DVD Review: THANKSKILLING (2009)

 
  
THANKSKILLING
Directed by:  Jordan Downey
Distributed by:  MVDvisual

Wow, I have seen some real "turkeys" before, but this one out does them all!  HA!  Ok, I admit this film is bad, but luckily this film is one of those rare ones that falls into the category of "so-bad-it's-good".  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

While on their way home for Thanksgiving break, five college kids run "afowl" of a homicidal turkey that wants them dead. As the cursed bird hunts them down one by one, the survivors scramble to find a way to defeat the possessed creature. Will the bloodthirsty turkey make this their last Thanksgiving feast ever?

Ok, well, you know what you are getting yourself into as soon as you put this DVD in.  You really aren't expecting a great piece of cinema.  You are looking for a dumb film that can make you laugh and have some fun.  That is exactly what your get with THANKSKILLING.  

The acting in this film is horrible by most all actors/actresses involved.   The exception to this to me was actor Chuck Lamb who played the Sherrif.  He was funny character and played that part well.  I only wish he would have been in the film more.   Other than that, the killer turkey itself was probably the other acting highlight of this film. He delivered his one liners perfectly!

The film does have some good gore effects, including a scene in which the aforementioned Sheriff has his face peeled off.  This leads to probably the funniest scene in the film as the killer turkey wears the Sheriff's face like a mask, fooling everyone including his daughter to think its the actual Sheriff. 

This is a perfect example of a perfect party movie.  Have some friends over and get a good laugh out of THANKSKILLING!    Or better yet, throw it in the DVD player for all the family to enjoy right after your Thanksgiving meal! 


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

Book Review: LOW TOWN by Daniel Polansky

  
      *****Review by Guest Contributor, Angie Lee*****
   

LOW TOWN by Daniel Polansky was not what I was expecting and that is a good thing. When the author was compared to Quentin Tarantino in a press release I was leery, especially since I’m a fan of Tarantino… in small doses. Polansky does an incredible job of crafting a great yarn and while the setting and subject matter is dark, the story is lightened by sarcastic dialogue from the protagonist.  Here is the basic plot synopsis of the book courtesy of the book's official website:
  
Rigus is the greatest city in the Thirteen Lands, a glittering metropolis of crystalline citadels and sumptuous manors, where gentlewomen hide delicate smiles behind silken sleeves and bored nobles settle affairs of honor with cold steel. But light casts shadow, and in the darkness of the spires the baseborn struggle, eking out an existence amidst the cast-offs of their betters. This is Low Town, a sprawling warren of side streets and back alleys, of boarded up windows and false storefronts. Here the corner boys do a steady trade to the dead eyed and despairing, and a life can be bought with a clipped copper penny.
Low Town is an ugly place, and its champion is an ugly man. A former war hero and intelligence agent, now a crime lord addicted to cheap violence and expensive narcotics, the Warden spends his days hustling for customers and protecting his turf, until the chance discovery of a murdered child sets him on a collision course with the life he'd left behind. As bodies bloat in the canal and winter buries the city, he plays a desperate game of deception, pitting the underworld powers against his former colleagues in the secret police, hoping to find the source of the evil before it consumes him, and perhaps the city itself.  
 
After an initial slow start, LOW TOWN picks up the pace and it’s obvious that Polansky finds the rhythm of his novel. The main character and narrator, Warden, isn’t just a stereotypical anti-hero. He becomes complex, especially when it’s accurately portrayed that Warden shouldn’t even be likable. As the local known drug dealer in Low Town, there shouldn’t be a lot to say for him. What makes the character work is how well he fits into his environment; Low Town is a section of a city where those in power would rather forget that it even exists. Because of that, the residents of Low Town have their own code of ethics and their own way of handling things. The people eke out a meager living barely having enough to live on and those that reside in Low Town have lived through tough times. Warden has grown up there and comes back after losing his job and his expectations are nothing more than surviving another day. He’s a realistic character and when he gets involved in a case involving the disappearing children of Low Town, he realizes he is one of the few with the resource to figure out what is going on.
  
Not to give the plot away, but there is definitely something that slithers around and goes bump in the night rampaging through Low Town, a force that Warden has seen once before and has plagued him with nightmares ever since. It’s a dark and creepy presence and is the grotesque horror aspect in the novel. LOW TOWN is a mix of detective story, with a little bit of fantasy thrown in and the macabre atmospheric tension of a great horror movie. I get the distinct impression by the set up that this won’t be the last readers have heard from Warden, and that he’ll show up in a sequel in the near future.

