Key Takeaways
- Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has rumored December trailer release.
- Michael Mann's "Heat II" production shifts to Amazon, with filming next year.
- "The Black Phone 2" disappointed critics despite its box office success for Blumhouse.
- The horror genre experiences a paradox of acclaimed top-tier films and struggling middle-tier content.
- Alex Ross Perry's "V/H/S/Halloween" segment is noted for its disturbing, reality-based horror approach.
- Horror anthologies remain popular, sparking debate over single versus multi-filmmaker formats.
- Shudder's consistent acquisition of independent horror films influences genre distribution and trends.
Deep Dive
- Michael Mann confirmed "Heat II" production moved from Warner Brothers to Amazon, with filming planned for next year and an expected theatrical release.
- The hosts discussed de-aging technology in film, referencing 'The Irishman' and the potential for Michael Mann to use AI for de-aging in 'Heat 2'.
- Discussion also covered the merits of sequels and what makes a follow-up compelling, comparing it to potential sequels for 'There Will Be Blood'.
- Hosts expressed disappointment with "The Black Phone 2," unfavorably comparing its tone to "A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors."
- The film was critiqued for its serious tone and reliance on exposition to connect supernatural elements and the Grabber's return, slowing down the 1-hour-55-minute runtime.
- Despite critical reception, "The Black Phone 2" has been a box office success for Blumhouse, outperforming other studio releases and suggesting a "Black Phone 3" is likely.
- The hosts questioned if "horror is too good now," noting an abundance of critically acclaimed films like "Sinners," "Weapons," and "28 Years Later" this year.
- A paradox exists where top-tier horror excels, but the "middle-tier," once offering reliable entertainment, is perceived as less consistently engaging, leading to increased interest in lower-budget independent horror.
- Production delays from COVID-19 and strikes are cited as causes for barren executions and an over-reliance on isolation and character trauma rather than scares, contributing to over-explanation of horror elements.
- "V/H/S/Halloween" is noted as a reliable entry in the Shudder anthology series, with consistently good quality despite the franchise's hit-or-miss history.
- Alex Ross Perry's segment, "Kid Print," is described as "fucked up" and horrifying, contrasting with the anthology's otherwise playful tone and seasonal elements.
- The segment is grounded in reality, focusing on personal fears, while other segments in the anthology explore supernatural or mutated themes.
- Chris Stuckman's horror film "Shelby Oaks" initially presents as a documentary about the disappearance of ghost hunter YouTubers, using their found footage, but transitions into a less successful traditional narrative.
- The hosts discuss the trend of distributors giving independent horror films theatrical releases, citing examples like 'Hell House LLC,' 'Good Boy,' and 'Dangerous Animals.'
- Two Shudder films, "Night of the Reaper" and "Marshmallow," are recommended for their retro 80s aesthetic and plot-dependent twists, with the former praised for its story and the latter for its concept.
- Steven Soderbergh's "Presence" is previewed as a ghost story told from the ghost's perspective, focusing on characters scaring themselves.
- "Companion," a horror film released in January, was considered a good movie by the hosts but possibly hurt by its release date.
- "Goodboy," a 73-minute film, was noted for its lead dog performance but criticized for inconsistent rules regarding its killer.
- Alex Ross Perry explained the origin of "Kid Print" from his fascination with 90s "Kid Prints" commercials for Blockbuster, leading to his involvement with "V/H/S/Halloween."
- He emphasized that his personal fears, particularly home invasion and parental anxieties, are his primary inspiration for creating horror, contrasting with more fantastical elements.
- Perry described the filmmaking process as spontaneous, driven by practical limitations and creative impulses, aiming for a "fun and gross" aesthetic that impressed his wife with its intensity.
- The conversation explored what defines a good horror anthology, citing "Trick or Treat," "Tales from the Hood," "Creepshow," and "Cat's Eye" as examples.
- A significant dividing line is identified between anthologies made by a single filmmaker versus those with multiple directors, with Letterboxd rankings showing appreciation for both formats, including 'Kwaidan' and 'Dead of Night'.
- The speakers noted how television and other factors have diminished the realistic possibility of certain film production types for horror anthologies, which historically featured non-SAG actors and a found-footage feel.
- Hosts discussed the unusual timing of horror movie releases after Halloween, citing "Keeper," "Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein," and "Five Nights at Freddy's 2" as November examples.
- They highlighted formative influences for appreciating episodic horror, including "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps," and "Tales from the Crypt."
- The continued interest in horror anthologies is discussed, citing the success of 'V/H/S' and Christmas-themed anthologies, alongside a desire for more direct adaptations of Stephen King's short stories.