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mediamixs · 2 months ago

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Top 10 Horror Thriller Movies

1. Scream (1996)

Directed by Wes Craven, Scream revitalized the slasher genre with its self-aware characters and clever commentary on horror tropes. The film follows a high school student, Sidney Prescott, as she becomes the target of a masked killer who uses horror movie trivia to taunt his victims. Its blend of humor and horror made it a cultural phenomenon and spawned several sequels.

The Conjuring (2013) This film, directed by James Wan, is based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. They help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. The Conjuring is praised for its effective scares and strong performances, particularly from Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.

3. Insidious (2010)

Another creation by James Wan, Insidious tells the story of a family trying to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose son in a realm called "The Further." The film is noted for its eerie atmosphere and unexpected plot twists, making it a standout in modern horror.

4. Sinister (2012)

This psychological horror film features Ethan Hawke as a true-crime writer who discovers disturbing home movies that reveal the dark history of his new home. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he unwittingly places his family in grave danger. The film's unsettling imagery and tension-filled narrative are highly regarded.

The Strangers (2008) Based on true events, The Strangers follows a couple who find themselves targeted by three masked assailants while staying at a remote vacation home. The film's slow-building tension and sense of isolation create an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after viewing.

Lights Out (2016) Directed by David F. Sandberg, this film explores the fear of darkness as it follows a woman haunted by a supernatural entity that only appears when the lights go out. Its premise taps into primal fears, delivering effective scares throughout.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) This classic thriller features Jodie Foster as FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who seeks the help of imprisoned cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch another serial killer. The film's intense psychological interplay and chilling performances have made it a timeless favorite.

Shutter Island (2010) Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island stars Leonardo DiCaprio as U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigating the disappearance of a patient from a mental institution. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and shocking twists that keep viewers guessing until the end,

The Exorcist (1973) Considered one of the scariest films of all time, The Exorcist follows the harrowing story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity and the priests who attempt to save her through exorcism. Its powerful themes and groundbreaking special effects have left an indelible mark on horror cinema.

Jaws (1975) Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jaws is not only a thrilling monster movie but also a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. As a great white shark terrorizes a beach town, local authorities must find a way to stop it before more lives are lost. Its iconic score and memorable scenes have made it an enduring classic.

These films represent just a fraction of what the horror thriller genre has to offer, each providing unique experiences that thrill and terrify audiences worldwide.

#top 10 list #horror thriller

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gay-for-the-snz · 4 months ago

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Day 25: Summer Flu (M, flu)

So this one's gonna publish out of order, because I actually want this to be part one of a two-parter with day 18, so please read THIS ONE first even though it is sequentially after it if we're going purely based on days. Flu, contagion fic, 2.7k <3

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The alarm blaring on his nightstand drags him from his slumber with a start, taking a couple seconds to realize what, exactly, the sound is. He groans and pats at it blindly, fingers stumbling over the top to find the snooze button. He knows he's playing a dangerous game here, but he's so tired that he's willing to risk it for another couple of cozy minutes under his blankets.

He feels like he's barely closed his eyes by the time it's going off again, and he can't help the whimper as he crawls over to the edge of the bed to shut it off properly. It takes a second for his eyes to focus on the time, and there's an insidious urge to just lie and call in sick so he can go back to sleep.

But no, that wouldn't be kind of him--after all, this is one of his twelves since he's pulling overtime the next couple of weeks while Warren's at summer camp, he can't just call out and leave them hanging because he's sleepy. But, more than that, he knows that if he actually calls out, he's going to be sending off alarm bells to everybody who knows him. For it to be bad enough that he calls out instead of just being sent home, they're going to practically break down his door to haul what is assuredly his carcass to urgent care.

He's got his lunchbox tucked under one arm, a granola bar clenched between his teeth to keep his hands free as he's tugging his belt on, nearly out the door when his phone buzzes on the table beside him. He stares at it, still mechanically running through the motions of his getting ready, and finally gives it a peek. He's so going to be late if he doesn't get out the door now.

It's a text message from the Captain--a simple question of if he's still planning on being in today. He glances at his watch, and the microwave, and the time in the corner of his phone screen to be sure that he isn't already late--but no, his shift doesn't start for another forty minutes--thirty-five-ish are going to be spent driving, so he really needs to hustle if he's going to get there for it on time--and takes the couple of precious seconds to tell him he does, and a question of if his schedule has changed? He doesn't know why else he would be asking him about it, but he doesn't really have the time to be thinking too hard about it--he's jogging down the stairs with all his belongings awkwardly clutched in any way he can manage to carry them.

He scrubs hard at his nose once he finally drops everything into the passenger seat and can fish the tissue box out of the backseat from where he tossed it last night, so it wouldn't get crushed by everything he was throwing shotgun beside him. He hasn't actually had the usual morning fit yet, which would be great if he didn't know that it means that he's going to have it while he's driving, or the instant he gets to work if it decides to be polite enough to him to wait that long.

He attempts to preempt it by aggressively blowing his nose, but it doesn't seem to do anything to fix the weird, buzzing tickle in the back of his nose that tells him he absolutely will be sneezing. He doesn't have any say in the matter.

Through what he credits to sheer willpower--but knows probably lies more in the fact that he spends half the drive rubbing and pinching at his nose through the tissue--he manages to stave it off until he's stumbling through the door into the warehouse and fumbling to get his punch card in before it officially hits six--he's got just a few minutes to spare, but he's made it.

The relief, combined with the fact that he's gotten distracted from his original purpose, he loses the battle with his nose.

"uUDZZHHyue! huH-! hHYIIZZhhuh! IIZZHHyue! 'DZZHhieww! hh...h-hUH-!? uUZZHHhyuuee! eEZzhhue! eEIZZHHhue! 'ZZHHhyue!"

"Jesus, bless you! Good morning!" Niklas gently scoots him aside from where he's braced against the wall, caught in place while the fit tears through him--and blocking everybody else behind him clocking in.

He tries to respond, but all that he manages to get out is a final, pitiful, "yEIZZHHuuee!" that leaves him snuffling wetly into the now destroyed tissues. His lashes are damp, studded with tears as he sniffles repeatedly and brings his free hand up to wipe at his eyes with the heel of his hand. "Excuse me. Good morning."

"Sick?"

"No, it's just the--snfff!--gosh, sorry. Just the morning."

"Ahh...I see. Well, the Captain said he wants to see you in his office."

He blinks in surprise. "Already? It--our shift hasn't even started yet?"

Niklas merely shrugs. "Something you'll have to bring up with him, not me. I'm just the messenger."

If he's already getting called into the office--paired with the cryptic message--his stomach sinks, the dread settling into a knot. He takes the extra second to shove everything into his locker before he mounts the stairs to head into the Captain's office.

The man himself is seated behind his desk, lighting his pipe and pointedly ignoring the no smoking rule. "Welllll..." He slowly releases the smoke in a steady stream. "I see you're here for your shift."

"Uh...yes? I-I mean--I don't see why I wouldn't be?"

"You could be doing any number of things instead of coming to work."

"I'm not really the type to play hooky--especially when I volunteered for the overtime." The smell of the smoke is making his nose tingly. He scrunches it and sniffles as softly as he can. "Are we--am I in trouble?"

"Why would you be in trouble?"

"For...uh...I-I don't know."

"Surely you've got an idea of something if that was your first thought."

"I--"

"Calm down, you're not in trouble." He stands, wraps an arm around Elliott to pull him close in an affectionate manner and jostle him. "I've got something to show you. Come on."

He's absolutely baffled, but follows nonetheless. He hasn't really got a choice--the Captain may be twice his age and then some, but he's still strong as a mule and just as stubborn--but his curiosity is getting the better of him, for sure.

The stream of smoke is getting to be too much. He sniffles again, his voice wavering as they approach the break room. "Captain, the--hh!--smoke--"

"Lad--"

He doesn't quite make it into the break room before he succumbs, caught awkwardly in the doorway as he wrenches to the side and away from the Captain into cupped hands. "yeIDZZHHue! hAH'HIIZZHhuue! 'DZzhh'yue!"

A chorus of "bless you"s greets him, and his cheeks flood with color as he sniffles and wipes his hands on his shorts with a bashful chuckle. "Thank...you."

The words die on his tongue as he straightens up and actually catches sight of everyone. A little cake is sat in the middle of the tables that have been rearranged to put everyone more or less in a ring around one in the center, everyone adorned in brightly colored party hats.

"Happy birthday, son."

He nearly bursts into tears on the spot. He rarely tells anyone when his birthday is--it's less hassle for everyone. He doesn't really want anyone to have to go to special trouble just for his sake--and, if he's truly honest with himself, it's easier not to feel disappointed when no one does anything if he hasn't given them the option to do something. He can't be disappointed they've forgotten or not done anything if they never knew in the first place.

But here they are, with a cake and hats and a couple of little gift bags on one of the tables, and he's just standing there staring with glossy eyes in silence. He forces himself to say something. "Y'all remembered?"

"You can blame me for letting the cat out of the bag that it was today. I know you said you prefer to keep it quiet, but," he shrugs, takes another draw on his pipe, "that's never been my style. Not after a decade of doing nothing for you."

And, he suspects, he felt compelled to do something since, once again, he doesn't even have Warren to celebrate with.

He sniffles and wipes hard at his eyes in a bid to keep himself contained here. "That's so nice of you. You didn't have to--"

Bolormaa bounces a wadded up napkin off of his head. "Stop being shy and put a hat on. We're trying to celebrate here."

Someone went to the effort of making pancakes for breakfast, and someone else brought in some juice, and yet another some plates and forks and the like to actually enable the serving of food. Despite everyone's protests, he gets up to start serving.

"Dude, sit down, it's your birthday."

"Ah, that's true, but we've already foregone most of the traditions. I can't let this one slide. I've already failed my ancestors by letting you guys get me a cake instead of me getting it for you all, or letting me pay for it. So go sit down in your circle and everyone gets to enjoy one morsel of a Dutch birthday."

