FILM REVIEW: The Crow (2024 Movie) Starring Bill Skarsgård

Rupert Sanders' 2024 reboot of The Crow offers a fresh and modern interpretation of James O'Barr's beloved graphic novel, skillfully blending dark fantasy with action-driven vengeance. Bill Skarsgård steps into the iconic role of Eric Draven, a man brought back from the dead to avenge the brutal murders of himself and his girlfriend, Shelly, played by FKA twigs. The film explores deep themes of love, loss, and retribution, with Skarsgård delivering a disturbingly compelling performance that captures Eric's pain, fury, and transformation with chilling intensity.

The plot expands upon the original story, delving into Eric and Shelly's troubled past and the bond they share, forged through trauma. Shelly's tragic fate unfolds when she uncovers incriminating evidence of crime lord Vincent Roeg's dark history, portrayed chillingly by Danny Huston. FKA twigs brings a blend of vulnerability and strength to Shelly, creating a romance that adds more emotional weight than in the original film. However, their connection can also slow the pacing at times, with a slightly leaner runtime potentially enhancing the film's momentum, as it feels about 20 minutes too long and some scenes lose their impact.

When The Crow hits its stride, it truly soars. The action sequences are brutal, relentless, and masterfully choreographed, culminating in a breathtaking third-act climax set in an opera house. This scene is a cinematic spectacle, gory, intense, and unforgettable, making it worth the price of admission alone. The expertly shot, edited, and staged violence leaves a lasting impression, particularly for fans of visceral action who will appreciate the unflinching combat that complements the dark, atmospheric world Sanders creates.

Despite its strengths, the film struggles to escape comparisons with the 1994 classic. While it stands as a solid reboot for those unfamiliar with the original, longtime fans may find it lacking the same raw emotional punch. Though not a bad film, the haunting essence of Brandon Lee's portrayal of Eric casts a long shadow that Skarsgård, despite his commendable performance, never fully overcomes.

The Crow successfully reimagines the tragic love story at its core, but it occasionally falters in pacing. The central romance, while more developed, can slow down what might have been a tighter, more impactful narrative. Nevertheless, with an incredible opera house sequence, stellar action choreography, and Skarsgård's standout performance, The Crow remains a solid, if imperfect, reboot. It's worth seeing for its visual and emotional intensity, earning a respectable 7 out of 10.

Out In Cinemas now and on Digital at https://apple.co/4gDM3DF

NYX UK Announces Fourteen Chilling Channel Premieres for November 2024

NYX UK, the premier destination for horror fans, has revealed a spine-tingling lineup for November 2024, offering a thrilling assortment of fourteen channel premieres. These include supernatural horrors, cult classics, and genre-defying films that promise to deliver chills, laughs, and frights throughout the month.

The channel's November offerings are led by Tony Reames' SPOOKT (2023), starring Eric Roberts, which premieres on Wednesday, November 6 at 9pm. This supernatural horror has garnered attention for its eerie atmosphere and gripping performances, cementing it as a must-watch. Horror-comedy lovers will be delighted by STAGE FRIGHT (2014), Jerome Sable’s delightful and bizarre musical mashup of Friday the 13th and Glee, airing Friday, November 22 at 9pm. Starring Minnie Driver and Meatloaf, this film blends slasher thrills with show tunes in an unforgettable combination.

For fans of body horror, SPRING (2014), directed by the critically acclaimed duo Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, debuts on Friday, November 15 at 9pm. This genre-bending film masterfully blends romance and horror, creating a unique cinematic experience that is both beautiful and unsettling.

Celebrating Boris Karloff: A Legendary Double Bill

In addition to these modern hits, NYX UK will celebrate the birthday of the legendary horror icon Boris Karloff on Sunday, November 23, with a special double feature. At 5pm, tune in for THE GHOUL (1933), a chilling classic that showcases Karloff at his terrifying best. Following that, at 7pm, the channel will screen THE TERROR (1963), a gothic thriller directed by Roger Corman, featuring Karloff and a young Jack Nicholson. This double bill will span Karloff’s illustrious career, providing fans with a glimpse into his vast contribution to horror cinema.

