Blu-ray Review: EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC

EXORCIST II:  THE HERETIC
Directed by John Boorman
Distributed by Scream Factory

  I hate to admit it, but I have never seen any of the EXORCIST sequels.  I'm not sure why, but I just never have gotten around to checking any of them out.   I am a huge fan of the original EXORCIST, so I definitely need to check out the other films in the series.    I started recently with Scream Factory's new release of EXORCIST II:  THE HERETIC.   Here is the basic plot courtesy of the Scream Factory website:

  Bizarre nightmares plague Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) four years after her possession and exorcism. Has the demon returned? And if so, can the combined faith and knowledge of a Vatican investigator (Richard Burton) and a research specialist (Louise Fletcher) free her from its grasp?
  Employing production design and special effects that are dizzily exhilarating and a supporting cast (Max von Sydow, Paul Henreid, James Earl Jones) of compelling distinction, director John Boorman draws us into the tangible experience of evil. We fly with the demon, feel the African landscape vibrate and get engulfed in the terror of swarming locusts as Exorcist II: The Heretic weaves its fascinating, frightful spell.

 Going into this, I was really hoping for another classic film.  I was hoping for another masterpiece like the original.  Well, it's a classic for sure, but unfortunately it's classic for all the wrong reasons.  I had heard it called one of the worst films ever, and definitely one of the worst sequels ever. While it is pretty bad, it's not a terrible movie by any means.  Now don't get me wrong, it doesn't come close to being anywhere near the caliber of film as the original, but I've seen much worse horror films.   

  The plot is a little weird, and lots of stuff is going on in present day and in flashbacks to the exorcism in Africa, including multiple scenes of locust invasions including a few "first person" shots taken from the locusts point of view.  Very strange.   

  The production value looks huge on this film, especially compared to the first, but this just goes to show you that just because a film has a bigger budget that doesn't automatically make it a better film.

  In terms of presentation, the film looks remarkable.   Scream Factory always puts out quality releases and this one is no different.   If you're a fan of the original EXORCIST, you will want to give this one a shot.  It's got almost a cult classic feel to it now, so it's worth checking out.

  EXCORCIST II:  THE HERETIC is available now on a 2-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Scream Factory and contains the following special features:

DISC ONE (118 Minute Cut Of The Film):

• NEW 2K Scan From Original Film Elements
• NEW Audio Commentary With Director John Boorman
• NEW Audio Commentary With Project Consultant Scott Bosco
• NEW What Does She Remember? – An Interview With Actress Linda Blair
• NEW Interview With Editor Tom Priestley

DISC TWO (102 Minute Cut Of The Film):

• NEW 2K Scan From Original Film Elements
• NEW Audio Commentary With Mike White Of The Projection Booth Blog
• Original Teaser Trailer
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Still Galleries Including Rare Color And B&W Stills, Behind-The-Scenes, Deleted Scene Photos, Posters, And Lobby Cards

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

Movie Review: THE SONG OF SOLOMON (2017)

THE SONG OF SOLOMON
Written & Directed by Stephen Biro
Distributed by Unearthed Films

  If you have seen any of the films from Unearthed Films, you know you are in for a treat with each new release.  Unearthed Films releases some of the most extreme horror films out there, and founder Stephen Biro will soon be releasing one of their most extreme films yet, one that he just so happened to write and direct!  

  The film is called THE SONG OF SOLOMON, and it is a crazy ride from the beginning that never lets up.  Here is the plot synopsis from Amazon.com:

  Mary witnesses the brutal suicide of her Father. His death unleashes the savage forces of demonic possession in his daughter. The End of Days is upon the world, famine, drought, looting and chaos is ripping the world apart and the Catholic Church is trying to save an innocent soul from the ravages of satanic possession. Wave after wave of holy men are sent to confront the possessed but what is the Holy Church actually doing? The City on Seven Hills is working on the Second Coming of Christ but before He comes back - the Antichrist must rule for seven years. The Song of Solomon's true nature is to unleash an evil the world has been waiting for since the beginning of time.

 Now I know what you might be thinking....haven't possession movies kind of run their course?  It seems like there was a new possession film all the time the past few years.  Well, that might be the case, but I guarantee you there are no possession films of late quite like this one.  

