Ghoulish Grin Films

My dad knew him as the weird guy hanging around with Richard Pryor in "Stir Crazy." I knew him as Willy Wonka as a kid in the magical "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory." They're still trying to bring back that franchise with casting rumors landing on everyone from Ryan Gosling to Donald Glover (sorry, Mr. Wilder OWNS that part). But one classic that brings the world of comedy and classic horror together and holds a special place in my heart is the Mel Brooks comedy horror "Young Frankenstein." A film that parodies the Universal Monsters era yet has the look and feel of a Universal horror movie. Much like "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein," it's a great comedic take on the genre, yet also BELONGS to the genre. And the master Gene Wilder is as manic and hilarious as any film you'll ever see him in. It's also fun to see outtakes of the cast, as they seem to be having the time of their lives. Mel Brooks, not so much.

The hype is real! This new (and perhaps last) sequel to the legendary 1978 horror film featuring one of the greatest movie monsters of all time, Michael Myers, will be revealed in October of this year. In a period of amazing original horror, seeing yet another version of a franchise property may be a bit weary. Not after seeing this trailer. It looks like it's going to live up to the legend of Halloween and the great John Carpenter. And to realize that Mr. Carpenter is involved as well as starring Jamie Lee Curtis in her iconic role is reason to be excited. To my horror brothers and sisters...rejoice in this new age of terror!

In 1984, the classically trained actor Robert Englund starred in horror maven Wes Craven's "A Nightmare On Elm Street," turning him into a horror icon, arguably the first horror star since the magnificent Hammer Studios duo of Lee and Cushing. He shares a distinction with other icons like "Hellraiser"s Doug Bradley, and the classic era's Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee in appearing multiple times as his iconic character...Freddy Krueger. And much like those Hammer Studio icons, he is also a gentleman of horror. And that's something not often seen in the modern era of horror. And as a fan of the Universal Monsters and Hammer Studios eras, I very much appreciate that. Along with that original film, my favorite of the series oddly enough is the self aware sequel "New Nightmare." You got to see both the monster AND the man. And it foreshadowed a future Wes Craven franchise..."Scream." So happy birthday Robert Englund, a modern day

My Google + friend Scott Napier commented on the new "Susperia" trailer and voiced his apprehension. And every film fan has a right to be a little worried about the remake of a great film. The film in question is the original 1977 Dario Argento classic, "Susperia," a masterwork of visual horror. The new film, starring Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, and Chloe Grace Moretz. I can completely understand as a fan of film how attached I can be towards a film or a franchise. But when this topic comes up I always bring up my favorite Hammer Studio films. "Curse Of Frankenstein" starring the legendary duo of Sir Christopher Lee and the great Peter Cushing, was a remake of the masterpiece from Universal Studios, "Frankenstein," starring Boris Karloff. It held it's own as an adaptation of the immortal novel by Mary Shelley and stood out as it's own film as well. Following that up was "Horror Of Dracula," starring the same legendary du

I had a hard time saying goodbye to Sir Christopher Lee a few years back. He was the only classic horror icon left and I enjoyed knowing he was still here with us. But alas, all things must pass. Yet his legacy in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy will live on. This much is clear. I had always had a fascination with vampires. And at school I would daily read a series of books based on classic movie monsters. They were my friends, oddly enough. I grew up with Universal Monsters and knew Bela Lugosi's Dracula well. And the Dracula book had fascinating historical pieces on Vlad The Impaler and Countess Bathory. I knew more about them than the average kid, if I should've known at all. But the most fascinating and gripping picture of this entire book (I shall never forget) was THIS picture... I wouldn't see this film for many years later, but this image was burned into my brain. And after having seen the masterful Hammer Films production of "Horror Of Dracula" I c

Back when I was a kid, I first discovered Vincent Price the way many of the kids of my generation did...through Michael Jackson's "Thriller." A magnificent voice that could narrate the Phone Book and make it sound like poetry. Around this time as well I also discovered his films. Thanks to another horror legend, "Elvira," I saw the 3D television airing of "House Of Wax." The 3D back in the day was a bit hokey, but oh do I have such great memories of those viewings! To this day seeing ANY horror movie in 3D is a treat. He's appeared in so many magnificent horror classics and audio readings of horror masterpieces, his place in history will never be uprooted. Thank you for your genius, Mr. Price. Happy birthday.

On her 52nd birthday, I would like to pay tribute to an amazing actress of stage and screen, Helena Bonham Carter. An actress not often lumped into the great actresses of her generation, at least not the conversations I hear from critics. But absolutely deserving. She does this great balancing act of eccentricity and classical in her performances. And what I appreciate in EVERY actor and actress is her willingness to never 'phone it in.' Whatever type of performance she brings to the screen I know she will always give a good performance. I definitely appreciate that from performers. So may I recommend "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein." Not the best adaptation of the legendary Mary Shelley novel (but to be fair, there are some GREAT adaptations of the book. Some legendary) but an interesting version nonetheless. Many didn't see Robert DeNiro as The Monster, but his performance was quite good. And what can I say about the brilliant Kenneth Branagh? Check it out