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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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Hello Uglies: How The Boulet Brothers Serve…Me A Coping Mechanism
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping all things Boulet Brothers into the ol’ VCR.
Drag. Filth. Horror. Glamour.
These four little words have become synonymous with a new wave of drag performances. These four little words have become a battle cry for the unconventional, the unfamiliar, and the (delightfully) unnerving. These four little words represent the empire and the weirdly wonderful world of Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet, otherwise known as the Boulet Brothers.*
*Note: They aren’t brothers, but are partners. Don’t be gross.
The Boulet Brothers were performing and hosting long before Dragula became a reality competition show. In fact, the duo has been giving a platform to alternative drag performances for years, if not decades. However, Shudder (and AMC by default) has finally given the Boulet Brothers the audience they’ve always deserved.

Mothers.
The first season of Dragula premiered all the way back in 2016. But, unfortunately, the Boulet Brothers didn’t hit my radar until circa 2019 when Austin’s own Louisianna Purchase appeared on season three. I was on my usual bus ride home when I saw Louisianna’s Instagram post announcing that season three of Dragula was on Netflix.
To no one’s surprise, I spent the remainder of my bus ride and walk home Googling the Boulet Brothers, Dragula, and everything adjacent. I proceeded to stay up until an ungodly hour binging the third season, and was downright gleeful when I found out the first and second seasons were also available on YouTube and Netflix, respectively.
After burning my way through all three seasons of Dragula, I recommended it to every single person I could. I’ve always followed certain queens from Drag Race, but I fell off after the first couple of seasons. Dragula was something unique and different and gave a voice to artists who are so often overlooked because they don’t fit the pageant queen mold. I was also working at a coffee chain and was absolutely miserable, and the Boulets gave me solace.
Obsessed was, and still is, an understatement.

How I think I look in the Halloween aisle at Walmart.
Then, in 2020, I went home to stay with KP after her cancer diagnosis, and it became one of the absolute worst years of my life (not because of KP, but because of multiple other factors, including my grandmother who makes Margaret White look like a good time). Lo and behold, the Boulet Brothers were there, yet again, with Dragula: Resurrection.
Now, let’s fast-forward to 2021. KP came to visit me at my apartment, and I was rewatching Dragula during a bad mental health weekend. And, in surprise to no one, she LOVED it; we actually started the entire series over during her stay… and finished it all.
We even had to pause an episode of season two when Biqtch Puddin talks about her relationship with her father because KP couldn’t fathom parents disowning their children; she also took this opportunity to remind me that she loved me for who I am, and my sexuality, in no way, made her love me less.
Yes, we both cried, too.

My sleep paralysis demons could never.
I walked KP through how to use Shudder on her Roku at home, and we watched all of season four together. Sadly, it would be the last piece of Boulet Brothers content we’d ever get to watch together, as she passed away the following summer.
Fast forward to April of 2023. Two pivotal things happened: 1) The Boulet Brothers released The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special on April 25 and 2) I attended the Boulet Brothers’ Titans tour on April 26.
As I previously mentioned, my mother passed away in the summer of 2022 after a two-year battle with cancer (you can read more about it in another piece I did). This means we’re rapidly approaching the first anniversary of her death on July 4.

Me starring in my extremely problematic 4th grade play on Texas History.
It sounds extremely cliched, but words can’t express how much I miss KP. It’s a pain worse than any other physical or emotional sensation I’ve ever felt. The closer we get to the anniversary of her death, the more I wish time would freeze at 11:59PM on July 3.
However, the Boulet Brothers were there, yet again, with a special KP would have LOVED and a show that took me to church. I felt the closest to my mother I’ve felt since she died. I know she was there at the Paramount with me, and I know she would’ve been just as mesmerized by Victoria Elizabeth Black’s performance as I was… and not just because Victoria Elizabeth Black is her favorite.
The Boulet Brothers have not only crafted a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community, but they’ve created an entirely new area to celebrate drag artists. It’s a space where queer, horror lovin’ gals like me have all their boxes checked and feel totally at home. It’s also a space where I can remember my mother in a unique way she would’ve loved.
Whether it be through content or live shows, the Boulet Brothers continue to remind me of how lucky I was to have the accepting mother I did. As well as to never wear Club Kid shoes.

