Just this morning, I wrote how the Swedish vampire movie, Let the Right One In, is charming everyone's socks off at the Tribeca Film Fest -- as it has wherever it's screened (the trailer's scary even without English subtitles). While a limited US release would be ideal, it's practically a given that most Americans will encounter this film for the first time as a remake with a Hollywood cast. Bloody-Disgusting reported weeks ago that J.J. Abrams' team would be taking on that project; no matter how you feel about that, you're bound to be dismayed by B-D's fresh update: It's Hammer Films who has acquired Let the Right One In.

Hammer? Whose only recent credit is the web-serial Beyond the Rave, and whose production of actual feature films dwindled before I was even born? Unless this is part of Hammer's secret plan to re-invent itself as a happenin' new production company, or unless it plans to sell the rights for even more cash later, then we have to prepare for the worst. Relish the original Let the Right One In when it's released on DVD later this year, savor your memories of Hammer's heyday (this gallery of their foxy leading ladies will help), and rue the day the two ever crossed paths.

Stephen King considers his Dark Tower series to be his master work, and its roots run through almost every other piece of fiction he's written. While fan sites are plentiful, King's own authoritative new site has been launched as a codex encapsulating the entire Dark Tower mythos, with all the attendant artwork, audiobook excerpts, and plot interconnections that a new or long-time reader could hope for -- and when all else fails, there's even a glossary to light your way.

The original King subsite was in dire need of an overhaul on several fronts, says interactive producer Brian Stark. "The old site was dreadfully outdated in its technology and design. It's been five years since we created the last site and it showed," says Stark, pointing out that the site was incomplete as well. "As it was built before the series was even finished, there were missing elements everywhere. The new site resolved this by offering a comprehensive look at all seven books in the series." Additionally, Marvel's new Dark Tower series emphasized the need for a re-do: "The graphic novels are huge right now," Stark says, "Proper representation on Stephen's web site was a must."

All of this -- which took six or seven weeks to produce -- is really just the beginning, he adds.

Continue reading "Site of the Week - The Dark Tower" »