New Catholic Children’s Book Provides the Gift of Reading & Prayer this Holiday Season
New Catholic Children’s Book Provides the Gift of Reading & Prayer this Holiday Season – Book Publishing Industry Today – EIN Presswire
I Watched Six Horror Films This Month. Here’s 4 I’d Recommend And 2 I Wouldn’t
It’s that time of year when the chill in the air makes cozying up with some great horror movies the best streaming services have to offer a fantastic idea. As a horror enthusiast who’ll watch everything from the grungiest indie slasher to the glossiest studio thrill ride, I plunged headfirst into six films this month. Some were worth shouting from the rooftops about, while others had me scratching my head, wondering how they got greenlit. Here’s my rundown of four films I highly recommend, and two you should steer clear of.Horror Films I Watched This Month That I’d Recommend1. American Mary (2012)(Image credit: XLrator Media)When it comes to horror, originality often feels like a scarce commodity. Enter American Mary, a female-led horror flick that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Directed by the Soska Sisters, this tale of revenge and surgical transformation follows Mary Mason, a med student who takes an unconventional career path after a traumatic event.Why It Works: The film thrives on its unique concept, dark humor, and a magnetic performance by Katharine Isabelle. It’s as stylish as it is grotesque, cementing itself as one of the best body horror movies by exploring the body modification culture, which feels both bizarre and strangely poignant.For fans of sexy horror films like Black Swan or The Skin I Live In, this one’s a must-watch, and you can stream it now on Tubi or Pluto TV.2. Bruiser (2000)(Image credit: Lionsgate)Let’s take a moment to appreciate the underdog of the list: Bruiser. Directed by horror legend George A. Romero, this film is a moody and surreal meditation on identity. While there is a long laundry list of Romero projects that never happened, Bruiser did, but sadly, it’s an entry in his filmography that is all but forgotten.The plot follows Henry Creedlow–played brilliantly by former X-Men: First Class cast member Jason Flemyng–a man who wakes up one day to find his face replaced by a featureless mask, which serves as an eerie visual metaphor for how he feels about his life.Why It Works: Romero’s signature knack for weaving social commentary into horror is on full display. While it’s not as celebrated as his zombie classics, Bruiser has an eerie charm that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s unsettling in the best way possible and proves you don’t need buckets of gore to deliver a chilling story.Your Daily Blend of Entertainment NewsThis forgotten 2000s horror movie is one of the best horror movies on Tubi.3. Mr. Crocket (2024)(Image credit: Hulu)Scary movies have a knack for turning childhood innocence into nightmare fuel, and Mr. Crocket takes this concept to spine-chilling new heights.Brandon Espy directs this supernatural horror flick in his feature debut, expanding on his 2022 short film of the same name. The story follows Summer Beverly, a grieving mother desperate to rescue her son from the clutches of a demonic children’s television host, Mr. Crocket. Think Mr. Rogers meets Pennywise the Clown with a dash of Freddy Krueger, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the vibes of this flick.Why It Works: From the opening scene, Mr. Crocket immerses viewers in a twisted world where nostalgia is weaponized against us. The titular Mr. Crocket played with unnerving charisma by Elvis Nolasco, serves as both a protector and a predator, drawing abused children into his realm under the guise of sanctuary.You can access one of the streamer’s best horror flicks if you have a Hulu subscription.4. Thanksgiving (2023)(Image credit: Sony)Who would have guessed that a fake trailer from Grindhouse would one day evolve into one of the best holiday horror movies of recent memory? Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving delivers on all fronts: gore, humor, and a killer (pun intended) holiday vibe.Why It Works: Roth leans heavily into the absurdity of the premise, delivering a blood-soaked slasher that feels like a love letter to the best slasher movies of all time. The kills are as inventive as they are brutal, and the self-aware humor hits all the right notes. If you’ve ever wanted your turkey dinner served with a side of carnage, Thanksgiving is the answer to your prayers, and you can check it out now with your Netflix subscription.Horror Films I Watched This Month That I Wouldn’t Recommend1. The Beast Within (2024)(Image credit: Well Go USA Entertainment, Hulu)Werewolves have long been a symbol of inner turmoil and transformation, but The Beast Within fails to capitalize on this rich mythology. Kit Harington stars in this new werewolf movie as Noah, a lycanthrope whose secret double life as a werewolf begins to unravel when his young daughter Willow (Caoilinn Springall) stumbles upon the truth. Despite the intriguing premise, this film doesn’t sink its teeth into its potential, leaving viewers with a messy, uninspired horror-drama hybrid.Why It Doesn’t Work: Director Alexander J. Farrell attempts to explore domestic violence through the lens of a werewolf story. However, the allegory is so heavy-handed that it overshadows any real tension or scares. Instead of creating a layered narrative, it comes across as preachy with little nuance.The film is further bogged down by its lack of genuine frights. While the atmospheric shots of the West Yorkshire countryside provide a haunting backdrop, the scares are limited to predictable jump scares, and the bloodless presentation leaves horror fans wanting more. Even the werewolf transformations—typically a high point in such films—are kept largely offscreen, robbing the genre of its visceral appeal.Harington delivers a solid performance as the tormented father, but the script fails to commit to either its horror roots or its ambitions as a domestic drama. The story meanders, blending serious themes with genre tropes in a way that feels disjointed.The final nail in the coffin comes in the form of a clumsy, overly expository ending that spells out the film’s metaphor with such explicitness that it borders on absurd. By the time the credits roll, you’re not left with a movie with a mind-blowing ending. Instead, any goodwill built by the performances or cinematography is lost.2. Don’t Turn Out The Lights (2024)(Image credit: Oops Doughnuts Productions, Hulu)Road trip horror can be a thrill ride when done right, but Don’t Turn Out The Lights takes a wrong turn and never recovers. Written and directed by Andy Fickman, the film follows a group of friends en route to a music festival whose journey is derailed by supernatural horrors after their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. While the premise holds potential for suspense and scares, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired.Why It Doesn’t Work: What starts as a lightly comedic, hangout-style road trip movie quickly devolves into a chaotic and frustrating narrative. The characters are thinly written, with stock personalities that make it hard to root for anyone. Olivia, the self-absorbed friend dragging the group to the festival, and her anxious bestie Carrie offer little beyond predictable archetypes. Even Jason, the stoic ex-Marine, is defined solely by his competence in tense situations. The humor often feels forced, as exemplified by a gross-out gag about RV bathroom woes, which only adds to the film’s meandering tone.Fickman’s decision to keep the source of terror ambiguous for much of the runtime is a bold choice, but it ultimately backfires. The floating red eyes that sporadically appear—suggesting everything from supernatural beings to stalking road-trippers—fail to generate real fear. Instead, the lack of clarity makes the film feel aimless, as though it’s cycling through horror tropes without committing to any of them.The Final VerdictThis month’s horror marathon was a mixed bag, but it reaffirmed why I love the genre so much. Films like American Mary and Thanksgiving remind us of horror’s ability to surprise, shock, and entertain, while striving to dig deeper than the genre’s lowest common denominators. While disappointments like The Beast Within and Don’t Turn Out The Lights serve as cautionary tales about the pitfalls of mediocrity.So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into the good ones—you’ll thank me later.
