DVD Review: SILENT RETREAT (2016)

SILENT RETREAT
Directed by Ace Jordan
Distributed by Midnight Releasing

  I had never heard of this film when it arrived in my mailbox for review.  I honestly didn't expect much going into it, and I am happy to say that this film was a very pleasant surprise for me.  I really didn't expect it to be as good as it was.  Here is the basic plot from the Midnight Releasing website:

  Six members of a media company go on a weekend business retreat at an isolated lodge in the woods. When one of the members goes missing, they discover that the lodge was formerly a private mental institution. One by one, they fall victim to the dark secrets buried at the lodge.

  I'll be honest, I think why I wasn't expecting much out of this film was from that plot synopsis. I felt like this was going to be just another generic people get killed one by one type of film that we have all seen many times before.   It turns out, this film is so much smarter than that.  The film is full of dark humor and some great kills, including a horrifying bear trap incident!    The film also contains a very engaging story line and includes a great plot twist that had me second guessing the entire film I had seen up to that point. 

Another thing worth noting here is the acting, which I thought was very good from everyone involved.   This is a great, fun film that I would recommend for sure!  

  SILENT RETREAT is out now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Interviews
*  Trailer
*  Slideshow
*  Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Ace Jordan and Associate Producer Colin Carey


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

DVD Review: EXCESS FLESH (2015)

EXCESS FLESH 
Directed by   Patrick Kennelly
Distributed by Midnight Releasing

  A lot of films sound like they are going to be extreme, or the trailer makes them up to be and then they let us down.  EXCESS FLESH is NOT one of those films!  This film was even more extreme and disturbing than I thought it would be!  

Here is the plot synopsis from the film's official press release: 

  Jill is obsessed with her new roommate Jennifer, a promiscuous and sexy hotshot in the LA Fashion scene.  New to the city and recently single, Jill is unable to keep up as she binges and purges to stay thin; eventually hating herself and everyone around her.  Her jealousy and rage spiral out of control -- Jennifer has everything, and Jill wants to be just like her.  If Jill can’t BE Jennifer, she must destroy her.

  This film reminds me a lot of MARTYRS or INSIDE.   Not in terms of plot, but in terms of the extremeness of the film.  The film is very graphic and disturbing.   Jill obviously has some very deep emotional and mental issues, and they all come to a head once she snaps and begins keeping Jennifer locked up in their apartment.   Jill treats Jennifer in an extreme way, making her eat like a dog out of a bowl, or not letting her eat at all.

  The film is very artistic at some points, and then very dirty and graphic at others.  It has an interesting balance of beauty and repulsion, all mixed together.   The acting is wonderful by all involved, especially by our two main characters.   Both are very convincing as a captor and victim.  The film also has an excellent soundtrack, with some "music" that is more of just noise and static at some points, which really highlights the disturbing scenes occurring on screen at the time.

  I can't say enough good things about this film!  This is a must see and a must have for any horror DVD collectors out there.  EXCESS FLESH will be available via DVD and VOD March 8th, 2016!  Check out the links below to stay up to date on news and DVD release info!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to view the film's official website
CLICK HERE to view the film's official Facebook page

DVD Review: BLOOD PUNCH (2014)

BLOOD PUNCH
Directed by:  Madellaine Paxson
Distributed by:  Midnight Releasing


  If you are one of those horror fans that complains about there not being any new or original ideas when it comes to horror movies these days, then you will definitely want to check out BLOOD PUNCH from Midnight Releasing.   Here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Midnight Releasing:

On the promise of the ultimate drug score, brilliant chemistry student Milton breaks out of court mandated rehab to follow the mysterious and seductive Skylar and her boyfriend, Russell, to an isolated hunting lodge, where they intend to produce enough meth to set them up for life. Caught in the middle of a love-triangle, Milton and Skylar murder Russell, burying his body in the woods. The next morning they are horrified to find him alive and well, with no memory of the day before. Forced into an endless cycle of death, carnage, and mayhem, Milton is desperate for answers and a way out. But the truth is more horrifying than he could have ever imagined, nothing is as it seems, and there is no one to trust–least of all himself.

