DVD Review: SHE FREAK (1967)

SHE FREAK
Directed by:  Byron Mabe
Distributed by:  Cheezy Flicks

  I had heard about the movie SHE FREAK for many years, but have just never had the chance (or made the time) to watch it.  I really didn't know anything about it, but I was very intrigued when I heard it was a loose interpretation/remake of the 1932 Tod Browning film, FREAKS.  

  FREAKS is one of my all time favorite films, so I knew I had to check out SHE FREAK.  Here is the basic plot from the Cheezy Flicks website:

Claire Brennen stars as a discontent waitress working in a small-town greasy diner, and looking for something more. When the circus comes to town, she finds herself attracted to its excitement - and secures a job with the traveling show as a food service worker. As the circus moves on, and she with it, life seems to be going well - new friends, steady work, a romance or two, and eventually a new husband - but she discovers that she despises the freaks and human oddities of the side shows, and uses her marriage to the Circus' owner to take control of the carnival. Now she must strike a balance between profit and patience, as the carnies and side show freaks set out to exact revenge on her for her Gestapo-like management techniques -- FREAK STYLE!

I enjoyed this film a lot, mainly for it's nostalgic feel, as it was filmed in 1967.  Be warned, though....do not go in to this film expecting another brilliant masterpiece like Tod Browing's film.  You will be disappointed.  This is a very watered down version of the film and doesn't really even use that many real "freaks" like Browning's film did.   While not nearly as good of a film overall, I think this film actually improves on the ending when the carnies get their revenge on the owner's wife.   In FREAKS, they turn the lady into a some sort of chicken like creature if I remember correctly.  In this film, they turn the woman in a half burned/scarred thing with one bugling eye.  Very creepy image and very good makeup effects for this time period.

This is a fun film that I would recommend...especially at the crazy price that Cheezy Films is selling it for over on their website  ($2.99!!!).  Not sure how long that price will last, so visit Cheezy Flicks to buy this film or any of their other great films they sell. 


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Blu-ray bargain find! HOSTEL / HOSTEL PART II Blu-ray combo pack

  While browsing the movies at my local Walmart yesterday, I came across this cool HOSTEL / HOSTEL PART II  Blu-ray double feature.  I have both films on DVD, but I am always looking to upgrade to Blu-ray.  While thinking about purchasing this, I looked below at the price tag and my mind was made up for me.  The price was only $5.00!     What a bargain!  No way I could pass that up.  I got the last copy at my Walmart, but check the Walmart stores around you to see if you can score this great bargain!

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 2/12:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BEAST BENEATH  [DVD]
*  THE COMEBACK  [Blu-ray]
*  CROCZILLA  [DVD]
*  DIE SCREAMING, MARIANNE  [Blu-ray]
*  DOOMSDAY COUNTY  [DVD]
*  THE FEED  [DVD]
*  HOUSE OF WHIPCORD  [Blu-ray]
*  MIMESIS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PURGE  [DVD]
*  RISE OF THE ZOMBIES  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SCHIZO  [Blu-ray]
*  SILENT HILL:  REVELATION  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SMILEY  [DVD]

Book Review: HORROR COMICS IN BLACK AND WHITE: A HISTORY AND CATALOG, 1964-2004

HORROR COMICS IN BLACK AND WHITE:  A HISTORY AND CATALOG,  1964-2004
By Richard J. Arndt
Foreword by Stephen R. Bissette
Published by McFarland &Company, Inc.

I am a huge fan of horror comics, but I didn't really get into them until back in the early 2000's when a friend introduced me to Steve Niles great comic book, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT.  Ever since then I have been a huge fan of horror comics, especially zombie comics which there are tons of.   I've collected almost all of the horror related comics since then, but there is no telling how many great horror comics I missed out on before then. 

Along comes the great reference book, HORROR COMICS IN BLACK AND WHITE:  A HISTORY AND CATALOG,  1964- 2004 by Richard J. Arndt.   This is a very in-depth and informative book that has been a blast to look through.  Here is a description of the book from the McFarland website:

In 1954, the comic book industry instituted the Comics Code, a set of self-regulatory guidelines imposed to placate public concern over gory and horrific comic book content, effectively banning genuine horror comics. Because the Code applied only to color comics, many artists and writers turned to black and white to circumvent the Code’s narrow confines.