I Watched Six Horror Films This Month. Here’s 4 I’d Recommend And 2 I Wouldn’t
It’s that time of year when the chill in the air makes cozying up with some great horror movies the best streaming services have to offer a fantastic idea. As a horror enthusiast who’ll watch everything from the grungiest indie slasher to the glossiest studio thrill ride, I plunged headfirst into six films this month. Some were worth shouting from the rooftops about, while others had me scratching my head, wondering how they got greenlit. Here’s my rundown of four films I highly recommend, and two you should steer clear of.Horror Films I Watched This Month That I’d Recommend1. American Mary (2012)(Image credit: XLrator Media)When it comes to horror, originality often feels like a scarce commodity. Enter American Mary, a female-led horror flick that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. Directed by the Soska Sisters, this tale of revenge and surgical transformation follows Mary Mason, a med student who takes an unconventional career path after a traumatic event.Why It Works: The film thrives on its unique concept, dark humor, and a magnetic performance by Katharine Isabelle. It’s as stylish as it is grotesque, cementing itself as one of the best body horror movies by exploring the body modification culture, which feels both bizarre and strangely poignant.For fans of sexy horror films like Black Swan or The Skin I Live In, this one’s a must-watch, and you can stream it now on Tubi or Pluto TV.2. Bruiser (2000)(Image credit: Lionsgate)Let’s take a moment to appreciate the underdog of the list: Bruiser. Directed by horror legend George A. Romero, this film is a moody and surreal meditation on identity. While there is a long laundry list of Romero projects that never happened, Bruiser did, but sadly, it’s an entry in his filmography that is all but forgotten.The plot follows Henry Creedlow–played brilliantly by former X-Men: First Class cast member Jason Flemyng–a man who wakes up one day to find his face replaced by a featureless mask, which serves as an eerie visual metaphor for how he feels about his life.Why It Works: Romero’s signature knack for weaving social commentary into horror is on full display. While it’s not as celebrated as his zombie classics, Bruiser has an eerie charm that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s unsettling in the best way possible and proves you don’t need buckets of gore to deliver a chilling story.Your Daily Blend of Entertainment NewsThis forgotten 2000s horror movie is one of the best horror movies on Tubi.3. Mr. Crocket (2024)(Image credit: Hulu)Scary movies have a knack for turning childhood innocence into nightmare fuel, and Mr. Crocket takes this concept to spine-chilling new heights.Brandon Espy directs this supernatural horror flick in his feature debut, expanding on his 2022 short film of the same name. The story follows Summer Beverly, a grieving mother desperate to rescue her son from the clutches of a demonic children’s television host, Mr. Crocket. Think Mr. Rogers meets Pennywise the Clown with a dash of Freddy Krueger, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the vibes of this flick.Why It Works: From the opening scene, Mr. Crocket immerses viewers in a twisted world where nostalgia is weaponized against us. The titular Mr. Crocket played with unnerving charisma by Elvis Nolasco, serves as both a protector and a predator, drawing abused children into his realm under the guise of sanctuary.You can access one of the streamer’s best horror flicks if you have a Hulu subscription.4. Thanksgiving (2023)(Image credit: Sony)Who would have guessed that a fake trailer from Grindhouse would one day evolve into one of the best holiday horror movies of recent memory? Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving delivers on all fronts: gore, humor, and a killer (pun intended) holiday vibe.Why It Works: Roth leans heavily into the absurdity of the premise, delivering a blood-soaked slasher that feels like a love letter to the best slasher movies of all time. The kills are as inventive as they are brutal, and the self-aware humor hits all the right notes. If you’ve ever wanted your turkey dinner served with a side of carnage, Thanksgiving is the answer to your prayers, and you can check it out now with your Netflix subscription.Horror Films I Watched This Month That I Wouldn’t Recommend1. The Beast Within (2024)(Image credit: Well Go USA Entertainment, Hulu)Werewolves have long been a symbol of inner turmoil and transformation, but The Beast Within fails to capitalize on this rich mythology. Kit Harington stars in this new werewolf movie as Noah, a lycanthrope whose secret double life as a werewolf begins to unravel when his young daughter Willow (Caoilinn Springall) stumbles upon the truth. Despite the intriguing premise, this film doesn’t sink its teeth into its potential, leaving viewers with a messy, uninspired horror-drama hybrid.Why It Doesn’t Work: Director Alexander J. Farrell attempts to explore domestic violence through the lens of a werewolf story. However, the allegory is so heavy-handed that it overshadows any real tension or scares. Instead of creating a layered narrative, it comes across as preachy with little nuance.The film is further bogged down by its lack of genuine frights. While the atmospheric shots of the West Yorkshire countryside provide a haunting backdrop, the scares are limited to predictable jump scares, and the bloodless presentation leaves horror fans wanting more. Even the werewolf transformations—typically a high point in such films—are kept largely offscreen, robbing the genre of its visceral appeal.Harington delivers a solid performance as the tormented father, but the script fails to commit to either its horror roots or its ambitions as a domestic drama. The story meanders, blending serious themes with genre tropes in a way that feels disjointed.The final nail in the coffin comes in the form of a clumsy, overly expository ending that spells out the film’s metaphor with such explicitness that it borders on absurd. By the time the credits roll, you’re not left with a movie with a mind-blowing ending. Instead, any goodwill built by the performances or cinematography is lost.2. Don’t Turn Out The Lights (2024)(Image credit: Oops Doughnuts Productions, Hulu)Road