The Devil Knows His Own (2013)

(Online Screener Copy)

Directed by Jason Hawkins

Written by Jason Hawkins

Produced by Dara Davey, Jason Hawkins and Amber Smith

Stars: Dara Davey, Eileen Dietz, Patrick D. Green, Alicia Rose, Natasha Timpani, Michael A. LaFlamme, Simon Scott, Jason Hawkins. 

It was my absolute pleasure to be asked to put out the first review of Gravestone Entertainments new movie The Devil Knows His Own. Director Jason Hawkins and his amazing team delivered the skin crawlingly powerful  15: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer recently, a film that honestly still plays on my mind every now and again today! While yes, it was a tough pill to swallow it was also a very very good movie with some stunning performances and some genuine frights. When I started to see the promo material for The Devil Knows His Own I was sold on its creepy imagery and plot details.

The film features Dara Davey (also co producer) as Jessica Ray, a woman married to the beautiful Lacey Middleton (Natasha Timpani who just BLEW me away in her role in 15) who is seeing a therapist, which audiences are let in on during the opening scenes. It appears that the two woman are not succeeding in their attempts to have a baby which leads to a confession from Jessica that there is very good reason as to why she cannot carry a baby herself. I don't want to give much of that away than I have because the film is very much about the childhood of both Jessica and her brother Ethan Ray (Patrick D. Green) and the horrors they endured at a young age. After learning of the death of their grandmother, Jessica, Ethan, Lacey along with Ethans girlfriend Melanie return to the siblings childhood home which incidentally has been left to Jessica as an inheritance. Unfortunately terrors of the past are going to become the horrors of the present and soon all manner of unsettling and macabre events start to occur.

The thing I loved most about this movie was its structuring as a horror/mystery. You are given just enough information about some of the things that happened to Jessica and Ethan as children, but the rest you are going to have to find out as you go along as the past is resurrected. I am honestly not ashamed to admit that there several 'holy fucking shit!' moments which made my horror loving little heart jump into my throat.  Again I dont want to spoil anything so all I will say is look out for the shower scene, the 'smiling man' and the 'window'.  As well as frights, there are a couple of well done gruesome moments which the G-hounds will love. In fact it reminded me of the time I interviewed Dara Davey for the site and in response to my question about 15 being graphic, she quite correctly pointed about that the film wasnt at all graphic....its just made in such a way you could easily convince yourself that it was (if that makes any sense!). The Devil Knows His Own however most certainly does have its share of grue towards the end which may just have you crossing your legs and covering your eyes.           

The cast were all exceptional - not one poor performance, with the core cast smashing it. Dara Davey and Patrick D. Green both portray damaged people with just the right amount of emotion - you feel horribly sorry for then but also fall in love with their characters in their own right. I can't say enough how fantastic these two are in their lead roles, particularly as the film hits its final act. Natasha Timpani and Alicia Rose also turn in great performances as the sympathetic partners to Jessica and Ethan with both of them having a meaty story of their own woven into the plot. Eileen Dietz (The Exorcist and Exorcist II: The Heretic) also makes several appearances as the deceased - and really quite terrifying - grandmother of Jessica and Ethan. 

One additional point I wanted to make was that I was so so pleased to see a gay relationship written as loving and natural rather than gratuitous. All too often you get token lesbians in horror films who are there simply for tittilation, so it was extremely refreshing to see Jessica and Lacey's relationship as something that just is what it is. 

The film is sheer brilliance in terms of scares and emotionally enticing characters. I liked 15  because it was an extremely well made and acted film that challenged my ability to see a film through to end. However I LOVED The Devil Knows His Own because I just cannot wait to see it again! I genuinely hope that this film slays at festivals. Please check out the official Gravestone Entertainment website along with the Facebook page for The Devil Knows His Own. This is one you will want to check out!

The Bible Belt Slasher II : The Holy Terror (2013) + Bonus Short The Bible Belt Slasher!

Directed by Bradley Creanzo

Written by Bradley Creanzo

Stars: Bradley Creanzo, Taylor Raftree, Keri Korner, Greg Huneke, Stella DiFabio, Dan Del Ben, Travis Raftree, Andy Salmon, Siddharth Gupta, Genoveva Rossi, Nicolina Hemingway, Robert J. Huntley, Missy Heather Byron and Larry Baumer as ''Jason Fry''


The Bible Belt Slasher 

This review is largely going to be about Bradley Creanzo's awesome 80s inspired feature The Bible Belt Slasher II: The Holy Terror but first I want to touch on the short that started it all: The Bible Belt Slasher. In the short Bradley pulls off an entertaining revenge slasher all in the space of 25 minutes as a deranged, former mental patient goes gunning for the obnoxious teenagers who made him the butt of their joke. No lie when I say just how badly our crazed killer Larry Baumer (Jason Fry) takes out his rage on the young pranksters. Brutal drillings, drownings, bashings and even a mouthful of what appears to be DIY glue! As the group dwindles very quickly you soon wonder if anyone will survive this gore laden night!

I REALLY had fun with this short film. Some very very nice touches to support the fact that this is set in the 80s; the costumes work wonders and the party dance scene is not just a hoot but downright genius (plus I LOVED the track!!!). Well worth your time for a quick and fun slasher fix.

The Bible Belt Slasher II: The Holy Terror

Now...onto the sequel which is actually an 1.45 minute feature. The film sees the return of nutty Jason Fry as he sees fit to take an almighty revenge on those related to his former victims - all over the family friendly time of Christmas!

Rebecca Belle (Taylor Raftree) our lead girl, is sister of Regina (also played by Raftree) from the original short and after he makes his gruesome escape from the mental hospital, she is understandably concerned that she could soon become a new victim! Of course Jason has a lot of slicing and dicing to do before he gets to Rebecca so the audience can kick back with a nice cold beer and watch the madness commence!

The film features some great kills, some of which are Christmas inspired in keeping with the plot (ahem christmas star....) there is also a wince inducing disembowelment and lots of other messy kills. Good work on delivering the nastiness!

Maybe not all of the acting is incredible but its easily forgivable. I have never sat through an 80s slasher film judging it on the actors ability of lack thereof. However there are some definite standout performances which I really enjoyed! Taylor Raftree I found to be impressive in both roles of Rebecca and Regina. I preferred the Rebecca role purely because we get to know the character a lot more and she made for a great final girl, 80s jumper and hairdo and all! 

I have to applaud Bradley Creanzo who seems to be creatively involved in almost all aspects of this film including playing the major role of Dr Lander's, a man desperate to catch Jason Fry upon his escape. A great amount of heart and soul - not to mention slasher knowledge - has gone into this film which you can see from the outfits, music, dialogue and brilliant nods to other slasher movies. In addition the running time of the film really allowed Bradley and co to explore Jason Fry more fully as a character and flesh out his history both before the previous murders and since them. Using characters who have connections to those who died in the original short also works to excellent effect in binding the movies together and giving the sequel a more dramatic edge.

I cant wait to see what Bradley Creanzo comes up with next be it a new movie or a BBS part 3 - a good eye for the elements of slasher movies that keep fans flocking back is what the industry needs.

Check out the official Bible Belt Slasher II : The Holy Terror Facebook Page to find out more and be sure to pick up a copy as soon as you can!

Don't Go To The Reunion (2013)

Directed by Steve Goltz

Written by Kevin Sommerfield

Stars: Stephanie Rose Leigh, Brady Simenson, Matty Dorschner, Hannah Herdt, Nick Sommer, Mike Goltz, Tawnie Thompson, J.R. Watkins, Spencer Harlan.

Here it is folks - the moment you have all been waiting for....Slasher Studios, the macabre minds behind horror shorts Teddy, Popularity Killer and Blood Brothers, release their first ever slasher feature! The movie successfully reached its goal via its online fundraiser, giving horror fans the most excellent opportunity to be involved in the making of the film. Steve Goltz and Kevin Sommerfield (Slasher Studios ultrafriendly  co-founders) also very kindly offered all manner of cool perks in return for donations (hence I have been able to review the movie prior to its official DVD release later this month!). 

The movies premise goes a little something like this; a group of popular kids play a spiteful prank on high school horror film nerd Scott Rantzen (Brady Simenson) which has a terrible effect on the poor guy. Moving on with their lives the friends go their separate ways until ten years later when they are invited to their high school reunion. Our beautiful lead girl Erica Carpenter (Stephanie Rose Leigh) gets coerced into attending against her best wishes and in true slasher tradition she will really wish she hadn't bothered. Soon all those involved in the prank against Scott are dying horrible deaths and the killer will soon be closing in on Erica who is going to have to literally fight for her life. Has Scott returned for revenge? Or does someone else hate the A List of Hamilton High??

Wow. What a true love letter to the sub genre. The movie is absolutely rife with slasher movie references and fun nods. For example, check out the characters names; how about the bullied kid Scott Rantzen (Slaugher High?) or our lead girl Erica Carpenter (Halloween?) or even fun and spunky Megan Cunningham (Friday 13th?). The hat tipping is just everywhere covering films such as Prom Night, Night School, Madman and many more. I just loved how this film was both a slasher flick in its own bloody right and also a total homage to the films Steve and Kevin adore the most. 

There were some great performances in the film with Stephanie Rose Leigh, Mike Goltz (as grade A arsehole Joe) Hannah Herdt (as down to earth Jessica) and  Matty Dorschner (as kind and clever Brandon) the definite standouts. A special mention to Spencer Harlan who really shines later on in the film. In regards to the writing some of the dialogue is downright hilarious and lends the film a decent comedy angle amongst all the killing. 

There's also some sweet kills none of which I intend to spoil but I will say the guys did a great job in delivering on the bloody goods with a low budget! Speaking of which the film itself looks fantastic and that's with aforementioned small budget - it's fantastically shot and I am betting Slasher Studios are so very proud of the final result. 

Oh and by the way...the film has a KILLER ending....,

Grab your copy of Don't Go To The Reunion HERE, these start to ship out on or around the 15 August so I urge you to invest in this movie - LOTS of cool special features too!

'House of Bad' Director unleashes 13 Girls!

I had a great time watching and reviewing Jim Towns effective haunted home film House of Bad. so it is quite the honour to share with you the press release for Jim's new horror film 13 Girls soon to go into production. The film sure sounds like it is going to take the supernatural elements rife in House of Bad to a whole new level!

Read on for the official stuff:

13 Girls press release:

Cameras will roll on Jim Towns’ new thriller 13 Girls this October, reuniting the writer/director of House of Bad with his leading actress from that film- blonde, whiskey-voiced Sadie Katz.

Katz will play a troubled detective trying to solve the group suicide of an entire classroom of Catholic schoolgirls. As she gets closer to the truth, she must face her own devils if she is to help thwart a demonic plot to usurp the world of Man.

Katz has most recently appeared in Chavez: Cage of Glory and Scorned, which she co-wrote. Other talent already attached includes Jamie Bernadette (Reel Evil, Axeman at Cutter’s Creek, The 6^th Friend), Erik Preston (Halloween 4- The Return of Michael Myers), William Christopher Ford (Karate Kid III) and Australian actress Stef Dawson (Wrath).

House of Bad, which Towns describes as a ‘haunted heist flick’, is due out in February through Osiris Entertainment. He is also in development on A Man with a Gun, starring Tony Todd, which he wrote and is also producing.

13 Girls will shoot in Hollywood and the South Bay area, and is being produced by Towns’ Shadow Kamera Films and through independent financing.

I for one cant wait to see what these guys come up with next and you can find out more about the film via its official Facebook Page. I also hope to share more news on this film with you as it comes in!

PJ Starks releases trailer for WBKR Zombie Run!

Not so long ago I had the absolute privilege of reviewing Mr PJ Stark's awesome indie horror flick Hallows Eve: Slaughter on 2nd Street. 

Now it is a pleasure to share with you the recent zombie promo that PJ directed in aid of the WBKR to be held on 23 September 2013 in Owensboro Kentucky!

