It was almost exactly one year ago when we learned that Hugh Grant – whose credits include Notting Hill, Love Actually, Wonka, and Unfrosted – had signed on to star in the A24 horror film Heretic, which is coming our way from the writing and directing duo of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. Now Deadline reports that A24 is planning to give Heretic a wide theatrical release on November 15th.
Details are scarce, but the story has something to do with two missionaries that attempt to convert a dangerous man. Here’s how Deadline describes it: Two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse after they knock on the wrong front door.
There’s no word on who Grant plays in this scenario, but it would be very cool to see him take on the role of the dangerous man, and it seems likely that we’re going to.
Details are scarce, but the story has something to do with two missionaries that attempt to convert a dangerous man. Here’s how Deadline describes it: Two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse after they knock on the wrong front door.
There’s no word on who Grant plays in this scenario, but it would be very cool to see him take on the role of the dangerous man, and it seems likely that we’re going to.
- 5/31/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (Raven Jackson)
A film that feels uprooted from deep beneath the earth, Raven Jackson’s poetic, patient debut is a distillation of cinema to its purest form, a stunning patchwork of experience and memory. Tethered around the life of Mack, a Black woman from Mississippi, as we witness glimpses of her childhood, teenage years, and beyond, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt becomes a sensory experience unlike anything else this year. Shot in beautiful 35mm by Jomo Fray and edited by Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s collaborator Lee Chatametikool, there’s a reverence for nature and joy for human connection that seems all too rarified in today’s landscape of American filmmaking. – Jordan R.
Where to Stream: VOD...
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (Raven Jackson)
A film that feels uprooted from deep beneath the earth, Raven Jackson’s poetic, patient debut is a distillation of cinema to its purest form, a stunning patchwork of experience and memory. Tethered around the life of Mack, a Black woman from Mississippi, as we witness glimpses of her childhood, teenage years, and beyond, All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt becomes a sensory experience unlike anything else this year. Shot in beautiful 35mm by Jomo Fray and edited by Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s collaborator Lee Chatametikool, there’s a reverence for nature and joy for human connection that seems all too rarified in today’s landscape of American filmmaking. – Jordan R.
Where to Stream: VOD...
- 1/5/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Clockwise from top left: Paddington 2 (Warner Bros.), Love Actually (Universal Pictures), Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Paramount Pictures), Notting Hill (Universal Pictures)Graphic: The A.V. Club
When you’ve been in the moviemaking business for as long as Hugh Grant has, you’ve earned the right to...
When you’ve been in the moviemaking business for as long as Hugh Grant has, you’ve earned the right to...
- 12/15/2023
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
Catering directly to my interests, the Criterion Channel’s January lineup boasts two of my favorite things: James Gray and cats. In the former case it’s his first five features (itself a terrible reminder he only released five movies in 20 years); the latter shows felines the respect they deserve, from Kuroneko to The Long Goodbye, Tourneur’s Cat People and Mick Garris’ Sleepwalkers. Meanwhile, Ava Gardner, Bertrand Tavernier, Isabel Sandoval, Ken Russell, Juleen Compton, George Harrison’s HandMade Films, and the Sundance Film Festival get retrospectives.
Restorations of Soviet sci-fi trip Ikarie Xb 1, The Unknown, and The Music of Regret stream, as does the recent Plan 75. January’s Criterion Editions are Inside Llewyn Davis, Farewell Amor, The Incredible Shrinking Man, and (most intriguingly) the long-out-of-print The Man Who Fell to Earth, Blu-rays of which go for hundreds of dollars.
See the lineup below and learn more here.
Back By Popular Demand
The Graduate,...
Restorations of Soviet sci-fi trip Ikarie Xb 1, The Unknown, and The Music of Regret stream, as does the recent Plan 75. January’s Criterion Editions are Inside Llewyn Davis, Farewell Amor, The Incredible Shrinking Man, and (most intriguingly) the long-out-of-print The Man Who Fell to Earth, Blu-rays of which go for hundreds of dollars.
See the lineup below and learn more here.
Back By Popular Demand
The Graduate,...
- 12/12/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
It’s a busy week for horror with The Pope’s Exorcist and Renfield arriving on the big screen. The latter reimagines classic Universal Monsters characters with a comedic twist, though it’s hardly the first to depict bloodsuckers in a humorous way. This week’s streaming picks celebrate vampire horror-comedies, giving you plenty of options to sink your teeth into.
Here’s where to watch these titles this week.
For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.
Blood Relatives – AMC+, Shudder
Writer/Director Noah Segan’s feature debut brings a charming soft touch to the vampire tale, favoring dad jokes and affecting bonds over savage bloodletting. Blood Relatives sees a nomad’s life upended by the arrival of a daughter he never knew he had, causing a seismic shift in his isolated bachelor lifestyle. The twist here is that the central character is a bloodsucking vampire whose inner...
Here’s where to watch these titles this week.
For more Stay Home, Watch Horror picks, click here.
Blood Relatives – AMC+, Shudder
Writer/Director Noah Segan’s feature debut brings a charming soft touch to the vampire tale, favoring dad jokes and affecting bonds over savage bloodletting. Blood Relatives sees a nomad’s life upended by the arrival of a daughter he never knew he had, causing a seismic shift in his isolated bachelor lifestyle. The twist here is that the central character is a bloodsucking vampire whose inner...
- 4/10/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
From The Video Archives Podcast, writer/director Roger Avary and writer/producer Gala Avary discuss a few of their favorite movies with Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taxi Driver (1976)
Star Wars (1977)
Matinee (1993)
Dune (1984)
Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Batman (1989)
Yentl (1983)
Nuts (1987)
Spaceballs (1987)
Die Hard (1988)
Top Gun (1986)
Cocksucker Blues (1972)
Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Day Of The Dolphin (1973)
Babylon (2022)
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
Carrie (1976)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)
Blow Out (1981)
The Matrix (1999)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Killing Zoe (1993)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Tenant (1976)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bugsy Malone (1976)
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Giant (1956)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Babe (1995)
Time Bandits...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Taxi Driver (1976)
Star Wars (1977)
Matinee (1993)
Dune (1984)
Terror On A Train a.k.a. Time Bomb (1953)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Batman (1989)
Yentl (1983)
Nuts (1987)
Spaceballs (1987)
Die Hard (1988)
Top Gun (1986)
Cocksucker Blues (1972)
Mijn nachten met Susan, Olga, Albert, Julie, Piet & Sandra (1975)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Godfather (1972)
A History Of Violence (2005)
Day Of The Dolphin (1973)
Babylon (2022)
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (2022)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979)
Carrie (1976)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)
Blow Out (1981)
The Matrix (1999)
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Killing Zoe (1993)
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
The Tenant (1976)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Bugsy Malone (1976)
Phantom Of The Paradise (1974)
The Muppet Movie (1979)
The Rules Of Attraction (2002)
The Sound Of Music (1965)
Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Giant (1956)
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
Babe (1995)
Time Bandits...
- 2/28/2023
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
In Japanese mythology, Namazu was believed to be an underground fish that caused earthquakes, as immortalized in several namazu-e woodblock prints of the Edo period. Imprisoned and subdued under a large stone by Takemikazuchi, the god of thunder, earthquakes were believed to occur whenever Takemikazuchi let his guard down, meaning Namazu could wriggle free, flapping his giant body to-and-fro to cause havoc for the unsuspecting citizens above.
Perhaps Takemikazuchi doesn’t do a good job — Japan has, on average, 1,500 earthquakes a year, with its 700 islands sitting perilously close to the Pacific Earthquake Belt, also known as the suitably demonic “Ring of Fire.” In “Suzume,” , this mythical giant catfish is replaced by a snakepit of burning, writhing, fire-red worms, who escape from a hellish netherworld bent on causing geographical devastation. Siloed away in a magical land, these worms are normally contained by doorways secured by “keystones,” with doors guarded and kept...