"Elliott--"

"Bolormaa, go sit down. You can't sway me from this. Please let me have this."

He doesn't seem entirely convinced, but he holds his hands up in surrender nonetheless. "Fine, fine. Slave away on your own birthday if you like."

"Thank you."

He pauses serving just once, when his rounds take him past the Captain and his pipe, and he awkwardly holds the plate of cake up and away as he nearly doubles over with an insistent and itchy--and uncovered--double. He recovers with a sniffle, blushing at the "bless you"s he receives, and the napkins that are extended to him from all directions. He gratefully plucks a couple of them to swipe quickly at his nose and then pockets them to get back to his duties.

There's general merriment from everyone involved, the warm summer morning and the festive atmosphere pervasive throughout the building. He hems and haws and fusses that he can't possibly when somebody tells him to make a wish, but he doesn't put up any actual resistance to it, and complies with the goading and chanting of "do it! Do it! Do it!"

Truth be told, he doesn't even bother making a wish--not that he'll admit that, of course. He coyly deflects any attempts at getting him to tell what it is under the principle that that instantly renders any wish null and void, because admitting "I didn't make one" would be something he'd never hear the end of--at least not for the next week or two as they all attempt to extricate some actual desire from him.

Eventually, the Captain stands up and shoos everyone back off to their actual jobs, citing the fact that they are here to work, even if it's a birthday.

He tucks his gifts into his locker with the promise to peek at them on their lunch break, and accepts the way he's shepherded out onto the floor with his hat still affixed in its place of honor like a crown.

It's relatively uneventful for most of the shift--of course, it's nice to be celebrated, and the mood is pretty jovial overall, but he finds himself feeling less and less festive as the shift wears on. He's tired. More than anything, he feels like he must have slept weird, because his back, while always relatively achey, seems to have roped his shoulders into the shared misery, because he can't quite find it in himself to get too comfortable. Either that, or he's tweaked something moving product, which isn't too terribly far-fetched as a notion.

He pinches at the bridge of his nose between his eyes, blinking away the headache that's trying to settle in there. Ugh. He really didn't sleep that well, but he's still got like six hours to go by the time his lunch break rolls around, so he doesn't really have much choice but to grin and bear it. He excuses himself to go stand outside and sweat under the glaring sun to make a phone call, much to his coworker's protests that he still hasn't opened anything yet.

It really shouldn't be a terrible surprise that he doesn't pick up--even though he should be awake by now, sometimes he gets the chance to sleep in a little, but even if he was awake, he tends to ignore his calls until he gets a voicemail. Sure enough, he gets the familiar, "you've reached Corben Barnes. Please leave your name and number at the tone, and I'll get back to you."

He scuffs his steel toes in the gravel, chewing on his lip as he waits for the tone. "Hey, it's me. I, uhm--snf!--just wanted to check in with how things were going and how she's liking her camp. I know there's no phones allowed, but, uh--I don't know, I'd like it if you could have her call me when you pick her up? I know it's still a couple more days, but, I don't know, the counselors usually check in sometime during the week, and I, uh--I'd like to be kept in the loop if they're communicating anything. Not that I'm--"

The tone beeps, and he realizes he's hit the end of the message limit. Shit--shoot. Shoot. He crosses himself subconsciously. Well, he's obviously not calling back just to leave another rambling message, so he'll just have to call that good. It got the message across, anyway. "Have Warren call me" would've sufficed, but, like everything, he couldn't keep it concise enough. That's always been a habit of his--always someone who uses three hundred words when three would've done just fine.

He slinks back in, cowing under the attention when everyone tries to rope him back into their spirited conversations.

"I'm, uhm--I'm sorry, I think that I'm not really...feeling super great."

Niklas's face hardens as he looks him over. "You called him, didn't you?"

"I--"

"Don't lie. You've never been any good at it."

He opens his mouth to contradict him, but just sighs in defeat. "I don't really want to talk about it." This really isn't helping the headache. "Why don't we, uh, just raincheck the presents until tomorrow? I'll be, y'know, in better spirits, I think after a little time and a little more sleep."

They don't really seem to want to let him off the hook so easily, but no one presses the matter any further. He feels bad, being a wet blanket on his own birthday, but he just doesn't really feel super...festive.

He just slinks off to clock out the instant his shift is over, just barely sniffles as he takes one firm swipe at his nose--good Lord, that last pallet was so dusty--and is caught off guard by an itchy double that rushes up on him so quick he doesn't have a chance to cover the first. "hHTSSHheww! eESHyue!"

He gets an automatic blessing from somebody behind him, and mumbles an "excuse me, thank you" as he punches his card and shoves it back into the filer of envelopes hanging off the wall next to it. Why they use such an archaic system still, he couldn't say. The Captain was just an old-school sort of guy.

Either way, he sighs with relief when he slumps into the driver's seat. He's so glad to be getting the overtime of course, there's nothing wrong with a little extra money in the bank, but doing twelves for every shift, and eights on his usual days off is...definitely starting to take its toll. Not that he's going to complain, of course--the Captain would be kind enough to let him off the hook for the responsibility he willingly took on, and he can't let him do that.

No, he'll just have to keep his word. He tries to do that anyway, but especially now, when he volunteered to take the overtime, and the Captain is willing to pay it, and it would be such a punk move to agree to it and then flake on the grounds of "I'm tired". People would resent him for it--and if they didn't, then they should.

He shakes his head like it might clear the thoughts, sighs, and puts it in drive. He's just gotta survive this week, and he'll be out of the woods. He won't be pulling any more seventy-hour weeks until next year, hopefully.

#he's my girlfriend actually #guy who is not being as careful as he should be because he does not realize just yet what he's in for and harboring <333 #sickfic #snzfic #snz #sicktember 2024

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idahomag-com · 1 year ago

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Scary Movies to Watch on Halloween Night

New Post has been published on https://idahomag.com/scary-movies-to-watch-on-halloween-night/

Scary Movies to Watch on Halloween Night

Scary Movies to Watch on Halloween Night A Spine-Chilling Cinematic Journey

Embracing the Thrills of Halloween Cinema

Halloween, the night when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, is a time for spine-tingling adventures and hair-raising experiences. What better way to celebrate this eerie occasion than by indulging in a marathon of terrifying movies that send shivers down your spine? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the realm of the macabre, exploring a curated selection of the most bone-chilling, heart-pounding, and psychologically thrilling movies that are bound to haunt your dreams and make your Halloween night truly unforgettable.

1. Classic Horrors: Embracing the Timeless Fears

a. Psycho (1960): Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, “Psycho” is a cinematic masterpiece that redefined horror. With its iconic shower scene and unforgettable score, this film continues to terrify audiences decades after its release. Witness the psychological unraveling of Norman Bates and the birth of the slasher genre.

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b. The Shining (1980): Based on Stephen King’s novel and directed by Stanley Kubrick, “The Shining” is a haunting tale of isolation and madness. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance, a caretaker driven to insanity, is legendary. The eerie atmosphere, coupled with unsettling imagery, makes this film a Halloween must-watch.

c. Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Directed by Roman Polanski, this film explores the sinister side of pregnancy and motherhood. Mia Farrow’s performance as Rosemary, a woman caught in a web of occult conspiracy, is chilling. With its slow-burning suspense and psychological horror, “Rosemary’s Baby” remains a classic in the genre.

2. Supernatural Spectacles: Ghosts, Ghouls, and Haunted Houses

a.The Conjuring (2013): Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, “The Conjuring” introduces audiences to the terrifying world of demonic possessions. With its expertly crafted scares and atmospheric tension, this film spawned a successful franchise and revitalized the haunted house genre.

b. Hereditary (2018): A modern masterpiece of horror, “Hereditary” explores the darkness that can lurk within families. Toni Collette’s powerhouse performance anchors this film as it descends into a nightmarish exploration of grief, inheritance, and supernatural forces. Brace yourself for a truly unsettling experience.

c. Insidious (2010): Directed by James Wan, “Insidious” takes viewers on a journey into the astral plane, where malevolent entities lurk. With its inventive approach to the supernatural and genuinely terrifying moments, this film became a sleeper hit, spawning sequels and cementing its status as a contemporary horror classic.

3. Psychological Thrillers: Minds as Terrifying as Monsters

a. Silence of the Lambs (1991): This Academy Award-winning film features one of cinema’s most iconic villains, Hannibal Lecter, portrayed masterfully by Anthony Hopkins. Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an FBI trainee seeking the help of the imprisoned Hannibal to catch another serial killer. With its intense psychological tension, this film continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

b. Se7en (1995): Directed by David Fincher, “Se7en” is a dark and gritty thriller that follows two detectives, played by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, as they hunt a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his motives. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and compelling storyline make it a nail-biting experience from start to finish.

c. Black Swan (2010): A psychological horror-thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky, “Black Swan” delves into the intense rivalry between two ballet dancers, portrayed by Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. As the pressure builds, the line between reality and hallucination blurs, leading to a mesmerizing and disturbing exploration of identity and obsession.

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4. Cult Classics: Celebrating the Unique and Unsettling

a. Donnie Darko (2001): A mind-bending cult classic, “Donnie Darko” blends elements of psychological drama, science fiction, and horror. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Donnie, a troubled teenager who becomes entangled in a series of bizarre and supernatural events. The film’s surreal narrative and haunting imagery have earned it a dedicated fan base.

b. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975): A beloved cult musical, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a celebration of all things bizarre and unconventional. Featuring eccentric characters, catchy songs, and a generous dose of horror, this film has become a staple of midnight screenings and interactive theater experiences, captivating audiences with its unique charm.

c. Eraserhead (1977): Scary Movies to Watch on Halloween Night,Directed by David Lynch, “Eraserhead” is a surreal and nightmarish journey into the subconscious. This avant-garde masterpiece explores themes of alienation and existential dread, immersing viewers in a visually stunning and disorienting cinematic experience. Lynch’s distinctive style and unsettling imagery make “Eraserhead” a hauntingly unforgettable film.

