It is a paradoxical but nonetheless true statement to say that the retro-leaning L.A. rock band Redd Kross was far ahead of their time — not just musically (the power-pop resurgence of the early ’90s) but also in pop-culture worship and the irony that saturated that decade. But their comic take on those things obscures not just what a great rock band they were and still are, but also the fact that they’re legit OGs on any number of levels.
Formed by brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald, they were initially an L.A. punk rock band whose first gig was opening for the legendary Black Flag when they were virtually children. Then, they decided to rebel against the punk scene by committing the ultimate sin: growing their hair and donning garish ’70s clothes, and recording a battery of songs about everything from teen “Exorcist” star Linda Blair to the Brady Bunch.
Formed by brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald, they were initially an L.A. punk rock band whose first gig was opening for the legendary Black Flag when they were virtually children. Then, they decided to rebel against the punk scene by committing the ultimate sin: growing their hair and donning garish ’70s clothes, and recording a battery of songs about everything from teen “Exorcist” star Linda Blair to the Brady Bunch.
- 5/21/2024
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
The power of IP compels you!
One of last fall’s biggest flops was David Gordon Greene’s limp attempt to revive the “Exorcist” franchise for Blumhouse and Universal. “The Exorcist: Believer” was met with intense pans and a worldwide gross of $137 million. That number may not sound so bad at first until you remember that the rights to the franchise alone cost $400 million. While there have been several sequels (plus a double-prequel) to “The Exorcist” since the groundbreaking original that won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound (plus seven other nominations including Best Picture), this was the first one to bring Ellen Burstyn back into the world of ancient evils and demonic possession.
Green’s departure from the series was announced in January, and current horror mainstay Mike Flanagan is looking like he will step in, as per a report in Deadline.
Flanagan has adapted two Stephen King...
One of last fall’s biggest flops was David Gordon Greene’s limp attempt to revive the “Exorcist” franchise for Blumhouse and Universal. “The Exorcist: Believer” was met with intense pans and a worldwide gross of $137 million. That number may not sound so bad at first until you remember that the rights to the franchise alone cost $400 million. While there have been several sequels (plus a double-prequel) to “The Exorcist” since the groundbreaking original that won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound (plus seven other nominations including Best Picture), this was the first one to bring Ellen Burstyn back into the world of ancient evils and demonic possession.
Green’s departure from the series was announced in January, and current horror mainstay Mike Flanagan is looking like he will step in, as per a report in Deadline.
Flanagan has adapted two Stephen King...
- 5/3/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Recent comments from producer Jason Blum suggested that a retool was in order when last year’s The Exorcist: Believer wasn’t as successful as Blumhouse and Universal hoped. That certainly seems to be the case, as Deadline reports tonight that Mike Flanagan is in talks to direct the next Exorcist movie.
Director David Gordon Green was initially on board to direct an entire trilogy of new movies in the franchise, with The Exorcist: Believer intended to be only the first film in that three-film sequel series. Originally set to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, sequel The Exorcist: Deceiver was delayed when Green left the project.
If talks come to fruition, Flanagan will take over, likely steering the franchise in a new direction.
The first film in the trilogy was released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring alongside a returning Ellen Burstyn from the original classic.
In Believer, “Since...
Director David Gordon Green was initially on board to direct an entire trilogy of new movies in the franchise, with The Exorcist: Believer intended to be only the first film in that three-film sequel series. Originally set to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, sequel The Exorcist: Deceiver was delayed when Green left the project.
If talks come to fruition, Flanagan will take over, likely steering the franchise in a new direction.
The first film in the trilogy was released theatrically on October 13, 2023, with Leslie Odom Jr. starring alongside a returning Ellen Burstyn from the original classic.
In Believer, “Since...
- 5/3/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Even in this age of instant YouTube gratification, movie trailers are a big deal. They get us hyped for an upcoming project by making promises that the eventual film will (hopefully) pay off. The best sizzle reels are even able to do this by giving a taste of things to come without ruining any surprises or plot twists. Think about the teaser for Alien with its cracking egg and unnerving siren sound, or the deft use of a choral version of Radiohead’s “Creep” in the classic promo for The Social Network. Both of those examples speak to the haunting nature of their movies while allowing space for the film to stand on its own down the road.
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
- 4/27/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The religious horror movie Immaculate, starring Sydney Sweeney and directed by Michael Mohan, wears its horror influences on its sleeves. Neon’s new horror movie is now available on Digital and PVOD, making it easier to catch up with the buzzy title. If you’ve already seen Immaculate, this companion watch guide highlights horror movies to pair with it.
Sweeney stars in Immaculate as Cecilia, a woman of devout faith who is offered a fulfilling new role at an illustrious Italian convent. Cecilia’s warm welcome to the picture-perfect Italian countryside gets derailed soon enough when she discovers she’s become pregnant and realizes the convent harbors disturbing secrets.
From Will Bates’ gothic score to the filming locations and even shot compositions, Immaculate owes a lot to its cinematic influences. Mohan pulls from more than just religious horror, though. While Immaculate pays tribute to the classics, the horror movie surprises...
Sweeney stars in Immaculate as Cecilia, a woman of devout faith who is offered a fulfilling new role at an illustrious Italian convent. Cecilia’s warm welcome to the picture-perfect Italian countryside gets derailed soon enough when she discovers she’s become pregnant and realizes the convent harbors disturbing secrets.
From Will Bates’ gothic score to the filming locations and even shot compositions, Immaculate owes a lot to its cinematic influences. Mohan pulls from more than just religious horror, though. While Immaculate pays tribute to the classics, the horror movie surprises...
- 4/24/2024
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Universal has struggled to in recent years to bring back its classic horror franchises like Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, The Mummy, etc., attempts that were perhaps too literal. But thanks to the filmmaking collective known as Radio Silence they have, with Abigail, perhaps stumbled onto a way to keep the party going. In this case it is back to the immortal vampire story to end them all, Dracula, but here the bloodsucking title star is his 12-year-old daughter, not the infamous man himself who is reduced to a mere cameo.
Last year the studio tried a variation on the tale with Renfield, which starred Nicholas Hoult as the sidekick to Nicolas Cage’s campy take on the legend but lost its way. I am happy to report that using a blend of a heist flick married to ghoulish and grand over-the-top supernatural bloodletting does the trick in Abigail, a movie...
Last year the studio tried a variation on the tale with Renfield, which starred Nicholas Hoult as the sidekick to Nicolas Cage’s campy take on the legend but lost its way. I am happy to report that using a blend of a heist flick married to ghoulish and grand over-the-top supernatural bloodletting does the trick in Abigail, a movie...
