When The Strangers trilogy was initially announced I think most of us were intrigued. The concept of filming an entire trilogy back-to-back implies a level of faith in the material. Then hearing that they were going back to the aesthetic of the original piqued my personal interest. After all, the first one is a modern-day horror classic. As someone who didn’t love Prey At Night but has always considered the first to be a great thriller, I was ready to go back into the world of violent home invasion. And The Strangers: Chapter 1 looked to take things back to the basics.

I was fortunate enough to talk to director Renny Harlin, producer Courtney Solomon, and stars Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez about their new film. Knowing what a big horror fan Petsch is, I had to ask what it meant to be a final girl in a major horror franchise. We talked all about the tension-building mayhem of the new trilogy opener. But also plenty of teases for what is to come as there are clearly plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Check out the interview above (which features a special appearance by certain Strangers) and check back Thursday for my review.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 plot synopsis:

After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple (Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez) are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive in The Strangers ― Chapter 1, the chilling first entry of this upcoming horror feature-film series.

THE STRANGERS – Chapter 1 will be available in theaters nationwide on May 17, 2024

The post Interview: Madelaine Petsch, Renny Harlin, and more discuss Strangers: Chapter 1 appeared first on JoBlo.

There are few names as big within the world of cinema as Cronenberg. David Cronenberg has been shocking audiences for decades, with his son Brandon taking up the mantle himself. Now, Caitlin Cronenberg follows in her family’s footsteps making her directorial debut, Humane. You can check out my review for the film HERE and hopefully will check out the film yourself. It’s such a terrifying look at a climate-battered world and the messed up solutions a fascist government would take. And it takes some unexpected turns.

I was lucky enough to chat with Caitlin about Humane and I proceeded to gush about the film for 15 minutes. It’s a rare opportunity to be able to discuss such a thought-provoking movie with the filmmakers themselves. So I fully took advantage of it, inquiring about the worldbuilding and if she felt any pressure due to her family name. Because Humane isn’t quite what you would expect it to be, as she’s a very different filmmaker from her father or brother. But I’d argue that just makes her all the more exciting of a filmmaker. With Humane being such a solid debut, I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.

Humane plot:

In the wake of an environmental collapse that is forcing humanity to shed 20% of its population, a family dinner erupts into chaos when a father’s plan to enlist in the government’s new euthanasia program goes horribly awry.

HUMANE IS PLAYING IN THEATERS ON APRIL 26TH, 2024 AND STREAMS ON SHUDDER ON JULY 26TH, 2024.

The post Interview: Caitlin Cronenberg Goes Over Her Directorial Debut Humane + Pressures of Being a Cronenberg appeared first on JoBlo.

It seems like every other week there’s a new horror release based on some classic literary character. Whether it’s Pinocchio or Winnie the Pooh, there doesn’t seem to be a sign of them slowing down. And this time their sights are on Cinderella. I’m sure you can imagine all the ways that classic tale can be given a horror slant, with Cinderella’s awful treatment by her stepfamily. The movie itself has some fun moments (you can check out my review HERE) but the real highlight is Natasha Henstridge as the Fairy Godmother. She relishes every moment of screen time and looks to be having a blast. So I was excited to be able to talk to her about the part.

Plus, if you know me, you know I’m going to ask Ms. Henstridge about some random horror movie she’s in. The culprit this time happened to be John Carpenter’s Ghosts of Mars, in which Henstridge starred. We get into how she was recommended by her at the time boyfriend after Courtney Love (yes, THAT Courtney Love) dropped out of the project just one week before filming. And it’s hard to think of Natasha without thinking of the film that put her on the map: Species. We get into whether or not the franchise has any place in today’s sexually sensitive society and if she’d have any interest in returning.

Cinderella’s Revenge plot:

Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters and stepmother push her too far, leading her to swap her glass slippers in pursuit of blood-soaked vengeance with the help of her Fairy Godmother.

CINDERELLA’S REVENGE IS RELEASING TO THEATERS ON APRIL 26TH, 2024.

The post Interview: Natasha Henstridge Talks The Insanity Of Cinderella’s Revenge + Future of Species Franchise appeared first on JoBlo.

With the Chucky TV series having reached the end of its current season (which is hopefully not the last), it’s crazy to think of all the insanity this character has gotten up to. What started as a serial killer inhabiting a Good Guy doll and trying to take over the body of a young boy has become a show involving the White House and launching nukes. So when I sat down with stars Brad and Fiona Dourif, I made sure to ask them about all of it. Because if we fans weren’t expecting it, I can only imagine what it’s been like for the people behind these characters.

I was also gobsmacked with the news that Mr. Dourif had quietly retired from acting. He was simply performing as Chucky as a favor for both his daughter as well as the character’s creator Don Mancini, whom he considers to be family. As someone who has loved the man’s work going way back to Billy Bibbit, it was hard not to get emotional at the news. He’s one of the best character actors out there and was always a highlight of anything he’s in. Here’s hoping that Chucky gets renewed for another season, so that we can get more Dourif. Because a world without Chucky isn’t a world I want to live in.

