DVD Review: NAZIS AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (2012)

NAZIS AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
Directed by  Joseph J. Lawson
Distributed by The Asylum Home Entertainment

  Ok, let's be honest. The Asylum isn't exactly known as the company that creates blockbuster movies. In fact, they are known as the company that makes films based on blockbuster movies.  They are usually cheap knock-offs with crazy plot lines, and sub-par acting.  Well, NAZIS AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH.....is no different.  It's exactly what you would expect from an Asylum film
  Ok, maybe I am being a little hard on this film, with all it's faults, I guess I need to admit that it was fun, and that is what movies are for!  Before I go into any further detail, here is the plot of the film from the film's imdb page:

  Researchers in Antarctica are abducted by a team of masked storm troopers. They are dragged deep underground to a hidden continent in the center of the earth. Here Nazi survivors, their bodies a horrifying patchwork of decaying and regenerated flesh, are planning for the revival of the Third Reich

 

  So the film starts off with some bad CG gunfire and explosions, but when  the research team is taken to the center of the earth, there is actually some pretty cool scenery and cool futuristic landscapes.   The film actually has some pretty good gore effects, some of which are actually practical effects as opposed to CG.  At least they look like practical effects to me.  One in particular is a man who has his face skin peeled off while he is still alive.

 

  The dialog is ok, but is pretty cheesy at some points.  The acting is actually better than most Asylum films I have to admit. Dominique Swain and Jake Busey do a pretty good job headlining the film. 

 

 As crazy as the film's plot is, nothing prepares you for the end of the film, when a giant Hitler/Robot makes an appearance.  Apparently the Nazis have kept Hitler's body (or at least his head, since that is all we see) and have fused it with a mechanical robot body, creating one crazy RoboNazi!!

 

 So, overall, not a great movie by any means, but probably fun if you have a group of friends over and just want to have a good time and laugh a lot.   The movie is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

 

*  Original Widescreen Presentation

*  5.1 Surround Sound

*  The Making of "Nazis at the Center of the Earth"

*  Gag Reel

*  Trailers

*  Director's Commentary

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and purchase the DVD
 

 

DVD Review: 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE (2011)

  
 
2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Directed by:  Nick Lyon
Distributed by The Asylum

I am always happy to watch a new zombie film.  Zombie movies are my favorite sub-genre of horror films by far, so I was super excited when 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE showed up in my mailbox.  I knew nothing about this film so I was excited to check it out.  Now I have seen some pretty bad zombie movies, so I was hoping to not be disappointed, and I am happy to say that not only was I not disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised!  I thoroughly enjoyed this one.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from The Asylum website:
Months after a zombie plague has wiped out 90 percent of the American population, a small group of survivors fight their way cross-country to a rumored refuge on the island of Catalina.

Now it wouldn't be fair to compare this with the bigger budget theatrical zombie films.   Take this film for what it is and that is a low budget zombie film which hopes to entertain, and I think it accomplished that for sure.   While a lot of films from The Asylum can be either hit or miss, I think they did a great job with this one. 

The acting in the film is pretty good, Ving Rhames certainly helps the cast, but I admit cringed at some of his corny one-liners, ha!  But that was all in part of the fun.  Cheesy dialog and low budget films go hand in hand!   I was also impressed with the sets and cinematography of this film.   The empty streets were impressive, and looked really cool when being filled up with hordes of zombies! 

The most impressive part of this film, for me though, was the zombies themselves.  So many straight to DVD zombie films have really crappy zombie make up and effects.  The zombies from 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE actually looked really good.   The filmmakers did a great job of mixing both practical effects and CG effects, with most of the CG being pretty unnoticeable.   Well...that is until we get to the scene of the survivors fighting off the zombie tiger.   Yes, that's right...there is a scene where Ving Rhames battles a zombie tiger.   The tiger is obviously all CG and it shows.   Aside from that, most all of the other zombie effects are very well done.

If you are a fan of zombie films like I am, check this one out for sure.  The DVD is available now and includes the following special features:

*  The Making of ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
*  Gag Reel
*  Trailers


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and purchase the DVD

DVD Review: HILLSIDE CANNIBALS (2006)

 

HILLSIDE CANNIBALS

Directed by:  Leigh Scott

Distributed by:  The Asylum Home Entertainment

 

 

I honestly don’t go out of my way to butcher the films that Hayes has me review. I seriously don’t. It’s not like I look at a title and say to myself “Well, that one is going to get worked over pretty good!” But I can’t lie to you...I have to be honest in my assessments. I mean, what kind of credibility would I have as a reviewer if I told you all films were glorious? That’s right...none.

