Angela Bassett Joins the Cast of 'American Horror Story: Hotel'

To the glee of die-hard American Horror Story fans, Ryan Murphy has taken to Twitter to reveal the next star to check into the "Hotel."

In October, Angela Bassett will be making lots of trouble with Lady Gaga in the ballroom and elsewhere. #ahshotel

— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) April 30, 2015

Angela Bassett will be returning for her third season of the popular horror series. Currently, not much is known about her character, other than she will be causing trouble with Lady Gaga's character.

Bassett will be joining Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Matt Bomer, Cheyenne Jackson, Chloe Sevigny and Lady Gaga. Filming begins this summer and will air this October on FX.

-Nowal Massari

'Ouija 2' Will Possess Theaters in October of 2016

Whether you favored the 2014 film Ouija or you didn't, a sequel is on the way. According to Deadline, Ouija 2 is coming and Universal has set October 21, 2016 as the release date.

Deadline reports, "Ouija 2 picks up with a group of unsuspecting friends who must confront their most terrifying fears when they unleash an evil from the other side that only they can send back. Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form, Blumhouse Prods’ Jason Blum, Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Stephen Davis are again on board as producers."

I got to spend last weekend in Baltimore at OuijaCon surrounded by beautiful boards and one point about the first film was made by one of the movie's consultants, Robert Murch. I'm broadly paraphrasing here but he mentioned during a panel that despite what you thought of Ouija, if the film encouraged the board's use, scaring the crap out of kids during slumber parties and more attention is given to the Ouija board, it's all good.

The first film grossed $50.8 million domestically and $100 million worldwide. We'll keep you posted on any new details about the sequel.

-Larissa Mrykalo

New Vin Diesel Film, 'The Last Witch Hunter,' Gets a Teaser

It looks like Vin Diesel is getting fast and furious on some witches this fall because he's...(dramatic pause)..."The Last Witch Hunter!" The teaser trailer was just released for this Breck Eisner-directed supernatural romp that also stars Rose Leslie (Ygritte from "Game of Thrones"), Elijah Wood, Michael Caine, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and Julie Engelbrecht.

Diesel plays a cursed immortal named Kaulder who joins forces with a priest (Caine) and a good witch (Leslie) to defeat a coven of New York City-dwelling witches and thus, save humanity. You got this, Kaulder! A least, you better because, yeah, you're the last, you know...

Here's the full synopsis and then check out the teaser that, aside from Rose Leslie, is severely lacking in witches. The film opens in wide release just in time for Halloween on October 23.

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Trailer released for Shyamalan's New Horror Film 'The Visit'

I got to see the trailer for M. Night Shyamalan's "The Visit" when I saw "Unfriended" and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys. It genuinely looks decent and after some of his recent attempts, that may be saying a lot. By the way, "Unfriended" was fantastic and you should check it out, but that's not what this post is about.

Anyway, "The Visit" isn't in theaters until September 11 so put this creepy little tidbit in the back of your mind and then head to your local theater for a visit of your own. Give Mr. Shyamalan another chance, won't you?

From Universal Pictures:
Shyamalan returns to his roots with the terrifying story of a brother and sister who are sent to their grandparents' remote Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong trip. Once the children discover that the elderly couple is involved in something deeply disturbing, they see their chances of getting back home are growing smaller every day.



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Sesame Street' Parodies 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' in 'Aveggies: Age of Bon Bon'

Courtesy EW

One way to get your kids to eat their veggies is to show them this "Sesame Street" Avengers: Age of Ultron parody. In "Aveggies: Age of Bon Bon," Onion Man, Captain Americauliflower, Dr. Brownie, Black Bean Widow, Mighty Corn, and Zuchin-eye help to defeat the evil Bon Bon and keep him from ruining the healthy veggies on this planet.

Seeing Cookie Monster turn into a big, green Hulk and having him bust on Zuchin-eye (Yes, he does do something!) were some highlights.

