'll be looking forward to. Nothing like a good psychotic thriller. So if you're the type who enjoys a nice thriller every now and again, this is one you won't want to miss! Below are some stills and the trailer. 

Don't miss out on this film when it lands in January. And bring in the new year properly!

VIEW THE TRAILER HERE

TOP 5 HORROR FILMS OF 2013

Well, the year's almost at it's end. And we've had our hits and misses this year, like every year. But while some of the letdowns were severe, some films soared above and beyond expectations and gave us instant classics on the spot. All in all, 2013 was a good year for horror, and almost every other genre of film.

Below are the top five horror films to be released upon us this year. There's no question in my mind that these are the elite, and the ones people are still talking about in the horror community. For better or worse, they're here to stay.

And if you missed my review for any of the films listed, I've conveniently linked my reviews above the poster art of each movie!

5. EVIL DEAD

April 5th, 2013

Rotten Tomatoes Score- 65%

My Review

4. CURSE OF CHUCKY

October 8th, 2013

Rotten Tomatoes Score- 79%

My Review

3. YOU'RE NEXT

August 23rd, 2013

Rotten Tomatoes Score- 75%

My Review

2. MANIAC

January 2nd, 2013

Rotten Tomatoes Score- 43%

My Review

1. THE CONJURING

July 19th, 2013

Rotten Tomatoes Score- 87%

My Review

THE CONJURING Blu-Ray giveaway!

Well sickos, "The Conjuring" landed on Blu-Ray and DVD yesterday. And I'm here to give a copy away!

All you have to do, is run your mouse over the GIFs and post your favorite freaky fact into the comments section below! It's that easy guys. I'll be posting the winner's name on Friday, October 25th. That gives everyone two days to get their entries in. Posting your favorite freaky fact enters you into into the contest, and I'll randomly pick the name of an entrant to take home the prize. Good Luck!

Based on a true story, the movie tells the horrifying account of how famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were summoned to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse which they recently bought. In fighting this powerful demonic being, the Warrens find themselves in the middle of the most terrifying case of their lives! 

*NOTE* When you post a comment in the comments section below, it will not show up immediately. I first review the comments before they're posted, to weed out any false entries. Your comment will be added after I've approved it.

*GUIDELINES* Each household is only eligible for 1 The Conjuring Blu-ray via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.


1) The Conjuring is directed by the acclaimed James Wan, the Australian-born director of the fright-fests Insidious and the Saw series. His Twitter handle is @CreepyPuppet. Say no more. 2) The Conjuring has been given an “R” rating by the MPAA. Not because of blood, gore, or violence, but simply because it’s just so scary from start to finish! 3) The Conjuring’s cast and crew experienced creepy events during filming. Scratches appeared out of nowhere on Vera Farmiga’s computer soon after she agreed to act in the movie, the crew were routinely woken by something in the “witching hour” between 3 and 4AM, and the real-life Carolyn Perron fell and broke her hip while visiting the set. 4) The Rhode Island farmhouse where The Conjuring is set once belonged to an accused witch, Bathsheba, who tried to sacrifice her children to the devil and killed herself in 1863. 5) Hold your applause! The Conjuring will make you terrified to clap! Whether it’s playing a traditional game of hide-and-seek by following the clapping sounds like the mother and daughter in the movie, or being terrorized by ghostly claps in different rooms of the haunted farmhouse, these claps throughout the movie will give you the creeps!

CARRIE: THE MUSICAL

Although the "Carrie" remake did pretty well this past weekend, coming in third and grossing $16, 101, 552, I'd say it's opening weekend was a success. However, I wasn't at a showing of the film, because I was one state over, in North East, Maryland at The Milburn Stone Theater attending the musical adaptation of the tragic story. I'll be seeing the new movie later this week, but with a musical of this criteria, I had to prioritize. 

Not much to my surprise, there's some serious talent involved in this stage performance! And with such a broad cast, it was a genuine relief to see it go over so well. AJ Melendez, a former American Idol Juniors finalist plays Tommy Ross, Carrie's prom date. Melendez not only is convincing in his performance, but has a great voice for the role. 

Then you have Christy Wyatt, who plays Carrie's only friend, Sue Snell. Christy not only plays the biggest role in the act, but also was narrator of the entire show. With a solid stage presence, and elegant vocals, she carries the show quite well. Add to that, Wyatt is also a resident of Delaware, like me, and many others of the cast. Having graduated high school as a vocal and musical theater major, she's been in numerous stage performances and is currently a freshman studying the Elementary Education major at the University of Delaware. 