trip horror can be a thrill ride when done right, but Don’t Turn Out The Lights takes a wrong turn and never recovers. Written and directed by Andy Fickman, the film follows a group of friends en route to a music festival whose journey is derailed by supernatural horrors after their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. While the premise holds potential for suspense and scares, the film’s execution leaves much to be desired.Why It Doesn’t Work: What starts as a lightly comedic, hangout-style road trip movie quickly devolves into a chaotic and frustrating narrative. The characters are thinly written, with stock personalities that make it hard to root for anyone. Olivia, the self-absorbed friend dragging the group to the festival, and her anxious bestie Carrie offer little beyond predictable archetypes. Even Jason, the stoic ex-Marine, is defined solely by his competence in tense situations. The humor often feels forced, as exemplified by a gross-out gag about RV bathroom woes, which only adds to the film’s meandering tone.Fickman’s decision to keep the source of terror ambiguous for much of the runtime is a bold choice, but it ultimately backfires. The floating red eyes that sporadically appear—suggesting everything from supernatural beings to stalking road-trippers—fail to generate real fear. Instead, the lack of clarity makes the film feel aimless, as though it’s cycling through horror tropes without committing to any of them.The Final VerdictThis month’s horror marathon was a mixed bag, but it reaffirmed why I love the genre so much. Films like American Mary and Thanksgiving remind us of horror’s ability to surprise, shock, and entertain, while striving to dig deeper than the genre’s lowest common denominators. While disappointments like The Beast Within and Don’t Turn Out The Lights serve as cautionary tales about the pitfalls of mediocrity.So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into the good ones—you’ll thank me later.
The Merry Gentlemen star issues disclaimer after Christmas movie concerns
Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreNetflix users are being reassured by the lead star of a new chart-topping Christmas movie.New release The Merry Gentlemen has shot straight to the top of the streaming service’s most-watched list since its premiere on Wednesday (20 November) – and is leaving thousands of viewers hot under the collar.Described as a festive version of Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike franchise, the film follows Ashley (Britt Robertson), a Broadway dancer who stages a Christmas-themed revue in small-town America led by a male stripper named Luke (Chad Michael Murray).Netflix has found a niche in the release of Christmas films over the past few years and, when The Merry Gentlemen’s trailer was first released, there was some concern about whether this one would be suitable for families to watch together due to the relentless amount of scenes involving a nude Murray.However, the One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls star is reassuring those wanting to watch the film about its content.“It’s not gratuitous by any means,” he told Variety, adding: “We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie; you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. “It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot and I’m really proud of that.”For Murray’s many shirtless scenes, he underwent an extensive regime, which he said “was a combination of everything from cardio to cyro to vitamins, supplements and clean eating”. He said his muscular co-star Cole Prattes, who plays Troy, taught him how to do “a third of the work and get better results”.The Merry Gentlemen is directed by Peter Sullivan, who co-wrote the film alongside Jeffrey Schenck and Marla Sokoloff.Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeWatch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeChad Michael Murray in Netflix movie ‘The Merry Gentlemen’
The Merry Gentlemen star issues disclaimer after Christmas movie concerns
Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreNetflix users are being reassured by the lead star of a new chart-topping Christmas movie.New release The Merry Gentlemen has shot straight to the top of the streaming service’s most-watched list since its premiere on Wednesday (20 November) – and is leaving thousands of viewers hot under the collar.Described as a festive version of Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike franchise, the film follows Ashley (Britt Robertson), a Broadway dancer who stages a Christmas-themed revue in small-town America led by a male stripper named Luke (Chad Michael Murray).Netflix has found a niche in the release of Christmas films over the past few years and, when The Merry Gentlemen’s trailer was first released, there was some concern about whether this one would be suitable for families to watch together due to the relentless amount of scenes involving a nude Murray.However, the One Tree Hill and Gilmore Girls star is reassuring those wanting to watch the film about its content.“It’s not gratuitous by any means,” he told Variety, adding: “We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie; you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. “It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot and I’m really proud of that.”For Murray’s many shirtless scenes, he underwent an extensive regime, which he said “was a combination of everything from cardio to cyro to vitamins, supplements and clean eating”. He said his muscular co-star Cole Prattes, who plays Troy, taught him how to do “a third of the work and get better results”.The Merry Gentlemen is directed by Peter Sullivan, who co-wrote the film alongside Jeffrey Schenck and Marla Sokoloff.Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeWatch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeChad Michael Murray in Netflix movie ‘The Merry Gentlemen’
It’s Official: Michigan Tech College of Engineering Launches New Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
With the help of talented faculty, experiential opportunities and industry-guided
curriculum, Huskies are ready to take to the stars. Starting in fall 2025, undergraduate
students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological
University.
