Pulp Modern: Die Laughing (2024) Poster

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10/10
Solid horror movie
Reminded me a lot of 1980s movies like Creepshow and Nightmares. Five stories--a slasher, a possessed mirror, a guy who's bullied gets revenge, a foul-mouthed bird, and a wife with curious culinary tendencies. It's all held together by the story of a DJ getting harassed and stalked while reading the magazine this movie is apparently based on. Will definitely have to buy a copy of the magazine and see if it's as good as the movie. The individual stories are made by different writers and directors. The whole thing comes together in the end. There is humor throughout, the first and fourth stories being the funniest. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
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9/10
Bring back the blood and guts!
ethan_minsker28 May 2024
"Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" is a thrilling and darkly comedic anthology that brings the gritty essence of the iconic pulp magazines to life. Adulterous L. A. Deejay Mr. C spins five mesmerizing tales of malice and deceit: a millennial slasher, a demonic mirror, the dark half of a literary doomsayer, a satanic parrot, and a vengeful wife scorned. Featuring film adaptations of works by Stephen King, Nicole Bird, and Alec Cizak, this movie is a must-watch for fans of horror and pulp fiction alike.

I found this film to be a nostalgic yet refreshing homage. The series of short stories strung together reminded me of the best of the 80s horror genre, with each segment diving deep into what makes these tales so compelling. "Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" is filled with all the gore, blood, and mayhem you could hope for, while also mixing in some truly hilarious jokes that provide a twisted sense of humor.

This film feels like a darker, edgier version of "The Twilight Zone," where each story keeps you on the edge of your seat and eager for more. The seamless blend of horror and comedy creates an engaging and unforgettable experience. If you're a fan of pulp fiction, horror, or just love a good anthology, "Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" is right up your alley. Don't miss out on this wild ride!
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9/10
A super fun horror/comedy indie anthology!
rsmithline5431 May 2024
"Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" centers around a radio show host who tells a bunch of tales of horror mixed with comedy: A hilarious twist on the classic slasher, an evil mirror, a disgruntled worker on the path to revenge, an evil instigating bird, and a cheating husband.

Much like the vibe of "Tales from the Crypt" from back in the day, this is simply a fun, twisted indie film that will scare you and make you laugh at all the right times. I especially enjoyed the first story which literally made me laugh out loud, and the final story ends with a really cool, unexpected twist. If you enjoy anthology horror films that sprinkles in some of that much needed humor, this is definitely for you!
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9/10
Ripe for a series
richardkrauss-4313425 May 2024
Horrific fun, with an appropriate indie vibe. It's an anthology, just like the long-running digest fiction magazine it's based on. The unifying element is the host of a late night radio show, Mr. C, who queues up each new story. (Incidentally, Mr. C really is a radio host.) The film is loaded with easter eggs if you're into Pulp Modern and its brethren, like the now defunct Switchblade magazine. (Note Mr. C's letter opener.) Great fun, with clever plotting, solid direction, fine performances, and remarkably good production values. Okay, now let's see one of the streaming services sign these guys up for a series!
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10/10
Anthology That Leaves You Screaming and Chuckling
bazblackpiercing10 June 2024
"Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" is a cinematic experience that successfully marries the macabre with the mirthful, providing an anthology that is as entertaining as it is unsettling. Directed by an ensemble of talented filmmakers including Aaron McJames, Scotch Rutherford, Cameron Schwartz, Ryan Shovey, and Alex Montilla, this film dives deep into the realms of horror and dark comedy, presenting five distinct tales of malice and deceit, each more gripping than the last.

The movie's narrative framework is ingeniously constructed around Mr. C, an adulterous L. A. Deejay portrayed with remarkable flair by Alexander Cicak. Mr. C, known for his legendary fornication and sharp wit, serves as the perfect host, spinning tales that traverse the darker corridors of human nature and supernatural occurrences. His charismatic and sardonic presence binds the anthology together, creating a cohesive thread through the disparate stories.

Each segment of "Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" explores a unique facet of horror, all while maintaining a darkly comedic undertone. The film opens with a millennial slasher story, a modern take on the classic genre, infused with contemporary anxieties and social commentary. The narrative is both terrifying and reflective, capturing the essence of youthful dread in a technology-driven society.

Next, the anthology delves into the supernatural with a tale centered on a demonic mirror. This segment is a masterclass in building tension and suspense, using the reflective surface as a portal to the unknown. The horror is palpable, yet it is interspersed with moments of dark humor that provide a welcome relief, showcasing the directors' adeptness at balancing fear with laughter.

One of the standout stories involves the dark half of a literary doomsayer, a character inspired by the rich tradition of pulp fiction. This narrative is particularly noteworthy for its complex characterization and psychological depth. It explores themes of identity, creation, and destruction, drawing the audience into a cerebral horror that lingers long after the credits roll.

The anthology takes a bizarre and unexpectedly hilarious turn with the inclusion of a satanic parrot. This segment is a testament to the film's willingness to embrace the absurd and the outrageous. The parrot, with its eerie mimicry and malevolent intelligence, becomes a symbol of unpredictable horror, all the while eliciting genuine laughs through its outrageous antics and the chaos it unleashes.