With the 1964 Creepy #1 from Warren Publishing, black-and-white horror comics experienced a revival continuing into the early 21st century, an important step in the maturation of the horror genre within the comics field as a whole.

This generously illustrated work offers a comprehensive history and retrospective of the black-and-white horror comics that flourished on the newsstands from 1964 to 2004. With a catalog of original magazines, complete credits and insightful analysis, it highlights an important but overlooked period in the history of comics.

The book starts off with in-depth descriptions of CREEPY and EERIE magazines, including info about the cover art and each story that is in each issue of the magazine.  From there it jumps to the VAMPIRELLA comic magazines of the 1970's and then all the rest of the horror comics up until 2004. Each entry about a comic contains great info including the titles of the stories contained in each book, the cover art info, and notes containing interesting facts and info about the comics.

If you are a fan of horror comics, you will definitely want to get your hands on a copy of this book.  This is a great reference to have.  You can use the book as a checklist to look for all these great old comics and magazines.  I highly recommend this to all my blog readers.

You can call McFarland's toll free order line at 1-800-253-2187 to purchase this book or order directly from McFarland's website by CLICKING HERE.

http://www.mcfarlandpub.com

Check out the trailer for another cool huge spider movie, BIG ASS SPIDER!

 
    Last Thursday, I posted about a new movie called SPIDERS 3D.  It looks like a pretty cool creature feature film staring some pretty large spiders.  Upon seeing this post, my buddy Scott Baker mentioned that I should check out the film, BIG ASS SPIDER.  I had never heard of it, so immediately went and watched the trailer and I am hooked!  This movie looks amazing!   I love a good creature feature, and there just aren't that many of them these days, so I am super excited about all these huge spider movies coming out!  Here is the basic plot of BIG ASS SPIDER from the film's imdb page:

  A giant alien spider escapes from a military lab and rampage the city of Los Angeles. When a massive military strike fails, it is up to a team of scientists and one clever exterminator to kill the creature before the city is destroyed.

  This looks like a fun movie for sure!  Hopefully I can do a full review of this film soon! BIG ASS SPIDER will haves its world premiere at the South By Southwest Film Festival this March.
Check out the trailer and let me know in the comments section below what you think!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: GUT (2012)

GUT
Written and Directed by Elias

  I got a film a while back to review called GUT.  I  had never heard of the film, and knew little about it, but the trailer looked very promising.   I finally had a chance to check it out last night and I am very glad I did.  This is a very well made film...very creepy and atmospheric. Here is the plot from the film's imdb page:

  Something is missing in Tom's life. Every day he goes through the motions, becoming increasingly detached from those around him. His best friend Dan thinks he has the answer, a mysterious video he's got to see to believe. What Dan shows him leaves Tom unsettled, flooding his mind with disturbing images and desires, and binding the two friends together with its ugly secret. As he tries desperately to forget what he saw, Tom's mounting feelings of guilt and disillusionment quickly give way to paranoia and fear. One video soon follows another and another, blurring the line between reality and voyeuristic fascination, and threatening to dismantle everything around them.    

  This is a very strange movie, which is the kind of movie I like.  It had the feel of a David Cronenberg film to me.  I have to warn you that the film is slow at times..but even during the slow times, there is a sense of unease, as you wonder what is going to come next.  There is a constant unnerving feel as you watch this film.  

 Although I've seen some critique of the acting on some other reviews, I found the acting to be very believable.  I especially liked the part of Dan played by Nicholas Wilder, as this character brought some instances of comic relief to an otherwise very grim tale.

  Give this movie a shot and stay with it to the end, and you will be treated to one very disturbing final act.  GUT is one of those films that is hard to say you liked, because it is a not a fun, happy film.  But it is a movie that is very well made, and is worth a viewing in my opinion.  More dark drama, than horror, the film still has some horror elements to it and a good bit of gore.  Check this one out for sure.

  GUT is available now to Rent/Own at Amazon, Vudu, Xbox, Playstation, CinemaNow, Google Play & YouTube!