Michigan Tech has established itself as a beacon for innovation and expertise in the
aerospace engineering field — and now students can apply for the University’s new
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering degree program for the 2025-26 academic
year. The program is housed in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) within the College of Engineering. The chair of the department, Distinguished Professor Jason R. Blough, is ready to welcome this first class of future aerospace engineers.
“The addition of this new degree is in recognition of the expertise of our faculty,
growing research in the areas of aerospace and space technology and engineering, and
a tremendous amount of student interest,” said Blough. “We are very excited to welcome
our first freshman class into Aerospace Engineering in the fall of 2025!”
While the new bachelor’s degree is Tech’s first official aerospace engineering program,
it expands on a wealth of existing aerospace engineering opportunities available to
students. MAE continues to offer an undergraduate minor in aerospace engineering, and the University’s Air Force ROTC program has a minor in aerospace studies. Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program, a project-based experience in which undergraduate students on multidisciplinary
teams work on real projects for real clients, also includes two aerospace engineering
teams. Students on the Aerospace Enterprise team work on space mission design and analysis, vehicle integration and systems engineering.
The Oculus-ASR Microsatellite, one of the team’s recent spacecraft projects, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon
Heavy in 2019 to serve as an imaging calibration target for ground-based observatories
tasked with characterizing spacecraft. The Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) Enterprise team members design, test and implement robotic technologies for
use in extreme environments. Additionally, a new Enterprise team encompassing two
student organizations — SAE Aero Design Team and the Keweenaw Rocket Range (KRR) — will bring a fresh competitive angle to the University’s experiential learning
opportunities.
In addition to hands-on product development, aerospace engineering students at Michigan
Tech will have the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with faculty and
researchers in the Space Systems research group. The Michigan Tech Aerospace Engineering Research Center (MARC) serves as a focal point and arm of support for aerospace engineering activities
on campus. The Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (PSTDL) develops technology solutions for surface exploration of the moon, Mars and
beyond while training the next generation of engineers. The Ion Space Propulsion Lab (ISP Lab) involves next-generation plasma thrusters for spacecraft.
“Our students have been asking for this degree and we listened. We’re thrilled to
launch the new Aerospace Engineering degree here at Tech. With the technical chops
and innovative, hands-on focused curriculum to train the next generation of aerospace
engineers, the sky is no longer the limit as our students tackle tomorrow’s space
and aircraft needs. We can’t wait to get started!”Michelle Scherer, dean, College of Engineering
College of Engineering Dean Michelle Scherer said the new bachelor’s in aerospace engineering will be a launching pad for many
engineers to come. “From satellites to autonomous flight to aircraft design, the Michigan
Tech College of Engineering is leading the pack in all things aircraft and space,”
she said.