 

I am prefacing my review of HILLSIDE CANNIBALS with this commentary so that you folks won’t think I’m out for any specific company’s or director’s blood. I swear...Scout’s honor! So when I tell you how bad this film sucked, I don’t want you to look at me any differently, either.

 

If you are not familiar with HILLSIDE CANNIBALS, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of The Aslylum's website:

 

The world's most brutal serial killer was born over 400 years ago. Sawney Bean and his family pillaged, slaughtered, and literally devoured thousands of victims. Even today, the inbred clan of cannibals hides in seaside caves feeding on the flesh of those who pass by.

 

I wanted to like this movie, I really did. I mean, how can you NOT like something that is supposedly the basis for one of the creepiest movies of all time (i.e. The Hills Have Eyes)? But unfortunately, I walked away from this film feeling bored and disappointed.

 

The plot is one we are already familiar with, thanks to the film mentioned above. Thus, I sorta knew what to expect before I started watching it. But even so, I didn’t expect what I got. HILLSIDE CANNIBALS barely has a positive trait about it in any form or fashion.

 

The acting is horrible. The cast tries, but they all come across like Junior High secondaries, hoping the main stars break their legs prior to the curtain rising. The over-acting flows like the blood should have in this film.

 

This is not to mention the awful casting decisions. I mean, the cannibals looks like college students with dingy clothes. I seriously don’t think a guy with a frat-house hairdo should be playing an “inbred cannibal”...that just doesn’t work on any level. And the rest of the “cannibals” are all curvaceous females and buff, rock-star wannabes.

 

I wanted to sit the production team down and say “What the hell were you thinking? Were you drunk?” That’s how pissed off HILLSIDE CANNIBALS made me...I seriously thought about trying to look them up for an “interview”. How can you disgrace the good name of a Wes Craven film by associating it with something like this?

 

The ONLY saving grace for this film is that it is shot very well. The scenery is beautiful and the DoP does an amazing job of catching it in almost every scene...well, when we’re not forced into the “cave” with the “cannibals”, that is.

 

HILLSIDE CANNIBALS is a definite miss for me. I would give this one a pass. The bad casting and overacting are combined with a lack of decent gore and a so-so script...watching this one is a waste of time.

 

--MSB 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

 

DVD Review: 11/11/11 (2011)

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

  

11/11/11

Written & Directed by:  Keith Allan

Distributed by:  The Asylum

 

There’s something extremely unnerving about kids who are set to bring about the end of the world, especially when they are not even teenagers yet. Obviously, this sense of foreboding is due in part to the common belief about the ‘innocence of childhood’. This is supposed to be a time of exploration, wonderment, and growth...not dread, brimstone, and fire. The Asylum’s 11/11/11 is a nifty jaunt into this child-terror territory.

 

If you are not familiar with 11/11/11, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of imdb.com:

 

Jack and Melissa are frightened by their son's bizarre and violent behavior; they soon learn that he is the gateway to the Apocalypse, and it will happen on his birthday, 11-11-11.

 

First off, let me start this review by giving The Asylum a nod of congrats. I have butchered a few of their movies in the past, but am happy to report 11/11/11 delivers an entertaining and memorable trip. This is not a perfect movie, but it is well done and definitely worth checking out.

 

One aspect of the film that really grabbed me early on is the dark tone of the film. You can tell pretty much from the onset that nothing good is going to happen here. As the family moves into their new home and the slightly-different neighbors start to show up, you get a sense that things are going to go downhill quickly. And boy, do they. Half of what makes this movie work is how uncomfortable you feel as you watch the family deal with these quirky people.

 

The acting is impressive as well. Previous Asylum films have really lacked in this department, but I have to admit that the cast of 11/11/11 does an excellent job. The special effects are also top notch, with several nice blood splatters and even a freaky levitation scene.

 

But as good as the movie is, it does have some downsides as well. For one thing, the story is never fully developed. We do not know exactly what will happen (to mankind) if the Devil is reborn in the boy. Nor are we told what exactly happened at the beginning of the movie (there is a massacre...but it never explains who it was that was killed or why).

 

Another downfall is the lack of explanation as to who the neighbors really are and how they know who Nathan (the boy) is. These actually don’t hurt the story too badly while you’re watching the movie, but the questions will definitely arise as the credits roll.

 

Otherwise, 11/11/11 is an entertaining flick and one that I’m glad I watched BEFORE today (which is Friday, 11/11/2011). I especially liked the very ending of this movie, as it leaves you with a sense of awe and dread. I won’t give it away, so you can check it out for yourself. Definitely give this one a look.

 

MSB

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

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum

DVD Review: LEGION OF THE DEAD (2005)

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


LEGION OF THE DEAD
Directed by:  Paul Bales
Distributed by:  The Asylum Home Entertainment

 

I always get excited when I see “...of the Dead” in a title. That phrase brings about an almost instantaneous euphoria, a sort of hazy state that makes my head swim. Sure, I know it’s probably odd to be so infatuated with a simple set of words. But as I’ve mentioned numerous times before, I Love Zombie Movies.  Well, I guess I should actually add something to that statement: I Love Zombie Movies...when they’re GOOD zombie movies. Unfortunately, LEGION OF THE DEAD is not a title that will go into the GOOD Zombie Movie category for me.

If you’re not familiar with the film, here is the the (very) brief synopsis courtesy of the The Asylum:

 

When the mummified remains of an evil Egyptian queen are brought back to life, she resurrects an army of living dead to help fulfill the prophecy that promises her all the powers of the Underworld.

 

  LEGION OF THE DEAD is actually a decent attempt at making a good zombie flick, but it never quite comes all together. I like the premise: an ancient Egyptian “witch” banished across The Great Water (i.e. the ocean) winds up here on American soil. Who is to say that didn’t actually happen? I mean, as they mention in the film, look at the similarities between the Mayan pyramids when compared to the Egyptians. Coincidence? I don’t personally think so. 

 

  But sadly, a good concept cannot carry a whole movie. The acting in LEGION OF THE DEAD is atrocious, the special effects are ho-hum at the least, and the camerawork leaves a lot to be desired. In short, the production value of this film is nill. This is a shame because I think the script has/had a lot of potential.

 

  Even so, the scriptwriters need to work on their dialogue. Much of what is spoken comes across as campy and sometimes even dumb. And when the cast is not speaking, the action isn’t much to write home about either. The only ‘dead’ you get to see are a few reanimated mummies, which to me are NOT technically zombies. I guess I might have misunderstood the title after all.

 

  I wanted very much to like this movie because a title like LEGION OF THE DEAD definitely makes it sound like you’re going to see scads and scads of zombies, mummies, vampires, or something unnatural. But instead, I got a few mummies, no suspense, frights, or thrills, and an unenjoyable 90 minutes that crept along slower than an injured snail. I would definitely give this one a pass.

 

--SB

NOTE FROM ZOMBIE HAYES:  Scott, say it ain't so!  The trailer for this film looks awesome!  I normally trust ya, but I'm definitely going to give this a watch to see for myself.  Hopefully, you won't be telling me "I told you so" soon!!   Has anyone else seen this film?  Do you agree with Scott's review....please leave some comments and discuss!


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


CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum Home Entertainment

DVD Review: THE LEGEND OF BLOODY JACK (2007)

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


THE LEGEND OF BLOODY JACK
Written and Directed by:  Todd Portugal
Distributed by: The Asylum Home Entertainment

After I watch a film, I will sometimes go out to imdb.com and see what others have to say about it. I do this for my own personal entertainment value because I don’t have mainstream tastes and some of the movies I love, others hate…and vice-versa. So, it’s always interesting to see what other people think.

 One of the reviews I read for THE LEGEND OF BLOODY JACK on imdb.com says “Enjoyed it for what it is.” The reviewer previously mentions how he and a group of friends dressed as lumberjacks and then sat around and made fun of this film as they watched it. I didn’t get the impression that the production team was going for humor with this movie, but I can see how it can be taken that way.

 If you’re not familiar with the film, here is a synopsis courtesy of the DVD cover:

 Campfire urban legend Bloody Jack comes to life in this brutal telling of the true story behind one of America’s most prolific serial killers.