CLICK HERE to visit the book's official website

Visit your local bookstore to buy LOW TOWN, or order from one of these fine retailers:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Borders
IndieBound
Powell's Books
Random House

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 11/22:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  CAPTIVE AUDIENCE
*  GREAT WHITE DEATH
*  HAUNTED CHANGI
*  HELLDRIVER [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HOOKERS IN REVOLT
*  MY STEPDAD'S A FREAKIN' VAMPIRE
*  NAKED MASSACRE
*  RAYMOND DID IT
*  THEY ALL MUST DIE!
*  WHERE THE DOGS DIVIDE HER

DVD Review: HIGANJIMA: ESCAPE FROM VAMPIRE ISLAND (2009)

 
HIGANJIMA:  ESCAPE FROM VAMPIRE ISLAND
Directed by:  Tae-gyun Kim
Distributed by:  FUNimation Entertainment

As I have stated before, I have never been a big fan of vampire movies.  I have always been more of a zombie type guy.  Well, I have seen some great vampire films lately (LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, BLOOD), and I can now add FUNimation's latest live action film, HIGANJIMA: ESCAPE FROM VAMPIRE ISLAND, to my list of vampire movies I have thoroughly enjoyed.   I should have known when I saw FUNimation's name on the DVD case that I was in for a treat.  They are constantly putting out some of Japan's finest horror films!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the FUNimation website:

Akira and his ragtag group of teenage friends enter a world of danger and action when they land on the shores of Higanjima, an uncharted island that’s overrun by vampires.
After learning that his missing brother might be somewhere on the island, Akira leads his friends on a chilling adventure that takes them from Higanjima’s highest volcanic peaks into the subterranean chambers of the island’s ancient ruins. They’ll face entire villages of sword-wielding vampires while racing to stay a step ahead of winged she-beasts and giant gargoyles. Worst of all, the gang will encounter the deadly master of the island’s monsters: the pale, blood-sucking freakshow known as Miyabi. If the devilishly cruel Miyabi gets his way, none of the young heroes will live to see Akira’s brother – or the mainland – ever again.

This film is a must see for vampire fans.....no, not you "Twilight" vampire fans, I mean fans of REAL vampires!    Director Tae-gyun Kim does an excellent job with his first foray into the realm of horror films  (his previous films have all been dramas, romance films, an action, and even a comedy).  Kim seems right at home in the horror genre and I personally hope he will return to it sooner than later.

The cinematography of this film is amazing.  It is beautifully shot with some excellent scenery (some of which is obvious CG, but still impressive none the less).  The use of color always sticks out to me in films and this one is no different.   A blue tone seems to follow through the film, only to be starkly interrupted by the bright red of the blood that flows (or more, splatters) throughout the film.  

Yes, while most vampire movies really don't give you too much blood these days, HIGANJIMA gives enough for us gorehounds to be very happy.    As with most of the horror films from Japan, expect some great martial arts fight sequences as well.  These are well choreographed and pulled off extremely well by all the actors involved.   Speaking of the actors, the acting is this film is wonderful, not a bad one in the bunch that I can remember.   

My only complaint if I had to have one would be a running time.  At 122 minutes, I did feel the film drag just a bit at times, but it was nothing major and I was usually greeted with a great scene that was well worth the wait.  

Put this one your list if you are a fan of vampire films and/or martial arts films.  This one gives you the best of both worlds!

HIGANJIMA: ESCAPE FROM VAMPIRE ISLAND is out now on an awesome DVD / Blu-ray combo pack.  Special Features include a Making of Featurette and the original Japanese trailer. 



CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD / Blu-ray Combo Pack

DVD Review: DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK (2009)

 
DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK
Written & Directed by: Jen Soska & Sylvia Soska

DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK wins two awards from me.  First off, it wins my award for best title ever!  Second off, it wins my most unexpectedly enjoyable film of the year.  Not to say I didn't think I would like this film, but I just really didn't know much about it and being the Soska Sisters first feature film, I had my concerns.  Well, you would never know this was a first feature from the directors.  I enjoyed this film more than I thought I would for sure.   For those that aren't familiar with this film, here is the basic plot courtesy of imdb.com:

Set in beautiful Vancouver, four friends set out on an everyday errand and end up in a fight for their lives when they discover the body of a dead hooker left in their trunk. Lead by a sexy, impulsive Badass, her distant Geek twin sister, their bible thumping, Jesus loving Goody Two Shoes friend, and a chaotic, rock star Junkie pal, the group has to put aside their differences to dispose of the body before they're next. Thrown into their own personal purgatory, they face off against persistent police, a sleazy motel manager, chainsaw wielding triads, and a brutal serial killer. All the while they are followed by a mysterious Cowboy Pimp who wants to claim the corpse for his own. Will they uncover the truth behind the body and be able to stand up to their demons? Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life filled with gun fights, extreme violence, blood, guts, gore, and goats.

I really wasn't sure what I was getting into when I put this film into my DVD player. Was it really a Horror film?  Was it a drama or suspense film?  Was it a dark comedy?  The answer to those questions is YES, YES, and YES.   It is all those things plus a couple more genre's thrown in for good measure. 

The film is shot very well with some cool camera angles and shots.  The acting in this movie is superb for a low budget, independent film like this, especially from the Soska Sisters, who star in the film in addition to both writing and directing the film.  They are obviously just as good and comfortable in front of the camera as they are behind it.   The other acting job that really stuck out to me was that of C.J. Wallis playing the character of the goody two shoes, ultra religious kid.    He gave a very funny performance and provided a lot of comic relief among the blood and violence.