Chucky Season 3 plot:

In Chucky’s unending thirst for power, season 3 now sees Chucky ensconced with the most powerful family in the world — America’s First Family, inside the infamous walls of the White House. How did Chucky wind up here? What in God’s name does he want? And how can Jake, Devon, and Lexy possibly get to Chucky inside the world’s most secure building, all while balancing the pressures of romantic relationships and growing up? Meanwhile, Tiffany faces a looming crisis of her own as the police close in on her for “Jennifer Tilly’s” murderous rampage last season.

The post Interview: Brad and Fiona Dourif Talk Chucky S3 + Brad’s Retirement appeared first on JoBlo.

Vampire films in the past decade or so have been hit or miss. With every Renfield, you have something
subpar sent straight to VOD. Lately, Universal Pictures has been killing it by dipping their toes back into their vampire lore with the above-mentioned Renfield and last summer’s The Last Voyage of the
Demeter.

As fun as those films were, Universal’s latest release, Abigail, is something on another level. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Matt Betinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett about their latest film. I also had the joy of speaking with the cast, including a paired-up Melissa Barrera and Alisha Weir (who were a power force together in both film and on-screen), Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, and Kevin Durand. Frankly, I’m expecting to see major things for young Ms. Weir. Her performance here is incredible.

We discussed the film, which our own Michael Conway raved about, and we also got a little more insight into their roles. Having seen the film, I tend to agree with our review in saying it’s a damn good time at the movies and one that demands to be seen with a crowd. If you are fans of the directing duo’s previous work like Ready or Not or their Scream sequels, you are in for quite the bloody treat. It’s a well-set-up heist film that just so happens to involve a vampire. While it is indeed tense at times, there is a perfect balance of comedy to counteract the horror. If you are in the mood for a fun thrill ride of a picture, I highly recommend checking out Abigail, which opens today.

Here’s the official synopsis: Children can be such monsters. After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.

The post Interview: Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, and More Talk Abigail appeared first on JoBlo.

Growing up, The Omen franchise was one of my favorites. And like many a film series, the subsequent sequels couldn’t come close to the original. Even still, I appreciated the first three films. I was doubtful this would be remotely good. That is until me and my horror loving buddy Matt Van Winkle were happily shocked after seeing the new flick. The prequel is frankly one of the best franchise horror films I’ve seen in a long while. Arkasha creates a wonderful sense of dread with a final act that will creep you the f*ck out. Add to that, Nell Tiger Free is utterly sensational as a young idealistic nun facing true evil – and dare I say it’s an award worthy performance. I absolutely loved this film.

Not only did I love the film, talking to both Arkasha Stevenson and Nell Tiger Free was a marvelous experience. For Arkasha, it’s almost hard to believe someone could pull off a successful continuation to the franchise. Yet Stevenson showed her expertise on the genre during our interview. She talked about her own inspiration, and finding the right story to tell. She discussed bringing body horror elements into the new film, and telling a story that feels relevant for today. I cannot wait to see what this amazing talent does next.

Instantly, I was engaged the second I sat down opposite the ridiculously talented Nell Tiger Free who you may know from the acclaimed series Servant and Game of Thrones. Nell is incredible in this film. Sometimes horror offers performers the chance to truly takes risks, and she does so marvelously. This incredible talent discussed taking on a role with absolutely none of the regular tools that actors often use, research into the world they are diving into. Instead, she just trusted her director. I had major doubts about The First Omen. And now, I’m planning on seeing it again tonight. It’s an excellent horror film, and it’s perfect to see with a large audience in a packed theatre. Check out our review here!

The post Interview: Nell Tiger Free and Arkasha Stevenson Talk The First Omen appeared first on JoBlo.

Late Night With The Devil is a special sort of film that combines reality and horrific fantasy into the depths of what a man will do to succeed.  Even when you know you need to stop, the drive keeps you going.  You need to see, you need to win.  And it’s there that the devil makes himself known.

Taking place during a live broadcast in 1977 on Halloween Night, the film shows us the biggest night of Jack Delroy, talk show host’s, career.  It also happens to be the most infamous night in talk show history.  Jack is desperate to win the audience and all the ratings as he fights to be the king of Late Night.  Jack decides to bring together different aspects of the supernatural for a Halloween night no one will forget, and one of his guests may be the devil himself.

Actor David Dastmalchian has been in some of the biggest blockbuster films of the last many years.  Dune, The Suicide Squad, Blade Runner 2049, and most recently Oppenheimer.  But not many film viewers have seen the actor take on a lead role.  Here in Late Night With The Devil, Dastmalchian takes center stage and shows he’s got what it takes to keep your eyes glued to a screen…even if you are creeped out and want to turn away (check out our review here).