Sci-Fi Classics and Giallo Gems

November also brings a couple of cult science-fiction premieres to the lineup. Roger Corman's influential IT CONQUERED THE WORLD (1956) will debut on Friday, November 8 at 5pm. This classic B-movie stars Peter Graves, Lee Van Cleef, and Beverly Garland, and is known for its low-budget but high-impact commentary on Cold War fears. Fans of 1950s creature features will also be excited for THE MOLE PEOPLE (1956), airing Friday, November 16 at 5pm. Directed by Virgil W. Vogel, the film is renowned for its imaginative creature design and otherworldly plot.

Fans of Italian giallo won’t be left out either. SHORT NIGHT OF GLASS DOLLS (1971), directed by Aldo Lado, a haunting thriller with surreal imagery, premieres Thursday, November 21 at 9pm. Another Italian horror delight, BEYOND THE DOOR (1974), debuts on Tuesday, November 12 at 9pm. Co-directed by Ovidio G. Assonitis and often compared to The Exorcist, this film is a perfect example of Italy’s talent for creating atmospheric, supernatural horror.

Cult Classics and Horror Documentaries

The late-night offerings continue with NIGHT OF THE SEAGULLS (1975), a cult Spanish horror film directed by Amando de Ossorio, screening Tuesday, November 19 at 9pm. This film is the final installment in de Ossorio's famous "Blind Dead" series, making it a nostalgic highlight for fans of 70s horror.

Fans looking to dive deep into the making of horror will not want to miss UNEARTHED & UNTOLD: THE PATH TO PET SEMETARY (2017) on Friday, November 29 at 9pm. This comprehensive documentary explores the creation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary (1989), one of the most iconic horror films of the late 20th century.

1980s Horror Galore

Primetime also brings a trio of 80s cult favorites, beginning with MAUSOLEUM (1983), a demonic horror film set to premiere Friday, November 1 at 9pm. Fans of gritty, dystopian sci-fi will love FUTURE KILL (1985), which screens Friday, November 8 at 9pm, offering a unique blend of punk aesthetics and horror. Rounding out the 80s horror selection is THE PROWLER (1981) on Tuesday, November 5 at 9pm. Featuring groundbreaking special effects by Tom Savini, this slasher classic promises gory, suspenseful thrills.

1960s Horror Comedy and Psychological Thrillers

For a lighter, spooky touch, CARRY ON SCREAMING (1966), the beloved horror-comedy spoof from Gerald Thomas, premieres Friday, November 22 at 5pm. Starring Fenella Fielding OBE, this hilarious entry in the Carry On series pokes fun at classic horror tropes. The month’s premieres will close out with SPIDER BABY (1967) on Friday, November 29 at 5pm, a surreal and chilling psychological thriller starring Lon Chaney Jr., in one of his most memorable roles.

With this exceptional lineup of new premieres, genre-defining classics, and tribute screenings, NYX UK continues to prove itself as the go-to channel for horror aficionados. Whether you're a fan of 80s slashers, sci-fi thrillers, or timeless classics, there's something for every horror fan to enjoy this November!

Watch NYX UK on Freeview channel 271, as well as on various streaming platforms.

FILM REVIEW: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024 Movie) - Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara

"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" is the highly anticipated sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic, reviving the darkly whimsical afterlife with a vibrant energy that balances nostalgia with fresh creativity. With Michael Keaton returning as the mischievous Betelgeuse, alongside Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara, the film masterfully blends comedy, horror, and fantasy in Burton's signature style, maintaining a strong connection to the quirky, gothic tone of its predecessor.

Keaton's Betelgeuse remains an unpredictable and riotous force, exuding the same manic energy that made him iconic. Ryder brings depth to the role of Lydia, now older and more world-weary, skillfully blending heartfelt emotion with deadpan humor. Catherine O'Hara shines as the hilariously unhinged Delia, while Jenna Ortega, portraying Lydia's daughter Astrid, introduces a fresh dynamic that connects both new and longtime fans.

The plot picks up decades after the original, following Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), who now hosts a supernatural talk show. She finds herself drawn back into the bizarre world of ghosts, ghouls, and, of course, Betelgeuse. While the narrative is entertaining, it can occasionally feel convoluted, with multiple overlapping storylines—including Lydia's family drama, Astrid's exploration of the afterlife, and Betelgeuse's antics—competing for attention. However, this chaos fits well within the eccentric universe, even if it sometimes leaves viewers scrambling to keep up.

