Name your favourite sub-genre of horror. Ex. Underwater Nazi Zombies.

Jeff O’Brien

Well underwater Nazi Zombies leaves Zombie Lake, Shockwaves and an excellent Robert R McCammon novel about a submarine full of nazi zombie gut munchers, name escapes me…

I’d have to say “rednecks with killer pigs”. Slaughterhouse, Pigs, maybe Razorback as well.

Mexico set horror is a close second - any South of the Border splatter gets my attention.

Sean T. Collins - Attentiondeficitdisorderly Too Flat

I don’t think I have one! I kind of just like what I like. Though I’d imagine that were there a plethora of high-quality sea/lake/swamp-monster movies, I’d pick those. Alas.

Curt - Groovy Age of Horror

Well, who doesn’t love underwater Nazi zombies?!? My favorite sub-genre by far, though, is the classic vampire/werewolf/Frankenstein Monster stuff, especially when they’re all thrown together for a mash-up.

Doug Nagy

Robots gone berserk!

Billy

Well I’m gonna have to go with the Deadly Critters movies. Things like Critters, Ghoulies, Gremlins etc. There’s just something creepy about a tiny creature that can mess you up.

Bill Cunningham - DISContent

I like horror that is old school - vampires, werewolves and the like - but with a twist. My werewolves are on the run from the law, my vampires are from the future and my zombie (yes, singular) is a hitman who can’t be killed.

Warren - 150 Days of Sodom

Woodland Berserker movies!! (Is anyone else gonna say this? yeah maybe…)

My favorite example from this genre is also the strangest, The Berserker (1987), about a Nordic warrior wearing skins in the woods of America (there is some far-fetched explanation) and killing of a group of 80’s teens. There is the classic, Don’t Go in the Woods (1982), that’s got a killer woodsman and a real high body count. Also, The Prey (1982), with the tagline: “It’s not human, and it’s got an axe!”, but IT IS human and IT IS a giant woodsman! Everyone hates The Prey by the way, so watch out for the recommendation of mine.

See also Just Before Dawn (1981) from director Jeff Lieberman and The Final Terror (1983) with a role by Daryl Hannah. A final must-see is the Memorial Valley Massacre (1988) with a killer cave man. I guess I’m probably missing stuff, point is that I like movies where the killer either lives in a cave or looks like he lives in a cave or is the missing link.

Don May, Jr. - Synapse

I’m a big fan of:

Demonically-possessed teenagers out for revenge films!

Stacie - Final Girl

Gah…you call this question simple? I’m having a tough time here. I think I’ll have to go with “Children Hate You!” movies as my favoritest of the favorites. I also love Animals Run Amok flicks, Puppets and/or Dolls Who Kill movies, Let’s Scheme and Kill/Scare Someone to Win Their Inheritence flicks, Evil Twin movies…I could go on. Less specifically, I love slashers and supernatural movies, particularly from the 70s. Oh! And zombie movies and….SEE?! I told you it wasn’t simple!

David Z. - Tomb It May Concern

I would say that the “Jess Franco Filmography” is a subgenre-it doesn’t limit itself to a type of film, but holds together by the obsessions and quirks of the one and only Uncle Jess. You get spys, monsters, vampires, whores, musicals, caged femmes, mysteries and mad doctors all under one nifty umbrella… and more strip shows than you can swing a hardcover copy of OBSESSION at!

Gary Wintle

Werewolf Boobs.

Louis Fowler

Mexican vampires.

Socio-politically, being of Hispanic origin myself, I really enjoy seeing us on the big screen in roles other than as the wise, elderly maid or Vato Loco gangbanger. It’s good to see Mexicans take on a real role in horror, be it as the hero or villian. A lot of the times it seems like, in horror, unless we’re said gangsta getting killed, we are either a) completely ignored or b) white directors act as though it’s un-PC to create true Mexican horror characters, afraid that a large group of Mexicans will show up, outside their offices, protesting, Basic Instinct-style. Well, as a memebr of that community, I am loudly telling filmmakers: MORE BADASS HISPANIC HORROR CHARACTERS, GOOD OR BAD. But mostly bad–I’m still waiting for our own Jorge Voorjees or Frederico Krugero.

And when I say Mexican Vampires, I don’t mean any of the Euro-trash rip-offs of the 70s or even early 80s. I’m talking down and dirty, fuck you pendejo Mexican vampire motherfuckers–whether taking on a cadre of luchadors or George Clooney, I love it all. The best exampe of this is in, what I consider to be fully seminal, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN. To me, that is a perfect vampire film. No fey, indeterminate-European-origin vampires here–every bloodsucker in this film will rip your Goddamn head off and then piss down your neck. They are true badasses. And c’mon–who woulnd’t want Salma Hayek as their queen?

Sadly, this is a pretty lonely sub-genre. As of late, we got…what…those two FDTD sequels, the kinda-vampire/kinda zombie flick ALL SOULS DAY that Anchor Bay released last year…Jesus, that’s kinda piss-poor guys. Let’s get on this shit, Hollywood, or, at the very least, straight-to-DVD filmmakers.

Dammit–it looks like I’m going to have to make my own.

Tim - Mondo Schlocko

I’ve been a softy for any ghost story set in a Haunted House. Anywhere else and I am not interested. It has to be a house and the bigger and older the better. THE OTHERS is a fine example of this.

Casey Criswell - Cinema Fromage

The “Jeffery Combs falls into demented insanity” sub-genre. The wild eyed stares, the twitchiness, the crazy talk! Maybe not a real sub-genre, but if I see Jeffery Combs in the cast list, I know there’s a good chance it’s going to be good gory fun, and cheesed out to the max!

