Comic-Con At Home took a dive into the world of both horror and the LGBTQ community Thursday night as Shudder presented a panel featuring some prominent LGBTQ creatives that specialize in the horror genre. Hosted by writer Jordan Crucchiola, the panel included Don Mancini (creator of the “Child’s Play” franchise), Sam Wineman (director of the upcoming untitled LGBTQ Horror documentary on Shudder), Nay Bever (co-host of the podcast “Attack of the Queerwolf”), Lachlan Watson (actor, “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”), and Bryan Fuller (creator of NBC’s “Hannibal”).
So what is “queer horror”? Wineman broke it down into four categories: “explicit representation, queer coding (whether it is intentional or not), queer ownership, and having a queer creator.” Mancini shared that when developing the first Child’s Play, he didn’t consciously include gay themes because it just wasn’t commonplace at the time. He did intentionally leave out a father character for Andy as a form of “revenge” against all the fathers that didn’t accept their queer children. It wasn’t until “Bride of Chucky” that Mancini felt it was “safe” to explore more gay culture in the Chucky franchise. He began casting famous icons in queer culture like Jennifer Tilly and Alexis Arquette. “The films have just gotten gayer and gayer,” noted Mancini. The 2004 film “Seed of Chucky” further explored queer culture and even gender identity with the character of Glen/Glenda, the child of Chucky and Tiffany. While not specifically discussed here due to potential spoilers, it has been reported that we will see these themes further explored in the upcoming “Chucky” television series for SyFy.
Watson spoke of her time on “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” and what it was like to play a queer character. “It’s this box that we have of queer actors, queer people, queer creators can only create queer art and that’s something that I think is worth breaking down because there’s so much more to it than that.” Bever also expressed her feelings on the subject noting that she feels a lot of queer fans use horror to reclaim their representation from all the monsters i.e. when the bogged down, bullied kid fights back and kills their oppressors. “If queer and or trans folks want or do see themselves in something, then it’s ours. Period. I think any community that is marginalized and experiences the death rates and death threats that we do, we are absolutely 100% allowed to find ourselves wherever we can.”
Fuller also shared his own experiences through the development of Hannibal and how he approached the series with a variety of queer themes. He explained he initially wrote the characters of Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter as “two straight men who fall in love with each other”. However, he later began to shift the dynamic to more queer themes and following a queer narrative as he saw that the show had such a following in the LGBTQ community.
LGBTQ Representation has, in the last decade, become larger and more positive. As a proud pansexual man myself, I find that I identify with many of the themes and scenarios discussed and can’t wait to see what the future holds for queer representation in horror as well as all forms of media.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.
The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.
The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.
Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.
The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.
Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.
Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.
The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.
For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.