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What’s On? – A Master Content Calendar For Your Bookmarks
Note: Check back for updates as new content is announced!
January 2026
January 2 – We Bury The Dead (Theaters)
January 6 – Will Trent (ABC, Next day Hulu)
January 8 – The Traitors (Peacock)
January 8 – His & Hers (Netflix)
January 9 – People We Meet On Vacation (Netflix)
January 9 – Sleepwalker (Theaters)
January 9 – Primate (Theaters)
January 16 – Night Patrol (Theaters)
January 16 – 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (Theaters)
January 21 – The Beauty (FX, Next day Hulu)
January 21 – Queer Eye (Netflix)
January 22 – Finding Her Edge (Netflix)
January 23 – Return to Silent Hill (Theaters)
January 28 – School Spirits (Paramount+)
January 28 – Shrinking (Apple TV+)
January 30 – Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (Theaters)
January 30 – Iron Lung (Theaters)
January 30 – Send Help (Theaters)
February 2026
February 6 – The Strangers: Chapter 3 (Theaters)
February 6 – Dracula (Theaters)
February 6 – Pillion (Theaters)
February 6 – Whistle (Theaters)
February 8 – The ‘Burbs (Peacock)
February 13 – “Wuthering Heights” (Theaters)
February 13 – GOAT (Theaters)
February 13 – Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (Theaters)
February 18 – 56 Days (Prime)
February 20 – This is Not a Test (Theaters)
February 25 – Scrubs (ABC, next day Hulu)
February 27 – Scream 7 (Theaters)
March 2026
March 5 – Ted (Peacock)
March 6 – The Bride (Theaters)
March 6 – Peaky Blinders: The Eternal Man (Theaters, Netflix on March 20)
March 11 – Scarpetta (Prime)
March 18 – Imperfect Women (Apple TV+)
March 20 – Project Hail Mary (Theaters)
March 27 – Ready or Not: Here I Come (Theaters)
March 27 – Fantasy Life (Theaters)
March 27 – They Will Kill You (Theaters)
April 2026
April 3 – The Drama (Theaters)
April 8 – The Boys (Prime)
April 10 – Malcolm in the Middle (Hulu)
April 15 – Margo’s Got Money Troubles (Apple TV+)
April 17 – The Mummy (Theaters)
April 17 – Normal (Theaters)
May 2026
May 1 – The Devil Wears Prada 2 (Theaters)
May 1 – Hokum (Theaters)
May 15 – Obsession (Theaters)
May 22 – I Love Boosters (Theaters)
June 2026
June 12 – Scary Movie 6 (Theaters)
June 19 – Toy Story 5 (Theaters)
July 2026
July 12 – Disclosure Day (Theaters)
July 17 – The Odyssey (Theaters)
August 2026
August 21 – Insidious: The Bleeding World (Theaters)
August 28 – The Dog Star (Theaters)
August 28 – Coyote vs. ACME (Theaters)
September 2026
September 11 – Sense and Sensibility (Theaters)
September 18 – Practical Magic 2 (Theaters)
September 18 – Play House (Theaters)
September 18 – Resident Evil (Theaters)
October 2026
October 1 – Terrifier 4 (Theaters)
October 2 – Digger (Theaters)
October 9 – Other Mommy (Theaters)
October 16 – Street Fighter (Theaters)
October 23 – Remain (Theaters)
November 2026
November 20 – The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Theaters)
December 2026
December 18 – Avengers: Doomsday (Theaters)
December 18 – Dune: Part Three (Theaters)
December 25 – Werewulf (Theaters)
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I Have Something To Ad #2: Commercials That Live In My Head Rent Free – Halloween Edition
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping some of my favorite Halloween commercials into the ol’ VCR.
I’ve always loved a good commercial, which makes sense given my career trajectory.
But my favorite commercials are, unsurprisingly, Halloween commercials.
There’s just something about hearing that all-too-familiar General Mills Monster jingle whenever I pop in my family heirloom VHS.
Or THE Casper Pepsi commercial that played before the movie on the VHS. You know the one.
And if you don’t, you’ve come to the right place.