Thanks to all the cats who contributed to this week’s massive Roundtable. If you have your own ridiculously specific horror nook you call a favourite, let us know in the comments below. And make sure you check out the wares on the contributor’s own sites. What are you still reading this for? Get moving. You’ve got all weekend to read horror blogs, right?

Top Story

Everyone seems to be really concerned about Rob Zombie’s Halloween remake. To tell you the truth, I always preferred Black Christmas. Anyway, the new rumour swirling around the internet is that after receiving negative script reviews Zombie has decided to give the story another polish, which has pushed the production start date, and subsequently the release date, back a bit. Keep in mind, this is just rumour at this point. Me, I don’t see why they’re planning on releasing the damn thing at the end of August anyway.

Movies

Well, like they say, you’ve got to take the bitter with the batter. I normally abhor posting about stills, but as you all know by now I am very excited about Rob Zombie’s faux-trailer for Werewolf Women of the SS and Bloody Disgusting has the first peek.

Twitch Film has the scoop on yet another remake, and in a bizarre twist it’s Driller Killer, an American film being remade overseas.

While you’re over there, make sure you check out the poster for Teeth. This cute little piece of work is the last thing I would have expected for a film about vagina dentata.

As an aside, want to know what my number one search phrase has been for the past month? Pterodactyl porno. Number two? Pterodactyl porn. I’ll be very disappointed if vagina dentata doesn’t knock them down a peg.

The Saw movies are holding their annual auction in less than a week. I had no idea the three movies only cost $14 million combined. They must be some of the most profitable films of all time.

If you’re going to Hell, make sure you pack some ice skates. The MPAA is implementing new procedures which will make their practices more transparent and will allow fillmmakers a better chance to appeal.

Toronto After Dark has decided upon the week of Friday, October 19 to Thursday, October 25 for it’s second year. Hopefully I can make it this time around.

Movies Online reports that the critically acclaimed zombie satire film Fido has been bumped back from March to June.

Tomb It May Concern keeps the Eurotrash suggestions coming, this time with selections by Bruce Holecheck and Neil Vokes. Digging those groovy banners, David.

Ain’t It Cool News start up the rumour mill for James Cameron’s Avatar. While from the look of things it’s not going to fall under the horror banner, a few of the potential actors involved might seem familiar.

Interviews

Indiewire has an interview with Hell House director George Ratliff concerning his first fictional film, Joshua. The movie revolves around a family that begins to fall apart after the birth of a second son, presumably due to the eldest child’s sinister nature. While Ratliff scores points for casting his lead through Wonder Showzen, points must be deducted from the article for the use of the phrase “transcends the genre”.

Walking Dead and Marvel Zombies creator Robert Kirkman discusses his next genre title, The Astounding Wolf-Man, available this upcoming Free Comic Book Day.

Literature

Lately I’ve been plowing through James Silke’s Death Dealer books, a series based on the paintings of the same name by Frank Frazetta. They’re as close to what I want in low fantasy as I’ve ever found outside of Robert E. Howard’s Conan. Now Image Comics is picking up the reins and releasing a new limited series devoted to the character, and to promote it they’ve made a preview available through Comic Book Resources. I’ll probably pick it up, but I am a tad disappointed that they didn’t get James Silke on board, especially considering he has experience in comics.

Clip of the Day

I swear, Film Junk gives me all this great material and all I give them in return is the Prom Night remake. Life just isn’t fair. Today’s clip is of a live-action reenactment of zombie video game phenomenon Dead Rising.

Misc.

Are you a blogger that’s gone mad with power? Let Final Girl take the wind out of your sails.

In-House

Just the other day I was fighting a malaise brought on by a lack of comments. I thought maybe my new format just wasn’t working out. Then, Lo and behold, a bunch of fresh comments. And to top it off, after over a month where no one new linked my way, a whole bunch of blogs and assorted sites are sending me traffic. If you’re new, welcome. If you linked to me, thanks for brightening my sleep-deprived and stressful week. And if you’re a regular, I care for you in the same way I care for Rainbow Wolf. For real.

One of the sites that linked to the Ol’ Horror Blog is the official Dexter blog over at Showtime. Unfortunately, I have no idea what it’s about considering Canadians are barred from viewing.

Another site directing traffic my way is Rue Morgue’s new blog The Abattoir. Dave Alexander has placed The Horror Blog under his personal links, one of only two selections, the other being occassional Horror Roundtable contributor Paul Corupe’s amazing Canuxploitation site. Great company to be in.

And hey, while you’re at The Abattoir take a look around. They’re finally starting to pick up speed over there, with tips on how to evade The Nightbeast, a wicked Cthulhu mask, and much more.

Finally, The Horror Blog was mentioned by Tim Lucas in a discussion concerning suitable blogs for nomination in The Rondo Awards. Though this doesn’t mean that The Horror Blog will actually be nominated, particularly considering the competition, it was nice to be considered. Thanks, Tim.

It’s 6:30 am, I was out dancing ’til 3, I’ll probably be up another 2 hours, and I’m going to be wrecked for work. And already I’m having a great day. Have a nice weekend, and make sure you drop by tomorrow for yet another huge Horror Roundtable.

Movies

As much as I like Curt’s reviews on Groovy Age of Horror, and appreciate his attempt to bring forgotten works to light, I really enjoy those posts where he approaches a broader topic. Most recently he used The Descent as a starting point to discuss horror fiction which turns out to be all in a character’s head, and why it’s a cop-out on numerous levels. A great read, as usual.