For more information on the new degree’s curriculum and aerospace engineering careers,
explore Michigan Tech’s Aerospace Engineering site.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Eight horror movie sequels you need to watch in 2025
Horror movie fanatics, listen up! The new year is on the horizon and this means we will soon be treated to a bunch of new movies that will keep you up at night.Check out indy100’s pick of the best terrifying sequels below.28 Years LaterDanny Boyle is back behind the camera to direct 28 Years Later, the third instalment in the zombie franchise. The post-apocalyptic horror film stars Cillian Murphy, who reprises his role from 28 Days Later. Fans will have to wait until the summer to find out what’s in store, however we do know that the film will see the return of the Rage Virus and a group of survivors who must try to outrun those who have been infected.Release date: June 20, 2025M3GAN 2.0She’s back! The highly anticipated follow-up to 2022’s M3gan, titled M3gan 2.0, will be on a lot of lists of things to watch next summer.Jason Blum and James Wan return as producers and both Allison Williams and Violet McGraw return to star. The first film dealt with a lifelike robotic doll who helps a young girl cope with the death of her parents. Details about the sequel have not been announced but filming wrapped in October.Release date: June 27, 2025I Know What You Did Last Summer A sequel to the classic 90s slasher has been in the works since 2023. Freddie Prinze Jr., who starred in the 1997 movie and its 1998 follow-up, will be back and Jennifer Love Hewitt is still in talks to return, Deadline reports.The original film focuses on four young friends – portrayed by Prinze Jr., Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe – who become intertwined with a tragic accident. They soon find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding killer in their small town.Release date: July 18, 2025Insidious sequel/spin-offKnown colloquially as Chapter 6, a brand new Insidious film has been slated to arrive at the end of summer next year.No further details, other than the release date, have been confirmed at the time of writing. It also remains to be seen whether Insidious regulars Patrick Wilson and Leigh Whannell will return. The new film is said to star Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani, with Jeremy Slater attached to write and direct, Variety reports.Release date: August 29, 2025The Conjuring: Last RitesPatrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are reprising their roles as paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren in the next Conjuring film.It is set to be the last film in the main Conjuring storyline however the door is still open for spin-offs, EW reports.The case the two investigators will delve into has not been confirmed. Director James Wan marked the “end of an era” when filming on Last Rites wrapped this year.Release date: September 5, 2025Saw XISaw X, as per the title, was the tenth instalment in the long-running gruesome horror franchise. It was a huge success and made $125.3 million at the box office. Lionsgate announced in December 2023 that a sequel, Saw XI, was scheduled to be released on September 27, 2024 but in April this release date was pushed back by a year. One thing we do know about the film is the game will continue…Release date: September 26, 2025The Black Phone 2 The first film focused on a teenage boy named Finney who was abducted by a serial child killer known as The Grabber.Finney finds a mystical black rotary phone while in captivity and uses it to communicate with the ghosts of The Grabber’s victims in order to plot his escape.The plot for the new film is being kept under wraps.Release date: October 17, 2025.Five Nights at Freddy’s 2Fans of the video game series of the same name had waited years for the film adaptation to finally make it to the big screen — and now they’re getting a sequel.The first film, which dropped in 2023, was a box office success despite receiving underwhelming reviews, grossing $297.1 million.The second film will arrive in time for next Christmas however details about the plot are being guarded.Release date: December 5, 2025Sign up for our free indy100 weekly newsletterHow to join the indy100’s free WhatsApp channelHave your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
Eight horror movie sequels you need to watch in 2025
Horror movie fanatics, listen up! The new year is on the horizon and this means we will soon be treated to a bunch of new movies that will keep you up at night.Check out indy100’s pick of the best terrifying sequels below.28 Years LaterDanny Boyle is back behind the camera to direct 28 Years Later, the third instalment in the zombie franchise. The post-apocalyptic horror film stars Cillian Murphy, who reprises his role from 28 Days Later. Fans will have to wait until the summer to find out what’s in store, however we do know that the film will see the return of the Rage Virus and a group of survivors who must try to outrun those who have been infected.Release date: June 20, 2025M3GAN 2.0She’s back! The highly anticipated follow-up to 2022’s M3gan, titled M3gan 2.0, will be on a lot of lists of things to watch next summer.Jason Blum and James Wan return as producers and both Allison Williams and Violet McGraw return to star. The first film dealt with a lifelike robotic doll who helps a young girl cope with the death of her parents. Details about the sequel have not been announced but filming wrapped in October.Release date: June 27, 2025I Know What You Did Last Summer A sequel to the classic 90s slasher has been in the works since 2023. Freddie Prinze Jr., who starred in the 1997 movie and its 1998 follow-up, will be back and Jennifer Love Hewitt is still in talks to return, Deadline reports.The original film focuses on four young friends – portrayed by Prinze Jr., Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe – who become intertwined with a tragic accident. They soon find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding killer in their small