Conclusion:

A Night of Frightful Delights

As the shadows grow longer and the night descends, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of Halloween than by immersing yourself in the world of scary movies. Whether you prefer classic horrors that stand the test of time, supernatural tales that send shivers down your spine, psychological thrillers that challenge your mind, or cult classics that celebrate the strange and unusual, this curated list offers a diverse selection of cinematic delights.

So, dim the lights, grab your favorite snacks, and prepare for a night of spine-chilling entertainment. Let the screams, gasps, and heart-pounding moments transport you to a realm where the boundary between reality and nightmare blurs. This Halloween night, let the movies do the haunting, and may your dreams be filled with the echoes of cinematic terror. Happy Halloween viewing!

#HalloweenMovies #ScaryMovieMarathon #SpineChillingCinema #HorrorClassics #SupernaturalThrills #PsychologicalHorror #CultMovieNight #FrightfulEntertainment #HalloweenScares #MovieMagicMadness

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chryza · 7 months ago

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Is Birdbox worth watching? I remember it came out around the same time as A Quiet Place but never garnered as much popularity.

I was debating watching some more of the Conjuring movies, I've seen the Conjuring 1, 2, and 3 but not Annabelle or the Nun movies...as far as I can remember. I hate the real Warrens with a passion but the movie Warrens are bearable and come on, it's a classic.

I've seen some of the old classics, like Insidious, the Exorcism, all of the Paranormal Activity movies for better or for worse, and a few other schlocky favorites here and there. I haven't seen Poltergeist, and there's surely a bunch more I haven't seen so any recommendations for movies from between 1980-2010 would be appreciated, as well as which modern movies are worth watching. I'm also open to movies from all over the world so long as I can find them on the internet somewhere. Recently I watched a Japanese horror film I really liked and I've been meaning to look at the others produced by the same people.

Day 3 of Watching Horror Movies that Have Been on My List For Ages

A Quiet Place p2 sucked and I didn’t finish it, clearly wasn’t made by the same people and didn’t understand what made the first movie compelling and frightening and instead banked on the shock factor of the monster rather than developing it any further, 0/10

Watched the Babadook, good movie, not scary though. Made me cry because I felt that mom’s developing psychosis in my bones as someone with three younger siblings I cared for who had severe behavioral issues.

Now to get through the Jordan Peele movies I haven’t seen. At least I know these two will be good because it’s motherfucking Jordan Peele

#i finished the backlog of TWO of my favorite paranormal channels last month so I've been jonesing

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blackroseraven · 4 years ago

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You’re probably wondering, “how did you end up at this point?”

Well, I decided to send a group to the Warrens. We found a Shambler Altar almost immediately, and I thought, hey, THIS won’t be a problem! We’ve got a Shieldbreaker, Houndmaster, Jester, and Vestal!

And then everything went wrong. We got a super bad shuffle that threw my Vestal to the front, the one place she could not be. My Shieldbreaker attacked forwards, but missed her first attack. As a matter of fact, she missed her second and third attacks, too.

Jester did his best to manage stress and buffs, but the Shambler Spores just kept critting us, so first the Houndmaster tipped over... but thankfully became Focused. Then the Vestal became Hopeless and started making a lot of bad decisions.

We got crit constantly and we couldn’t hit the broad side of the Shambler. Just when we started to get a hold of things, I got hit by Stentorious Lament and my stress was rocketed back up across the group. But I thought things were going to turn around all the same, because the Shieldbreaker became Courageous.

Except, after taking a dozen Death’s Door hits, the Vestal decided she didn’t want to live anymore, and after surviving one final Bleed proc she literally hit herself in the face with her mace for a Deathblow.

After that, everything rapidly fell apart. The Shieldbreaker died to a Blight proc, and the Jester became Fearful, and got in one good Slice Off against the Shambler before completely giving up and dying to a Crit/Bleed. The Houndmaster took so many crits from the Shambler Spores that he actually lost his Virtue, although Hound’s Harry managed to bleed out the Shambler itself as well as one of the Spores.

Eventually, we ended up where you see it.

The Shambler Spore at 3 HP. The Houndmaster at 0, and after surviving at least ten Death’s Door hits/crits. But thankfully, we connected with a stun at the last moment, and the Spore took a bleed of 2, then the last bleed the next cycle and the Houndmaster miraculously survived.

And yes. I know, you know, we all know the obvious lesson is overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer.

And before you ask, no, I absolutely have not learned my lesson from this and it only makes me even more determined to murder Shamblers every possible chance I get.

#darkest dungeon #games #blackroseraven plays games

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theparanormalperiodical · 4 years ago

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The REAL Stories Behind Final Destination (2000) And The 10 Creepiest Times Celebrities Predicted Their Own Deaths

It must’ve happened sometime in the early 1980s.

‘81, or ‘82, perhaps.

Some 15 year old in the ass-end of Aberdeen, Washington, was stuck in the teen funk of wanting to ditch high school forever whilst simultaneously spray painting ‘god is gay’ on hick trucks.

But when he wasn’t pissin’ off the rednecks, he was telling his friends that he was pretty sure he’d become a famous rockstar, and end his life surrounded by fame and riches by committing suicide.

He was the emblem of the era.

He would be the emblem for the next.

Kurt Cobain died on April 5th 1994 at the tender age of 27. He would not be the last person to have a premonition of his own death.

In fact, the peculiar phenomenon of predicting one’s own death or sensing something foreboding is due isn’t just some forgotten urban legend. It’s been immortalised in a franchise that has achieved a cult status similar to Cobain’s band Nirvana:

Final Destination (2000).

The thing is, the 5 Final Destination films aren’t just based on this unexplained phenomenon of predicting one’s demise. They’re also based on several horrifying, infamous deaths that have haunted America for decades.

They’ve been mocked, marketed, and made out to be utter rubbish - but the luring call of the Grim Reaper might be more real than you think.

First, let’s recap the Final Destination franchise.

James Wong has made his name in horror. From the cutting-edge directing of Insidious, to his recapturing of the media-frenzy that was the caseload of Ed and Lorraine Warren, he has led the genre in a new direction that deals with supernatural phenomena which tend to be all too real.

His earlier work, Final Destination, was no different.

The Final Destination franchise consists of 5 movies and a couple limited edition comic books. It’s achieved cult status for its innovative plotline and Truman Show-like impact on the viewers. But the thing is, like most cult horror movies, it tends to be, well, trash.

And that’s what they were.

For 5 feature length movies we see the same plot play out:

(No, I’m not being cynical, it literally follows the same damn structure every damn time.)

A gaggle of high school or college aged friends head out on a trip. One of the crew has a mysterious premonition that they’re gon’ die in like a 4K-HD-put-your-3D-glasses-on-now-and-switch-off-your-mobile-phones worthy video clip.

That person then, understandably, flips out and somehow causes a fight. The group of friends then get asked to get off the plane, or aren’t allowed on the roller coaster, or are no longer partaking in the deadly activity.

The event that was seen in the premonition then takes place. For the rest of the movie we see a series of bizarre events that threaten and take the lives of those who cheated death.

A sixth instalment is in production and attempts to break the cycle by looking at EMT workers who face ‘death’ on a daily basis.

The following of this film can be traced back to a number of reasons: there’s the vibrant lives of the characters, there’s a lovable chemistry between the actors, and there’s that idea that fate might just have our lives set out for us.

But when the last unpopped kernels are left at the bottom of the bowl and the credits fade to black, we are left with only our faces to look at in the reflection of our laptop screens. From there, those laughable traps set by death themself don’t seem so hilarious.

They seem to be real.

Maybe we are fated to die at a certain time in a certain way? Maybe the Grim Reaper does exist? Maybe we have no control over our destiny?

Jeffrey Reddick, the writer of Final Destination, directly sought out to ask these questions. And he based the original film off a true story.

“[He] read a story about a woman who was on vacation and her mom called her and said, 'Don't take the flight tomorrow, I have a really bad feeling about it.'"

She switched flights, and the one she was supposed to be on crashed.

This urban legend taps into a haunting history of premonitions of death. For millennia humans have predicted the fates of themselves and those around them whether they boasted psychic powers or not.

(We will get to that.)

Unfortunately, this franchise is based on more than just an urban legend. Some of the most traumatic death traps left by the Grim Reaper are actually inspired by real life tragedies.

Many believe the original film featuring a flight fault and exploding plane was based on the TWA Flight 800 explosion - but this occurred 2 years after the original script (which was intended for 90s icon The X Files) was penned.

But there are 3 real-life events that inspired the franchise.

#1 - The 125 car pileup in Ringgold, Georgia

In 2002, approximately 120 cars and 20 tractor-trailers collided on the Interstate just south of Chattanooga as a result of the blanket of thick fog that Thursday morning. 4 were killed and 39 were injured.

It began when a tractor drove into the wall of fog and smashed into the back of another. It then crossed several lanes, and spread the wreckage. The visibility at the time of the collision was at most 15 feet.

Only an hour later, when the fog finally lifted, could the emergency services see the full extent of the disaster.

#2 - The Le Mans Motor Racing Disaster

It’s been labelled the most catastrophic crash in the history of motorsport. No CGI could do justice to what occurred.

On June 11th 1955, Jaguar driver Mike Hawthorn pulled to the right of the track and braked for a pit stop. Austin-Healey driver Lance Macklin was following closely behind and swerved out from behind the braking car into the path of another driver, Levegh. Levegh rear-ended Macklin, overriding Macklin’s car and launching his own into the air at 125mph.

The car collided with the spectator area several times and then disintegrated, throwing Levegh onto the track where he met his instant death.

The engine and bonnet was thrown into the crowd.