Perhaps Takemikazuchi doesn’t do a good job — Japan has, on average, 1,500 earthquakes a year, with its 700 islands sitting perilously close to the Pacific Earthquake Belt, also known as the suitably demonic “Ring of Fire.” In “Suzume,” , this mythical giant catfish is replaced by a snakepit of burning, writhing, fire-red worms, who escape from a hellish netherworld bent on causing geographical devastation. Siloed away in a magical land, these worms are normally contained by doorways secured by “keystones,” with doors guarded and kept...
- 2/23/2023
- by Steph Green
- Indiewire
Though their “’80s Horror” lineup would constitute enough of a Halloween push, the Criterion Channel enter October all guns blazing. The month’s lineup also includes a 19-movie vampire series running from 1931’s Dracula (English and Spanish both) to 2014’s A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, the collection in-between including Herzog’s Nosferatu, Near Dark, and Let the Right One In. Last year’s “Universal Horror” collection returns, a 17-title Ishirō Honda retrospective has been set, and a few genre titles stand alone: Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte, The House of the Devil, and Island of Lost Souls.
Streaming premieres include restorations of Tsai Ming-liang’s Vive L’amour and Ed Lachman’s Lou Reed / John Cale concert film Songs for Drella; October’s Criterion editions are Samuel Fuller’s Forty Guns, Bill Duke’s Deep Cover, Haxan, and My Own Private Idaho. Meanwhile, Ari Aster has curated an “Adventures...
Streaming premieres include restorations of Tsai Ming-liang’s Vive L’amour and Ed Lachman’s Lou Reed / John Cale concert film Songs for Drella; October’s Criterion editions are Samuel Fuller’s Forty Guns, Bill Duke’s Deep Cover, Haxan, and My Own Private Idaho. Meanwhile, Ari Aster has curated an “Adventures...
- 9/26/2022
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
40 years ago, Hugh Grant made his film debut in 1982’s “Privileged,” a little-seen effort about undergraduates at Oxford (where Grant studied English lit), which was funded by the Oxford University Film Foundation. In its July 14, 1982, review, Variety said the film — which also marked the bows of producer Andy Paterson, director Michael Hoffman, actors Imogen Stubbs and James Wilby and composer Rachel Portman — would have “limited interest” for most audiences but that the actor, billed as Hughie Grant, gives a convincing performance as an “aristocratic dropout.”
For the next five years, Grant did sketch comedy, played the classics onstage and worked in TV; his first mention in Variety was for the 1985 miniseries “Jenny’s War,” playing the Raf pilot son of Dyan Cannon.
He boosted his profile with the 1987 Merchant-Ivory film “Maurice,” adapted from E.M. Forster. The film also featuring his “Privileged” costar Wilby and the two shared the best-actor prize at the Venice Film Festival.
For the next five years, Grant did sketch comedy, played the classics onstage and worked in TV; his first mention in Variety was for the 1985 miniseries “Jenny’s War,” playing the Raf pilot son of Dyan Cannon.
He boosted his profile with the 1987 Merchant-Ivory film “Maurice,” adapted from E.M. Forster. The film also featuring his “Privileged” costar Wilby and the two shared the best-actor prize at the Venice Film Festival.
- 9/1/2022
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
The fictional town of Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine, gets mentioned frequently in author Stephen King‘s works. Most famously, it’s the setting for his vampire novel ‘Salem’s Lot and, to a lesser extent, a stand-alone prequel short story “Jerusalem’s Lot.” The latter channeled Bram Stoker’s The Lair of the White Worm, with an 1850’s tale of terror told in the […]...
- 8/9/2021
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
A never ending mission to save the world featuring Ron Perlman, Peter Ramsey, James Adomian, Will Menaker, and Blaire Bercy from the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Karado: The Kung Fu Flash a.k.a. Karado: The Kung Fu Cat a.k.a. The Super Kung Fu Kid (1974)
Sullivan’s Travels (1941)
The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
Nobody’s Fool (1994)
The Hustler (1961)
Elmer Gantry (1960)
Mean Dog Blues (1978)
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Mona Lisa (1986)
The Crying Game (1992)
The Hairdresser’s Husband (1990)
Ridicule (1996)
Man on the Train (2002)
The Girl on the Bridge (1999)
Pale Flower (1964)
Out of the Past (1947)
The Lunchbox (2013)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Raw Deal (1986)
Commando (1985)
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
The Last Man On Earth (1964)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers...
Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Karado: The Kung Fu Flash a.k.a. Karado: The Kung Fu Cat a.k.a. The Super Kung Fu Kid (1974)
Sullivan’s Travels (1941)
The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946)
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939)
Nobody’s Fool (1994)
The Hustler (1961)
Elmer Gantry (1960)
Mean Dog Blues (1978)
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)
Mona Lisa (1986)
The Crying Game (1992)
The Hairdresser’s Husband (1990)
Ridicule (1996)
Man on the Train (2002)
The Girl on the Bridge (1999)
Pale Flower (1964)
Out of the Past (1947)
The Lunchbox (2013)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Raw Deal (1986)
Commando (1985)
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
The Last Man On Earth (1964)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers...
- 4/24/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
The star, Alexandra Daddario, the writer, Alan Trezza, and the director, Marc Meyers, of the terrific new film We Summon The Darkness walk us through some of their favorite movies.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
We Summon The Darkness (2020)
Burying The Ex (2015)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
American Beauty (1999)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Ghostbusters (1984)
The Sound of Music (1965)
L.A. Story (1991)
Ghost Dad (1990)
Looney Tunes: Back In Action (2003)
Roxanne (1987)
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part III (1990)
Fargo (1996)
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1998)
Defending Your Life (1991)
Modern Romance (1981)
The Jerk (1979)
Jaws (1975)
Notting Hill (1999)
Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Love Actually (2003)
Marley & Me (2008)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Raging Bull (1980)
Mandy (2018)
Heathers (1988)
Ed Wood (1994)
Hellzapoppin’ (1941)
Fletch (1985)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Batman Returns (1992)
Warlock (1989)
Beetlejuice (1988)
Star Wars (1977)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Swimmer (1968)
Sherman’s March (1985)
Amadeus (1984)
Amarcord (1974)
Hugo Pool (1997)
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
We Summon The Darkness (2020)
Burying The Ex (2015)
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
American Beauty (1999)
Strictly Ballroom (1992)
Ghostbusters (1984)
The Sound of Music (1965)
L.A. Story (1991)
Ghost Dad (1990)
Looney Tunes: Back In Action (2003)
Roxanne (1987)
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather Part II (1974)
The Godfather Part III (1990)
Fargo (1996)
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Psycho (1960)
Psycho (1998)
Defending Your Life (1991)
Modern Romance (1981)
The Jerk (1979)
Jaws (1975)
Notting Hill (1999)
Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Love Actually (2003)
Marley & Me (2008)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Raging Bull (1980)
Mandy (2018)
Heathers (1988)
Ed Wood (1994)
Hellzapoppin’ (1941)
Fletch (1985)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Batman Returns (1992)
Warlock (1989)
Beetlejuice (1988)
Star Wars (1977)
Sixteen Candles (1984)
The Swimmer (1968)
Sherman’s March (1985)
Amadeus (1984)
Amarcord (1974)
Hugo Pool (1997)
Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills...
- 4/14/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Happy (Good) Friday, everyone! Even though time isn’t much of a construct these days, the weekend is officially here and if you’re like me, you’re looking for ways to entertain yourself at home during this whole pandemic mess. And with the economy being what it is right now, I know it’s helpful for many folks out there to save money wherever you can, so I thought I would dive into all the great films over at Tubi TV to compile a list of more than 50 different cult films you can currently stream for free.