- 4/18/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
The Omen was a blessed success upon its release, earning a spot among the top 10 highest-grossing films of 1976. One of those ticket buyers was Wes Craven, who had already made his debut with The Last House on the Left and was gearing up for his sophomore film, The Hills Have Eyes.
“I remember thinking, ‘Big studio, won’t have a cutting edge to it. Gregory Peck, how can he be scary? I like him, but.’ And it was. I was totally amazed,” the master of horror recalled in a 2006 DVD special feature in which he waxes poetic about The Omen for some 20 minutes.
“I think [Richard] Donner is just one of our primo filmmakers.” Craven had been watching the future Superman and The Goonies director’s work since his early days helming episodes of classic TV shows like The Twilight Zone and Gilligan’s Island. “Every so often, he just knocks something...
“I remember thinking, ‘Big studio, won’t have a cutting edge to it. Gregory Peck, how can he be scary? I like him, but.’ And it was. I was totally amazed,” the master of horror recalled in a 2006 DVD special feature in which he waxes poetic about The Omen for some 20 minutes.
“I think [Richard] Donner is just one of our primo filmmakers.” Craven had been watching the future Superman and The Goonies director’s work since his early days helming episodes of classic TV shows like The Twilight Zone and Gilligan’s Island. “Every so often, he just knocks something...
- 4/5/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Grunge rock’s most indefatigable missionaries, Melvins, will return this spring with Tarantula Heart, their umpteenth release since the turn of the millennium (or is that umphundredth?). As with every release, the group — buoyed by singer-guitarist Buzz Osborne and drummer Dale Crover, since 1983 — have put a new spin on the genre. On the wild “Allergic to Food,” the latest single to come off the album, due out April 19, they dial up the cacophony with even-deeper-than-usual swirls of guitar, drums, and noise with even more musicians.
For Tarantula Heart, the twosome...
For Tarantula Heart, the twosome...
- 3/20/2024
- by Kory Grow
- Rollingstone.com
The Devil has always thrived in chaos, and so there’s no better or more natural place for him to appear than on live TV. That goes double for the live TV of the early ’70s, when an “anything goes” attitude ruled the airwaves, the horrors of the Vietnam War beamed into a hundred million American homes every night, and the devotional trust that people still placed in news anchors and talk show hosts was starting to grow poisoned by the cynical pursuit for higher ratings.
In that light, it was only going to be a matter of time before “Night Owls with Jack Delroy” turned into hell on earth, especially after Jack’s non-smoker of a wife died of terminal lung cancer and the widowed host became more determined than ever to catch up with Johnny Carson. Jack would make any sacrifice necessary to win his midnight time slot,...
In that light, it was only going to be a matter of time before “Night Owls with Jack Delroy” turned into hell on earth, especially after Jack’s non-smoker of a wife died of terminal lung cancer and the widowed host became more determined than ever to catch up with Johnny Carson. Jack would make any sacrifice necessary to win his midnight time slot,...
- 3/19/2024
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Everyone has done jobs they're not particularly proud of in their past. For actors, any of these past works are in the public eye, even if some go on to be largely forgotten. This includes the fan-favorite horror genre, from cheap, grindhouse and direct-to-video schlock to big-budget misfires. Beyond the quality of the movies, some actors just didn't have particularly pleasant experiences behind-the-scenes, leading them to distance themselves from their projects after completion. Every actor has a handful of films that they wish they hadn't signed on for, and with the benefit of hindsight, several have gone public with their regrets.
From established genre icons disappointed at their respective franchise returns to newcomers trying to get their start, horror has no shortage of movies Hollywood stars want off their resume. In a particular instance, one actor's horror movie experience led them to not only regret their participation, but quit acting altogether.
From established genre icons disappointed at their respective franchise returns to newcomers trying to get their start, horror has no shortage of movies Hollywood stars want off their resume. In a particular instance, one actor's horror movie experience led them to not only regret their participation, but quit acting altogether.
- 3/18/2024
- by Samuel Stone
- Slash Film
When it comes to religious horror movies, filmmakers have long delighted in pushing boundaries, crafting tales steeped in blasphemy and the sacrilegious. These don’t just tiptoe around the edge of sacrilege; they dive headfirst into the abyss of the unholy. They challenge the sanctity of the sacred, turning hallowed ground into a playground for the profane and the demonic. This sub-genre of horror is not for the faint of heart, as it boldly questions and often subverts deeply-held beliefs, making it a thrilling ride for those who dare to question what’s held sacred.
From demonic possessions to unholy rituals, these films unflinchingly explore the darkest corners of religious belief and practice. They are the cinematic equivalent of forbidden fruit, offering a taste of the ultimate horror taboo: a forsaken, godless world. As we delve into the underbelly of religious horror cinema, we find a treasure trove of films that not only scare,...
From demonic possessions to unholy rituals, these films unflinchingly explore the darkest corners of religious belief and practice. They are the cinematic equivalent of forbidden fruit, offering a taste of the ultimate horror taboo: a forsaken, godless world. As we delve into the underbelly of religious horror cinema, we find a treasure trove of films that not only scare,...
- 3/16/2024
- by Kimberley Elizabeth
Universal Pictures and Peacock forked over an amount somewhere in the range of $400 million to acquire the rights to distribute a trilogy of sequels to the 1973 classic The Exorcist, which we’re going to another collaboration between Blumhouse Productions and directed David Gordon Green (who recently delivered a trilogy of Halloween sequels), they were definitely expecting the first entry in the new trilogy to go over better with audiences than The Exorcist: Believer did when it was released last October. (You can read our 4/10 review Here.) The box office numbers were okay, the movie pulled in $137 million on a $30 million budget, but Universal was hoping for a lot better than “okay,” and the reactions were largely negative. Soon after the release of Believer, we heard that Universal and Blumhouse still intended to carry out the trilogy, but the follow-ups would be reworked. While speaking to The Direct this week, producer...
- 3/7/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
It’s no secret that last year’s The Exorcist: Believer wasn’t as successful as Blumhouse and Universal hoped it would be, neither critically nor financially. Director David Gordon Green was initially on board to direct an entire trilogy of new movies in the franchise, with The Exorcist: Believer intended to be only the first film in that three-film sequel series.
It was all part of a massive $400 million deal to bring the franchise back to life on the big screen, and The Exorcist: Deceiver had in fact already been dated for release on April 18, 2025.
Those plans have changed, however. We recently learned that David Gordon Green will not be directing Deceiver as planned, and the movie altogether may have gone up in smoke.
Where does the franchise go from here? Will the original trilogy plans come crashing down, now that David Gordon Green has moved on from the director’s chair?...
It was all part of a massive $400 million deal to bring the franchise back to life on the big screen, and The Exorcist: Deceiver had in fact already been dated for release on April 18, 2025.
Those plans have changed, however. We recently learned that David Gordon Green will not be directing Deceiver as planned, and the movie altogether may have gone up in smoke.