Tim Burton's direction shines with playful energy, delivering a visual feast filled with wacky special effects, impressive animatronics, and a continuous stream of macabre humor. The film excels in its moments of pure spectacle, with standout scenes like the afterlife train station and the return of the iconic sandworms. The design and atmosphere echo the original film's offbeat charm, featuring enough grotesque details and imaginative twists to keep audiences engaged throughout.

Some characters, however, feel underutilized. Willem Dafoe's ghost detective Wolf Jackson and Monica Bellucci's Delores, Betelgeuse's vengeful ex-wife, are intriguing additions but lack sufficient screen time to leave a lasting impression. Additionally, the plot's haphazard nature renders certain story arcs—such as the subplot involving Lydia's boyfriend Rory—somewhat thin, even though his comeuppance offers a satisfying comedic payoff.

Tonal consistency is one of the film's strengths, as "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" stays true to its roots, blending ghoulish fun with bursts of surreal humor. It caters to fans of the original and those who appreciate Burton's peculiar universe and Betelgeuse's antics. While it may not achieve the instant cult status of the first film, it successfully captures enough of the original's magic to feel like a worthy sequel. Newcomers might find its unique blend of comedy and horror a bit bewildering, but the film's giddy, irreverent spirit is hard to resist.

Ultimately, this film is designed for enjoyment rather than serious contemplation. Burton, at his most mischievous, delivers a satisfyingly chaotic yet heartfelt tribute to his original creation. "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" may not reinvent the wheel, but it’s a gloriously fun ride filled with nostalgia, inventive humor, and a few good scares.

Overall, it's an entertaining return to the weird and wonderful world of the afterlife, earning a solid 8.5 out of 10. Fans of the original will undoubtedly find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers are likely to be charmed by its strange and endearing madness.

Now playing in theaters!

COMPETITION: Win Late Night With The Devil on Blu-ray

Tune in for one hell of a show as Late Night With The Devil – the 2023 horror hit from the talented brothers Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes (100 Bloody Acres, Scare Campaign), that’s been hailed by Mark Kermode as ‘Alan Partridge goes to hell’ and the King of horror himself, Stephen King, described it as ‘Absolutely brilliant’ – gets the Limited Edition treatment from Second Sight Films from October 28th, 2024.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on standard Blu-ray

Synopsis:

The year is 1977 and late-night talk show host Jack Delroy’s (Dastmalchian) ratings are in free fall. In a desperate bid to revive his show, Jack plans a Halloween special like no other. He invites a psychic, a sceptic, and, as the main attraction, parapsychologist author June (Gordon) and her subject Lily (Torelli) – a 13-year-old survivor of a satanic cult who claims to be possessed – to join him in the studio.

Broadcasting live, Jack sits down for a tête-à-tête with his unpredictable and very risky guests, unaware of the unimaginable terror he’s about to unleash. Witness what really happened on set in this shockingly unbelievable footage of the infamous late-night recording, if you dare. For a wickedly entertaining and devastatingly deadly evening, spend a Late Night With The Devil.

Limited Edition Release

This devilishly entertaining and wickedly original feature is the latest to receive a must-own Limited Edition Box set release from the company that truly puts the devil in the details. The bonus-packed collector’s 4K/Blu-ray dual edition is set for release on 28 October, just in time for some Halloween havoc and will also be available on Standard Edition.

Late Night With The Devil stars David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer, Dune: Part One, The Dark Knight), Laura Gordon (Saw V, Undertow), Ian Bliss (The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions) and Ingrid Torelli (The End) and the new release comes complete with a host of special features. The set comes in a stunning box with new artwork by Haley Turnbull and the UHD is presented in HDR with Dolby Vision. There’s a brand-new commentary, interviews galore, behind-the-scenes, a making of and much more. 

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ND7J5a

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 04-11-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

COMPETITION: Win I Am Monsters Blu-ray

Nicholas Vince’s movie adaptation of his one-man show  I AM MONSTERS! gets the Deluxe treatment with a special 500 signed limited-edition Blu Ray, which will be available to pre-order now.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you where you can win the soon to be announced generic Blu-ray release of the film.

Synopsis:

I AM MONSTERS! charts Vince’s life from a monster-obsessed child, born undershot, through to an out of the closet actor, propelled to fame by Clive Barker’s ground-breaking films. He speaks openly about being a bullied outsider, the life-threatening operation to reconstruct his face, his battle with being gay in Thatcher’s Britain and reveals what it takes to be a Monster.

