D.J. Rivera
Bio
Short stories, articles, and lists about movies, TV shows, video games and more! Make sure to check out WrittenByDJR.com and ProducedByDJR.com. Also check out my work on Amazon Prime, Vimeo, and make sure follow me on Twitter @WrittenByDJR.
Stories (64/0)
- Top Story - December 2020
6 Christmas horror films to scare you into the holiday spiritTop Story - December 2020
Every year Christmas comes and goes with the same holiday-themed films getting all the glory while so many less traditional yuletide motion pictures go under-appreciated. Tales like A Christmas Story and A Christmas Carol are all well and good, but sometimes people want to escape all of the cheer and seasonal spirit for some good old fashioned horror.
By D.J. Rivera3 years ago in Horror
6 films that are Christmas movies in disguise
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to finding a great Christmas movie to get everyone in the holiday spirit. There is no shortage of choices from romantic comedies to cartoon capers when it comes to the brilliant yuletide genre.
By D.J. Rivera3 years ago in Geeks
Fractured Lighthouse
All I remember is being surrounded by darkness. Then I was thrust back into the light when the feeling of a thousand small serrated blades raged across the skin covering my face like a cold shower after a rough night. My eyes were welcomed with a barrage of wind and snow like arrows descending upon me from a massive enemy force.
By D.J. Rivera3 years ago in Horror
10 Crazy Facts You Didn't Know About Marvel Comics
There is no arguing that Marvel is one of the biggest comic book publishers in the world. They are a powerhouse when it comes to telling extraordinary tales of heroes and villains. These stories are full of wondrous things that are the stuff dreams are made of, and the content can range from the ridiculous to what can only be considered somewhat insane. But of all the crazy things Marvel has put into their infamous tales, nothing compares to what has happened outside of the comics. Of all the things fans should know about the publishing powerhouse, here are ten facts most don't know about Marvel Comics that are complete bonkers.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
- Top Story - October 2019
4 Questions We Need Answered in 'Stranger Things' Season 4Top Story - October 2019
The third season of Stranger Things was one wild ride and probably the craziest adventure the series has taken audiences on so far. One would think it would be hard to top Demogorgons and giant monsters from another dimension. But the Netflix series outdid itself with a compelling narrative involving the Mind Flayers' unique return and a fun, 80s inspired Russian secret lab conspiracy beneath StarCourt Mall. Yup, the latest season was pretty crazy in how it unveiled many things about the Stranger Things Universe, notably that Russia knows about the Upside Down and have discovered many gateways into it. This leads to so much speculation on where the next season will take subscribers.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
Disney+ 'Star Wars' Series 'The Mandalorian' Offers a New Look at A Galaxy Far, Far Away
After the first images of The Mandalorian Disney+ series were unveiled at the Star Wars Celebration, fans everywhere have been patiently waiting for the first trailer to arrive. And now that moment has finally come courtesy of the D23 fan expo. Over the past four decades, the Star Wars franchise has been a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, and has changed the way we look at movies forever. From the original trilogy to the prequels, to the modern Star Wars films, these epic space operas have solidified a legacy and fanbase that can be best described as the stuff of legends. And while they have had success with animated shows like The Clone Wars, Rebels and Resistance, their endeavors in live-action on the small screen are non-existent. That's right, one of the most dominant franchises in the galaxy has never attempted to enter the scripted TV world with all the live-action trimmings. Well, all of that is about to change, because this first teaser for The Mandalorian means that Star Wars is finally ready to make the leap into live-action TV.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Futurism
Guillermo del Toro Produced Horror Flick 'Antlers' Drops Chilling New Trailer
I think we can all agree that Guillermo del Toro is a modern master of horror. The infamous director has helmed amazing spectacles including such creature features as Blade 2, Pans Labyrinth, the Hellboy films, and Crimson Peak. These films showcased del Toro's ability to look inside our deepest, darkest nightmares, and bring those horrors to life on the big screen. Even the movies that he lends his writing or producing skills too seem to scare audiences half to death with such nightmare-inducing projects as Mama and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. His ability to spin compelling narratives to viewers involving monsters is uncanny, one great example being The Shape of Water, which took home Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. And now we have our first glimpse at this fantastic teller of terrifying tales’ next cinematic endeavor, Antlers.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