So, enjoy it yourself or share it with your kids and then eat your veggies. Oh and check out Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron this weekend. It opens on May 1.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Ouija Celebrates its 125th Anniversary in Baltimore: OuijaCon 2015 Wrap-Up

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

This past weekend in Baltimore, Maryland, an eclectic mix of individuals descended upon the Baltimore Harbor Hotel to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ouija. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, a collector, or undecided, Charm City was the place to be and I was lucky enough to be invited. Thanks to the efforts of Robert Murch and the Talking Board Historical Society (TBHS) along with paranormal researcher and author,  Jeff Belanger, their inaugural event, OuijaCon, was quite the success.

We all know that films like The Exorcist have given Ouija a bad reputation but delving into the rich history of the boards was the goal here. To quote from the TBHS page, "The Talking Board Historical Society began in 2008 as a loose affiliation of talking board collectors and enthusiasts, brought together by talking board historian Robert Murch to bring recognition to the forgotten founders and history of the enigmatic Ouija." This wasn't an event to scare, obviously, it was an event to educate, create discussion and, of course, celebrate. 

The event opened on the evening of April 23 with a meet and greet in the Talking Board Museum and  family members of prominent Ouija founders, including William Fuld were present. Just to be clear and honest, this was quite the education for me. I do own a beautiful Fuld board and when I was a kid, I did dabble with a board my brother and I got from the local toy store but other than that, I'm a Ouija novice. The variety of boards/spirit communication devices in this museum blew my mind. I see these pieces as not only bits of amazing paranormal history but as beautiful pieces of art.

New 'Jurassic World' Global Trailer is Heavy on the Dinosaurs

New footage, new clues, tons of dinosaur action and yeah, Chris Pratt.

The new, full-length 'Official Global Trailer' for Jurassic World is here and I'm just going to let you watch and let us know what you think. Even if you don't have high hopes for this film, this footage may change your mind.

The park opens its gates on June 12.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Official Trailer Released for 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'

Earlier, I watched the pirated version of the first trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and felt a little dirty and unsatisfied. Well damn it, we can't be taken down by a pirate! Director Zack Snyder wouldn't stand for that crap and released the official trailer soon after. With voiceovers from Holly Hunter, Jeremy Irons and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, we see that Superman is now considered a 'False God' and devil and we really don't want him here.

Cue the angry Batman and that classic Batmanny voice that sounds like he's been gargling gravel...“Tell me, do you bleed? You will.”  The film hits theaters on March 25, 2016 so hang in there, kids.



-Larissa Mrykalo

'Face Off' Recap: 'The Dream Team'

Hey, hey the gang's all here - all photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Woo hoo! We did it! The Season Eight finale! Through whimsy and mold and fabrication challenges we've whittled our way to the final three: Darla, Emily, and Logan. The big twist? The final challenge will be so huge, so immense, so breakdown-inducing, that all of the eliminated contestants have been brought back to assist (loser gets Gregory.) Who will take home the grand prize and renown until next season? Which coach will earn the title of 'Most Supreme "Face Off" Artist of All Time?' Everyone ready? Let's do this.

No rest for the creative as the final three are thrown right into the final challenge. But first, pick your teams!

Darla - Rob, Anthony, Stephanie, Daniel

Emily - Adam, Jamie, Kelly, Regina

Logan - Julian. Ben, Alan, Gregory 

Darla picked her team based on specific skill sets, Emily went for her friends and Logan is clearly afraid of working with women. We'll find out which strategy works the best, won't we?

'Game of Thrones' Recap: 'The Wars to Come'

Courtesy HBO

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

After months of waiting, Game of Thrones is back with a vengeance and we're presented with pretty much immediate continuation of what when on when the fourth season ended.

Tyrion is out of the box; Cersei is super pissed that Tyrion has made her an orphan; Jon Snow tries to reason with a king; Sansa Stark and Lord Petyr Baelish are on a road trip; and, Daenerys is losing control over her children.

Witchy Woman

The show begins with a flashback to a curious and persuasive little Cersei and her frightened friend. They venture into the woods to a notorious witch's home and Cersei demands to know her future. The 'boring' witch wants a taste of her blood and if we didn't know it was Cersei in the first place, when the witch gives her regal predictions, we realize with whom we're dealing.