  So the film basically centers on a guy and girl who are secluded in a cabin in the woods.  The girl's boyfriend then finds them and goes to the cabin and is killed.  Then he comes back, and they kill him again.  Each day the boyfriend keeps showing up and the guy and girl have to dispose of him in any way they can.    This leads to some very entertaining kills, and provides lots of good gore and bloody effects.

  The film is shot very well with a production value that looks much better than what it's actual budget was I am suspecting.   The acting is excellent from all involved and it's cast perfectly.  Actor Ari Boyland does an excellent job as the psycho boyfriend.  I have to imagine getting killed in a horror movie would be a lot of fun, to think this guy got to do it over and over again with each time being a different kill!   I imaging this film was a lot of fun to shoot.  Actors Milo Cawthorne and Olivia Tennet also give wonderful performances.  Acting can really hurt a horror movie like this, so I was very glad to see such a great job from the entire cast.  

  While we might see this "ground hog day" type of situation is other genres, most notably comedy films, I can't think of any horror film where this has been used before.   Horror is a perfect use of this kind of repetitiveness, and makes for a very fun and entertaining film.  

  I highly recommend this one if you haven't seen it yet.  BLOOD PUNCH is available now from Midnight Releasing and contains the following special features:

*  Deleted Scenes
*  Outtakes
*  Test Footage


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

 
 
 

DVD Review: BUNNYMAN MASSACRE

BUNNYMAN MASSACRE
Written & Directed by Carl Lindbergh
Distributed by Midnight Releasing

 Yes!!  Finally....a slasher film that feels fresh and new, and not just like something we have already seen before redone with different characters!   BUNNYMAN MASSACRE is one of the most original and fun slashers I have seen in a long time!!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Midnight Releasing website:

 The adventures of Joe and Bunnyman know no limit of bloodlust and carnage. Bodies pile up as Bunnyman indiscriminately slaughters anything that crosses his path in a mutually beneficial relationship that gives Joe plenty of beef jerky to sell in his local store.

  I knew I was going to like this one from the opening scene involving a killer in a bunny suit wielding a chainsaw and attacking a bus full of kids.   Most movies would not show a bus full of kids getting slaughtered, but this movie doesn't hold back or pull any punches.    Don't worry though, it doesn't really show any of the kids getting killed, that would obviously upset me.  The way they did it was almost with a comical tone, so it really wasn't as disturbing as it could have been, which is a good thing since it involved kids.

  The rest of the film, thought is very brutal, with some great kill scenes and some awesome gore.  The film was made well, and the pacing is very good.  With some slasher films you can get very bored between the kill scenes, but BUNNYMAN MASSACRE kept my attention the entire running time.   I loved this film and highly recommend it for any fans of slasher films. 
 
  BUNNYMAN MASSACRE is available on DVD now from Midnight Releasing and contains the following special features:

-Audio Commentary
-Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
-Deleted Scenes
-Cast & Crew Interviews
-Joe's Guide to Dating
-Bunnyman Gets Fast Food



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

DVD Review: BLOOD FOREST (2009)

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

BLOOD FOREST
Directed by Bill Barton
Distributed by Midnight Releasing

BLOOD FOREST is a low budget film set in Jasper, AR, a town located about 85 miles away from where I live. Although I’ve never visited Jasper, I would swear that the film was actually shot there; the town in the movie looks exactly like one you would find in this area. Unfortunately, a good filming location does not make up for a bad film.

If you’ve never heard of BLOOD FOREST, here’s the synopsis courtesy of director Bill Barton (via imdb.com):

Virgil Williams, an alcoholic down and out tabloid reporter from the UK is sent to Arkansas to investigate a Big Foot sighting and is caught between the town Sheriff and the last remaining brave from Arkansas's "Cave Tribe" and Vietnam vet, James Levi Wiley.