Remember the post I made the other day about the two different films which were slated to be released which were based on the same decades-old crime? Well, one of them has got the jump on the other with the release of a poster.

Didn’t we just have Christmas? What’s with all the presents? Turns out Poultrygeist isn’t the only zombie chicken movie in town. I owe Dread Central for turning me on to the wonders of Zombeak.

And they say snuff films don’t exist. Chicago outfit Death by Design will kill you on screen according to your specifications.

From what I understand alot of fans of the Blood and Chocolate novel are upset that people think the title of the movie is laughable, and that they should read the book before they judge. Apparently Blood and Chocolate star Agnes Bruckner doesn’t agree considering she hasn’t read it either.

Bonus - I love this still from Blood and Chocolate so much I’m linking to it again. Please go see it and share my joy.

Interviews

Lilja’s Library has a big ol’ interview with Stephen King where he spills on his upcoming projects. Thanks to the Rue Mortuary for the tip.

Clips of the Day

Just in time for John Carpenter’s birthday, Louis Fowler links to a new song by The Mountain Goats about the boogeyman, entitled “Michael Myers Resplendent”. I believe he also did a tune called Waco that referenced George Romero, so there’s some precendent for this.

And if that weren’t enough Carpenter love for you, Stacie Ponder at Final Girl has prepared a very special performance dedicated to the man. Special.

Real World

A businessman in Hungary is considering building a castle there in honour of Attila the Hun in the hope that it will draw tourists away from Dracula’s castle.

Top Story

I hadn’t even realized the Golden Globes were on last night. And no, that wasn’t a dig at their poorly regarded status as an awards show. I’m sure I’ll forget all about the Academy Awards whenever they come around. And yet I’m counting the minutes to Ghost Rider. Go figure.

Anyway, the winners of the Golden Globes were announced, and unfortunately the more horrific contenders were kicked to the curb. Pan’s Labyrinth lost out to Letters to Iwo Jima for Best Foreign Languge Film, Monster House was beat by Cars in the first ever Best Animated Feature Film contest, and Michael C. Hall of Dexter couldn’t hold his own against Hugh Laurie from House for Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama. I’m especially disappointed that Hall didn’t win, though I knew he was a dark horse and I was just glad he was nominated. His performance in Dexter is the best I’ve seen on television in years, and if you haven’t had a chance to watch the show yet, I encourage you to do so.

Movies

Cinematical ponies up the details on a competition being held by Robert Rodriguez for his Grindhouse 101 panel at SXSW. Rodriguez is asking people to submit their best faux-trailer, with the best one being screened at the event.

A week or two back a number of movie websites announced the unveiling of footage for Aliens vs. Predator 2. I passed on reporting it here when it turned out it was just interviews with the directors, with footage from older movies spliced in. Does anyone even watch what they report anymore? Anyway, the first image from the new movie has been made available.

It seems that the Final Girl Film Club is a little lonely the fourth time around. If you managed to get a hold of The Invitation, make sure you drop them a line.

I know that I’ve developed a reputation for embracing even the most ridiculous concepts in horror, but having the long-awaited Lost Boys sequel revolve around surfing vampires seems stupid even to me.

I know nothing about The Mutant Chronicles, but if it can live up to the poster art, consider me intrigued.

In other poster news, Movies Online has revealed the next Hostel 2 poster. I can only imagine that this one is for all the theatres that were refusing the first choice. This second one seems recalls the posters from the first movie, and while that’s not really a bad thing, I liked the idea that they were taking them in an entirely different direction.

DVD

Ever wanted to watch a Turkish giallo? Twitch Film has the scoop on the latest release from Turkish exploitation purveyors Onar Films, a double bill of The Dead Don’t Talk and Thirsty For Love, Sex, and Murder.

Literature

I had no idea that horror bookstore Dark Delicacies has a bestseller list. Thanks to Rue Morgue associate editor and bibliophile Monica S. Kuebler for pointing it out.

Horror Yearbook points us in the direction of a new Jack Ketchum story, Station Two, available both at his Myspace and in his new collection, Closing Time and other stories.

Comics

In honour of comic artist Dave Cockrum’s passing, Comic Book Resources has posted an interview conducted with the artist about his involvement with Aurora monster models during the ’70s. This is precisely the sort of thing that makes this activity worthwhile. Highly recommended.

Jerry Beck of Cartoon Brew has joined forces with Leslie Cabarga, Classic Media and Dark Horse Comics to present a compilation of the 100 best Casper the Ghost stories from Harvey Comics’ early years. Beck says that most of the stories will be by Famous Studios animators of the era, whose work has been mostly forgotten over the years. He does promise that work by preeminent Harvey cover artist Warren Kremer will also be included, which is great news to this Kremer fan.

Gaming

Busting makes me feel good. Ain’t It Cool News has a handful of clips for a pretty cool looking Ghostbusters game, though chances are good that it’s some crafty amateur’s homage, and not the real thing.

The Mystery of the Haunted Vampire investigates the new Sherlock Holmes computer game, The Awakened, which features a Lovecraftian plot. They mention that it’s not out in the States yet, though surprisingly it has been released up here in Canada.

Misc.

John Hopkins University student Andrew DeVos has made his thesis, Why Horror? Fan Discussion on the Appeal of the Horror Film, available online. It’s a fascinating read. Originally found at The Rue Mortuary.

Real World

It appears that Romania is passing on the chance to reclaim Dracula’s $78 million castle.

This is about as good as it gets. Darkness director Leif Jonker has concluded a decades-long quest to find commercials he saw as a kid that showed a double bill of Phantasm and The Fog. And it wasn’t enough to find them, he felt he had to share them with the rest of the world. A second commercial can be found here.