Cersei is recalling this prophesy as she arrives to attend her father's funeral. She wants the citizens to wait until she gets a personal farewell and Cersei always gets what she wants. At least she tries. Her brother, Jaime, stands by Tywin's side and damn those painted stones over his eyes make him look creepy as hell. Cersei belittles her brother for standing guard and then for freeing Tyrion since he ultimately murdered him. She makes him ponder the consequences of his actions and then adds the coup de grâce that 'daddy loved you best and your stupidity caused his death.' Something like that.

'Helix' Recap: 'O Brave New World'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Season finale time folks! As of this writing, no word yet on a Season Three and more shenanigans of the CDC versus those pesky Immortals. Will we find out what's going on with Caleb? Is Amy really dead? Will Peter ever really get to be in charge? What has Alan been doing at the abbey this whole time? It's time to get some answers and ask some new questions. Let's do this.

The cliffhanger from last episode is solved right away: Julia shot Alan and is now patching him up. I don't think you quite get how this works Julia. Kyle, Sarah, Soren, and Sarah's baby go to Plan 9 to get off the island but they're out of options. Only one route is left and Sarah leaves to make a 'deal with the devil.' Amy's not dead, just hideously deformed and really isn't taking it very well but does spectacular at taking it out on Landry. One thing that hasn't been deformed is her supreme selfishness so she goes all-in on revenge. Peter/Eli whom we will now just call 'Peli' for ease, debate their next steps. Anne suggests taking Mother to Ilaria and reaping the benefits. Anne, you don't know Peli very well; he made that leap eons ago. While Sarah looks for the devil, Kyle and Soren make more of the mycosis cure and Kyle plans for their future which features pizza, Playstation, and lots and lots of sleep. No one is in charge of the power anymore so it goes out, giving Soren the opportunity he needs to exact a little revenge of his own in the form of a knife in Peli's leg. Thrust and twist, Soren. Thrust and twist.

'Believe' in the New Acoustic Guitar Cover of 'The X-Files' Theme

We don't do a lot with music on here, so today when Igor Presnyakov released an acoustic guitar cover of "The X-Files" theme, I couldn't resist sharing. He does an excellent interpretation of the Mark Snow-theme that even folks who didn't watch the show, will recognize.

Cue it up and use it as eerie good background music for when you're pondering the existence of aliens or just chilling out. It's good stuff.



-Larissa Mrykalo

Full Trailer Released For 'Sinister 2'

The Boogeyman is coming on August 21 and now you can see him in the first full trailer for Sinister 2. The teaser was released at WonderCon but this is different...verryy different. Buhguul is hungry again and thrives on the corruption of innocence. Isn't that what makes him just so damn delightful? I mean, awful? This trailer is fabulously eerie but hopefully doesn't give away too much.

The Ciaran Foy-directed film stars Shannyn Sossamon, James Ransone, Robert and Dartanian Sloan and is written by Sinister director Scott Derrickson, along with Neal Parks and C. Robert Cargill.

Synopsis:
In the aftermath of the shocking events in Sinister, a protective mother and her 9-year-old twin sons find themselves in a rural house marked for death as the evil spirit of Buhguul continues to spread with frightening intensity.



-Larissa Mrykalo

MTV Releases First Clip of 'Jurassic World'

Thanks to MTV, we now get to see the first clip from Jurassic World featuring Chris Pratt in all his glorious Chris Prattiness. In this first look, he's approached by icy Bryce Dallas Howard to consult on how secure the paddocks are in the soon-to-be-opened park. Yeah, make sure those paddocks are secure because we made a new dinosaur in a test tube and that should go over well.

Check it out and let us know how excited you are to attend the park. In addition to Pratt and Howard, the Colin Trevorrow-directed film stars Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, Vincent D’Onofrio, Irrfan Khan, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy and Judy Greer. It opens on June 12 in 3D.

Get More:
2015 MTV Movie Awards, Latest Movie News

-Larissa Mrykalo

Kathy Bates to Star in 'American Horror Story: Hotel'

Courtesy Zimbio

Cue the 'Bates Hotel' jokes! Ryan Murphy announced today via his Twitter that fan fav, Kathy Bates will be returning to his FX series for the third time and starring in "American Horror Story: Hotel." We don't yet know her role but she'd make a stellar owner of the hotel like he's hinting, wouldn't she? She's probably just happy she doesn't have a beard this season.