Dastmalchian joined me for a conversation about the film and how we all have a little bit of a devil in us.

Late Night With The Devil is now in theaters (indeed it made an unholy $666,666 at the box office Sunday) and will be streaming on Shudder exclusively on April 19^th.

If you have seen Late Night With The Devil, let us know what you thought of it by leaving a comment below – and while you’re at it, let us know what you thought of our David Dastmalchian interview.

The post Late Night With the Devil: Interview with David Dastmalchian appeared first on JoBlo.

Teddy Bears can be scary too. At least that’s what the fine folks behind Imaginary are counting on. Opening last weekend, the latest from Blumhouse takes spooky toys in a new direction. Directed by Jeff Wadlow, who has had a couple of collaborations with Blumhouse, the thriller brings horror to the family. Starring DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, and Tom Payne who portray a family that faces an unexpected terror when a young girl discovers a cute little teddy bear.

Having spoken to Jeff Wadlow before, I’ve always found him to be terrific to talk with. Having sat down with him, along with Jason Blum, a couple weeks ago, Jeff and I continued our conversation the day before the film’s opening. During the extended chat, the director discussed the idea of a scary bear, and how that became the creepy toy in Imaginary. The filmmaker discussed his previous efforts, Fantasy Island, Truth or Dare, and Cry Wolf. It was a sincere pleasure to speak with the man and I truly appreciated doing a deep dive into his career and his take on the genre.

Imaginary is currently playing at a theatre near you. Check out more interviews with the cast here!

The post Interview: An in-depth discussion with Jeff Wadlow on Imaginary, Horror, and Blumhouse appeared first on JoBlo.

In the latest from Blumhouse, evil has found a new home in a cute little teddy bear. Imaginary tells the story of Jessica who returns to her childhood home with her family. Things don’t go so well when they discover a sweet old teddy bear, locked away in a secret door. What’s up with this scary bear? I won’t spoil it here. The Jeff Wadlow-directed feature stars DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Tom Payne, and Betty Buckley. And now you can discover the secrets of this frightful childhood toy.

We sat down with the fine folks behind this new fright flick. First came the family, as we chatted with the lovely and talented DeWanda Wise as well as Taegen Burns and Pyper Braun. For Wise, she talked about taking on the lead in a Blumhouse thriller. She opened up about working with Jeff Wadlow, and dealing with childhood fears. As for Taegen and Pyper, the two were a joy to speak with. Braun is a delightful interview, as is her terrific co-star, Braun. The two talked about working with Jeff and childhood fears.

We then spoke with Jason Blum and Jeff Wadlow. I’ve spoken to Mr. Blum on several occasions, and it’s always a pleasure. And frankly, the same can be said about Mr. Wadlow. Jason discussed how films like Imaginary are perhaps shaping Blumhouse. Wadlow talked about bringing childhood fears to life, and finding the right family to scare. It was terrific chatting frights with this crew. And if you would like to check out Imaginary, you can get a look at Chauncey the Bear. Be cautious of that little fella. Imaginary is now open. Read our review here!

As mentioned, Imaginary shows us what happens when Jessica, who moves back into her childhood home with her family, and her youngest stepdaughter Alice develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that become increasingly sinister. As Alice’s behavior becomes more concerning, Jessica intervenes, only to realize Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believes him to be.

The post Interview: DeWanda Wise, Jason Blum, Jeff Wadlow, and More Talk Imaginary appeared first on JoBlo.

Danielle Harris is an absolute legend in the horror space, having been a part of the genre for nearly 40 years. She always stuck out as a child actor in films such as Halloween 4 and The Last Boy Scout. But she continued that success into her adulthood with films like Hatchet and the Rob Zombie Halloween films. I was lucky enough to talk with Danielle about her latest horror film, Project Dorothy. She plays a rogue AI, so she’s just a voice here, but that’s also something she has plenty of experience with (she was Debbie on The Wild Thornberrys). While she’s a small part of the film, I was also able interview her about her podcast with Scout Taylor Compton and their planned trilogy of films. This was a great conversation; she gave some nice insight into the difficulties of acting in something you’re also directing. It’s an honesty I don’t think happens a ton in this kind of setting, so I really appreciated it.

Project Dorothy plot synopsis: James and Blake, small-time criminals, flee the police and take refuge in an abandoned scientific facility. Their attempt to restore power activates an AI, DOROTHY (voiced by Harris), responsible for the former occupants’ demise. They realize their predicament is worse than evading the law; they must use their streetwise instincts to thwart DOROTHY’s escape into the world.

PROJECT DOROTHY DEBUTS ON CABLE AND DIGITAL VOD ON JANUARY 16TH, 2024.

The post Interview: Danielle Harris Talks Project Dorothy + A Jamie Lloyd Legacy Sequel appeared first on JoBlo.