Yes, friends, today, this first day of the most wonderful time of the year, I’m going to share some of my favorite Halloween commercials with all of you.
I really wanted to kick off my favorite month of the year with something super fun, and I think this is the perfect way to herald in the most wonderful time of the year.
Additionally, I thought this would be a great follow up to the first edition of I Have Something To Ad.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions.
Without further ado, here are 10 of my favorite Halloween commercials:
Casper Pepsi Commercial
Video source: 90s Rewind
Count Chocula and Franken Berry “How About A Monster For Breakfast Today?” Commercial
Video source: Retroist Commercials
1986 McDonald’s Boo Bucket Commercial
Video source: The Haunted Drive-In
Frankenstein Shasta Commercial
Video source: Foywonder
M&Ms Halloween Party Commercial
Video source: Movie & Video Game TV Spots
Mr. Pizza Head Halloween Commercial
Video source: RPGs For Raccoons
Fruity Pebbles Halloween Commercial
Video source: Dino Drac’s Retro Commercials!
Dracula Coke Commercial
Video source: Movie & Video Game TV Spots
Elvira Blockbuster Commercial
Video source: Classic TV Commercials
McDonald’s Scared Silly Commercial
Honorable Mention
Creepy Crawlers Commercial
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The Substance Injects Symbolism And Important Commentary Through Body Horror
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance into the ol’ VCR.
CW/TWs: EDs, SI, extreme gore and violence, and all like topics
The Substance didn’t live up to my expectations…
…it exceeded them.
Not only is this movie one of my favorite horror movies of the year, it’s one of my favorite movies of the year, period.
Demi Moore’s performance is at an all-time high, and we get to see her like we’ve never seen her before (and don’t take that comment lightly).
But, let’s back up.
If you aren’t familiar with The Substance, here’s a really quick synopsis:
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is a 50-year-old celebrity who is being phased out of her own fitness show because of the ridiculous beauty standards and ageism of Hollywood. In an attempt to keep everything she’s worked so hard for and regain her confidence, she tries a mysterious new drug, known only as “the substance,” to unlock a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley).
Now, The Substance really could’ve fumbled the message. In fact, that was my biggest concern going in.
I wasn’t looking for another movie that basically said, “Everything works out for you if you’re young and hot!”
However, I can safely assure you that The Substance seems to be vehemently against that mentality.
I’m going to try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible because I went in blind, and I think you should too.
I will say, though, that I’m going to have to talk about some of the body horror stuff to make my point, so if you want to skip to the paragraph that starts with “However, The Substance[…],” now’s the time.
Additionally, please take the CWs/TWs I put at the top seriously, as those topics will be discussed from here on out.
Alrighty, let’s get into it.
As someone who has been in recovery for their EDs for a few years, one thing that really stuck out to me in The Substance was the focus on EDs.
I struggled with anorexia and workout bulimia throughout my teens and early to mid-20s, and if you’ve ever struggled, please know I see you and I hear you. I’ll also put some resources at the end of the piece if you need to talk to someone and/or are ready to seek treatment.
Throughout The Substance, we either don’t see Elisabeth eat, or she binge eats. Additionally, she throws up very early on in the film after only drinking. There are also several scenes throughout, like when she’s meeting with Harvey (Dennis Quaid) at a restaurant, where we are given close ups of him binge eating, as Elisabeth appears to eat nothing.
In my opinion, I believe that Elisabeth has bulimia, and that’s why we only see her binge eating. Elisabeth also teaches aerobics classes, and another symptom of bulimia is extreme exercise.
I also believe that some side-effects from the substance are all meant to reflect the dangerous consequences of long-term EDs.
For example, EDs can cause hair loss, tooth decay, substance abuse (in this case, THE substance abuse), brittle nails, osteoporosis, etc…
Many of these complications mirror what happens to Elisabeth whenever Sue doesn’t switch back.
There’s also a scene where Sue pulls a chicken wing out of her belly button, which could be perceived in a couple of different ways…
Either a) it represents a physical manifestation of Elisabeth’s binging and purging or b) it represents a physical manifestation of how Elisabeth believes that if she eats, it will cause her to gain weight.
