Ghoulish Grin Films

When I heard two of my favorite metal heroes, Hansi Kursch of Blind Guardian and Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth, were teaming up for a supergroup called Demons & Wizards, I was more than ready for what they had to offer. And in 2000 the release of the now classic debut album gave me a combination of Schaffer's lightning fast riffage and Kursch's soaring vocals to songs that hold up to all of the great metal music from days past. Listen to "Fiddler on the Green" for an example of their greatness. Because of their main bands still being active, it would take five years for a follow-up. But "Touched By The Crimson King" was worth it. A worthy follow-up to the classic debut album, it had it's own collection of classic jams with the same winning formula. Then...silence. Iced Earth and Blind Guardian were always the priority, and new music from those two legendary metal bands would take up their time. But many wanted that third album. But we also wonder

We're now seeing a temporary 'new normal.' Major events being cancelled. Seasons cancelled. Distancing. It's a very anxious and uncertain period not just now but in the coming months. And this is spilling into the box office. I was able to see "The Invisible Man" when it came out but in the back of my mind I was still thinking of world events and how they may shape the coming months. And it seems as if theaters will definitely get hit. "A Quiet Place 2" has been delayed until our collective leadership starts to get a hold of the panic and uncertainty. When that happens? Who knows. I know we're all hoping it's sooner rather than later. As many close to me know I'm a big theater goer. There's nothing like going to the movies in a theater with an enthusiastic crowd, enjoying a film on the big screen. The environment, the fandom. It's for many (including myself) an escape from the problems of the real world. Now the real worl

I went into the theater ready to see the 2020 adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man" with expectations, I won't lie. I knew the reviews were great, and being a fanatic for the Universal Monsters era, I wanted perhaps more than it could potentially offer. To my delight it gave me all I wanted. The opening sequence (as I try not to spoil anything) had the feel of a Universal Monster movie in a modern setting. I was actually quite shocked at how well they were able to capture that classic feel in a modern setting. From that point on I was ready for an instant classic. And that's what I think Universal gave me. It's been a long time coming. Over the years they've had some films from the properties that were fantastic (Francis Ford Coppola's 1992 retelling "Bram Stoker's Dracula) and Kenneth Branagh's 1994 retelling of "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), at least fun ("Van Helsing" and the Brendan Fraser "Mummy&q

I believe Clive Barker's Books Of Blood are among the finest horror short stories ever put out. And among those chilling tales is a story called "The Forbidden." Now I had seen 1992's "Candyman" and thought it was an amazing film. An original take on an urban legend. I never realized "The Forbidden" was the source material until I started reading it. The short stories in The Books Of Blood are captivating and an easy read. Realizing I was reading the story of The Candyman, I ate it up like...well, you know. Sweets for the sweet. Just released is the upcoming 2020 remake of "Candyman," co-written and produced by our new voice in horror, Jordan Peele. The hype is real. It has the look and feel of a "Get Out" and "Us," but has a classic horror boogeyman at the helm. As if I needed any extra incentive to see this. Take my money.  

In 2004, director James Wan created not only a franchise but a new era in horror. For many it was a gory new era of 'torture' for squeamish fans. But the original "Saw" film (directed by Wan) was a bloody new entry to the history of horror films. With a new follow-up from Chris Rock, the Saw Franchise continues to scare up box office and is now a staple in Halloween shops every Halloween. But Wan didn't follow his directorial debut with that type of horror. Showing his diversity as a filmmaker, yet still playing in the horror sandbox, he directed "Dead Silence" in 2007 and would create a whole new universe with the "Insidious" and "The Conjuring" franchises. The world would expand with the "Annabelle," "Nun," and "La Llorona" films and with sequels to "Insidious" and "The Conjuring." He would later leave his comfort zone and direct mega blockbusters "Furious 7" and "

From the myth creating genius of Mary Shelley to our modern horror film icon Lin Shaye, February is the month we celebrate the long tradition of great women in horror. From literature, stage and screen, art, music...horror has many a wonderful woman to celebrate. We have time tested legends...and every year spawns the potential of new great talent. Celebrate your favorites. Celebrate the greatness of the past. And the promise of the future. Happy Women In Horror Month! And if you follow one of these great women online through social media, tell them how much you appreciate them.

Today is Valentine's Day. It's also the anniversary of the 1931 Universal horror classic "Dracula," starring Bela Lugosi. The first sound adaptation of the Bram Stoker novel, it was based more on the 1924 stage play and directed by Tod Browning. The role of the legendary vampire was immortalized by horror icon Lugosi. Though he received good reviews for his stage performance of the character, he wasn't originally considered for the role on account of his thick accent. But thankfully he was cast. The role wouldn't have been the same without his portrayal. The great Max Schreck performed the character (called Count Orlok in the film "Nosferatu") and was perhaps more of a proper adaptation of the character. There was just something, however, about Lugosi's stare and movements that created a more romantic version of Dracula. And the actresses that were a part of that production were smitten with him. Concurrently filmed by Universal Pictures wa