CLICK HERE to watch trailers and clips from the movie
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official facebook page

Check out the trailer for the upcoming creature feature, SPIDERS 3D!

Check out the cool trailer for the Sci-fi/Horror film, SPIDERS 3D.  I love a good creature feature, and this one looks like it will be a lot of fun!  Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

After a Soviet space station crashes into a New York City subway tunnel, a species of poisonous spiders is discovered, and soon they mutate to gigantic proportions and wreak havoc on the city.

 SPIDERS 3D is directed by Tibor Takács, who may be best known to most horror fans as the director of the 1987 classic,  THE GATE.  SPIDERS 3D is set for a limited theatrical release tomorrow, 2/8.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, February 5th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 2/5:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)
  
*  BIGFOOT:  THE LOST COAST TAPES  [DVD & DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack]

 
Wow...pretty light week.  Only one horror DVD released this week, unless I am
just missing something.   Looks like next week (2/12) will be a pretty heavy
week for new releases, though.

DVD Review: ZOOM IN: SEX APARTMENTS (1980)

 
ZOOM IN:  SEX APARTMENTS
Directed by:  Naosuke Kurosawa
Distributed by Impulse Pictures / Synapse Films

 As most of you know, I love Japanese horror films.  Not the mainstream Japanese films (Ringu/Ju-On, ect.), but the lower key, independent films from Japan (THE UNTOLD STORY, EBOLA SYNDROME, etc).  Another horror sub-genre that I love is exploitation films, and once again, the Japanese filmmakers really outdo our American counterparts.  The Japanese always turn it up a  notch and just go a little further than we would here in the States.   Proof of this is  the subject of my latest review, ZOOM IN:  SEX APARTMENTS.   It's a crazy title for an even crazier film.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Synapse Films website:

Saeko, a woman with a mysterious past, is hit with a rock and brutally raped by a man wearing a dark mask and black gloves. Her life is spared, but soon brutal murders befall the residents of the Kibougahara Apartment building. The victims are beaten, killed, and their genitals are set on fire. Saeko has her suspicions about the killer’s identity, but will she live long enough to unmask the pyromaniac?

  The first thing I realized after watching this film is that I had just watched a Dario Argento movie, had Dario Argento been Japanese.   The movie had that feel to it, like an early giallo film of Argento's from the early 1970's.  Even the killer has the classic look with the black trench coat and black gloves.   Dario Argento would be proud!

 As I mentioned, the Japanese always seem to take it a step further, so instead of a mystery man just killing the women of the apartment complex, he goes one step further and lights their genitals on fire.  Not in the sexy sense of the term, but literally pours lighter fluid on their genitals and ignites them.  Crazy stuff for sure.  

If you are a fan of Japanese horror/exploitation films, this is one you will want to check out for sure.


ZOOM IN:  SEX APARTMENTS is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*   Newly Translated Removable English Subtitles
*   Original Theatrical Trailer
*   Liner notes from Japanese film scholar, Jasper Sharp



CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
 

Check out the upcoming documentary, THE JEFFREY DAHMER FILES...

 
  Most of my readers know I love zombies.  I love books about them, movies about them...whatever.  But what you might not know is that I am a huge fan of true crime.  I have always been fascinated by books and films about serial killers.  I guess they just amaze me in that I find it unbelievable that people could do the things they do.  Most of their stories sound like a movie, rather than real life.  It's not a coincidence that many of the greatest horror movies of all time were based on real life serial killers such as Ed Gein and Albert Fish, just to a name a few.  
  While the fictional films are great, I really enjoy documentaries about serial killers.  This is why I am very excited about a new film called, THE JEFFREY DAHMER FILES  (or simply, JEFF, as it is being called for the festival circuit).   Jeffrey Dahmer was a serial killer from the early 90's, and probably the most publicized that I remember hearing about in my lifetime.
  Here is a little bit about the film from the film's official website:

  In 1991 Jeffrey Dahmer was arrested in Milwaukee and sentenced to 957 years in prison for killing 17 people and dismembering their bodies. ‘Jeff’ explores the city of Milwaukee by meeting those surrounding Dahmer during and after his hidden spree. Recollections from Milwaukee Medical Examiner Jeffrey Jentzen, Police Detective Patrick Kennedy, and neighbor Pamela Bass are interwoven with archival footage and everyday scenes from Dahmer’s life, working collectively to disassemble the facade of an ordinary man leading an ordinary existence.