Just a note: there are a lot of definitions of “cult film,” so I did my best to not include a bunch of titles that horror fans throw around ad nauseam here, and I even opened up my search parameters a bit to include horror, sci-fi, and genre-adjacent titles that I feel...
Just a note: there are a lot of definitions of “cult film,” so I did my best to not include a bunch of titles that horror fans throw around ad nauseam here, and I even opened up my search parameters a bit to include horror, sci-fi, and genre-adjacent titles that I feel...
- 4/10/2020
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Happy Friday, everyone! With the weekend upon us, I thought for this edition of “From Streams to Screams,” I’d put together a real mind-bender of a list for you, where all 29 films dabble in some form of WTFery. Whether its delivering up full-blown cinematic chaos, or characters (and/or the movies themselves) going completely off the rails, and even a few stories that will leaving you scratching your head at the end, without a doubt, these bizarrely entertaining but utterly charming films will keep your mind warped for years to come.
Society (Available on Shudder & Amazon Prime)
Bill is worried that he is "different" from his sister and parents. They mix with other "upper class" people, while Bill is more down to earth. Even his girlfriend seems a bit odd. All is revealed when Bill returns home to find a party in full swing. Not for the weak of stomach.
Society (Available on Shudder & Amazon Prime)
Bill is worried that he is "different" from his sister and parents. They mix with other "upper class" people, while Bill is more down to earth. Even his girlfriend seems a bit odd. All is revealed when Bill returns home to find a party in full swing. Not for the weak of stomach.
- 10/4/2019
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Stars: Charles Klausmeyer, Mark Kinsey Stephenson, Alexandra Durrell, Laura Albert, Eben Ham, Blane Wheatley, Mark Parra, Delbert Spain, Colin Cox, Paul Farmer, Katrin Alexandre | Written and Directed by Jean-Paul Oullette
Written and directed by Jean-Paul Ouellette, based on the story from legendary horror author H.P. Lovecraft, The Unnamable is one of those films that passed me by growing up. I knew about the film, mainly thanks to the 1992 sequel – released in the UK as The Unnamable Returns – which was heavily, and I do mean heavily, promoted upon it’s release. Hell, it seemed like every movie magazine I read (remember those days?) had ads for The Unnamable Returns and every VHS rental had a trailer for the movie. But at the time I could never track down the original film and I never caught the film on DVD… So this Blu-ray release, from Unearthed Films, is a first-time watch for me.
Written and directed by Jean-Paul Ouellette, based on the story from legendary horror author H.P. Lovecraft, The Unnamable is one of those films that passed me by growing up. I knew about the film, mainly thanks to the 1992 sequel – released in the UK as The Unnamable Returns – which was heavily, and I do mean heavily, promoted upon it’s release. Hell, it seemed like every movie magazine I read (remember those days?) had ads for The Unnamable Returns and every VHS rental had a trailer for the movie. But at the time I could never track down the original film and I never caught the film on DVD… So this Blu-ray release, from Unearthed Films, is a first-time watch for me.
- 11/26/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
When one thinks of filmmaker Ken Russell, one thinks “excessive”, “lurid”, and “over the top”. But there’s an honest to God beauty in the profane as seen through his eyes. Simply put, you can choose to experience a Russell film or ignore it, but they will always live on as messy, indulgent, yet heartfelt works. Personally, these are a few of my favorite things; and when Russell directed his flights of ripened fancy towards a piece of horror, the results could be spectacular like The Lair of the White Worm (1988), a hilarious and ribald tribute to Hammer, Aip, and Amicus.
Released just in time for Halloween in the U.S. by Vestron Pictures, Lair brought in less than its $2.5 million budget at the box office and the reviews were mixed. This was really nothing new for Russell, who by this point in the game was either revered or reviled...
Released just in time for Halloween in the U.S. by Vestron Pictures, Lair brought in less than its $2.5 million budget at the box office and the reviews were mixed. This was really nothing new for Russell, who by this point in the game was either revered or reviled...
- 7/28/2018
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Stars: Peter Capaldi, Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe, Catherine Oxenberg, Sammi Davis, Stratford Johns, Paul Brooke, Imogen Claire, Chris Pitt, Gina McKee | Written and Directed by Ken Russell
This very British monster movie from 1988 is based on the final, unfinished novel by Bram Stoker. The book was apparently written in a state of sweaty delirium, so it’s easy to see why enfant terrible Ken Russell was drawn to it.
Starring Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi (both remarkably fresh-faced) and some dodgy regional accents, the setting is rural Derbyshire, and the enemy is a mythical giant worm that lives in a cave. Scottish archaeology student Angus (Capaldi) comes to stay in a guest house owned by the Trent sisters, Mary (Sammi Davis) and Eve (Catherine Oxenberg). After digging up the skull of an oversized reptile, he discovers that the Trents’ parents went mysteriously missing a year ago. Could these events be related?...
This very British monster movie from 1988 is based on the final, unfinished novel by Bram Stoker. The book was apparently written in a state of sweaty delirium, so it’s easy to see why enfant terrible Ken Russell was drawn to it.
Starring Hugh Grant and Peter Capaldi (both remarkably fresh-faced) and some dodgy regional accents, the setting is rural Derbyshire, and the enemy is a mythical giant worm that lives in a cave. Scottish archaeology student Angus (Capaldi) comes to stay in a guest house owned by the Trent sisters, Mary (Sammi Davis) and Eve (Catherine Oxenberg). After digging up the skull of an oversized reptile, he discovers that the Trents’ parents went mysteriously missing a year ago. Could these events be related?...
- 3/15/2018
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Stars: Peter Capaldi, Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe, Catherine Oxenberg, Sammi Davis, Stratford Johns, Paul Brooke, Imogen Claire, Chris Pitt, Gina McKee | Written and Directed by Ken Russell
Some of the most memorable cult horror films come from eccentrics of the genre. Ken Russell was a director who left his unforgettable mark on film history, with the likes of Tommy and The Devils. In The Lair of the White Worm he creates a truly cult experience that has stayed a truly unique piece of horror entertainment.
When Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi) a Scottish archaeologist discovers a strange skull on the site of an old convent, it seems he may have discovered the remains of the d’Ampton Worm. A legendary snake-like creature killed by local landowner James D’Amton’s (Hugh Grant) ancestor, it soon vanishes. With villagers disappearing it appears that an ancient evil has been awoken once again.
Watching...
Some of the most memorable cult horror films come from eccentrics of the genre. Ken Russell was a director who left his unforgettable mark on film history, with the likes of Tommy and The Devils. In The Lair of the White Worm he creates a truly cult experience that has stayed a truly unique piece of horror entertainment.
When Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi) a Scottish archaeologist discovers a strange skull on the site of an old convent, it seems he may have discovered the remains of the d’Ampton Worm. A legendary snake-like creature killed by local landowner James D’Amton’s (Hugh Grant) ancestor, it soon vanishes. With villagers disappearing it appears that an ancient evil has been awoken once again.
Watching...
- 3/2/2018
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
With a hiss of brakes, and a rush of steam, the next phase of SFW9’s launch is engaged. We have lots and lots to tell you, so settle down, grab your beverage of choice, put your feet up, and let’s go!
That’s right folks… Its time to start planning for SFW9, coming to you next March in Wales and we have a little bit of bad news but a massive whole bunch of good news to soften that blow. First things first though: there are only 18, yes 18 rooms left on site for the weekend so if you don’t have your tickets then you better get on that now. So first off here is a little comment from Sfw themselves with a little bad news…
First off, the bad news … As regular SFWers know, sometimes guests have to drop out, and since the last announcement, both Colin Baker...