The short  features a fun, gruesome little chase through a park with numbers of grotesque undead folk popping up all over the place! Makes me think PJ could have a could zombie feature up his sleeve....ummmmm....

Please check out the promo here:


   



To sign up for the zombie run head on over to www.wbkr.com - sounds like great fun to me!!!

Morbid (2013)

Directed by Chuck Conry

Written by Chuck Conry

Stars: Olivia Hiers, Brandon Magouirk, Ryan Grooms, Jessi Grissom, Richard Chilton, Johnathan Cantrell, Kelly Carver, Michael Huffer, Ethan Willis, Kyle Quinn, Taylor Bonner, Maranda Faris, Craig Sanders, Jamie S. Braman, Jackie Offenbacker, Paul Myers, Reva Hagen, Cody Hagen, Laura Tucker, Steven Turner Jr, Devin Walls

Many of you have probably been hearing a lot about independent slasher film Morbid for some time now. If not for the promotion of the film depicting a maniac in a very cool mask going about his business then possibly for the guy behind the film. Chuck Conry, creator of the awesome horror website Zombies Don't Run, has stepped out of his writing shoes and made his own horror movie. Not only is this seriously impressive it's also extremely wonderful to see a fellow horror fan take the steps to create something for himself that is true to his passion. 

So the film itself has a nice simple plot as is the usual with many a slasher movie. Crazed killer stalks small town and a group of obnoxious teens are his prey. However there are many fun things thrown into the mix to spice things up such as a hugely entertaining debate at the start, over horror films that either had me nodding in agreement or yelling at the screen in disagreement. A great way to kick off the movie which also shows the breadth of Chucks knowledge of some of the horror greats and also highlights some of the more frustrating lacks of knowledge which you know will irk the most devoted of horror fan. It also plays with typical horror conventions such as having a young man take a shower at the start as the killer closes in rather than a large breasted female! 

As the film heads towards the end of its short running time (about an hour) the body count ratchets up with some hilarious kills (watch out for that arm stabbing) and our very obvious final girl must try to outwit the masked psychopath! 

Now please bear in mind that this is is very low budget movie. Therefore you can expect some ropy acting, cheap special effects an of course (purposeful mind you) cheesy dialogue. However you can also see that Morbid was made with a great big horror loving heart and I am sure that any fan of independent horror cinema will get a good kick out of it. Good job Chuck.

Please check out Zombies Don't Run to see just how much hard work and support this guy puts into the world of horror film and I will keep you posted on any news I hear regarding when you might be able to catch Morbid for yourself! 

Darkest Night (2012)

(Online Screener Copy)

Directed by Noel Tan

Written by Russ Williams 

Stars: DJ Perry, Anne Gauthier, Issa Litton, Nic Campos

Release: DVD, USA, July 16 2013 Courtesy of Brain Damage Films.
Found footage shocker The Darkest Night takes us on a nightmarish trip to the supernatural in the heart of the Phillipines. 

The film focuses on the creepy disappearance of 17 members of a family and their friends during a Christmas gathering. The film you are watching is a reconstruction of video tapes eventually found years later in the area where the mysterious events occurred which slowly lets viewers in on exactly what horrors transpired.

Young and attractive Susan (Anne Gauthier)  takes her daughter and her finance Ken (DJ Perry) back to her large family in the Phillipines for Christmas and as soon as they arrive strange events begin to take hold such as dead birds falling from the sky and a mysterious blackout.The film eventually builds to a heart pounding conclusion as the forces of darkness claims life after life and viewers are given the full truth as to what really happened to the previously missing people. Some of the horror scenes here are truly grotesque and shocking but I don't want to spoil them ...all I will say is keep an eye on the pregnant lady and an ominous box......

I really enjoyed The Darkest Night. It had plenty of genuinely creepy moments to keep you interested and a thoroughly interesting plot which keeps you guessing. Some of the performances don't always work but our leads Anne and DJ are extremely natural in their roles and have brilliant chemistry between them. The events are being filmed by a young, autistic family member and I don't recall any of those irritating moments in a number of found footage horror films where you just keep thinking DROP THE CAMERA! So definite points there also.

Find out more about the film on Facebook and head on over to Amazon to grab your very own copy now! 

Blood Slaughter Massacre (2013)

(Online Screener Copy)

Directed by Manny Serrano

Written by Louie Cortes, Manny Serrano

Stars: Matt W. Cody, Danielle Lenore Calhoun, Mike Roche, Carmela Hayslett, Byron Howard


Back when I reviewed the Blood Slaughter Massacre DVD for film-maker Manny Serrano (Kind of a teaser for this feature movie complete with awesome faux trailers of the BSM series) I have been itching to take a look at the finished article. Well, as Manny so kindly promised, I have now had the chance to check out the full length feature of Blood Slaughter Massacre and how impressed am I? Let me count the ways...seriously.

If slasher lovers are not seriously impressed by the opening of this movie then, frankly, there is something wrong. The whole tone is nailed to perfection in terms of a good old fashioned 80s slice and dice picture, excellent score, group of people clearly being stalked by an ominous figure and an eventual massacre (off screen but the after math is damn chilling) where a young Officer Fincher ( Matt W. Cody) and Officer Cobb attempt to apprehend the masked murderer to no avail. I have to say the scene where Officer Fincher slowly climbs the stairs of the house in which the killings have occurred is so reminiscent of Laurie Strode's stair climb to doom in the original Halloween (1979).  Also the acting in the opening also really impressed me. Kayla Ferguson who plays the  character of Sally Lindberg really pulls off a great performance in her short time on screen and it would have been great to see her as a core character throughout the film. Really look forward to seeing her work in other films hopefully in the future!

Anyway....onto the plot of the film. Following the films opening massacre, we are transported ten years in the future where the sleepy town of Havenwood has yet again become the stomping ground to a crazed killer. Officer Fincher, now a Detective, takes it upon himself to rid this town of the maniac once and for all. It may prove to be quite the hard task though as Fincher is doing battle with his own personal demons at the same time and one false move could result in the deaths of even more people - or even his own. As the film progresses and the body count rises, its edge of your seat stuff as you watch to see if Fincher can stop the unfolding horror.