Me responding “No” when my friend asks if I’m dressing cute today.
All four seasons of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Titans, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection, and The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special are all now streaming on Shudder and AMC+.
You can also find their podcast, Creatures of the Night, wherever you listen.
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The Boogeyman: Grief Takes Many Forms
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Rob Savage’s The Boogeyman into the ol’ VCR.
Everyone has their Stephen King book. You know what I mean. It’s the one Stephen King novel or collection that sticks with you. It’ll randomly pop into your mind and give you the chills. For me, it’s Night Shift. I read it as a teenager, and it’s stuck with me ever since.
Needless to say, I was nervous about The Boogeyman because this story was one that really bothered me. Friends, I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised. And, with the exception of one cheesy scene at the end, I think we have a winner.
I think The Boogeyman works because it isn’t a direct adaptation, nor does it try to stray too far from the source material. The struggle with bringing Stephen King to film is real. I’ve seen really good adaptations, and I’ve seen some real stinkers.
You see, Doc, when I was a young boy, my father took me into the city.
The genius of The Boogeyman is that it uses the short story as a catalyst and then expands upon the source material. This might be the exact reason critics will source for hating it, but for me, it worked.
As a card-carrying member of the Dead Mom Club, I felt Sadie’s (Sophie Thatcher) plight. I’m fortunate to have the most supportive friends a girl could possibly ask for, but friends of my grandmother/people I’m not close to sure did take some liberties on what they thought was appropriate to say.
Additionally, I loved the parallels to grief. The boogeyman initially manifests as the shadow figure you see out of the corner of your eye and slowly reveals itself until we start to see the monster as it is. Grief creeps up on you when you least expect it, as does the boogeyman. Grief is also fed through denial.
The Boulet Brothers discussed The Boogeyman with David Dastmalchian on their most recent episode of Creatures of the Night and said the movie doesn’t feel like PG-13 horror, and I highly agree. It feels more like The Skeleton Key where it could easily be R, but they avoided language and sex to cast the net for a wider audience. One scene in particular even had my friend Brooke and I squirming a bit, and we’re horror pros.
Pictured: Chris Messina looking at his agent after realizing how much content he was booked for this year.
Now, there is one cheesy scene in the last 10-15 minutes, and it briefly took me out of the movie. I understand that in grief, you search for signs that don’t seem to exist, and I think it would’ve been more powerful to have left something up to interpretation. Once you watch it, you’ll see what I mean.
Overall, I think The Boogeyman is a strong film, and if you’re a fan of The Babadook, It Follows, and/or Smile, you’ll really dig it. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a delightful reference/ connection to another Rob Savage film.
So, dear readers, go forth and watch Rob Savage’s latest. Just leave some lights on for when you get back.
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Cult Yourself A Slice Of Pizza Time Pizza
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Alex Bale’s Pizza Time Pizza ARG into the ol’ VCR.
Alright, we all know what I’m about to say: I love me a good horror ARG. I’d seen the first video in the Pizza Time Pizza series a while back, but I didn’t pursue it further. However, now that I’m knee-deep in Alex’s other ARG, DON’T FEED THE MUSE, and Baz’s YouTube backlog, I’ve taken a bite out of Pizza Time Pizza. And I have to say, it tastes delicious.
For those unfamiliar with Pizza Time Pizza, it’s an ARG from about five years ago told throughout 15 videos (including a video dissing Inside A Mind). At first glance, Pizza Time Pizza appears to be a run-of-the-mill cheap pizza joint…until you start reading the fine print. Throughout the first commercial, the fine print seems to hide something a bit more sinister.