Levegh’s severely burnt body lay on the track until someone finally lay a sheet over it.

It is estimated that 84 died, and 178 were injured. We still don’t know the full extent of the death toll.

This tragedy - which was blamed on the nature of the course for cars of such a speed - caused Mercedes-Benz to withdraw from racing for 44 years.

#3 - The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge

4 months after the opening of the bridge to traffic, the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapsed as a result of an aeroelastic flutter initiated by a 42mph gust of wind.

Fortunately, there were no human fatalities, but the shocking collapse was caught on film. A dog named Tubby, however, did die from being abandoned in a car on the bridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XggxeuFDaDU

So we know that the most iconic scenes from the franchise can be traced back to shocking disasters and tragedies. But there’s another side to the reality behind Final Destination:

The well laid plans of the Grim Reaper.

What are premonitions of death and what do they mean?

To many, having a niggling feeling about when one may pass away or even seeing it in a vision or a dream is a common part of life. And to many more, they will deem this as something as simple as anxiety making us believe we are due to die soon. However, from a spiritual standpoint, premonitions of death have much more meaning.

According to psychic mediums and spiritualists, the nagging feeling of impending death or dreams or visions of death are common - and can be real. They believe that souls can choose when they depart this world and thus signal to us when this is due.

Those with souls that are more evolved and have been reborn many times have greater ability to sense this.

Even souls that have connected together for many years - and even many lifetimes - and have formed bonds can have death premonitions regarding each other.

Whether it’s a specific date or a certain age, foreseeing your own or another’s passing can be a terrifying concept. But on the same note, this premonition could refer to a symbolic death, a bit like the death card in a Tarot deck.

Perhaps a part of yourself is dying.

(This certainly won’t be as graphic as a Final Destination death cameo.)

History has a different version of events, however.

Many have had premonitions of their own death. And many have been correct. It’s time to talk about them.

Here’s the 9 other times celebrities predicted their own deaths to an uncomfortable degree.

#1 - Tupac Shakur

This rap icon’s death wasn’t just a tragedy.

It was a mystery, too.

Many still believe that the death was faked and that Shakur is very much alive and well, whether he’s hiding in Mexico, New Zealand, or South Africa.

But the mystery surrounding 2Pac starts long before the drive-by shooting that took place in 1996 that would kill him.

“I been shot and murdered, can tell you how it happened word for word” is a line from a hit song with Ritchie Rich.

Sure, the rap genre is closely with such themes that highlight gang crime and gun violence, and sure, Tupac had been involved with violent interactions and assaults before, but this eerily accurate lyric is bound to raise eyebrows.

That being said, if he did fake his own death he would know how it would take place, right? This may be less a premonition, and more an actual plan.

#2 - Bob Marley

Music icons don’t just have a knack for writing a catchy hook and a couple verses, too. Turns out they have this habit of predicting when they will die.

Kurt Cobain’s prediction of his own passing can quite easily be overlooked by the typicality of this death within the rockstar lifestyle. But Bob Marley didn’t actually predict how he would die - he told his friends when he would die.

Marley claimed he would die when he was 36. He was right.

But the coincidence doesn’t end there.

According to Allan Cole, one of his closest friends who was told this secret, Marley had psychic abilities that he would often flaunt to the locals where he grew up in Jamaica. He was even deemed a prophet to those close to them.

#3 - John Denver

“Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane,/ Don’t know when I’ll be back again”

This singer-songwriter wasn’t just a keen musician - he was also an amateur pilot. Unfortunately, his second pastime would eerily echo his first, and foreshadow his death.

28 years after he first released Leaving On A Jet Plane, he took off on his last flight where he would ultimately have a fatal crash.

#5 - Mark Twain

As the father of American literature, Twain was used to creating universes to engage readers with timeless classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But it's our own world that would provide as poetic an end to Twain’s own story as he would to his fictional characters.

Born shortly after the sighting of Halley’s Comet in 1835, Twain would often joke that he would go out with it.

“Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together.”

A day after the comet was sighted once again in 1910, Twain died of a heart attack.

#6 - Pete Maravich

He will go down in history as one of the greatest NBA players to ever hit the court - and he left it in a mysterious manner.

Having played in the world-famous league for 4 years, he claimed in an interview that “I don’t want to play 10 years [in the NBA] and then die of a heart attack at the age of 40.”

An injury caused him to leave the NBA 6 years later, completing the first part of his prediction. He died from a heart attack at age 40.

Even more intriguing, however, is what caused him to die: Maravich claimed he had a missing heart valve and should’ve died at the tender age of 20. His ability to predict his death which according to doctors would’ve been a bold assumption for such a heart problem is fascinating (and freaky).

#7 - Jimi Hendrix

He might’ve passed 4 decades ago, but the death of this guitarist is still tinged with as much mystery as the other legendary musicians and athletes populating this list. Shortly before claiming this status in 1965, he recorded The Ballad of Jimi.

“Many things he would try/ For he knew soon he’d die./ Now Jimi’s gone, he’s not alone/ His memory still lives on/ Five years, this he said/ He’s not gone, he’s just dead”

Hendrix died September 18th 1970. It was 5 years exactly to the day that he recorded that song.

#8 - Buddy Holly

On one evening in January of 1959, Buddy Holly and wife Maria had bad dreams. In fact, they had exactly the same bad dreams. They both involved a farm, an airplane, and Holly leaving Maria.

Weeks later Holly would tour the Midwest in an attempt to raise money for his family. Unfortunately, one of the airplanes he chartered for the tour crashed shortly after taking off into a cornfield. He was instantly killed.

#9 - W T Stead

The Titanic has been associated with many unexplained circumstances. This is one of them.

In 1886, Stead wrote a tale of an ocean liner colliding with another ship. Many of the passengers on that fictional ship would go on to lose their lives as a result of the lack of lifeboats.

“This is exactly what might take place and will take place if liners are sent to sea short of boats”

He would then go on to write a different story featuring a ship crashing into an iceberg.

In 1912, Stead boarded the RMS Titanic. And we all know how that ended - with a lack of a lifeboats causing excess deaths. He drowned with the rest of the victims of the tragedy.

#9 - Rasputin

As a former history student, I can boldly put forth a critical opinion of the dying days of the Romanov dynasty: Rasputin was one dodgy bloke. But what made him really dodgy was his ability to predict not just his own death, but that of the Russian monarchy, too.

Shortly before he was assassinated, he wrote a letter to the Tsarina claiming he would be killed by New Years. He also mentioned that her own family would die within 2 years.

Two days before New Year’s, he was poisoned in a rather messy assassination (no, seriously, look it up).

Within 18 months the Romanovs were dead.

Well that was a bit deathy.

Want to read something a bit more spooky and a ‘lil less sad? Check out the rest of the weekly articles on the paranormal, and stay tuned for a new real ghost story everyday by following this blog!

Are you obsessed with the supernatural? Be a part of the ultimate online ghost story experience.

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impalementation · 6 years ago

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conversations with dead people is such a great episode. i used to think it was overrated, but i rewatched it recently and it really isn’t. it takes its core idea of “aloneness” and then nuances it with the experiences of the different characters. leaving you with this rich, complicated sense of how people end up isolated from each other in different ways.

1. in buffy’s case, her aloneness is a matter of disconnection. as she discusses with holden, she is isolated by a calling that (a) means she has more power than her friends, which puts her in the position of leading, protecting and sometimes even punishing them, and (b) means she experiences things that no one else in her life can relate to. moreover, the pain and disappointment she’s experienced at the hands of other people has made her hesitant to reach out and connect.

the episode literalizes the way being a slayer isolates her in some pretty clever ways. she’s out in a graveyard alone solely because she’s there to slay. and she loses track of her phone because she’s fighting. then the fact that she can barely remember holden is a reminder of the way that slaying has been keeping her apart from people for years. holden: “clearly, you were in your own little world in high school.” then, even after she and holden do build something of a connection (buffy: “you’re not a stranger”), she still ends up having to kill him. and is left with possibility that spike is now someone she’ll have to kill too. in other words, slaying puts her in the position of having to literally destroy her personal connections.

the buffy scenes capture the way it can be hard to tell whether your aloneness is because of who you are, or because of what your circumstances are, or something else entirely. the way it can be hard to tell how much of some situation is your “fault”. does buffy need to get better at “reaching out” or is she doomed no matter what simply because she’s the slayer? or is it neither? or is it both? it’s a relatable kind of confusion whether or not one is isolated by a circumstance as extraordinary as buffy’s.

2. in dawn’s case, aloneness is actually something sort of exciting. in seasons 5 and 6, dawn regularly played the role of the damsel. she was someone buffy had to care for and protect, and this meant that she was almost never left by herself. so the fact that dawn is at home alone is a sign that she’s grown up.

i see dawn’s scenes as being about her ambivalence regarding this increasing adulthood. she begins the episode reveling in her aloneness, in a charming but nonetheless juvenile way. but slowly her aloneness becomes more sinister. she is haunted (literally) by her mother’s presence, much as anyone is haunted (figuratively) by the way they were raised. she has to work by herself to figure out what’s happening, and thinks she is even in the position of needing to help or protect her mother in some way. in other words, dawn is forced to confront the idea that “being alone” in an adult sense actually means “having sole responsibility for something” and “going without parental guidance” and things like that. which is actually quite scary.

the twist of the dawn bits is that although over the course of the episode, dawn learns that she can handle things by herself, the first was also attempting to manipulate her to take that too far. just as dawn discovers she can be independent in a positive sense, the first attempts to convince her that she must be independent, in a negative sense, because her sister will not be looking out for her. the sequence does a great job of capturing the difference between the healthy kinds of aloneness that come with growing up (which can be both fun and scary), and the more insidious idea that self-reliance requires isolation.