Where does the franchise go from here? Will the original trilogy plans come crashing down, now that David Gordon Green has moved on from the director’s chair?...
- 3/7/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
You don’t have to go too far into the biographies of bad boy New Hollywood directors to find examples of impropriety. William Friedkin tossing around poor Linda Blair for The Exorcist. Francis Ford Coppola going full Kurtz for Apocalypse Now. Paul Schrader doing… well, Paul Schrader things. But there’s one guy who doesn’t fit the bill, despite palling around with the others: George Lucas.
For better or worse, the soft-spoken and intellectual Lucas doesn’t seem to push his actors to extremes. And yet, that’s exactly what had to happen for perhaps the most upsetting scene in Lucas’s oeuvre, the slaughter of the Jedi younglings in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
For those who don’t recall, the slaughter of the Younglings signaled the final step in Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side, the point where he committed himself to the path of Darth Vader,...
For better or worse, the soft-spoken and intellectual Lucas doesn’t seem to push his actors to extremes. And yet, that’s exactly what had to happen for perhaps the most upsetting scene in Lucas’s oeuvre, the slaughter of the Jedi younglings in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
For those who don’t recall, the slaughter of the Younglings signaled the final step in Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side, the point where he committed himself to the path of Darth Vader,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Get ready for your next marathon with Max! This February, the streamer is saying goodbye to major award winners, camp classics, and more. Most of the platform’s exits will take place on the final day of the month, including the genre and history-changing “The Exorcist,” the recent Oscar winner “Drive My Car,” and more, but Max will remove several other major TV and film titles throughout the month.
We at The Streamable have assembled our top picks for what’s leaving Max this month— continue below to find your next thing to watch and see the full list below to plan your next movie night before they’re gone!
7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Max in February 2024? “Drive My Car” | Thursday, Feb. 29
A recent Oscar winner for Best International Feature Film, the Japanese drama stars Hidetoshi Nishijima as Yūsuke Kafuku,...
We at The Streamable have assembled our top picks for what’s leaving Max this month— continue below to find your next thing to watch and see the full list below to plan your next movie night before they’re gone!
7-Day Free Trial $9.99+ / month Max via amazon.com What are the 5 Best Shows and Movies Leaving Max in February 2024? “Drive My Car” | Thursday, Feb. 29
A recent Oscar winner for Best International Feature Film, the Japanese drama stars Hidetoshi Nishijima as Yūsuke Kafuku,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Natasha Lyonne has shared a creepy story about James Woods hitting on her during the filming of Scary Movie 2 as part of a darkly comedic riff on the history of sexual assault in Hollywood that left even Conan O’Brien uncomfortable.
The actor told the story during her recent appearance on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast after revisiting her earlier experience with Marlon Brando holding her boob as part of the script for Scary Movie 2 before he dropped out due to illness.
Woods replaced Brando as Father McFeely in the scene, a spoof of The Exorcist in which Lyonne plays Megan Voorhees, a parody of Linda Blair’s possessed character from the original movie. Speaking on the podcast, Lyonne remembered Woods “hitting on me as a teenager in full monster makeup,” adding, “It’s a crazy move, dude.” Watch the segment below.
Lyonne went on to...
The actor told the story during her recent appearance on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast after revisiting her earlier experience with Marlon Brando holding her boob as part of the script for Scary Movie 2 before he dropped out due to illness.
Woods replaced Brando as Father McFeely in the scene, a spoof of The Exorcist in which Lyonne plays Megan Voorhees, a parody of Linda Blair’s possessed character from the original movie. Speaking on the podcast, Lyonne remembered Woods “hitting on me as a teenager in full monster makeup,” adding, “It’s a crazy move, dude.” Watch the segment below.
Lyonne went on to...
- 1/25/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
David Gordon Green is parting ways with “The Exorcist: Deceiver” sequel reboot after previously directing “The Exorcist: Believer.”
The 2023 horror film disappointed at the box office even while bringing back the original “The Exorcist” stars Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair. Sequel “The Exorcist: Deceiver” was slated to be released by Universal on April 18, 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news and revealed that “The Exorcist: Deceiver” has been removed from the Universal release calendar. Production company Blumhouse is looking for a new director for the film. IndieWire has reached out to those involved.
Green reportedly is stepping away from “The Exorcist: Deceiver” to focus on “Nutcrackers,” a film starring Ben Stiller, and Season 4 of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones,” which he executive-produces. Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” meanwhile is taking the April 18, 2025 release date for Universal’s international rollout of the Lionsgate film.
Green was set to direct...
The 2023 horror film disappointed at the box office even while bringing back the original “The Exorcist” stars Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair. Sequel “The Exorcist: Deceiver” was slated to be released by Universal on April 18, 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news and revealed that “The Exorcist: Deceiver” has been removed from the Universal release calendar. Production company Blumhouse is looking for a new director for the film. IndieWire has reached out to those involved.
Green reportedly is stepping away from “The Exorcist: Deceiver” to focus on “Nutcrackers,” a film starring Ben Stiller, and Season 4 of HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones,” which he executive-produces. Antoine Fuqua’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” meanwhile is taking the April 18, 2025 release date for Universal’s international rollout of the Lionsgate film.
Green was set to direct...
- 1/11/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
David Gordon Green won’t be performing another exorcism as it’s been announced that he has exited The Exorcist: Deceiver. It’s not exactly surprising given the negative reception that The Exorcist: Believer received, but this means that the sequel will be pushed back as Universal and Blumhouse search for a new director.
The Exorcist: Deceiver was originally slated to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, but the sequel has been taken off the schedule. After a disappointing box-office opening, the word on the street was that the sequels would likely be reworked; after all, the studios did spend $400 million to acquire the rights to the trilogy. The Exorcist: Believer ended its theatrical run with $137 million; not bad for a $30 million budget, but hardly what Universal was expecting from the return of a major horror franchise.
Related What were the most unforgettable moments for horror in 2023?
David Gordon Green previously said...
The Exorcist: Deceiver was originally slated to hit theaters on April 18, 2025, but the sequel has been taken off the schedule. After a disappointing box-office opening, the word on the street was that the sequels would likely be reworked; after all, the studios did spend $400 million to acquire the rights to the trilogy. The Exorcist: Believer ended its theatrical run with $137 million; not bad for a $30 million budget, but hardly what Universal was expecting from the return of a major horror franchise.
Related What were the most unforgettable moments for horror in 2023?
David Gordon Green previously said...
- 1/11/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Director David Gordon Green’s The Exorcist: Believer was always supposed to be the first film in a planned trilogy from Blumhouse and Universal, part of a $400 million deal to bring the franchise back to life on the big screen. In fact, The Exorcist: Deceiver had already been dated for release on April 18, 2025, but it sounds like Universal is pumping the brakes.