I would also like to call out a line from the phone operator (I have no clue what to call this person) for the substance wherein he tells Elisabeth that essentially any damage done to her by Sue’s negligence can’t be undone, which aligns with some of the more severe complications from EDs. Once you’ve done so much damage to your body, it can’t be fixed.
However, The Substance doesn’t just tackle the subject of EDs, but rather, it tackles ageism, sexism, the impossible beauty standards placed on women and femme-presenting peeps, self-consciousness, and everything in between.
It also takes female rage to a primal level, and I’m here for it.
Additionally, the messages are so powerful throughout that I found myself rolling my eyes on more than one occasion.
It’s also…funny? Albeit, uncomfortably and darkly funny, but still.
The TL;DR is that this movie freakin’ RULES.
But, it’s gnarly. I do have to warn you that it’s gnarly.
Now, for someone like me who watches horror like it’s my job (which, I guess it kind of is?), I’ll be honest and say that it wasn’t quite as bad as I thought it was going to be.
Is it absolutely grotesque? 100%.
But as someone who has seen their fair share of Brian Yuzna, I wasn’t as disgusted as the people sitting next to me.
I’ll put it this way—if you’ve watched Society and made it through the shunting scene, I think you’ll be okay.
If you can handle guts and gore and killer practical effects, I HIGHLY recommend watching this one as soon as you can.
And remember, you are one.
Resources
Please know that you aren’t alone, and there are resources available to help you get into recovery. I’ve linked some below. I love you. 🖤
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Let The Floorshow Begin: My 10 Favorite Dragula Looks
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping 10 of my favorite Dragula looks into the ol’ VCR.
We all know that I’m a BIG Dragula fan.
I’ve also been catching up on my podcasts because I’ve been so busy, and I’m so behind.
The other day, I listened to the episode of Creatures of the Night where Ian and The Boulets named their favorite Dragula looks, so I decided to follow suit.
However, unlike Ian and The Boulets, I’m not going to list mine in any particular order. It was hard enough to make this list, and it would take me days to actually rank these.
And, y’all need a blog to read. 👀
In the words of The Boulets, drag is art, and art is subjective.
Just because a look didn’t make my list doesn’t mean that I didn’t like it; these are just the looks that immediately came to mind when I thought of my favorites.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions and disclaimers.
Without further ado, here are 10 of my favorite looks from Dragula:
Dahli’s “Weird, Wild, West” look:
IMO, Dahli is one of the most talented drag artists ever
Bitter Betty’s “Weird, Wild, West” look:
Photo source: missbitterbetty
Terminator: Two Doors Down
Sigourney Beaver’s “Monsters of Rock” look:
Tbh, this is so Paris Hilton in Repo! The Genetic Opera coded
Saint’s “Vampire” look from Resurrection:
I think about this look CONSTANTLY
Sigourney Beaver’s “Horror Icons Reimagined” look:
This silhouette THOUGH
Victoria Elizabeth Black’s “Vampire” look from Resurrection:
If I ever become a vampire and don’t look like this, just stake me
Evah Destruction’s “Halloween House Party” look:
This look is hotter than hell
Landon Cider’s “Don’t Suck” look:
I can’t tell you how hot and bothered I got during several of Landon’s performances this season
Priscilla Chambers’s “Ghost” look from Resurrection:
This performance gave me GOOSEBUMPS
Louisianna Purchase’s “Dungeons and Drag Queens” look:
I’ve gotta give it up for one of my local queens
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“…But You’re Still Not Having Any FUN!”: My Pitch For A Face/Off Remake
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping my pitch for a Face/Off remake into the ol’ VCR.
I won’t take up too much of your time today, friends, but I have a pitch for all of you that I’d like to share.
When I had Covid, I rewatched Face/Off for the first time in a hot minute.
As I was watching it, inspiration struck.
And that brings us to today.
I want a remake of Face/Off with Dan Stevens as Castor Troy and Glen Powell as Sean Archer.
Hear me out.