town.Release date: July 18, 2025Insidious sequel/spin-offKnown colloquially as Chapter 6, a brand new Insidious film has been slated to arrive at the end of summer next year.No further details, other than the release date, have been confirmed at the time of writing. It also remains to be seen whether Insidious regulars Patrick Wilson and Leigh Whannell will return. The new film is said to star Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani, with Jeremy Slater attached to write and direct, Variety reports.Release date: August 29, 2025The Conjuring: Last RitesPatrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are reprising their roles as paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren in the next Conjuring film.It is set to be the last film in the main Conjuring storyline however the door is still open for spin-offs, EW reports.The case the two investigators will delve into has not been confirmed. Director James Wan marked the “end of an era” when filming on Last Rites wrapped this year.Release date: September 5, 2025Saw XISaw X, as per the title, was the tenth instalment in the long-running gruesome horror franchise. It was a huge success and made $125.3 million at the box office. Lionsgate announced in December 2023 that a sequel, Saw XI, was scheduled to be released on September 27, 2024 but in April this release date was pushed back by a year. One thing we do know about the film is the game will continue…Release date: September 26, 2025The Black Phone 2 The first film focused on a teenage boy named Finney who was abducted by a serial child killer known as The Grabber.Finney finds a mystical black rotary phone while in captivity and uses it to communicate with the ghosts of The Grabber’s victims in order to plot his escape.The plot for the new film is being kept under wraps.Release date: October 17, 2025.Five Nights at Freddy’s 2Fans of the video game series of the same name had waited years for the film adaptation to finally make it to the big screen — and now they’re getting a sequel.The first film, which dropped in 2023, was a box office success despite receiving underwhelming reviews, grossing $297.1 million.The second film will arrive in time for next Christmas however details about the plot are being guarded.Release date: December 5, 2025Sign up for our free indy100 weekly newsletterHow to join the indy100’s free WhatsApp channelHave your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
Five Journals Successfully Indexed in Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) of Web of Science by Maximum Academic Press
In just over three years since their inception, these journals have demonstrated exceptional quality and scholarly value, leading to their indexing in one of the world’s most reputable academic databases. The recognition by Web of Science is a testament to the rigorous peer-review processes, innovative research content, and editorial excellence maintained by our publishing team and collaborating scholars.The five journals that have achieved ESCI indexing are:1. Fruit Research (https://www.maxapress.com/frures): Focuses on cutting-edge developments in all areas of fruit science, focuses on publishing basic and translational research with a broad impact in fruit science. 2. Vegetable Research (https://www.maxapress.com/vegres): Specializes in interdisciplinary research spanning all areas of vegetable research, including genetics, breeding, omics, biotechnology, developmental biology, interactions with the abiotic and biotic environments, as well as production and pre-and post-harvest issues.3. Ornamental Plant Research (https://www.maxapress.com/opr): Dedicated to representing significant advances or new insights into our understanding of specialized areas of ornamental plants.4. Grass Research (https://www.maxapress.com/grares): Provides insights into the latest innovations in mechanistic aspects of plant biology and interactions with environments and microorganisms for grass species in natural ecosystems or cultivated systems.5. Forestry Research (https://www.maxapress.com/forres): Focuses on major forest species, including but not limited to timber, ornamental, economic, and ecological trees.Significance of ESCI IndexingBeing indexed in ESCI signifies that these journals meet the high standards of editorial quality, content relevance, and citation impact set by Web of Science. This status not only enhances their discoverability but also positions them for potential indexing in higher-ranked databases such as the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI).Future OutlookLooking ahead to 2025, we anticipate that the five journals will achieve their first Impact Factors and subject rankings, further solidifying their place within the global academic community. This achievement will provide a strong foundation for continued growth and influence in their respective fields.About Maximum Academic PressMaximum Academic Press (MAP, https://www.maxapress.com) is an independent publishing company with focus on publishing golden open access academic journals. From 2020 to now, MAP has successfully launched 28 academic journals which cover the research fields of agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, medicine, statistics, engineering and humanities and social sciences. Professor Zong-Ming (Max) Cheng, chief editor and founder of MAP, who earned his Ph.D from Cornell University in 1991 and worked as an Assistant, Associate and Professor at North Dakota State University and University of Tennessee for over 30 years. Prior to establishing MAP, Dr. Cheng launched Horticulture Research (initially published by Nature Publishing Group) in 2014, Plant Phenomics (published by American Association of Advancement of Sciences, AAAS) in 2019, and BioDesign Research (published by AAAS) in 2020, and served as the Editor-in-Chief, Co-Editors-in-Chief, and the executive editor, respectively. Dr. Cheng wishes to apply all successful experiences in launching and managing these three high quality journals to MAP-published journals with highest quality and ethics standards.