When I asked Christy what preparations she had to make in order to get into the role of Sue, she said, "I think I'm a lot like Sue in real life. I'm very studious and I often keep to myself. Like any teenager, I can relate to making bad decisions and wanting to make things right after the fact, so it was easy to draw from that for my character." 

And of course, you have the main focus of the musical, Carrie, played by Megan Valle. The high school senior has a dance background of 14 years, and plans to go to college for a BFA in musical theater. And if her singing and acting in this musical have anything to say, she's going far, I hope. She plays the character of Carrie with almost perfection. She's got the look, and really is suitable for the role. She's utterly convincing in her execution of the character! 

Valle told me, "I tried to pull from certain events or feelings that related to Carrie. Everyone in their life has been bullied or called certain names, and I took that emotion that I felt during that certain incident, and exemplified it during the show." 

All around, being entirely truthful, the entire cast is phenomenal, and it's easy to tell they work for it. Throughout the entire show, there wasn't one hiccup in a single performer! This really stood out to me, because I usually always encounter some sort of screw up amongst the cast whenever I attend things like this. So, it was a serious relief and surprise to see this local show done with such precision. Everyone on stage should give themselves a pat on the back. It's no surprise that every performer, individually and collectively, received a massive standing ovation when it all ended! 

The music is great, and really gets the audience going, and keeps them interested and invested. Although some of the lyrics can be a bit dark, this musical never loses it's quirkiness due to the high-energy acting and vocals of every single person on the stage. 

If I were to use criticism, all that I can really muster to mention is that although the music is big, the effects aren't. And I would have liked to see a more fitting stage setup. But, the thing is, the tunes and showmanship out weigh any negatives that you can find or point out. It's a whole hell of a lot of fun, and everyone in the crowd enjoyed themselves, just like I did. It's worth seeing over the music alone, but you get so much more. I'm really glad that I got to see a film that I hold dear, turned into a show that is done with complete professionalism. 

But don't take my word for it, take Christy Wyatt's. "I don't think there's a kid out there who wouldn't find some part of this show that they like. It is really unlike anything out there..."

If you didn't get to see it last weekend, it's not to late! This coming weekend there will be another show from Friday to Sunday. If you're in the area, check it out. Trust me, you've got nothing better to do. Swing over and show some support. And enjoy yourself.

For tickets and other information, click here.

5 PG-13 Horror Films That Got It Right

I thought that this would be relevant post to make with the abundance of PG-13 horrors streaming our way. I am like many, and don't like most films with this rating. However, when you have films like "Jaws" (1975) and "Poltergeist" (1982) scaring audiences around the world with only PG ratings, I think the point has been made that you don't have to have an R rating to make a good or scary horror movie.

All the hatred for films that are PG-13 came from the laziness that has been being put into making recent cheap trick movies like "House at the End of the Street" (2012). Some however, know how to work with what they have, and still make a good scary flick. The list below is of the best motion pictures in the horror genre that were able to pull off the impossible.

1. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

2. The Sixth Sense (1999)

3. The Ring (2002)

4. Tremors (1990)

5. The Woman in Black (2012)

PACIFIC RIM BLU-RAY GIVEAWAY

 As most of you know, I'm very big fan of the summer blockbuster "Pacific Rim". And, now I'm here to giveaway a copy of it on Blu-Ray for free, to a lucky reader!

THE RULES: Take the superfan trivia below and post your results in the comment section. Everyone who participates will be entered to win. Tuesday night (10/15/13) I will randomly choose the name of a contestant who participated, and they will win and receive a copy of "Pacific Rim" on Blu-Ray. Best of luck to you all!

GUIDELINES: EACH HOUSEHOLD IS ONLY ELIGIBLE TO WIN 1 PACIFIC RIM BLU-RAY VIA BLOG REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS. ONLY ONE ENTRANT PER MAILING ADDRESS PER GIVEAWAY. IF YOU HAVE WON THE SAME PRIZE ON ANOTHER BLOG, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN IT AGAIN. WINNER IS SUBJECT TO ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION.

The B Movie Celebration October 25th-27th

This month marks the seventh annual "B" Movie Celebration. For the past seven years, fans have come to this event to not just watch, but celebrate classics along with emerging B films. This year, the Hollywood Boulevard Cinema  in Woodridge, Illinois  is hosting this celebration of emerging B films, along with classics.