3. the willow scenes are tricky. one the one hand, willow’s aloneness is a matter of concrete loss. she is romantically alone because tara is dead, not because she has difficulty “connecting”.

but that loss is wrapped up a bigger problem, which is that willow has often had trouble understanding her value to people. she’s always acted vaguely (or not-so-vaguely) surprised that people want her in their lives. it’s a trait that goes back as early as welcome to the hellmouth, when she was surprised that buffy would befriend her, and continues as late as this season, when she’s surprised that kennedy pursues her. to deal with this insecurity, she tries to be useful, to make her value concrete. in season 6, she regularly frames her abuses of magic as being about helping people or fixing something, and she is adrift after giving it up. in two to go, she despairs that the only thing she was “ever good for” was tara’s love, and is only brought back from the brink in grave by xander reminding her that he loves her for herself. in other words, much of willow’s season 6 destructiveness sprang from her belief that she had nothing to offer the world and the world had nothing to offer her, because her only connection that wasn’t oriented around her usefulness or skill…was tara. it made sense to me that despite the fact that buffy and willow love each other, buffy was completely unable to talk willow down during the dark willow arc, because so much of buffy and willow’s relationship has to do with willow helping her with slaying.

so the first’s manipulation of willow is two-fold. firstly, it reminds her of what she’s lost. it tempts her with the connection that made her feel that she truly mattered. it tempts her with the thing that was once more important to her than the entire world (perhaps even more important to her than tara herself, given that willow once freely violated tara in order to preserve the feeling of being loved). it then attacks willow’s sense of usefulness by emphasizing that she’s a killer, and telling her that she’ll hurt people. basically, it tries to replicate her season 6 mindset by making her think that she has no way to be worthwhile or not-alone except through her relationship with tara. it tries to make her see having love, having friends, and having power as fundamentally irreconcilable things.

in other words, willow’s scenes are about the way that one can isolate oneself by (a) hiding within the feeling of being loved, (b) yearning for things that no longer exist, and (c) thinking of oneself as fundamentally unloveable or relationships as a matter of “worth”.

4. in andrew’s case, the tragedy is that he wants the love and respect of someone who doesn’t really exist more than the life of someone who does. he feels left alone by warren’s death (andrew: “you keep leaving me. i hate it when you leave me.”), but ends up actually alone. in jonathan’s case, the tragedy is that he is alone, but doesn’t know it. jonathan thinks that he and andrew are friends, and that they’re seeking atonement and belonging (jonathan: “do you think they’ll really let us join their gang?”). but in reality, andrew’s secret agenda is keeping them isolated from each other, and from the connections that atonement might bring them. the first-as-warren is the most obvious “dead person” that someone in the jonathan/andrew scenes is having a conversation with, but by the end of the episode we realize that in some sense jonathan was too. to andrew, he may have been dead long before the episode even began.

the trio has always existed to play with ideas of fantasy and delusion, and that continues in these scenes. andrew is deluded about warren’s motivations and reinforces jonathan’s fantasy about joining buffy’s gang, etc. they speak constantly in their usual exaggerated language about redemption, and being “outlaws with hearts of gold” and what have you. the difference between jonathan and andrew is that jonathan actually wants to escape the cycle. there’s a sad push-and-pull between fantasy and reality in the final conversation between the two of them. jonathan is truly sincere in his desire to connect with the people that ca. earshot, he once felt so apart from. he wants to know their reality, whether or not they ever wanted to know his. but andrew dismisses this as deluded and naive. the sad part is that for once, the fantastical nature of jonathan’s optimism throughout the episode was actually maybe a good thing. but andrew was so tempted by his own fantasy, an even more ephemeral connection, that he could not, or could not let himself, recognize this.

so both andrew and jonathan are alone either because they’re willfully not living in reality, or because they’re not simply not aware of what the reality of a situation is in the first place.

there’s a lot more you could analyze about all of these scenes, but i’ll leave it at that. i’ve come to think of conversations with dead people as something like the dead things or once more with feeling of season 7. in that it’s one of the few episodes of a season with big ambitions but confused execution, that actually addresses all of the season’s themes with the complexity and skill they deserved.

#btvs #season 7 apologist blogging #s7

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eddycurrents · 5 years ago

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For the week of 11 November 2019

Quick Bits:

Batman & The Outsiders #7 throws some further ramifications of Ra’s al Ghul and his minions meddling with Duke and Sofia. Some particularly disturbing transformations going on with Duke that should be interesting. The level of intrigue that Bryan Hill is keeping in the story is gripping.

| Published by DC Comics

The Batman’s Grave #2 is another excellent issue. A little more packed with action than the first one, allowing Bryan Hitch to cut loose with some of the sequences. Also, I’m loving the humour that Warren Ellis is giving us between Alfred and Bruce. That acerbic wit is something we’ve seen from Alfred a lot and Ellis just nails the voice.

| Published by DC Comics

Battlepug #3 is more fun from Mike Norton, Allen Passalaqua, and Crank! Some really nice stuff here as Bryony cuts loose on Nobody’s Ponies. I absolutely love the mix of traditional sword and sorcery storytelling with rather over-the-top humour that basically lampoons it at the same time.

| Published by Image

Black Cat Annual #1 is a fun tale of a heist on the Maggia by Black Cat and Spider-Man from Jed MacKay, Joey Vazquez, Natacha Bustos, Juan Gedeon, Brian Reber, and Ferran Delgado. It features the usual humour and action that we see in the series and I quite like how the artists are broken up each following one particular aspect of the story. Though it’s all one narrative, it gives a nice differing feel to each part.

| Published by Marvel

Black Hammer / Justice League: Hammer of Justice #5 concludes what has been an excellent series from Jeff Lemire, Michael Walsh, and Nate Piekos. Ultimately, this has reminded me of the old JLA/JSA crossovers of old, and just feels great as an overall story. Plus the possibility of seeing a sequel.

| Published by Dark Horse & DC Comics

Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda #3 begins “God Loves, Moon Kills”, another two-parter for this series, from Jim Zub, Lan Medina, Craig Yeung, Marcio Menyz, Federico Blee, and Joe Sabino. I love this story format, giving us essentially quick-hit missions dealing with a problem and then moving on. It’s yielded some pretty tight storytelling and some fascinating situations.

| Published by Marvel

Black Stars Above #1 is another incredible debut for Vault, with Lonnie Nadler, Jenna Cha, Brad Simpson, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou delivering an incredibly deep and unique horror story. It centres around a young woman in a family of fur traders, as the trade itself begins to die in Canada, and it’s impressive as to how real the characters and their struggle feels. The artwork from Cha and Simpson is exquisite.

| Published by Vault

Buffy + Angel: Hellmouth #2 continues Buffy and Angel’s descent through hell. It’s much more cerebral than you’d expect, with the demons trying to get into Buffy and Angel’s respective heads in order to manipulate and destroy them. Plus, a rather interesting surprise. Jordie Bellaire, Jeremy Lambert, Eleonora Carlini, Cris Peter, and Ed Dukeshire are doing some great work with the core of this event.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Collapser #5 somehow gets even stranger in this penultimate issue as Liam creates a “perfect” world to run away from the problems he’s having in the real world. The real world bleeding through and a revelation of his girlfriend’s true intentions just ratchet up the strangeness further. Mikey Way, Shaun Simon, Ilias Kyriazis, Cris Peter, and Simon Bowland are just doing amazing work here.

| Published by DC Comics / Young Animal

Detective Comics #1015 takes an interesting turn as Nora decides that she likes being a villain. Through this, Peter J. Tomasi is definitely showing an interesting side to Mr. Freeze, emphasizing again that he’s a rather conflicted villain, only doing the various heinous actions to save his wife. Who now doesn’t need him.

| Published by DC Comics

Doctor Mirage #4 features more incredibly beautiful, inventive artwork from Nick Robles and Jordie Bellaire. The visual storytelling as Shan faces the Embalmer is just incredible. Magdalene Visaggio, Robles, Bellaire, and Dave Sharpe continue to deliver magic with this penultimate issue.

| Published by Valiant

Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Terror: Season Two #2 is another entertaining issue. The lead tale from Tom Peyer, Greg Scott, Lee Loughridge, and Rob Steen has traditional EC Comics horror vibes, as a scientist tries to communicate with our worm overlords. In one of the comics back-ups Mark Russell, Peter Snejbjerg, and Steen revisit the world of the breakfast cereal monsters. And there’s the usual prose pieces, poetry, and Hunt Emerson’s Black Cat.

| Published by Ahoy

Event Leviathan #6 concludes this series from Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, and Josh Reed. How much you enjoy it will hinge on how much you enjoy Maleev’s art and the realization that most of this tale is about moving one person off the board and the reveal of Leviathan to set up further stories. Also, Bendis paints a Batman who is ridiculously terrible at hiding his secret identity.

| Published by DC Comics

Fallen Angels #1 is the final new first issue of this first wave of “Dawn of X” titles and in many ways it’s more personal than the other X-titles, even Excalibur, delving into Psylocke (the former Kwannon, not Betsy Braddock) and her past. Bryan Hill, Szymon Kudranski, Frank D’Armata, and Joe Sabino deliver an interesting story with hooks on the darker side of the X-world, including some ominous bits from Magneto and Sinister, but I question the inclusion of X-23 and Cable. They don’t exactly seem to fit the roles they’ve been put into here.

| Published by Marvel

Family Tree #1 is a phenomenal debut from Jeff Lemire, Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Ryan Cody, and Steve Wands. This first issue perfectly captures that insidious nature of family drama mixed with creeping terror and body horror as a bizarre plague begins spreading across America.

| Published by Image

Far Sector #1 is one of the most impressive debuts I’ve read in a long time. NK Jemisin, Jamal Campbell, and Deron Bennett create a rich new world in the City Enduring and a compelling character in the new Green Lantern, Sojourner Mullein. The murder mystery that ties everything together is just the icing on the cake. Incredible world-building here and drop dead gorgeous artwork. Do not miss this.

