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)
Writers from Hit Horror Film ‘A Quiet Place' Are Helming an Extreme Haunted House Movie
Haunted Houses have been a significant part of both Halloween and horror movies for as long as I can remember. They have become a ritual with people of all ages, from kids to grown adults. Everyone seems to get excited about experiencing the illusion of risking one's life to survive walking through a living nightmare. While some events, like Halloween Horror Nights, seem extremely real, there is always the relief of escape with the night ending with everyone still breathing. But what if that was not the case? Movies like Bloodfest and Hellfest show the beloved haunted tradition taking a very gory and fatal turn. This type of horrific cinematic experience seems to be rising in popularity within the genre. And now, two of the writers from A Quiet Place, Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, have written and directed a haunted house film that is being described as "extreme."
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne Hunt Down a Killer in an Intolerant Steampunk Fantasy World in Amazon’s 'Carnival Row'
Amazon is shifting its programming strategy into focusing on more significant budgeted projects and event-style series. This is a move to try and fill the gap that HBO’s Game of Thrones has left. The new plan makes a lot of sense as many fans are looking for the next big fantasy series to obsess over. And while most expected Prime’s Lord of the Rings series to accomplish this when it inevitably arrives, Carnival Row may fill that void come this Labor Day Weekend. The show has already been renewed for a second season well before the first episode has aired. So it would seem that this dark fairy tale has a shot of standing out amongst the wave of series that will try to take back the Iron Throne from HBO. And from the looks of the first season’s full trailer, this visually stunning, romantic, grisly murder mystery could quickly become a solid contender.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
The Tethered Are Making Their Way to Halloween Horror Nights to Scare the Crap Out of Us!
Jordan Peele shocked audiences in 2017 with his Academy Award-winning horror masterpiece Get Out. The film launched his career into the stratosphere. Then he quickly silenced all the haters and naysayers when he avoided the dreaded sophomore slump with yet another fantastic tale of terror. The man created a two-hour scare-fest out of the idea that we are our own worst nightmare. Us starred Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke who took their kids on vacation only to be attacked by doppelgängers of themselves. Watching the trauma-inducing story was scary enough, but for those that actually do want to live the experience, well, be careful what you wish for, because Universal Studios has answered your prayers. Us is making its way to Halloween Horror Nights for another attempt at a sadistic Hands Across America endeavor.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
Why Andy Serkis Is the Perfect Choice to Helm the 'Venom' Sequel!
Sony has been on the hunt for some time now to find a suitable auteur of cinema to helm the sequel to one of their biggest 2018 films. Venom, the antihero movie that kicked off the studios Sony Universe of Marvel Characters, grossed an impressive $865 million at the box office. The film starred Tom Hardy, Riz Amed, and Michelle Willams. Venom was not well-received by critics, and it is far from perfect overall. Many things need to be addressed to get this sequel right and keep the franchise going. So, the news of who they got to direct the highly anticipated sequel is cause for some serious celebration.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
Lupita Nyong’o Has to Survive Zombies, Children, and Children Who Are Zombies in 'Little Monsters'
Zombies are the best. Love them or hate them; they continue to be a hot commodity in the entertainment industry. From comic books to TV shows to mobile games to the big screen, like all the stories they occupy, they are everywhere. And while some would argue that the genre is getting stale and mundane, mediocre carbon copies continue to be churned out year after year; I feel that this claim is not quite accurate. A good chunk of titles released about cannibal corpses are easily dismissed, but to say that nobody is trying anything new in the world of reanimated cadavers entertainment is unbelievably incorrect. Films like The Girl with All The Gifts and TV shows like iZombie are great examples of unique takes on the idea of the dead coming back to life. And those are not the only ones, even films that are hits at Sundance and SXSW are breeding new life into the undead genre. If you haven’t yet, you absolutely need to check out the trailer for the Australian horror-comedy Little Monsters.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith Are Ready to Ride or Die in ‘Queen & Slim’
First dates are a complicated affair. They can be nerve-racking and sometimes stressful. A person only gets one chance at a good first impression. While some do kick off a love affair that mostly ends up happily ever after, most of us know that many of these romantic first encounters end up being laughably forgettable. But what would you do if something happened on this occasion that changes your life forever? And I’m not talking about love at first sight. I’m talking about gunshots and viral stardom. Well if you ever wondered how dinner and a movie could turn into a nationwide manhunt, then you must see Queen & Slim.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
Rosa Salazar Takes Audiences on a Wild Animated Odyssey Through Time, Space, and Reality in ‘Undone’ Series
It is always great to see creators branch out and provide audiences with something new. So many times, viewers are let down by the fact that they always look to their screens for something different when all they get are carbon copies of the last hit. It is such a rare occasion that when one boldly steps outside the box, and ventures courageously into uncharted territory, it should be admired and applauded. So when the Undone trailer premiered, stating it was from the creators of the critically acclaimed comedy series BoJack Horseman, I was somewhat shocked. While the humor-based Netflix show does handle depression in a respectably comedic yet poignant manner, Undone will be taking a much different approach. This new thought-provoking series utilizes rotoscope animation to drive its hypnotic narrative, and from the looks of the latest trailer, it would not have been possible without it.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Geeks
Just How Crazy Can the Second Season of 'Mindhunter' Really Get?