The final tale in the anthology deals with a vengeful wife scorned, a narrative that taps into primal fears and the darkest aspects of human relationships. This segment is a powerful commentary on betrayal and retribution, delivering a chilling yet satisfyingly cathartic conclusion to the film. The horror is grounded in real emotional stakes, making it one of the most relatable and impactful stories of the collection.

"Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" is not just a horror-comedy anthology; it is a homage to the enduring legacy of pulp fiction. Featuring adaptations of works by renowned authors such as Stephen King, Nicole Bird, and Alec Cizak, the film pays tribute to the genre's roots while pushing its boundaries. The screenplay, co-written by Alexander Cicak and the directing team, is sharp, witty, and unflinchingly dark, capturing the essence of the source material while injecting fresh perspectives.

The production quality is top-notch, with each director bringing their unique visual style and storytelling sensibilities to the table. The cinematography is evocative, the special effects are impressive, and the sound design is meticulously crafted to enhance the overall experience. The ensemble cast, including standout performances by Traycee King, Randy Havens, and Amy Letcher, delivers with commendable dedication and skill, breathing life into the eclectic array of characters.

In conclusion, "Pulp Modern: Die Laughing" is a must-watch for fans of horror and dark comedy. It is a film that challenges, entertains, and ultimately leaves you with a sense of uneasy satisfaction. Whether you're a longtime aficionado of pulp fiction or a newcomer to the genre, this anthology is bound to leave a lasting impression, making you laugh even as it sends shivers down your spine.
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9/10
Dig anthology horrors, you gonna have a blast with this collection!
joecurry-614818 June 2024
Since I was a little shorty watching Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, I've always been down with anthology horror flicks, you get me? The first story in this one hits like a classic, breaking down that unstoppable killer vibe from back in the day, but with a twist. It's a fun, campy start that sets the scene right for the whole anthology. Each story in this mix takes its own path, giving the whole movie a fresh and dope feel. If you dig anthology horrors, you gonna have a blast with this collection, no doubt. So grab some popcorn with your favorite beverage and check out Pulp Modern: Die Laughing.
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10/10
Fun mix of horror and comedy!
lbarker088 June 2024
Pulp Modern: Die Laughing is a comedic horror anthology film. The opening scene pulled me in and got me intrigued. The comic strip inspiration is a really great addition as well! I loved the introductory credit sequence at the beginning. I appreciate the way the radio DJ tells the stories, weaving them all together in an expert balance of comedy and horror to create a fun feature-length viewing experience! Such a good way to tell a "frame tale." I really appreciated all the stories that were told here. The visuals, special effects, and acting were all wonderful, too! Very well done to all of the filmmakers!
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10/10
excellent anthology
mich1elle29 May 2024
Pulp Modern: Die Laughing is one of the best anthologies that I have ever watched. The five stories intertwine together so masterfully. Each story was equally captivating.

I especially loved all the attention to detail. The actors are all fantastic. I was captivated from start to finish. I definitely jumped in my seat more than once.

I really liked the way they filmed this as well. The filming style really added to the story.

This is definitely a movie I will be watching more than once.

I highly recommend this movie to everyone. This is one you do not want to miss.

Give this one a watch, you will not be disappointed.
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9/10
Unique and Impressive Horror
kjs11448 June 2024
Pulp Modern: Die Laughing is an impressive horror film. It is very unique in it's format, which is basically several different stores tied together by a radio DJ who plays classical music. I think the thing that impressed me most about this film was the direction, and the cinematography. You usually don't see film directing and camera movement this slick in indie movies like this. There were shots and seamless camera moves in this film that were so polished, and smooth that I was reminded of the movies of David Fincher. The talking parrot was also a unique story device. And the soundtrack was fantastic.
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10/10
A completion of some really good short films
cwells-575-6803478 June 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed it. I think this isn't just a fun movie consisting of a bunch of really good shorts but a brilliant idea for filmmakers. Each short film is is connected by this radio station DJ who keeps getting these gifts and each gift has something to do with the next short film. I thought that was a really good idea and I liked each short plus the DJ scenes. If you like horror and comedy I think you'll enjoy this film..or short films. It's kind of like going to a film festival and watching a horror/comedy block. Very cool! Fun films.

I think it's also really interesting when you take a group of different directors under one roof who are told to produce work that is cohesive. Each film stands on their one but also work very well together in terms of sense of humor and approach to their respective scripts.
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9/10
Really fun!
timdoggiedreams-128 May 2024
One of the great things about this movie is, if you're a big horror fan, there's plenty of great horror moments to enjoy. But if you're more of a mild horror fan like me, you can still get into this film, because it's both fun and funny. Blood and gore, yes. But so amusingly done, you can't help but laugh. I liked every segment of the movie, and just had fun with it from beginning to end. I think the filmmakers and actors had fun making it, too. And their enthusiasm is contagious. So even if you're not a horror devote, you might still find yourself having a great time. Just a really fun and satisfying film!
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10/10
A fun horror anthology with a great campy vibe
michael-perez8230 May 2024
Ever since growing up with shows like Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, I've been a sucker for anthology horror films. The opening short is a familiar, yet playful deconstruction of the unstoppable killer of horror's past. It was a fun and campy beginning to set the stage for this anthology, but each story leans in a different direction, giving the entire anthology a fresh feeling. Each of the five stories had different directors/writers, but they all did a fantastic job of making their stories unique but cinematically coherent. If you enjoy anthology horrors, you will have a great time enjoying this collection of films.
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