As the film progresses Fincher finds the search for the killer getting ever more desperate as things get horribly personal. The film nicely heads towards a total bloodbath at the home of young Danielle (a good final girl performance by Danielle Lenore) whose friends are unwitting lambs to a very nasty slaughter. History is most certainly repeating its self and only few will live to tell the tale.  

A superior 80s slasher film homage well worth your time. I strongly suggest the purchase of this movie once the DVD is released. Find out more about Mass Grave Pictures and Blood Slaughter Massacre NOW!

HazMat (2013)

(Online Screener Copy)

Directed by Lou Simon

Written by Lou Simon

Stars: Norbert Velez, Aniela McGuinness, Todd Bruno, Gema Calero, Giordan Diaz, Tom Stedham, Daniela Larez, Reggie Peters, Dennis Spain, Mario Nalini, Massiel Checo and Brandi Rudicil

Big thanks to Lou Simon (Writer and director of the creepy horror film The Awakened) for asking me to check out her new film HazMat. HazMat came completely out of the blue for me so it was a really nice surprise to hear from Lou and get the chance to check it out. One thing I can say off the bat is that the film is a tense, frantic slasher film with a brilliant streak of originality.

The set up goes like that - a trio of friends enlist the help of a prank TV show, Scary Antics (think candid camera with blood, guts and lots of screaming) to try to scare their friend Jacob (Norbert Velez). The main reason behind doing this to Jacob are claimed to be to help him get past his obsession with an old chemical plant that he is convinced is haunted. However it is very clear from the pre-show interviews with the friends setting him up, that there is much more to it than that - jealousies, rivalries and an underlying fear of Jacob are very much apparent and this helps to ensure that we are not dealing with your usual stock slasher movie characters with no identity. As the Scary Antic crew (including the charismatic 'Scary Dave' and put upon Brenda) set up station in the eerie old chemical plant, our trio of conspirators Adam (Reggie Peters) Carla Daniela Larez) and Melanie (Gema Calero) do their part by tricking Jacob to the location.

I don't want to spoil anything about this movie so I will keep the rest of the plot short and sweet. What I will say is that Jacob's so called friends should have really cared enough about him to notice just how disturbed he really is - I would like to have hoped it would have stopped them from going through with the prank! As Jacob realises what is happening his mind has already snapped...and his friends and the film crew are very quickly running out of luck.

I had to email Lou after watching this film to congratulate her. I was drawn straight in by the strong characterisation and enjoyed the teasing build up to the horror elements. Once the horror truly kicks off its pretty much edge of your seat stuff as the characters try to escape Jacobs rage. Cue some excellently executed jumps and some really nasty kills. I thought that Norbert did an excellent job as Jacob particularly in his enraged state and also thought Todd Bruno and Aniela McGuinness as Dave and Brenda had brilliant chemistry together. Brenda's scenes towards the end are also extremely well performed. The bitchy banter between Carla and Melanie is just great and amusing and both actresses did a great job as playing the backstabbing best friends - in fact I wish we could seen a bit more of that along the way.

HazMat is a low budget slasher movie that I believe should be shown in the theatres. Its very well made, belying its budget and is excellently written and acted. It also provides, in spades, those elements horror fans want which is thrills, spills and some outright scares. A great job to all and I cant wait to see what Lou Simon comes up with next, she is one to watch in horror film, trust me!. Please check this film out on Facebook and show some love! 

Lucid (2013)

Directed by PJ Woodside

Written by PJ Woodside

Produced by Steve Hudgins and PJ Woodside 

Stars: Brittney Saylor, Bill Johnson, PJ Woodside, Michael Coon, Steve Hudgins, Felicia Stewart, Scott Cummings, Megan Jones, Craig Angel, Jim Foreman


I was so chuffed to receive my DVD copy of the brand new Big Biting Pig Productions movie last week - every summer for the past few years this amazing companies new horror/thriller film has premièred and subsequently been released immediately to DVD. This year was no exception. Sooooooo...what's the new one all about? Well Lucid works excellently as both a thought provoking insight into the more complex side  of sleep and dreaming as well as a shock laden thriller.  Written and directed by PJ Woodside (who also has a meaty role in the film) and co produced by PJ and Steve Hudgins, Lucid marks another win in BBP's growing slate of movies.

Monica (Brittney Saylor) is becoming increasingly distressed by her horrifying nightmares. As the problem continues to escalate Monica fears that it could end her relationship with Kevin (Michael Coon) not least because she fears she may end up killing him in her sleep! Yes, the problem is THAT bad. 

Clearly poor Monica needs some real help and it seems her therapist Faith (a scene stealing performance by PJ Woodside herself) isn't doing much to provide Monica with the support she needs. After hearing about a  programme ran by a famous sleep therapist (Scott Cummings) Monica becomes ever more determined to seek the help she needs. However Monica is going down a dark path and as the intensity of her dreams grow, the lives of those closest to her are placed in danger. 

I really enjoyed Lucid with its many twists and turns and ominous plot. You are never quite sure where the film is going to take you and whether you are witnessing a real event or one of Monica's many disturbing dreams. I also felt that it built to a fantastic climax and I for one was on the edge of my seat, eager to know how it would all end. 

The movie had some great performances with Brittney Saylor as the haunted Monica and PJ Woodside as the acerbic and untrustworthy Faith. Special props to PJ for releasing her inner demon for this role and playing a VERY different character to any I have seen her play before. I think the vivacious red hair also helped - just saying. 

Anothrr great film from this fantastic independent company. I would rank Lucid as an absolute must see and you can find out more about it HERE

Legend of the Psychotic Forest Ranger (2011)

Directed by Brad Mills

Written by Brad Mills

Produced by Brad Mills, Jacquelyn Mills and Ryan Spence

Stars: Michael G. MacDonald, Joshua Demeyre, Bhreagh LaFitte, Colleen Macisaac, Stefanie Peters, Ricky Newtown, Samuel MacDonald Lemoine, Jeannine McLean, Gabrial House.