Here’s my biggest problem with BLOOD FOREST: even though it tries really hard to be a good film (and it ALMOST makes it there), its problems greatly outweigh its positives. As I have mentioned before, I find it difficult to butcher an indy filmmaker’s work. Most of them put their hearts and souls into their films. But although I am sympathetic, I feel it is my duty to be honest in my reviews and tell horror fans my candid, unfiltered opinions about what I watch.

As much as I want to like it, BLOOD FOREST fails on many levels. First and foremost is the acting. Again, I understand that low budget films have to make do with the best they can get. It’s just a shame that every person in this film lacks any sort of acting talent. When the extras aren’t flubbing their lines or rambling off-track, the main cast is trying to regurgitate their lines while showing some semblance of emotion. The acting is so bad that it makes some high school productions look like Oscar material.

The story, although semi-interesting in premise, is dull and lifeless. A British journalist is sent to little ol’ Jasper Arkansas to report on Bigfoot sightings. Really? Um…no. There is no way in hell that a company in the U.S. would send someone to Arkansas to follow up on Sasquatch, let alone a company from ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. Maybe a ‘creature of unknown origin’, sure…but not Bigfoot. No way.

And the whole thing about the last remaining brave from Arkansas’s Cave Tribe? I still have no clue what that is all about. It’s hinted around several times in the film and, from what I can tell, it’s supposed to be an integral part of the plot. But it’s never explained, never fleshed out, and just downright confusing.

The special effects are weak, with no gore gracing the screen and only a few traces of crimson here and there to indicate blood. A good horror film doesn’t have to have gore, but it sure would help in a case like this. It would at least have been something entertaining to watch.

Instead, all we have is a slow-paced, no-intensity movie that I can’t even label a thriller. There are no thrills, no suspense, and certainly no terror anywhere in it. When I say lifeless, I mean this film is about as animated as Pauly Shore’s career. In short, it’s dead and rotting.

And when the end comes, there’s no resolution either. Instead of at least seeing the terrifying creature that’s been killing people…we get a fade-to-black shot and a narrator saying something about how we have to draw our own conclusions and blah-blah-blah. I can certainly understand budgetary constraints that might prohibit the construction of a legitimate Bigfoot costume…but c’mon…I’d rather see a guy in a monkey suit than have to watch a cop-out ending like this.

The only positive comment I can make for BLOOD FOREST is that it truly highlights the beauty of Arkansas, with many of its scenes taking place in the woods. The scenery alone cannot save the film, though. BLOOD FOREST would better be served as a promotional reel to encourage tourism here in the Natural State.

-MSB

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


CLICK HERE to visit the official website
of Midnight Releasing

DVD Review: MOTHER'S DAY MASSACRE (2007)

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

MOTHER'S DAY MASSACRE
Directed by: Jeff Roenning
Distributed by: Midnight Releasing

I have to admit up front: this movie is A LOT of fun to watch. I really enjoyed it.

And it’s definitely not what I thought it was going to be, either. Based on the description, I was expecting a hum-drum trip down Familiar Lane. But instead, MOTHER'S DAY MASSACRE is one of those rare gems that entertained me on several different levels. It made me cringe during some scenes and it made me laugh during others.

If you’ve never heard of MOTHER'S DAY MASSACRE, here’s the synopsis, straight from the DVD cover:

Jim Cavanaugh is a shy, suburban New Jersey teenager. His mom left when he was a child and his father is a real jerk. The unrelenting psychotic domination of his redneck father forces Jim to search out his long lost mother. His quest takes him to the backwoods of Jersey, where he encounters semi-retarded hillbillies who have a taste for strangers and Peterbilt trucks. Nobody escapes the bloodletting in this heartwarming tale of a family reunited. Sure to be a holiday classic.