Nick commented: "I'm overjoyed to be finally sharing I Am Monsters! on Blu Ray and hope people will enjoy this exploration of the journey which led to the creation of the Chatterer Cenobite, and other monsters on film, in comics and short stories. It's been a long road from the original one man show, presented as part of the London Horror Festival in 2019. Researching and writing the film led me to discoveries about some major surgery, tell more behind the scenes stories from Hellraiser, Hellbound and Nightbreed and share my fascination with monsters”.

I AM MONSTERS! Is a Dark Rift Horror Production, written and directed by Nicholas Vince, with additional poem by Clive Barker. Produced by Paul Butler, Stewart Sparke and Nicholas Vince Cast: Nicholas Vince, Marie Britton, Lyndsey Craine, Stewart Sparke, Craig Burman-Vince. Music by Mitch Bain, Cinematography by Hamish Saks and edited by Nicholas Vince.

Pre-order - https://darkrifthorror.com/shop/i-am-monsters-limited-edition-blu-ray

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 04-11-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

FILM REVIEW: Trap (2024 Movie) Starring Josh Hartnett and Saleka

"Trap" is the latest psychological thriller from M. Night Shyamalan, presenting an intriguing yet uneven entry in his filmography. Known for his signature plot twists, Shyamalan shifts gears in this film, crafting a cat-and-mouse narrative between a serial killer and law enforcement, set against the unlikely backdrop of a pop concert. Although there are moments of genuine tension and solid performances, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity, hindered by predictability and an overemphasis on showcasing the director’s daughter, Saleka Night Shyamalan.

The story revolves around Cooper Abbott, a seemingly average Philadelphia firefighter who doubles as the infamous serial killer known as "The Butcher." Played by Josh Hartnett, Cooper's dual life is explored with a compelling narrative, though it lacks genuine surprises. Hartnett delivers one of the film's strongest performances, convincingly portraying a man on the brink of madness. His ability to maintain a chilling calmness even as chaos ensues around him keeps the audience engaged, despite the narrative's occasional lapses in logic.

Set during a concert by pop star Lady Raven, also played by Saleka Night Shyamalan, the film’s visually dynamic backdrop sometimes feels more like a platform for her musical performance than a genuine psychological thriller. Saleka’s portrayal of Lady Raven is competent, and her fearless confrontation with Cooper adds an interesting dimension to the plot. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that her character, and the concert setting as a whole, was designed primarily to showcase her musical talents rather than to enhance the story’s psychological depth. This choice detracts from the film’s tension, with certain scenes feeling more like a music video than a thrilling narrative.

The film’s major shortcoming lies in the absence of a traditional Shyamalan twist. Fans may feel disappointed to discover that the film reveals Cooper's identity as the Butcher early on, a revelation given away in the trailer. This transparency diminishes the suspense and surprise typically associated with Shyamalan’s films, leaving the story feeling somewhat flat. Additionally, some scenes, particularly those featuring Lady Raven confronting Cooper, stretch plausibility; the notion of a petite pop star fearlessly confronting a serial killer is hard to accept, making these moments less convincing.

Jonathan Langdon, who plays Jamie the vendor, injects much-needed comic relief and delivers one of the film's standout moments in a mid-credits scene. Although his character is minor, he adds a refreshing layer of humor and humanity to the story. It’s unfortunate that he wasn’t given more screen time, as his presence helps balance the film’s darker themes.

"Trap" attempts to blend the elements of a psychological thriller with the spectacle of a pop concert, but the execution feels uneven. While the film has strengths, particularly Hartnett's performance and its overall concept, it is ultimately let down by a predictable plot and the impression that it occasionally serves more as a showcase for Saleka Night Shyamalan than a fully realized thriller. The lack of a significant twist and some implausible plot points leave viewers wanting more depth and suspense.

In conclusion, "Trap" is a decent thriller that entertains but doesn’t quite hit its potential. It stands as a safe, if unremarkable, addition to Shyamalan’s body of work, earning a respectable 6.5 out of 10. For those who appreciate straightforward thrillers with a few tense moments, it may suffice, but those seeking the signature Shyamalan twist and a more tightly woven narrative might find themselves disappointed.

COMPETITION: Win A Nightmare on Elm Street on 4K UHD

It is the 40th anniversary of the supernatural slasher film A Nightmare on Elm Street from New Line Cinema and renowned horror director Wes Craven, the 1984 film is available NOW for purchase Digitally in 4K Ultra HD and on 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc. It will also be re-released in select cinemas from 25 October.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on 4K UHD.

Synopsis:

The 4K UHD remaster of A Nightmare on Elm Street includes both the 1984 theatrical version of the film and an uncut version of the film that includes 8 seconds of additional unrated footage.

Directed by Wes Craven (Scream) from his own screenplay, the film stars John Saxon, Ronee Blakely, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Nick Corri, Johnny Depp, and Robert Englund.  The film is produced by Robert Shaye.

Can your nightmares be fatal? In this classic of the horror film genre that launched a movie franchise, a hideously scarred man who was murdered by a lynch mob returns years later in the terrifying nightmares of his killer’s teenage children… and the dreaming teenagers are starting to die in their sleep.

A Nightmare on Elm Street, which spawned a franchise and introduced audiences to iconic horror villain Freddy Krueger, will be available to purchase on Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc online and in-store at major retailers and available for purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, and more.

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Y6vAPQ

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 31-10-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

FILM REVIEW: Oddity (2024 Film) - Starring Gwilym Lee, Carolyn Bracken and Tadhg Murphy

 

“Oddity,” the 2024 Irish horror film directed by Damian McCarthy, offers a captivating mix of psychological tension and supernatural unease. The story revolves around Darcy, a blind medium grappling with the aftermath of her twin sister Dani's murder. McCarthy skillfully builds an eerie atmosphere that maintains suspense throughout, opting for a chilling tone rather than relying on excessive gore.

Visually, the film is striking, featuring haunting imagery that complements its grim and melancholic vibe. Darcy’s curiosity shop, filled with cursed objects, along with the unsettling country house that serves as a primary setting, effectively enhance the macabre narrative. The gradual unveiling of Ted’s dark secrets is expertly handled, as is the growing discomfort surrounding Darcy’s connection to her sister’s spirit. A life-sized wooden mannequin from Darcy's cursed collection adds to the escalating horror, delivering some of the film's most unsettling moments, even if its screen time feels frustratingly brief.

The performances are commendable, with Carolyn Bracken shining in her dual role as the tragic Dani and the grieving, determined Darcy. Gwilym Lee portrays Ted with a blend of charm and malevolence, skillfully hinting at his character’s darker layers. The film thrives on suggestion rather than overt scares, which enhances its unsettling quality. McCarthy’s focus on psychological dread, rather than extravagant shocks, cultivates a pervasive sense of foreboding. Though the storyline follows familiar horror tropes, it remains engaging.

“Oddity” excels in its exploration of the unknown, leaving viewers in a state of discomfort as the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. The pacing of the suspenseful moments is expertly managed, with strategically placed jump scares that catch the audience off guard. However, it’s the persistent underlying tension that truly captivates. The supernatural elements are integrated seamlessly into the narrative, enriching the horror without overshadowing the story's core.

The film’s predictability is where it stumbles. While the final twists regarding Ted’s role in Dani’s death are intriguing, they may not come as a shock to seasoned horror enthusiasts. Moreover, the wooden mannequin, a potentially chilling presence, doesn’t receive the attention it warrants. Its significance is apparent, but a larger role throughout the film would have been more satisfying.

Nonetheless, “Oddity” succeeds in crafting a genuinely eerie atmosphere. It knows how to disturb without over-relying on shock tactics. The combination of paranormal intrigue and psychological horror plays to its strengths, and McCarthy's direction keeps the tension consistently high. Although the pacing is deliberate, occasionally feeling slow, it contributes to the mounting sense of dread that permeates the film. The ambiguous and unsettling conclusion lingers long after the credits roll.

Overall, “Oddity” stands out as a strong entry in the horror genre. While it may not innovate in narrative structure, its execution is impressive, striking a compelling balance between suspense and supernatural terror. Despite my wish for more screen time for the eerie mannequin, the film ultimately delivers a haunting experience. I would rate it a solid 8.5 out of 10.