YUP, NOTHING TO SEE HERE.
Additionally, the testimonies seem a bit off, especially for an average pizza place with nothing to hide. In true Alex Bale fashion, the videos don’t just contain commercials, but rather other scenes to present and progress the narrative.
As it turns out, Pizza Time Pizza is actually a Heaven’s Gate-esque cult, responsible for the disappearance of several locals. But who is running the cult? Who is the Pizza Man? Is the driving force behind this cult even human?
Well, friends, you’ll have to watch to find out (the amount of Little Caesars and Domino’s ads YouTube gave me while watching this series was both hilarious and concerning, so brace yourselves).
This video is simultaneously one of the creepiest and my favorite.
If you aren’t familiar with Pizza Time Pizza, DON’T FEED THE MUSE, or any of Alex Bale’s other works, I highly recommend going down the YouTube rabbit hole. Alex’s content is some of the most entertaining, detailed, and all-around YouTube horror content out there. His storytelling is extremely unique, and his ability to not only create content to tell a story, but to weave an entire world around the content as well *chef’s kiss*.
So, dear readers, spend a couple hours and go through the Pizza Time Pizza saga. Just, y’know, maybe order some ‘za from somewhere else. -
Screaming For New Content: A Spotlight On AJTheIllustrator And HeidiMaetrix
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping the work of AJTheIllustrator and HeidiMaetrix into the ol’ VCR.
Let’s get personal for a minute, friends. We all know I have a very specific writing style and very unique voice. I can’t help it; it’s just how I am as a person. For years, I’ve struggled with rejection. In fact, I was even rejected by Rotten Tomatoes last year because of my voice.
However, I’ve really come into my own as a writer over the years. And, it’s thanks to creators like Heidi and AJ.
AJ’s account first hit my radar as I was scrolling through Instagram one night. Their short film that depicts Scream directed by Wes Anderson was recommended to me between posts, and I was immediately obsessed. You can not only see but feel the fun these two have collaborating together, and I really think it speaks to the power of friendship.
Video Source: AJTheIllustrator They remind me of all the silly fake horror movies I would make with my friends throughout high school, but, y’know, good.
AJ and Heidi’s collaborative and individual content is simply brilliant and innovative. (Not to mention they’re some of the nicest humans I’ve ever interacted with).
The horror space, and honestly, the pop culture space as a whole, has so often been dominated and gate kept by male writers and creators. The good news is, creators like Heidi and AJ are paving the way for the future of horror creators.
I’ve been feeling particularly inspired lately because of their masterfully crafted content. Additionally, it makes me not feel as alone within the horror space because of my voice. The future of horror and content creators is diverse. It’s female and non-binary and LQBTQIA+ and BIPOC.
Video Source: AJTheIllustrator It’s not just cis, straight, white men blogging from their basement anymore (no offense if you’re decent and those things). It’s colorful and unique and funny. It doesn’t have to be a straight-forward review, nor does it have to be a traditional homage. You can blend genres and references.
Horror has always represented a nice group of misfits and outcasts looking for a place to belong, and I think we sometimes forget the genre’s roots. Horror is for everyone, not one specific group.
Remembering that and continuing to support all of our favorite horror directors and content creators is how horror has been able to thrive the past few years. We still have a long way to go, but I can’t think of a time when we’ve had the amount of horror content we have now.
Now, don’t get it twisted. I’m not here to say I’m one of the voices creating a space for others. I just like writing about pop culture. But, I’m also not going to stop writing in my particular voice. And none of you should either.
Video Source: heidimaetrix If you’ve ever been told your style isn’t “a fit” or “isn’t polished,” keep writing. Keep creating. Keep making content. Creators like Heidi and AJ are showing the world their unique voices, so show the world yours.
Y’know, as long as you aren’t spewing hateful rhetoric. We don’t take kindly to that around these parts.
Follow AJ at @AJTheIllustrator on Instagram and Heidi @heidimaetrix on Instagram to support their content.
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The Muse ARG Is Anything But Uninspired
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Alex Bale’s The Muse ARG into the ol’ VCR.
ARGs. We know them. We love them. And I have yet another horror ARG to submit for approval to the Midnight Society.
I started watching Baz’s channel a few weeks ago, and I’ve been slowly working my way through the backlog. Lo and behold, I found a playlist* Baz created covering The Muse ARG, and to no one’s surprise, I’m obsessed. Created by Alex Bale, who you might know from the Pizza Time Pizza (which could be a piece in and of itself), The Muse ARG spans across websites and YouTube channels alike.
*I recommend watching the videos in Baz’s playlist in this order: 3, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6, 7
Now, I love this ARG for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, we know I’m a sucker for meta commentary, especially meta commentary about the creative process. Secondly, I love this new wave of horror we’ve seen from the likes of Liminal Land, and analog horror series like Gemini Home Entertainment, and this ARG is brilliant.
The ARG started in clips throughout Alex Bale’s YouTube series about Spongebob conspiracy theories. Nestled in the beginning and end of each video were pieces of a larger story. As it turns out, Alex has some sort of Lovecraftan monstrosity living in his basement feeding him scripts for each video. That, in and of itself, makes for a great horror series. But friends, it doesn’t stop here.
Some of these clips include another “YouTuber” known as The Cynical Critic, who harshly critiques popular and/or beloved films, including one of Alex Bale’s own shorts. But wait, there’s MORE.
In addition to his own YouTube channel and the fabricated Cynical Critic channel, there’s yet another channel in the mix, this place is not happy. So, what’s our throughline?
Well friends, everything ties back to Happy Meat Farms. On the outside, Happy Meat Farms appears to be an organic and humane facility for animals to be raised for human consumption… until you realize how sinister this organization really is.
We’re talking aliens. We’re talking grotesque human and animal experimentation. We’re talking body snatchers. The whole nine yards.