This year, there will be screenings of over 68 B movies, including 26 feature films and 42 cutting edge shorts. The organizers of the event have scoured their way through the independent underground and dug up some goodies that shouldn't be missed.

There's even going to be guest appearances there by Jim Wynorski, Fred Olen Ray, and Kevin Tenney. They'll be launching digitally remastered versions of Wynorski's "The Lost Empire" (1985) and "Chopping Mall" (1986). Fred Olen Ray will have the World Premiere of his latest film, "After Midnight". And Kevin Tenney will be present during a screening of is movie, "Witchboard" (1986).

For those in the Chicagoland area, don't miss out on this event! You're guaranteed to have a good time!

For tickets or any other info, visit their website here.

10 Favorite Death Scenes

With all the 5's and 10's lists I've been doing lately, I figured it only to be natural that I mention my favorite death scenes. This list, however, was tremendously difficult. Because I've simply seen too many horror films to narrow it down. But, after tedious thinking, I was able to compose a list of the scenes that have impacted me in some way or another.

There's such an abundance of films that I've viewed that I could easily make this a top 20 list. There's too many honorable mentions to even begin naming. The scenes below are the ones that made the list, and the ones that have burned their way into my mind.

Having watched horror films since I was a small child, I had to dig my way through all the great and terrible films I've seen in order to assemble this list. I give credit where credit is due, and everyone has a few scenes that they think of when they think of certain horror films that make them cringe or look away. Well, here's mine.

1. Halloween (1978)

2. Suspiria (1977)

3. Final Destination 2 (2003)

4. High Tension (2003)

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

6. The Lost Boys (1987)

7. Alien (1979)

8. Sleepaway Camp (1983)

9. The Blob (1988)

10. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)

THIRTEEN TALES OF HALLOWEEN available now!

"The world's oldest celebration comes to life in The End of Summer: Thirteen Tales of Halloween, an anthology that honors the darkest and strangest night of the year. Each story is designed to be intrinsically intimately about Halloween- it's traditions, its myths, and its effects- and they run the gamut from horrifying to heartbreaking. Halloween night is the tapestry through which a haunted house, a monstrous child, a late-night drive to a mysterious destination, and other tales are weaved. Demons are faced, death is defied, and love is tested. And not everyone makes it out alive."

A fellow horror blogger, The End of Summer has just released a new book on October first. The book is comprised of 13 short stories that explore, examine, and celebrate the origins of Halloween. I haven't had the pleasure to read it yet, but I plan on it. This sounds right up my alley. I don't usually post about books, but I figured this one is suitable for the month, and is relevant right now.

Owner of AuthorMike Dark Ink., Michael Aloisi has said, "We are thrilled to release such a great collection of short stories. It's a great addition to our list of horror titles."

So, if you're looking for a good book to read around this time of year that's fitting with the upcoming holiday, swing over and get yourself a copy. And support a fellow blogger in his writing career!

The book is available in both paperback and Ebook editions. It's in limited book stores, but available on all retailers online. To purchase it, visit Amazon or, the publisher's website AutherMikeInk.com

When I read this, I'll be posting a review. But, don't wait for my review, get yours now!

Find Your Way With "The Horror Map"

http://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/ is one of the largest horror news and resource websites on the internet. And how do they improve their already great site? Well, they added "The Horror Map".

"The Horror Map" uses Google Map technology to provide users with easy access to the location of more than 500 movies from the Horror News Network database. Each location provides an overview of the movie, including the release date and brief synopsis. Registered users, fans and filmmakers are able to contribute to the resource by pinning the location of any movie that is in the Horror News Network database. For movies not already in their database, the registered user can easily add the movie before pinning it to the map.

Bringing horror movie fans directly to the scene, this is the latest feature on the Horror News Network's site. And it's a groundbreaking idea. Things like this are what makes some sites soar above others. Very inventive, and quite awesome, if I say so myself. Rob Caprilozzi, owner of the Horror News Network said, "The Horror Map is a fantastic source for fans of the horror genre," and he wasn't lying. Films such as "Scream", "Nightbreed", "Rosemary's Baby", "Friday the 13th", "Halloween" and others are already pinned to the map!