Breaking Bad Movie 'El Camino' Set for Netflix This October
The final moments of Breaking Bad’s series finale showcased the demise of one Walter White, who is also known as The One Who Knocks, and, of course, he also went by the moniker Heisenberg from time to time for those that may have somehow forgotten. Fans everywhere received the necessary closure to the chemistry teacher gone bad’s legacy. But one question lingered with many of the AMC series’s loyalists, what happened to his partner in crime. Last we saw Jesse Pinkman he was driving off, hopefully to a happily ever after ending in a Chevrolet El Camino. After all that poor fool has been through, one would hope that he would find some happiness in the end. Well, for those betting big on Jesse’s story ending like a fairy tale should reconsider. According to the El Camino trailer, Pinkman is back, and from the fear in Skinny Pete’s eyes, it might just be Jesse’s turn to break bad.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
Kristen Stewart Battles Subterranean Monsters In 'Underwater'
Horror films are always trying to find new ways to scare audiences. They go to extreme lengths to make sure they exploit your darkest fears. Some say it's the monster that makes those movies successful, but I believe that is not the case. For me, its all about location when it comes to making a memorable tale of terror. The places I’m talking about are the ones that leave you feeling trapped, desperate, and isolated. Whether it's being stuck on a space vessel with a Xenomorph, or running through the woods at Crystal Lake, the setting is key. It is inevitably—for me, anyway—the factor that will decide if the feature is a nightmare-inducing affair, or if it's destined for the bottom of the bargain-bin. One film that looks like it will take audiences into the dark depths of the ocean for a truly horrifying experience is the film, Underwater. This one takes place 5,000 miles away from land, and then adds insult to injury by descending seven miles to the bottom of the ocean. And, of course, the crew gets way more than they bargained for, trying to pull off this deep sea expedition.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
The Best Actresses to Suit up as Spider-Gwen in Her Own Live-Action Film
Regardless of the Sony Disney breakup, Spider-Man isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But after several iterations, the material is getting a bit stale. Peter Parker’s story has been beaten to death, and changing it up feels more forced than it does authentic. The MCU version feels more like a new Iron Man who happens to have a spider fetish. After the first two significant runs with the character failed to pan out, it makes sense why they gave Spidey this remix in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This was great while it lasted, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Peter Parker and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But it begs the question, in a multiverse consisting of many spider people why not try someone new? Many believe the next web-slinger to get their own movie should be the star of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Miles Morales. And I’m sitting over here thinking his love interest, and Spider-Verse teammate Spider-Woman aka Gwen Stacey is the much better choice when it comes to starting a mega-franchise. That's right; I said mega-franchise.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
Alexander Skarsgard Commands Nat Wolff in A24’s War Drama ‘The Kill Team’
War can be hell for those that bravely choose to fight for what they believe in, and there is no one more courageous than a United States soldier. Those brave men and women go out into the field with enemies lurking in the shadows. Around every corner could be an enemy combatant looking to end that soldier's life. One must keep their wits about them as attacks can come when they least expect it, in more ways than one. But what if the bad guys weren’t the only ones you had to worry about? What if those who you called brothers in arms were causing you to look over your shoulder? I can’t think of a worse hell than being thousands of miles from home in a country where people are actively trying to kill you, and those who are supposed to be your allies are forcing you to sleep with one eye open. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The Kill Team.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Serve
Henry Cavill Hunts Down a Dangerous Criminal Mastermind in 'Night Hunter'
There is no question that Henry Cavill is one of the games biggest actors today, and he shows little signs of slowing down. Ever since he first came on the scene with Showtime's The Tudors, it was pretty obvious this man was destined for bigger things. And that is precisely what has happened since the period drama.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Criminal
