The Most Anticipated Horror Films of 2015: Goosebumps, Crimson Peak and More!

We're half way through January and we've already seen The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death and [REC]4: Apocalypse hit our screens. Needless to say the response has been a little lacklustre but lets not start as we mean to go on. This year is bound to boast some incredible horror releases full of genuine frights and originality... right?

Unfortunately in their usual strife to appeal to the masses, studios will continue to churn out various sequels and remakes in 2015. Even though a release date is not confirmed, Amityville: The Awakening will soon surface, of which the most interesting aspect is the film's director, Franck Khalfoun, who recently helmed the Maniac remake. Paranormal Activity returns on March 13th with its sixth installation, The Ghost Dimension, and Insidious: Chapter 3 will make an appearance on June 5th. 

The Poltergeist remake is due for release on July 24th and it is no wonder that an element of trepidation surrounds the film's production. What else do you expect when re-working one of Tobe Hooper's best? Certainly not a 3D children's film... but according to lead actor, Sam Rockwell, that's the direction that has been taken;

"This one's gonna be in 3D though [...] it's more of a kids' movie so I don't know if it's gonna be like rated-R scary. It's not like Conjuring type of scary. You know, it's a different kind of movie. It's more of an adventure"
 
It may not be the frightful experience some horror fans are after, but with the likes of Rockwell starring and Sam Raimi producing, you could argue some consideration for creative integrity. 

In the same vein of childhood adventure, the 7th of August will bring us the highly anticipated Goosebumps adaptation, starring Jack Black as the infamous R. L. Stine. For anyone who grew up reading these books (and vividly remember their luminescent covers), a feature-length film is certainly a delicate subject. However director Rob Letterman and lead actor Black have expressed great sincerity in the careful balance of horror and comedy. Not to mention, the careful reference to some of the series' most beloved entries (namely Night of the Living Dummy, The Haunted Mask and Welcome to Camp Nightmare). Add in a killer-sponge and they're on to a winner.

Also appealing to the masses and horror fans alike is Victor Frankenstein, due for release on October 2nd. Starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe, this familiar tale is given a unique spin as we follow the rise of medical student Victor Von Frankenstein from Igor's perspective, and see how their partnership comes to pass. Written by Max Landis (Chronicle) and described by Radcliffe as "a film about relationships set against the backdrop of creating monsters", this could well prove to be a very interesting origin story indeed.

Last but not least, and scheduled for an October 16th release, is the eagerly awaited Crimson Peak from genre-favourite Guillermo del Toro. Set in a crumbling mansion in Cumbria, the film follows young author Edith Cushing , who discovers that her new husband, Sir Thomas Sharpe, is not who he appears to be. Featuring a fantastic cast that includes Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain, del Toro explains that Crimson Peak is a "very set-oriented, classical but at the same time modern take on the ghost story".

With the desire to honour the 'grand dames' of of the haunted house sub-genre, the director has openly referenced The Haunting and The Innocents, whilst also tipping the proverbial hat to other classics such as The Omen, The Exorcist and The Shining. Del Toro continues, "I think people are getting used to horror subjects done as found footage or B-value budgets. I wanted this to feel like a throwback". If there's one thing we could say about this man, it's that he definitely knows his horror. From plot and thematic conventions, to the classically gothic set design, Crimson Peak certainly promises to be a delightfully dark treat for 2015. 

A fair few blockbusters to look forward to this year but what about the smaller releases? Stay tuned to Wise Words... to find out.