As I stated before, it is very hard to categorize this film.  It definitely has a lot of dark comedy elements to it, and reminded me a bit of the (very underrated film in my opinion) VERY BAD THINGS.   But don't worry, you gore hounds will have something to enjoy as well, as there is a LOT of blood in this film and some crazy scenes involving a dismembered arm and someone losing an eyeball.   That is all I will say about those things, as I don't want to spoil all the surprises for you.

Check out this movie as soon as you can.   It looks like that right now only a Region 2 DVD is available from Amazon.co.uk, but the film will be getting a Region 1 DVD release from IFC Midnight this coming January!

 
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the REGION 2 DVD

I just got the new EVIL DEAD 2 Blu-ray for only $10 at my local Walmart Supercenter store!

  

I just found the new EVIL DEAD 2 25th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray at my local Walmart for only $10!!     What a crazy price!  I checked yesterday for the EVIL DEAD Blu-ray at my local Best Buy store and they don't even have it in the store to buy, you can only get it on their website  (Best Buy has a horrible selection of Horror DVD's these days by the way).   I don't usually buy DVD's at Walmart but when I was passing by that section yesterday, I thought, what the heck, won't hurt to check and see if they happen to have it for sale, and sure enough, this is what I saw when I checked the Blu-ray section!   I couldn't believe this brand new Blu-ray was only $10!  Needless to say I grabbed it up quick!!  Check your local Walmart stores if you are looking for this new Blu-ray edition of one of the greatest Horror films EVER in my opinion!!  

DVD Review: HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN (2011)

 
HOBO WITH  A SHOTGUN
Directed by:  Jason Eisener
Distributed by:  Magnet Releasing / Magnolia Home Entertainment

I had heard nothing but good things about HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN.  In fact, I had heard so much good stuff about it, I was afraid that by the time I got to watch it, it would be over hyped and would be somewhat of a letdown for me.  Luckily, everything good you have heard about this film is spot on and I was not let down in the least.  This was one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in a long time!  Here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the Magnet Releasing website:

A train pulls into the station – it’s the end of the line. A hobo jumps from a freight car hoping for a fresh start in a new city. Instead, he finds himself trapped in an urban hell. This is a world where criminals rule the streets and Drake, the city’s crime boss, reigns supreme alongside his sadistic murderous sons, Slick & Ivan. Amidst the chaos, the hobo comes across a pawn shop window displaying a secondhand lawn mower. He dreams of making the city a beautiful place and starting a new life for himself. But as the brutality continues to rage around him, he notices a shotgun hanging above the lawn mower... Quickly, he realizes the only way to make a difference in this town is with that gun in his hand and two shells in its chamber...


I knew I was going to love this film from the very opening sequence, which was a nice throwback to the grindhouse films of the 70's.  In fact, this entire film is one love letter to the grindhouse era.  Rutger Hauer does a tremendous job portraying the Hobo, in fact, this could be Hauer's finest acting job to date.

From a technical standpoint, the film is perfectly done to fit in it's grindhouse tone.   One thing that really stuck out to me was the use of color in this film.  Sometimes the entire scene would be washed with a dark blue color, only to be interrupted by the spray of bright red blood.    The film contains some over the top gore, including a great beheading and, of course, many wounds caused by the Hobo's shotgun.

One this this film does not do is hold back anything....nothing and no one is safe.   Not even women and children are safe in this film, and the scene where a maniac takes a flam thrower to a school bus full of kids is just one instance that proves this.   The film is very brutal, in every since of the word, but that just makes you cheer for the Hobo that much more.  You really want to see him bring this city to justice.

It's not often that a director hits a home run with his first feature film, but Eisener has done just that with HOBO....I look forward to his future films.  Keep an eye on this guy, he could be the next great up and coming horror director!


CLICK HERE to visit the official website and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD or Blu-ray

Congratulations to the winners of the latest 4H giveaway!!

Congratulations goes out to our guy, Murphy Screams, and our gal, Lissa Lycan, the winners of the latest 4H Blog Giveaway!   Murphy and Lissa each have won an AUTOGRAPHED copy of SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST, courtesy of director Walter Ruether! 

Don't worry if you didn't win, you can still purchase a DVD of JUNKFOOD HORRORREST by CLICKING HERE.
Stay tuned for the next great giveaway from HAYES HUDSON'S HOUSE OF HORROR!!!!

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Here are this week's horror related DVD's coming out tomorrow, 11/15:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BEING HUMAN:  The Complete 1st Season  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BITE MARKS
*  EVIL DEAD 2:  25th Anniversary Edition  [DVD & Blu-ray] 
*  FADING OF THE CRIES
*  HUMONGOUS
*  THE OPEN DOOR

Another EVIL DEAD 2 release...well, I guess it has been a year or so since the last one!  HA!  But die hard fans like me will probably shell out the $20 for this new release.  Actually, this release does have a ton of new special features, so at least we wont be totally wasting our money!