And don’t even get me started on MOTHER.
The finale of The Muse ARG, DON’T FEED THE MUSE III, has started filming and is set to release later this year, so you have time to go through all of the channels and websites yourself. Or, if you’re like me, you have time to go through all of Baz’s videos on The Muse ARG to prepare for the end. Also, Alex Bale shared a Google doc with Baz that he linked in the description box of one of his videos with all of the passwords and information you need to follow the ARG.
If you’re into creative horror series and ARGs, The Muse ARG is for you. Alex Bale deserves endless praise for his work, and you should spend a Sunday afternoon diving into this world like I did. I promise you won’t regret it, and MOTHER will be pleased.
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Stream Queen: Shows You Should Be Watching
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping the shows I think you should be watching into the ol’ VCR.
I started a series at Hyperreal called Stream Queen where I go through streaming services and list all of the best horror and horror-adjacent offerings available. After a little hiatus, Stream Queen is back, and this time, I’m sharing some of my favorite shows currently streaming.
The only difference between a regular Stream Queen piece and this one being, the captions are going to be serious instead of jokes. Although most of these are comedies, I don’t feel great popping off some quips about the subject matter. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled jokes in the next one! Without further ado, let’s get into the shows you should be watching.
Note: Yes, I love Yellowjackets, Barry, etc…, but I want to focus on shows I don’t think are getting the attention they should.

Kathryn Hayn as Clare Pierce in Tiny Beautiful Things
Somebody Somewhere: Following the death of her sister, Sam (Bridget Everett) reconnects with a member of her high school choir, Joel (Jeff Hiller), to rediscover herself and where she truly belongs. (HBO Max)
I Love That For You: After landing her dream gig at a home-shopping network, childhood leukemia survivor, Joanna (Vanessa Bayer), is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her job…including lying about her cancer returning. (SHOWTIME)
Single Drunk Female: Sam (Sofia Black-D’Elia) begins her journey to sobriety after hitting rock bottom with the help of her childhood friends and sponsor. (Hulu)
Poker Face: Natasha Lyonne stars as Charlie Cale, a drifter with the ability to tell when anyone is lying, who finds herself on the run, as well as solving murders along the way. (Peacock)
Mrs. Davis: In a world influenced by an AI affectionally referred to as Mrs. Davis, Sister Simone (Betty Gilpin) embarks on a seemingly impossible quest with an invaluable reward. (Peacock)

Vanessa Bayer as Joanna Gold in I Love That For You
Up Here: Based on the musical of the same name, Lindsay (Mae Whitman) and Miguel (Carlos Valdes) find out how hard adulthood and relationships can be, especially when your inner voices just won’t shut up. (Hulu)
Extraordinary: (Disclaimer – a couple of the jokes in the series aren’t PC) Jen struggles to come to terms with being one of the only people in the world left without a superpower. I promise it’s so much better than I’m making it sound. (Hulu)
Am I Being Unreasonable?: After the death of her lover, Celeste tries to navigate marriage and motherhood while recovering memories of the trauma and befriending the new mom in town. (Hulu)
Unprisoned: When Paige’s (Kerry Washington) dad is released from prison, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) works to make up for the sins of his past and help his daughter and grandson. (Hulu)
Tiny Beautiful Things: Clare’s (Kathryn Hahn) life seems to be totally out of control, until she begins writing a popular advice column and revisiting her past to work towards a better future. (Hulu)
Shrinking: Following the sudden death of his wife, Jimmy tries to mend his relationships and tries a new approach with his patients. (Apple TV+)

Máiréad Tyers as Jen in Extraordinary
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For A Good Time, Call: For A Good Time, Call…
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the ol’ B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Jamie Travis’s For a Good Time, Call… into the VCR.
I’ve been a big fan of this movie for a long time, and I maintain that it’s under-appreciated… with one big flaw. I want to give a disclaimer because Justin Long plays the GBF and is actually straight. I obviously don’t condone it. Moving on.
There’s something truly endearing about For a Good Time, Call… Yes, there are dirty jokes, but at its core, this movie is about the bond of friendship. One of our leads, Lauren, even learns her worth and embraces who she is vs who she thought she should be.