That’s right folks… Its time to start planning for SFW9, coming to you next March in Wales and we have a little bit of bad news but a massive whole bunch of good news to soften that blow. First things first though: there are only 18, yes 18 rooms left on site for the weekend so if you don’t have your tickets then you better get on that now. So first off here is a little comment from Sfw themselves with a little bad news…
First off, the bad news … As regular SFWers know, sometimes guests have to drop out, and since the last announcement, both Colin Baker...
- 11/3/2017
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
For this final week of home entertainment releases in January, horror and sci-fi fans have a ton of cult classics to look forward to, including Poltergeist II and Poltergeist III from Scream Factory, and Lair of the White Worm and Parents from Lionsgate via their Vestron Video Collector’s Series.
Synapse Films is also keeping busy with a trio of releases this Tuesday—The Coffin Joe Trilogy Collection, At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, and This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse—and for those of you missed it in theaters, Boo! A Madea Halloween comes home to both Blu-ray and DVD on January 31st as well.
Lair of the White Worm: Vestron Video Collector’s Series (Lionsgate, Blu-ray)
Bram Stoker’s last novel is the basis for this wild tale of a horrific beast and the evil forces it unleashes on the beautiful English countryside.
Vestron Video...
Synapse Films is also keeping busy with a trio of releases this Tuesday—The Coffin Joe Trilogy Collection, At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul, and This Night I’ll Possess Your Corpse—and for those of you missed it in theaters, Boo! A Madea Halloween comes home to both Blu-ray and DVD on January 31st as well.
Lair of the White Worm: Vestron Video Collector’s Series (Lionsgate, Blu-ray)
Bram Stoker’s last novel is the basis for this wild tale of a horrific beast and the evil forces it unleashes on the beautiful English countryside.
Vestron Video...
- 1/31/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
The Lair of the White Worm
Blu-ray
Lionsgate / Vestron
1988 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 94 min. / Street Date January 31, 2017 / 34.97
Starring Amanda Donohoe, Hugh Grant, Catherine Oxenberg, Peter Capaldi, Sammi Davis, Stratford Johns, Paul Brooke, Imogen Claire, Chris Pitt, Gina McKee, Christopher Gable, Lloyd Peters.
Cinematography: Dick Bush
Film Editor: Peter Davies
Special Effects makeup: Stuart Conran, Paul Jones
Original Music: Stanislaus Syerewicz
Written by: Ken Russell from the novel by Bram Stoker
Produced and Directed by Ken Russell
Wild man director Ken Russell struck back against commercial indifference with this alternately elegant and outrageous horror offering, that excepting a few hard- ‘R’ moments, comes off as a real (snake) charmer. Few horror movies have a real sense of wit, and fewer still can laugh at themselves without crumbling into sad parody. As if reclaiming horror as a British-made product, Russell’s The Lair of the White Worm shows us what a next-generation Hammer...
Blu-ray
Lionsgate / Vestron
1988 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 94 min. / Street Date January 31, 2017 / 34.97
Starring Amanda Donohoe, Hugh Grant, Catherine Oxenberg, Peter Capaldi, Sammi Davis, Stratford Johns, Paul Brooke, Imogen Claire, Chris Pitt, Gina McKee, Christopher Gable, Lloyd Peters.
Cinematography: Dick Bush
Film Editor: Peter Davies
Special Effects makeup: Stuart Conran, Paul Jones
Original Music: Stanislaus Syerewicz
Written by: Ken Russell from the novel by Bram Stoker
Produced and Directed by Ken Russell
Wild man director Ken Russell struck back against commercial indifference with this alternately elegant and outrageous horror offering, that excepting a few hard- ‘R’ moments, comes off as a real (snake) charmer. Few horror movies have a real sense of wit, and fewer still can laugh at themselves without crumbling into sad parody. As if reclaiming horror as a British-made product, Russell’s The Lair of the White Worm shows us what a next-generation Hammer...
- 1/28/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
“I change my cars as regularly as a snake sheds its skin.”
The Vestron cult classic horror title releases continue with The Lair Of The White Worm, coming to Blu-ray on January 31st with all new special features!
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm Blu-ray has all-new special features, including an audio commentary with Director Ken Russell and Lisi Russell and an interview with actress Sammi Davis. The Lair of the White Worm limited-edition Blu-ray will be available...
The Vestron cult classic horror title releases continue with The Lair Of The White Worm, coming to Blu-ray on January 31st with all new special features!
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm Blu-ray has all-new special features, including an audio commentary with Director Ken Russell and Lisi Russell and an interview with actress Sammi Davis. The Lair of the White Worm limited-edition Blu-ray will be available...
- 1/19/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Offering new premieres and exclusives every month, Shudder has a unique library of hard-to-find international and independent films, something for both casual and hardcore fans of horror. With that in mind, here’s the rundown of the new arrivals and UK exclusives and premieres for December…
Exclusives/Premieres:
31 (Dir. Rob Zombie)
UK streaming Premiere. Available from 15th December
Introduced to eager audiences at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker / musician Rob Zombie’s latest blood-soaked film involves a group of carnival workers who come face-to-face with a gang of murderous clowns on Halloween night. A game of life-or-death will determine their fate.
The Corpse Of Anna Fritz (Dir. Hèctor Hernández Vicens)
UK Premiere. Available from 8th December
Creating a stir at SXSW and the BFI London Film Festival, this ghoulish and uncompromising thriller from director Hèctor Hernández Vicens follows a hospital orderly’s attempts to have his wicked way...
Exclusives/Premieres:
31 (Dir. Rob Zombie)
UK streaming Premiere. Available from 15th December
Introduced to eager audiences at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker / musician Rob Zombie’s latest blood-soaked film involves a group of carnival workers who come face-to-face with a gang of murderous clowns on Halloween night. A game of life-or-death will determine their fate.
The Corpse Of Anna Fritz (Dir. Hèctor Hernández Vicens)
UK Premiere. Available from 8th December
Creating a stir at SXSW and the BFI London Film Festival, this ghoulish and uncompromising thriller from director Hèctor Hernández Vicens follows a hospital orderly’s attempts to have his wicked way...
- 12/1/2016
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
“I change my cars as regularly as a snake sheds its skin.”
The Vestron cult classic horror title releases continue with The Lair Of The White Worm, coming to Blu-ray on January 31st with all new special features!
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm Blu-ray has all-new special features, including an audio commentary with Director Ken Russell and Lisi Russell and an interview with actress Sammi Davis. The Lair of the White Worm limited-edition Blu-ray will be available...
The Vestron cult classic horror title releases continue with The Lair Of The White Worm, coming to Blu-ray on January 31st with all new special features!
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm Blu-ray has all-new special features, including an audio commentary with Director Ken Russell and Lisi Russell and an interview with actress Sammi Davis. The Lair of the White Worm limited-edition Blu-ray will be available...
- 11/23/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In January, The Lair of the White Worm will join the newly announced Parents limited edition Blu-ray in Lionsgate's Vestron Video Collector's Series, and we have a look at the special features and cover art for the vampiric Blu-ray release.
Press Release: The Vestron cult classic horror title releases continue with The Lair of the White Worm, coming to Blu-ray on January 31st with all new special features!
Street Date: 1/31/17
Blu-ray™ Srp: $34.97
Program Description
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm...
Press Release: The Vestron cult classic horror title releases continue with The Lair of the White Worm, coming to Blu-ray on January 31st with all new special features!
Street Date: 1/31/17
Blu-ray™ Srp: $34.97
Program Description
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm...
- 11/22/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Two more horror classics are on their way to Blu-ray courtesy of Vestron Video, The Lair of the White Worm and Parents, and we have the artwork and details on each right here. From the Press Release: A terrifying English… Continue Reading →
The post Vestron Video Unleashing Parents and The Lair of the White Worm appeared first on Dread Central.
The post Vestron Video Unleashing Parents and The Lair of the White Worm appeared first on Dread Central.