I checked the map out myself, and it's such a cool tool to access! If you haven't done so already, go check it out, and stop missing out! All this really does is give us all yet another reason to frequent the website.

http://horrornewsnetwork.net/horror-map

Blu-Ray Review: HALLOWEEN 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITON

If you've stopped and read my blog from time to time, or if you're a regular to my site, you probably know that the John Carpenter masterpiece film, "Halloween" is my all-time favorite horror flick. I owe a lot to this picture. It's the reason I got into movies as hard as I have, and why I became so head over heals in love with the genre. So, of course, when the new Blu-Ray by Anchor Bay landed, I had to be a part of it.

First off, the picture quality of the movie is completely amazing! The transfer is so smooth and clear. While watching it with a group of friends, they we all picking out things that they haven't seen in such clarity before. And visual vibrance that's downright stunning! Most notably, when Lorie and her gal pals are walking home from school. And, whenever Michael is in the car.

Secondly, I'll mention the packaging. When I first saw the official add for this release, I was instantly a fan of the cover. It's not the classic image of the pumpkin, but it's a nice touch for a deluxe edition. I still think I would have preferred a more artistic cover, like something Scream Factory would have done. But, the one we're provided is sleek and original, while also being taking in a more serious tone. So, it gets a positive vote from me.

The case itself is the the form of hardback book. And, when you open it, the original poster art is on the inside cover. And there's pages of behind the scenes photos, quotes, and the story behind the film. The presentation of this Blu-Ray is pretty impressive! Below, you'll see I took some in hand shots. Sorry for the poor quality on some. The lighting in my house is dim, and I like it that way.

Now, we'll talk about the bonus features. Honestly, the lack thereof is the only thing truly disappointing about this edition. There's only a small handful of features which include, trailers, TV spots, On Location- 25 Years Later (10 minute featurette), TV version footage, new commentary with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter, and a new documentary on Jamie Lee Curtis' first and last horror convention appearance at a Horrorhound Weekend event. 

The TV version footage was what I got the most enjoyment out of, because it is great to be watching scenes again that I haven't seen in years. Most of which, I remember clear as day. So, it's really cool to own the cut footage. Aside from that, all I watched was the Documentary on Jamie Lee because, I've seen all the other features before. I haven't watched the new commentary yet, but plan on doing so later tonight! This one should be interesting.

If you own "Halloween" on DVD, and have a good amount of bonus stuff, I don't recommend you discard it. I'll be holding onto my 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, which is also released by Anchor Bay. And, is also the recommended edition to have of this film for just the bonus material alone!

Ultimately, this release is more in celebration of the top-notch picture quality than anything else. It's worth owning for that reason as well. Not to mention the hardback book case that it comes in, which I actually heard is a limited run. So, get yours when you can, and sooner than later!

THE BEST STEPHEN KING FILM ADAPTATIONS by Brandon Engel

NOTE FROM GRIMM:
The following post was intended to be posted Saturday on Stephen King's birthday. However, it's late on my end due to lack of internet connection the past few days. 

On the 21st, Stephen King will be turning 66, and by the looks of it, he’s still going strong. Sure, the famed horror author has attempted to retire in the past, and the injuries he sustained after being hit by a vehiclist has made it physically difficult for King to sit and write for extended periods of time. Nevertheless, King has forged ahead. Dr. Sleep, the long awaited sequel to The Shining, will be released just days after his birthday, on the 24th. Not only that, but a second film version of King’s Carrie will hit theaters just a week before Halloween, on October 18th. The new film will star Chloë Grace Moretz, the young scene stealer from Kick-Ass and Kick-Ass 2. We can hope, too, that if Dr. Sleep proves successful, it too will eventually make the jump to big screen. King’s work has a long history of film adaptations inspired by his novels.

Here’s a look at some of the best film adaptations of King’s writings:

 The Shining (1980) 

It’s true, Stephen King himself was not a fan of this film. He felt that the work downplayed the supernatural elements of the the story in order to highlight Jack Torrance’s insanity. And King felt that even Jack Torrance’s descent into madness was botched - since Jack Nicholson had already built a reputation playing mad men, Stephen King felt audiences would easily predict where the plot was going. But despite King’s complaints, and the lukewarm critical reception the film received upon it’s first run, and the fact that the film wasn’t entirely faithful to the book (i.e., there are no supernatural hedge animals in the film, and Jack Torrance’s death is switched from a heated boiler room to the freezing hedge maze), the movie is heralded today as one of the best horror films of all time. The film features many memorable scenes: the rotting old lady in the bathtub; the mutilated twins in the hallway; the blood pouring out of the elevator. Fans of the supernatural aspect will be delighted to know that Dr. Sleep will feature young Danny Torrance grown up, still using his abilities on a daily basis.