  This sounds like a very cool project and hopefully I will get to check it out soon.  If so, I will do a full review on the 4H blog for ya!   Until then, check out the film's website for more info.  THE JEFFREY DAHMER FILES is scheduled to open February 15 at select theaters in New York and will be available on most Cable and Satellite On Demand services.


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Check out the cool zombie short film, CHEMICAL 12-D

 
Check out this cool short film I ran across called CHEMICAL 12-D.  The film was written and directed by Mac Eldridge.  The film was headed by four DePaul University students for their Production I final.  This film is pretty impressive for a group of college kids!
Here is the plot from the film's imdb.com page:

Michael Frank lives his life in a world torn apart by zombies. Alone and wanting to save humanity, he spends his days searching the wasteland for the perfect specimen to perform his experiments on. All attempts prove unsuccessful, but perhaps the next one will fare better...

The film has very little dialog, and some great gore effects.  The ending is very abrupt and strange.  Check it out and see what you think. I personally think we will be seeing a lot more of Mac Eldridge's work in the future!

CLICK HERE to watch the short film

Check out this cool giveaway over at the SHATTERED RAVINGS Blog

  









   Hey guys!  Just wanted to let you know about my buddy Scott's latest giveaway over at his cool blog, SHATTERED RAVINGS.   In addition to running his own cool sci-fi/horror/fantasy blog, Scott does some guest reviews for me periodically for this here 4H blog!

  Right now, Scott is hosting a contest where he is giving away not 1, not 2, not even 3 or 4, but 5 copies of a new book called SHADOW OPS:  FORTRESS FRONTIER by Myke Cole to 5 lucky winners! You can read Scott's review of the book here.  It sounds like a pretty cool military sci-fi/fantasy book.


 The contest only runs through next Tuesday, 2/5, so hurry and enter today! Entering is super easy (just leave a comment on the contest post  and then just like the Shattered Ravings Facebook page).  Good Luck!!


CLICK HERE to go to the Shattered Ravings contest blog post and enter today!

Check out the trailer to the creepy film, HELLGATE

I just ran across this trailer for a film called HELLGATE.  The film stars Cary Elwes and was written and directed by John Penney. Here is the basic plot of the film from the IFC website:

A western businessman (Cary Elwes), his Thai wife and son experience a horrible accident while visiting Bangkok. In the aftermath, they find there is a shadow world between life and death where endless darkness lies.

Has anyone seen this film?  It looks like it could be pretty good.  The trailer has some pretty cool images, especially towards the end of the trailer.   Check out the trailer and let me know what you think. 

HELLGATE is currently available as a 48hr rental from Amazon.com.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to rent the film from amazon.com

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 1/29:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  THE AWAKENING  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  CHERRY TREE LANE
*  CITADEL [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  WHITE ZOMBIE  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Check out the upcoming film, VOICES FROM THE GRAVE

I love to help support indy and low-budget films.  As an aspiring filmmaker myself, I have made a few low/no budget films, and I realize how hard it can be. So, I always like to help spread the word if I can.  I was recently sent a press release about a new film called VOICES FROM THE GRAVE.  This film is an anthology consisting of three stories, one of which was adapted from a short story by THE HOWLING writer, Gary Brandner.  Here is the official press release with a brief plot synopsis of the three stories:

From master horror writer Gary Brandner, author of 'The Howling', and filmmakers Richard Stoudt and Laurence Holloway comes a relentlessly harrowing film experience. A trio of horrors that will make your flesh creep and your heart palpitate.

Deadly spirits, vengeful and maliciously spiteful give fuel to these tales of supernatural terrors.
'Invitation', based on a short story by Gary Brandner, tells the tale of loser Len Krager, who attends a party he'll never forget! A vengeful spirit exacts revenge in the tale 'All Hallows' Eve'! An exercise in suspense and atmosphere. Robert Mundy doesn't celebrate Halloween since the accidental death of his brother on Halloween night. But this Halloween night, vengeance will rise and seek retribution. Ghostly road hazards endanger a used car owner in the turbo-charged yarn 'Repossessed', a spine tingling 'vehicle' for absolute fright. Jeff purchases a killer car for a killer deal....unfortunately, the car really is a killer!