While you’re at it, I recommend checking out the thread on DVD Maniacs where Jonker first posted the clips. There he talks about his quest, and other people join in with some great admats for other double bills of the era.

Top Story

One of the stories I must have missed while I was on holidays was a shooting that took place during a screening of Black Christmas on Christmas Day (My guess was that they were trying to shoot themselves to stop the pain). The story came up again a few days ago when the owner of the theater chain where the incident took place decided to halt the release of Stomp The Yard for fear of a reprisal. Just in case you’re not familiar with mainstream releases, Stomp The Yard is a film about rival fraternities at a prominently black college who settle their differences during step competitions. Apparently it’s a very positive movie, with very little in the way of violent or lurid content. Obviously not my cup of tea, but probably not all that appealing to gun-toting gangstas either. Criticism was levelled at the theatre chain owner by numerous groups, including the NAACP, for making this decision based solely on race. The theatre owner denied the accusations, yet a few days later he reversed his decision, citing a belief that the situation was no longer as dire as he originally predicted.

I can understand being unwilling to show a movie with extreme violence, particularly in the crime or gangsta vein. I can even understand a desire to hold off on horror movies considering that it was during one of those when this incident took place. But how can you possibly make the leap from a slasher movie where a bunch of white sorority girls are offed to an inspiring movie about black fraternity members settling their differences through the arts?

Maybe the title Black Christmas confused him.

Movies

Against my better judgement, the faux-trailer I’m most looking forward to for Grindhouse is Rob Zombie’s Werewolf Women of the SS, mostly for the casting of Nicholas Cage as Fu Manchu. Fangoria has a few more casting announcements that puts it right over the edge, including the addition of Udo Kier and Sybil Danning among others.

In other, less positive Zombie news, the director responds to early criticism of his Halloween remake. I’m glad I’ve managed to stay out of the fray, not out of respect or caution, but through the wonderful power of indifference.

The always excellent Popcorn and Sticky Floors issues a report from Trash Compactor editor Hall Kelly on Le Brady, a theatre of the fantastique in Paris circa 1990. Though the theatre still appears to be around, it doesn’t look like it’s showing the same caliber of films. Oh, to visit Paris and see Demons on the big screen. I can dream.

Speaking of Demons, an aspiring filmmaker is shooting his zombie epic in an abandoned movie theatre, because after all, “It’s never been done.”

Horror Roundtable contributors Doug Nagy and Jay C. will be attending the Films 4 Food festival in Hamilton, Ontario on January 20th, an all-day festival of movies, discussion and stand-up comedy with all proceeds devoted to charity. One of the films being shown is Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, a month before its theatrical release, and as if that weren’t enough, now they’re serving up a bevy of prizes perfect for horror fans, including Anchor Bay DVD prize packs and advance tickets to Blood and Chocolate. If you’re in the area you should definitely pop by.

If you happen to be in Sri Lanka, don’t miss the American embassy’s presentation of Them, the quintessential giant ant movie and a film which obviously best represents the country.

The New York Times has an interesting overview of the history of I Am Legend, both the book and its numerous adaptations.

Kevin Smith continues to discuss his horror movie idea, but doesn’t seem any closer to starting work on it. One thing I wasn’t aware of was that (according to Bloody Disgusting, the source where I first found the link) he doesn’t particularly enjoy the genre, which is a little surprising to me for some reason.

The Eurotrash Pinnacle Project gets off to a great start with lists by The Hungover Gourmet and The Groovy Age of Horror. This is especially great for me, as my Eurotrash knowledge is spotty at best.

Bah. They’re making a Motel Hell remake.

New Hannibal Rising trailer.

Warren of 150 Days of Sodom whips out one of the greatest stills for any movie, horror or not, I have ever seen. Who wouldn’t want to see Blood and Chocolate after witnessing this.

People are crying censorship over the decision by some theatres to not showcase Eli Roth’s Hostel 2 poster, despite the MPAA deciding in its favour. I know I’m probably in the minority here, but I still stand by the idea that individual theatres, and even chains, should be able to reserve the right to deny either a movie or its advertising, and would find that to be preferable to the MPAA dictating the terms of how a movie is released.

DVD

Time to pack away the petitions. Over at The Dead Pit, Horror Roundtable contributor Don May, Jr. spills the beans on one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in horror; The Monster Squad. You should really listen to it, though, if only to hear Uncle Bill and The Creepy Kentuckian sing the news.

Comics

Sam Costello’s monthly horror webcomic continues with its best installment yet, the eerie Not Sleeping Well.

Creature Commandos? Steve-Dave and Walt Flannigan talk up their comic War of the Undead, in which Dracula, the Wolfman and Frankenstein’s Monster team up against the Nazis during the Second World War. I’m not entirely sold, especially since it’s already been done at least once before, but I am liking the idea they have for a sequel.

“A ‘War of the Worlds’ riff where the earth is being invaded by Martians and the only hope the earth has in defeating the aliens is Drac, Frankie and the Werewolf!”

How would you like to own an original piece of comic artwork which depicts Spider-Man biting into the top of Hawkeye’s head? That’s what I thought. Enter for your chance to win just that in a contest being held by Dynamite Entertainment to promote the upcoming Marvel Zombies Vs. Army of Darkness comic.

Not enough to see someone else get eaten by a zombie? Well, here’s another contest for you. Some lucky stiff will be chosen to be eaten by the title character of the comic The Corpse.

Television

Remember back when everyone was wondering if there would ever be a full-fledged television channel dedicated only to horror? I don’t. I’m Canadian and we’ve had one for years, suckers. Anyway, now it looks like the remainder of North America will be spoiled for choice, as NBC/Universal have announced Chiller, their own share of the market.