Pictured: The exact pose from every single enemy to bestie movie.
If you’ve never seen this movie, 1) shame on you and 2) let me give you a quick rundown. After Lauren (Lauren Miller Rogen) is dumped by her awful boyfriend, she finds herself with no other option than to move in with Katie (Ari Graynor) after their mutual best friend, Jesse (Justin Long) pushes them together. Lauren and Katie’s relationship has been strained after an unfortunate incident back in college, so we have all the makings for a good ol’ fashioned foes to friends storyline.
What makes For a Good Time, Call… unique? Well, you see, Katie is a sex phone worker, and Lauren soon joins the business herself. However, at least in my opinion, the industry isn’t portrayed as a joke, and it helps both Katie and Lauren come (I’ll be mature here) into their own.
For a Good Time, Call… reminds us of the power of our friendships. And, it’s important to remember that your soulmate can be your friend; it doesn’t have to be romantic. This movie also reminds us to not settle for less than we deserve, and it’s okay to leave those who don’t understand you behind.

How I pictured every single female friendship in my 20s going as a child.
I personally think For a Good Time, Call… pairs well with Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (one of my personal faves). It’s a fun time, and it’s one of those movies you can turn to for a pick me up. Grab your bestie and settle in for a good time. The first few minutes are free.
For A Good Time, Call… is now streaming on Starz.
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Malum Sacrifices Plot To Unleash Hell
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Anthony DiBlasi’s Malum into the ol’ VCR.
For those who don’t know, Malum is a remake of Anthony DiBlasi’s movie, Last Shift. And, I’m not going to bury the lede: I wasn’t a huge fan of Malum, and that means it’s time for my world famous disclaimer before we get started:
The great thing about movies is that we can discuss and debate them. Just because I think a movie is great doesn’t make it a good movie, and just because I think a movie is awful doesn’t make it a bad movie. Also, making a movie is extremely difficult and incredibly badass, and I don’t want to detract from the process. I also applaud the crew for making this movie on such a small budget. Seriously, it’s incredible.
With the disclaimer out of the way, let’s get started.
Malum’s biggest problem lies within its plot. The ambiguous charm of Last Shift is lost, as we’re given way too much background information. Unlike its predecessor, Malum fully dives into the background of the Loren family and the cult. This plethora of information leads to a predictable twist in how the two families are interwoven.
Whenever a movie opens in a cemetery, you know it’s bad news for everyone.
In Last Shift, we’re given enough information to pique our interest and suspend our disbelief. In Malum, we’re given so much information, I was basically rolling my eyes in the movie theater. Sometimes, less is better, and this is the case here. It would be like remaking The Autopsy of Jane Doe and telling us exactly why the body was cursed and giving us an in-depth account of the curse. It spoils the fun.
Another issue I take with the film is the faulty premise. In Malum, Officer Loren requests the last graveyard shift at the station to find out what happened to her father. However, in Last Shift, she’s given this watch with a purpose — waste management is coming. I think having Officer Loren ask for the shift is a bit too convenient. I can see the angle of her being “called” to take this shift, but it doesn’t quite work.
My last big grievance comes with the reworking of Officer Price. In Last Shift, Officer Price helps Officer Loren before she discovers he was actually killed during the Paymon family raid. In Malum, Officer Price’s character is taken from a guy who would adopt another dog from the shelter because it made eye contact to the kind of guy who would say, “I’m a feminist” then take a long swig of his IPA and follow it up with a “but..” and something incredibly sexist. Officer Price was a friendly face in a sea of darkness, and it makes the reveal in Last Shift all the more effective.
When I see this screenshot, all I can think about is how I accidentally dropped popcorn in my socks during this scene.
Like with most movies, there are things I did like in Malum. I loved how the color scheme mimicked that of It Follows. It’s dark and urban, and I think it sets the tone well. I also really appreciated the special and practical effects. The demons looked like Cenobites and Deadites by the way of GWAR, and I mean that in the best way. The peeps who have been in GWAR over the years are extremely talented.
I also really want to highlight Natalie Victoria’s character, Marigold the sex worker. She vaguely looks like Catherine O’Hara, and she attended the Mia Goth School of Crying and Monologuing Directly Into Camera. She’s over the top, but it’s highly enjoyable, almost like a much more reserved version of Desiree Gould in Sleepaway Camp. She also has one of the best lines in the entire movie, “I’d bet my tits and a pack of cigarettes.”