It's your last chance to enter the latest 4H blog giveaway! Win a FREE Autogrpahed DVD!!!

Tomorrow, 11/15, is the deadline for entering the latest DVD giveaway!   One guy and one gal reader of my blog will each get an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Scarlet Fry's JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST!!

Enter now before it's too late!   

CLICK HERE to visit the original contest post to get your name in the drawing for the FREE Autographed DVD!!

DVD Review: 11/11/11 (2011)

---Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------

  

11/11/11

Written & Directed by:  Keith Allan

Distributed by:  The Asylum

 

There’s something extremely unnerving about kids who are set to bring about the end of the world, especially when they are not even teenagers yet. Obviously, this sense of foreboding is due in part to the common belief about the ‘innocence of childhood’. This is supposed to be a time of exploration, wonderment, and growth...not dread, brimstone, and fire. The Asylum’s 11/11/11 is a nifty jaunt into this child-terror territory.

 

If you are not familiar with 11/11/11, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of imdb.com:

 

Jack and Melissa are frightened by their son's bizarre and violent behavior; they soon learn that he is the gateway to the Apocalypse, and it will happen on his birthday, 11-11-11.

 

First off, let me start this review by giving The Asylum a nod of congrats. I have butchered a few of their movies in the past, but am happy to report 11/11/11 delivers an entertaining and memorable trip. This is not a perfect movie, but it is well done and definitely worth checking out.

 

One aspect of the film that really grabbed me early on is the dark tone of the film. You can tell pretty much from the onset that nothing good is going to happen here. As the family moves into their new home and the slightly-different neighbors start to show up, you get a sense that things are going to go downhill quickly. And boy, do they. Half of what makes this movie work is how uncomfortable you feel as you watch the family deal with these quirky people.

 

The acting is impressive as well. Previous Asylum films have really lacked in this department, but I have to admit that the cast of 11/11/11 does an excellent job. The special effects are also top notch, with several nice blood splatters and even a freaky levitation scene.

 

But as good as the movie is, it does have some downsides as well. For one thing, the story is never fully developed. We do not know exactly what will happen (to mankind) if the Devil is reborn in the boy. Nor are we told what exactly happened at the beginning of the movie (there is a massacre...but it never explains who it was that was killed or why).

 

Another downfall is the lack of explanation as to who the neighbors really are and how they know who Nathan (the boy) is. These actually don’t hurt the story too badly while you’re watching the movie, but the questions will definitely arise as the credits roll.

 

Otherwise, 11/11/11 is an entertaining flick and one that I’m glad I watched BEFORE today (which is Friday, 11/11/2011). I especially liked the very ending of this movie, as it leaves you with a sense of awe and dread. I won’t give it away, so you can check it out for yourself. Definitely give this one a look.

 

MSB

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

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum

Zombie Hayes is going under the knife today, so expect a delay on new posts for a few days.....

   
 I just wanted to give you heads up that I will be undergoing nose surgery in just a few hours!! Apparently I have a septum that has deviated from the norm.  We are going to set him straight today.  Not a major surgery by any means, but it does mean I will probably not feel like doing much for the next few days except laying in bed. But who knows, it might go perfectly and I will feel fine tomorrow, you never know.  But just in case you don't see a new post for a few days, I wanted to let you know why.  Well, wish me luck....and pray my doctor is not this guy:

Blu-ray Review: FRANKENHOOKER (1990)

 
FRANKENHOOKER
Written and Directed by:  Frank Henenlotter
Distributed by:  Synapse films

I love the 80's horror films.  That is my favorite era of horror films.  While technically this is not an 80's movie since it's production date is listed as 1990,  to me, FRANKENHOOKER is an 80's horror film in every aspect.   Cheesy dialog....check.  Bad acting....check.  Horrible hair and clothes.....check!  
Before I go on with the review, here is the basic plot for those that aren't familiar with  it, from the Synapse films website:

When Jeffrey Franken’s fiancée is chopped to pieces by the blades of a remote-controlled lawnmower, he uses his dubious medical knowledge to try to bring her back to life. He reassembles his beloved Elizabeth using the body parts of New York City’s finest prostitutes, and resurrects her during a heavy lightning storm. Unfortunately for Jeffrey, his dear Elizabeth’s brain is scrambled and she runs amok on 42^nd Street, turning tricks and bringing high-voltage death to her customers!

I had never seen FRANKENHOOKER until watching it just the other night.  This is one of those films that I have always known about, but just never have seen.  I remember as a kid in Jr. High going to the video store and always seeing the case for FRANKENHOOKER.  I never figured my Mom and Dad would let me rent a movie with the word "hooker" in the title, so I never even bothered to try renting this one. 
Well, it's 20 years later and I can't get in trouble from Mom and Dad for watching FRANKENHOOKER now....although I did have to deal with "the look" and a roll of the eyes from my wife when she saw the case to the movie I was watching!  HA!  I'm used to that though, so I can deal with it.