- 11/22/2016
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Hello, August! It’s a new month and you know what that means: a new batch of excellent horror films is coming to you hot and fresh courtesy of our friends over at Shudder. This month, Nina Forever, The Devil’s Rejects, Ju-On: The Curse 1 and 2 (never before officially released in the Us), American Psycho, and Manhunter are just a few of the films to join the ranks of Shudder’s horror programming.
Press Release: On August 10th, Shudder welcomes one of the most striking horror debuts in recent memory. From directors Ben Blaine and Chris Blaine is the grotesque, wickedly funny, affecting horror romance, Nina Forever.
After the love of his life, Nina, tragically dies in a car accident, Rob unsuccessfully attempts to take his own life. As he learns to come to terms with his grief, he ends up falling in love with a coworker, Holly. Their relationship gets complicated when Nina,...
Press Release: On August 10th, Shudder welcomes one of the most striking horror debuts in recent memory. From directors Ben Blaine and Chris Blaine is the grotesque, wickedly funny, affecting horror romance, Nina Forever.
After the love of his life, Nina, tragically dies in a car accident, Rob unsuccessfully attempts to take his own life. As he learns to come to terms with his grief, he ends up falling in love with a coworker, Holly. Their relationship gets complicated when Nina,...
- 8/2/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Shock sits down with veteran actress and now sexual advocate Catherine Oxenberg. Back in 1988, she was Eve Trent of the Derbyshire B&B, the site of an unusual archaeological find in Ken Russell’s The Lair Of The White Worm. Working across several genres, Catherine Oxenberg took on iconic roles in TV shows like Dynasty and…
The post Interview: Actress Catherine Oxenberg on Lair Of The White Worm, Sharktopus and Female Sexuality appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Interview: Actress Catherine Oxenberg on Lair Of The White Worm, Sharktopus and Female Sexuality appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 3/10/2016
- by Chris Alexander
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Shock discusses Ken Russell’s kinky masterpiece The Lair Of The White Worm and chats with its star, Amanda Donohoe. Ken Russell -God rest him -was one of cinema history’s great eccentrics. And though his controversial 1971 cinematic freak-out The Devils still stands as one of the most important meditations on sin, lust and corruption, and…
The post Interview: Amanda Donohoe on Ken Russell’s The Lair Of The White Worm appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post Interview: Amanda Donohoe on Ken Russell’s The Lair Of The White Worm appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 12/17/2015
- by Chris Alexander
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Halloween is almost here, which means you've got an appetite for horror: Good thing there are so many vampire, zombie, and serial killer flicks you can watch right now on Netflix.
Whether it's a classic like "Carrie" you want to revisit, an old '80s B movie you never saw or that Jennifer Lawrence thriller you missed at the theater, here are 31 of the best horror movies on Netflix, streaming in all their bloody glory. (Streaming options are subject to change. Check Netflix for latest availability.)
1."Carrie" (1976) R
Forget the recent two remakes (although the latest, with Chloë Grace Moretz, is also available to stream): Brian De Palma's version of Stephen King's novel about a telekinetic high school outcast who wreaks havoc at the prom is the only one you need to see.
2. "World War Z" (2013) PG-13
Remember when everyone predicted what a disaster this Brad Pitt project would be?...
Whether it's a classic like "Carrie" you want to revisit, an old '80s B movie you never saw or that Jennifer Lawrence thriller you missed at the theater, here are 31 of the best horror movies on Netflix, streaming in all their bloody glory. (Streaming options are subject to change. Check Netflix for latest availability.)
1."Carrie" (1976) R
Forget the recent two remakes (although the latest, with Chloë Grace Moretz, is also available to stream): Brian De Palma's version of Stephen King's novel about a telekinetic high school outcast who wreaks havoc at the prom is the only one you need to see.
2. "World War Z" (2013) PG-13
Remember when everyone predicted what a disaster this Brad Pitt project would be?...
- 10/9/2014
- by Sharon Knolle
- Moviefone
Alex's series looking back at the film careers of actors who've played the Doctor finishes with Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi...
Feature
Read the previous part in this series: the film careers of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, here.
By 2009, the new version of Doctor Who had become not only an integral part of Saturday night television and a huge Christmas ratings winner but also an international success all over again. David Tennant, who had played the Time Lord since 2005 and was, arguably, more popular than any Doctor since the mighty Tom Baker hung up his scarf in 1981, had announced his resignation from the part he loved in October 2008. Many wondered how the incoming showrunner, Steven Moffat, would follow Tennant and what kind of show would emerge.
Tennant spent much of 2009 on stage in Hamlet and was only able to devote small amounts of time to Doctor Who. Occasional specials...
Feature
Read the previous part in this series: the film careers of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, here.
By 2009, the new version of Doctor Who had become not only an integral part of Saturday night television and a huge Christmas ratings winner but also an international success all over again. David Tennant, who had played the Time Lord since 2005 and was, arguably, more popular than any Doctor since the mighty Tom Baker hung up his scarf in 1981, had announced his resignation from the part he loved in October 2008. Many wondered how the incoming showrunner, Steven Moffat, would follow Tennant and what kind of show would emerge.
Tennant spent much of 2009 on stage in Hamlet and was only able to devote small amounts of time to Doctor Who. Occasional specials...
- 6/4/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
For the last couple of months in The Daily Briefs, I’ve been counting down my list of the top 40 horror movies of the 80′s, and now it’s time to unveil #1. But first, here’s a look back at #40 – 2.
Thank you for all of your comments, and I hope I triggered some fun memories. But now it’s your turn! What are your favorite horror films from that bygone era? Do you prefer the Jason franchise, or Freddy? Any obscurities you think should be more well known? Let’s see your lists!
40. Rats:Night Of Terror
39. Visiting Hours
38. The Boogens
37. Blood Beach
36. New Year’s Evil
35. The Beast Within
34. Dolls
33. I, Madman
Director Tibor Takacs followed up his surprise hit The Gate with this sadly overlooked, well-crafted slasher, written by David Chaskin (who wrote A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddie’s Revenge). Sadly, there’s no gay subtext in this one,...
Thank you for all of your comments, and I hope I triggered some fun memories. But now it’s your turn! What are your favorite horror films from that bygone era? Do you prefer the Jason franchise, or Freddy? Any obscurities you think should be more well known? Let’s see your lists!
40. Rats:Night Of Terror
39. Visiting Hours
38. The Boogens
37. Blood Beach
36. New Year’s Evil
35. The Beast Within
34. Dolls
33. I, Madman
Director Tibor Takacs followed up his surprise hit The Gate with this sadly overlooked, well-crafted slasher, written by David Chaskin (who wrote A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddie’s Revenge). Sadly, there’s no gay subtext in this one,...
- 8/27/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
So, now we know: The BBC has just revealed that the new star of Doctor Who is Peter Capaldi. The 55-year-old Scottish actor is well known the U.K. In the U.S.? Not so much. Here are five things you need to know about the Twelfth Doctor.
1. He’s appeared on Doctor Who before
In 2008, Capaldi played a character called Caecilius who David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor encountered when he visited ancient Pompeii. He also starred in the Who spin-off show Torchwood. Capaldi is not the first actor to have appeared on the show and then later be cast as the Time Lord.
1. He’s appeared on Doctor Who before
In 2008, Capaldi played a character called Caecilius who David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor encountered when he visited ancient Pompeii. He also starred in the Who spin-off show Torchwood. Capaldi is not the first actor to have appeared on the show and then later be cast as the Time Lord.
- 8/4/2013
- by Clark Collis
- EW - Inside TV
(source)
Birthday shoutouts go to James Lafferty (above), who is 28, Matt leBlanc is 46, Illeana Douglas is 48.
Why I’m Boycotting Russian Vodka, by Dan Savage.
And Stoli Responds.
Speaking of Russia, this is horrifying and infuriating.