A true exercise in style and terror, 'Voices from The Grave' will thrill and chill even the most jaded horror fan!

Keep up with release date info by checking out the film's facebook page by clicking the link below.




CLICK HERE to watch the promo trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official facebook page

The SCREAM MACHINE is coming soon!!

 A while back, I reviewed 2 of Director Walter Ruether's  (a.k.a. Scarlet Fry) earlier films, JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST  (see review here), and NIGHTMARE ALLEY (see review here).   Well, Mr. Ruether is back with the upcoming new film, SCREAM MACHINE.   This  new film is done in the same anthology style as his previous films, which I really like.  I have always liked anthologies because if there is a story you don't like or just aren't in to, well, a brand new story will be coming up soon, and there's bound to be a few you like.  Unlike a normal single story film, if you don't like that story or can't get in to it, then the whole movie it ruined for ya.  I also probably like the anthology style because of my short attention span!  But enough about me, lets talk more about this new film called SCREAM MACHINE!   Check out this info I got a press release the other day that tell you all you need to know!

FIVE OF THE DEADLIEST TALES EVER TOLD ON AN OLD HAUNTED VCR CALLED SCREAM MACHINE.
(**OFFICIAL SELECTION PHOENIX COMIC CON 2012!**)

 

Description

A battered and mysterious VCR...A bevy of lethal video- tapes... These are the building blocks of horror in "SCREAM MACHINE".
A mind blowing descent into madness and death. Five shocking vignettes, designed to take your sanity and devour your soul!
Mild curiosity leads to severe consequences when a couple rents a supposedly cursed video cassette recorder. An urban legend renowned
for leaving a trail of agonizing and torturous death. Unbelieving, they take the plunge... And another legend is horrifyingly born...
Do you dare give fate a winning hand, and test yourself against the hellish consequences of the SCREAM MACHINE?

Insert Cassette Press Play...DIE!

 

USA PREMIERE MAY 2013 PHOENIX COMIC CON-USA DVD RELEASE WITH WORLD WIDE MULTI MEDIA... SPRING 2013

 
"LIKE" the film's facebook page to stay up to date and get new info and news on release dates.  I will be checking this one out for sure!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's facebook page
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and some behind the scenes moments

Book Review: THE SLASHER MOVIE BOOK by J.A. Kerswell

THE SLASHER MOVIE BOOK
by J.A. Kerswell
Distributed by Independent Publishers Group

I love books about horror movies, and THE SLASHER MOVIE BOOK by J.A. Kerswell has to be one of the better books about horror movies I have ever seen. Here is the main overview of the book from the ipg website:

A detailed look at the surprising beginnings of the slasher movie—a genre that brought a new high in cinematic violence and suspense to mainstream cinema—this grisly guidebook revels in its glory days of the late 1970s and early 1980s and discusses its recent resurgence. Packed with reviews of the best (and worst) slasher movies and illustrated with an extensive collection of distinctive and often graphic color poster artwork from around the world, this book also looks at the political, cultural, and social influences on the slasher movie and its own effect on other film genres. Also included are a list of the top-10 body count films, trivia about famous actors who made their big-screen debuts in slasher films, a glossary of need-to-know terms, a list of additional reading, and recommendations of websites to head to for additional macabre movies.

The book is a 208 page Trade Paper Back and is in full color, with tons of great photos of old movie posters and stills from the movies.   The book traces the roots of the modern slasher film all the way back to the Grand Guignol theater of the late 1890's, through the Italian Giallo films, and to the height of the Slasher film popularity in the late 70's to early 80's.  Kerswell does a great job with this  book.  It's amazing to see how much research he put into this book, as he leaves no stone unturned.   All your favorite slasher films are discussed here, along with some (I suspect) you may have never even heard of!

This book is a must-have in my opinion, for all horror fans and horror book fans. They don't get much better than this!


