”Horror Movie Franchises” provides commentary, analysis and critiques of horror franchises. We cover all the genres of horror-- from well known slashers, to foreign gems to schlocky B movies. If you enjoy horror, there’s something here for you.
NOTE: On older episodes we are branded under our previous name-- ”Food and Frightening Film Fanatics”.
The "28 Days Later" Franchise: Reinvigorating The Zombie Genre
This week we're discussing the "28 Days Later" franchise. There are currently four movies (with another on the way).
28 Days Later (2002)
28 Weeks Later (2007)
28 Years Later (2025)
28 Years Later: Bone Temple (2026)
There is a movie named "28 Months Later". It has ZERO to do with the franchise and is just a cash grab.
The 2002 movie, along with "Resident Evil" and "Dawn of the Dead", is credited with reinvigorating the zombie genre. Gone are the sluggish Romero zombies These zombies are super fast and almost impossible to escape. Yes, I know these "technically" aren't zombies (since they aren't reanimated corpses). But they are mindless crazies who want to eat us-- so close enough.
A lot has happened since the first movie came out in 2002. One of the biggest events is of course Covid. We no longer have to hypothesis about how such a disease could spread and how people would react. I shudder to think what would happen IRL if Ebola began to spread widely.
TBH, I am a bit disappointed by the last two movies. "28 Years Later" is more a coming of age story. And "Bone Temple" is a follow-up to that. I'm all for having some characters we care about.. but I watch zombie movies to see zombies. I hope they get back on track in the final movie and remember that's what most of us are here for.
Did you like these movies? Am I way off base about the last two? Please let me know in the comments below.
Photo Credit: https://www.tvinsider.com/show/28-days-later/
22 Aug 2026
"Salem's Lot": 1979, 2004, 2024 & A Forgotten Sequel
This episode of Horror Movie Franchises examines the major screen adaptations of Stephen King’s "Salem’s Lot" — the 1979 CBS miniseries, the 2004 TNT remake, the 2024 HBO Max film, and the obscure 1987 sequel. T
We discuss faithfulness to the novel, standout scenes (the Glick brothers and Barlow), trivia and where to find each version. The 1979 original is a cult classic well worth watching,
Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Salemslotthemovie.jpg
2 May 2026
"The Creature From The Black Lagoon": Long Live Gillman!
In this episode we explore "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" trilogy: production details, plot summaries, critical reception, and the actors and designers behind Gillman.
The original 1954 movie holds up surprisingly well (even if we cant see it in 3D). The straightforward plot allows little time for filler (and that's where most movies lose me). The underwater photography is beautiful. I highly recommend a watch. The same can't be said for other two movies. They are a retread of the first, the plot is uninspired and the creature designs are ugly.
There have been numerous sequel/remake attempts over the years. Unfortunately, none were successful. Let's hope James Wan (best known for "Saw", "The Conjuring" and "Insidious") can get a movie over the finish line. I love everything he does so I have high hopes. We definitely need more Gillman in our lives.
Photo Credit: Here
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