FRANKENHOOKER is a blast!  It's exactly what you think it is going to be based on the name and by looking at the pics on the back of the case.    Some, no,...most ALL of the acting is pretty bad, but that's is part of the fun of this film.  Check out the ridiculously bad acting skills of the actor that plays Zorro, the main pimp in the film.   He steals each scene he is in with his acting skills, or lack thereof. 

So you can't go into this film expecting Oscar worthy acting, but you will get a fun film with some cool effects.  The main character, Jeffrey, finds or invents some sort of serum that keeps body parts alive.  At one point in the film, all the body parts he is keeping get mixed up and morph into each other, turning  into weird body part creature things.  They are crazy looking and were my favorite part of the film, aside from Frankenhooker herself, of course.

This is a great, fun film that I would recommend to all of you that are fans of campy, 80's horror films.

Synapse films has been putting out some excellent Blu-rays of classic horror films, and this is no exception.   Synapse films has packed this Blu-ray with some awesome special features including:

AUDIO COMMENTARY with Director Frank Henenlotter and Make-Up Effects Designer Gabe   Bartalos 

A SALAD THAT WAS ONCE NAMED ELIZABETH - Patty Mullen Featurette

A STITCH IN TIME: THE MAKE-UP EFFECTS OF FRANKENHOOKER - Featurette

TURNING TRICKS: JENNIFER DELORA REMEMBERS FRANKENHOOKER - Featurette

ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER

REVERSIBLE/ALTERNATE COVER ARTWORK

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

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 11/8:
(click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  7 NIGHTS OF DARKNESS
*  CROWBAR:  THE KILLING OF WENDELL GRAVES
*  FRANKENHOOKER  [Blu-ray]
*  IN A GLASS CAGE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  I SOLD MY SOUL TO SATAN
*  SATAN'S BLOOD
*  SKELETON KEY 3:  THE ORGAN TRAIL
*  THANKSKILLING
*  ZOMBIE 4:  AFTER DEATH  [Blu-ray]

The latest 4H DVD Giveaway has been extended! If you have not entered yet, go do so now to win a free autographed DVD!!!

   
Well, the latest 4H contest was officially over this past Friday night,  but with only 11 readers entered to win the DVDs I have decided to extend the entry deadline another week.   I think we can do better than 11 entries, I mean, who wouldn't want an awesome, FREE, DVD....and one that is autographed as well!!  What a cool collectible to own!!  I wish I could win a copy!! HA!   The film is SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST and co-director Walter Ruether has been nice enough to offer 2 copies to give away to a couple of my readers, both signed by host Scarlet Fry!   One guy and one gal will each win a copy! 

I have extended the deadline to next Tuesday the 15th.  Comments must be left on the original contest post by next Tuesday night and winner will be picked the next day, Wednesday the 16th.  Comments must be added to the comments section on the original contest post, not this post.
  
CLICK HERE to go to the original contest post and enter to win!!!

Movie review: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 (2011)

  

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3
Directed by:  Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman
 
  
I went and saw PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 last week and I have had to do some thinking before I just threw my review together.  This wasn't a movie I just loved so much I had to tell everyone about it, nor was it a movie I just hated so much I felt the need to immediately post about it and let people know about it.   I ended up with mixed feelings about the film.  Overall, it was good and it is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of the previous two films.  Here is the brief plot synopsis of the 3rd film from imdb.com:

In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.

HA!  I said it was  brief plot synopsis, didn't I!  Well, that pretty much sums up the plot, you know from seeing the other 2 films what the movie is about basically.   The film starts off kinda slow, but I remember the other 2 films doing that too.  Only small stuff happens at first, then it just gets crazier and crazier as the movie goes on.

I was afraid at first this movie was going to be just like the other two....when I saw the first door move by itself.  I thought to my self that we have seen this before, and was afraid we were just in for a retread of the past two films.   Well, with good and bad results, this was not a just a retread of the past two films.  PA3 amped it up a bit and went well above and beyond the story of the first 2 films.   This had mixed results for me. 

I knew this film was going to be different when I saw a sheet with what looked like a small child under it go into the kitchen where the baby sitter was sitting....but when the babysitter turned around, the sheet just fell to the ground as it nothing was under it at all.  I knew then that we were going to see more of the physical presence of the demon that was haunting the house.   

The filmmakers also introduced a new camera technique that worked quite well.   The Dad puts the camera on an old oscillating fan, letting him scan two rooms with one camera.  This was a cool idea and led to some great scenes, as just as you think you are about to see something in one room, the camera then cuts away as it pans to the next room.  This creates a very suspenseful aspect for us the viewers.

One thing that I didn't quite like about the film was the introduction of  the coven of witches with has something to do with the demon in the house, but the film never quite explains as to what they are doing and how they are involved.   I don't want to say much about this, as I don't want to totally ruin it for you if you haven't seen it yet, but this move seemed a little over the top to me.  