Gaming

A Dead Rising sequel is go, with Capcom expressing an interest in a long-running franchise.

Misc.

Mondo Schlocko has achieved some strange form of mitosis and has split into two, the regular R-rated version and Classic Mondo Schlocko. You know, for kids.

Not Horror

Radar Magazine takes a stroll down memory lane with a countdown of the 20th Century’s deadliest toys. Props to the crew at The Rue Morturary for the hook-up.

I’m stretching things a little, but Stephen King talks up the first four episodes of the new season of 24 in Entertainment Weekly. I saw them earlier last week, and just like King I tried to ration them out and ended up gobbling the whole lot down in two sittings.

Some kind of entertainment news program in Italy has produced the first look at Argento’s next film, the eagerly anticipated finale to the Three Mothers trilogy, The Mother of Tears. The clip is buried partway into the program, just below the two minute mark. There is no way you could confuse me for an Argento expert, though I have enjoyed more than my share of his work over the years. However, when the clip finally made its way to his portion, it was unmistakably Argento. I was really shocked at just how much his style leapt out of the screen, though I guess I shouldn’t have been.

This clip is making the rounds without most sites crediting its discovery to anyone, though I have my doubts that many sites have been staying up nights trolling the Cinecetta website for news on Argento. For a lack of a better culprit, I choose Dark Dreams, who I first saw the clip from and who do seem to be that obsessive.

Name a person who was instrumental in getting you into horror.

Bill Cunningham - DISContent

I guess that would have to be Forrest J. Ackerman whose Famous Monsters inspired me.

Don May, Jr. - Synapse

Well, absolutely positively, that answer is George A. Romero. If it wasn’t for him, and the others involved in NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. NIGHT was my first project and George and Co. had faith enough in me to let my company restore his original classic (at the time, I was just a young guy right out of college, with no job!). From that point… the rest is history.

Sean T. Collins - Attentiondeficitdisorderly Too Flat

I’ll give credit to my buddy Dave (the cartoonist currenty known as Davey Oil). Davey turned me on to Clive Barker and, thanks to his intrepid-cum-suicidal project of renting his way alphabetically through the entire Blockbuster Video horror section, served as an excellent guide in terms of what to watch and, perhaps more importantly, what not to watch. He was also present at a certain cataclysmic viewing of The Blair Witch Project, my scariest horror-movie-related experience of all time.

Billy

My mom. Every friday night while my dad was at work me and her would site down together and watch the friday night horror movie on Fox 19 out of Buffalo. The only one I can really remember was SSSSSSSSS a movie about some crazy doctor feeding this guy his mad scientist snake juice so he can grow his arm back, but it goes a little too far and turns him into a snake. What was even better is my mom is petrified of snakes.

Tim - Mondo Schlocko

I have inspired by the standard list such as Tobe Hooper, Joe Dante, John Carpenter, and the like. However, the three that made me want to make flicks was Eric Stanze and the Polonia Brothers. All three indie and doing their own thing on zero budgets. It is because of them that I am following my wish to make low grade horror flicks.

Jeff O’ Brien

Corny as this sounds, my Dad. We used to stay up together on Friday nights and watch Nightmare Theatre out of Seattle. LOTS of old AIP films and Hammer stuff they played back in the mid Seventies. Sparked my love of drive in and exploitation cinema. He took me to the drive in and I recalle seeing Battle and Beneath The Planet of the Apes and he took me to my first R rated movie as a kid… Alien. Took me to Barbarella too but he made us leave when he found out it was no Star Wars. The horror writer that most influences my writing is Robert R McCammon.

JA - My New Plaid Pants

My grandmother, who refused to allow me to watch Scooby Doo as a child, because it was witchcraft.

Warren - 150 Days of Sodom

Back in perhaps sixth grade I had a friend named Reza who was really into horror movies. At the time a bunch of us would draw comics in the cafeteria and in study hall or in science class. Mine were rock-bottom the worst, but I would claim they were great, it was part of my gimmick. Reza’s were not bad, but were highly frowned upon by the two better comic artists, who hated him. They would even say my comics were better than his, though I knew they were not. Mine were 2-D, his at least used some techniques to show perspective.

Anyway, Reza and I would draw horror comics while the better comic artists drew superheroes. I remember Reza had a comic where a bunch of horror icons, Freddy, Jason, Jaws, etc, were killing off the Marvel heroes. Reza would also draw a character called “Teddy” who was a killer teddy bear. I would draw Teddy too. Why the hell not? I also stole a character, Ostler the parrot, from a kid who was very serious about his Ostler comic strip. He would put the copyright circle next to the “Ostler” title which I though was wicked lame. I said “check out OstLAR, he is not Ostler, he’s different and legal!” I drew “Ostlar” comics to piss him off. These were made to be disposable. I’d whip together something crappy to show him, Ostlar “copyrighted” and “trademarked”, and he would destroy my comic strips in a fit of rage.

Anyway, I got into the horror movies since I was into making violent drawings with Reza. It was an “us against them” thing. I guess the other comic drawers were into Batman and the direct-to-video Punisher movie. I don’t know.

David Z. - Tomb It May Concern

Chas. Balun all the way. His Deep Red and Gorezone articles are fantastic with his tone of gorehoundery and his editorial skills at bringing some really good writers together for his mags. I got my first copies of Cannibal Holocaust and Tenebre from him WAAAY back in the day. His taking of an article on Fulci by a younger and far less entrenched in trash film than I am now me for Deep Red Alert is still one of my favorite items in my fanzine collection. Of course, I actually used a different name on the damn thing, but it sure does read like a younger me, slightly dumber and less casual all at the same time. While I was already “into” horror movies, he made me insane for them.