The synopsis alone is enough to draw me in. Any movie that describes a massive bloodletting as a ‘heartwarming tale of a family reunited’ instantly piques my curiosity. I mean, how can it not? And when the Special Features boast a ‘drunken commentary with the director and crew’…WOW…it’s like Christmas for me, all over again! (The surprise part, not the drunken part…just want to clarify that).

MOTHER'S DAY MASSACRE is definitely bizarre and some folks might not like it. It is very well done and appears to have a high production budget. The special effects are top notch, with lots of blood bursts and even a nice head-shot (impressively done with CG, by the way…check out the Head Surgery featurette in the Special Features). My sole complaint is that I wanted more. There are several instances were more carnage could have been thrown in, but I’m sure budget constraints were the reason they weren’t.

The acting is surprisingly great as well. I didn’t have high expectations about the acting to be honest but I’m happy to report I was way off base. The cast is superb, with Mel Gorham leading the way as the psychotic mother Dolores (yes, folks, Mel is a woman) and Greg Travis as the equally deranged father, Tex. I gotta tell you: I haven’t seen a more screwed up set of characters since THE DEVIL'S REJECTS. This family is beyond dysfunctional…they are just plain insane!

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Dolores visits Tex to try and get compensation from her stolen pot crop. Tex’s son is the reason Dolores’ crop is seized by the police and she believes she is entitled to some money from Tex. Instead, Tex pops her in the mouth and tells her to get off of his porch. With blood running out of her mouth, Dolores points at him and screams (in Latin-drenched English) “I came here tonight to maybe f&*k you, but I now I’m gonna’ f&*k you up!”

While the ending is quite tragic and happy at the same time (I won’t give it away…you must see it to believe it), I love the way everything is wrapped up…er, sort of. Resolution is given for all of the plot points, even if it’s not the way you expect things to wind up. There certainly is a bloodbath at the end and, well…let’s just say not everyone has a happy ending. I won’t say anymore.

Do yourself a favor and snatch MOTHER'S DAY MASSACRE up immediately. I don’t think you’ll regret it. It is a comedic, horror-filled trip into the bizarre, and one that you will want to take again and again.


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




CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Midnight Releasing

DVD Review: VAMPEGEDDON (2010)

I recently watched Midnight Releasing's VAMPEGEDDON! The film was written by David C. Hayes and directed byJeffrey Alan Miller. Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

Chased out of the old world, the dark vampire lord Giovanni flees to the American southwest where he sets up a new brood. Longshank, Brittan's premier vampire slayer follows him here, and in a final confrontation in the Arizona desert both are killed. A hundred years later Melissa, a gorgeous, goth, lesbian college student, is obsessed with becoming a vampire and escaping her terrible home life. Along with her four friends, Ted, Liz, Mona, and Kent, she regularly conducts ceremonies where she tries to commune with dark forces. When she buys an old, evil book at a creepy garage sale she finally has the key she has been searching for. Following her dreams of Giovanni and a map in the book the five friends hike out to "Massacre Lane" and finally summon up some real vampires.

Overall, VAMPEGEDDON is a fun film. I can't say it is a great film by any means, but it is a fun film. The vampires in this film are the old school cape and white face paint type which I actually enjoyed. Any vampire movie that doesn't feature vampires that sparkle already is a plus with me. The film is a very low budget film and it shows, but the filmakers make the most of it and end up with something they can be proud of.

The acting in the movie is mixed, but most of the acting is on the bad end as opposed to the good end. The movie does produce some good gore effects, which is always a nice addition to any film, although it could have contained a few more kill scenes. I assume budget constraints limited that.

Now, all that being said, I actually enjoyed this movie for what it was..which is a silly vampire film filled with blood and babes. It is not to be taken seriously, and I can't think of a better movie for a group of guys to sit around and watch and just have a good time. Some movies are made to make you think..this movie was made for the exact opposite. You don't have to think, you can just sit back and be entertained.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for VAMPEGEDDON

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Midnight Releasing