The film does contains some of the bigger scares found in any of the 3 films.  Kudos to the filmmaker for making this film goer literally jump in his seat...multiple times! 

I think this movie must be seen in a theater to really enjoy it.  I have seen the other 2 films both in the theater and they are so much fun when sitting in a crowd and witnessing people's reactions to the film.   PA3 probably got the best reactions for sure, and I went on a weeknight with in a theater that was probably only 1/3 full.  Yet we had some group of girls around us that screamed at the top of their lungs at 2 or 3 points in the film.   This really helps the experience of watching these films I think. 

Overall, I would recommend this for sure if you are a fan of the other 2 films. This is a prequel, so it is good to get some back story on Katie and Kristi to see how all this started.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 is playing in theaters now!

 
CLICK HERE to visit the official website and watch the trailer

Check out the crazy trailer for the newest exorcism film, THE DEVIL INSIDE

When I went to see PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 this last week, I was blown away by this crazy trailer for the film THE DEVIL INSIDE.  Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a series of unauthorized exorcisms during her mission to discover what happened to her mother, who allegedly murdered three people during her own exorcism.

Check out the trailer...I think this could be one hell of a ride!  THE DEVIL INSIDE is scheduled to hit theaters Janurary 6th, 2012.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

HAYES HUDSON'S HOUSE OF HORRORS wins the ZOMBIE LOVE AWARD from Itsonrandom.com!

I want to take a moment to thank Britnie from the awesome zombie blog, itsonrandom.com, for choosing me as one of the 2 monthly winners of the Zombie Love Award!!  Each month, Britnie gives this award to 2 bloggers that she feels has devoted some good post to anything dealing with zombies!!   I am honored to accept this award and I urge all you zombie fans out there to check out itsonrandom.com asap!!

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Here are the horror related DVD's that came out today, 11/1:
(Click a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  11/11/11 
*  THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA  (1925) [Blu-ray]

Wow!  Not much coming out this week at all!  Pretty typical right after the pre Halloween push of DVD's I guess.   11/11/11 looks like it could be good....I will have a review of that posted for you soon, so check back later for that!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

I hope you all had a great Halloween night!!  I had a great time walking around with the kiddos trick-or-treating! I am worn out (and under the weather..again!! Ugh), so I am headed to bed.  I will get back to regular postings in the next day or so.

Until then..I want to share with you a pic of my friend Caleb who went as Beetlejuice this Halloween!! Caleb always has the best costumes and this year was no different!  His attention to detail is ridiculous!  That is real moss on his face and clothes!  Nice work Caleb!

If any of you have some great costumes you would like to share, send them to me at ZombieHayes@hotmail.com and I will post them on a future post for all the world to see!

Thanks, and Happy Halloween!!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately......I've been too busy to even carve a pumpkin this year, so show me yours!!

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, this is a very busy time of year for me!  I love the week leading up to Halloween, and all the festivities, but it has been keeping me very busy.  In fact, I haven't even found time to carve a pumpkin this year! I think this will be the first Halloween I haven't carved a pumpkin since I can remember!
Here is one of my favorites that I carved a couple of years ago, Freddy Krueger!

I would love to see some of your creations!  Email pics of some of your cool Jack-O-Lanterns to:
ZombieHayes@hotmail.com and I will show off some of your cool creations right here on the 4H Blog!

Are you watching AMERICAN HORROR STORY? If not, you should be.....

 
I gotta make this post quick....AMERICAN HORROR STORY starts in about 20 minutes!!  If you are not watching this TV show, you are really missing out.   The show is about a family of three that move into a house that has a very storied past.  Basically the house is haunted and the family is finding this out first hand.  
This a remarkable show, one of my favorites on TV right now.  The acting and cinematography are great, and it looks to have a much higher production value than most TV shows these days.  The show is really weird and I described it to someone today as this generation's TWIN PEAKS, except with more of a horror element to it.   
Did I mention there is some crazy demon/ghost thing that lives in the basement of the house?  I am hoping that element is explored more in future episodes.  Tonight is episode 3 and I can't wait!
It's not too late to join in the fun!  The show is on FX at 10/9 Central.


CLICK HERE to visit the show's official website
CLICK HERE to watch a short teaser trailer of the show

This week's horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 10/25/11:
(click on a title to see a trailer for that film)


*  ATROCIOUS
*  ATTACK THE BLOCK  [DVD & Blu-ray] 
*  CUT
*  DEMON DIVAS AND THE LANES OF DAMNATION
*  FACES IN THE CROWD  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE GREEN MONSTER
*  HIDDEN
*  HIDE
*  HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  ISLAND OF LOST SOULS [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  MOTHMAN
*  RARE EXPORTS:  A CHRISTMAS TALE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  RENFIELD THE UNDEAD
*  A SERBIAN FILM   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  WRONG TURN 4:  BLOODY BEGINNINGS [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  ZOMBIE (aka. ZOMBI 2)  [DVD & Blu-ray]

DVD Review: EYES IN THE DARK (2010)

 

  
---------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker---------
 

Eyes in the Dark

Written and Directed by: Bjorn Anderson

Production Company: Emerald City Pictures

WOW...it’s been a while since I have run across a movie that blows its DVD cover away. What I mean is that many movies have awesome DVD covers but end up sucking, which is a huge letdown. But there are a few movies out there that are awesome, even though their DVD covers are lacking. EYES IN THE DARK is one of those films with a lackluster DVD case, but it’s a movie you must watch!!