James McAvoy will play Victor Von Frankenstein alongside Daniel Radcliffe‘s Igor in a new version of the classic tale.
Today in Gay History: Rock Hudson announces he has AIDS. Here’s a news report about his “mystery illness,” just before his disclosure.
Here’s the new ad for David Beckham’s Classic
Here’s the latest Where The Bears Are
Harvey Fierstein discuss Russia’s antigay laws with Lawrence O’Donell.
NewNowNext has an interview with Rodiney about his 2014 Calendar
And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each week we’re going to focus on one out athlete/performer and feature a daily pic and career timeline. We’ll be showcasing the big names,...
Birthday shoutouts go to James Lafferty (above), who is 28, Matt leBlanc is 46, Illeana Douglas is 48.
Why I’m Boycotting Russian Vodka, by Dan Savage.
And Stoli Responds.
Speaking of Russia, this is horrifying and infuriating.
James McAvoy will play Victor Von Frankenstein alongside Daniel Radcliffe‘s Igor in a new version of the classic tale.
Today in Gay History: Rock Hudson announces he has AIDS. Here’s a news report about his “mystery illness,” just before his disclosure.
Here’s the new ad for David Beckham’s Classic
Here’s the latest Where The Bears Are
Harvey Fierstein discuss Russia’s antigay laws with Lawrence O’Donell.
NewNowNext has an interview with Rodiney about his 2014 Calendar
And here’s The Weekly ShoutOUT™. Each week we’re going to focus on one out athlete/performer and feature a daily pic and career timeline. We’ll be showcasing the big names,...
- 7/25/2013
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Feature James Clayton 31 May 2013 - 06:26
Has Twilight left us with vampire fatigue? As Byzantium emerges, James argues that there are plenty of stories left to tell in the lore...
Remember the My Chemical Romance song, Vampires Will Never Bore You? You probably don't because that wasn't the actual title of the track. Nevertheless, there's no reason why the theatrical rock troupe can't remix Vampires Will Never Hurt You with revised, more upbeat lyrics for a new cultural zeitgeist in order to assist the ailing undead.
The coffin-dwellers are suffering a public image crisis and an exhilarating, affirmative pop anthem would be the perfect thing to rally spirits. It might also attract armies of impassioned, hyper-emotional adolescents going through their teen goth rebellion phase. A mass macabre awareness campaign is called for and the vampires need fresh blood and fresh resolve to bare their fangs with fierce determination.
Why do they need this?...
Has Twilight left us with vampire fatigue? As Byzantium emerges, James argues that there are plenty of stories left to tell in the lore...
Remember the My Chemical Romance song, Vampires Will Never Bore You? You probably don't because that wasn't the actual title of the track. Nevertheless, there's no reason why the theatrical rock troupe can't remix Vampires Will Never Hurt You with revised, more upbeat lyrics for a new cultural zeitgeist in order to assist the ailing undead.
The coffin-dwellers are suffering a public image crisis and an exhilarating, affirmative pop anthem would be the perfect thing to rally spirits. It might also attract armies of impassioned, hyper-emotional adolescents going through their teen goth rebellion phase. A mass macabre awareness campaign is called for and the vampires need fresh blood and fresh resolve to bare their fangs with fierce determination.
Why do they need this?...
- 5/29/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
This weekend’s B-Sides is without question the peppiest song and dance number ever put to music or film about a monstrous, man-eating worm. If you’ve never seen The Lair of the White Worm, then you’re in for a fun treat because both the song and the British hoedown scene in which it plays are a gas.
Before he made a name for himself as a romantic leading man starring in Four Weddings and a Funeral and then nearly destroying that box office fortune by getting busted having sex with a street hooker nicknamed “Pancake”, Hugh Grant starred in Ken Russell’s trippy 1988 big screen version of Dracula author Bram Stoker’s lesser known 1911 novel The Lair of the White Worm. The title refers to the legendary “D’Ampton worm”, a gigantic serpentine creature legend claims lives in the caverns beneath manor lord Grant’s estate. Grant and the future Mrs.
Before he made a name for himself as a romantic leading man starring in Four Weddings and a Funeral and then nearly destroying that box office fortune by getting busted having sex with a street hooker nicknamed “Pancake”, Hugh Grant starred in Ken Russell’s trippy 1988 big screen version of Dracula author Bram Stoker’s lesser known 1911 novel The Lair of the White Worm. The title refers to the legendary “D’Ampton worm”, a gigantic serpentine creature legend claims lives in the caverns beneath manor lord Grant’s estate. Grant and the future Mrs.
- 4/6/2013
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
In a tribute to British filmmaker Ken Russell, who died in November 2011 at the age of 84, a selection of his work is being presented at several London cinemas this month.
Among his credits are 1971's X-rated The Devils starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave; 1975's Tommy, a star-studded smash-hit film version of The Who's rock opera; the 1980 sci-fi film Altered States, adapted from Paddy Chayefsky's novel and providing the feature film debuts of William Hurt and Drew Barrymore; and the 1988 cult classic horror flick The Lair of The White Worm, based on Bram Stoker's novel and starring Hugh Grant.
The programme of the London season of screenings ranges from his earliest television documentaries through to his most acclaimed feature films, plus discussions and special events.
Ken Russell Forever, which began on March 10 and finishes on March 20, has already screened films including Gothic, Crimes of Passion, Whore, Tommy, Altered States,...
Among his credits are 1971's X-rated The Devils starring Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave; 1975's Tommy, a star-studded smash-hit film version of The Who's rock opera; the 1980 sci-fi film Altered States, adapted from Paddy Chayefsky's novel and providing the feature film debuts of William Hurt and Drew Barrymore; and the 1988 cult classic horror flick The Lair of The White Worm, based on Bram Stoker's novel and starring Hugh Grant.
The programme of the London season of screenings ranges from his earliest television documentaries through to his most acclaimed feature films, plus discussions and special events.
Ken Russell Forever, which began on March 10 and finishes on March 20, has already screened films including Gothic, Crimes of Passion, Whore, Tommy, Altered States,...
- 3/17/2012
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Underground cinema proves itself a force to be reckoned with as London film clubs unite to celebrate the late British film-maker
This month film clubs across the capital will unite in tribute to one of our greatest and most controversial film-makers, Ken Russell, who died in November 2011. Over 10 days and 10 venues, Ken Russell Forever promises to be a fittingly excessive, raucous and idiosyncratic tribute, with cinemagoers able to gorge themselves on films from a career that spanned biopic, horror, musicals, documentaries, thrillers, grindhouse and more. If eyes could get indigestion, you'll be rolling yours in crushed up Rennies by the end of this rich mix.
Bringing together this ragtag group of film clubs, independent cinemas and film blogs is no small feat – and it surely marks a "moment" in the evolution of the pop-up cinema movement that has been quietly gathering steam for some time. Outfits as varied as Strange...
This month film clubs across the capital will unite in tribute to one of our greatest and most controversial film-makers, Ken Russell, who died in November 2011. Over 10 days and 10 venues, Ken Russell Forever promises to be a fittingly excessive, raucous and idiosyncratic tribute, with cinemagoers able to gorge themselves on films from a career that spanned biopic, horror, musicals, documentaries, thrillers, grindhouse and more. If eyes could get indigestion, you'll be rolling yours in crushed up Rennies by the end of this rich mix.
Bringing together this ragtag group of film clubs, independent cinemas and film blogs is no small feat – and it surely marks a "moment" in the evolution of the pop-up cinema movement that has been quietly gathering steam for some time. Outfits as varied as Strange...
- 3/12/2012
- by Ruth Jamieson
- The Guardian - Film News
Dan Ireland offers his rememberance of “Uncle Ken.”
