My Review Of “Kids Get Dead 2: The Kids Get Deader”

“Kids Get Dead 2: The Kids Get Deader” is the sequel to Michael Hall’s 2009 slasher “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead” . The film brings back Leah Rudick as Casey, the sole survivor of the first film. Also starring in the film are Bec Fordyce, Bradley Creanzo, Sam Albertsen, Andrew Waffenschmidt, Kathy Biehl, Martin Poryles, Steve Buja, Megan Krache, Shane Dorman and Vonka Romanoff. The plot picks up shortly after the first film and has Casey searching out the author who wrote the book, that foretold the fateful events surrounding her, while bringing the slaughter out of the woods and into the suburbs.

“Kids Get Dead 2” keeps with horror sequel tradition in a familiar way that carries on the blood shed, the nightmare and the characters into new territory. The film also holds on to that fantasy element that helped anchor the story arch of the first film, fantasy as in supernatural element, not dragons and magic stuff. It is a theme that has lit some classic horror in the past, mostly in television anthology series like ‘Twilight Zone’ and ‘Tales From The Crypt’ but most recently it was showcased in the ‘Supernatural’ series as well. It has characters in the story recognizing the almost paranormal aspect that what is happening has already been writ by someone unrelated to them and outside the main plot situation. In “Kids Get Dead” it shows in the form of a slasher fiction book. In this film it is a sequel book by the same mysterious author.

This sequel looses some of the magic that Michael Hall captured in the first film with the story feeling a bit contrived. It is still a pretty fun story that plays out nicely against the first film, but the effortless, on screen chemistry is not as strong here. The characters seem a little too caricature at times, and not as authentic as the group in the first film. The variety of personas still meets with the expected horror schematic and there is plenty of douchebag comradery , and the situations set up nicely. The down side is the lack of a feeling of genuine relationship between the cast. The acting is not as stellar as in the first film, and the dialog suffers somewhat. Still “Kids Get Dead 2” does manage to be entertaining and has a little punk-rock kick to it.

The special effects in this one is 50/50. There is plenty of the practical effects, complete with blood and gore, but there is also the dreaded use of CGI blood that cheapens the kill sequence on several scenes in “Kids Get Dead 2”. The killer’s image differs a bit from the ominous look he has in the first film. Here he seems a bit more human and less monstrous, I can’t figure out if that was an oversight or a calculated move on Hall’s part. It is an element that as happened in almost every classic slasher franchise so it could have been an intended move to pay homage to past horror films. Even with the down graded effects and loss of the magic that “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead” managed, “Kids Get Dead 2” does manage a decent bought of gory entertainment.

The sound effects and soundtrack in “Kids Get Dead 2” actually rises above the sounds of the first film. I felt a more energetic, excitement in the sequel. The overall creepy atmosphere is still present here, with the cast and crew seeming to be having fun, yet taking their roles serious. “Kids Get Dead 2: The Kids Get Deader” works as a sequel, and even with the “lesser” aspects that weaken the film’s overall impact, the story is still strong enough to please slasher fans. Even though I didn’t enjoy this film as much as I did the first, all the elements are present to make “Kids Get Dead 2” worth the watch.

My Review Of “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead”

Indie slasher “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead” is directed by Michael Hall and follows a group of friends who decide to go away for a weekend of partying, as one celebrates her birthday. They soon realize that their weekend of fun is about to become a nightmare as they are taken out by a masked killer. “Kids Get Dead” stars Leah Rudick, Andrew Waffenschmidt, Joseph Campellone, Carly Goodspeed, Meghan Miller, Eric Carpenter, Amanda Rising and Kevin Shea in a modern return to the classic format of slasher horror.