(Note from Zombie Hayes......it looks like the DVD cover art has been updated/improved since we received this screener DVD...check out the film's official website to see the new improved DVD cover art!)

In case you are not familiar with EYES IN THE DARK, here is the synopsis courtesy of the DVD case:

A group of college co-eds take a trip to a mountain lodge looking for relaxation, beer, and maybe a dip in the hot tub. But when they stumble on clues about an ancient legend, they quickly find themselves fighting for their lives. Will they be able to escape this unspeakable evil? And are they the only ones who have ever crossed its path? Shot in hand-held POV style in a remote area of the Washington State Cascade foothills, EYES IN THE DARK shows there’s no terror worse than our own fear of the unknown.

Based on its cover, I didn’t know what to expect before I watched this film. The graphics sorta portray the movie as an alien-feature, but the synopsis is so vague as to not give anything away. But I am very glad I didn’t judge this movie on its cover. EYES IN THE DARK is a terror-filled excursion into darkness!

I can’t say anything specific about the plot because I don’t want to give anything away. But needless to say, it’s really good. It’s well thought-out and smart, although I can’t say it’s anything outlandishly original.

What makes this film so good, though, is the way the terror is built up. There’s one scene in particular that made my skin crawl. A group of park rangers is listening to another group of rangers converse over walkie-talkies. When the rangers on the other end of the line encounter the evil, all hell breaks loose...and it’s some of the most chilling background massacre sounds I’ve ever heard!!

The special effects and gore in EYES IN THE DARK are extremely well done as well. The titular eyes are perfect and scary as all hell!! I got chills the first time I saw them. Granted, they’re probably not very high-tech. But as a medium for frights, they’re perfect. And the gore is great as well, although we don’t get to see as much as I would have liked.

All in all, EYES IN THE DARK is what I would classify as a “Must See Immediately” film. Check this one out for sure, as soon as you can. But be ready to lose some sleep afterwards...

 

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

Movie review: THE THING (2011)

  
  
I got a chance to check out  THE THING prequel the other night, and I am so glad that I did.  You all need to check this one out asap, especially if you are a fan of John Carpenter's 1982 film.
Here is the basic plot of THE THING prequel from imdb.com:
  
At an Antarctica research site, the discovery of an alien craft leads to a confrontation between graduate student Kate Lloyd and scientist Dr. Sander Halvorson. While Dr. Halvorson keeps to his research, Kate partners with Sam Carter, a helicopter pilot, to pursue the alien life form.
  
The movie is a prequel to Carpenter's film of the same name, and sets up his version perfectly.  The film does an excellent job of re-creating the sets and overall feel of Carpenter's film.   The acting in this film is great, the music is good, and of course, the gore is good.  The main difference with this film is that almost all of the effects are CGI, rather than practical effects.   Overall the effects look pretty good but there were one or two shots that looked very fake and were a little distracting to me, but overall they were good.  Some were very gruesome in fact, including a monster made of two people that were kinda "morphed" together....very disturbing!! 

Go out and support horror in the theater!  Check this one out, I think you will really enjoy it!


CLICK HERE to watch the regular trailer
CLICK HERE to watch the Red Band trailer

DVD Review: AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE and NIGHTMARES IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE double feature

  
I recently had the chance to check out a great set of documentaries from Lorber Films.  This was a 2 disc set consisting of the films AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE and NIGHTMARES IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.  Here are they synopsis' for each film from imdb.com:

AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE:
This documentary explores the hidden history of the American Exploitation Film. The movie digs deep into this often overlooked category of U.S. cinema and unearths the shameless and occasionally shocking origins of this popular entertainment

NIGHTMARES IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE:
An exploration of the appeal of horror films, with interviews of many legendary directors in the genre.

Well, that is a pretty straightforward synopsis, but that is really all you need to know.   These films are simple, but very detailed at the same time.  I love documentaries about film, especially horror films, and I have seen quite a few.  These two films are easily the best horror documentaries I have ever seen.  AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE deals with more of the exploitation films than the pure horror films, and contains interviews with some of the top names in the business including John Landis, Joe Dante, Fred Olen Ray, and Herschell Gordon Lewis.   NIGHTMARES IN RED, WHITE,  AND BLUE focus' more on the true horror film including all the mainstream, well known films, to some you might not of ever heard of.  I learned about a film called ONE DARK NIGHT that I have never even heard of before.  A scene from that film looked so good that I immediately went and bought a copy off of ebay.  I'm sure there might be some references to films you might not know about either.