Admit it – you can picture Dan Stevens doing this
We all know Dan Stevens can play a villain. We saw it in Abigail, The Guest, and Cuckoo. Additionally, not only can he play a villain, but he can play a myriad of villain archetypes.
We also know that Glen Powell can play a whole cavalcade of characters because of the versatility he showed off in Hit Man.
Just imagine these two together. PURE. CHAOS.
They’re also both not afraid to have fun, and I think watching them play each other would be *chef’s kiss.*
Also, movies like Twisters have been so much fun to go see and have proven to be a success at the box office.
As a person who just loves movies in general, I would be seated for a remake of Face/Off with these two on opening weekend.
So, Movie Mavens, there’s my pitch.
I’ll be waiting, Hollywood.
P.S. Let’s leave out any of the stuff that didn’t age well, shall we?
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What I Think The General Mills Monsters Are Like IRL
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping what I think the General Mills Monsters are like IRL into the ol’ VCR.
Okay, so, I need to give all of you some context for this one.
As you know, I have a Count Chocula tattoo.
During the session when I got said Count Chocula tattoo, my artist, Lito, and I had a conversation about what we think Count Chocula, Franken Berry, and Boo Berry are like IRL.
I loudly said, “Oh, Count Chocula FUCKS,” not knowing that another artist was walking by, and Lito and I still get a good laugh out of that story to this day.
In my last session, we, once again, returned to the conversation about what we think some of the General Mills Monsters are like, and I realized that it was time that I not only shared some of my thoughts with you, but extended my thoughts to other General Mills Monsters.
And don’t worry, I’m also writing another piece about the actual history of the General Mills Monsters, so this little goofy bit won’t be the last time they’re mentioned on B Movies.
Lastly, I just want to give a disclaimer about how this is all in good fun.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions and disclaimers.
Without further ado, here’s what I think the General Mills Monsters are like IRL:
Count Chocula
As I stated earlier, I think Count Chocula gets it. Count Chocula is one of those guys that you’re attracted to, but you just can’t put your finger on why. He’s not the guy you date, but he is the guy you stay in a situationship with for way longer than you should. He also loves Hoodie Allen and sends “hey, stranger” texts.
Franken Berry
Franken Berry is the Ken of the General Mills Monster world. He’s a sweet himbo that only wants to treat you right, even though there’s nothing going on behind those eyes. Franken Berry is the kind of guy who always holds the door open for you and can’t watch My Dog Skip without tearing up. He’s also not afraid to buy period products for whoever needs them.
Boo Berry
Boo Berry is the epitome of “I’m a nice guy.” He’s the random guy who will follow you on Instagram and then send you a DM talking about how beautiful your smile is. Boo Berry will also tell you how much better than your partner he is and get mad when you don’t respond. His fridge is full of Mountain Dew, and his pantry is full of Cheetos, but there’s not a single paper towel in the entire house.
Carmella Creeper
Carmella Creeper is the cool queer girl you wish you could be. She’s still on good terms with every single one of her exes, and she learned to DJ during the pandemic like Trixie Mattel. Carmella Creeper stays at the forefront of pop culture, and she always knows someone at the show that can get you backstage. Her favorite band is Bikini Kill.
Frute Brute
Frute Brute and Franken Berry are best friends. Frute Brute is a little more guarded than Franken Berry, but he’s a really great guy when you get to know him. He loves sports, but he can also quote Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. Additionally, Frute Brute makes sure that everyone is included and has a zero tolerance for bullying. Boo Berry is both terrified and intimidated by him.
Yummy Mummy
Yummy Mummy is a drag artist and is vocal online about LGBTQIA+ issues. He works as a graphic designer by day, and his nail polish is never chipped. Yummy Mummy is hoping to one day make it to the Dragula stage, but he’ll take headlining local venues for now. He loves Twin Temple and Orville Peck.
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It’s All Four You: My Hypothetical Letterboxd Four
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping my Letterboxd top 4 into the ol’ VCR.
So, I famously don’t have a Letterboxd.
It’s not because I think I’m above it or anything like that.
I just feel like y’all constantly hear my cinematic opinions, so you don’t need to hear them again.
Also, as we all know, I tend to be long-winded when it comes to talking about pop culture.