| Published by DC Comics / Young Animal

The Flash #82 is part one of “Rogues’ Reign” from Joshua Williamson, Rafa Sandoval, Jordi Tarragona, Arif Prianto, and Steve Wands. It features a Central City taken over by the Rogues, transformed into their own personal playgrounds, as the Flash is nowhere to be found. It’s not bad, but the amount you’re going to like it may be relative to how much you’re also enjoying “City of Bane” and the recently concluded similar arc involving the Trickster.

| Published by DC Comics

Folklords #1 is off to a fantastic start from Matt Kindt, Matt Smith, Chris O’Halloran, and Jim Campbell. It starts off with a precocious kid in a fantasy world who’s been having visions of what essentially amounts to our world, whose quest sets out a rather draconian lockdown on their society when the Librarians rein in everyone from illicit action, like finding the Folklords. Highly recommended.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Forgotten Home #2 reveals more about Jannada, its history and society, and how an unjust queen was brought to rule through racial warfare. Love the artwork from Marika Cresta and Matt Emmons.

| Published by Vices Press

Gideon Falls #18 unleashes the Laughing Man on reality in part two of “The Pentoculus”. Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, Dave Stewart, and Steve Wands are beautifully unfolding this twisted and horrific flower of a story.

| Published by Image

Gotham City Monsters #3 adds another element of DC lore to the series as Melmoth claims a particular prize. I really quite like how Steve Orlando, Amancay Nahuelpan, Trish Mulvihill, and Tom Napolitano are pulling together disparate bits of Gotham and beyond to craft this story.

| Published by DC Comics

Guardians of the Galaxy #11 is the penultimate issue of this series from Donny Cate, Cory Smith, Victor Olazaba, David Curiel, and Cory Petit. It’s basically a big fight between the remaining Guardians and everyone else. It doesn’t go so well.

| Published by Marvel

Hawkman #18 takes a somewhat different approach to Hawkman’s infection than what we’ve seen of the others so far. Rather than being a dark reflection of Hawkman’s own desires, he’s taken over by an Earth-3 incarnation in Sky Tyrant. Robert Venditti, Pat Olliffe, Tom Palmer, Jeremiah Skipper, and Richard Starkings & Comicraft instead use that to play the spirit of our Hawkman against.

| Published by DC Comics

Hit-Girl: Season Two #10 is part two of “India”. The artwork from Alison Sampson and Tríona Farrell is impressive, given an amazing level of detail to bringing Mumbai to life. Brutal and rich in colour.

| Published by Image

House of Whispers #15 takes a new twist as the Corinthian finds the House of Watchers, takes over, and everything changes. Nalo Hopkinson, Dan Watters, Dominike “Dono” Stanton, Zac Atkinson, and AndWorld Design kick off some new terrors as even Erzulie’s status quo is upended, and we get another guest appearance of John Constantine’s homecoming.

| Published by DC Comics - Black Label / The Sandman Universe

Invaders #11 pushes deeper into Steve and Namor’s history and relationship, as Steve refuses to give up on his old friend. There’s some very heavy, very good character work here as we head into the final issue. Chip Zdarsky, Carlos Magno, Butch Guice, Alex Guimarães, and Travis Lanham continue to astonish at the incredibly high bar they’ve set for this story.

| Published by Marvel

Justice League Odyssey #15 is a fun tale from Dan Abnett, Will Conrad, Rain Beredo, Pete Pantazis, and AndWorld Design. Jessica Cruz leading a rag tag band of villains (and Orion) against Darkseid and the previous JLO turned evil is unfolding as a very entertaining story with some interesting twists. Also, Dex-Starr is awesome.

| Published by DC Comics

Morbius #1 isn’t a bad start from Vita Ayala, Marcelo Ferreira, Roberto Poggi, Dono Sánchez-Almara, and Clayton Cowles. This first issue is largely just action as Morbius sets out on his quest to cure himself, again, but it’s not bad. The art from Ferreira, Poggi, and Sánchez-Almara is very nice.

| Published by Marvel

Oblivion Song #21 continues the slowburn investigation and reconnaissance of the Faceless Men’s base, as Marco tries to map it out and discover where they’re holding all of the people who decided to stay in Oblivion. Gorgeous artwork from Lorenzo De Felici and Annalisa Leoni as we see more of the Faceless Men’s technology.

| Published by Image / Skybound

Psi-Lords #6 does a bit more world-building as we find out more about the Psi-Lords and the Starwatchers, even as the four Earthers are beset by the other Marked in a bizarre farce of a trial. Fred Van Lente, Renato Guedes, and Dave Sharpe are telling a pretty great sci-fi adventure tale here. It largely stands alone in the greater Valiant universe framework and deserves more attention than its getting.

| Published by Valiant

Punisher: Soviet #1 is another welcome return to the Punisher by Garth Ennis, stepping back into Frank’s adventures like he never left. Ennis, Jacen Burrows, Guillermo Ortego, Nolan Woodard, and Rob Steen deliver a brutal and bloody beginning as Frank chases down someone who everyone seems to think is him.

| Published by Marvel / MAX

Reaver #5 is a fairly impressive spotlight for Breaker as he does what he really didn’t want to do again in order to help his “friends”. Justin Jordan, Rebekah Isaacs, Alex Guimarães, and Clayton Cowles present a number of twists and surprises in one of the most brutal issues yet.

| Published by Image / Skybound

Ronin Island #8 sees the remaining islanders largely stand together as they try to both stand up to and flee from the Shogun’s soldiers and madness. With a terrible occurrence that looks like it’s going to cause even more problems for the survivors. Giannis Milonogiannis and Irma Kniivila’s art continues to be everything.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Sea of Stars #5 very nicely puts the pieces together as a disconsolate Gil has been captured and basically given up thinking Kadyn dead is brought to the world where his son is about to be gutted. Jason Aaron, Dennis Hallum, Stephen Green, Rico Renzi, and Jared K. Fletcher are telling an incredible story here and this issue throws even more twists at the reader.

| Published by Image

Seven Days #2 unfolds some of the fallout of people learning that they only have seven days left, as the superhero community is enlisted to try to stop whatever the shiny harbinger things are. Gail Simone, José Luís, Jonas Trinidade, Michelle Madsen, and Saida Temofonte are continuing to build an intriguing story here as we get more and more of the breadth of the Catalyst Prime universe.

| Published by Lion Forge / Catalyst Prime

Superman #17 is kind of a housekeeping issue from Brian Michael Bendis, Kevin Maguire, Paul Mounts, and Dave Sharpe, acting as a prologue to “The Truth”. A bit of reflection on the Unity Saga, Event Leviathan, and Year of the Villain.

| Published by DC Comics

Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Blackest Night #1 might well be the best of these one-shots yet. Tim Seeley, Kyle Hotz, Dexter Vines, Walden Wong, Danny Miki, David Baron, Allen Passalaqua, and Tom Napolitano give us a bleak look at a world where Sinestro chose not to share the power of the White Lantern light and essentially everything fell to Nekron and the Black Lanterns. It’s a very unique take on the zombie apocalypse on its own, made more interesting as a fallen Sinestro, Lobo, and Dove try to save this universe. The art from Hotz, Vines, Wong, Miki, Baron, and Passalaqua is perfect.

| Published by DC Comics

Trees: Three Fates #3 continues to build up the weird atmosphere from last issue, then turns around and focuses on more of the gritty aspects of Oleg, Mik, and Nina. Gorgeous artwork all throughout from Jason Howard and Dee Cunniffe.

| Published by Image

Triage #3 shifts to Commander Marco’s reality as the group flee from the Hunter. I really like what Phillip Sevy and Frank Cvetkovic have been doing with this story. Great high concept, but the interpersonal relationships are where it’s really at.

| Published by Dark Horse

Usagi Yojimbo #6 is a beautiful updating and embellishment of the very first story of Usagi from Albedo by Stan Sakai and Tom Luth. This single issue story really captures the spirit and magic of all of Sakai’s stories, wonderfully portraying his mix of action and folklore.

| Published by IDW

Vampirella/Red Sonja #3 explores more of what the Russians were doing in regards to Drakulon and more. More very nice humour from Jordie Bellaire in the interactions between Vampirella and Sonja.

| Published by Dynamite

Wonder Woman #82 begins “The Wild Hunt” from the new creative team of Steve Orlando, Kieran McKeown, Scott Hanna, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Pat Brosseau. It very much continues on from the plot threads and elements of the previous run, continuing to build on the current conflict between Wonder Woman and Cheetah.

| Published by DC Comics

X-Men #2 is pretty damn great, going back to the big and wild ideas bringing new elements into the X-universe, all while Cyclops gives some of the strangest parenting. Jonathan Hickman, Leinil Francis Yu, Garry Alanguilan, Sunny Gho, and Clayton Cowles give us a new mystery with the arrival of Arakko and the first of -|A|-’s missing original horsemen.

| Published by Marvel

Other Highlights: Age of Conan: Valeria #4, Agents of Atlas #4, Catwoman #17, Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor Holiday Special #1, The Dollhouse Family #1, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #10, Firefly: The Sting, Future Foundation #4, Ghosted in LA #5, GI Joe: A Real American Hero #268, Girl on Film, Go Go Power Rangers #25, Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy #3, History of the Marvel Universe #5, Marvel Action: Spider-Man #11, Midnight Vista #3, Moonshine #13, Runaways #27, RWBY (print) #2, RWBY (digital) #6, Savage Sword of Conan #11, Star Wars #74, Star Wars: Jedi - Fallen Order: Dark Temple #4, Star Wars: Target Vader #5, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #50

Recommended Collections: Babyteeth - Volume 3, Dark Red - Volume 1, Fallen World, GLOW - Volume 1: Versus the Star Primas, Justice League - Volume 4: The Sixth Dimension, Savage Avengers - Volume 1: City of Sickles, Star Wars: Age of Resistance - Heroes, Star Wars Adventures - Volume 7: Pomp and Circumstance, Wonder Twins - Volume 1: Activate

d. emerson eddy can hear the scratching at the walls of reality.