Out Now on Shudder

FILM REVIEW: The Exorcism (2024 Film) Starring Russell Crowe

“The Exorcism” offers a spine-tingling journey that explores the blurred boundaries between reality and the supernatural. Directed by Joshua John Miller, this highly anticipated horror film stars Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe, whose riveting performance will leave audiences gripping their seats.

Crowe portrays Anthony Miller, a once-renowned actor haunted by a dark past. While shooting a supernatural horror movie, Miller begins to experience eerie occurrences that challenge his grip on reality. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), becomes caught in the unraveling mystery, torn between concern for her father’s potential relapse into addiction and the possibility that something far more malevolent is at play. The film deftly navigates Miller’s spiral into either madness or a supernatural possession, blending psychological terror with otherworldly horror in a narrative that is both intimate and universally terrifying.

The film’s cast adds further depth to the story. Sam Worthington, known for his roles in "Avatar" and "Clash of the Titans," contributes a grounded performance, while Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg, and David Hyde Pierce round out the ensemble, each bringing their own distinctive touch. This mix of seasoned and emerging talent ensures a dynamic and engaging experience on-screen.

Joshua John Miller, known for his work in the horror genre, directs with a vision that pushes conventional boundaries. His approach seamlessly merges psychological and supernatural horror, creating a thick, unsettling atmosphere throughout the film.

With its intriguing premise, strong performances, and chilling scares, “The Exorcism” stands out as one of the year’s must-see horror films. It promises thrills for both die-hard genre fans and casual moviegoers seeking a gripping ride.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. While Crowe’s performance is stellar and the narrative has moments of real intensity, it treads familiar ground, often relying on well-worn tropes of the horror genre. The final act also feels somewhat rushed, with an additional 10 to 15 minutes potentially adding more depth and clarity to the resolution.

Despite these issues, "The Exorcism" will resonate with fans of religious horror. Its meta-narrative, an actor portraying a priest, brings an intriguing layer to the story. While it may not appeal to everyone, it certainly delivers its share of genuine scares and stands as a showcase for Crowe’s talent.

Overall, “The Exorcism” earns a solid 8 out of 10. With a compelling exorcism story at its core and Crowe’s powerful lead performance, it offers a thrilling and terrifying cinematic experience.

Now playing in theaters.

Interview with David Kempf - By Jon Donnis

I have known David for a few decades now, so who better to interview David than myself about his new book, so David tell us about Ghost Stories.

It’s my new short story collection of ghost stories, sometimes the ghosts are good, sometimes they are bad, but they always seem to frighten us mere mortals.

Why do you think readers are still interested in ghost stories?

I’m actually going to give readers a preview of my new book by publishing the book’s introduction here—

Ghost stories are found in all cultures all around the world. Storytellers have been using the oral tradition to tell these scary tales for many centuries now. The most famous English ghost story is probably A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, although Oh, Whistle and I’ll Come to You, My Lad by M.R. James is a strong contender for second. The most famous American ghost stories are The Haunting by Shirley Jackson and, of course, Peter Straub’s Ghost Story. Another signi"cant ghost story novel is Haunted by Tamara Thorne. The most famous American ghost story of all time is, of course, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. I have always loved haunted houses and castles in stories, fairy tales, and live haunted house attractions. I've tried my best to write ten entertaining and diverse stories to frighten you, or at least to entertain you.

I’ve never met Peter Straub, but his novel Ghost Story and the 1981 movie always inspired me to someday write my own ghost tales. I do have the honor of knowing Tamara Thorne, a truly magnificent writer of ghost stories. Sometimes she writes them solo, and sometimes with her writing partner Alistair Cross. We have found much in common with our love of horror and ghost story novels and tales. She and I are also huge fans of John Carpenter’s The Fog, perhaps the best sea-themed modern ghost movie ever made. We also agree that the movie version of Ghost Story with Fred Astaire is magnificent and that perhaps the most underrated ghost story movie of all time is The Changeling, starring George C. Scott. I am deeply honored that she enjoys my short stories and that she has written several short story intros for me over the years, including two in this collection. So please read the tales slowly. Ghosts are not like vampires or witches; they are subtle. They make you question whether something you saw was real or only your mind playing tricks on you. They bend reality for a brief moment. That’s what ghost stories are all about. So dear reader, read on,read aloud if you dare, and above all, read these stories at night. Perhaps you can decide if this is real or all in your mind. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

— David Kempf, September 2024

What would you say is the difference between writing about characters either from mythology, or characters created by other authors, as opposed to writing about characters you yourself have created?