Five Journals Successfully Indexed in Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) of Web of Science by Maximum Academic Press
In just over three years since their inception, these journals have demonstrated exceptional quality and scholarly value, leading to their indexing in one of the world’s most reputable academic databases. The recognition by Web of Science is a testament to the rigorous peer-review processes, innovative research content, and editorial excellence maintained by our publishing team and collaborating scholars.The five journals that have achieved ESCI indexing are:1. Fruit Research (https://www.maxapress.com/frures): Focuses on cutting-edge developments in all areas of fruit science, focuses on publishing basic and translational research with a broad impact in fruit science. 2. Vegetable Research (https://www.maxapress.com/vegres): Specializes in interdisciplinary research spanning all areas of vegetable research, including genetics, breeding, omics, biotechnology, developmental biology, interactions with the abiotic and biotic environments, as well as production and pre-and post-harvest issues.3. Ornamental Plant Research (https://www.maxapress.com/opr): Dedicated to representing significant advances or new insights into our understanding of specialized areas of ornamental plants.4. Grass Research (https://www.maxapress.com/grares): Provides insights into the latest innovations in mechanistic aspects of plant biology and interactions with environments and microorganisms for grass species in natural ecosystems or cultivated systems.5. Forestry Research (https://www.maxapress.com/forres): Focuses on major forest species, including but not limited to timber, ornamental, economic, and ecological trees.Significance of ESCI IndexingBeing indexed in ESCI signifies that these journals meet the high standards of editorial quality, content relevance, and citation impact set by Web of Science. This status not only enhances their discoverability but also positions them for potential indexing in higher-ranked databases such as the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI).Future OutlookLooking ahead to 2025, we anticipate that the five journals will achieve their first Impact Factors and subject rankings, further solidifying their place within the global academic community. This achievement will provide a strong foundation for continued growth and influence in their respective fields.About Maximum Academic PressMaximum Academic Press (MAP, https://www.maxapress.com) is an independent publishing company with focus on publishing golden open access academic journals. From 2020 to now, MAP has successfully launched 28 academic journals which cover the research fields of agriculture, biology, environmental sciences, medicine, statistics, engineering and humanities and social sciences. Professor Zong-Ming (Max) Cheng, chief editor and founder of MAP, who earned his Ph.D from Cornell University in 1991 and worked as an Assistant, Associate and Professor at North Dakota State University and University of Tennessee for over 30 years. Prior to establishing MAP, Dr. Cheng launched Horticulture Research (initially published by Nature Publishing Group) in 2014, Plant Phenomics (published by American Association of Advancement of Sciences, AAAS) in 2019, and BioDesign Research (published by AAAS) in 2020, and served as the Editor-in-Chief, Co-Editors-in-Chief, and the executive editor, respectively. Dr. Cheng wishes to apply all successful experiences in launching and managing these three high quality journals to MAP-published journals with highest quality and ethics standards.