However, I’ve had a lot of people ask me to start a Letterboxd over the years.
That’s why I’ve decided to compromise and give you my hypothetical Letterboxd top four.
Believe me when I say that this was one of the HARDEST things I’ve ever had to do.
I know I’ve said that before, but whittling this list down to four movies sincerely took me all day.
But, I’ve finally done it.
As with most of the Letterboxd interviews, I thought I would also give you a little explanation as to why I chose each movie.
Now, I feel like two of these might be obvious, but I think the other two might be a little surprising. Emphasis on a little.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions.
Without further ado, I present to you, my hypothetical Letterboxd top 4:
Scream (1996)
Scream (1996) brought meta to the mainstream. Sure, movies like Student Bodies and Wacko, to some extent, existed, but none of them did it like Wes, baby. Scream has some comedy, but it’s not a slapstick routine like some of its predecessors. Scream is sexy, smart, and scary. It’s also queer-coded, thanks to Billy and Stu’s relationship.
Without Scream, we wouldn’t have the same level of commentary within the horror community space. Hell, I would even argue that Sidney Prescott created a new version of the final girl. Scream is one of the most influential horror movies of all time, so it’s rightfully earned its spot in my top four.
Halloween (1978)
The reason Halloween (1978) is in my top four is because John Carpenter revolutionized the slow burn. He and Debra Hill crafted one of the most iconic horror villains of all-time on a shoe-string budget, as well as one of the best original scores. Laurie Strode harkened in a new era of final girl, just like Sidney Prescott would almost 20 years later.
We also wouldn’t have the likes of The Strangers without Halloween. Michael Myers was never supposed to be Laurie’s brother—she was just an obsession, aka he did what he did because she was home. Additionally, we wouldn’t have gotten Jason Vorhees without Michael Myers. Finally, Halloween is just one of my favorite movies of all time.
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
The original House on Haunted Hill is incredible. First and foremost, it’s led by Vincent Price, so how can you NOT love it? Secondly, there’s a level of camp that I really appreciate for a 1950s horror movie. The riffing between Frederick (Vincent Price) and Annabelle (Carol Ohmart)? Come on.
HOHH is also a William Castle joint, so there were all sorts of gimmicks in the theater, and we all know I love a good gimmick. Finally, this movie is ahead of its time. They break the fourth wall, give us a good ol’ fashioned twist, and keep it at a tidy 75 minutes.
Promising Young Woman
I feel like this movie might be the most surprising, but I promise it doesn’t have anything to do with Bo Burnham. In my opinion, Promising Young Woman is a damn near perfect movie. The cast is flawless, the ending is *chef’s kiss*, and the soundtrack is next level. Every single time I watch this movie, I love it more. Saltburn was also one of my favorite movies of last year, so I’ll watch anything Emerald Fennell directs (within reason).
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Cthulh-U Need To Read This: My Favorite Lovecraft Adaptations
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Lovecraft adaptations into the ol’ VCR.
H.P. Lovecraft was one of the most influential sci-fi/horror writers of all time.
He gave us Cthulhu and the infamous Miskatonic University.
He introduced us all to the Necronomicon.
He took eldritch horror to the next level.
However, he was also a terrible person.
H.P. Lovecraft was openly racist, sexist, you name it.
Sometimes, these absolutely ignorant opinions were subtext, but, for the most part, he made it pretty gd obvious.
Hell, H.P. Lovecraft was even considered racist in his time, and this man lived from 1890-1937.
I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about this because we should talk about it.
Did H.P. Lovecraft write good literature? Yes.
Was he also awful? Also yes.
I just didn’t want to throw out the Lovecraft film adaptations I enjoy without giving Lovecraft the criticism and dragging that he absolutely deserves.
Moving on.
We also can’t talk about Lovecraft adaptations without talking about four key players: Barbara Crampton, Jeffrey Combs, Stuart Gordon, and Dennis Paoli. We also have to give Brian Yuzna his flowers because he’s a sick little freak, and his practical effects are some of the best.