Ghost stories have a long history but for the most part I am inventing almost new characters both living and dead in this new short story set. The one exception, of course, is I touch on the subject of a haunted island and sea monster folklore. In that story, Banshee, I actually borrow from Robert Louis Stevenson from Treasure Island because I mention Long John Silver in an eerie local island legend. This time I don’t blatantly steal like I did in Tales of Monster Madness where I use Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in a story. A story mixed with Oscar Wilde’s Dorian Gray as well. The characters are mostly kindred spirits in that they are created by me in this one. Pun intended.

Why do you think horror and ghost story books remain so popular?

Jon, I think they're something you and I can really enjoy. And we’re far from being alone on this. As you know almost every church has a ghost that haunts it in England, (Yes I know you don't believe in ghosts, but the stories, real or not are told). And of course I feature some characters who claim some type of clairvoyant or psychic ability. That’s something I know is right up your alley, except of course the skeptic can’t always be too sure of his lack of belief in order for the story to move along nicely.

What inspires your stories?

Well, I write about what I want to write about. I wanted to write about the Jinn and the wish gone wrong and then I wrote my Dark Fiction trilogy. When the idea of mashing up these classic monsters popped into my head, I just went with it and wrote TALES OF MONSTER MADNESS. With this new one GHOST STORIES I wanted to touch on all the ghost story lore I liked. I wrote one ghost story and could not stop. I started writing them one by one, and then next thing I knew I had an entire collection of them. Last year I thought "Dracula vs. the Wizard of Oz"? Now who could resist that? Now I’m thinking that I have ten great stories that were well enjoyed by some of the best ghost story authors out there. And if they could not resist then how can you?

What do you think the difference between American horror and British horror is? In this case in terms of ghost stories.

I think that ghost stories are probably more popular in England than here in America. When America was young in the colonial days, ghost stories were probably a much bigger thing. Despite the Andy Williams song It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Americans love the idea of ghosts for ghost tours, older stories, occasional movies, and especially for Halloween. Telling ghost stories is big in England. We had Poe who really only hinted at ghosts but we do have Hell House and The Haunting of Hill House. England still has more ghostly tales. You tell them over Christmas and every church has it’s own famous ghosts. There’s more ghostly characters and legends on the other side of the pond.


Is there an audio-book version of your book?

Sadly not yet. Podcaster Boo Rhodes and my narrator Wesley Critchified have expressed an interest in it but I am busy turning FOUR MURDER MYSTERY PLAYS into audio dramas right now. And I have pretty much a dream cast for the voices.

Why did you sell the stories individually before putting them together in one book?

I did it so that anyone who wanted to get a sample of my work could so so. And usually it’s the remarkable cover art by my cousin Heather Slawecki that gets people to make that one dollar investment in my written word.

Tell us about the various authors you have had write introductions for the stories.

Years ago, I read a book called My Favorite Horror Story, and it featured an introduction before each short story. Usually it was a favorite short story of certain write like Harlan Ellison or Peter Straub. Anyway, it was a great book and I got to be introduced to a number of authors and short stories that I had never previously heard of. I loved the heartfelt introductions idea so I asked some of my writer friends to write intros for me. Gary Raisor, Lorraine Evanoff, Tamara Thorne, Boo Rhodes, Andres Montanez, Michael Baker, and a gentleman by the name of Jon Donnis wrote the intros. I also owe a huge debt to my editor A.L. Sirois, and my cousin Heather Slawecki for covers and formatting. I was very proud of the book that these collaborations produced.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an author?

Wow. Writers always think there current book is there best work but in this case, that might actually be true! But I’m not sure. I really loved TALES OF MONSTER MADNESS last year, and this year GHOST STORIES is my best work. I guess I should just say my greatest accomplishment is always striving to do my best work.

What are your current projects?

I would like to concentrate on writing the short stories. I’ve written ten stories based on classic monster characters but I am not done yet. I just wrote ten ghost stories in a collection and next for me is ten dystopian stories in the future.

And we all know I fully intend to keep writing for Masters of Horror U.K. for as long as I can.

Well it has been a pleasure talking to you David, and I wish you all the best not only for this latest book, but for all your future work. Thank you.

Ghost Stories is out now on Kindle, check it out at

Amazon UK

Amazon US