CLICK HERE to purchase the book

DVD Review: THE SKY HAS FALLEN (2009)

THE SKY HAS FALLEN
Written & Directed by Doug Roos

Everyone knows I love a good zombie movie...big budget, low budget, it doesn't really matter.  If it's got zombies in it, I'm gonna watch it and I am probably going to like it.  I have seen very few zombie movies in my life I have not enjoyed.   Some of you may remember a post I did back in 2010 about a short film called THE SKY HAS FALLEN.   Writer/Director Doug
Roos put the film on DVD and made a kickstarter.com campaign to raise money in order to fund a full length feature zombie film. Well,  here we are years later and the full film is complete and ready to purchase on DVD!  For those not familiar with this film, here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

Within a couple of hours, a new disease wipes out almost all of mankind. Trying to avoid infection, people flee to remote locations, but they start seeing mysterious black figures, carrying away the dead and experimenting on them. Now, Lance and Rachel, two survivors determined to fight back, must kill the leader of these creatures before the rest of humanity disappears.

This film is very simple, as there are only 2 characters in the film (not counting the endless number of zombies).  Unfortunately, I thought these 2 characters were the weakest part of the film.  The acting is very amateur at best, with the lines being read in a very monotone manner during most of the line delivery.  But, as I have said before with zombie movies, we are not here for the acting, we are here for the zombies, and this movie has plenty of them.  The makeup effects on the zombies are very well done and the gore is very plentiful here. One thing to note here is that all of the effects are practical effects, there was no CGI used in this film.

One of the most unique parts about this DVD, is it is also an instructional make up/effects video in addition to a regular movie! In addition to 6 Behind the Scenes featurettes, this DVD also includes a step-by-step mask making video and a step-by-step Prosthetic Application video.  This makes an excellent resource for any new filmmaker out there!

THE SKY HAS FALLEN DVD is on sale right now for only $5.99 for a limited time, so get your copy today!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website and purchase the DVD

Check out the new EVIL DEAD green band trailer

 A while back I posted the awesome Red Band Trailer for the upcoming EVIL DEAD remake.  Well, now there is a new Green Band Trailer out there for your enjoyment.  While most of the footage is the same, there is some new footage in this new trailer.   I can't tell you how excited I am to see this movie.  April 12th can't get here soon enough!!




CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 1/22:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  A THOUSAND CUTS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BARRIO TALES
*  BIKINI BLOODBATH SHAKESPEARE
*  BLEEDING THROUGH
*  CLAUSTROPHOBIA
*  CROWSNEST
*  CUJO  [Blu-ray]
*  DARK ANGEL:  THE ASCENT
*  DEAD SUSHI
*  DEADLY BLESSING  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  END OF ANIMAL
*  THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL
*  HOLD YOUR BREATH  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE HOUNDS
*  THE INCUBUS
*  LURKING FEAR
*  MANDROID
*  NIGHT OF THE TENTACLES
*  SEEDPEOPLE
*  TICKS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TOMBOYS
*  TUNNEL VISION
*  ZOMBIE ED

DVD Review: HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA (2012)

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
Distrubuted by Sony Home Entertainment

Having 6 year old twin boys, I have seen a lot of kids movies over the past few years.   I am honestly not a huge fan of most of them, but there are a few I can enjoy even as an adult.  HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA was one of the kids movie I really enjoyed.  There are not too many horror films I can share with my 6 year olds, so having a movie made for kids with a horror theme to it was very exciting for me.  This is a great way to introduce horror to my boys but on a level that is just right for them.  This is not a horror movie in any sense, it is a fun family comedy, but with obvious horror elements to it.  Here is the basic plot of the movie from the film's imdb.com page:

Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world's most famous monsters - Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more - to celebrate his daughter Mavis' 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem - but his world could come crashing down when a human stumbles on the hotel for the first time and takes a shine to Mavis.

This movie is a lot of fun.  It is a blast seeing all these famous monsters together all in the same film.  The humor is good on both a kid and adult level.  One thing I always like about animated films like this is trying to pick out the actor's voices.  The lead character of Dracula is voiced by Adam Sandler, which was pretty easy to figure out based on his unique voice.  This film has a lot of other great comedy actors lending their voices to the various characters, including Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Jon Lovitz, Chris Parnell, Fran Drescher, and Kevin James.