Mindhunter is arguably one of Netflix’s best shows, and given this is the streaming service that brought viewers such compelling programs like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, and Black Mirror, that praise is no joke. Based on the book Mind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit, written by F.B.I agent John Douglas—this raw, gritty serial killer drama feels very reminiscent of such iconic serial killer films as Seven and Zodiac, which makes a lot of sense given how this is academy award-nominated director David Fincher's baby. But unlike those films, and other programs like it, Mindhunter showcases how the FBI became familiar with crazy, so it could better apprehend all the crazy out there that needed apprehending.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Criminal
'The Witch' Director Returns to Drive Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson Crazy in 'The Lighthouse'
A lighthouse is a truly remarkable structure. It represents so many great things like the satisfaction of knowing you’ve survived the journey making it home safely. It holds back the darkness, giving travelers a beacon through whatever adversity they may be facing. And it's safe to say that during a storm, this glowing light is undoubtedly a sight for soar eyes. Some may even argue it's the epitome of hope and the enemy of despair. They may very well be mistaken. Because one always thinks about those looking at the lighthouse and very little about the brave, unfortunate souls that must man the spotlight. For anyone that ever wondered if someone could lose all their marbles tending to the needs of a lighthouse, then the new trailer from director Robert Eggers' latest film will provide some terrifying answers some may find hard to believe.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
Blumhouse Invites Audiences to Get in on 'The Hunt' This Fall
If there is one thing moviegoers can count on, it is that there is one name that is synonymous with developing hit horror films. Whenever these guys have something slated for release, it's a good idea to not miss out. Blumhouse has put out some of the genre's most popular titles and some very profitable franchises. One example is the Purge property which has spawned four movies and a TV show about to air its second season. And it's not just popcorn flicks with these talented folks either. The low-budgeted horror outfit has garnered some Oscar gold from Jordan Peele’s 2017 mega-hit Get Out, both of which involve the wealthy and the less fortunate going head to head in a truly chaotic fashion. These are some truly sick and twisted tales of the elite exploiting those below the poverty line. A concept which feels like it's becoming less a fantasy and more of a reality every day. Now the next chapter in the saga of the rich and powerful turning out to be heinous monsters is apparently on its way as the prolific studio has released its trailer for The Hunt.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
Netflix Assembled a Solid Crew of Reliable Wiseguys to Bring 'The Irishman' to Life
Goodfellas and Casino are arguably two of the best gangster films of all time. These two are classics most people have on their list of greatest of all time. They set the bar so high that one would assume the days of these caliber films releasing is probably at an end. On the contrary, Netflix, the streaming giant home to over 100 million subscribers, has set its sights on Oscar gold, and to accomplish their ambitious goal, they're bringing in the right Wiseguys for the job. That is right, director Martin Scorsese, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro are joining forces to bring audiences The Irishman this fall. This momentous occasion also marks the first collaboration between Scarface's Pacino and the Wolf of Wall Street Director. And it marks the return of Pesci who has been in retirement for some time. After years of resisting the infamous auteur's offers, he finally gave in for what one can only be described as destiny, given all the parties involved. All of these individuals have some serious street cred when it comes to these types of films, so odds are this one will most likely stick the landing. And from the looks of this latest glimpse into the dark corridors of organized crime and political corruption, all signs point to this master plan going off without a hitch.
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Criminal
Why the 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' TV Series Needs James Wan!
It was only a matter of time before the news would arise that a TV version of I Know What You Did Last Summer was in the works. I mean it had to happen—everything is getting a TV show or remake nowadays. And the fact that Scream has had a successful run on the small screen means it's only natural that the other popular 90’s stab flick would get one as well. These two films were very similar when they both released during the slasher revival. Scream came out in 1996 to an unprecedented amount of fanfare and acclaim. A year later, I Know What You Did Last Summer had a similar reception. Both spawned sequels with Scream going on to secure four titles total with big production budgets, top-level performers, and theatrical releases. Sadly, I Know What You Did Last Summer did not survive past the second iteration unless you count the straight to video release, which you really shouldn't. But alas, the powers that be have deemed that the Jennifer Love Hewitt starrer is ready to be resurrected into a new series for those that hold an Amazon Prime Membership. It's easy to complain and whine over this news, but when you find out who’s helming the affair, you’ll be screaming in the streets WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!?
By D.J. Rivera4 years ago in Horror