Release: Official DVD available from Black Fawn Distribution right HERE.

Now here's a movie that I have wanted to see since I first heard about it! Legend of the Psychotic Forest Ranger is a good ole' fashioned slasher flick right out of the 1980's and if the title doesn't spell it out to you then yes, its about a nutzoid Forest Ranger who hates people intruding in his woods.

The overall plot sees a group of stock characters (serious brunette, airhead blonde, joker and jock) head off for a weekend away. Running into car trouble they seek refuge in a nearby house and eventually run into a another group of teens who practically mirror them (a great touch). Soon, our resident crazy Ranger begins to take them out in all manner of mean spirited ways and as the group gets smaller and smaller you are left wondering who may survive - and it may not be at all who you think!

I know that the legendary Psycho Cop (1988) was a large influence on this movie and my word can you tell! I cant say enough how impressed I am (as a real fan of good old Officer Vickers) at how they NAILED the tone. Everything is just spot on, from the ominous music signalling the Forest Rangers arrival/stalking of victims, the cheese filled dialogue that  makes our hapless teens sound like programmed robots rather than human beings, to the crazy one liners spewed out by our killer as he merrily dispatches his victims. Its just perfect, I sat and there and just thought, 'this is like watching Psycho Cop for the first time!'. Maybe this will be something that puts some people off but if you just love a good old cheesy slasher film or you likewise cant help but love Psycho Cop, flaws and all, you will LOVE this movie. In fact its incredibly difficult to be critical of the bad acting and poor dialogue because well....that's kind of the point!

I had a a great time watching this movie, its hilarious, has some good gore and offbeat kills and the Forest Ranger is just a brilliant parody of some of the pun filled slasher greats of the 80s (Freddy, Officer Vickers, Angela Baker in her older years  etc). Looking very much forward to further work from Brad Mills and co in the future!

Check out the movies official facebook page HERE and be sure to head over to Black Fawn Distributions website to grab yourself a copy! Who doesn't want a DVD with that fantastically old school slasher art on their shelves!?

Sledge (2013)

(Online Screener Copy)

Directed by John B Sovie II and Kristian Hanson

Written by Kristian Hanson

Stars: Dustin Bowman, Stephanie Tupper, Russ Matoes, Travis Hanson, Desiree Holmes, Kristian Hanson, Tino Faygo, Mary Ann Hanson,  Fernanda Lins Hanson

A huge shout out to writer and director Kristian Hanson for sending me an online screener of his campy slasher flick Sledge! In essence Sledge is a back to the basics, body count in the woods horror film, however it has does have some differences which add to its charm.

One of these differences include the way in which the carnage is presented. A young lonely teenager sits at home on a weekend evening watching a late night horror show which screens B movies. No prizes for guessing which movie is going to be aired for our female friend as both she and us the audience are transported into the tale of Sledge.

The core of the film then centres on a group of camping friends who have quite obviously chosen the wrong woods! It transpires that a crazed lunatic named Adam Lynch stalks these parts and sadly for these hapless teens he is one CRUEL motherfucker! This leads me onto one of the other key differences that this movie has going for it. Adam Lynch, I mean seriously...the mean spirited comments this lunatic makes while sending his victims to an early grave...they makes Panela Springsteens 'Angela Baker' seem like a sweetie!! Yes you read that correctly - our masked killer talks! It's a nice touch that I really appreciated about Sledge even if, as a die hard horror fan, I was shocked at how mean this dude was. Seriously though, what did I expect from a guy who likes to pummel his prey with a walloping great sledgehammer!?

This nicely leads me to the kills, which is always a key feature in a slasher movie right? Well this film delivers brutal bashings, smashings, stabbings and impalements without batting an eyelid. The gore effects are really well handled with zero CGI and, as with most horror films, this certainly works in its favour. Props to the special effects guys on this one - really great work. 

I also really enjoyed the directing style in the film. There were some rather surreal shots which made me think of many a David Lynch film when watching this, particularly in the long car journey scene at the start. 

My only real criticism is that, while the actors all did a great job, there were a few scenes where the dialogue between the friends just fell slightly flat. This isn't indicitive of the whole movie though so I'm not panning the performances of the actors as a whole. 

I would love to see more from Kristian Hanson, John B Sovie II and co. With Sledge they have made a fun, sometimes funny, gruesome little homage to the slasher greats and I am positive that this will find a very happy audience on its release. If it doesn't I am sure Adam Lynch will be cracking some skulls! Head on over to the official Sledge Facebook page and find out more! 

BIG BITING PIG FANS REJOICE - ITS JUNE AGAIN....YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!

Ahhh...I love this time of year. The sun is (not) shining, its muggy outside and in, and life is busier than ever. Still all those excellent things aside it also means its premiere time for the next Big Biting Pig Productions movie. The formidable force of Steve Hudgins and PJ Woodside thid time bring us, the thriller Lucid, a creepy looking tale featuring a young woman who consults a famous sleep therapist due to her disturbing dreams and then the trouble really begins.....

Read on below for the movies official press release and if you are in the area you MUST go and see this movie as these guys never disappoint!

LUCID - Trailers & Press Release from Big Biting Pig Productions

MOVE OVER WES CRAVEN, there's a new nightmare in town! The Award Winning Big Biting Pig Productions is pleased to announce the release of their latest film LUCID, written and directed by PJ Woodside, on June 21st, 2013.

Two very exciting reasons to see LUCID:

LUCID features actor Bill Johnson, who played "Leatherface" in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.

Victor Miller, author of the original Friday the 13th screenplay, says of the movie that: "After seeing 'Lucid' you'll never sleep the same again."

The World Premiere of LUCID will take place on June 21st, 2013, at the Ballard Convention Center in Madisonville, KY.