Now, even though I enjoyed the movie, lets hear from some of those who the movie is actually geared toward...kids.   I had each of my two boys to tell me what they thought of the movie, so here are their first ever movie reviews:

Zombie Son#1:
This movie is very funny. One part that was funny was when the Frankenstein jumped off the octopus and landed into the water and broke into pieces. I think everyone will like this movie. My mom laughed so this movie is good for adults, too!

Zombie Son#2:
This movie is really fun and one funny part is when the Frankenstein uses his pants to toot on the Mummy and it makes everyone think the Mummy did it.  

There you have it.  Nothing beats a good fart joke with the kiddos!  HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA will be released to DVD and Blu-ray January 29th.  This is a great family film and I highly recommend it.  DVD Special Features include:

*  "GOODNIGHT MR. FOOT" Mini-Movie Directed and Animated by Genndy Tartakovsky
*  "PROBLEM (MONSTER REMIX)" by Becky G Featuring will.i.am - Music Video and Behind the Scenes
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Filmmaker's Commentary
*  DVD-ROM Link to Fun Games

CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

Announcing the winner of the latest 4H DVD Giveaway!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Daphne, the winner of our latest DVD giveaway!!  Daphne has won the Indican Pictures DVD prize pack! 















Stay tuned as we will have another giveaway up and running soon!! 

 

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 15th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 1/15:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  30 NIGHTS OF PARANORMAL ACTIVITY WITH THE DEVIL INSIDE THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  LIGHTNING BUG  [Blu-ray]
*  THE POSSESSION  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  REEL EVIL
*  WEDDING DAY

Check out the trailer for THE LAST EXORCISM 2

 
I really enjoyed THE LAST EXORCISM, so was super excited to hear that the movie's title was wrong, as there will be another exorcism!  THE LAST EXORCISM 2 hits theaters March 1 of this year!  It looks like poor Nell Sweetzer has been taken control of again by a demonic force, and all hell breaks loose!  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  I will be checking this one out in the theater for sure!
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Blu-ray Review: CHAINED (2012)

CHAINED
Directed by Jennifer Lynch
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  I knew nothing about this film when it arrived in my mailbox for review.  I had never even heard of it, so to be honest, I wasn't really excited about seeing it.  I usually believe that if you haven't heard of a film, there is usually a reason why.  If it was good, I would have heard about it right?  WRONG.  This movie wasn't just good...it was excellent.  How this isn't getting more buzz on the Internet just baffles me.  Or, maybe it is and I have just missed it all.  Anyway, this is an amazing film that must be seen.  Here is the plot from the Anchor Bay website:

   From the writer/director of BOXING HELENA From the mind of writer/director Jennifer Lynch comes the shocker that stunned audiences worldwide: When he was 9 years old, Tim and his mother were abducted by taxi-driving serial killer Bob (an intensely disturbing performance by Vincent D’Onofrio). Tim’s mother was murdered. Tim was kept as a chained slave, forced to bury the bodies of young women Bob drags home and keep scrapbooks of the crimes. Now a teenager, Tim (Eamon Farren) and Bob share a depraved father/son/protégé relationship. But who will ultimately sever the bond between ‘family’ and unimaginable horror? Jake Weber (“Medium”), Evan Bird (“The Killing”) and Julia Ormond (THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, “Mad Men”) co-star in what critics are calling one of the most controversial and uncompromising thrillers of our time.

 

  Now, I must tell you....this film is difficult to watch.  The subject matter is obviously disturbing and it is very hard to watch a small child witness what happens to his mom.   But, while difficult to watch, it is even more difficult not to watch.   I was hooked from the very beginning and could not take my eyes off the screen.   The acting is brilliant, from everyone involved.  Vincent D'Onofrio does a remarkable job as the killer and gives a great performance. He is extremely creepy and plays this role to perfection.  The characters are believable and what makes this film so effective is that you know this kind of thing can happen and has happened in real life.

  The movie has a nice twist ending I sure didn't see coming.  It also leaves some things unanswered and leaves them up to the viewer to decide what happens next.