The story is a classic blueprint of dark, campy horror than never reaches the cheesy, young, half naked kids getting wild in the woods, and a slasher with a blood lust of near supernatural proportions.  The concept is classic but maintains a fresh, electric energy that never tires, and even comes with a high-concept fantasy element that plays well against the slasher set-up. Although the humor is more satirical instead of spoof, the comedic aspect of “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead” shows a fun, wittier side to the writing that creates an attitude of modernization as opposed to retro rip-off. The direction and writing work on all levels in this entertaining slasher flick.

The acting and vision of “Kids Get Dead” is a cut above what one becomes used to with low-budget, indie horror. I was pleasantly surprised with this film, and the fantasy twist added into the story offers a perfect spice that keeps the film from becoming redundant. The cast give believable performances, even if more than a few of the characters came off as total douchebags, and a bit middle school, I connected emotionally with every character. Okay the characters are a bit cliché and stereotypical identities that plague pretty much every horror situation, but when most films fail to show plausibility or depth, Michael Hall manages to give us the cliché with heart.

“Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead” has some pretty stellar special effects in the film. The kill scenes are expect but Hall doesn’t shy away from producing the visceral, gory kills. Kill sequences that work well, give full-on carnage and look as clean as any film with a higher budget could manage. It is some impressive use of practical effects that prove low budget horror can be every bit as good as big budget horror. Honestly “Kids Get Dead” shows that the genre still has break out potential that made classic slashers worldwide phenoms. Something a lot of modern horror fail to do, use of CGI and overkill production nightmares do more to kill the organic feel of the horror genre than cheap, poorly managed indie horror.

The sound effects and soundtracks used in “Kids Get Dead” is pretty much what we have come to expect in horror. The eerie, creepy sounds mix with cool music to create the desired atmosphere needed to sell the film. The timing of certain sounds and songs at key points do feel slightly played out, but they fit the moments they frame so they work. The choice of music is pretty rock’n’roll and does offer an electrifying feel to the story. Honestly throughout the whole film all I could do was feel renewed excitement for the indie horror genres potential. “Kids Go To The Woods…Kids Get Dead” is a great slasher that will please any horror fan and would easily turn on some new fans to the community. It is a must watch fright flick that comes with it's very own horror host.

Crowd Funding For “Tales Of Poe” Anthology Finishing Funds

“Tales Of Poe” has kicked off a crowd funding, finishing funds campaign, over on Kickstarter, for the anthology project. Also the official poster for “Tales Of Poe” has been revealed. The film is a feature film anthology based on the writings of Edgar Allan Poe. TALES OF POE readapts three classic Poe tales: "The Tell Tale Heart," "The Cask of Amontillado," and "Dreams." Produced by Alan Rowe Kelly and Bart Mastronardi.  Alan Rowe Kelly wrote and directed "The Cask." Bart Mastronardi wrote and directed "The Tell Tale Heart," and also directed "Dreams" from a script by Michael Varrati. The anthology boasts a cast of genre greats that includes Adrienne King, Amy Steel, Caroline Williams, Debbie Rochon, Lesleh Donaldson, Randy Jones, Desiree Gould, Brewster McCall, Alan Rowe Kelly, Bette Cassatt and Cartier Williams.  

“Tales Of Poe” has already completed production and wrapped. The finishing funds will go toward boosting the quality of the anthology by insuring top notch music and sound mixing by Tom Burns. The money raised will also go toward festival fees, merchandising, and DVD/Blu-ray treatment. Head over to the Kickstarter campaign page for “Tales Of Poe” to see the kick ass rewards for support. The film will have its WORLD PREMIER SCREENING on  August 20, 2014 at the historic Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles, CA. on Hollywood Blvd.