THR reports this afternoon that David Gordon Green will no longer be directing The Exorcist: Deceiver, and that Universal and Blumhouse are actively seeking a new director.
According to the site, Gordon Green is exiting The Exorcist: Deceiver as director because he’s busy working on feature film Nutcrackers and TV series “The Righteous Gemstones.”
The problem here is that Believer got the reboot trilogy off to a shaky start, the film flopping with critics and failing to make a huge splash at the box office. Gordon...
THR reports this afternoon that David Gordon Green will no longer be directing The Exorcist: Deceiver, and that Universal and Blumhouse are actively seeking a new director.
According to the site, Gordon Green is exiting The Exorcist: Deceiver as director because he’s busy working on feature film Nutcrackers and TV series “The Righteous Gemstones.”
The problem here is that Believer got the reboot trilogy off to a shaky start, the film flopping with critics and failing to make a huge splash at the box office. Gordon...
- 1/11/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
After The Beatles broke up, John Lennon and Paul McCartney were on decidedly chilly terms. They insulted one another in interviews and songs and rarely saw one another. Several years after the breakup, though, much of their anger had waned. According to Lennon’s girlfriend, May Pang, he considered reuniting with McCartney to write music.
John Lennon considered reuniting with Paul McCartney in the 1970s
After the vitriolic Beatles break up, Lennon and McCartney steered clear of each other. McCartney said that anytime he attempted to reach out to his former bandmate over the phone, he was met with nothing but anger.
By 1973, though, neither felt nearly as angry. According to Lennon’s girlfriend, May Pang, McCartney and his wife Linda visited them often.
“Paul and Linda would visit us whenever we were [in New York],” she told Cultural Sonar. “Well, they said that they were going to New Orleans to record their new album.
John Lennon considered reuniting with Paul McCartney in the 1970s
After the vitriolic Beatles break up, Lennon and McCartney steered clear of each other. McCartney said that anytime he attempted to reach out to his former bandmate over the phone, he was met with nothing but anger.
By 1973, though, neither felt nearly as angry. According to Lennon’s girlfriend, May Pang, McCartney and his wife Linda visited them often.
“Paul and Linda would visit us whenever we were [in New York],” she told Cultural Sonar. “Well, they said that they were going to New Orleans to record their new album.
- 1/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Warning: this post will contain spoilers for "The Exorcist: Believer."
As of this writing, actress Linda Blair has appeared as Regan MacNeil in three of the six extant "Exorcist" feature films. She was only about 13 when she appeared in William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" in 1973, and returned in 1977 to reprise her role in John Boorman's truly terrible "Exorcist II: The Heretic." Blair then sat out the three following sequels and prequels, returning in 2023 for a cameo in David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer." In that film, Regan only appeared at the very end of the film to comfort her elderly mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) who has been blinded by a demon earlier in the picture. One might also want to count Blair's excellent comedic performance in the 1990 farce "Repossessed" as an official "Exorcist" appearance. Her character was named Nancy Aglet, but everything else in that film synchs up with Friedkin's original film.
As of this writing, actress Linda Blair has appeared as Regan MacNeil in three of the six extant "Exorcist" feature films. She was only about 13 when she appeared in William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" in 1973, and returned in 1977 to reprise her role in John Boorman's truly terrible "Exorcist II: The Heretic." Blair then sat out the three following sequels and prequels, returning in 2023 for a cameo in David Gordon Green's "The Exorcist: Believer." In that film, Regan only appeared at the very end of the film to comfort her elderly mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) who has been blinded by a demon earlier in the picture. One might also want to count Blair's excellent comedic performance in the 1990 farce "Repossessed" as an official "Exorcist" appearance. Her character was named Nancy Aglet, but everything else in that film synchs up with Friedkin's original film.
- 1/7/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
2023 ended up being another solid year for the horror genre. And we folks over at JoBlo Horror Originals wanted to do things a bit differently and look back at the moments we found to be the most memorable. To discuss the series of events that left fans both exhilarated and unsettled. From industry strikes to iconic comebacks and unexpected controversies, the year was a rollercoaster ride for horror enthusiasts, and you know what? Definitely worth looking back on. So, before the clock strikes twelve and the earth becomes a year older, let’s delve into the most memorable moments that defined the horror landscape in 2023.
80s Horror Memories: JoBlo’s Ambitious Project
In a personal milestone for horror fans, JoBlo Horror Originals (a movie page run by movie fans) embarked on its most ambitious project yet, ’80s Horror Memories. It’s a series that primarily focuses on paying homage to...
80s Horror Memories: JoBlo’s Ambitious Project
In a personal milestone for horror fans, JoBlo Horror Originals (a movie page run by movie fans) embarked on its most ambitious project yet, ’80s Horror Memories. It’s a series that primarily focuses on paying homage to...
- 12/27/2023
- by Lance Vlcek
- JoBlo.com
Well, Schmoes, as 2023 finally draws to a close, we reflect on another unique year for movie fans. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes shook up the release schedule, but we still got a ton of movies on the big screen and via countless streaming platforms. If there is one thing for sure, there are always movies highly overrated and underrated by critics and fans alike. As the UnPopular Opinion Guy, I felt it was only fitting to issue my list of the movies I felt the masses got wrong. Some of these may shock you, and some may piss you off, but these are my honest-to-goodness perspective of the movies of 2023. If you disagree with any of the choices, please voice your opinion in the comments below. After all, the only opinion that really matters is yours, and I am just here to share mine.
5. The Exorcist: Believer
As uneven...
5. The Exorcist: Believer
As uneven...
- 12/27/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Over the years, The Exorcist has won plenty of accolades. It was the first horror movie ever to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. It ranks No. 3 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 most thrilling American films. And it regularly appears on lists of the Top 10 horror movies of all time. The creepy classic was originally released 50 years ago and wouldn’t leave theaters, with its initial run extending to 105 weeks — two years! — on its way to making $193 million at the U.S. box office, an impressive figure 50 years ago. We’ve spoken to the film’s star, Linda Blair over the years, and while the resulting film might have been spectacular, Blair admitted to us she had a really difficult time making the movie, especially when it came to the film’s practical makeup and prosthetic effects. (Click on the media bar below...
- 12/26/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Director William Friedkin and producer/screenwriter William Peter Blatty enjoyed having fun with Warner Bros. executives during the production of “The Exorcist.” The Oscar-winning horror masterpiece celebrates its 50th anniversary Dec. 26 “We always put them on,” Friedkin told me in a 2018 L.A. Times interview “They were always concerned that we were both crazy and would eventually implode the movie. So, we staged blowups in front of them, where it looked like we were fiercely arguing over the most minute, meaningless details.”
“The Exorcist” was shot in Iraq, New York City and Georgetown in Washington, D.C. But Warners wanted the film to be made at the studio in Burbank and to “shoot day for night, so we didn’t get into night shooting,” said Friedkin, who died this past August at 87.”I I said ‘no’ to everything, I said things like ‘Why shoot day for night? Why don’t we...
“The Exorcist” was shot in Iraq, New York City and Georgetown in Washington, D.C. But Warners wanted the film to be made at the studio in Burbank and to “shoot day for night, so we didn’t get into night shooting,” said Friedkin, who died this past August at 87.”I I said ‘no’ to everything, I said things like ‘Why shoot day for night? Why don’t we...
- 12/26/2023
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
There are few people the average person associates with The Exorcist brand more than Linda Blair. The visuals of her demonic form spitting up green vomit, spider-walking down the stairs, and her head spinning around are all the stuff of legend. So when The Exorcist: Believer (read our review Here) was announced as having Ellen Burstyn return in her original role of Chris MacNeil, the general consensus was: Where’s Blair?
I was very fortunate to sit down with Linda Blair to discuss all things Exorcist in anticipation of the film’s 50th anniversary. Linda is an absolute sweetheart and a highlight of talking to her was when she brought up how William Friedkin (lovingly referred to as “Billy”) would always call people whose name he didn’t know: JoBlo. I can only imagine what he thought when this site popped up in the 90s! But we, of course, got into all things Exorcist.
I was very fortunate to sit down with Linda Blair to discuss all things Exorcist in anticipation of the film’s 50th anniversary. Linda is an absolute sweetheart and a highlight of talking to her was when she brought up how William Friedkin (lovingly referred to as “Billy”) would always call people whose name he didn’t know: JoBlo. I can only imagine what he thought when this site popped up in the 90s! But we, of course, got into all things Exorcist.
- 12/26/2023
- by Tyler Nichols
- JoBlo.com
Left to right: Doona Bae in Rebel Moon (courtesy Warner Bros.), Ezra Miller in The Flash (courtesy Warner Bros.), Jamie Lee Curtis in Haunted Mansion (Disney)Graphic: The A.V. Club
Every year brings its share of ups and downs, and 2023 was no different. We get our hopes up for a few promising films,...
Every year brings its share of ups and downs, and 2023 was no different. We get our hopes up for a few promising films,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
Every year brings new Christmas movies with their often plentiful and phony Christmas cheer. In fact, most of the recent ones released on streaming—such as 2023’s less-than-esteemed bunch—seem designed expressly for their disposability. They’re content as sincere as polyester Christmas roping strung around the company’s copier in the back. You’re meant to watch them with one eye on the phone, and no Christmas Spirit in your heart.
But there was a time, dear reader, when a Christmas movie could be a truly magical thing: an emotional and cathartic experience shared with strangers in a darkened theater that would make you believe in the true meaning of Yuletide as if you were Ebenezer Scrooge on the glorious Christmas morning following the visit of three ghosts. And then some… some Christmas movies made you feel more like Scrooge the night before. Alone. In the dark. Staring at...
But there was a time, dear reader, when a Christmas movie could be a truly magical thing: an emotional and cathartic experience shared with strangers in a darkened theater that would make you believe in the true meaning of Yuletide as if you were Ebenezer Scrooge on the glorious Christmas morning following the visit of three ghosts. And then some… some Christmas movies made you feel more like Scrooge the night before. Alone. In the dark. Staring at...
- 12/21/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
By the early 1990s, it was still fairly rare to see a Hollywood production invade New England to shoot a film. Things had certainly been made here: Ever heard of Jaws? It was shot entirely on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. And I made a documentary about another one: Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, which was shot entirely in Maine in 1988. In fact, much of my documentary film work has focused on stories native to New England. But, still, we didn’t see the kind of movie activity and buzz that we see nowadays. Despite its natural beauty of mountains, rocky coastlines, and beautiful beaches, New England can be difficult (and expensive) to navigate for a film crew. What’s more, during certain months of the year our weather can be unpredictable and harsh. We’re known for our Nor’easters and blizzards and even the occasional hurricane in the autumn months.
- 12/20/2023
- by John Campopiano
- bloody-disgusting.com
Tatum O’Neal, in a poignant message to well-wishers days after the death of her father, actor Ryan O’Neal, offers a simple but heartfelt, “Thank you everyone for all your love and support,” she says in the Instagram video. “He’s in heaven now.” After a slight pause, the somber-looking Tatum reassures, “Yeah.”
The video, set to Anten’s dreamy, ambient-style instrumental “Hope To See You Again,” is accompanied by a written message: “Me & my kids loved you so much, daddy. You’ll forever be in my heart. Keep each other close, everyone. Life is a journey.”
After her brief spoken message, O’Neal’s tribute video becomes a montage of photos of her and her dad over the years, touchingly ending with the famous Paper Moon photo of the two actors, in character as Addie and Moses Pray, seated on a quarter moon.
Watch the video below.
Tatum’s Ig...
The video, set to Anten’s dreamy, ambient-style instrumental “Hope To See You Again,” is accompanied by a written message: “Me & my kids loved you so much, daddy. You’ll forever be in my heart. Keep each other close, everyone. Life is a journey.”
After her brief spoken message, O’Neal’s tribute video becomes a montage of photos of her and her dad over the years, touchingly ending with the famous Paper Moon photo of the two actors, in character as Addie and Moses Pray, seated on a quarter moon.
Watch the video below.
Tatum’s Ig...
- 12/11/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Fans of Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” had to wait more than 50 years to see the classic children’s novel transferred to the big screen, but their patience was finally rewarded this spring. Written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig (“The Edge of Seventeen”) and featuring such A-listers as Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates, the faithful film adaptation boasts an awe-inspiring Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 99% and was even described by its source’s author in a “Today” interview as “better than the book.” As the 2024 movie awards season begins, its best shot at a Golden Globe nomination lies with its 15-year-old star, Abby Ryder Fortson, who would be the fifth youngest contender in the history of her category.
At this point, Fortson is hovering directly outside of Gold Derby’s predicted six-person Best Comedy/Musical Actress lineup with the support of just over a quarter of our oddsmakers.
At this point, Fortson is hovering directly outside of Gold Derby’s predicted six-person Best Comedy/Musical Actress lineup with the support of just over a quarter of our oddsmakers.
- 12/8/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The episode of The Test of Time covering Exorcist II: The Heretic was Written by Andrew Hatfield, Narrated by Niki Minter, Edited by Mike Conway, Produced by John Fallon and Tyler Nichols, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Here at Test of Time, the whole idea of the show is to look at a classic, either objectively through critical praise, box office revenue, or even things like reputation or cult classic status. The three of us, writer Andrew, narrator Niki, and editor Mike like to discuss what we think about whatever the movie is and have fun with it. Shouldn’t this be able to work in reverse though? What about a movie that is seen as bad? Shouldn’t it be looked at through a different lens via time and what we know now? Maybe a bad movie stays a bad movie but what if a reappraisal alters the opinion?...