DOORS OPEN AT 6:00pm Central Time for VIP Ticket Holders.
DOORS OPEN AT 7:30pm for GENERAL Ticket Holders.
The movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Central Time. TICKET PRICES:
VIP Tickets: $20 (Price includes a FREE Lucid DVD)
GENERAL Tickets: $15 (Price includes a FREE Lucid DVD)

ADVANCED TICKETS ON SALE NOW: http://www.bigbitingpigproductions.com/LucidTickets.html

More information about the World Premiere of LUCID & Big Biting Pig Productions can be found at the LUCID web page: http://www.bigbitingpigproductions.com/lucid.html

View the two LUCID trailers here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woji15tH9L0&list=UU6uhhRbkP0QTSOnMaJEBtyw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsNiTq9fWMo&list=UU6uhhRbkP0QTSOnMaJEBtyw&index=1

Please contact PJ Woodside (pj.woodside@gmail.com) or Steve Hudgins (admin@bigbitingpigproductions.com) for more information!

The Crann Doll (2013) (Short)

(Screener Copy)

Directed by J. Michael Whalen

Written by J. Michael Whalen

Stars: John C. Bailey, Teena Byrd, Sarah Lomke, Nicholas Wagner.






Many thanks to director J.Michael Whalen for sending me a DVD copy of his short horror film The Crann Doll. The film will soon part of the holiday themed horror anthology - MERRY F@#KING CHRISTMAS (awesome name) and I was only too delighted to check the film out, particularly after seeing a few stills of the titular doll, which looks a bit like a murderous rabbit!

Viewers who like gore and action may not be too impressed with The Crann Doll and I don't mean this in a negative way against the film its just a fact - the film relies on a build up to an eerie final shot where the viewer is left wondering what may happen next. Very much to its the credit the film succeeds in the build up due to interesting characters and an ominous atmosphere.

So the plot - disgustingly rude and mean spirited Allen (John C. Bailey) is stopped by a a young couple out on the road, Bedillia and Alosious Crann (Sarah Lomke and Nicholas Wagner  who are desperate for help for their young baby. Allen is not in the helpful mood it would be fair to say and gives Alosious a really hard time and demands payment of some kind to in order for him to agree to take the pair and sick child into town. After a painful exchange between the two, Allen makes it clear he doesn't trust the pair and isn't prepared to help and drives off...however this then causes an even more horrific tragedy to befall the young Crann child, devastating the young parents. Allen of course drives off.

Fast forward three months and Allen is at home in the company of drugs and a prostitute (Teena Byrd) ready  to live it up. Being Christmas and the time for giving Allen is surprised to find a mystery package turn up at him apartment. The gift turns out to be the Crann Doll of the title, a mean looking little bugger and sadly for Allen a gift from the Crann couple from months prior....

Allen's female company for the evening decides to scarper when she realises who the gift is from - it seems the Crann family are very dangerous and certainly not to be messed with. Considering what Allen did to them.... well.......

As it said before there is not much in the way of action in this short, not where pay off is concerned anyway. The ending is creepy and its made quite clear that our unlovable lead Allen is in big trouble. I would love to see a feature film or maybe an extended short continuing the story of the Crann Doll as there is huge potential here for a good, scary killer toy film.

The performances were really good also with John C. Bailey the obvious stand out as the despicable Allen - John is great to watch as one of horror films most unsympathetic and cruel men, but his character also makes you want to reach into the TV and throttle him.

I am most certainly eager to see more of J. Michael Whalen's work and am also really looking forward to watching this film again as part of the full anthology that it will form part of!

Chill (2012)

(Screener Copy)

Directed by: Noelle Bye and Meredith Holland


Written by: Meredith Holland (additional writing by Noelle Bye and Roger Conners)


Produced by Noelle Bye, Roger Conners and Meredith Holland


Stars: Roger Conners, Brad Arner, Angelia DeLuca, Kelly Rogers, David Gilmore, Erinn Bakun, DJ Remark, Mike Kafury, Jason Orr, Wednesday Vinson, Ash Katt with Bella Sin, Rick Montgomery Jr, Janine Sarnowski.


I was SO excited and pleased to be given the chance to screen and review the final cut of upcoming horror film Chill. This is following my review of the one hour rough cut that I had the opportunity to check out earlier this year.

I guess the main question is did the movie as a whole live up to that great first hour? Well that would be a resounding YES!  In actual fact the second half of Chill builds on the mystery and suspense racheted up in the first hour (not to mention great character development) into a gory, action packed slasher fest. Not to say it doesn't prolong the overall mystery until the very end as it absolutely does. In fact the film does such a good job at churning out the twists, turns and surprises that I was regularly kept on my toes. There was one thing I thought I had figured out from the previous cut and I was actually right...but then there was so much else I didn't expect or see coming and I really do give the guys behind Chill their due for this.

As mentioned in the previous review the plot centres on college student Jared (Brad Arner) who coerces his best pal Kyle (Co writer and producer Roger Conners) into helping him stage a web broadcasted game called Chill. The game is an interactive murder mystery which is notorious (and banned) on campus due to the unsolved killings of a group of students playing the same game years before. As Jared sets up his 'Chill revival', his 'cast' assemble, ready to play the game - unfortunately so does a mysterious killer, intent on making bloody history repeat itself.

I cant say enough about some of the great acting and brilliant characters in Chill. In fact this time around I really fell in love with the character of Maddison (Angelia DeLuca). She is just a great, fun character with layers to her personality which I really appreciated. I spent a great deal of the film enjoying her sarcastic comments and slightly mean spirited sense of humour to then be rooting for her to escape the killers grasp when she proved herself to be a caring human being. Go Maddie.  Brad Arner as Jared and Roger Conners as Kyle were great as the sparring best friends and many of their spats are just hilarious. Roger Conners really pulls out some fighting spirit as the film spins towards it dark finale. I LOVED 'Chi Chi' (Bella Sin) and also the journalist Kelly Masters character (Erinn Bakun).

The film is especially well made for an indie production. The cinematography is particularly great and this is demonstrated very well when the opening credits start to roll and we follow Kyles journey from the college to a local library. I cant tell you how impressed I was with the writing also - great one liners, great humour and perfect interactions between the varying personalities locked together in what will soon become a fight for survival. 

A well written, acted and produced horror mystery which I can promise will keep you on your toes throughout -you really need to keep up to date on the progress of Chill's release. Here is a link to the official Facebook page - get liking the page and stay up to date! When your chance comes to see the film - TAKE IT.