A benefit of having such an eclectic stable of gurus is that our well of experience and stories about working in the business — often with and for giants — is increasingly deep. A number of our gurus, then, have Ken Russell (who died this past weekend) stories. Bernard Rose shared such a story in 2008. And Dan Ireland remembers the man just below.
One of the great joys of my life was my wonderful association with the great, the brilliant, the bad boy of British Cinema himself, Uncle Ken Russell.
Being an early devotee of Women In Love, The Music Lovers, The Devils, The Boyfriend, Savage Messiah, Mahler, Tommy, Altered States, Crimes of Passion and just about anything he did, I once tried in vain to get him to attend a tribute that I, along with my partner Darryl Macdonald, organized at the Seattle...
A benefit of having such an eclectic stable of gurus is that our well of experience and stories about working in the business — often with and for giants — is increasingly deep. A number of our gurus, then, have Ken Russell (who died this past weekend) stories. Bernard Rose shared such a story in 2008. And Dan Ireland remembers the man just below.
One of the great joys of my life was my wonderful association with the great, the brilliant, the bad boy of British Cinema himself, Uncle Ken Russell.
Being an early devotee of Women In Love, The Music Lovers, The Devils, The Boyfriend, Savage Messiah, Mahler, Tommy, Altered States, Crimes of Passion and just about anything he did, I once tried in vain to get him to attend a tribute that I, along with my partner Darryl Macdonald, organized at the Seattle...
- 11/30/2011
- by Danny
- Trailers from Hell
Oscar-nominated maverick found inspiration for his work in music and literature
After a film career full of wild drama, gaudy conflagrations and operatic flourishes, the director Ken Russell died quietly in hospital on Sunday afternoon at the age of 84, after suffering a series of strokes. – effecting a quiet, discreet exit from the comfort of his hospital bed. "My father died peacefully," said his son Alex Verney-Elliott. "He died with a smile on his face."
Known for his flamboyant, often outrageous brand of film-making, Russell made movies that juggled high and low culture with glee and invariably courted controversy. His 1969 breakthrough, the Oscar-winning Women in Love, electrified audiences with its infamous nude wrestling scene, while 1971's The Devils – a torrid brew of sex, violence and Catholicism – found itself banned across Italy and was initially rejected by its backer, Warner Bros. His other notable films include Altered States, The Boy Friend and Tommy,...
After a film career full of wild drama, gaudy conflagrations and operatic flourishes, the director Ken Russell died quietly in hospital on Sunday afternoon at the age of 84, after suffering a series of strokes. – effecting a quiet, discreet exit from the comfort of his hospital bed. "My father died peacefully," said his son Alex Verney-Elliott. "He died with a smile on his face."
Known for his flamboyant, often outrageous brand of film-making, Russell made movies that juggled high and low culture with glee and invariably courted controversy. His 1969 breakthrough, the Oscar-winning Women in Love, electrified audiences with its infamous nude wrestling scene, while 1971's The Devils – a torrid brew of sex, violence and Catholicism – found itself banned across Italy and was initially rejected by its backer, Warner Bros. His other notable films include Altered States, The Boy Friend and Tommy,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
The defiant romantic of British cinema never lacked for critics but his prime inspiration was surely in music
Part glam rocker, part wild-haired conductor, Ken Russell was the populist maestro of the screen, the great defiant romantic of British cinema. Russell's films showed his great love for music and composers: Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Delius, Strauss, Liszt – and Sandy Wilson and Roger Daltrey. Other film-makers might have found their creative impetus in novels or plays; Russell's inspiration was surely primarily in music. His ideas, his images, his rows, his career itself were all one colossal, chaotic rhapsody.
His adventures were a rebuke to British parochialism, literalism and complacency, and he had something of Kubrick's flair for startling or mind-bending spectacle. Russell gave us the nude wrestling scene between Alan Bates and Oliver Reed in the Oscar-winning Women In Love (1969) in which each actor, with Russell's cheerful consent, was said to have taken...
Part glam rocker, part wild-haired conductor, Ken Russell was the populist maestro of the screen, the great defiant romantic of British cinema. Russell's films showed his great love for music and composers: Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Delius, Strauss, Liszt – and Sandy Wilson and Roger Daltrey. Other film-makers might have found their creative impetus in novels or plays; Russell's inspiration was surely primarily in music. His ideas, his images, his rows, his career itself were all one colossal, chaotic rhapsody.
His adventures were a rebuke to British parochialism, literalism and complacency, and he had something of Kubrick's flair for startling or mind-bending spectacle. Russell gave us the nude wrestling scene between Alan Bates and Oliver Reed in the Oscar-winning Women In Love (1969) in which each actor, with Russell's cheerful consent, was said to have taken...
- 11/29/2011
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Happy Birthday to Ryan Kwanten (above), who turns 35, Ed Harris is 61, and Jon Stewart is 49. In shocking news, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will not seek reelection after thirty years in office, but he "plans to write and stay involved in public policy decisions." I don't remember a time without Barney. Below you can see him explain his decision.
In sad news, legendary master of glorious wretched excess Ken Russell has died at the age of 84. His films were visually spectacular if not always entirely coherent, but that was a good thing. Among his classics, he gave us the iconic nude wrestling scene in Women In Love, the trippy Altered States, that musical about the deaf, dumb, and blind kid, and the indescribable The Lair Of The White Worm, featuring Amanda Donohoe in one of my favorite performances of the 80's. Rip.
Michael Urie on life after Ugly Betty. The Five...
In sad news, legendary master of glorious wretched excess Ken Russell has died at the age of 84. His films were visually spectacular if not always entirely coherent, but that was a good thing. Among his classics, he gave us the iconic nude wrestling scene in Women In Love, the trippy Altered States, that musical about the deaf, dumb, and blind kid, and the indescribable The Lair Of The White Worm, featuring Amanda Donohoe in one of my favorite performances of the 80's. Rip.
Michael Urie on life after Ugly Betty. The Five...
- 11/28/2011
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Many of you may be aware of the sad news of Ken Russell’s passing yesterday at the age of 84. The British director was a colourful figure who, throughout his long career (which began back in TV during the late 50’s) managed to shock, perturb and upset the establishment with his sometimes controversial perspective on sexuality and religion (his infamous 1971 historical drama The Devils represented the pinnacle of this, earning the kind of notoriety which would forever be associated with him and his subsequent work).
The word ‘cult’ is bandied around freely nowadays, but Russell’s work is truly deserving of that status. He brought a demented glee to his adaptation of The Who’s celebrated rock opera Tommy (pulling together a truly eclectic cast which included the likes of past collaborator Oliver Reed, Tina Turner, Elton John, Keith Moon and Jack Nicholson) and his 1980 twisted sci-fi yarn, Altered States...
The word ‘cult’ is bandied around freely nowadays, but Russell’s work is truly deserving of that status. He brought a demented glee to his adaptation of The Who’s celebrated rock opera Tommy (pulling together a truly eclectic cast which included the likes of past collaborator Oliver Reed, Tina Turner, Elton John, Keith Moon and Jack Nicholson) and his 1980 twisted sci-fi yarn, Altered States...
- 11/28/2011
- by Adam Lowes
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Controversial British director Ken Russell - best known for the 1975 film “Tommy” – died on Sunday at the age of 84.
Russell’s biggest commercial success was his trippy adaptation of The Who’s rock opera, starring Roger Daltrey as the title character. The film also featured Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner and Elton John. But there’s much more to Russell’s long and fascinating career than “Tommy.” Here are five facts worth noting.
1. Russell trained as a ballet dancer before working in film.
2. In the 1960’s he made a series of documentaries about classical music composers for the BBC.
3. His 1971 film “The Devils” was heavily censored – and banned outright in many places – for pairing religious imagery with sex and violence.