Tim Paxton, Craig Ledbetter, Bob Sargent, Dave Kosanke, My Mom and Rev. Rick Sullivan, Steve Gerber, Fritz Leiber, Mike Ploog, Bernie Wrightson and all of the artists at Warren in the 70’s sure did help though.

Stacie - Final Girl

Without a doubt, my mom. She’s a huge horror fan and taught me early on the joys of Hammer movies. My parents indulged my appetite by bringing me to the drive-in with them and keeping me current with Fangoria and Famous Monsters magazines. Mom and I still regularly talk about horror flicks, keeping each other up to date and trading titles…it’s awesome! So awesome, in fact, that I had to give my mom props for her influence on me in an interview.

Doug Nagy

My heavy metal baby sitter Karen.

Red Hawk - Happy Horror

I’d actually have to say my mom, probably. She would let me watch horror movies growing up, starting with the original Prophecy when I was 2. She always made sure I knew that it wasn’t real, so I didn’t grow up completely afraid of what I saw in the movies. She also got me into Stephen King, and bought me my first Richard Laymon book when we were on vacation one year. She’s also an avid zombie movie fan, herself.

Casey Criswell - Cinema Fromage

Dear old dad. Starting me out about age 12 with Faces of Death, we proceeded into dusk to dawn Drive-In marathons of Friday the 13th and lord knows what else. Without him reminding me constantly ‘It’s just a movie!’ I’d probably be traumatized by horror flicks and hooked on Lifetime Originals.

Gary Wintle

That would have to be my big brother Steve.

It was with him and all his friends that I still remember the nights of watching just crazy amounts of movies (mostly horror) that friends of mine wouldn’t even be allowed to see in years. Although I never understood why Steve wouldn’t EVER let me watch Watership Down, “It’s just about bunnies, Steve, C’mon!!!”.

I remember eventually watching Friday the13th (whichever number featuring Jason) with my school friends. Later that night they would be whimpering in terror due to the forthcoming nightmares, while I softly fell asleep to decapitated camper’s dancing around in my head. To this day, I still can’t be scared of anything I see on TV, thank you Steve.

You’re welcome, Gary. We’re all just a bunch of softies, aren’t we? This is definitely one of my favourite Roundtables so far. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories, and thank you to all the people mentioned for helping to shape so many the impressionable minds. Do you have someone you’d like to give a shout out? Don’t be shy. Leave a comment.

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Cinematical has posted a great write-up on the upcoming projects for Hard Candy actress Ellen Page. The one thing that caught my eye, and prompted me to mention the post here, was a film she’s starring in called An American Crime. Here’s the synopsis as written by Cinematical.

Film is based on a true story from 1965 Indiana about a housewife who kept a teenage girl, Sylvia Likens, locked in her basement. Page was reportedly the only choice to play Likens, and she co-stars with Catherine Keener, who plays Gertrude Baniszewski, the 37-year-old woman who led a pack of teenagers and children as young as 11 and 12 (some her own kids, and others just kids in the neighborhood) in the escalating beating, torture and eventual death of the 16-year-old, in one of the worst torture-murder cases in American history.

Sound familiar? That case was the inspiration for Jack Ketchum’s novel The Girl Next Door, considered by many, including this writer, to be one of the most harrowing novels ever written. Not that it would make much difference that someone has created a film based on the actual crime, but production has also just wrapped on an adaptation of Ketchum’s novel, and both films are slated for release this year.

Movies

The MPAA may have approved the poster for Hostel 2, but it looks like individual theatres may be boycotting it on their lonesome. As ridiculous as it may sound, I would almost rather that this were always the case, not only for posters but for films, too. Let the theatres actually decide for themselves what they will or will not show, instead of just slapping an X on something and burying it.

David Z. discusses The Eurotrash Film Pinnacle Project, working from that to an impassioned discussion of what Eurotrash means to him. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, get your ass over there. It’ll make you want to dig up some spaghetti westerns or poliziesco.

Do you have a question for the elusive Eric Red, screenwriter for the original Hitcher? Arrow In The Head would like to hear them. Thanks to Dread Central for the tip.

Apparently Sean T. Collins kinda sorta likes The Descent.

Misc.

Hot on the heels of Fangofeeder and Slash there’s a new Digg-style horror aggregator in town, Bloodee.

When I returned home from the studio last night I discovered that I had forgotten my keys. At first I was going to curl up in a ball and cry myself to sleep in the foyer, but after some thought I realized that I hadn’t really been out on an adventure in awhile, and this situation could be just the thing to get my ass in gear. I wandered the streets, rocked out at a club I haven’t frequented in over a year, drew the cartoon below, and am now writing this from an internet cafe. Who loves you, baby?

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Horror Yearbook is reporting that Yvonne Decarlo has passed away. Ms. Decarlo had a long and varied career in the theatre, music and in film. Best known to genre fans as matriarch Lily Munster from the television series The Munsters, Ms. Decarlo also starred in a number of low-budget horror films near the end of her career, including The Sorority House Murders, Mirror, Mirror, American Gothic, National Lampoon’s Class Reunion and Satan’s Cheerleaders among many others. She possessed a certain charm and humour that never distracted from her beauty, and she will be missed.

Movies

I’ve been so overwhelmed since returning from the holidays that I completely skipped over the rumour that Nicholas Cage will be portraying Fu Manchu in Rob Zombie’s contribution to the faux-trailers in Grindhouse. That’s got me nearly as excited as the return of Tommy Jarvis. Props to Film Junk for showing me the way.

