30 Days of Night director, David Slade, has been named as the director of the third Twilight movie, Eclipse. It was reported that Slade will take a decidedly less gory approach to the tween-angst Twilight installment, which is being penned by Melissa Rosenberg, who scripted the last two episodes (Twilight and New Moon). Stephenie Meyer, authoress of the original Twilight series of novels, said she was "thrilled" Slade signed-on to direct and noted the saga has been "blessed with wonderful directorial talent."
Slade, who did Hard Candy in 2005, is also attached to comics scribe, Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
Showing posts with label 30 days of night. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 days of night. Show all posts
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, October 22, 2007
Horrific Box Office
WooHoo! It appears audiences love 30 Days of Night as much as we do! It landed at #1 at the box office this weekend, taking in a fairly respectable $16 million and is getting generally good reviews. It knocked out last week's champion, Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? but only by around $4 million. Perry's flick still did more business per theater, accordingly.
Reports keep making a lot to do about how box office sales are down for the fifth straight week in a row (from what they were this time last year). However, much like the way every movie released this summer set one obscure record or another, I don't see as how this makes any real difference. In fact, it makes sense that the box office would be down seeing as how the kids are back in school and everyone probably got burned by one big "blockbuster" or another over the summer. Excepting 300, I don't recall any of them being all that big of a deal once their 15 minutes of fame was up... in fact, other than Spider-Man 3, I don't remember most of them (I didn't see any of them - the closest theater to me is about half an hour away).
Tim Burton's The Night Before Christmas 3D release landed at #8.
Reports keep making a lot to do about how box office sales are down for the fifth straight week in a row (from what they were this time last year). However, much like the way every movie released this summer set one obscure record or another, I don't see as how this makes any real difference. In fact, it makes sense that the box office would be down seeing as how the kids are back in school and everyone probably got burned by one big "blockbuster" or another over the summer. Excepting 300, I don't recall any of them being all that big of a deal once their 15 minutes of fame was up... in fact, other than Spider-Man 3, I don't remember most of them (I didn't see any of them - the closest theater to me is about half an hour away).
Tim Burton's The Night Before Christmas 3D release landed at #8.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
30 Days of Night - Beyond Barrow & Movie News
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| 30 Days of Night - Beyond Barrow |
San Diego, CA (August 21, 2007)—Those anticipating the release of 30 Days of Night to the big screen this October 19, 2007 will also have a chance to enjoy the further expansion of the 30 Days world and characters through IDW Publishing’s horrific new comic book, 30 Days of Night: Beyond Barrow.
The much-anticipated motion picture from Sony Pictures, directed by David Slade, best known for directing Hard Candy, and starring leading Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett, is based on IDW Publishing’s original 30 Days of Night graphic novel, which launched in 2002. The terrifying story details a small Alaskan town—Barrow—that is overrun by vampires during 30 sunless days of the harsh northern winter. When released, the horrifying vampire tale shocked the comic book world and quickly became a bona-fide smash hit.
With two direct graphic novel sequels and assorted spin-off series and prose novels since the original, Beyond Barrow picks up where the ongoing story has left off. This time a new creature is lurking that is preying on both humans and vampires. “By introducing a new threat even to the vampires, this story takes the whole idea further than it’s ever gone before,” says Chris Ryall, publisher and editor-in-chief at IDW Publishing.
Most notable about Beyond Barrow is the fact that series co-creator/writer Steve Niles has paired up with legendary artist Bill Sienkiewicz to create this terrifying new three-part series. Sienkiewicz, an acclaimed multimedia artist who has enjoyed a strong comic book following since the early 1980s, was a major influence on artist Ben Templesmith, who created the art for the original 30 Days of Night. For this newest launch, Sienkiewicz is doing fully-painted covers and artwork.
The first installment of the three-issue, 32-page comics will be in stores on September 19, 2007, just in time to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the original release of 30 Days of Night.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Buffy - Season 8, Hex
Oh yeah, kids. It's Saturday and we all know what that means: it's Witchy Day at Rated-B. All day. All night too, but we ain't trying to get sexy with ya.
Of course, Hex is on tonight, and if you haven't been keeping up, Ella and Malachi are all messed up and it's Leon to the rescue. I don't know what's happened to Roxanne and the priest lately, although I've seen her lounging in the background a few times. I haven't been able to keep up with this season as well as I did the last one, but then again, I was introduced to that one with a full-day marathon. They haven't had any all-day season 2 marathons yet, but I did wake up in time to see they were playing some of the reruns this morning and they show the previous week's episode right before the new one premieres. If you haven't gotten into Hex yet, you still have plenty of time, and even though you might not be familiar with all the characters and certainly not with the history up to now, you can still jump on board and see what all the fuss is about.