4. He directed a young Hugh Grant in the 1988 horror flick “The Lair of the White Worm.”
5. In 2007, Russell appeared in the 5th season of “Celebrity Big Brother.” He left...
Russell’s biggest commercial success was his trippy adaptation of The Who’s rock opera, starring Roger Daltrey as the title character. The film also featured Eric Clapton, Jack Nicholson, Tina Turner and Elton John. But there’s much more to Russell’s long and fascinating career than “Tommy.” Here are five facts worth noting.
1. Russell trained as a ballet dancer before working in film.
2. In the 1960’s he made a series of documentaries about classical music composers for the BBC.
3. His 1971 film “The Devils” was heavily censored – and banned outright in many places – for pairing religious imagery with sex and violence.
4. He directed a young Hugh Grant in the 1988 horror flick “The Lair of the White Worm.”
5. In 2007, Russell appeared in the 5th season of “Celebrity Big Brother.” He left...
- 11/28/2011
- by Tami Katzoff
- MTV Movies Blog
The first review I ever wrote — God help me — was of a movie directed by Ken Russell, the high-trash visionary of over-the-top British psychodrama who died Sunday at 84. It was 1975, the fall of my senior year in high school, and my friends and I had gone to the opening night show of Tommy, the deluxe, star-packed big-screen version of the Who’s rock opera. (Elton John as the Pinball Wizard! Tina Turner as the Acid Queen! Ann-Margret writhing in beans and suds! Jack Nicholson leering!) I thought parts of the movie were amazing, but it had a certain jaw-dropping vulgar psychedelic shamelessness that,...
- 11/28/2011
- by Owen Gleiberman
- EW - Inside Movies
Following a series of strokes, British film director Ken Russell died on Sunday at the age of 84. Russell was famed for being experimental and flamboyant with his films which had heavily sexual overtones and often rebelled against the otherwise rigid and subdued tone used by other famed British filmmakers. It earned him the nickname 'The Fellini of the North'.
Russell first came to notice with 1967's "Billion Dollar Brain", the third film in the Michael Caine-led Harry Palmer spy drama series based on Len Deighton's books. Two years later he directed his signature film - an adaptation of Dh Lawrence's "Women In Love".
'Women' scored numerous Oscar nominations and featured the now infamous nude wrestling scene between Oliver Reed and Alan Bates that broke the taboo of full frontal male nudity on camera in a mainstream film.
That lead to numerous films in the 1970's that have since become infamous.
Russell first came to notice with 1967's "Billion Dollar Brain", the third film in the Michael Caine-led Harry Palmer spy drama series based on Len Deighton's books. Two years later he directed his signature film - an adaptation of Dh Lawrence's "Women In Love".
'Women' scored numerous Oscar nominations and featured the now infamous nude wrestling scene between Oliver Reed and Alan Bates that broke the taboo of full frontal male nudity on camera in a mainstream film.
That lead to numerous films in the 1970's that have since become infamous.
- 11/28/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
If, like me, you grew up in the 1980s as a big horror fan, your diet consisted mainly of slasher sequels and monster movies -- but if you knew how to peruse the VHS stacks you could always find a funky import to take home. That was how I discovered Ken Russell. Not through his widely-admired rock opera Tommy or his controversial Hollywood effort Altered States -- but by a rainy-day double feature of Gothic (1985) and The Lair of the White Worm (1998). Both films are probably worthy of a revisit, but more important than that is this: Ken Russell showed me an entirely new angle on horror flicks: "artsy" but accessible; literate but disturbing; dark yet fun. (I'd also strongly recommend his 1971 horror film The Devils, if you can find it.) Of course a...
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- 11/28/2011
- by Scott Weinberg
- Movies.com
Ken Russell with Twiggy on the set of The Boyfriend (1971)
By Lee Pfeiffer
Director Ken Russell, who once seemed destined to enter his family's shoe business, has died after a series of strokes at age 84. Russell served in the British navy before using his talents as a photographer to become a documentary film maker. Once he began making major studio films, they were often steeped in controversy. Russell seemed to have little regard for whether his movies had boxoffice appeal. Instead, he focused on his own creative visions of storytelling. One of Russell's most acclaimed films, the 1970 version of D.H. Lawrence's Women in Love earned him as Oscar nomination and was both a critical and financial success. The films he made in the years after were not as well regarded. His 1971 film The Devils was considered so shocking that it has been censored and cut into various versions throughout the world.
By Lee Pfeiffer
Director Ken Russell, who once seemed destined to enter his family's shoe business, has died after a series of strokes at age 84. Russell served in the British navy before using his talents as a photographer to become a documentary film maker. Once he began making major studio films, they were often steeped in controversy. Russell seemed to have little regard for whether his movies had boxoffice appeal. Instead, he focused on his own creative visions of storytelling. One of Russell's most acclaimed films, the 1970 version of D.H. Lawrence's Women in Love earned him as Oscar nomination and was both a critical and financial success. The films he made in the years after were not as well regarded. His 1971 film The Devils was considered so shocking that it has been censored and cut into various versions throughout the world.
- 11/28/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Following the sad death of director Ken Russell yesterday, James looks back at his sometimes stunning body of work...
While his best years were clearly long behind him, the passing of director Ken Russell, one of the undoubted titans of post-war British cinema, still feels like a huge loss for the world of film. Contrarian, provocateur and a lover of excess in all its forms, Russell was a filmmaker whose work was rarely restrained, seldom safe and almost always memorable, although not necessarily for the right reasons.
Despite a childhood desire to be a ballet dancer, it was as a photographer that Russell initially made his name, and it was through this route that he secured a job in 1959 within the BBC.
Working as an arts documentarian during the 1960s, Russell honed his craft, creating a series of artful, evocative films, mainly focusing on composers such as Debussy, Elgar and Strauss.
While his best years were clearly long behind him, the passing of director Ken Russell, one of the undoubted titans of post-war British cinema, still feels like a huge loss for the world of film. Contrarian, provocateur and a lover of excess in all its forms, Russell was a filmmaker whose work was rarely restrained, seldom safe and almost always memorable, although not necessarily for the right reasons.
Despite a childhood desire to be a ballet dancer, it was as a photographer that Russell initially made his name, and it was through this route that he secured a job in 1959 within the BBC.
Working as an arts documentarian during the 1960s, Russell honed his craft, creating a series of artful, evocative films, mainly focusing on composers such as Debussy, Elgar and Strauss.
- 11/28/2011
- Den of Geek
London — Ken Russell, an iconoclastic British director whose daring films blended music, sex and violence in a potent brew seemingly drawn straight from his subconscious, has died at age 84.
Russell died in a hospital on Sunday following a series of strokes, his son Alex Verney-Elliott said Monday.
"My father died peacefully," Verney-Elliott said. "He died with a smile on his face."
Russell was a fiercely original director whose vision occasionally brought mainstream success, but often tested the patience of audiences and critics. He had one of his biggest hits in 1969 with "Women in Love," based on the book by D.H. Lawrence, which earned Academy Award nominations for the director and for writer Larry Kramer, and a "Best Actress" Oscar for the star, Glenda Jackson.
It included one of the decade's most famous scenes – a nude wrestling bout between Alan Bates and Oliver Reed.
Reed said at the time that the...
Russell died in a hospital on Sunday following a series of strokes, his son Alex Verney-Elliott said Monday.
"My father died peacefully," Verney-Elliott said. "He died with a smile on his face."
Russell was a fiercely original director whose vision occasionally brought mainstream success, but often tested the patience of audiences and critics. He had one of his biggest hits in 1969 with "Women in Love," based on the book by D.H. Lawrence, which earned Academy Award nominations for the director and for writer Larry Kramer, and a "Best Actress" Oscar for the star, Glenda Jackson.
It included one of the decade's most famous scenes – a nude wrestling bout between Alan Bates and Oliver Reed.
Reed said at the time that the...
- 11/28/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
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