Here at Test of Time, the whole idea of the show is to look at a classic, either objectively through critical praise, box office revenue, or even things like reputation or cult classic status. The three of us, writer Andrew, narrator Niki, and editor Mike like to discuss what we think about whatever the movie is and have fun with it. Shouldn’t this be able to work in reverse though? What about a movie that is seen as bad? Shouldn’t it be looked at through a different lens via time and what we know now? Maybe a bad movie stays a bad movie but what if a reappraisal alters the opinion?...
- 11/28/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Amazon listings had previously said that The Exorcist: Believer (our review can be read Here), the latest entry in the Exorcist franchise, wouldn’t be reaching physical media until July of 2024, but thankfully that’s not the case. The movie is available on PVOD – you can buy it from Amazon’s Prime Video at This Link – and will be available to watch through the Peacock streaming service as of December 1st. But if you’re holding out for physical media, you’ll only have to wait until December 19th for The Exorcist: Believer to get its 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD release.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of his recent Halloween sequels with him) and their Halloween Kills co-writer Scott Teems, then wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler (Broken Diamonds). Here’s the synopsis: Since the death of...
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of his recent Halloween sequels with him) and their Halloween Kills co-writer Scott Teems, then wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler (Broken Diamonds). Here’s the synopsis: Since the death of...
- 11/27/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Genres films are often overlooked by academy voters and none more so than horror. Horror films have been a cornerstone of cinema since the inception of the format with George Méliès‘ “Le Manoir du Diable” often considered the first horror movie. Since then, we’ve had hundreds of important horror movies including “Nosferatu,” “Psycho,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Halloween,” and “The Shining.” These have all influenced not only the horror genre but the film industry at large in one way or another. Yet, we’ve only had six films nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars in Academy Awards history. Let’s take a look at them.
The first horror film ever nominated for Best Picture was William Friedkin‘s “The Exorcist,” which follows Max von Sydow‘s priest trying to rid a 12-year-old girl of the entity possessing her. The film made a big, bloody splash at the 1974 Academy Awards,...
The first horror film ever nominated for Best Picture was William Friedkin‘s “The Exorcist,” which follows Max von Sydow‘s priest trying to rid a 12-year-old girl of the entity possessing her. The film made a big, bloody splash at the 1974 Academy Awards,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
The Exorcist: Believer (our review can be read Here), the latest entry in the Exorcist franchise, is now available on PVOD – you can buy it from Amazon’s Prime Video at This Link – but according to Amazon listings it won’t be reaching physical media until July of 2024. While we wait for those discs to start shipping out, Variety has revealed when the film is going to start streaming on the Peacock service… and the date isn’t far away. The Exorcist: Believer will be available to watch through Peacock as of December 1st.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of his recent Halloween sequels with him) and their Halloween Kills co-writer Scott Teems, then wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler (Broken Diamonds). Here’s the synopsis: Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago,...
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of his recent Halloween sequels with him) and their Halloween Kills co-writer Scott Teems, then wrote the screenplay with Peter Sattler (Broken Diamonds). Here’s the synopsis: Since the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago,...
- 11/17/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Friday the 13th and Spooky Season converge this month, so what better time to see an “Exorcist” sequel? “The Exorcist: Believer” is a follow-up to the iconic 1973 film, dubbed my many as the scariest movie ever made. This new movie promises frights and terror in equal measure, and if you’re not seeing Taylor Swift’s concert movie or are looking for something scary to watch, you may be wondering where, exactly, you can see “The Exorcist: Believer.”
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is “The Exorcist: Believer” in Theaters or Streaming?
The film opened exclusively in theaters on Oct. 6, so right now the only way to see it is to buy a movie ticket. However, you won’t have to wait long to catch the film at home. The film is currently available on PVOD and will be streaming on Peacock on Dec. 1.
Is “The Exorcist: Believer” a Sequel?...
Here’s everything you need to know.
Is “The Exorcist: Believer” in Theaters or Streaming?
The film opened exclusively in theaters on Oct. 6, so right now the only way to see it is to buy a movie ticket. However, you won’t have to wait long to catch the film at home. The film is currently available on PVOD and will be streaming on Peacock on Dec. 1.
Is “The Exorcist: Believer” a Sequel?...
- 11/17/2023
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Spookywood Productions unveiled a new clip from their acclaimed documentary Spooktacular! following a successful run on the fall festival circuit.
Spooktacular! delves deep into the intriguing and sometimes scandalous story of America’s first Halloween Theme Park and the genius mind behind it. The documentary not only explores Spooky World founder David Bertolino’s remarkable journey but also gives a heartfelt insight into the lives of numerous individuals who were part of this iconic park.
With a rich palette of interviews featuring luminaries from the vast spectrum of horror history, the film uncovers the thrilling voyage of a man who dared to tap into the zeitgeist of a generation, inspiring and frightening them while laying the foundation for the mammoth Halloween creations that followed.
“To celebrate the critical and audience success to date, Spookywood Productions has released a new clip, centered on Spooky World’s infamous Mouse Girl.
“Aspiring actress...
Spooktacular! delves deep into the intriguing and sometimes scandalous story of America’s first Halloween Theme Park and the genius mind behind it. The documentary not only explores Spooky World founder David Bertolino’s remarkable journey but also gives a heartfelt insight into the lives of numerous individuals who were part of this iconic park.
With a rich palette of interviews featuring luminaries from the vast spectrum of horror history, the film uncovers the thrilling voyage of a man who dared to tap into the zeitgeist of a generation, inspiring and frightening them while laying the foundation for the mammoth Halloween creations that followed.
“To celebrate the critical and audience success to date, Spookywood Productions has released a new clip, centered on Spooky World’s infamous Mouse Girl.
“Aspiring actress...
- 11/16/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
The 1973 classic The Exorcist (watch it Here) is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with a 4K release and a theatrical re-release… and fifty years after it first reached the screen, there are still new things to discover about it. In early October, filmmaker Paul Davis took to social media to share a snippet of actress Eileen Dietz’s Pazuzu makeup test, where she was shown wearing makeup designed by the legendary Dick Smith. Davis promised he would be releasing a commentary video including10 minutes of unseen outtakes and the full 2 minute makeup test video on Halloween – but when Halloween arrived, he delivered more than promised, revealing 35 minutes of rare outtake footage! You can check it out at the bottom of this article.
Based on a novel by William Peter Blatty (pick up a copy Here), who also wrote the screenplay, The Exorcist was directed by William Friedkin and tells the following...
