Blu-ray Review: ABC's OF DEATH 2 (2014)

ABCs OF DEATH 2
Directed by:  Multiple Directors
Distributed by Magnolia Home Entertainment

  2012's ABCs OF DEATH was one of my favorite horror films of recent years.  I loved the concept of 26 directors each taking a different letter of the alphabet and making a short film about death based on one word (or short phrase) that starts with their given letter.  It seemed like a very tough project to put together, but it was worth it for sure.   Well, 26 new directors are back for a 2nd go around in the ABCs OF DEATH 2.   I honestly didn't think part 2 would be as good as the first one, but I am happy to report that I think it wasn't just as good, I think this 2nd installment even surpasses the first film.

Here is a complete list of directors and a plot synopsis for each of their segments from the film's Wikipedia page:

A is for Amateur (directed by E. L. Katz)
A hitman's meticulously planned hit doesn't go quite as planned.

B is for Badger (directed by Julian Barratt)
A wildlife documentary goes awry when the team encounters a giant badger.

C is for Capital Punishment (directed by Julian Gilbey)
A man is violently beheaded for a crime he didn't commit.

D is for Deloused (directed by Robert Morgan)
A stop-motion animated short about a large bug that helps an executed man get revenge on his killers.

E is for Equilibrium (directed by Alejandro Brugués)
Two castaways have their friendship tested when a beautiful woman washes ashore.

F is for Falling (directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado)
An Israeli woman is caught in a tree by her parachute and is found by a hostile Palestinian boy.

G is for Grandad (directed by Jim Hosking)
A young man discovers his grandfather has been sleeping under his bed.

H is for Head Games (directed by Bill Plympton)
A man and woman kiss, which turns into a surreal power struggle.

I is for Invincible (directed by Erik Matti)
A family tries to kill the matriarch for her inheritance.

J is for Jesus (directed by Dennison Ramalho)
A young man is violently martyred for being a homosexual.

K is for Knell (directed by Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper)
A woman experiences the effects of a black liquid that turns people into killers.

L is for Legacy (directed by Lancelot Odawa Imasuen)
A ritual sacrifice goes horribly wrong.

M is for Masticate (directed by Robert Boocheck)
A man runs down a street in slow motion, attempts to eat someone, and is shot by police. It's revealed that he did bath salts 34 minutes earlier.

N is for Nexus (directed by Larry Fessenden)
A man hurries to meet his girlfriend on Halloween.

O is for Ochlocracy (mob rule) (directed by Hajime Ohata)
A woman is sentenced to death by a courtroom full of zombies.

P is for P-P-P-P SCARY! (directed by Todd Rohal)
An homage to black and white comedy in which three prisoners encounter a strange man and a baby.

Q is for Questionnaire (directed by Rodney Ascher)
A man takes an intelligence test on the street, juxtaposed with footage of the man's brain being transferred to a gorilla.

R is for Roulette (directed by Marven Kren)
Two men and a woman play Russian roulette while hidden in a basement.

S is for Split (directed by Juan Martinez Moreno)
A woman is attacked in her home while on the phone with her husband.

T is for Torture Porn (directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska)
A woman (Tristan Risk) is treated misogynistically at an audition, but when asked to strip, reveals tentacles where her vagina should be.

U is for Utopia (directed by Vincenzo Natali)
An unattractive man is singled out in a mall full of seemingly perfect people and publicly executed.

V is for Vacation (directed by Jerome Sable)
Two men are killed by a prostitute they hired while on the phone with one man's girlfriend.

W is for Wish (directed by Steven Kostanski)
Two kids wish themselves into a fantasy world, only to be violently taken prisoner by the villain.

X is for Xylophone (directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo)
A babysitter (Béatrice Dalle) is emotionally affected by a child's xylophone playing.

Y is for Youth (directed by Soichi Umezawa)
A young girl violently fantasizes about the deaths of her abusive family.

Z is for Zygote (directed by Chris Nash)
A pregnant woman has been staving off birth for 13 years and living with a 13-year-old inside her stomach.

  While most all of the short films are excellent, just like the first film there were a handful that I just didn't care for at all.  Overall though, this is one of the best films I have seen this year (Ok, so it's just January 31st, but I have a feeling I would still say that even if it were later in the year)! 
  This is one you will definitely want to check out and add to your DVD/Blu-ray collection!  ABCs OF DEATH 2 is available Tuesday, 2/3, from Magnolia Home Entertainment and contains tons of special features, including "Behind the Scenes", "Making Of" and "Still Galleries" for almost every letter/segment!