Masks (2011)

(Screener Copy)

Directed by Andreas Marschall

Written by by Andreas Marschall

Stars: Susen Ermich, Julita Witt, Sonali Weiderhofer, Michael Siller and Norbert Losch.


Many thanks to Ivo Scheloske of Anolis Entertainment for sending me a screener copy of Andreas (Tears of Kali) Marschall’s new horror/thriller Masks.  The German produced Masks, has been tipped as a murder mystery very much playing homage to the Giallo greats of the 1970s/80s and I am pleased to say that the film very much succeeds in this respect.  

The plot follows young Stella, a below par actress who wants to make it big but has become extremely frustrated at her growing number of failed auditions for drama schools.  Following a tip off Stella auditions for the ominous looking ‘Matteusz Gdula’ school in the hope that she will finally get into a good school. The audition itself goes pretty horribly but to Stella’s surprise (this can never be a good thing) she is invited to study at the school.  Unfortunately the school is home to a deep dark secret, a secret which someone, black gloved hands and all, is willing to kill violently to protect. The increasing bodycount very much appears to be related to the suicide of the schools founder Matteusz Gdula, a man who employed a very questionable method of ‘bringing out the best’ in his students.  

The events of the past are creeping back into the present as Stella comes across a young, terrified looking fellow student Cecile who lets on that she has been removed from normal classes to study ‘The method’. Shortly after this Cecile disappears and following a fight with another classmate, Stella finds herself faced with two options; expulsion, or the chance to take Cecile’s place as student of the notorious method of Gdula. This takes Stella to a very dark place indeed, away from the other students as she is pumped full of some type of drug, put through horrifying rituals and is watched by a mystery assailant from afar.  As several people start to get too close to the truth, the nasty murders start to escalate and it all builds to a shocking and bloody climax as the killer is unmasked and the truth about the school and its murky past are full reveale

Masks has a lot of great things going for it. The atmosphere and colouring is so reminiscentof the great giallo’s of the past that I felt like I was watching a lost Argento film or something along those lines. Andreas Marschall and his team have clearly used an impressive attention to detail in their presentation of the film and I for one was really taken aback by the authenticity of it all. The direction is also top notch and almost experimental in places which I very much appreciated, being a big fan offbeat and gruesome murder mysterys.

The kills are as bloody and gruesome as you might expect with some incredibly nasty sword impalings and stabbings; the double killing about 30 minutes in being a true highlight and is easily going to appease gore hounds.

The acting in the film is also great. Susen Ermich makes for a captivating heroine as the horribly misguided Stella. Susen plays Stella with an interesting mixture of fragile and fearless and it is this that makes watching the character get deeper involved in the unfolding horrors that much more riveting. Sonali Weidenhofer delivers a brilliant performance as mean girl Valeri (hey every school has to have one) and you know that for every nasty comment and spiteful look, she is edging closer and closer to a gory fate. Julita Witt likewise breaths an eerie and tragic life into the character of Cecile, a young girl so drawn into the dark underbelly of the school that it may already be too late for her. The teachers at the school are all suitably mysterious and often creepy and truly bring to mind the great Suspiria.

Check out the films official Facebook HERE to find out more about how YOU might be able to see this great piece of indie cinema soon. The film has been released to DVD in Germany (no English subtitles I am afraid) but I know talks are ongoing for wider distribution so STAY TUNED. 

FINDING OBLIVION A 'near-future' web-feature from Jason Hawkins

Gravestone Entertainment appears to be working all hours under the sun at the moment with all the exciting projects they have afoot! You may recall my recent article highlighting the insanely awesome trailer for their new feature film The Devil Knows His Own - I can tell this is a film you WONT want to miss. While fans anxiously await news of the films release you can get stuck into Gravestone Entertainments brand new project which they will be holding auditions for THIS WEEKEND! The subject matter of this web series  is certainly important and relevant.

From the Gravestone Entertainment official website:

FINDING OBLIVION

A 'near-future' web-feature from Jason Hawkins

Set in the near future, and seen through the eyes of a small group of civilians, Finding Oblivion, explores the future collapse of America, and its transformation into a police state on the verge of civil war.

CASTING

Below is a partial character list for the public auditions being held on May 18th.

Auditions will be held at the Shilo Inn on Canyon Road, (9900 SW Canyon Rd  Portland, OR 97225) in the Oregonian Ballroom from 9am-9pm. Actors must bring a headshot and resume' to the audition. This is an open to the public audition, please be aware that there will probably be a waiting line.

This is a paid gig - (full disclosure: the majority of an actor's day rate will be deferred, though principle actors will receive a per diem as part of their pay, amount dependent on role and contract.)

We will also be casting a variety of other roles, including many, many supporting and featured extras. If you would like to be considered for one of these roles, please come to the auditions and read for one of the characters listed under the casting roles page.

Finding Oblivion is being produced by Edenfall Entertainment, and hosted by Gravestone Entertainment.

Looking forward to finding out more about this project in due course - if you are interested in auditioning and can get over to the venue then I know the Gravestone Team will be pleased to see you, just be sure to follow the advice above!

The Telemarketer (2013) (Short)

Directed by Jon Higgins

Written by John Cosper

Stars: Joe Atkinson, Cindy Maples, Sean Roberts, Mark Dessauer, Rusty James, Rachel Fisher.

Big thanks to the lovely Cindy Maples for sharing the short film The Telemarketer with me. Cindy not only stars in this perky sci-fi comedy thriller but also co produced, provided set decoration and handled the casting...whew!!!

So the film.... The Telemarketer is NOT  a horror short let me just say. However it is an extremely funny, well written, well acted yarn set in the future which I think a lot of people will get a good kick out of.

The story features Joe Atkinson as the titular Telemarketer, Martin, who has been forced by his boss to try a new and controversial method of selling their product. Since the ability to teleport is now a luxury afforded by all (its set in the future remember) the idea is to just...well...show up in a customers house and start selling the item to them. Its of course unconventional and intrusive and the way this is portrayed is totally brilliant...the film pokes fun at the cold calling/telemarketing/door to door selling industry to a fine art and made me chuckle throughout.