Cover Art and Package Design For “Halloween: The Complete Collection”

Press Release:
For the legions of Halloween fans, the Deluxe Edition boasts 15 discs and contains all the Halloween feature films – Halloween, Halloween II, Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Halloween H20, Halloween: Resurrection, Rob Zombie’s Halloween and Halloween II. The set includes the NEVER BEFORE RELEASED producers cut of Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers as well as the ultra-rare network TV version of the original Halloween, the network TV version of Halloween II, plus the unrated versions of Rob Zombie’s Halloween and Halloween II. It is packed with hours of BRAND NEW bonus features including new interviews with cast and crew from the entire franchise! In response to years of fan feedback, the first Halloween will now also include the original mono audio track and the set will include both versions of the original Halloween-the original Blu-ray™ release and the recently remastered 35th Anniversaryversion with the mono track added back in! It also comes with a limited edition 40-page book written by Michael Gingold of Fangoria Magazine. The collectible packaging will include a newly commissioned illustration on the outer case and each film will be in its own black Blu-ray™ case with the original theatrical one sheet as the key art. This deluxe set carries an SRP of $169.99.

The 10-disc Edition includes the original theatrical versions of the Halloween films and will include select bonus features. SRP is $129.99.

Both sets pre-book August 27 and will be distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment with bonus features developed and created by Scream Factory and Anchor Bay.

Halloween (1978)
Director: John Carpenter
The original indie blockbuster that launched a thousand cuts…Halloween stars Jamie Lee Curtis (A Fish Called Wanda, True Lies) in her debut role. Anyone who’s ever watched a horror film in the last 35 years knows the story of Michael Myers, who as a child, butchered his sister with a kitchen knife. Committed to a mental institution and watched over by Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance, Halloween II, IV & V, Fantastic Voyage), he engineers his escape 15 years later, returning to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night to terrorize anyone who gets in his way, including babysitter Laurie Strode (Curtis). Co-starring P.J. Soles (Carrie, Stripes, Rock ‘n Roll High School), Kyle Richards (The Watcher in the Woods, Eaten Alive), Nancy Loomis (Carpenter’s Assault On Precinct 13, The Fog), Charles Cyphers (Escape From New York, The Fog) and Brian Andrews (The Great Santini, Three O’Clock High), Halloween also cemented the careers of many behind the camera including Carpenter, Cundey, producer Debra Hill and film editor/production designer Tommy Lee Wallace (Halloween III: Season of the Witch, “It”).

Halloween II (1981)
Director: Rick Rosenthal
Picking up exactly where the first film left off, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they once again encounter the knife-wielding maniac they thought they had left for dead. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions. Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.

Exclusively on the Deluxe Set: Halloween II (1981) Network Television Version
Airing on network TV since the early 80’s, the TV cut features several new scenes and additional cut scenes as well as an alternate ending from the theatrical version.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Director: Tommy Lee Wallace
When a terrified toy salesman is mysteriously attacked and brought to the hospital, babbling and clutching the year’s most popular Halloween costume — an eerie pumpkin mask — Dr. Daniel Challis (Tom Atkins, The Fog, Night Of The Creeps) is thrust into a terrifying Halloween nightmare. Working with the salesman’s daughter, Ellie (Stacey Nelkin), Daniel traces the mask to the Silver Shamrock Novelties company and its founder, Conal Cochran (Dan O’Herlihy, RoboCop). Ellie and Daniel uncover Cochran’s shocking Halloween plan and must stop him before trick-or-treaters across the country are kept from ever coming home in this terrifying thriller from writer/director Tommy Lee Wallace (Stephen King’s It).

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
Director: Dwight H. Little
A decade ago, he butchered 16 people trying to get to his sister. He was shot and incinerated, but still the entity that Dr. Sam Loomis (the legendary Donald Pleasence) calls “Evil on two legs” would not die. Tonight, Michael Myers has come home again…to kill! This time, Michael returns to Haddonfield for Jamie Lloyd (Scream Queen Danielle Harris of Halloween 5 and Hatchett II and III) – the orphaned daughter of Laurie Strode – and her babysitter Rachel (Ellie Cornell of Halloween 5 and House of the Dead). Can Loomis stop Michael before the unholy slaughter reaches his innocent young niece? Michael Pataki, Sasha Jenson and Kathleen Kinmont co-star in this smash sequel that marked the long-awaited return to the original storyline and remains infamous for its startling twist ending and graphic violence.