Dark Horse has collected Buffy: Season 8 - The Long Way Home into TPB and our good friends over at TFAW have it available for pre-order. The new Spike mini-series is already sold-out through the second issue, so you may want to go on and place your orders while you can! You might not realize it, but our goodly sponsor not only offers 20% off on pre-orders, but also has first-looks inside the comics so you can preview before you buy. Also, if you write reviews for the products with which you are familiar, they choose three people at the end of the month to send free stuff!
In keeping with our Saturday horror theme, I will likely end up giving you a short review on the new 30 Days of Night mini-series, Eben & Stella. I have only received the first two issues so far, and I have only read the first one, but seeing as how it's on stands now, there's no sense waiting.
But also in keeping with our Saturday theme, I'm drinking, so...
Of course, Hex is on tonight, and if you haven't been keeping up, Ella and Malachi are all messed up and it's Leon to the rescue. I don't know what's happened to Roxanne and the priest lately, although I've seen her lounging in the background a few times. I haven't been able to keep up with this season as well as I did the last one, but then again, I was introduced to that one with a full-day marathon. They haven't had any all-day season 2 marathons yet, but I did wake up in time to see they were playing some of the reruns this morning and they show the previous week's episode right before the new one premieres. If you haven't gotten into Hex yet, you still have plenty of time, and even though you might not be familiar with all the characters and certainly not with the history up to now, you can still jump on board and see what all the fuss is about.
Dark Horse has collected Buffy: Season 8 - The Long Way Home into TPB and our good friends over at TFAW have it available for pre-order. The new Spike mini-series is already sold-out through the second issue, so you may want to go on and place your orders while you can! You might not realize it, but our goodly sponsor not only offers 20% off on pre-orders, but also has first-looks inside the comics so you can preview before you buy. Also, if you write reviews for the products with which you are familiar, they choose three people at the end of the month to send free stuff!
In keeping with our Saturday horror theme, I will likely end up giving you a short review on the new 30 Days of Night mini-series, Eben & Stella. I have only received the first two issues so far, and I have only read the first one, but seeing as how it's on stands now, there's no sense waiting.
But also in keeping with our Saturday theme, I'm drinking, so...
Friday, May 11, 2007
28 Weeks Later Critical Success
28 Weeks Later opened to rave critical reviews across the board. In fact, the only criticism I've come across had to do with the use of handheld cameras (ala Blair Witch Project, though that comparison was not made by the reviewer). While it faces stiff box office competition from the record-setting Spider-Man 3, as well as a host of other major blockbusters opening this summer, 28 Weeks Later could very well become a sleeper hit as the first one did, staying in theaters for several weeks.
Of course, this summer brings a host of big-time blockbuster events, including the conclusions of two huge franchises: Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter. May 18th also brings the premiere of Shrek 3, which premiered Monday with much fanfare and all the stars. Still, while 28 Weeks Later may not be a blockbuster money-maker, the critical reviews agree it maintains the integrity and quality of the original which is, by any standard, one of the best horror flicks in years and certainly the best zombie flick in 40 years.
But let's not forget: 30 Days of Night hits screens this fall! And man, if that movie is half as good as the comic, 28 Weeks Later might quickly be forgotten.
It's not playing anywhere near me yet, but you can count on a review as soon as it is.
Of course, this summer brings a host of big-time blockbuster events, including the conclusions of two huge franchises: Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter. May 18th also brings the premiere of Shrek 3, which premiered Monday with much fanfare and all the stars. Still, while 28 Weeks Later may not be a blockbuster money-maker, the critical reviews agree it maintains the integrity and quality of the original which is, by any standard, one of the best horror flicks in years and certainly the best zombie flick in 40 years.
But let's not forget: 30 Days of Night hits screens this fall! And man, if that movie is half as good as the comic, 28 Weeks Later might quickly be forgotten.
It's not playing anywhere near me yet, but you can count on a review as soon as it is.
Friday, April 06, 2007
More Spooky Comics News
Yes, all the publishers have jumped onto the horror bandwagon - and with good reason: the genre's selling like hotcakes! And not just on the zombie front, even though that's the one most being exploited. In coming months, there are literally dozens of zombie titles being released, even from powerhouse Marvel. Still, you can be sure that B-Rated is your place for the best information as to which titles to pick; my allegiances for any specific company went the way of my need for a clean house at about the same time.
KISS -- yes, the band -- is releasing a monthly title which has nothing to do with rock n roll. Instead, it follows the characters the band created (Starchild, The Demon, etc.) as they fight crime, or monsters, or get into wacky misadventures or something. The art looks okay, largely based on their Psycho Circus toy images, released years ago and designed by one Todd McFarlane.
30 Days of Night is wrapping up its current mini-series, Spreading the Disease, very soon; this month's issue is the next to the last. They then pick up with a new series. Then there's something called Raising the Dead, then there's something called Vampire Puppet... but the big thing I've noticed in coming attractions is the overwhelming number of "mystical arts" (or occult)-related titles - everything from the delayed Dr. Fate to the recently concluded Dr. Strange to just a slew of magic-based characters, both superhero and non-. Not that I have anything against the trend, just that I find it sociologically interesting, given current world events.
It seems that most everyone is looking to rediscover spirituality in a big way and the comics companies have wasted no time in coming to this same conclusion. On the other hand, with the continued success of such properties as Charmed, Buffy, Angel, and so on, one could say that the comics companies have actually been sleeping on the idea for going on ten years. And then too, there's the idea that most trends go in 20-30 waves, surfacing then resurfacing later. This is a very true concept which has been borne-out throughout the ages and the 1970s had a huge upswing of occult-based characters and concepts -- many of which started to resurface in the 1990s (Ghost Rider, Son of Satan, more). And recall how the early 1990s were consumed with the 1960s and a return to psychedelia, folk music, free sex, and so on.
Which means that our grandchildren's generation will probably go through a reality TV phase...
If only we can make them learn from history before that happens.
UPDATE: We cannot. - 2018
KISS -- yes, the band -- is releasing a monthly title which has nothing to do with rock n roll. Instead, it follows the characters the band created (Starchild, The Demon, etc.) as they fight crime, or monsters, or get into wacky misadventures or something. The art looks okay, largely based on their Psycho Circus toy images, released years ago and designed by one Todd McFarlane.
30 Days of Night is wrapping up its current mini-series, Spreading the Disease, very soon; this month's issue is the next to the last. They then pick up with a new series. Then there's something called Raising the Dead, then there's something called Vampire Puppet... but the big thing I've noticed in coming attractions is the overwhelming number of "mystical arts" (or occult)-related titles - everything from the delayed Dr. Fate to the recently concluded Dr. Strange to just a slew of magic-based characters, both superhero and non-. Not that I have anything against the trend, just that I find it sociologically interesting, given current world events.
It seems that most everyone is looking to rediscover spirituality in a big way and the comics companies have wasted no time in coming to this same conclusion. On the other hand, with the continued success of such properties as Charmed, Buffy, Angel, and so on, one could say that the comics companies have actually been sleeping on the idea for going on ten years. And then too, there's the idea that most trends go in 20-30 waves, surfacing then resurfacing later. This is a very true concept which has been borne-out throughout the ages and the 1970s had a huge upswing of occult-based characters and concepts -- many of which started to resurface in the 1990s (Ghost Rider, Son of Satan, more). And recall how the early 1990s were consumed with the 1960s and a return to psychedelia, folk music, free sex, and so on.
Which means that our grandchildren's generation will probably go through a reality TV phase...
If only we can make them learn from history before that happens.
UPDATE: We cannot. - 2018
Monday, March 05, 2007
Zombie Comics: 30 Days of Night, Eclipse of the Undead - A Review
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| 30 Days of Night: Spreading the Disease |
Now, I was mainly interested in Deadworld -- because it's the standard in zombie comics and has been since the 1980s -- but it has a bi-monthly schedule to which it has never stuck, so I picked up a few other titles along the way.
I was a little overwhelmed at first because there were several zombie titles to choose from, mostly from independent companies, but by the time I'd placed my orders, zombie comics literally exploded across all the companies! Marvel, DC, nearly every indie publisher -- every last one of them has at least one zombie-based title either already on the market or soon-to-be-released. Pretty disappointing, really.
At any rate, the first two I got are both from IDW (publishers of Doomed -- a great horror anthology magazine) and I'll give you the rundown on them:
[POSSIBLE SPOILERS]:
Zombies! Eclipse of the Undead is a pretty... "street-level" zombie rag with sub-standard writing and kick-ass artwork. My subscription started with issue #3 and it has no "story so far" preview, so I have no idea what went on before, but it apparently follows some thugs in a world recently overrun by zombies. None of the characters are very interesting to me -- they're all hardened, "tough-as-nails" bad-asses -- and the few that I might have found interesting are dead before the end of book (I'm not ruining anything for you -- you pretty much see it all coming from a mile away).
Of course, I'm prejudiced, because I loathe the "gangsta" culture and what it's done to society and, although this book doesn't glorify it, it does focus on it -- meaning to say that, in a book full of anti-heroes, the guys with the guns become the ones you look up to. Still, the artwork alone is worth the price of admission.
30 Days of Night: Spreading the Disease. Okay, this is a frigging zombie comic! A ZAAAWWMBIE comic!
Actually, they're vampires in Alaska during the solstice or whatever it is that causes the 30 days of darkness once a year. This book is a masterpiece you can look forward to seeing in a collected version sometime in the future, I'm certain. The writing is crisp and tight with a heavily-developed storyline and the artwork is the best I've seen since Vince Locke's! In fact, much like Locke's work, it can be a bit hard to follow at times due to its sketchy, ragged nature -- which, of course, serves to enhance the mood and story, and so it's no real problem.
Love it, love it, love it, love it, love it!
I'll cover the other books I got in another post, cuz they aren't zombie related... which is quickly becoming the thing what makes them stand out...
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