Bates will be joining other already announced cast members; Lady Gaga, Chloe Sevigny, Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer and Cheyenne Jackson. After filming this summer in Los Angeles, the show will air in October.

Kathy Bates is running the Hotel. #AHSSeason5
— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) April 8, 2015

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Face Off' Recap: 'Full Steam Ahead'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

The artists have been working all season for this: earning spots in the finale. We're down to four and there can be only one, er, three. (I'm still bitter about Adam being eliminated last week.) Will Team Laura sweep all the spots or can Team Rayce squeak in with golden boy Logan? Let's do this.

Field trip! The Final Four meet Mackenzie in Hollywood's Old West town for their Spotlight Challenge: re-imagine a classic Old West character as a steampunk cyborg. Because steampunk is so specific, they've a special guest mentor, Glenn Hetrick. Oh goody, he's not only a judge but also the resident expert so no pressure. Julian knows nothing about steampunk and we all keel over from shock. Glenn gives them advice to focus on the two elements of steampunk: fashion and technology of a previous civilization powered with steam. It has to make sense so don't glue gears on randomly. Everyone ready? Choose your character!

Logan gets the Saloon with the barmaid and immediately envisions a booze gauge arm. Emily gets the Undertaker and her first though is to break up human form with a coffin chest. Darla gets the Blacksmith and no idea where to start as she doesn't know anything about Westerns, steampunk or cyborgs. This is problematic. Julian picks the Bank robber and designs his as an expert thief with a cyborg weapon arm.

'Helix' Recap: 'Ascendant'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

Sorry this is late everyone, apparently crushing exhaustion demands its tribute. Anyway, things went hella wrong last episode with Amy getting her silver eyes (but nothing else), Anne finding a new daddy figure in Peter (and we all know what that entails), and the rest of Team CDC being completely useless as usual. At least we've got Alan. Let's do this.

Peter looking through the gas victims and finishes the job by dismembering them and placing the pieces in barrels. I guess for fertilizer? It's shower time and you know who's really turned on by violence? Anne. You know who is supremely squicked out by this? Everyone else. After the sex come the plotting: first the island and then...the world.  Since the CDC *coughAlancough*  have discovered a cure for the mycosis, the only logical thing left to do is take the cure from them and eliminate them. Oh, and give you a new name....

Alan administers the cure to Kyle which is incredibly awkward as Kyle tried to kill him. We're cool but Kyle, you need to get the cure off the island. Okay, but he still needs to bring Alan in. A deal then: Alan will turn himself in when it's over but in the meantime, he needs to borrow Kyle's gun. Alan give some decent collateral in exchange though: the location of a safe deposit box with all of the proof. And break!

Sesame Street Parodies 'Game of Thrones' in 'Game of Chairs'

The monster is blue and full of errors...

Sesame Street is still teaching kids to count but this time it's chairs. In this six minute "Game of Thrones" parody, "Game of Chairs" we get to see the monsters dressed as mommy and daddy's favorite characters from the HBO series and it's adorable. From Ned to Joffrey to even a dragon, Jesteros is looking for a new ruler and winter is coming.

The Game of Chairs will determine who will be king or queen of Jesteros. Four players will march around three chairs while music plays until one remains. Who will take the crown in this game of musical chairs? Robb, Cersie, Joffrey, Daeneyrus or….?

"Game of Thrones" returns for its fifth season this Sunday, April 12 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.



-Larissa Mrykalo

WonderCon Clip and Poster For 'Insidious: Chapter 3'

If you call out to one of the dead...all of them can hear you.

WonderCon was the source of some great film exclusives including a clip and poster from Focus Features' Insidious: Chapter 3. The Leigh Whannell-written and directed prequel is in theaters June 5 and stars; Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, and Lin Shaye.

Synopsis:
The newest chapter in the terrifying horror series is written and directed by franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. This chilling prequel, set before the haunting of the Lambert family, reveals how gifted psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead in order to help a teenage girl (Stefanie Scott) who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.



