Blu-ray Review: LOST AFTER DARK (2014)

LOST AFTER DARK
Directed by Ian Kessner
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  If you are a fan of slasher films, I have a feeling you would agree that the best slasher flicks came out back in the 1980's.  Apparently director Ian Kessner  realizes this as well, as he has turned back the clock and made his very own 1980's slasher film!   Here is the basic plot of LOST AFTER DARK courtesy of the Anchor Bay website:

  Spring Ball, 1984.  Adrienne (Kendra Timmins, Midnight Sun, "Wingin' It"), a straight-A student, joins her quarterback crush Sean (Justin Kelly, Maps To The Stars, Big Muddy) and some friends in sneaking out of their high school dance for some unsupervised mayhem.  The teens' party plans hit a snag when they run out of gas on a deserted road.  They head out on foot and discover a rundown farmhouse where they hope to find help, but instead find themselves at the mercy of Junior Joad (Mark Wiebe, Sweet Karma), a cannibal killer from an urban legend. After the brutal murder of one of their friends, the group's quest for help becomes one of survival. Will anyone survive the night?

  If you think they don't make good slasher films these days, think again.  I for one am getting very bored with all the possession and paranormal horror films that have been dominating the horror genre for the last few years.  I miss the good 'ol slasher films from my childhood growing up in the 80's.    Luckily, thanks to LOST AFTER DARK you can re-visit the glory days of the slasher film.  

  The filmmakers did a remarkable job getting the 80's feel to the film.   I loved all the clothes, the hair, and even the girl on the bus playing with the Rubik's Cube!   I also liked the slight grainy look to the film, reminding you of the days of watching films at the theater that were not presented in a crisp, digital display.  But, don't think that the 80's setting and look is just a gimmick for this film.  The film itself is a very smart and stylish slasher flick, with some great kills and gore.  It would have stood on it's own as a great slasher film even if set in modern times.  I think the throwback to the 80's just added one more element of fun for this film.

  One thing to note for sure was the acting.  I thought most all of the actors did a great job. I especially liked seeing Robert Patrick  as the tough guy principle.  

  I highly recommend this one.  LOST AFTER DARK is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment.


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

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