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
Director: Dominique Othenin-Girard
Because Hell would not have him, Michael Myers survived the mine explosion thought to have killed him. One year later, his traumatized young niece Jamie (Danielle Harris of Halloween 4) is horrified to discover she has a telepathic bond with her evil Uncle…and that Uncle Michael is on his way back to Haddonfield. But Dr. Loomis (the late, great Donald Pleasence) has a new plan to destroy The Boogey Man in his childhood home using Jamie as bait. Tonight, the carnage begins again: Michael Myers is back with a vengeance! Ellie Cornell and Beau Starr return for this hit sequel that features grisly gore by Greg Nicotero (“The Walking Dead”).

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Director: Joe Chappelle
In a single horrifying night, Michael Myers’ masked reign of terror changed Halloween forever! Now, six years after he was presumed dead in a fire, Myers has returned to kill again – and this time there’s no escape! As the homicidal fury builds to a spine-tingling climax, the long-hidden secrets of the screen’s most maniacal murderer are revealed…with shocking results! Starring a thrilling cast including legendary Donald Pleasence (Halloween) and Paul Rudd (Anchorman).
Exclusively on the Deluxe Set Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)Producer’s Cut
The so-called “Producer’s Cut of Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers (aka Halloween 666), was a workprint of the original film.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
Director: Steve Miner
This smart and suspenseful thriller scares up a bone-chilling good time with original scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis (True Lies, Halloween I & II) and a hot cast of hip young stars! Now the headmistress of a private school, Laurie Strode (Curtis) is still struggling with the horrifying, 20-year-old memories of the maniacal killer Michael Myers…when he suddenly reappears with a vengeance! And this Halloween, his terror will strike a whole new generation! Laurie’s rebellious son (Josh Hartnett – The Faculty, 30 Days of Night), his girlfriend (Golden Globe Winner Michelle Williams – My Week with Marilyn), and the school security guard (LL Cool J – CBS’s “NCIS Los Angeles” will become Michael’s newest victims unless Laurie can conquer her greatest fears and put evil in its place once and for all! The time has come again for you to experience the frightening fun of Halloween – the motion picture series that totally redefined terror.

Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Director: Rick Rosenthal
Original Halloween I & II alums star Jamie Lee Curtis (You Again) and director Rick Rosenthal are back and joined by Busta Rhymes and Tyra Banks in the terrifying Halloween: Resurrection, another installment in the electrifying horror film series. The reality programmers at DangerTainment (Rhymes, Banks) have selected Rudy (Sean Patrick Thomas, The Fountain), Bill (Thomas Ian Nicholas, American Pie), Jen (“Battlestar Galactica’s” Katee Sackhoff) and a group of thrill-seeking teenagers to spend one fun-filled night in the childhood home of serial killer Michael Meyers. But the planned live broadcast turns deadly when their evening of excitement becomes a night of horror as Michael himself decides to crash the party.

Halloween (2007)
Director: Rob Zombie
What happens when one legendary horror filmmaker tackles a horror film icon? A new chapter in the legend is born! Rob Zombie (Lords of Salem, The Devil’s Rejects) reinvents the ultimate slasher classic, unleashing Michael Myers for a bloody rollercoaster of a rampage like fans have never seen. Including a retelling of the original story that unfolds at a breakneck pace, as well as a chilling new introduction that finally reveals the secrets behind Myers’ disturbing childhood, Halloween breathes new life into one of film history’s most terrifying tales. Presenting both the original theatrical version and the unrated feature with director’s commentary, thrilling bonus features including deleted scenes and an alternate ending, and an exhaustive 4 1/2 hour documentary giving a behind the scenes look at how Zombie created “the scariest Halloween to date” (Debbie Rochon, Fangoria Radio).