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

 

 

 

DVD Review: JOHN DIES AT THE END (2012)

JOHN DIES AT THE END
Writtend and Directed by Don Coscarelli
Adapted from the book by David Wong
Distributed by Magnet Releasing/Magnolia Home Entertainment

If you are a fan of horror, you by no doubt have heard of the latest film from Don Coscarelli, JOHN DIES AT THE END.  This film got a lot of hype.  The film is based on the book by the same name by author David Wong.  I have never read the book, but after seeing this film, I really want to now!   This movie is extremely hard to describe. It is more Sci-Fi than horror probably, but there is some horror to it...and some comedy.  Here is the brief plot synopsis from the Magnet Releasing website:

It's all about the Soy Sauce, a drug that promises an out-of-body experience with each hit. But some who come back are no longer human. Suddenly a silent otherworldly invasion is underway, and mankind needs a hero. What it gets instead is John and David, a pair of college dropouts who can barely hold down jobs.

I liked this film a lot.  I have to admit it was a little confusing at times and it lives up to the term "mind-trip" that people have been using to describe this film.  This film will mess with your mind on many levels.  The acting in this film is amazing...not a bad performance in the entire cast.  The film looks really good, and looks like it costs more to make than it probably did.  There are some amazing effects in this film, including the highly touted "Meat-Monster" you have probably heard something about.

One great thing about this film is it starts off with a bang and never lets up.  There are no slow spots to speak of in this film.  It is fun and entertaining the entire time, which is very rare in most films. This film is hard to review, as there is so much going on, so pick up a copy and check it out for yourself.  I was entertained the entire running time, and I think you will be too.

JOHN DIES AT THE END is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Deleted Scenes
*  Getting Sauced:  The Making of John Dies at the End
*  Creature Corps:  The Effects of Soy Sauce
*  Casting Sessions
*  Fangoria Interview with Paul Giamatti
*  Commentary with Writer/Director Don Coscarelli, Producer Brad Baruh, Chase Williamson and Rob Mayes
*  Trailers


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

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

DVD Review: TROLLHUNTER (2010)

 
TROLLHUNTER
Written & Directed by:  André Øvredal
Distributed by:  Magnet Releasing/Magnolia Home Entertainment

 I have been dying to see this film. Ever since I first saw the trailer, I have been super excited for this one.  I have really built this one up and I was hoping I hadn't hyped it up too much and was leaving myself open for a let down.   Well, I am happy to say that after finally getting to see TROLLHUNTER, I was not let down in the least.  In fact, I would go as far as to say I was pleasantly surprised and that the film was actually better than I could have imagined. Before I go any further,
here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's official website:

The government says there’s nothing to worry about – it’s just a problem with bears making trouble in the mountains and forests of Norway. But local hunters don’t believe it – and neither do a trio of college students who want to find out the truth. Armed with a video camera, they trail a mysterious “poacher,” who wants nothing to do with them. However, their persistence lands them straight in the path of the objects of his pursuits: trolls. They soon find themselves documenting every move of this grizzled, unlikely hero – the trollhunter – risking their lives to uncover the secrets of creatures only thought to exist in fairy tales.

 This is another entry into the ever so popular "found footage" genre of film.  But...unlike most of these "found footage" films, this one does not deal with ghosts or witches....this one deals with trolls.  That's right, trolls.   You can't say this isn't an original film!  I like the mixture of the "found footage" and creature feature films....not something I have seen much of, but hope to see more of.

 TROLLHUNTER is basically like a bigfoot movie on crack.  The hunter is searching for the creature that he knows exists, but no one else believes is real.  Except instead of a more human sized Bigfoot, these trolls are humongous.  Like hundreds of feet tall enormous!   Now this leads to some puzzling questions for me, such as if there is a creature this big that towers above the trees, how is his presence not known?    Also, apparently trolls just come out at night.....so where does a monster this huge hide out all day?  Plot holes for sure, but don't get me wrong.  This will not effect the enjoyment of this film, it sure didn't for me anyways.

 The acting in the film is excellent.  The man they got to play the Troll Hunter was especially good and very believable as a sort of back woods, loner type.  The cinematography is amazing and the scenes of the Norwegian countryside are truly beautiful.   Now, about the trolls....obviously the use of CG effects are a necessity here, no way to get around that.  Luckily they CG effects are done flawlessly and blend in perfect to the surroundings.    It was also fun to learn about trolls, as I really don't know anything about them.  But did you know sunlight, or more specifically, UV rays, can make a troll either explode, or turn to stone, depending on the age of the troll (don't worry, this is explained in the film and actually makes sense upon hearing the explanation).  Both types of troll deaths are witnessed here, and I found the troll turning to stone scene especially cool! 