My New Plaid Pants searches all the internets and compiles everything there is to know about Oldboy director Chan-wook Park’s vampire film.

Speaking of the Pants, he had good reason to worry. Wolf Creek director Greg McLean’s follow-up Rogue has been pushed back indefinitely, probably due to its similarites to Primeval. I, for one, cannot get enough killer crocodile movies.

Final Girl continues its Children Hate You celebration. I wonder if she’s going to get to one of my favourites, The Children.

Interviews

Ain’t It Cool News has a talk with the co-writer and director of the upcoming Hack/Slash movie. If you haven’t read the comic its based on yet, and you like slasher movies, I suggest you give it a try.

Clip of the Day

I couldn’t resist. Someone has compiled all the “best” parts of The Wicker Man remake so you don’t have to watch the whole thing. The irony is that watching a bear coldcock a young woman just makes me want to watch the entire movie. Courtesy of CHUD.

Misc.

Rue Morgue Magazine has a blog! One of the best posts made so far is a tutorial by illustrator Ghoulish Gary Pullin on how he created their Fulci cover from a few months back.

Hey! I made Cinematical’s Film Blog Group Hug for the second time. It’s nice to be loved.

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I wasn’t following the current batch of Friday the 13th announcements nearly as closely as I should. After all, I am a fan and will probably be there opening night when this thing finally makes it to the screen. I guess I just needed something a little more substantial, or in this case, something over-the-top. At a press conference, Friday the 13th producers let slip that Tommy Jarvis may be making a comeback. My mind is officially blown.

Movies

Even more than the main attractions in Grindhouse, I’m most looking forward to the faux trailers placed during the intermission. I’ve already talked about Eli Roth’s contribution, and it turns out that Rob Zombie jumped aboard sometime during the holidays with a contribution called Werewolf Women of the SS, but now Fangoria has confirmed that Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright will be offering up a little slice of greasy heaven.

According to Jeffrey Combs, the latest installment in the Re-Animator series may be on hold indefinitely. This just a few weeks after news that the franchise was finally moving forward. Combs’ reason for the hold is that, with the Democrats poised to take the White House, a satire on the Bush administration would be too little, too late.

My irrational hatred over The Hitcher remake grows the more I see the reluctance of the people behind it to acknowledge that people still hitchike.

Speaking of The Hitcher, Rogue Pictures have announced a contest on the movie’s official page in which you can win the opportunity to be killed on screen in an upcoming production.

Lit

Bookslut rips into the worst book covers of the year, including Cormac McCarthy’s post-apocayptic tale The Road. When I first saw that cover I thought it was an advance copy, not the final product.

Comics

For all the people clamoring for more comic books about murderous prostitutes, along comes the Fred Olen Ray approved four-colour Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers.

Clip of the Day

I love horror movies as directed by kids. The Devil’s Game seems to be about a brother who is trying to save his little sister, who has been possessed by a demon. There’s an extended scene in the trailer where the two of them kick the shit out of each other that looks far better than most Hollywood product. You can tell they’re real siblings by the way they’re handing out beatings.

Real World

Romania’s Brasov county is seeking a loan to buy back Dracula’s castle for an estimated 60 million euros.

Not Horror

Mondo Schlocko lives up to its name, serving up a delicious documentary on the Baron of Bosoms himself, Russ Meyer.

Hey, Horror Nerds. Take a second out from huffing the glue from your Aurora models and cast your orbs on this Entertainment Weekly article on up-and-coming director Dario Argento. Were you aware that people make horror films in places other than America, or even Japan? Like, Oh My God! They even have their own name for horror movies, called Giall-O or something. It’s a kind of dessert, but you can only eat it with black gloves.

[Argento’s Animal Trilogy is] also singlehandedly responsible for earning Argento the nickname ”The Italian Hitchcock,” which to be honest would only really fit if Hitchcock had a sweet tooth for lithe Italian models in go-go boots and the kind of psychedelic freakout music that’s one part Ennio Morricone and two parts European porno soundtrack.

Of course, the three films he’s referring to were scored entirely by Morricone, but that was during his “porno” period, so all is forgiven.

I’d love a job at Entertainment Weekly, but it looks like I’m overqualified. That or it’s because I’m a mouth-breathing, tranchcoat-wearing horror nerd.

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Miss me?

Even more than the main attractions in Grindhouse, I’m most looking forward to the faux trailers placed during the intermission. I’ve already talked about Eli Roth’s contribution, and it turns out that Rob Zombie jumped aboard sometime during the holidays with a contribution called Werewolf Women of the SS, but now Fangoria has confirmed that Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright will be offering up a little slice of greasy heaven.

Movies

Of all the horror movies with the potential to be remade, I think The Tingler would be at the top of my list for the most unexpected. I’m all for it if they’re planning on rigging up some seats.

JA of My New Plaid Pants leads the way to some of Guillermo del Toro’s pre-production sketches for Pan’s Labyrinth.

Movie Morlocks takes a look at the history of one of horror’s most enduring, yet underrated archetypes; the blonde little girl with the white ball.

Cinema Blend discusses the decision to replicate Michael Myer’s mask from the original movie.

And while we’re on the topic, it seems that Sherri Moon Zombie has been confirmed to play Michael Myer’s stripper mom, a role that they didn’t appear to be holding auditions for. I guess he must have wrote it specifically for his wife. I wonder if we’ll see her ass.

The infamous Final Girl Film Club makes its triumphant return with the 80s slasher flick The Invitation. It’s like Oprah’s book club, but with bigger hair.