Halloween 2 (2009)
Director: Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie’s H2 (Halloween) picks up at the exact moment that 2007′s box-office smash, Halloween stopped and follows the aftermath of Michael Myers’s (Tyler Mane) murderous rampage through the eyes of heroine Laurie Strode (Scout Taylor Compton). Evil has a new destiny. Michael Myers is back in this terrifying sequel to Rob Zombie’s visionary re-imagining of Halloween which grossed almost $80 million worldwide. It is that time of year again, and Michael Myers has returned home to sleepy Haddonfield, Illinois to take care of some unfinished family business. Unleashing a trail of terror that only horror master Zombie can, Myers will stop at nothing to bring closure to the secrets of his twisted past. But the town’s got an unlikely new hero, if they can only stay alive long enough to stop the unstoppable.

“Kids Get Dead 2: The Kids Get Deader” Gears Up For Release Party

“Kids Get Dead 2: The Kids Get Deader” is a return to the classic midnight movie slasher genre featuring horror hostess Peaches McNeil. It continues where part one left off. After years of nightmares and therapy sessions Casey sets out to find the author of a mysterious novel that foretold the brutal murder of her brother at the hands of a masked maniac.

Meanwhile it’s all boobs, blood and rock ‘n’ roll for a group of teenagers at a house party. All except for Brian who is buried in Charles Carver’s latest novel. When the crazed killer returns to slaughter their sexcapades with blood splattering similarity found within the novel Brian and Casey must struggle to unseal their own fates before it’s too late.

Are they just characters in a story living out the brutal fantasies of a mad man? Or can freewill save them from the clutches of a gruesome destiny? Directed by Michael Hall and starring Samantha Glovin, Leah Rudick, Bradley Creanzo, Steve Buja, Alexander Kollar , “Kids Get Dead 2” is gearing up for a release party at 10:30, June 21st at 304 Bowery, New York, NY. Check out the trailer and some hot stills for “Kids Get Dead 2: Kids Get Deader” below.


    
Kids Get Dead 2: The Kids Get Deader - Trailer from Darkstar Entertainment on Vimeo.

DVD Cover Art For Scarlet Fry's “Horrorama” 25th Anniversary Edition

The early SOV anthology, “Horrorama”, near impossible to find, the film was never officially released on DVD,  is getting a VERY limited edition 25th Anniversary 100 unit release via 8 Arms Films. Pre-Sales start today, and the release includes New Special features which include a 30 min Interview with Scarlet Fry, A new 25th Anniversary Trailer & A New Scarlet Fry Theme song Music track, It will be released on DVD-R & signed upon Request.

Those seeking early examples in the shot on video field should definitely pick it up, though the film is only about 30 mins long you can see the roots of Scarlet’s career as well as a good example of where this sub-genre of film-making was headed in the years to follow - Remember We also added a 30 min Interview with Scarlet Fry. This was among the first SOV ever made! Swing on by waltruether@yahoo.com today to lock your copy down (ships in 1-2 weeks).

Price is $15.00 or $20 Signed this includes shipping.

       

Trailer Released For “Rising Tides”

The official trailer has arrived for slasher-with-heart film “Rising Tides”. The film is directed by Jeff West, Jr. and stars Jeff Walker, Alisha Revel, Rett Terrell, Alex Harris, Jordan Farris, Kassandra Marron, Skyy Moore, Shawn Frambach and Adam Dietrich. The trailer was posted on the film’s Indiegogo page which kicks off crowd funding today.

Two ex-lovers are at odds with one another during a weekend lake house party. As a killer in the woods picks off their friends one by one, they must decide whether to rekindle their flame or lose each other forever.

My Review Of “The Bunnyman Massacre”

“The Bunnyman Massacre” is the sequel to indie slasher horror “Bunnyman”. In this second installment Joe and the Bunnyman continue their brutal, emotionless slaughter. The film once again sees Carl Lindberg returning to the director’s chair which is appropriate since he created this modern horror franchise. “The Bunnyman Massacre” stars David Scott, Julianne Dowler, Jennifer June Ross, Joshua Lang, Marshal Hilton, Heather Daley, Maria Olsen, Kate Bowen and Jamie Bernadette.