Based on a novel by William Peter Blatty (pick up a copy Here), who also wrote the screenplay, The Exorcist was directed by William Friedkin and tells the following...
- 11/1/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
‘The Exorcist’ – Never-Before-Seen Outtakes from the Original Classic Finally Surface for Halloween!
As we celebrate 50 years of William Friedkin’s The Exorcist, a man by the name of Paul Davis has unearthed extremely rare, never-before-seen footage from the production that he’s been teasing on social media throughout October. Davis, who directed Beware the Moon: Remembering An American Werewolf in London as well as the films The Body and Uncanny Annie (both part of Blumhouse’s anthology series “Into the Dark”), recently shared a brief snippet of footage from a Pazuzu makeup test, and he’s now sharing All of it for Halloween.
Davis just uploaded a 37-minute video to YouTube for Halloween today wherein he shares 34-minutes of rare and never-before-seen outtakes from The Exorcist, and he guides us through the footage with a running commentary track that provides context and additional info.
The incredible video shared by Davis includes outtakes from the deleted Washington Sightseeing trip, the Spider-Walk, the legendary Pazuzu makeup test,...
Davis just uploaded a 37-minute video to YouTube for Halloween today wherein he shares 34-minutes of rare and never-before-seen outtakes from The Exorcist, and he guides us through the footage with a running commentary track that provides context and additional info.
The incredible video shared by Davis includes outtakes from the deleted Washington Sightseeing trip, the Spider-Walk, the legendary Pazuzu makeup test,...
- 10/31/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Now that David Gordon Green has sent another horror franchise to hell with The Exorcist: Believer, the time is right this Halloween for Awfully Good Movies to tackle one of the most awfully good sequels ever made… Exorcist II: The Heretic!
While the late William Friedkin and William Peter Blatty were hellbent against any follow-ups to their seminal horror classic, the suits at Warner Bros. felt otherwise and rolled camera on a follow-up four years later from another prestige filmmaker, John Boorman, despite Boorman passing on the first film and calling it a “repulsive” tale about “child abuse”. So instead, Linda Blair returns as Regan MacNeil one last time to fight the satanic demon nipping at her heels once more, thanks to a mind synchronization device that is just the tip of this sequel’s deeply insane iceberg.
Whether it’s a visibly drunk Richard Burton as the new priest...
While the late William Friedkin and William Peter Blatty were hellbent against any follow-ups to their seminal horror classic, the suits at Warner Bros. felt otherwise and rolled camera on a follow-up four years later from another prestige filmmaker, John Boorman, despite Boorman passing on the first film and calling it a “repulsive” tale about “child abuse”. So instead, Linda Blair returns as Regan MacNeil one last time to fight the satanic demon nipping at her heels once more, thanks to a mind synchronization device that is just the tip of this sequel’s deeply insane iceberg.
Whether it’s a visibly drunk Richard Burton as the new priest...
- 10/31/2023
- by Jesse Shade
- JoBlo.com
The Exorcist: Believer (our review can be read Here), the latest entry in the Exorcist franchise, is now available on PVOD – you can buy it from Amazon’s Prime Video at This Link – and to mark the occasion, special effects artists Christopher Nelson and Vincent Van Dyke have taken to Instagram to share full body images of the demon that is only briefly glimpsed in the film! Since these are full body shots and demons don’t wear clothes in Hell, these images might be considered Nsfw, so I’m just going to link to them. Van Dyke’s post can be found Here and Nelson’s is over Here. One image of the demon can be seen at the bottom of this article.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of his recent Halloween sequels with him) and...
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who wrote all three of his recent Halloween sequels with him) and...
- 10/26/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Exorcist: Believer (our review can be read at This Link), the latest entry in the Exorcist franchise, didn’t go over well with critics or the general audience… which pretty much makes it a typical Exorcist movie, because none of these movies – other than the original The Exorcist and Exorcist III – are very popular, even among the horror crowd. It has managed to pull it more than $107 million at the global box office since being released earlier this month – and now it has been announced that it’s going to be reaching PVOD tomorrow, October 24th!
According to Syfy Wire, The Exorcist: Believer will be available to rent and/or purchase for $29.99 on PVOD services like Vudu and Apple TV. It’s up for pre-order on Amazon’s Prime Video at This Link.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who...
According to Syfy Wire, The Exorcist: Believer will be available to rent and/or purchase for $29.99 on PVOD services like Vudu and Apple TV. It’s up for pre-order on Amazon’s Prime Video at This Link.
Director David Gordon Green crafted the story for The Exorcist: Believer with Danny McBride (who...
- 10/23/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
While looking for a project to follow the success of his films The French Connection and The Exorcist, director William Friedkin came across a book he found to be fascinating: Cruising by Gerald Walker, about “a series of murders in the gay bars of New York, and a detective assigned to go undercover to find the killer”. But Friedkin had already made a movie that centered on gay characters, The Boys in the Band, so he let the Cruising adaptation go by. For a while, Steven Spielberg was attached to direct the film, but wasn’t able to get it into production. In his memoir The Friedkin Connection, Friedkin revealed that it wasn’t until someone he worked with on The Exorcist turned out to be a real-life serial killer that he thought of the way to approach Cruising.
Friedkin wrote in The Friedkin Connection that in 1979 he started seeing...
Friedkin wrote in The Friedkin Connection that in 1979 he started seeing...
- 10/23/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
“The Exorcist” is, rightfully, heralded as one of the greatest, scariest films of all time. And in the 50 years since its 1973 release, filmmakers have tried, repeatedly, to recapture the magic that made the original film so special, to mixed results.
The latest attempt is “The Exorcist: Believer,” from director David Gordon Green, which returns Ellen Burstyn to the franchise for the first time since 1973 and focuses on a new phenomenon – synchronized possession. It’s meant to be the first of a new trilogy of films. And its release (it’ll be on PVOD on October 24) is enough to have us look back at the entire franchise thus far. Which films are scary good and which are ones that you’d rather spider-walk down the stairs to get away from? Read on to find out.
Warner Bros.
7. “Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist” (2005)
How troubled was the “Exorcist” prequel movie? So troubled...
The latest attempt is “The Exorcist: Believer,” from director David Gordon Green, which returns Ellen Burstyn to the franchise for the first time since 1973 and focuses on a new phenomenon – synchronized possession. It’s meant to be the first of a new trilogy of films. And its release (it’ll be on PVOD on October 24) is enough to have us look back at the entire franchise thus far. Which films are scary good and which are ones that you’d rather spider-walk down the stairs to get away from? Read on to find out.
Warner Bros.
7. “Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist” (2005)
How troubled was the “Exorcist” prequel movie? So troubled...