 I find it very interesting when DVD cases have quotes about the film from supposed critics…but there are no references as to who made the quotes. For example, this one touts: “Recalls the raw, savage horror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Last House on the Left.” But that’s all it says…no indication of who actually said it or anything. Which begs the question: does the quote have credibility if someone like the director or producer says it? Hmmmmmm. The other quote says: “A modern 70s horror classic.” My first inclination is to say “Huh?” That sentence has way too much going on to even make sense, let alone describe the film.

 I also find it somewhat interesting that every other movie released nowadays is ‘based on true events’. Wow…if that’s the case, then reality TV has nothing on the movies…and there are about 467 million serial killers running lose in the woods/streets. I’m not sure if the claim for this film is true or just a method for marketing, but I’m not buying it regardless.

 Unfortunately, THE LEGEND OF BLOODY JACK didn’t do much for me. It’s not a bad film per se, but it’s a mediocre attempt at a slasher film that brings nothing new to the table. I did not find it entertaining at all, and the only thing it has going for it is some decent low-budget gore.

 The story itself is ho-hum: a descendant of an infamous slasher attempts to resurrect him and actually does, sending him on a killing spree for no apparent reason. Ok…several problems here: we never find out who Bloody Jack was, nor do we find out how he is able to kill like he does (he ‘blinks’ in and out of existence thanks to some nifty camera work as he’s killing). We are to assume this is because he’s resurrected, but we don’t know. We also never find out why he looks like Freddy Krueger with a scarf wrapped around his lower face.

 As for the acting, it’s not too bad, but nothing to write home about either. I think the cast does the best they can with the material they have to work with. But really, the scriptwriting doesn’t do them any favors, either.

 As mentioned above, the gore is pretty good, with plenty of hatchet scenes and even a nice beheading. Heck, a guy even loses his hand and his junk when he’s attacked while taking a pee break. Like I said…the gore is the only thing that this film really has going for it.

 All in all, I just wasn’t entertained at all with THE LEGEND OF BLOODY JACK and will not recommend anyone else to watch it. It's not awful…it’s just a lackluster attempt that recycles familiar aspects of an already overdone genre.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the film

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum Home Entertainment

DVD Review: 2010: MOBY DICK

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

2010: MOBY DICK

Directed by Trey Stokes

Courtesy of The Asylum

Released: 2010

Before I jump into the review of 2010: MOBY DICK, I have to admit something about the film up front: when Hayes handed me the case, the cover art instantly made me angry. Why, you ask? Well, because it's a direct rip-off of Jaws. That was the initial reason for my anger, anyway. But then, after I watched the movie, I was angry for a different reason. I'll explain that later on.

For those of you not familiar with this dramatization that is based on Melville's classic novel, here is a synopsis from The Asylum's website:

"A modern adaptation of the classic novel of the captain of a high tech submarine and his obsessive quest to destroy the enormous prehistoric whale that maimed him."

I will be honest: I did not like this movie. It literally almost put me to sleep. I WANTED to like it very much...I mean, I’m a huge creature-feature fan, after all. But there are so many problems with it that they kept distracting me to the point of boredom.

For example, look at the cover of the DVD...the whale is big, right? Well, in the movie, it keeps changing size! One minute it's a massive behemoth that's big enough to make a normal whale look like a goldfish (it literally bites a whale in half)...and the next, it’s not much bigger than the submarine that’s chasing it! This flaw alone made me roll my eyes constantly. It’s also the secondary reason for my anger about the cover.

And aside from the horrendous CG effects, the details in this movie are extremely overlooked. The interior of the submarine is enormous, with large, open rooms and non-cramped quarters. Are you kidding me? Have you ever been in or around a sub? Check one out sometime…they are very cramped, with barely any space at all. Just about every square inch of space is utilized in some form or fashion.

Add this to the fact that many of the Navy personnel look like they are wearing Army uniforms. WTF? Really? I have to wonder if the production team did any research at all before shooting this film.

So many non-plausible things happen in 2010: MOBY DICK, too. I normally don’t have a problem with reality detachment, which is how I’m able to enjoy so many different types of movies. But damn…there was no way I could immerse myself in this movie. I mean, a one-legged submarine captain? And he’s able to get away with not communicating with Naval Command for several weeks? C’mon…the military would have been all over him within just a couple of days of missing a communication check-in. And then, when the Navy finds him, they shoot at the sub? What??? No way, especially not a nuclear sub. But even if they were going to shoot, they sure wouldn’t use bullets…try maybe a torpedo.