I can honestly say this is one of the best horror films I have seen in a long time, and it has found a spot on my list of favorite horror films.  I will be watching this one again soon!

The DVD and Blu-ray is out now and contains the following special features:

* Deleted Scenes
* Improv and Bloopers
* Extended Scenes
* Visual Effects
* Behind the Scenes
* Photo Galleries
* HDNet:  A Look at Trollhunter



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

 

Blu-Ray review: SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD (2009)

H
SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD
Directed by: George A. Romero
Distributed by: Magnet Releasing/Magnolia Home Entertainment
Production Year: 2009

Every Horror fan should be very familiar with the name George Romero. Considered the Father of the modern Zombie film, he brought us such classic movies as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, DAWN OF THE DEAD, and DAY OF THE DEAD. He then took a break from the Zombie films but 20 years later came back with 2005's LAND OF THE DEAD, then quickly followed that up with 2007's DIARY OF THE DEAD. 2 years later and we are given his latest entry into his 'DEAD' series, SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD. Here is the basic plot from the Magnet Releasing website:

The newest film from horror master George A. Romero (legendary creator of the Night of the Living Dead franchise) picks up where Diary of the Dead leaves off. On a small island off the coast of Delaware, live two families locked in a struggle for power and control over the fate of the undead. The O’Flynns approach the zombie plague with a shoot-to-kill attitude. The Muldoons feel that the zombies should be quarantined and kept “alive,” in hopes that a solution will be discovered. For both families, existence on Plum Island is a nightmarish world where humans are the minority and zombies rule.

As stated above, this film takes off right were DIARY OF THE DEAD leaves off, and even contains some of the same characters. For those that saw DIARY, then it is really neat how it is tied all together, but what is great is that it is done in a subtle way, so that it is not the least bit confusing to those who haven't seen DIARY. You don't have to have seen the past few 'DEAD' films to get this one, but if you have, then that is a bonus for you.

I love Romero's original DEAD trilogy (NIGHT, DAWN, DAY), and was super excited when LAND OF THE DEAD was released back in 2005. Unfortunately, I was, like many fans, greatly disappointed in that film. I enjoyed DIARY OF THE DEAD a little more, but was still not 100% satisfied. Well, 3rd time's a charm apparently, as this latest film in the 2nd trilogy, if you will, left me with a smile on my face and a feeling like I had when I watched the films in the original trilogy.

The film has some great Zombie effects, and some great attack scenes. My only complaint is that many of the Zombie kills were done with CG, instead of practical effects. I guess it had to be that way though, as CG provides the effect you need at a fraction of the cost. Some great Zombie kills includes a flare gun to a Zombie's chest....heating up his insides until the Zombie's head burst into flames, and a hilarious death by fire extinguisher! Another great thing about this film is the humor throughout it. The Zombie fishing scene is especially funny!

One really cool aspect of this film is that while the O’Flynns just kill any Zombie they come in contact with, the Muldoon family is really trying to co-exist with the Zombies. In fact, they are trying to find a way where they can make Zombies eat things other than humans, such as animals. This is a unique twist on the Zombie genre that I have not seen before.

This film goes much deeper than most Zombie films, as it really makes you think about the 2 sides to dealing with the Zombies. The Muldoon's keep their loved ones shackled and chained, so that they can't harm anyone, in hopes that someday a cure will be found. The other family, the O’Flynns, have the opposite approach and kill off anyone that has turned, and sometimes kill them before they have even had a chance to turn. While Romero's films usually hold a deeper meaning than just Zombies, I can't help but wonder if this film holds a deeper sub-plot of how people deal with those loved ones who have terminal diseases or those that are comatose with no signs of waking up. Do you "pull the plug" so to speak, like the O’Flynns, or do you act like the Muldoon's and keep them around in their current state in hopes that a cure will be found someday and bring your loved one back to how you remember them being. While I may be reading way more into this film that I should be, it definitely makes you think.

A great story, great acting, and great Zombie action is the perfect recipe for a fun and entertaining Zombie film! This is one you will want to check out for sure.



CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the standard DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc Ultimate Undead Edition
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray