May 082013
 

By Katherine Tomlinson

Even though Stephen King writes like a maniac (in a good way), turning out more books in a year than some people do in a lifetime (Harper Lee, we’re looking at you), eventually there comes a time in everyone’s life when he has read every book King has written (even Rose Madder) twice. So what’s a fan to do? It’s not that easy to find writers whose books share King’s signature blend of great characters, heart-felt emotion, and horror that’s grounded in everyday reality. When you want to read a Stephen King book, you want to read a Stephen King book and not something by V.C. Andrews. Being offered an ordinary horror novel in the place of one by the master is like being hungry for a home-made chocolate chip cookie and being offered Snackwells instead. Yes, it’s a chocolate chip cookie but it’s not the chocolate chip cookie you want.

Luckily for you, at Horror Snark, we’re fans too and we understand your particular and selective craving. We’ve compiled this list of books to help you feed your need for a King-like reading experience while you’re waiting for King himself to finish his own next novel. Also luckily for you, if you pace yourself just right, you’ll finish the last book on the list just as Joyland arrives (June 4).

You’re welcome. Feel free to send us home-made chocolate chip cookies in gratitude.

1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Almost every school kid in America has read “The Lottery,” Jackson’s most famous short story and a staple of English courses. Her 1959 novel, The Haunting of Hill House, is one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written. Not only is it genuinely creepy, but the author’s portrait of the main character, a woman who spent years caring for her invalid mother, only to be cheated of her inheritance, is beautifully drawn, as are the other characters who are chosen to participate in a paranormal investigation at the eponymous Hill House. Jackson’s prose is so beautifully crafted that her opening and closing paragraphs are close to poetry.

2. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

Probably the only novel ever inspired by an eBay listing, Heart-Shaped Box revolves around rock star with an enormous sense of entitlement and really bad taste in collectibles, an innocent little girl and a malevolent ghost who ruined several lives in life and plans to wreak even more havoc in the after-life. Rocker Judas (“Jude”) Coyne has run roughshod over the people he’s known, and all his sins come home to roost when the heart-shaped box arrives. Unfortunately for Jude, he’s not the only one in the ghost’s sights.

3. Swan Song by Robert McCammon

This is McCammon’s epic work, a post-apocalyptic tale of retribution and redemption and rebirth that’s often compared to King’s novel The Stand. The story takes place after a nuclear exchange has laid waste to America and chronicles the adventures of a group of survivors who must contend with the forces of chaos, represented by “the Man with the Scarlet Eye.” The characters here are ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary accelerated evolution of humankind and adjusting according to their natures. Some seek power and domination while others, like the homeless woman known as “Sister,” are searching only for peace. Sister is a powerful character whose deliverance from guilt and sorrow provides the book’s emotional backbone. Continue reading »

Apr 102013
 

Girl Afraid and DeadRedd sat down with Scott W. Perry to talk about his web series ‘In Fear Of‘, as well as his Indiegogo campaign for season two!

Scott only has 8 days left to reach his goal! You can help by contributing here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/in-fear-of

In Fear Of on YouTube || Slick Devil Entertainment || Scott W. Perry’s Facebook

Apr 042013
 

Malevolence3 In 2005, Stevan Mena’s debut feature film Malevolence was a surprise hit when it was released theatrically and on DVD. Written, co-produced and directed by Stevan, Malevolence told the shocking but enthralling story of masked serial killer Martin Bristol, whose story hit a nerve with horror fans and mainstream audiences all over the world. Intended as the second act of a sprawling trilogy, fans were rewarded in 2011 when Stevan explored the origins of Martin’s tragic creation with Bereavement starring Michael Biehn and Alexandra Daddario. Now, the final suspenseful chapter is about to be told with Malevolence 3…but we need your help.

Mena Films announces their campaign to start production of Malevolence 3. Once again, Stevan Mena is writing, directing and producing, along with longtime co-producer Tim Bristol and producer/actor Brian O’Halloran (Clerks). Fans can contribute funds towards commencing principal photography – even pre-ordering the Blu-ray™/DVD! In addition, fans who commit targeted minimum pledge amounts will be eligible for exclusive incentives including signed scripts, tickets to the premiere party, a Skype session with the cast and filmmakers – and a chance to appear in the film!

In Malevolence 3, Martin Bristol returns to where it all began: the home where he was kidnapped from. But he is not the boy who disappeared over 10 years ago. Tortured and abused at the hands of his psychotic captor, Graham Sutter, Martin is damaged beyond repair. Lurking in the shadows of suburbia, he stalks and kills without remorse, picking his victims at random – or are they? Special Agent William Perkins follows Martin’s trail of terror, desperate to capture him before he kills again. Martin’s family, mourning his disappearance for over 10 years, is informed not only that he is alive, but that he is responsible for the wave of murder sweeping through their town. Will they be able to reunite with their long lost son before it’s too late, or will Perkins have to use excessive force to bring him down?

For more information about Malevolence 3, check out www.malevolence3.com
Indiegogo: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/malevolence-3

Mar 222013
 

Lionsgate has released the official trailer for Patrick Rea’s Nailbiter! Soon you’ll have the chance to buy your own copy on DVD or see it via Video on Demand or Digital Download. Look for it on May 28th.  Nailbiter

 

Synopsis:
Forced to take refuge from a deadly tornado, the Maguire family finds shelter in an abandoned storm cellar. As the storm passes, the family tries to make their way out only to realize that someone or something, not quite human, is holding them captive. Struggling to get out alive, they soon realize that no, they simply aren’t alone.

 

Nailbiter Official Site | Facebook
Patrick Rea: Vimeo | Facebook | Twitter
SenoReality Pictures: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter

 

Mar 142013
 

Did you guys get to see JOHN DIES AT THE END yet? What did you think? If you missed it in the theater, now’s your chance to own a copy of it!

Here are the details on the DVD release:


JOHN DIES AT THE END

Written & Directed by Cult Legend Don Coscarelli
Starring Academy Award® Nominee Paul Giamatti, Clancy Brown, Emmy® Winner Glynn Turman and Doug Jones
Available on DVD and Blu-ray April 2, 2013.
Synopsis:

In JOHN DIES AT THE END, it’s all about the Soy Sauce, a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit. Users drift across time and dimensions. But some who come back are no longer human. Suddenly a silent otherworldly invasion is underway, and mankind needs a hero. What it gets instead is John (Rob Mayes) and David (Chase Williamson), a pair of college dropouts who can barely hold down jobs…

Adapted from David Wong’s audacious trans-genre horror novel, JOHN DIES AT THE END with screenplay by and directed by Don Coscarelli (BUBBA HO-TEP) and also stars Clancy Brown, Glynn Turman and Paul Giamatti.

 

For more info:

Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/johndiesmovie
Official Website: www.johndiesmovie.com
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/johndiesmovie

Mar 072013
 

Bloody-Night-Concept-Poster-Hakan-YildizBudapest, Hungary – Director Hakan Yildiz has released the second teaser trailer for the slasher film Bloody Night. Bloody Night was shot in Budapest, Hungary and the film features several rising stars and starlettes. As well, the latest teaser trailer for the film shows flashes of a mysterious killer, who is intent on stalking four friends on holiday.

The trailer shows primary cast members on the wrong side of a knife. Actress Anna Rust (The Brothers Grimm) appears prominently in one of Budapest’s empty streets. Her character is chased in back alleys and a park by an unknown attacker. As well, actor Pau Masó (Haunted Poland) is shown as he provides safe refuge for the distressed Anna. And, even the killer makes an appearance with a sharp blade. Horror fans can view this deadly cat and mouse exchange in the clip provided below!

Bloody Night is also set to tour over 20 horror film festivals. Festival runs will take place both in North America and Europe, with specific dates to be announced shortly.

The film’s synopsis:  “4 University students travel to Budapest during the winter break holiday, but they find their lives endangered. Now, these four friends will have to fight for their lives, to escape a masked madman and killer (Sweet Dreams Productions).“

Release Date: Q2 2013.

Director: Hakan Yildiz.
Producers: Burcak Ozder, Deniz Sahin and Hakan Yildiz.
Executive Producers: Hakan Yildiz and Csanad Darvas.

Cast: Hakan Yildiz, Pau Masó, Anna Rust, Zsolt Der and Christoph Fortmann.

 

Official Site: http://www.bloodynightmovie.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bloodynightfilm
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bloodynightfilm

 

Feb 232013
 

Plot: A nameless survivor is bitten and infected with the virus, a beautiful gift to the world. With only 2 HOURS to find the missing survivors, he must move quickly before the virus spreads too far.

This no-budget short film was shot entirely on a single Canon T2i with only two lenses and a skeleton crew of just three people. The film was made over the course of about two years.

 

Starring: Josh Merrill & Brooke Hemsath

Official Site / Facebook

Director: Michael Ballif
Writer: Josh Merrill
Producers: Michael Ballif & Josh Merrill
Executive Producer: Zach Wall
Production Designer: Allen Bradford
Original Score: Keaton Anderson
Editor/VFX: Michael Ballif
Special Make-Up FX: Allen Bradford
Sound: Josh Merrill
Please contact 2HOURSthemovie@gmail.com for additional information.

Feb 202013
 

The awesome Meghan Murphy has done it again! This time she brings us not one but NINE adorable monster heads for your walls or whatever you’d like to stick ‘em on!

Not Monster

 

Printed on-demand at high-resolution with UltraChrome digital inks on a premium, self-adhesive fabric material that can be removed and re-used hundreds of times without damaging surfaces.

 

If you’d feeling a little more bitchy (like I usually do) Megan also has ‘Stabbity‘, which I should probably put in my bathroom.

Stabbity

If you’d like to purchase Megan’s art you can grab her wall graphics over at Walls360.com. Looking for buttons, t-shirts and other cute (but still spooky) things? kawaiinot is the place to go.

You can find her other, non-Kawaii Not related work at http://www.murphypop.com/.