DVD Review: CAMP DREAD (2014)

CAMP DREAD
Written & Directed by Harrison Smith
Distributed by Image Entertainment

  I really like Eric Roberts.  I really, really like Danielle Harris.  I really like slasher flicks.  I really, really like slasher flicks set at summer camps.   CAMP DREAD contains all of the above, yet for some reason, this film just didn't work for me.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Image Entertainment website:

The “Summer Camp” horror trilogy was one of the most popular movie franchises of the 1980s. However, the decade ended and so did director Julian Barrett’s career. Now Barrett plans to resurrect his gory series via a modern reboot patterned after reality filmmaking. With his former leading lady and an eclectic group of 10 young “contestants,” Barrett returns to the same locale where his old splatter-fests were filmed. When one of the campers is found savagely murdered, they discover there’s more at stake than just fame and fortune. Each of them is in a fight for their lives as they realize summer is over – forever.

  CAMP DREAD had some good moments.  The film had some good kill scenes with some good gore.  The main problem is the pacing of the film and the dialog.  The film is very slow in parts, especially the first half of the film.  The second half is better when all the killings start taking place, but the beginning and middle parts seemed to drag on.  The script was good in terms of story line, but some of the dialog was just goofy and some was flat out dumb.   I do have to give props to the ending though, as it had a nice plot twist when it was revealed why all the "kids" were really at the camp.

 There is not much else I can really say about this one.  I was really excited for this film, and it was a let down for me.  It was nice to see Felissa Rose  back in a summer camp slasher flick for old time's sake, though!  Also, while Danielle Harris is very prominent on the DVD cover, she makes a cameo appearance with a total of about 2- 3 minutes of screen time  (that is my estimation, anyway).  One of my pet peeves is when movies bill a certain actor or actress as a main actor, then you find out they are only in the film briefly.

  Well, as I always say, this is just my opinion of the film.  Hopefully you all will like it better.  Watch it if you get the chance and let me know what you think.  If you have already seen CAMP DREAD, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought of it.

CAMP DREAD is available now on DVD.


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

Blu-ray Review: THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND

THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND
Directed by Gabriel Bologna
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  It feels like it's been a while since my last film review!  With the packing, and moving, and then unpacking, and then the death of my old computer, I guess it has been a while since my last review post.  Well, I am happy to say I am starting back up with a good one!   The film is THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Anchor Bay website:

  During a Turkish archaeological dig early last century, an ancient board game said to have entertained demons was unearthed. Now nearly 90 years later, a group of vacationing friends – including a cynic (Danielle Harris of HALLOWEEN), a rich jerk (James Duval DONNIEof  DARKO), a slutty starlet (Mircea Monroe of “Hart Of Dixie”), a jock (Nick Menell of FRIDAY THE 13TH) and prudish twin sisters (Electra & Elise Avellan of GRINDHOUSE) – discover the game hidden in an old house on a remote Maine island. And with a roll of the dice, their darkest secrets will unleash all the greed, jealously and lusts of Hell itself. Richard Tyson (BLACK HAWK DOWN) and Robert Patrick (TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY) co-star in this gory shocker that Horror.com calls “good ol’ fashioned horror movie fun!”

 This was a very fun film, but I do have to admit it is slow at times.  Stick with it though, because the ending is pretty brutal and contains a very cool plot twist.  The acting is mediocre, although Danielle Harris does a great job as always, and there is just something about the Avellan twins that I love, so they are always fun to watch.  
  The effects in this film are very good, and I am happy to report there is quite a bit of blood and gore in this movie, including an awesome chainsaw scene at the end! 
  Check this one out if you get the chance.  THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and includes an Alternate Opening  as the only special feature.


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