In addition to this there is the sneaky thriller edge. It seems this new customer is going to get our hapless telemarketer into a lot of trouble! Cindy Maples plays housewife Chloe Crum brilliantly - her annoyed facial expressions as the Telemarketer starts to destroy her home in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of his product is spot on. Cindy Maples should consider some more comedic roles as well as the indie horror she does so well!  After Chloe unsuccessfully attempts to remove this human pest from her home, a nasty domestic situation transpires putting everyone's lives in danger...but is all as it seems? You will have to watch and find out but I will say that I enjoyed the clever ending.

A really great short movie combining comedy and sci-fi with a bit of a thriller edge. The performances are all good and really quite funny and I would be interested in any future work from both Director Jon Higgins and writer John Cosper!  I hope to share news with you soon as to when you can get to see this film for yourself to keep your ear to the ground!

Joe 'Jengo' Wheeler talks to Hacked in the Head

Hacked in the Head was delighted to get a few words with UK born film director Joe Wheeler whose upcoming film Jengo Hooper looks set to provide the spills and chills!

The trailer is released on May 20, so please keep yours eyes open for this and check out the interview below! 

Hacked in the Head: Hi Joe! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. You must be a very busy man at the moment with your new horror movie Jengo Hooper in production?

JOE: Yes things have been hectic, prop making, filming and getting things done.

HitH: Could you tell us a bit more about the movie Jengo Hooper and its concept? It sounds very very interesting?

JOE: Thanks, it is a freaky horror movie filmed in the style of the old grindhouse movies from the sixties, seventies and eighties but set in present time. It is about a man who suffers from a mental illness. The illness takes over his mind and he believes he is an alter ego named 'Jengo Hooper' who likes to brutally kill people and tends to participate in Cannibal activities.

HitH: Actress and producer Share Cherrie helped put me in touch with you and she’s just great. It must be fantastic to have her on board for Jengo Hooper? Can you shed any light on her character in the film?

JOE: Yes I met Share in person last year, and we got on really well. She is a great actress and has become a good friend. I am not able to say too much about what happens in the film which also includes info about characters, but all I can say is Share takes on the role of 'scream queen' very well in the movie.

HitH: I believe you are UK born and bred Joe? Where abouts do you hail from and do you live permanently in the US now? I know Jengo Hooper is filming in London which is awesome.

JOE: I was born in a town called Barking which is in Essex, just on the outskirt of East London. I have lived in this town for quite some time but have also ventured out and lived in other places too.

HitH: On a related note could you tell me a bit about your documentary ‘A limey in the USA’?

JOE: The project 'A Limey in the USA' is a series of episodes I filmed on my travels around America. It is a little like a 'Fly on the wall' type of show which was filmed with just me and a camera, no film crews, assistants or presenters.

HitH: I also recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Velle for Hacked in the Head who is also heading out to London soon to film her part for Jengo Hooper. She seems adorable, how did Jessica’s casting come about?

JOE: I met Jessica when I was in LA. She attended my leaving party. We got talking and I gave her an interesting part in the Jengo Hooper movie. It is a small part which will be built upon in the next installment of Jengo Hooper and she will have a lead role in the next installmant. We filmed her parts for Jengo Hooper in Santa Monica and downtown LA.

HitH: Have you always wanted to make horror films Joe, or did it just kind of work out that way? I’m (obviously) a huge fan of the genre so it’s always fantastic to learn of a fellow Brit making horror the indie way.

JOE: I suffer from bad nightmares and I use film and music to express these nightmares. It is a form of release that de-stresses me so that is why most of what I do is horror related although I also will be delving into more documentaries aswell as a Sci Fi feature film.

HitH: Work aside…what does Joe Wheeler do to relax or have fun?

JOE: When im not filming, or editing, or promoting... I like to meet up with friends, take my dog for long walks. Do my weight training and also travel and do some stargazing.

HitH: Finally Joe is there anything else you wish to tell readers about yourself or your work? I wish you all the best with Jengo Hooper and all of your future work!

JOE: The Official Jengo trailer will be released on the 20th May 2013 and you can catch it at www.jengohooperthemovie.co.uk. Thanks to all who have helped with this project :)

HitH: Thank you so much for your time Joe!

15-05-08 (2013) (Short)

Directed by Nikki Chatwin, Jason Chatwin, 

Written by Nikki Chatwin, Jason Chatwin, 

Stars: Scarlett Sibson, Fern Chatwin, Tim Wilson, Kasey Smith

Sick Bunny Pictures is what you get when two film maker brothers get together in order to unleash some great home grown horror to the unsuspecting public.

With new horror short 15-05-08 the brothers Chatwin offer up an alarming, jump filled found footage shocker which I thoroughly enjoyed. It actually made me smile in that there are scores of great found footage flicks out there that you can't help but think 'well that could have all been condensed into a 15 minute short'...well that's exactly what you get here folks! 

The story is nice and simple - four friends are sneakily surveying the house across the street via camera, suspecting that it has been broken into. Their nosiness is going to ensure they pay a high price however as whatever is skulking around their neighbours house is NOT happy with them at all. Cue madness and mayhem found footage style as the four friends are soon subjected to a night of sheer terror. 

As I said I really enjoyed the film. It was snappy and made its point extremely well with more than enough frightening moments to both creep you the hell out and startle you. Noteworthy is a scene on a staircase where the tension really ratchets up to the point I kind of wanted to bite my fist. I also thought the four key players did a great job of portraying a group of curious friends and I think the decision to leave  the slip ups in dialogue was a wise one as it makes the film that much more realistic.

15-05-08 also goes to show how something horrific can happen to anyone, at any time, to anyone - the idea that you may not be safe in your own home in your own neighbourhood is, lets face it, a terrifying one.

I am so excited to see what these guys come up with next seriously. You need to head on over to Sick Bunny Pictures official Facebook right NOW to see how you can get to view the film and to find out more about SBP!