These four (and sometimes five) are responsible for some of the best Lovecraft adaptations of all time. Additionally, the theme to Re-Animator is one of my favorite original horror scores ever.
We also have to talk about how Misha Green’s Lovecraft Country is a giant middle finger to H.P. Lovecraft’s racist bullshit.
So, TL;DR – H.P. Lovecraft was an influential piece of shit, and these peeps took his work and transformed it into something bigger and better.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions.
Without further ado, here are six of my favorite Lovecraft adaptations:
- Castle Freak
- Re-Animator
- From Beyond
- Suitable Flesh
- Lovecraft Country
- Color Out of Space
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Drawing A Blank #5: Even, Even, Even, Even More Cartoons You May Have Forgotten About
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping more cult-classic cartoons into the ol’ VCR.
I’ve decided that the best way to remedy a case of the Mondays is with a brand-new edition of Drawing a Blank.
If you’re new to this series, welcome!
Drawing a Blank is a series where I curate a list of cartoons from my childhood that you may have forgotten about over the years.
Also, good luck getting some of these theme songs out of your head.
If you’d like to check out entries in our Drawing a Blank series, I recommend starting with this one.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions.
Without further ado, here are 10 cult-classic cartoons that’ll make you crave a Wonka Peel-a-Pop and Butterfinger BB’s:
6teen
Video source: RebelToonz
The Life and Times of Juniper Lee
Video source: RebelToonz
American Dragon: Jake Long
Video source: American Dragon: Jake Long Fan Channel
Camp Lazlo
Cyberchase
Video source: RebelToonz
George Shrinks
Video source: Captain Cartoon
Atomic Betty
Video source: RebelToonz
Martin Mystery
Video source: NamButter
Maya & Miguel
Video source: Insert a clever username here
El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera
Video source: Nicktoons
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Putrid Pages: Scary Books/Book Series I Loved As A Kid
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping children’s/YA horror books and series I loved into the ol’ VCR.
At this point, it shouldn’t be a secret that I’ve loved horror content from a young age.
Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.
I was the only kid who wasn’t scared to go trick-or-treating at the houses with scary displays.
I also read a lot of horror and horror-adjacent books.
Now, KP was a responsible mom, and I wasn’t thrown The Exorcist or Salem’s Lot in elementary school.
However, as I started getting older, I devoured all of the children’s(?)/young adult horror books I could get my hands on, and I’ve decided to share some of my favorites with all of you.
I’m at the age where a lot of my friends either have kids or are starting to talk about having kids, and I think these books are great for kids who love horror, like me.
I also want to take a second to, once again, thank my mom for understanding me and never trying to steer me away from horror.
Not to get on a soapbox (but to get on a soapbox), there’s nothing inherently evil about the horror genre, so let your kid read a Goosebumps book or watch Eerie, Indiana.
Are there red flags to look out for with kids? Absolutely.
But in my childless, dog lady opinion, wanting to innocently read a Fear Street novel isn’t one of them.
Alrighty, that should do us for introductions and disclaimers.
Without further ado, here are five horror books and book series (and an honorable mention) that I loved as a kid:
Note: My sister would like for everyone to know that she told me I should write about Bunnicula and therefore believes she is entitled to full credit for this piece.
Goosebumps
R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series launched in July of 1992 with the publication of Welcome to the Dead House. Over the next five years, 62 books in the Goosebumps series would be officially published with several spin offs to follow, including one of my personal favorites, the short-lived Goosebumps Triple Header. As of October 2022, Goosebumps has been translated into over 35 languages and has sold over 4 million copies internationally.
In the Land of the Lawn Weenies: and Other Warped and Creepy Tales
I do want to give a disclaimer on this one. I know that there are several books in the, checks notes, Weenies series, but In The Land of the Lawn Weenies was the only one I ever read. Published in June 2003, and purchased by KP from a Scholastic book catalog soon after, I read In the Land of the Lawn Weenies: and Other Warped and Creepy Tales all in one afternoon. To this day, I still think about the short story, “As You Say.”
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
The first entry in the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series arrived on the scene in 1981 and has been mercilessly scaring children ever since. Written by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell, all three books tell stories that scare me to this very day. Hell, we all know that there’s a scene from the movie adaptation that still scares me.