#This Week in Comics

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mediamixs · 11 months ago

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10 best horror movies about the demon

1)The Exorcist (1973)

Regarded as a classic in the horror genre, "The Exorcist" follows the possession of a young girl named Regan and the subsequent exorcism performed by two priests. It's known for its chilling atmosphere, groundbreaking special effects, and intense performances.

2) The Conjuring (2013)

Based on true events, "The Conjuring" explores the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they help a family plagued by a malevolent presence in their farmhouse. The film's tension-building and effective scares make it a standout in demon-themed horror.

3) Insidious (2010)

Directed by James Wan, "Insidious" tells the story of a family whose son falls into a mysterious coma and becomes a vessel for malevolent entities from another realm. The film's blend of psychological horror and supernatural elements, particularly its depiction of the demon known as "The Lipstick-Face Demon," earns it a place among the best.

4) Hereditary (2018)

"Hereditary" delves into the dark secrets of a family haunted by ancestral demons. As the family unravels, they uncover horrifying truths about their lineage and the sinister forces at work. Known for its disturbing imagery and psychological terror, this film leaves a lasting impression.

5) Paranormal Activity (2007)

Shot in found-footage style, "Paranormal Activity" follows a couple as they attempt to document the demonic presence haunting their home. The film's minimalist approach and escalating tension create a sense of dread, making it a standout in the supernatural horror genre.

6) The Babadook (2014)

"The Babadook" centers on a mother and son who are terrorized by a sinister entity from a mysterious children's book. As the presence of the Babadook grows stronger, the family's sanity begins to unravel. The film's exploration of grief, trauma, and psychological horror sets it apart.

7) Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Directed by Sam Raimi, "Drag Me to Hell" follows a loan officer who becomes cursed by a malevolent demon after denying an elderly woman an extension on her mortgage. The film balances horror and humor while delivering inventive scares and a sense of impending doom.

8) The Omen (1976)

"The Omen" revolves around an American diplomat who gradually realizes that his adopted son may be the Antichrist. As mysterious deaths and sinister events occur, he races to uncover the truth and prevent the apocalypse. This classic horror film remains influential in the demon subgenre.

9) The Devil's Advocate (1997)

In "The Devil's Advocate," a young lawyer is recruited by a powerful law firm led by a charismatic and enigmatic figure who may be more than he seems. As the lawyer's life spirals out of control, he confronts the demonic forces at play. The film blends legal drama with supernatural horror.

10) The Last Exorcism (2010) - Presented in a found-footage style, "The Last Exorcism" follows a disillusioned minister who agrees to perform one last exorcism on a young girl in rural Louisiana. As he confronts the evil within her, he discovers a conspiracy that shakes his beliefs to the core. The film offers a fresh take on the exorcism subgenre with its blend of realism and supernatural terror.

#horror #movies #list

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theconjuringuniversedaily · 6 years ago

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The Conjuring 3, Annabelle 3 to be differently terrifying, Warrens’ returning confirmed

The Conjuring 3 is coming in 2020 and the plot will take a new terrifying direction. While the first film had spine-chilling paranormal cases encircling the dilapidated Perron family's farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island, the second instalment dealt with Enfield Poltergeist's controversial case that took place in the London Borough of Enfield from 1977 to 1979. As horror movie enthusiasts are looking forward to The Conjuring 3, The Conjuring Universe is observed inflating quite a lot in the last few years. All the movies of Annabelle series made stunning businesses in the box office and The Nun (prequel based on a character introduced in The Conjuring 2) released in 2018 also accumulated huge acclamation and box office business. The Crooked Man is in development and horror film lovers believe this movie will be excessively scary. While having a conversation with Digital Spy on The Conjuring Universe, Patrick Wilson poured some light on the third movie of the franchise. "We just finished Annabelle 3 which is cool. It's nice to dip our toes into that franchise a little bit. Conjuring 3 will be different than anything we've seen, which is fun," Patrick Wilson teased. During the interview, Insidious actor Wilson also teased the return of the Warrens in both the films of The Conjuring Universe. According to the 45-year old actor, he will reprise the role of Ed Warren in Annabelle 3, where he will be seen bringing a terrifying doll of cursed object to their museum. Then he continued saying that hopefully fans would see the Warrens returning in The Conjuring 3, which is going to be very different from the previous films. While saying so, he gave a clear hint that the third movie would not feature another family residing in a haunted house just like the first two films. While talking about the movie director James Wan's discontinuation, Wilson said that his decision to step down from the third instalment was mainly because he wanted to do something new. However, James Wan will be producing the movie through his Atomic Monster production company.

(source)

#the conjuring 3 #annabelle 3 #article #news #patrick wilson #2019 #jan19 #the conjuring universe #m: the conjuring 3 #m: annabelle 3

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talkaboutmovies · 6 years ago

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The Conjuring (2013)

Any regular to this site will know that I’m a big fan of “The Conjuring Universe”. The “big bang” that started this “universe” was the brilliant 2013 film, “The Conjuring.” The film is based on a true story from one of the many case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a husband and wife team of paranormal investigators. Ed Warren passed away in 2006. Lorraine Warren, who had a small cameo in the film, just turned ninety-two.

The film begins with a prologue about the “Annabelle” case, which occurred in 1968 in which a doll seemingly is possessed by a demon. Three young female roommates begin seeing increasingly sinister things which seem to be perpetrated by the doll. The girls ask the Warrens to investigate, telling them that the spirit of a deceased child communicated to them and they allowed the entity to live with them. The Warrens are able to get the apartment “cleansed” and Ed Warren takes the “Annabelle” doll to the Warrens room of possessed and ritualistic items, rather than destroy it, telling a reporter, “Sometimes it’s best to leave the genie in the bottle.”

The main story involves the Perron family - Roger and Carolyn and their five children. In 1971 they buy a house in Rhode Island at a bank auction. Roger, played by Ron Livingston, is eking out a living as a trucker. Things seem to be alright, initially. It’s not long, however, before unexplained things begin happening. The family dog mysteriously won’t come in the house. Assorted house noises. Unexplained bad smells. Many “cold spots”. The film does a great job of slowly drawing you in to the families plight. One great scene fairly early on involves the youngest daughter who Carolyn sees talking to someone who isn’t there. She asks the daughter who tells her a little boy lives there and he’ll sometimes make an appearance with the help of a music box with a mirror.

Things get decidedly more sinister as a sleepwalking daughter walks into a closed armoire continuously. The daughters begin being pushed and pulled while in bed. The mother develops mysterious bruising which see initially attributes to an iron deficiency. All clocks in the house stop at the same time.Finally a daughter is terrorized by a creature she claims is by their armoire, which another daughter doesn’t see, which makes it even scarier. Carolyn Perron begs Ed and Lorraine Warren to check their house out, right after a lecture they give (in which the real Lorraine Warren makes her cameo).

When the Warrens get to the Perron home, Lorraine sees and feels an entity more hateful than anything they’d come across before. Paranormal investigating technology wasn’t quite as advanced in 1971 as it is now. However, it doesn’t take long to see that there is an evil presence.

James Wan, fresh off the mainstream triumphs of “Aquaman” and “Furious 7″, made a name for himself in the horror genre, hitting it big with the first “Saw” film and then “Insidious”, showing a knack for making a low budget film look like a big budget film. He also is great at getting a scare without resorting to cheap horror movie cliches. In “The Conjuring” there is minimal blood, no nudity, no language, just great story-telling. Patrick Wilson, who also starred in Wan’s “Insidious”, and Vera Farmiga are superb as the Warrens. They have a great chemistry. Luckily they will both reprise the roles at least one more time in “The Conjuring 3″.

#The Conjuring #the conjuring universe #James Wan #Patrick Wilson #Vera Farmiga #horror movie #2013 films #ed and lorraine warren

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aion-rsa · 3 years ago

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James Wan Horror Movies Ranked

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James Wan has a new horror movie out this weekend, and it’s been far too long since we’ve been able to write that. As one of the singular genre filmmakers of his generation, Wan managed to launch three successful and pop culture defining horror franchises in less than a decade between Saw (2004), Insidious (2010), and The Conjuring (2013). And yet, the Australian director hasn’t stepped foot in a spooky house since 2016’s The Conjuring 2. Moving on to bigger and (maybe?) better things in Furious 7 and Aquaman, Wan’s new status as a blockbuster director caused many fans to wonder if his days in dark shadows were done.

Which is why this weekend’s Malignant is such an inviting proposition. Five years after walking away from personally helming Ed and Lorraine Warren’s on-screen adventures, Wan’s returned to his roots with an original horror movie that’s not part of any franchise. What a novel concept. To celebrate this change of fortune, the editors at Den of Geek have put their heads together and voted, coming up with a definitive ranking of Wan’s horror movies. You can trust us.

7. Malignant

Sometimes it takes a while to get back into the swing of things. While Wan deserves credit for championing an original idea in the modern world of sequels, prequels, and spinoffs—he even turned down helming The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It for this!—daring gambles don’t always payoff for everyone. Which might be a polite way of saying that for some of us (although not all), Malignant is a disappointment.

Built entirely around a plot twist we’re not going to spoil here, Wan’s Malignant takes the familiar concept of a protagonist (Annabelle Wallis) being wrongfully accused for supernatural crimes, and turns it on its head. The actual twist however has left folks divided. Some applaud how bold it is while others of us found it fairly underwhelming, and lacking a satisfying subtext or cohesiveness to make it worthwhile. We’re all in agreement though, it’s a stylish bit of eye candy… and that Wan’s done better before. – David Crow

6. Insidious: Chapter 2

As the second installment of Wan and frequent collaborator Leigh Whannell’s Insidious franchise, there was a lot of anticipation over how this horror sequel would follow-up on the cliffhanger ending to the first film. If you don’t recall—and here there be spoilers, by the by—that movie ended on the shocking revelation that Patrick Wilson’s repressed and mild mannered father, Josh, had become possessed by a ghost which has been chasing him since childhood. Worse, this spirit caused him to kill Lin Shaye’s delightfully kooky Elise! (Don’t worry, her soul gets better.) What will happen next to the poor Lambert family?