Chaney Morrow as John Malum is also great, and he reminds me of Crispin Glover lite. This iteration is more refined than his predecessor, but Malum embodies the 70s cult leader we’re familiar with. There’s something intriguing about him, whereas Joshua Mikel’s John Michael Paymon and co in Last Shift read more Rob Zombie. Both actors are brilliant, but John Malum is a bit more frightening, as his evil isn’t as visible.
The only thing scarier than being stalked by a cult in an abandoned building is having to answer a phone call.
Lastly, Jessica Sula absolutely nails it as Officer Jessica Loren. She’s been in both Scream: The TV Series and Panic, but I’d love to see her in as the lead in more horror content. I think, if she wants it, she has a place as an up-and-coming Scream Queen in her future.
With such good and strong source material, it’s hard not to compare Malum to Last Shift. As I mentioned in my disclaimer, I do sincerely believe everyone who worked on this movie deserves kudos. But, in the immortal words of Neve Campbell in Scream 4, “Don’t fuck with the original.” -
Are You Talking About Me?: The Self-Aware Teen Movie
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping some of my favorite self-aware teen movies into the ol’ VCR.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big fan of the teen movie genre. I grew up with all the greats in the early to mid-aughts, so it just comes with the territory. However, one of my favorite subgenres of teen movies is the self-aware teen movie, with the referential subgenre not close behind. The ones where our lead character knows they’re in a teen movie and reference all of the cliches present in teen movies of the past.
There are so many good contenders, but today, I really want to focus on three of my favorites: Easy A, Do Revenge, and Prom Pact.
Easy A
I think Easy A is one of the best examples of the self-aware teen movies out there. Olive knows she’s in a teen movie, and even wants her own musical number for no reason a la Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Olive is the cool one with all the movie references, but still knows at her core that this is also a teen movie. That’s why Easy A works so well; the comedy lands because the movie never takes itself seriously. All of the references work because the characters are aware of their surroundings. Plus, Amanda Bynes’ character reminds me of several people from my hometown, so it humbles me.
Easy A is now streaming on Netflix.
Prom Pact
First and foremost, Prom Pact has no business being as good as it is. Seriously. Don’t let some of the Disney rom coms of the past deter you because this movie rules. Prom Pact is similar to Easy A in that it primarily focuses on 80s tropes, under the guise of prom being 80s-themed. To me, it watches like Pretty In Pink if Duckie didn’t have feelings for Andie; Ben even pulls out a very-Duckie inspired look for prom. Prom Pact is essentially an evolved 80s movie where the “jock” is much more complex and the “geek” isn’t just a bundle of tropes, and I’m here for it.
Prom Pact is now streaming on Disney+.
Do Revenge
I go back and forth on whether Do Revenge belongs in the self-aware teen movie or the referential teen movie. Don’t get me wrong. The references are ABUNDANT and include everything from 10 Things I Hate About You to Scream. It’s become a new favorite, for sure. But, I think for the sake of this piece, we’re going to place it in the self-aware camp. Here’s why: Drea and Eleanor both seem to understand how truly insane their environment is. Additionally, Revenge Mommy Sarah Michelle Gellar also seems to know her place in the teen movie atmosphere, and her ending monologue proves it. Do Revenge has elements you’ve seen before, but it combines everything to make it better.
Do Revenge is now streaming on Netflix.
Honorable Mention
I really struggled on whether or not to devote an entire section to Mean Girls, but I ultimately decided against it. Mean Girls is a brilliant comedy and satire, but I don’t know how I feel about classifying it as a self-aware teen movie. But I do think there are moments of self-awareness, so it deserves an honorable mention. It also gives me an excuse to drop this delightful crossover meme.
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The Power: Darwin Couldn’t Have Called This
Hello, Movie Mavens! Welcome back to the B Movies Blog. Today, we’re popping Naomi Alderman, Sarah Quintrell, and Raelle Tucker’s series, The Power, into the ol’ VCR.
Well friends, I have a short one for you today, but I really want to highlight this series. The Power (based on Naomi Alderman’s book of the same name) focuses on teenage girls around the globe, as they develop a new, electrified organ. This new organ, dubbed the skein, grants the ability to shoot electricity outside of the body, and the strength of the abilities varies depending on the person.
Yeah, it’s rad.

In an alternate universe, Roxy would be a character in Skins.
The cast is absolutely incredible. The storyline is told through several different perspectives, making for a beautiful and well-rounded plot. It also uses light science fiction to navigate many of the issues we’re currently facing in society. Plus, Toni Collette’s in it. Need I say more?
I haven’t read the book yet, but it’s definitely on my list now.
You might not be able to get GO! (feat. Karen O) by Santigold out of your head for days, but in my opinion, this series is absolutely worth it.
The Power is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