The story follows Joe and the Bunnyman as they continue their ploy of carnage, adding to their body count in a small rural community hanging on the outskirts of a ghost town. It is a very simple concept with no real depth, which basically puts female’s and the occasional male in the psycho killer’s path for a visceral, bloody death. “The Bunnyman Massacre” doesn’t really focus much on dialog, just quick quips and profane banter that creates the cruel personas of Joe and the Bunnyman. It works for the purpose of gritty, grindhouse horror, but the writing is two dimensional and gives us no real protagonist to root for through most of the film. Their is one present but very weakly represented. The point of view seems to be a celebratory embrace of the killer as the star of the show. That is fine for a small select audience but with no way to emotionally connect the victims or “protagonist” in the film, “The Bunnyman Massacre” falls a little flat.

Now as far as special effects are concerned, “The Bunnyman Massacre” continues the raw, gorefest that the first film provided. There are a couple of moments when CGI blood is added to the kills for splatter, however it seems acceptable because there is still plenty of practical fluid drenching the screen and victim. Creative angles and gimmicks make most of the kill scenes work well with minimal flaw. That is crucial for this film because with the lack of real story or heart shown in “The Bunnyman Massacre” you need some clean, kill effects that are organic and visceral. The overall special effects component to this film creates a traditional grindhouse feel to the horror elements.

The sound effects and soundtrack are your expected, atmospheric redundancy that can be heard in any number of horror films, both classic and modern. Some of the sound effects have been taken from other horror films. Not sure if it works as tribute or rip-off in “The Bunnyman Massacre”, the creepy sound effects work here but they are reminiscent of other classics. The soundtrack overall fails to create any real suspense or chill factor in the film, but that just adds to the fact that the story is emotionally void and the point-of-view is that of the killers. The cold, brutality on top of a lack of heart doesn’t allow you to connect with the victims or the story enough to feel anything real. It is just a “set ‘em up, knock ‘em down” situation. Plus so many scenes in “The Bunnyman Massacre” are straight from other horror icon’s stories that at times the originality seems questionable. See it if you want but you’re not really missing much if you decide to pass on this one.

First Images From Sci-fi Adventure “Space Command”

“Space Command” begins production, A new science-fiction franchise from the makers of Sliders.

It’s blast-off on ‘’Space Command’’, with production underway on the highly-anticipated science-fiction series in Los Angeles.


"Space Command" unites some of the most recognizable faces in science-fiction TV history with some of the most respected names behind the lens.
Written and directed by award-winning writer/director Marc Scott Zicree ("Sliders") the thrilling new space-set franchise follow the bold adventures in space of the United Planet’s Space Command, a dedicated group of scientists, soldiers and adventurers exploring and taming the vast expanse of our solar system for human colonization.

Robert Picardo (“Star Trek : Voyager”, “InnerSpace”), Bill Mumy (“Babylon 5”, “Lost in Space”), Doug Jones (“Hellboy”, “The Strain”) and Mira Furlan (“Babylon 5”, “Lost”) help make up the film’s roll call of science-fiction royalty.

“Devil’s Mile” Drives Home August 12th

The tagline : THE ROAD WILL NEVER LET YOU GO

Phase 4 Films has announced an August 12 DVD/VOD bow for director Joseph O'Brien's highly-anticipated horror-thriller Devil's Mile starring David Hayter (writer of X-Men and Watchmen), Maria del Mar (24) and Casey Hudecki (Wolves).