  This is must see for any horror fan.  CHAINED is available now on DVD or Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.  Special features include:

*  Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Jennifer Lynch and Actor Vincent D'Onofrio
*  Mary's Murder - Alternate Unrated Version
*  Trailer
 

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Graphic Novel Review: ALIEN: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY by Archie Goodwin & Walter Simonson

ALIEN:  THE ILLUSTRATED STORY
Written by Archie Goodwin
Artwork by Walter Simonson
Bases on the screenplay by Dan O'Bannon

If you are a fan of the ALIEN films, you will love this new graphic novel put out by Titan Books.  ALIEN: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY, is an updated version of the same book put out back in 1979.   Here is a brief description of the book from the Titan Books website:

Two of comics’ greatest talents joined forces in 1979 to bring Ridley Scott’s epic Alien motion picture to the comic book page. Out of print for over thirty years, this brand new edition (released in time to coincide with Scott’s latest opus Prometheus) has been ∂f the greatest sci-fi horror ever produced.

I love the ALIEN films, and reading through this adaptation of the film was a lot of fun.  The artwork does have an old style and look to it, which I personally loved. It reminded me of how comic books looked when I was a kid.  The only difference in this version versus the original put out back in 1979 is that artwork and coloring are very bright and vivid.  The back of the book explains that "this edition has been digitally remastered for the first time using the original color artwork from the artist's personal archive".   I didn't realize that a comic could be "digitally remastered", but I guess it can!  The coloring is beautiful, especially in the infamous alien bursting out of the chest scene.

Fans of horror comics and the ALIEN franchise will definitely want to check this out.   ALIEN:  THE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE is available now online and in stores!


CLICK HERE to purchase ALIEN:  THE ILLUSTRATED STORY Graphic Novel

Have you entered my latest DVD giveaway?

 If your answer is yes, then I say "Thank you, and good luck!".  If your answer is NO, then I say "What the heck are you waiting on?'!   Up for grabs in my latest DVD giveaway is a prize pack of 6 DVD's courtesy of the fine folks at Indican Pictures!   Entering is as easy as leaving a comment on the original contest post...that's it!  I pay the shipping and everything!  Who wouldn't want some FREE  DVD's!!   The contest ends next Wednesday, 1/16, so enter soon!!

CLICK HERE to go to the original contest post to enter!

Check out the earthquake thriller, AFTERSHOCK

  Check out the trailer for the new film, AFTERSHOCK, co-written and staring Eli Roth. The film was also co-written and Directed by Nicolás López.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the movie's imdb page:

  In Chile, a group of travelers who are in an underground nightclub when a massive earthquake hits quickly learn that reaching the surface is just the beginning of their nightmare.

  AFTERSHOCK will be released to theaters sometime this year, although a release date has not been set yet.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

What do you think of....SCARY MOVIE 5

  I really like the first two SCARY MOVIE films.  I actually like part 2 better than the first one.  Then along came part 3 and it was pretty horrible, and then to be quite honest, I totally forgot there even was a part 4.  Well, I had no clue SCARY MOVIE 5 was being made, but I saw the trailer the other night in the theater while there to watch DJANGO UNCHAINED (which was a magnificent movie, by the way).  So, I thought I would pass on the SCARY MOVIE 5 trailer in case you haven't seen it yet.   It looks like basically a spoof of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films, and honestly I don't think it looks that funny. 
Watch the trailer and let me know what you think.  SCARY MOVIE 5 comes out April 12th of this year.  That is also the same day the EVIL DEAD remake comes out.  Guess which film I will be seeing that night!?

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Check out the upcoming creature feature film, INSECTULA!!

 Check out this cool creature feature film I ran came across called INSECTULA.  It looks like a film that plays homage to all the 50's and 60's creature features.   I spoke with the director, Michael Peterson, over email and he says the film is still in production with hopes to have a finished product by Spring of this year.   Here is the brief plot synopsis from the film's YouTube page:

  A giant mosquito-like insect from outer space is drawn to earth from the increased CO2. A mad scientist is determined to help it cleanse the earth of the polluting humans. Only one man can stop it...EPA Agent Dell Biando.

  This movie looks like a lot of fun!  I will keep everyone posted once the film is closer to release!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer