Posts

πŸ’€πŸ’€The Age Of Gods And Monsters lives on in the hearts and imaginations of those that wish to keep it alive. Ghoulish Grin Films is a small entity but its heart is on fire with the ghosts of old. It is an entity that cherishes the classics and gives it a modern platform. Long Live Indie Horror! πŸ’€πŸ’€ Welcome to the site...and thank you for your support! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday To The Master John Carpenter!

Image
A lot of the horror directors taking hold of the scene are up and coming or just newly established greats. And that's amazing to see. New blood flying the flag that is HORROR. But to know that one of the legends is still here with us is incredibly comforting. And not only that, here and still kicking @$$. He continues to stay active with the newly revived "Halloween" series. He composed the score for 2018's "Halloween" rebootquel and went on tour that year, celebrating his vast catalog of movie scores. And this upcoming Halloween season, his music will again take center stage in the follow up film, "Halloween Kills," also bringing back the great Jamie Lee Curtis. Oddly enough, I grew up on the films that had nothing to do with Michael Myers. "Big Trouble In Little China," "They Live," "Memoirs Of An Invisible Man." I loved all of the films that were fun and strange. And his music in such films as "Halloween

The 10 Year Anniversary Of A Newly Appreciated "Book Of Eli"

Image
On January 15th 2010, the Denzel Washington action film "The Book Of Eli" was released in the looked down upon 'dumping ground' period of January. Not being an Oscar bait film and looked at as more of a Washington Hollywood star vehicle, it didn't seem to create any more buzz other than 'here's your movie, check it out if you please.' It had been almost a decade since he had won his Best Actor Oscar for his truly amazing performance in "Training Day" and though he put out some cool stuff after that, it was mostly remakes and action films. Paycheck type stuff, though Mr. Washington always seems to elevate the material he's in. What made "The Book Of Eli" different is that ten years after it has seemed to have gained appreciation for being a clever take on the action film, with a twist that gives the entire film a richness you weren't expecting. I remember seeing this film when it came out and I though it was a fantastic

Finally! Horror In The Marvel Universe!

Image
In 2016, as the MCU was continuing to dominate all things superhero, I went to go see the origin film for "Doctor Strange." It was directed by Scott Derrickson, who had some cool horror under his belt like "The Exorcism Of Emily Rose" and "Sinister." And they had mentioned that it was going to have a darker element to the traditionally jokey and colorful Marvel Cinematic Universe. And though it did not promise on that dark vibe, it was still and enjoyable, trippy film. Still had the Marvel DNA, but had it's own identity with the elements of magic and "Inception" like effects. So with the announcement of "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness" and Derrickson hyping it as a darker than it's predecessor, I was instantly hooked. Until MCU head Kevin Feige dropped Derrickson from the project, siting 'creative differences.' There goes my MCU horror film. So as I felt a bit let down from this decision, the announc

In Honor Of Lupita

Image
Let's not feel sorry for Lupita Nyong'o. She's a vision of beauty who always stops people in their tracks when at award shows and fashion events. She continues to be a working actress, which alone is why you go into the industry. And let's not forget. She's WON The Academy Award for 2013's "12 Years A Slave." She's continually relevant in the public consciousness and will probably go down as one of Hollywood's finest actresses. But on January 13th she was noticeably absent from the list of Best Actress nominees. The Jordan Peele horror film "Us" was released in March, so to have had this kind of buzz going into 2020 speaks volumes. The film was, much like Peele's previous film "Get Out," was critically acclaimed, with Lupita's performance as a standout. The Academy Awards will always have to deal with snubs and omissions. Taron Egerton's star turn as Elton John in "Rocketman" was noticeably abse

The Prince Of Darkness & The Rocketman...A Match Made In Rock Heaven

Image
The two legends you never really expected to collaborate, The Prince Of Darkness himself Ozzy Osbourne, and the Rocketman Elton John, HAVE collaborated. And the result is a Beatlesque ballad worthy of the two titans. "Ordinary Man" is as great a song as you can get from two already proven legends. And with this terrible week of losing the great Neil Peart, arguably the greatest rock drummer of all time, this album definitely soothes the broken heart. As we lose one rock icon, let's love and appreciate that we still have these two. And that they give us gifts like this is more that we can ask for. Thank you O Prince! Thank you Rocketman. And rest in peace Neil Peart. Thank you for the music.

The Vanguard Dark Queen...Vampira

Image
The horror hostess Vampira was definitely one of a kind. Even now. But especially in the Leave It To Beaver, aw shucks era of The '50's. Born Maila Elisabeth Syrjaniemi, the Finish American beauty knocked around Hollywood gaining minor parts before landing "The Vampira Show," running from 1954-55 on KABC. Later she would once again appear in films, including the infamous 'Worst Movie In The World,' "Plan 9 From Outer Space," which now enjoys cult status from fans of classic horror and sci-fi. The unfortunate period of her career was her resurrecting her Vampira show, only for the producers to cast an actress she didn't want. That actress was Cassandra Peterson, A.K.A. the legendary Elvira. It's unfortunate that both didn't recognize each other for their roles in horror and sci-fi, but will probably forevermore be linked as groundbreaker and her greatest successor. Overall she lives on through video and pictures as a unique part of

"He Who Gets Slapped: Ghoulish Edition" Streaming On Amazon Instant Video

Image
The 1924 silent thriller starring the great Lon Chaney Sr., "He Who Gets Slapped," is now streaming on Amazon Instant Video! The film just recently fell into the public domain at the start of 2020 and now can be seen on Amazon for FREE with an Amazon Prime membership. You can also rent and purchase the film. Another gem from The Man Of A Thousand Faces, Lon Chaney's legacy can be seen online for new generations of film fans. https://web.law.duke.edu/cspd/publicdomainday/2020/ Check out other Ghoulish Grin Films titles HERE:  http://amazon.com/v/ghoulishgrinfilms