My Review Of “Anna: Scream Queen Killer”

Indie horror “Anna: Scream Queen Killer” is another in a series of indie films featuring Melanie Denholme in very stylized experimental theatre. Playing on a voyeuristic fetish theme, “Anna: SQK” follows the title character through an avant-garde journey into the world of indie grindhouse film auditions, but with a twist. A young actress desperate to make it in the movies, is invited to a series of filmed auditions, playing out various scenarios on camera. The problem is, the director is a pervert with only one thing on his mind. As the actress progresses through a bizarre series of roles she slowly realizes all the man wants is sexual satisfaction. Forced to strip, and do carnal things in the name of the art, she eventually flips and takes matters into her own hands. “Anna: SQK” is directed by Denholme along side The Aquinas.

For me personally, “Anna: Scream Queen Killer” is far more arthouse than a film that claims to have a plot can handle. I have seen enough of Denholme’s work to realize that this is her niche area of genre filmmaking, often the film’s prove very expressionistic and evoking, however with this film it just didn’t work for me. The voyeurism is a cool notion and aims at a particular fetishized market in indie horror. The thing that makes “Anna: SQK” fall flat is the complete drowning of plot and character building which gets lost in a psychotic flux of surrealistic and almost randomized series of theatrics from the view of the voyeur. Often less is more, except when it comes to plot, story continuity. There should have been more detail and consideration in conveying the story and actual fluid dialog that brings the viewer along on this journey.

“Anna: Scream Queen Killer” isn’t really a film that I would suggest to a horror fan who wants to see a movie, it is more a film that I would suggest for fetish fans of erotica artfilms, or fans of Melanie Denhome. That is really a stretch to say considering there are other works featuring Denhome that offer the same atmosphere and themes, but with much more entertainment value. I just didn’t get whatever it was “Anna: SQK” was shooting for, nor did I connect with the film desired intent. I don’t think this film was executed properly and feel that maybe the creativity overcame the the directors which resulted in total chaos and confusion. This was a really bad movie and not the kind that is so bad it is good-it is just bad!

Production Begins On ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ Series

Production has began on the series revision of cult phenom vampire flick “From Dusk Till Dawn”. The series will carry the same title and theme as the film with Robert Rodriguez signing on to direct the first two episodes. The series is being produced by executively produced by Rodriguez, in association with FactoryMade Ventures for El Rey Network. Read the full press release below.

El Rey Network, in association with FactoryMade Ventures, today announced the production start of "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series," the first scripted original series to air on Robert Rodriguez‘s new genre-busting cable network set to debut this December. Based on his cult classic film of the same name, the supernatural crime saga, hour-long series (which will premiere on El Rey Network in Q1 2014) began filming in Austin this week with Rodriguez set to direct the first two installments.

The 10-episode serialized drama, created, directed, and executive produced by Rodriguez (Sin City, Machete, Desperado) and based on the 1996 cult classic he created with Quentin Tarantino, will feature a principal cast including D.J. Cotrona (Dear John, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) as Seth Gecko, the role that famously launched the film career of George Clooney. Zane Holtz (Holes, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) stars as Richie Gecko, and Jesse Garcia (Quinceanera, "Sons of Anarchy") plays Texas Ranger Freddie Gonzalez, a new character created for the series. Don Johnson (Django Unchained, "Nash Bridges") joins in a recurring role as Sheriff Earl McGraw. Other cast will be announced in the coming weeks.

Miramax, producing studio and distributor of the original film, is distributing the series internationally in all territories with the exception of Canada, China, India, and the UK.

Rodriguez said: "If the movie’s the short story, the series is the novel." He added: "We have assembled an amazing cast and crew, and viewers can expect to be part of a wild ride when the series premieres on El Rey Network next spring."

Rodriguez is joined in the executive producer ranks by Carlos Coto (who is also showrunner) and FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. Diego Gutierrez is writer and co-executive producer. The gritty look and feel of the series will be brought to life by production designers Steve Joyner and Caylah Eddleblute, set designer Jeff Adams, director of photography Eduardo Mayen, and costume designer Nina Proctor. The special effects team will be spearheaded by Bob Trevino.

Based on the thrill-ride film, "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series" is a supernatural crime saga centered around bank robber Seth Gecko (Cotrona) and his violent, unpredictable brother, Richard "Richie" Gecko (Holtz), who are wanted by the FBI and Texas Rangers Earl McGraw (Johnson) and Freddie Gonzalez (Garcia) after a bank heist left several people dead. While on an escape route to Mexico, Seth and Richie encounter former minister Jacob Fuller and his family, whom they take hostage. Using the family RV to make a run for the Mexican Border, chaos ensues when the group detours to a strip club that is unknowingly populated by vampires and forces them to fight until dawn in order to get out alive. The series deepens the tone of the film, adds new characters and backstories, and expands the Mesoamerican mythology behind the vampires.

New Trailer And Poster Released For “Robocop”

Check out the new trailer and poster that was released for sci-fi remake “Robocop”. The film hits theatres on February 12th 2014. The remake is directed by José Padilha and stars Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earl Haley, Michael K. Williams, Jennifer Ehle, Jay Baruchel, Samuel L. Jackson.

In “RoboCop”, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years - and it's meant billions for OmniCorp's bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) - a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit - is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice.

Two New Posters For Sci-fi “Divergent”

Two new posters were released for the sci-fi action film “Divergent”. The posters feature super-hottie Jai Courtney and rock star royalty Zoe Kravitz. “Divergent” hits theatres on March 21st 2014 and is based on the best selling series by author Veronica Roth. The film is directed by Neil Burger and also stars Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, Kate Winslet, Theo James.

Set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions that each represent a different virtue, teenagers have to decide if they want to stay in their faction or switch to another - for the rest of their lives. Tris Prior makes a choice that surprises everyone. Then Tris and her fellow faction-members have to live through a highly competitive initiation process to live out the choice they have made. They must undergo extreme physical and intense psychological tests, that transform them all. But Tris has a secret that she is Divergent, which means she doesn't fit into any one group. If anyone knew, it would mean a certain death. As she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, this secret might help her save the people she loves... or it might destroy her.

First Official Trailer Released For “House Of VHS”

Just days after revealing a new poster for supernatural thriller “House Of VHS”, the team behind the film have released the first official trailer. “House Of VHS” is directed by Gautier Cazenave and follows a a multi-national group of students who decide to spend their spring break in the French countryside. The film stars  Florie Vialens, Morgan Lamorté, Isabel McCann, Delphine Lanniel, Ewen Blumenstein, Pétur Sigurdsson and is now in post-production. Based on the trailer alone I have to say it looks like Marteau Films has a deliciously chilling and frightfully thrilling win with “House Of VHS”. I personally can’t wait to see the final product!

A New Single White Female Forges Deadly Bonds In “Besties”

Beware of the new single white female forging deadly bonds in psychological thriller “Besties”. The film is a  spine-chilling thriller in the tradition of that classic nightmare scenario “Single White Female”. Written and directed by Rebecca Cutter, “Besties” will hit VOD January 21st by Phase 4 Films. The film stars Jackie Debatin, Madison Riley, Corin Nemec and Olivia Crocicchia. Also check out the 2013 trailer for “Besties” released in August (if you haven’t already seen it) after you check out all the sweet visual goodies from the film.

“Besties” tells the story of two high school girls -- Sandy, a high school freshman and self-described loser and Ashley, a sexy senior and Sandy's former babysitter. Sandy, hoping to forge a friendship with the most popular girl in school, arranges to be left at home under Ashley's supervision while her father goes out of town. Little did Sandy know that an unexpected visitor from Ashley's past will leave the awkward freshman and her idol tangled up in a manipulative and deadly friendship.

Crowd Funding Kicks Off For Brian Dorton’s “Crazy Fat Ethel”

A crowd funding campaign has kicked off for “Crazy Fat Ethel”. The film is a re-imagining  of the cult classic “Criminally Insane”. Brian Dorton is the twisted mind behind “Trashology”, a film that I love-totally! The crowd funding campaign is over at Indiegogo and runs until January 3rd 2014. “Crazy Fat Ethel” has already found it’s Ethel in young actress Amanda Jelks. I interviewed her in 2012 and you can check out that article here.

“Crazy Fat Ethel” plans to stay true to its original material while adding a modern twist. The original was released in 1975 in theaters, the film found success amongst the horror audience over the past 35 years with VHS and DVD releases. Head over to the campaign and check out all the perks and don’t forget to like the film’s Facebook page.

Ethel is a woman in her mid 20's, overweight and on the edge. Recently released from an institution, Ethel is taken in by her aunt. Ethel's downward spiral spins out of control as she tries to cover her tracks from one death to the next. The film will display an array of interesting supporting characters including a religious aunt, a concerned nurse, and Ethel's cousin who has turned to a life on the streets.

Tonight ‘Sleepy Hollow’ Returns With “The Sin Eater”

Finally! Now that the games are over we can get back to the awesomeness of ‘Sleepy Hollow’. The show returns to Fox tonight with the all new “The Sin Eater” episode at 9 pm. 

When Ichabod disappears, his wife appears to Abbie in a vision with a warning about the Headless Horseman's return to Sleepy Hollow, so Abbie consults a mysterious recluse for clues about how the missing Crane can be rid of his nemesis once and for all.

AFM Trailer For “Hidden In The Woods” Remake

Check out the AFM trailer released for remake survival horror “Hidden In The Woods”. The film is directed by Patricio Valladares and stars Michael Biehn, William Forsythe, Chris Browning, Electra Avellan, Jennifer Blanc, Krzysztof Soszynski, Andy Mackenzie, Jeannine Kaspar.