- 10/21/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
The Exorcist returns to the big screen for the first time in 33-years. This time, David Gordon Green will handle the duties of the upcoming reboot that will follow up from the 1973 original. The Exorcist: Believer is about two parents seeking help when their daughters display signs of demonic possession. It’s been confirmed that Ellen Burstyn will return as Chris MacNeil. It’s also been noted that Linda Blair will make a cameo as Regan MacNeil. Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz, Lidya Jewett, Olivia Marcum, and Ann Dowd are the main cast for The Exorcist: Believer. The horror...
- 10/20/2023
- by Jeffrey Bowie Jr.
- TVovermind.com
‘The Exorcist: Believer’ – How the New Movie Takes a Modern Approach to a Theological Horror Classic
Warning: The following contains major spoilers for The Exorcist and The Exorcist: Believer.
Before William Friedkin’s The Exorcist shook movie theaters across the country, a novel of the same name took the literary world by storm. William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist follows single mother and actress Chris MacNeil who watches in horror as her twelve-year-old daughter Regan becomes possessed by a demon called Pazuzu. After an extensive search for a medical diagnosis, Chris turns to Father Karras, a local priest caught up in his own crisis of faith. The final act sees an elder priest named Father Merrin join Karras in a dangerous exorcism that will cost both men their lives.
Blatty produced and penned the script to Friedkin’s controversial film, earning a Best Picture nomination and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Though the cinematic version is rigorously faithful to the source material, Friedkin and...
Before William Friedkin’s The Exorcist shook movie theaters across the country, a novel of the same name took the literary world by storm. William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist follows single mother and actress Chris MacNeil who watches in horror as her twelve-year-old daughter Regan becomes possessed by a demon called Pazuzu. After an extensive search for a medical diagnosis, Chris turns to Father Karras, a local priest caught up in his own crisis of faith. The final act sees an elder priest named Father Merrin join Karras in a dangerous exorcism that will cost both men their lives.
Blatty produced and penned the script to Friedkin’s controversial film, earning a Best Picture nomination and an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Though the cinematic version is rigorously faithful to the source material, Friedkin and...
- 10/18/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
If you are a fan of horror films, you are in for a treat this October. Prime Video India has announced that it will stream two of the most anticipated horror films of the year: The Exorcist: Believer and Saw X. Both films are sequels to iconic horror franchises that have terrified audiences for decades. Here is what you need to know about these films before you watch them.
The Exorcist: Believer
The Exorcist: Believer is the sixth installment in The Exorcist franchise, and serves as a sequel to the original 1973 film. It follows a photographer who must confront the nadir of evil when his daughter and her best friend are possessed by a demonic force. He seeks the help of Chris MacNeil, the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before. The film stars Leslie Odom Jr., Lidya Jewett, Olivia O’Neill, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz and Ann Dowd,...
The Exorcist: Believer
The Exorcist: Believer is the sixth installment in The Exorcist franchise, and serves as a sequel to the original 1973 film. It follows a photographer who must confront the nadir of evil when his daughter and her best friend are possessed by a demonic force. He seeks the help of Chris MacNeil, the only person alive who has witnessed anything like it before. The film stars Leslie Odom Jr., Lidya Jewett, Olivia O’Neill, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz and Ann Dowd,...
- 10/18/2023
- by CineArticles Editorial Team
- https://thecinemanews.online/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4649
There's no question that the moviegoing experience has changed since the "The Exorcist" became a landmark cultural event when it was released the day after Christmas in 1973. Anyone that waltzed right in to see "The Exorcist: Believer" in theaters this October would have been shocked by the long lines snaking around the block to see the controversial original when it took the world by storm almost 50 years ago. It's unlikely that any other film will ever match that particular watershed moment in horror ever again.
"The Exorcist" marked the first time a genre film had ever received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Notably, the entire production garnered 10 nominations, winning two for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. In the decades since its release, "The Exorcist" has retained its well-deserved status as one of the scariest movies ever made, having left an indelible mark on generations of unassuming spectators that...
"The Exorcist" marked the first time a genre film had ever received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Notably, the entire production garnered 10 nominations, winning two for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. In the decades since its release, "The Exorcist" has retained its well-deserved status as one of the scariest movies ever made, having left an indelible mark on generations of unassuming spectators that...
- 10/18/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Warning: The following contains major spoilers for The Exorcist (1971) and The Exorcist: Believer (2023).
On lists ranking the scariest movies of all time, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist invariably falls at or near the top. Faithfully adapted from the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, the 1973 film stunned audiences with its brutal vulgarity involving then fourteen-year-old actress Linda Blair. The story follows Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a mother and movie star who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter Regan (Blair) from a demon called Pazuzu. Coming to her aid, Fathers Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Karras (Jason Miller) perform a dangerous exorcism and lose their lives to the unholy force. In spite (or perhaps because) of the film’s notorious reputation, The Exorcist was a massive hit with box office lines stretching around the block and waves of traumatized moviegoers streaming out after the final credits. Few films since have...
On lists ranking the scariest movies of all time, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist invariably falls at or near the top. Faithfully adapted from the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, the 1973 film stunned audiences with its brutal vulgarity involving then fourteen-year-old actress Linda Blair. The story follows Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a mother and movie star who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter Regan (Blair) from a demon called Pazuzu. Coming to her aid, Fathers Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Karras (Jason Miller) perform a dangerous exorcism and lose their lives to the unholy force. In spite (or perhaps because) of the film’s notorious reputation, The Exorcist was a massive hit with box office lines stretching around the block and waves of traumatized moviegoers streaming out after the final credits. Few films since have...
- 10/17/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
People have come around on "The Exorcist III" in a pretty big way. For a while, it was just the hardest of the hardcore horror nerds stepping up to defend the sequel, much like they did with the wild curveball that was "Halloween 3: Season of the Witch." Both of those movies have been reevaluated and carry substantial fanbases at this point, but it was a long struggle.
"Exorcist III" is a particularly fascinating movie because there were a lot of power struggles during the making of the movie that resulted in different cuts, alternate endings, and a near-takeover by the studio in the wake of lukewarm test screening reviews. This struggle started at the very beginning when the original book's author (and the first film's screenwriter) William Peter Blatty insisted on not only writing, but directing the second sequel.
According to Steve Jaffe, an associate producer on "Exorcist III" and Blatty's former press agent,...
"Exorcist III" is a particularly fascinating movie because there were a lot of power struggles during the making of the movie that resulted in different cuts, alternate endings, and a near-takeover by the studio in the wake of lukewarm test screening reviews. This struggle started at the very beginning when the original book's author (and the first film's screenwriter) William Peter Blatty insisted on not only writing, but directing the second sequel.
According to Steve Jaffe, an associate producer on "Exorcist III" and Blatty's former press agent,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
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