Official Synopsis : A gang of psychotic convicts take a dangerous and ill-advised detour after brutally kidnapping two young girls. As the captors speed away, events quickly turn out to be much more dangerous and gruesome than they had planned for. While driving down a long and dark stretch of deserted highway, the car becomes surrounded by mysterious sinister spirits, forcing the captors and young girls to work together in hopes of surviving the deadly evil force.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Quinquatrus minusculae

The "Greater" Quinquatrus is a festival dedicated to Minerva. Ovid says that this festival was celebrated in commemoration of the birthday of Minerva; but according to Festus it was sacred to Minerva because her temple on the Aventine was consecrated on that day. Sacrifices were offered to Minerva, the goddess of war as well as wisdom, arts and crafts, dyeing, science and trade, and patroness of trumpet players. She was also the patroness of scholars and pedagogues, who enjoyed a holiday at this time, with the pupils giving their pedagogues gifts, dedicated to Minerva, at the close of the festival. We see her depicted in art with Iuno and Iuppiter on the Great Arch of Trajan, and she frequently appears on sarcophagi offering a new life beyond the grave.

The Roman goddess Minerva probably derived from the Etruscan goddess Minerva, and was later modeled on Greek Pallas Athena. Minerva was the Etruscan version of Athena, and depicted similarly (with helm, spear, and shield). Like Athena, Minerva was born from the head of a god, in her case Tinia, and she is part of a triad with Tinia and Uni. Minerva sprang fully armed from the head of Iuppiter, whose head had been split open with Vulcan's axe.

The Italian goddess of intelligence, meditation, and inventiveness, queen of all accomplishments and arts, especially of spinning and weaving, as practised by women. She was also the patron-goddess of fullers, dyers, cobblers, carpenters, musicians, sculptors, painters, physicians, actors, poets, schoolmasters, and especially of schoolchildren. Her oldest and most important sanctuaries were at Rome on the hills of the town; on the Capitol, where she occupied the chamberon the right in the great temple common to her with Jupiter and Juno; on the Aventine, where the official meeting place of poets and actors was situated, and on the. Caelian.

In the course of time the Greek conception gained more ground; Minerva was identified with Pallas Athene. This certainly happened with regard to Athene considered as the bestower of victory and booty, when Pompey erected a temple to her from the booty won in his Eastern campaigns. And Augustus must have regarded her as Athene the Counsellor when he added to his Curia Iulia a vestibule dedicated to Minerva. The Roman Minerva was represented in art in the same manner as the Greek goddess.

Wicked Pixel Cinema’s New Feature Film, “Stoplight”, Directed By Eric Stanze Details

Wicked Pixel Cinema Launches STOPLIGHT IndieGoGo Campaign

Now you can be a part of independent film history! Wicked Pixel Cinema recently announced their new feature film, STOPLIGHT, directed by Eric Stanze. To fuel up the production budget gas tank, Wicked Pixel Cinema has launched an IndieGoGo campaign. Follow this link to hit the road:
www.indiegogo.com/projects/stoplight--2

STOPLIGHT will build upon Wicked Pixel Cinema's two-decade track record of producing award-winning, critically-acclaimed motion pictures that continue to attract attention from all around the globe. Thanks to IndieGoGo, YOU can get in on the action!

The STOPLIGHT IndieGoGo campaign perks include an autographed and numbered limited edition advance poster designed by David Royal (only 100 of them will be printed... ever!), actual props used in the filming of STOPLIGHT, an autographed copy of the screenplay, YOUR NAME in the credits of the film, and much more!

STOPLIGHT - a road-trip odyssey, a gritty thriller, a harrowing descent into madness - is directed by indie film veteran Eric Stanze (RATLINE, DEADWOOD PARK, CHINA WHITE SERPENTINE, SCRAPBOOK).