Louis Fowler: The only person on the planet who enjoyed the Black Christmas remake.

It may already be too late, but if you live in the Toronto area and you’d like to attend a big-screen preview of the next Hellboy animated movie, Sword of Storms, all you have to do is shoot off an email to Anchor Bay.

I’m trying to avoid old news, but this is one I just couldn’t resist helping to spread the word on this one. Coffin Joe’s return, The Embodiment of Evil, has finished production and apparently it’s going to be even crazier than his previous films.

Interviews

Skull Ring continues to pull out all the stops on their interviews, this time with the world’s first and only professional horror geek, Mike Bracken. It’s actually a pretty good read, with lots of emphasis on his career as a horror critic.

Remember Werewolf, one of the Fox Network’s first major shows? The Daily Southtown has an interview with General Hospital star John York, including a small paragraph on the show that started his career.

Lit

Have you spent years sitting on your historical zombie epic waiting on a publisher? If so, Permuted Press would like to see what you’ve got. They’re putting together an anthology of short stories concerning the undead throughout history.

Comics

Comic Book Resources discusses the upcoming Werewolf By Night one-shot with writer Mike Carey. From the look of things both Morbius and Man-Thing, also of the Legion of Monsters, will be receiving one-shots of their own. Looks like Ghost Rider wasn’t returning their calls.

Sean T. Collins points us in the direction of some incredibly weird comics by outsider artist Fletcher Hanks. He seems way more Harry Stephen Keeler to me than Ed Wood, but that’s just how I roll.

Real World

The Scotsman has a great article on the locals’ acceptance of the Dracula legend as tourist fodder in Romania.

Misc.

David Z. gives the ol’ Horror Blog an honourable mention for Year’s Best Horror Blog. Huzzah!

Horror Roundtable contributor Doug Nagy has broken his ankle after a freak dalmatian accident. North Quincy officials are unsure whether he will be able to play any football for the rest of the season. Please join me in prayer for Doug. I’m sure he would appreciate it.

I had limited computer access over the holidays, but I did manage to clock in some time on the internet. One of the things I filed away for my return was the trailer for a new documentary film being produced called Grindhouse Glory (and in case you can’t tell from the title, this one is Rated NSFW).

It’s a tad overlong for a trailer, and it’s mostly bulked up with clips from various movies of that era taken out of context, but the real treat is that they’ve roped in a fair amount of near-forgotten directors to discuss those halycon days. Some of the people profiled include Jeff Lieberman (Squirm), David Durston (I Drink Your Blood), Greydon Clark (Satan’s Cheerleaders) and John “Bud” Cardos (Kingdom of the Spiders). Hell, yeah!

For even more information, make sure you check out Horror Movies interview with the director behind Grindhouse Glory, David Litz.

Name your most anticipated horror event of the new year.

Sean T. Collins - Attentiondeficitdisorderly Too Flat

It’s probably whatever Clive Barker shows up with next, whether it’s The Scarlet Gospel or the film version of The Midnight Meat Train. But mostly I’m trying not to anticipate anything–as with The Descent, I’d be perfectly content to be surprised.

Curt - Groovy Age of Horror

The greatest horror novel ever–mine.

Jeff O’Brien

Wishful thinking department: That Robert R McCammon would unretire and go back to writing his brilliant horror novels. He stopped writing WAY too soon. Closer to home, seeing HG Lewis Gore Gore Gore-met go before the cameras. And finally seeing a new John Carpenter film hit the theatres!

Louis Fowler

Unless I hook-up with Elvira, two words: Muthafuckin’ GRINDHOUSE.

I am more than sure this will be the greatest horror film–hell, film PERIOD–ever made.

Rod Lott - Bookgasm

Seeing Rob Zombie’s HALLOWEEN. It may be awesome, it may be a failure, but it’s bound to be its own beast.

Warren - 150 Days of Sodom

I can’t wait for Rob Zombie’s Halloween. It’s gonna suck. Summer 2007? That’s what I heard though the movie has not been made yet. I thought Rob Zombie said he was gonna move on and do non-horror pictures?

Don May, Jr. - Synapse

I am actually REALLY looking forward to seeing PAN’S LABYRINTH. I know it’s out now in certain markets, but I haven’t been able to see it yet here in Detroit! As far as looking ahead, the only other horror movies I’m going to most definitely see in the theatre are HOSTEL 2 and GRINDHOUSE.

David Z. - Tomb It May Concern

By far Eurotrash Paradise World Con 4 (location to be determined). And of course doing 52 straight Horror Roundtables…

JA - My New Plaid Pants

Being an avid admirer of Wolf Creek, I’m really looking forward to Greg McLean’s follow-up film, Rogue, about a giant people-eating crocodile in the Outback, starring Radha Mitchell and Michael vartan. IMDb has it listed as being released on Groundhog Day, which seems really soon since I haven’t seen a poster, trailer, or even an image from the film yet (have I missed something? Let me know!); the only word I have heard were some pretty negative test-screening responses. So we shall see, but I’m cautiously optimistic. Wolf Creek rocked.

Casey Criswell - Cinema Fromage

I’d have to say my most anticipated event of the weekend is Bloody-Disgusting and Horrorhound’s Horrorhound Weekend in Indianapolis. Having never attended a horror con before, I have visions of rare posters, dvd’s and who knows what else dancing about in my head. I also have high hopes of meeting fellow bloggers, etc. there as well!

Thanks to all the cool cats above for contributing to the first Horror Roundtable of the New year. I’ll be back Monday with all the news, views and other worthless junk you’ve come to expect from The Horror Blog.