Blu-ray Review: THE MONSTER MASH (2022)

THE MONSTER MASH

Directed by:  Kevin Losani & Richard Terrasi

Distributed by:  Bayview Entertainment

   If you are a fan of anthology films like me, you are going to want to check out Dark Visions Films release of THE MONSTER MASH!   Maybe it's my short attention span, but I love how anthology films are broken down into multiple short films.  It's also always fun to see how they are tied together, as there are multiple fun ways to do that.  This one was done like you were watching a late night creature feature show featuring your host, Dr. Freudstein!  

 Before I go any further, here is a brief plot synopsis from the Bayview Entertainment website:

An anthology throwback to the glorious days of Creature Features that dominated television sets across America. Dr. Freudstein, along with his sidekick Ludwig fumble to create a bio-mechanical experiment all while hosting "The Monster Mash Triple Feature Show”: three gruesome mini horror films: Whispering Hollow Road - A dark shadowy noir with a monstrous twist, The House - A modern gothic tale of lycanthropy, Homebound Horror - A grimy grindhouse tale of revenge of extraterrestrial proportions

 I had no expectations going into this film. I hadn't seen a trailer or heard anything about it.  I'm actually surprised this hasn't been discussed more,  as this film is a lot of fun!  

 The film is made up of 3 short films, all of which were a lot of fun in their own way.  Most anthology films usually have a weak story or two, but that was not the case with this film. 

WHISPERING ROAD -  This is a fun tale of a serial killer on a killer spree. We see the killer kill a prostitute before going on a drive and finding a stranded woman who's car has broken down.  He offers her a ride to the nearest store to use the phone for help, but little does he know the tables are about to be turned on him!   This stranded woman is not a woman at all, and this killer has definitely met his match!

THE HOUSE  -  This was a werewolf film set in a modern time and in a different setting than your usual werewolf films.  A couple goes to look at a house out in the woods.  Apparently the man selling the house really wants to get it sold and does not take "no" for an answer!    This had some great werewolf effects  (better than I expected from a lower budget film to be honest) and some great gore! 

HOMEBOUND HORROR -  This was probably my favorite of all three short films.  It's the story of a marine that has come home to propose to his girlfriend, get married, and start a family.  He  has the case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow gets dragged into a major conflict with a crime lord.   He is shot, stabbed, and has his faced peeled off, then left for dead out in field, but something falls from the sky and takes over his body.  He is now an alien zombie who seeks revenge for those that wronged him.   His repeating of the phrase, "I'm going home", is actually pretty heartbreaking when you realize what all he's going through versus the only thing he wanted to do.   Part crime film, part alien film, and part zombie film, this one has something for everyone.  It's also probably the goriest of the three films.  

 All three films feature a creature of some kind.  I thought that was a cool theme and fit perfectly with the late night creature feature aspect of this anthology.   If you like these kinds of films, you'll want to check this one out for sure!

 THE MONSTER MASH is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  The Making of The Monster Mash

*  Director Commentary

*  Behind the Scenes

*  Faux Trailers

CLICK HERE To watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: MARK OF THE WEREWOLF (2025)

MARK OF THE WEREWOLF

Written & Directed by:  Dennis Vincent

Distributed by:  DVF

  Back in November, I reviewed an independent horror film called RAGE OF THE MUMMY from writer/director Dennis Vincent.   You can find that review here.   It was a surprisingly good film, made by someone you could tell had a passion for the horror genre.   Vincent's latest film is MARK OF THE WEREWOLF.   You could tell that Mr. Vincent tried to go bigger with this film, but it still has that passionate feel about it.  Here is the basic plot from the DVF website:

 Brooke Meadows, a fashion model and actress from New York City, sets out on a photoshoot in the country where things take an unexpected and sobering turn in this unique and highly original werewolf movie.

  One thing I loved about RAGE OF THE MUMMY, was it's family friendly feel to it.  That film was tame enough to show to kids of all ages, and was a great introduction into horror.  This time around, we are treated to a more grown up type horror film.  This one is not for the kiddos!   MARK OF THE WEREWOLF has a lot of great gore, and what looked to me like all practical effects.   There is also some brief nudity and a sex scene, although it's very tame.  I am just pointing these out since they are so different from Vincent's previous film. 

  Once again Director Dennis Vincent creates a film that feels like you're watching a comic book, like something out of the pages of Creepshow.   The use of colors in the film is something that popped out immediately,  he has a very cool style to his films.   The creature effects are pretty good, especially for a low budget independent film.  

  Overall this is a fun werewolf film, but just when I thought it was going to end being your typical werewolf film, the film spins out of control with a crazy twist ending that I never saw coming!   I won't go into that anymore, as I don't want to ruin the surprise, but it is worth checking out for sure!   

  Needless to say, I am a big fan of Mr. Vincent's films and look forward to any future projects he does!   

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD or Blu-ray