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Insidious: Is The Further Real?

By Tony Sokol

Something a lot more rote, as it turns out. This is not to say that Insidious: Chapter 2 is a bad movie; it’s simply a much lesser one than what came before. From the film doubling down on a monster not nearly as intriguing as the Lipstick Demon from the first film to the picture failing to expand on the strange astral plane of the Further in a meaningful way, Chapter 2 is just a tad underwhelming—a horror follow-up going through the motions. Still, it allows Wilson to play secretly evil, so that’s fun! – DC

5. Dead Silence

Dead Silence was DOA in theaters and critically panned when it debuted in 2007, yet after the movie became available as a home release it scraped together a small audience that was mostly composed of very specific genre fans: those who are just plain shit scared of ventriloquist dummies! Directed and written by the horror dream team of Wan and Whannell, Dead Silence stars True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten as Jamie Ashen, a young widower who slumps back to his hometown looking for answers following his wife’s ‘death by dummy.’ Dogging him on his quest is New Kid Donnie Wahlberg in a wild, scene-stealing performance as a detective who seemingly can’t stop preening his facial hair.

The mythical boogeywoman of the piece is Mary Shaw, a ventriloquist who was once lynched in the town after a performance went awry and a child later died by mysterious circumstances. Jamie’s family were an essential part of her lynching, and now Mary is on the warpath from beyond the grave.

Dead Silence is incredibly silly, but an important step in Wan’s directing career. Throughout the film he plays with the kind of masterful sound design and jump scares that he eventually refined down to a sublime craft. Just like one of Mary Shaw’s dolls, all the parts are there but the movie is only possessed by a little soul that doesn’t do too much damage to your nerves. – Kirsten Howard

4. Saw

The movie that made Wan a household name (at least among movie nerds and horror hounds), Saw became the biggest horror franchise of the 2000s and launched a grim new subgenre of exploitation that’s been derisively (if fairly) dubbed “torture porn” ever since. It’s therefore easy to forget Wan’s original Saw really isn’t one of those movies. Oh, people are tortured on-screen in this gnarly nightmare. And it is very horrific, to be sure.

Yet unlike the many subsequent Saw sequels that came later, plus copycats like the Hostel franchise, Saw doesn’t take perverse pleasure in its characters’ suffering or imagine the villain as some kind of antihero. Jigsaw was originally a chilling serial killer in the David Fincher mold, and his original film had a surprisingly minimal amount of gore. Most of the picture is really about the dreadful suspense of anticipation as we wait for something horrible to happen when two men wake up inside a dilapidated industrial bathroom and are told they need to saw off their own feet to survive.

In truth, if this same exact script (minus the grisly flashback sequences) was presented a one-act Off-Broadway play in 2004, it would’ve likely been hailed as edgy and boundary-pushing art. Instead we got a horror classic that spawned a memorable, if ultimately trashy, B-horror franchise after Wan and co-writer Whannell left the series following the first outing. Fair trade. – DC

3. Insidious

Back in 2010 when Insidious was released, Blumhouse hadn’t yet become the horror behemoth it is today. So low budget but glossy horrors starring talented household names weren’t the norm. It wasn’t just these attributes that made Insidious a breakout which still holds up a decade later, however. It’s the fact that the movie is undeniably scary. It may use certain jump scare tactics at times but boy, do they work. Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne star as a couple whose son is capable of astral projection, which has taken him into the nightmarish world of the Further and caused demonic figures to haunt the family.

The first half of the movie will have you leaping out of your seat. The second half though is more of a comedy, marked by the arrival of psychic Elise (Lin Shaye) and her sidekicks, Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (Leigh Whannell, who also wrote the screenplay). Made for just $1.5 million, Insidious is good-looking and distinctive, with scenes in the Further sharing an aesthetic with Dead Silence, and a mythology that clearly had legs. To date three sequels have been made, with a fourth confirmed last year. – Rosie Fletcher

2. The Conjuring 2

As a horror sequel done right, Wan’s follow-up to the biggest horror movie of his career felt like a palate cleanser for the director. After helming the successful but tragically troubled production of Furious 7, Wan returned to his roots and delivered a fiendishly designed thrill ride. In The Conjuring 2, we again follow Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga’s fictionalized takes on Ed and Lorraine Warren, this time to London as they investigate the infamous “Enfield Poltergeist” (spoiler alert: it’s a demon).

Once again Ed and Lorraine play the good samaritans and help a young family in desperate need, and Wan still keeps it wildly entertaining and suspenseful, if not necessarily fresh. But as important as his gliding camera set-ups and ability to create new iconic images of evil out of seeming whole cloth—hello, there demon Nun!—it’s the humanity in both of Wan’s Conjuring films which elevate them above the rest of their franchise. Never mind the ghosts; the scene of Wilson crooning Elvis Presley to some beleaguered children is the stuff of movie magic. – DC

1. The Conjuring

James Wan couldn’t have picked better subjects for his paranormal investigation franchise than Ed and Lorraine Warren, the controversial demonologists who left behind countless diaries and recorded accounts of demonic possession, haunted houses, and other supernatural events they claim to have witnessed over their decades-spanning careers. They even opened a museum full of spooky artifacts in the back of their Connecticut home. This is a couple who enjoyed digging into the occult, and with The Conjuring, Wan showed just how much he loved telling stories about the Warrens.

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The Conjuring Timeline Explained: From The Nun to The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

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How The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Embraces Satanic Panic

By David Crow

The first film covers one of the Warrens’ most famous cases, the Perron family haunting, with more than a few embellishments thrown in for an effective ghost story. In the real-life account and the movie, Roger and Carolyn Perron (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor) are haunted by an antagonistic spirit that wants their newly-purchased 18th-century farmhouse in Rhode Island all to itself. That’s where the Warrens come in to investigate the strange occurrences, like the smell of rotting flesh in the basement.

The chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, who bring the Warrens to life, is one of the movie’s greatest strengths, establishing one of the franchise’s most important themes: that love can defeat any evil. It’s their devotion to each other, and their will to help others in need, that allows them to overcome any supernatural obstacles in these movies. (It’s why the sequels spend so much time threatening to tear them apart.) More than the creepy set pieces—like a possessed Carolyn in the crawl space *shudder*—and the “based on a true story” tagline, it’s the Warrens as characters that people keep showing up for, and the first Conjuring cleverly sells their love story to an audience just expecting jump scares and demons. – John Saavedra

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hadarlaskey · 4 years ago

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The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

The third instalment in The Conjuring franchise (which has already spawned spin-offs The Nun and the Annabelle series, with another one based around The Crooked Man in the works) is the first not to be directed by modern horror master James Wan, who is well accustomed to accidentally launching lucrative horror franchises (see Saw; Insidious). It also has to overcome the hurdle of having no instantly recognisable supernatural case to solve.

The first Conjuring film focused on the real-life haunting of the Perron family, while the sequel tackled both the Amityville and the Enfield poltergeist, two of the most well-documented paranormal cases in history. All of these have had multiple screen adaptations, giving the stories of the previous films a level of spooky brand recognition that The Conjuring 3 just doesn’t have (at least not in the UK).

The real-life incident that forms the basis of this film is that of Arne Johnson, known in the US as ‘the Devil Made Me Do It’ case. The plot once again revolves around Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga), media-friendly seekers of the supernatural, combining the tropes of the possession film with the conventions of a courtroom drama. We begin with the brutal exorcism of a young boy named David, a sequence so packed with contortionist-level body horror, references to The Exorcist, and screaming, that Ed has a heart attack.

The demonic entity moves from the boy to Arne, a young man living with the boy’s sister who soon savagely murders his landlord. The challenge the Warrens now face is to convince a court jury that the man is innocent by reason of demonic possession. The case turns more complicated, as the Warrens take it upon themselves to prove that David, Arne and even Ed himself are possessed by an inhuman entity conjured up by one of cinema’s favourite boogeymen: the Satanic witch.

I’ll confess at this point, I don’t come to The Conjuring films for the ghosts: I come for the Warrens. And on that front, The Conjuring 3 delivers. Ed and Lorraine bring schmaltz to the supernatural. A good chunk of the film is concerned with commemorating their 30-year relationship, showing how they fell in love (in a cinema!) and how much they are still in love, in spite of, or perhaps thanks to, the many encounters with occult forces they have lived through. I’d happily just watch the Warrens alphabetise their room of cursed objects.

On the horror front, however, The Conjuring 3 is lacking. The film is too committed to the jump scare; while Wan’s strength was always to let the camera linger and the audience fill in the dark blanks, Michael Chaves (whose directorial debut was the Wan-produced The Curse of La Llorona) is preoccupied with contorting bodies and distorting perception. While some of these moments are effective (especially any scene with the young possessed boy), ultimately there is no gut punch to the scares because we don’t get to know any of the characters that are being affected by the occult forces. Unless it’s the Warrens in danger, it’s hard to care.

What’s even more disappointing is that The Conjuring 3 misses the opportunity to tap into the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. The film had the potential of creating a memorable Satanic conjurer. Instead, we get mere glimpses of an overgrown Wednesday Addams look-alike. Hardly demonic business.

youtube

ANTICIPATION. Anything with Devil in the title. 4

ENJOYMENT. The Warrens are spooky power couple goals. 3

IN RETROSPECT. Not enough scares, not enough devil, but glorious Warren scenes. 2

Directed by Michael Chaves

Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ruairi O’Connor

The post The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It appeared first on Little White Lies.

source https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-conjuring-the-devil-made-me-do-it/

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