One thing that really sets these films apart from other horror docs is the production value.  These movies look excellent with animated menus and stats when put up on screen.  Also, unlike some other horror docs that just talk about a film and maybe show you a screen shot of that film, both of these films actually show you footage and scenes from the films they are discussing.  This is a huge thing that has really bugged me in the past with some horror docs.  Talking about the films is good, but to actually see the scene they are discussing is a huge help.    

These film are so much fun, I especially liked NIGHTMARES IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE because it was like seeing a "greatest hits" ,so to speak, of all my favorite horror films.    These are must have films in my opinion and while they are available separately, you can get them together in a double feature set that is a great value for these 2 excellent films.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for AMERICAN GRINDHOUSE
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for NIGHTMARES IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
CLICK HERE to purchase the double feature DVD

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!! Enter to win a copy of the horror anthology SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST!!

That's right!  It's time for another DVD giveaway from the 4H blog!!  Up for grabs this time is a copy of SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST!!   Actually, we have 2 copies up for grabs!  We are going to give one to a guy and one to a girl, just for fun!   Not only will 2 readers of my blog get a free DVD, the DVD will be autographed by non other than horror host Scarlet Fry himself!
I am a big fan of this film  (see my review here) and I think you will be to.  For those that don't know about JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST, here is the basic premise from the Chemical Burn Entertainment website:

Scarlet Fry takes you on the thrill of your life with: Blood Thirsty Cannibals, Satanic Zombies, Demented Nurses, Junkie Serial Killers, Freaky Perverts and More! This Blood Drenched Deluxe Horrorfest isn’t for the weak at heart. A drug dealer has made his last deal after he decides to hand a junkie serial killer (Calico Cooper) some bad junk. This junk is, in fact, a video tape entitled "Junkfood Horrorfest." This horror anthology, hosted by Scarlet Fry, features six twisted tales that kick off when the junkie and her new found friend decide to watch the tape. Little does her friend know how much trouble he’s in for. Get ready for a blood drenched, deluxe horrorfest that isn’t for the weak at heart. Twisted tales that will turn your stomach and send you crying for Mommy! This special edition is value packed with two bonus programs, "Scarlet Fry's Horrorama," Scarlet Fry's presentation of the cult classic "Carnival of Souls," and more !

   
This is a great DVD, and you actually get 3 movies on one disc!  Pretty cool!  Read below for rules and instructions on entering the contest.

TO ENTER THE CONTEST, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS   
1. If you are not already, become a FOLLOWER of this blog! (Click the JOIN THIS SITE  button under the "Followers" section of the blog on the right hand side).

2. Leave a comment on this post with your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS so I can contact you for your shipping info if you are the winner (if valid email address is not given, I will post the winners name on the site and winner will have one week to contact me with their shipping info. If prize is not claimed within one week, prize will be forfeited).

3. Only one comment per person. Multiple comments will result in removal of all your comments therefore removing all your chances of winning! 

4. Contest is scheduled to end on Friday, Nov. 4th, 2011. Comments must be left by the end of the day on 11/4 in order to count towards the contest.
 
5. Contest winner will be chosen by random.org and must agree to let me post their name in a separate post stating who won the prize.
 
6. Due to shipping costs, contest is open to U.S. Residents only. Thank you for your understanding.
 
GOOD LUCK!!!
 

Also, CLICK HERE to check out the indigogo page for the new film, SCREAM MACHINE, the newest film from the filmmaker's of JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST!!

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 10/18/11:
(Click a title to see a trailer for that film)


*  BEWARE
*  DARKNESS FALLS  [Blu-ray]
*  GEORGE:  A ZOMBIE INTERVENTION
*  GRAVE ENCOUNTERS
*  HELLRAISER:  REVELATIONS [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE HOWLING REBORN [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  IN A GLASS CAGE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  KILLER EYE:  HALLOWEEN HAUNT
*  KURONEKO [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  MORE BRAINS! A RETURN TO THE LIVING DEAD
*  RED STATE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SATAN HATES YOU
*  SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST  (Triple Feature)

HORROR IN THE NEWS: New evidence in the John Wayne Gacy case

 John Wayne Gacy was arrested in 1978, but now more than 30 years later, investigators are doing some new research on the case.  33 bodies were taken from Gacy's Chicago home...8 of which were never identified.   Now investigators have dug up the remains of those 8 bodies and have sent them to a lab for DNA tests, in hopes of identifying all 8 bodies. 

Another thing they are looking into is the possibility that Gacy killed many more men that no one knew about.  While looking through old evidence, investigators found plane tickets to 10 different states during the time he was murdering young men in Chicago.  So now, they are wondering if he was killing people on the road, just like he was at his home on Chicago.  For this reason, he is now linked to 27 missing person cases from all over the country.  What we thought about John Wayne Gacy could have just been a fragment of what that man actually did.   This is a very interesting story...click below to watch the short video about it.


 
CLICK HERE to watch the video from MSNBC