I can’t even say the acting is good, either. I mean, choosing Barry Bostwick as the lead? Granted, he could make a decent Ahab in an actual adaptation of Melville’s book, but he couldn't pull off a military persona at all to save his life (he was Brad Majors in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, for Pete’s sake!). And Renee O’Connor as a doctor? Yeah, right. That’s about as believable as Tara Reid playing one. O’Connor is forever stereotyped in my mind as Xena’s side-kick.

Even though I love The Asylum and most of their films, I have to say that this one is an epic fail. It’s not even one of those that are so bad, it’s good…it’s just plain terrible. I can honestly say that I lost 90 minutes of life to it and would really like that time back.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum Home Entertainment

DVD Review: 8213: GACY HOUSE (2010)

I recently had to chance to watch one The Asylum Home Entertainment's most recent releases, 8213: GACY HOUSE. Here is the basic plot from The Asylum's website:

John Wayne Gacy murdered 33 young men and boys between 1972 and 1978 in suburban Chicago. 26 bodies were found in a crawl space beneath his house and 3 others were buried in the backyard. Although the house was completely demolished during the exhumation of the bodies, on May 15, 2004 a group of paranormal investigators wired the home that was built in its place with paranormal detection and surveillance equipment. The outcome of the investigation was grisly, terrifying and disturbing.

The film is obviously a chance to cash in on the popularity of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films, using the same "found footage" technique to tell the story. While a lot of these knock off type films are just made to make a quick buck, director Anthony Fankhauser and the rest of the crew actually put a lot thought and hard work into this film and it shows.

First, the few complaints I have about the film. The film is slow paced at first, in fact, really slow at the beginning while the audience is waiting for the first sign of any 'paranormal activity'. But stick with it and your patience will definitely pay off. Also, the group of "ghost hunters" constantly bicker and gripe at each other, which definitely gets old.

Other than that, the movie is very enjoyable. The acting is very good for this type of film. The effects are good as well, starting of small and harmless and then increasing in number and severity as the the night progresses. While the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films already showed us a lot of what these characters witness early on in the night (shadows, bedsheets being moved, doors slamming) we do see some stuff later in the film that you probably have not seen before. Everything comes to a boil in the films final 20 minutes or so, when the actual figure of the ghost of Gacy is picked up by the ghost hunters special cameras. Gacy becomes increasingly violent to these people and it makes for a very hectic and unnerving final scene.
The film ends with shots of the autopsy reports of each character, adding to the realism of this found footage film.

While these found footage films are coming out in increasing numbers these days to ride the popularity of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films, this one manages to keep some originality to it with the inclusion of the John Wayne Gacy serial killer plot. The mixture of serial killer film and ghost film was nice touch that I had not seen before. If this film would have come out before the PA films, I think it would have been a huge hit. I am afraid this film wont get the recognition and accolades it deserves since coming out later and people disregarding it as as cheap "knock-off" of sorts. I hope you will give this film a chance and enjoy it for the fun, entertaining film that it is. Turn down the lights, turn up the sound, and try not to be disturbed and unnerved, especially when you see the ghost of Gacy staring back at you. This is one I will definitely watch again and I hope you will check it out as well.

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

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum Home Entertainment

DVD Review: HALLOWEEN NIGHT (2006)

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

Hayes has been on a roll lately with the quality of the movies he's picking out for me to review. So far, the last several he has given me have been nice surprises. I'm happy to report that HALLOWEEN NIGHT continues that trend. I really enjoyed this one and will probably watch it again soon. I have to admit, though: this one had me worried. When I read the back of the DVD case, I cringed because the premise sounds VERY familiar. Here it is, straight from the case:

"Based on the actual events of Halloween night, 1982, an inmate of a maximum security medical facility escapes after brutally murdering two guards. Upon returning to the house where he was born, he goes on a killing spree that will make him Southern California's greatest mass murderer."

Egh...how many times of you heard that shtick? BUT, thankfully, the movie is so much more than this brief description lets on. In fact, I would describe it is an inventive and slick thriller that contains a lot of gore, chills, and even dark humor.