  I will always consider THE EXORCIST as the greatest possession/exorcism movie of all time, but I will never look at it quite the same after seeing THE SONG OF SOLOMON.  I used to think THE EXORCIST was one of the most extreme possession movies, but after seeing Mr. Biro's latest film, it makes THE EXORCIST looks very tame in comparison.   That is a bold statement, I know, but I stand behind it.   For one thing, the film is much bloodier and gorier than most possession films you have seen.   The practical effects are amazing, which is no surprise seeing as how they were done by special effects guru, Marcus Koch  and Jerami Cruise.  Koch and Cruise produced some gut wrenching effects that had my jaw hitting the floor on several occasions.  Secondly, the film's ending is like nothing you have seen before in a possession film.   I will not say much about it so not to spoil it, but I was in disbelief.

  One last thing, I couldn't do a complete review without mentioning the amazing job actress Jessica Cameron  did portraying the possessed girl, Mary.  Her performance was outstanding.  I can't imagine what she went through filming some of the scenes she did.   Well done Jessica!

  THE SONG OF SOLOMON is available to pre-order now on both DVD and Blu-Ray.  The release date is set for August 14th.


CLICK HERE to watch the Red Band Trailer
CLICK HERE to visit Unearthed Film's Facebook Page
CLICK HERE to preorder the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-Ray

Check out the trailer for the upcoming horror/comedy HELL BABY

 A couple of months ago I did a post about an upcoming horror/comedy film called, HELL BABY.  The film was written and directed by Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon, best known for their cop spoof show, RENO 911.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the film's imdb page:

An expectant couple who moves into the most haunted house in New Orleans call upon the services of the Vatican's elite exorcism team to save them from a demonic baby.

HELL BABY will be available on Ultra VOD July 25th, and in theaters and Premium VOD Sept 6th.   Check out the trailer and let me know what you think. I think this looks like it will be a hilarious film, and it stars some great comedic actors.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official facebook page for up-to-date news and info

Check out the upcoming film HELL BABY from RENO 911 stars Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon...

  Directors Robert Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon are probably best known for their starring roles in the hilarious "Cops" spoof TV show, RENO 911.   Well, now they are trying their hand at a horror movie called HELL BABY.   They are not only directing the film, but they also star in the film along side an entire cast of comedy greats, including Keegan Michael Key, Michael Ian Black, Leslie Bibb, and Rob Corddry, just to name a few. 
Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:
 
An expectant couple who moves into the most haunted house in New Orleans call upon the services of the Vatican's elite exorcism team to save them from a demonic baby.

The directors promise this film to be a hilarious film, but also a very scary one too.  Horror-Comedy films are very hard to pull off, but if anyone can do it, I bet it's these guys! Millennium Entertainment has picked up the rights to the film, but it is not even listed on their website yet, so I don't find any sort of release date or trailer online.  Once I hear about one, I will let you all know.
   
CLICK HERE to watch an interview with the cast of HELL BABY

Check out the awesome short film, DEUS IRAE

   
My buddy Caleb is always pointing out cool horror stuff he thinks I might like and my blog readers might like.  He has once again hit a home run with this one!    Caleb recently told me to go watch the short film, DEUS IRAE.  He didn't tell me anything about it, he just told me to go watch it and I am glad I listened to him.  This is an awesome short film that is being turned into a feature length film according to the film's official website. 
Here is the basic plot synopsis of the short film from the film's official website:

A fragile border separates our world from the realm of darkness, a limit where nightmarish creatures await in the shadows, looking for a way into our world: the tender souls of the weak and the innocent. Once possessed, people are used as portals to infect our reality.

Only one thing has been standing in their way: a secret order of priests, who devote their lives and souls to protect this border. Soldiers of a silent war, who hunt the monsters down to look them in the eye... and blow them away.

They are the 'Deus Irae'.

Check this one out for sure......this is an amazing short that keeps you wanting more!  I really hope this gets made into a full feature like the website says.  I want to see more from the 'Deus Irae'!!


CLICK HERE to watch the short film
CLICK HERE to visit the official website

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

Check out the trailer for THE RITE, a new exorcism film starring Anthony Hopkins

While browsing Firstshowing.net lately, I ran across a post about Anthony Hopkins newest film, THE RITE. Here is the basic plot from the films official website:

Inspired by true events, follows a skeptical seminary student Michael (Colin O'Donoghue) who reluctantly attends an exorcism school at the Vatican. While there, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas, who introduces him to a darker side of his faith.

The film is scheduled for release January 2011, and from the looks of this trailer, I think we are all in for a treat. Anthony Hopkins has always been one of my favorite actors, so I am really looking forward to this one! Watch the trailer and let me know what you think!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for THE RITE