For more info on the film:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsidiousMovie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InsidiousMovie
Snapchat: InsidiousMovie
Instagram: https://instagram.com/InsidiousMovie/
Official site: http://insidiousmovie.tumblr.com/

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Sinister 2' Teaser Debuts at WonderCon

Courtesy IMDB

Buhguul is back with a vengeance and a quick tease in the form of a 'warning' was given for Sinister 2 at WonderCon this weekend.

The Ciaran Foy-directed film was written by the original film's director, Scott Derrickson, along with Neal Parks and C. Robert Cargill. A mother and her twin sons are the targets in this sequel which stars Shannyn Sossamon, James Ransone, and Tate Ellington.

Sinister 2 is scheduled for release on August 21.



-Lsrissa Mrykalo

Every Death From Season Five of 'The Walking Dead' Neatly Packaged Into One Video

Screen Shot

Happy Saturday! Here is over seven minutes of all of the human and zombie deaths from the fifth season of The Walking Dead. From Terminus to Alexandria and everything in between, you can take a walk down memory lane and long for the awesomeness that will be Season Six.

It's obviously extremely violent and contains spoilers but if you watch the show, you're tough enough. Thanks to The Cinema Nut for taking the time and Bloody Disgusting for the heads up. The new season begins in mid-October.

-Larissa Mrykalo

New Poster and Trailer Released For 'Poltergeist'

A new trailer and poster for the Poltergeist remake has just been released by 20th Century Fox and we get more of a glimpse into just how similar the film is, plot-wise, to the original. I actually have high hopes for this film.

Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi (“Spiderman,” “Evil Dead”, “The Grudge”) and director Gil Kenan (“Monster House”) contemporize the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and hold the youngest daughter captive, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever.

The cast includes: Sam Rockwell (Eric Bowen), Rosemarie DeWitt (Amy Bowen), Saxon Sharbino (Kendra Bowen), Kyle Catlett (Griffin Bowen), Jared Harris (Carrigan), and Kennedi Clements (Madison Bowen).

Poltergeist will be released in theaters on May 22, 2015. The film will be available in 3D because who doesn't want to see that creepy-ass clown coming at your face?




For more on the film, here are some links:
Visit Poltergeist WEBSITE: http://fox.co/PoltergeistWebsite
Like Poltergeist on FACEBOOK: http://fox.co/PoltergeistFB
Follow Poltergeist on TWITTER: http://fox.co/PoltergeistTwitter
Follow Poltergeist on INSTAGRAM: http://fox.co/PoltergeistInstagram
Follow Poltergeist on VINE: http://fox.co/PoltergeistVine

-Larissa Mrykalo

Stephen King On Board For 'The Walking Dead?'

Amazing news was just announced and it involved a writer from Maine and a show about zombies. Stephen King's official page revealed that he'll be writing an episode for the sixth season of The Walking Dead and killing off Daryl. Sure.

Following the record-breaking season 5 finale of The Walking Dead, today brings news that Stephen King has been tapped for season 6. An avid Walking Dead fan himself, Stephen is thrilled to announce that he has agreed to write an episode. What can fans expect? Here’s what Stephen has to say about the direction he plans to take:

“I’ve been asked to write the opening episode of Season 6, where three major characters are to be killed off. No spoilers, but one of them carries a crossbow.”

Haha, Mr. King, but announcing this on April Fool's Day is genius.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Face Off' Recap: 'Deadly Dolls'

All photos courtesy Syfy.

BY DAWN FEAKES

With Ben's elimination last week for his kitchen sink imaginary friend, Coach Anthony is also out of the running for Supreme "Face Off" Champion of the World. Five artists remain so the pressure is ratcheted up. You ready to sleep with the lights on tonight? Let's do this.

We get a bit of Julian's back story; his brother has a rare neurological disease and by competing he hopes to raise awareness of it. After last week's brush with elimination he's refocused on bringing his 'A' game. Good call but it's field trip time to the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Team "Face Off" - Eff Yeah! Their Spotlight Challenge is to create a character inspired by a classic doll but with a twist: it must be twisted and evil. The artists are advised to look to the colors, materials, and cultural touchstones for inspiration. Will any of them remember that? History tells us 'no.'

Logan -  Voodoo doll
Adam - Baby doll
Julian - Ventriloquist Dummy
Darla - Porcelain doll
Emily - Rag doll