“Hidden in the Woods” tells the story of two sisters who have been raised in isolation, subjected to the torment of their abusive, drug dealing father. When they finally decide to report him to the police, he kills the two officers and is put in jail. But things go from bad to worse when the girls must answer to their Uncle Costello, a psychotic drug kingpin, who shows up looking for his missing merchandise which is hidden in the woods.

Check Out Sci-fi Thriller “Scintilla”

Check out the poster and details for sci-fi thriller “Scintilla”. The film is directed by Billy O’Brien and stars John Lynch, Antonia Thomas, Morjana Alaoui, Ned Dennehy, Craig Conway, and Jumayn Hunter.

A double cross left mercenary Jim Powell (Lynch) in a hellhole African prison. Now his release has been paid for by a corporate sponsor, but only to be given a new, even more dangerous job. Powell is hired to lead a team deep into a former Soviet state, now in the grip of an illegal uprising. Here they must infiltrate an armed militia base and get into the secret tunnels which lies underneath. Half a mile underground in this former Soviet nuclear bunker there is a secret bio-tech laboratory. Paid for by unlimited Oligarch dollars it houses one very special scientist: Dr. Mathesis Irvine.

Her research is revolutionary. It breaks every law. The results are extraordinary, the potential applications are worth billions.

Powell and his team have 6 hours underground to kidnap the scientist, steal her research and get back to the surface. Only thing is, nothing Powell has been told is the truth and the secret held within the lab is unlike anything he has ever seen before. He will be lucky to get out alive.

New Before The Dawn Art

New artwork promoting “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” has been issued on the site Before The Dawn.  The film hits theatres on July 18, 2014 and I am totally amped for it. I love these revision movies of “The Planet Of The Apes” as much as I love the originals. “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” is directed by Matt Reeves and stars Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Kodi Smit-McPhee.

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

Two New Images From Modern Horror “Bind”

Two new images have surfaced for the modern horror film “Bind”. The film is directed by Dan Walton and is currently filming. “Bind stars Darren Matheson, Sierra Pitkin, Alisha-Jo Penney, Sasha Neuhaus, Shayleigh Pruzina, Deborah Finkel ,Eliza Faria, Lynn Csontos, Mackenzie Mowat, Morgan Pasiuk, Nathan Vass, Natasha Davidson and Chloe Bear. You can check out the two previous images here!

A family move into an abandoned orphanage and they soon learn that their charming orphanage has a disturbing history and is convinced they aren't alone.

Trailer Released For “Crying Wolf”

“Crying Wolf” is a film that I have had my eye on since November 2012 so I am excited that the second trailer for the horror comedy has been released. “Crying Wolf” is directed by Tony Jopia who co-wrote the screenplay with Andy Davie and Michael Dale. It stars Caroline Munro (The Spy who loved me), Joe Egan (Sherlock Holmes), Gary Martin (Slaughter High), Kristopher Dayne, Gabriela Hersham, Ian Donnelly (Children of the Stones), Rosie Pearson, and John R. Walker (Wizards vs Aliens). This werewolf satirical nightmare hits VOD in 2014 along with theatrical release.

The comedy horror Crying Wolf tells the story of strange and weird goings on in a little English village called Deddington. The strange death of a young local girl by a rabid monster causes alarm and revulsion – before desperate reporters, crazy detectives and revenge seeking hunters descend on the scene! Crying wolf is a fast paced British comedy horror that will keep you howling for more!

My Review Of “13/13/13”

“13/13/13” is James Cullen Bressack’s breakaway from his traditional horror concepts of home invasion, homicidal lovers and “HATE CRIME” (that was one hell of a movie!). Now “13/13/13” stars some pretty indie and amateur talent,  Trae Ireland, Erin Coker, Jody Barton, Calico Cooper, Tiffany Martinez, Jared Cohn and Bill Voorhees. The story is one that plays on a legend of demonic inheritance of the earth on a specific date. I have never heard of this before but it is a pretty sweet and horrific notion.  For millennia, calendars have added an extra day every four years. In doing so, they violated the ancient Mayan calendar. Now we are in the 13th month of the 13th year of the new millennium, and the few who survive will battle a world of demons. So I was intrigued by the synopsis and how Bressack would approach this concept-By the way kudos on The Asylum picking up your talent Bressack!

Now just to get it out of the way, the things that I didn’t like about the film. “13/13/13” is a pretty low budget film with some pretty low budget acting. Some of the dialog driven scenes in the film where a bit too amateurish, forcing uncomfortable breaks in the flow of the story. The acting at times was over exaggerated by a couple of actors and some of the dialog may have been more than the cast could convincingly convey. That is it, aside from that bit of failed execution from this production, I enjoyed the other aspects of “13/13/13”.

What really hooked me with this film is Bressack’s ability to fuse his distinct style and vision of pushing the comfort level of the viewer. This film showed that same disturbing atmosphere that Bressack has become known for in such films as “Hate Crime” (again, a killer film) and “To Jennifer”, both films where like watching real life crimes taking place that just happened to be on video. That is why I love James Cullen Bressack’s work. Some of that intense and chilling vibe was visible in this film as well. All be it, not as much as I would like, but it was enough to make me want to follow through with this film. The story just kicks off in the situation, no intro or set up for what is going to happen. I liked that, a lot of people want but I enjoy that about these movies because it is kind of like life. We are not gonna get an intro packet in the mail saying what will take place in times of tragedy or horror, so why should that be the way films are introduced to us? Kudos for being a truly individual director Bressack. You make us pay attention and learn as we watch.

The effects in “13/13/13” are 50/50, when it works it works great and when corners were cut-it showed. Still the fact that the camera found inventive ways of showing the grue and kill moments in this supernatural horror story, is entertaining. Plus the fact that Bressack didn’t shy away from getting in there and shooting the full on effects of the killing or brutality is note-worthy. He doesn’t leave it to the imagination, instead he sears it into our brain visually. “13/13/13” is not gonna be for everyone because of the ultra low budget feel of the film but I did. Let me explain, this film has a cool concept, plenty of action and gore. Straight on gruesome moments that remind us of spaghetti thrillers. Yeah the quality is ultra low indie horror and the acting is bad but I found enough moments within this film that entertained me so I cant’ give it a bad review. Just know that not every one is find this movie enjoyable and go into it with caution- it isn’t at the stellar level of “Hate Crime” and “To Jennifer” but it is standard quality that The Asylum distributes. What can I say I am a fan of Bressack's talent and works for life. I like his style. 

Trailer Released For Indie Vamp Rock Saga “Only Lovers Left Alive”

Check out the trailer for “Only Lovers Left Alive”. The indie vamp rock saga is directed by Jim Jarmusch and stars Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, John Hurt, Anton Yelchin, Jeffrey Wright. “Only Lovers Left Alive” hits Russian theatres on December 5th before it’s February release in the UK on the 1st. Although the film showed at New York Film Festival on October the 10th there is no word on a wide North American release yet.

“Only Lovers Left Alive” takes place against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier and follows an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, who reunites with his resilient and enigmatic lover. Adam ('Tom Hiddleston (I)' ), an underground musician reunites with his lover for centuries (Tilda Swinton) after he becomes depressed and tired with the direction human society has taken. Their love is interrupted and tested by her wild and uncontrollable little sister (Mia Wasikowska).

UK Horror Film “Banjo” Crowd Funding Campaign And Trailer

“Banjo” is an indie horror from Safehouse Pictures UK that has recently kicked off it’s crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter. Currently in the pre-producitons stage, a trailer has been released to amp up interest in the project. Check it out below then hit the highlights to go to the film’s pages to show your support. The film follows a young man manipulated by his imaginary friend to exact revenge on his tormenting co-workers. “Banjo” is directed by Liam Regan and started life as a thirteen minute short film titled “Confessions of Peltzer”, which was shot on a shoe-string budget with a three person crew in South Yorkshire, UK back in April 2012. Funding for “Banjo” began October 28th and runs through November 27th.

Banjo follows a bullied office worker named Peltzer, who is humiliated daily by his fellow colleagues and cheating spouse.


Once news about his embarrassing bedroom accident makes it's way around the workplace, Peltzer decides to put up with his torment no longer, and conjures up his childhood imaginary friend "Ronnie", through the use of a Ouija board.

Peltzer's world is soon turned upside down, as Ronnie attempts to manipulate him, to exact revenge on his tormenting co-workers in the most gruesome fashion.

As Ronnie starts wreaking havoc and ruining Peltzer's life and relationships, Peltzer soon finds that the genie is out of the bottle, and no longer able to control his imaginary friend. In this twisted tale of romance and revenge.

Trailer Two For “Tick Tock Trick”

Check out trailer no. 2 for indie horror “Tick Tock Trick”. The film is directed by Bronwyn Edwards and stars Ed Johnson, Bhawana Jimi, Samuel Webster, Jack Beale, Felicity Wren, Kimberly Jaraj, Lennard Sillevis, Jonny Kight. The trailer was released on the movie’s Facebook page yesterday and brings together the two supernatural realms-the realm of the paranormal and the one of magic.

“A family and a group of Goths spend the weekend at an English 17th Century manor house. The themed hosts charm the guests in the haunted setting. The guests’ desire for the paranormal and all things horror is satisfied as they expect the tricks and mystery that occur. Zuri from Nepal experiences a dark unseen presence. They all must make their choice when to leave as time ticks by.”