Christine (1983)

Forget Herbie. The most memorable living car came from Christine. Only Stephen King could write a story about a murderous, possessed car without producing something accidentally laughable. However absurd the premise may sound, Christine works, and the red and white bloodthirsty Plymouth is truly terrifying. It’s a testament to King’s popularity, the film was already in production prior to the book’s initial release. Kevin Bacon was originally offered the lead role in the film, but he opted to star in Footloose instead. King revisited this trope in later works, but they’re hardly worth viewing; Trucks and Maximum Overdrive don’t really stand up to this tale of a serial killer vehicle.

Misery (1990) 

Misery marked the beginning of an excellent working relationship between Stephen King and Kathy Bates. The book follows an author, Paul Sheldon, played by James Caan, who survives a car crash only to be kidnapped by an obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, played by Bates. Annie then hides the author in her home in order to torture him and she forces him to write for her. Kathy Bates did such a phenomenal job of playing the terrifying, stalkerish Annie that King began to write roles specifically for Bates. Another notable collaboration between the two was the film Dolores Claiborne, starring Bates in the titular role as a New England woman who murdered her abusive husband to protect her daughter.

The Green Mile (1999) 

This one is a bit of a departure from the rest of the list, as it’s hard to classify as a horror film, since both the novel and movie have the tendency to tug on heart strings. Regardless, this is one of the most emotionally complex and enriching pieces of writing from King, and it translated to the screen beautifully. Then, John Coffey, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, opens his mouth, a swarm of bugs pours out, and we remember that he’s on death row and two little girls have been raped and murdered. The Green Mile induces a fear quite similar to Misery, a fear that spurs from the wrongdoing of other people, and the horrible unfairness that can get someone killed. The film was an important one also for Tom Hanks, who played prison guard Paul Edgecomb. Edgecomb discovers both Coffey’s innocence and his supernatural abilities, but cannot save him from his unfortunate fate.

Carrie (1976) 

Carrie not only shot Stephen King into the limelight, it was also the first film Brian De Palma directed. Sissy Spacek originally played Carrie, the geeky telekinetic who falls for a grotesque practical joke at the hands of her high school classmates. In an extreme response to her humiliation, Carrie destroys the town using her newfound powers. Carrie in the book was described as being overweight, but in typical Hollywood fashion both Sissy Spacek and Chloë Grace Moretz are more appealing to the camera. While Piper Laurie offered a harrowing performance in the original film as Carrie’s mother, Margaret White, the new film has Julianne Moore filling in for Laurie (and rumor has it that Jodie Foster was initially considered to play the part.) We have to wonder whether the film will follow it’s predecessors twist on the ending - leaving the parents alive to grieve - or if the second version will return to the book’s original ending which saw Carrie’s entire town burned to the ground.

Author Bio: Brandon Engel is an entertainment blogger with DirectTVcomparison.com whose interests include vintage pulp novels and black and white horror films. Among his favorite authors are Arthur Machen, Stephen King, Oscar Wilde, and H.P. Lovecraft.

Top 5 Worst Horror Movie Remakes

In response to my popular post last week on the best horror movie remakes, I figured I'd do a follow-up. This time, talking about the worst horror remakes around. The ones that to me, don't offer anything new or creative, and don't do the originals justice. As always, when remakes are brought up, it's bound to draw attention in both the positive and negative. Remakes are the hardest thing for genre fans to agree or disagree on. I won't be surprised if many disagree with this list. I also won't be surprised if many agree.

Before you read this list, you should make sure and check out last weeks post first. Top 5 Horror Movie Remakes

The movies listed below are the worst of the worst. And yes, before anyone says anything, Rob Zombie's "Halloween" remake is on the list. I think Rob is more controversial and hated than remakes at times. I personally, don't have any issues with him, and I enjoy most of his work. However, his remake of the greatest horror film ever was atrocious to me, as is the sequel. There are worse remakes out there though, and there all here too.

1) One Missed Call (2008)

2) Day of the Dead (2008)

3) Prom Night (2008)

4) The Fog (2005)

5) Halloween (2007)