Fear Street
There’s something truly special about writing this piece as I’m in the process of getting a tattoo of the opening scene from the Fear Street trilogy in the style of the original Fear Street cover art. I digress.
We’ve talked about the Fear Street books before, so I’ll keep this section short and sweet. R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series burst on the scene in 1989 with The New Girl. As of 2003, over 80 million copies have been sold, but I’m sure that the Fear Street trilogy, as well as the upcoming Fear Street movie, have boosted that number.
The bookshelves in our house were always overrun by the Fear Street books. We’d snag them from Goodwill, garage sales, you name it.
GREAT band name – watch out, HAIM
Bunnicula
Like Invasion of the Law Weenies, I know there are several books in the Bunnicula series, but I only ever read (or at least remember reading) Bunnicula. And, I’m going to be honest, the story of Bunnicula is bittersweet. Bunnicula was written by Deborah and James Howe in 1978. Unfortunately, a mere seven months before the book was to go to print, Deborah Howe passed away. James Howe decided to continue the series, but I’m sure it wasn’t an easy decision.
Honorable Mention
We’ve also talked about Christopher Pike novels before, but I had to give him a shoutout. Like the Fear Street books, the bookshelves in my house were also packed with Christopher Pike novels, and they got me through many a summer vacation.
Christopher Pike’s first novel, Slumber Party, was published in 1985, and a few years later, a plucky little girl with an affinity for horror would be given a copy by her supportive mother. Then, a couple of decades later, she would go on to start the B Movies Blog, where she would write about the very novels she grew up reading, written by the very authors she wished she could be.
Full circle, baby.
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Internet Oddities: Zepotha, The “Forgotten 80s Horror Film”
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Zepotha into the ol’ VCR.
First and foremost, welcome to the first edition of Internet Oddities, a brand-new series here on B Movies where we talk about little internet mysteries and odds and ends that I enjoy!
Secondly, let’s kick things off with the “mystery” of Zepotha, an allegedly “lost” horror movie from the 1980s.
I first heard about Zepotha in one of Loey Lane’s Scary Side of TikTok videos, and I was immediately fascinated by this concept.
We know that I’m all for guerilla marketing, and I think this is a prime example of doing it well.
But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
In 2023, TikTok users started making videos recounting plot details about a horror movie from 1984 called Zepotha, with one of my personal favorites being the one below from mondayhatesyout00.
Video source: mondayhatesyout00
Additionally, people began commenting on TikToks and telling the creator or creators that they looked like certain characters from the film.
Long story short, the story of Zepotha began spreading like crazy around the internet with some people believing it to be an example of the Mandela Effect while others thought it was another crazy case of lost media.
However, neither of these things were true.
In fact, Zepotha never existed. Yes, you read that correctly.
In fact, the entire idea was cooked up by musician Emily Jeffri to promote her album, which was ,fittingly enough, titled, SOUNDTRACK FOR AN 80’S HORROR MOVIE.
In the original TikTok where Emily pitched the idea for the Zepotha hoax, the music clipped was actually one of her songs.
Video source: emilyjeffri
Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the criticisms of this guerilla marketing campaign.
It did upset some users because with some mental illnesses, people have a hard time distinguishing reality from fiction, so it was difficult to tell whether or not this film was real, thus making the hoax upsetting to certain people.
The same criticisms were also made for another fake film that spread on Tumblr called Goncharov that we’ll get into in another piece.
And that’s more than fair. I see how this could be confusing or cause people distress.
For someone like me that works in marketing, I think this is brilliant, but I think that the criticisms of the Zepotha hoax are still valid.
Moving on.
I think it was really interesting to see how creative people got when talking about the “plot” and “characters” of the film, as well as how quickly people hopped on board to Emily’s idea.
Also, Emily held a Zepotha film competition with a￡500 prize and has said that she wants to do an entire Zepotha-themed album sometime in the future.
Overall, Zepotha, in my opinion, was a really cool creation that was part viral marketing and part social experiment.
But most importantly, it’s an internet oddity.
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