One thing that is surprisingly not mentioned in the synopsis is the fact that the killer is a horribly disfigured teen who has been burned beyond recognition. I gotta tell you: the burn make-up job for this character is excellent. The effects team probably didn't have a huge budget to work with, but you can't tell that from looking at this guy's face. Wow. He's so hideous that he makes Freddy Krueger look like a super-model. Even with the make-up aside, the special effects overall are very well done and the gore is very believable. One of the greatest gore effects comes about in the beginning, when the main character's mother has part of her head blown off. Not to sound freakish, but I was very impressed. There are also many other death scenes that are fun to watch as well, including a girl's unique demise using a wooden hangar.

The film is shot well, although my only complaint about it visually is that I feel like the lighting was off in certain scenes. The lack of light in some scenes gives the shots a grainy look, while there is too much light in a couple of the later shots. But this is hardly noticeable and certainly doesn't detract from the frights. The cast was top-notch, too, which is (as I've stated in previous reviews) surprising, given the low budget of the film. The members of the cast were able to lend credibility to their characters and throw in a great deal of dark humor with each of them as well. This is not an easy thing to do, but director Mark Atkins and his team pull it off without a hitch.

Overall, I give this movie high marks all the way around. If you're looking for the perfect late-night Halloween movie to watch, give Halloween Night a look for sure. But make sure you've eaten first before you sit down to watch. The blood and gore might not take you to Vomit-town, but the ghastly appearance of the killer's burned skin probably will.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT is out now on DVD from THE ASYLUM!

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of THE ASYLUM

DVD Review: FREAKSHOW (2007)

The Asylum Home Entertainment presents, FREAKSHOW, written by Keith Leopard and directed by Drew Bell. Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

In a modern retelling of Tod Browning's "Freaks" (1932), "Freakshow" tells the story of a group of criminals who chose to hide out by working security at a traveling circus. At first, they plot with an insider to steal the ticket sales, but the wily Lucy has bigger plans. She convinces the gang to let her seduce and marry the aging circus owner, Lon, in order to secure the entire circus fortune after he "suffers an accident".

Fans of Tod Browning's FREAKS will find a lot of similarities throughout this film to that 1932 classic, as well as many differences and slight changes. FREAKSHOW holds it's own while it shows homage to Browning's film. Remaking a classic like FREAKS is a hefty chore, but the filmmakers behind this task proved themselves to be worthy of the chore, and succeeded in every possible way. First off, the main thing that was done, and had to be done in my opinion, in order to pull off a successful "re-imaging" of Browning's film, was the casting of real "freaks" in the movie. I put quotes around the term "freaks" because these people are not really freaks at all, they are just regular people born with disabilities that most people could not handle with the enthusiasm and positiveness that these certain folks do. They have turned their disabilities into careers, as these "freaks" are actual sideshow performers who perform around the country today! You will see a cast of great characters, including suspension artists (people who are suspended above the ground by hooks in their skin), a half man, and a man with no arms who does everything a person with hands and arms could do, plus more. He is a master knife thrower, using his toes and leg strength to hurl knives towards the target, hitting it every time. (Special Feature footage of this man driving to work with this feet is both amazing and inspirational to watch). Wow....this review is getting too light and fluffy for a Horror film of this magnitude....on to the gore!!

The film is full of great gore, most notably the end scene when the "freaks" extract their revenge onto Lucy, the beautiful woman who was trying to bankrupt their circus for her gain. What they do to Lucy is truly horrifying and done with such realism and belief that I found myself squirming in pain for her! Most movies don't generate this kind of response from me, but this movie did for sure. If you thought the torture scenes in the HOSTEL films were bad, just wait until you watch the last ten minutes of FREAKSHOW!

Great acting, great effects, great camera work, great story....I have nothing but positive things to say about this film. Even the music caught my attention as being extremely good, which I honestly don't pay much attention to in a lot of films. This film is full of original music recordings of songs from the late teens and early 20's era of music. That old music with the record player scratch sounds and general tone set a very creepy atmosphere for the film. Any fan of the original FREAKS will love this film, and even if you have never heard of Tod Browning's FREAKS, you will still enjoy it. I highly recommend this film for any Horror movie fan!

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

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of The Asylum Home Entertainment