“Without a doubt, independent filmmaker Eric Stanze is one of the more seasoned and exciting storytellers working today.”
- DreadCentral.com

“Eric Stanze has been one of the indie horror scene’s most prominent and influential filmmakers for at least 20 years.”
- HorrorYearBook.com

“Eric Stanze is a filmmaker who has created an astonishing output of jolting, original flicks which provide an intellectual and artistic shock. His films stand out for their audacity and imagination.”
- Film Threat Magazine

“Director Eric Stanze is to be congratulated on raising the bar for horror avant-garde filmmaking.”
- New York Daily News

“In Stanze’s hands, the impossible comes magically to life, radiating off the screen in waves of sheer talent. He inherently understands the nature of the cinematic art form and accents it with amazing accomplishment.”
- PopMatters.com

Crowd Funding Begins For “Losing Your Flames”

It isn’t often that I post about dramas, romantic or otherwise, but “Losing Your Flames” deals with issues close to home for me. The film focuses on modern LGB&T issues that are taking place across the globe daily. “Losing Your Flames” is set to be directed by the guy that brought us the Holiday horror short film “Tinsel” , Mikel Ledesma. The crowd funding campaign for the film has kicked off over on Indiegogo.com. Also check out the promo poster released yesterday for the film.


At the top of his game, Chris Steadman, wages an inner war between love and being seen as normal. The southern town he calls home lives, eats, and breathes traditional values, leaving no room for those who don’t fit the mold. When Chris receives a text from his boyfriend, Greg, word spreads faster than lightning, resulting in his expulsion from the popular crowd, and worse his family. All Chris wants is to fit in. Acceptance is the only thing holding him together, but in bending to the wishes of others, he is losing his flames. “Losing Your Flames” stars Jory Gill, Cutter Palacios, Sam Chance, Kristin Butler, Ashton McClearin, Tom Young, Jennifer Kristin, Alex Ripley and Chandler Kaye.

New Name And Release Date For “Ombis: Alien Invasion”

The sci-fi/horror film “Ombis: Alien Invasion” has been given a name change and issued a release date courtesy of DefTone Pictures Studios Inc. and Origin Releasing. The film directed by Adam R Steigert and starring Richard Satterwhite, Jason John Beebe, Sara Manzella along with co-stars Kathy Murphy, Alexander Sloan McBryde, Brenda Rickert, Aryn Fitzgerald is now titled “Not Human”, as evident by the new poster released.

“Not Human” deals with an alien invasion that plagues small town Metzburgh. Peaceful, rustic Metzburgh is a quiet village which was a former industrial town whose glory days are long past after the collapse of Metzburgh Grain. Teenager Mark Lowe (Jason John Beebe) and his ex-girlfriend Lucy Greenheart (Sarah Manzella) are stuck in a lovers quarrel when a meteorite crash lands in the passive community. Cut to a town overrun by the virus and the collateral damage adding up, a special containment team shows up to try and keep order and contain the plague. “Not Human” will be released VOD in September with retail release taking place in October 2014.

Check Out The New Clip From “Cabin Fever: Patient Zero”

A new clip titled ‘Cat Fight’ has been released for the next installment of “Cabin Fever” , “Patient Zero” directed by Kaare Andrews. The clip proves a strong effort went into this much needed boost to the viral nightmare franchise. “Cabin Fever: Patient Zero” stars Sean Astin, Currie Graham, Ryan Donowho, Brando Eaton, Jillian Murray, Mitch Ryan, Solly Duran, Lydia Hearst, Claudette Lali and will be available VOD on June 26th.

A group of friends planned the perfect vacation in the Caribbean, but when they head ashore to explore a remote island, their ultimate bachelor weekend devolves into their worst nightmare. After an ill-fated swim in contaminated water, they stumble upon a seemingly abandoned research facility where a deadly, flesh-eating virus has been unleashed.

New Trailer For “Goal Of The Dead”

A new trailer with English subtitles has been released for zombie film “Goal Of The Dead”. The film is directed by Thierry Poiraud,with Benjamin Rocher , and stars Alban Lenoir, Charlie Bruneau, Tiphaine Daviot, Ahmed Sylla, Xavier Laurent and Sebastien Vandenberghe.

Saturday, the 18th of January 2012. A quarter of an hour before the match. An hour before the Apocalypse. In a small village in the north-east of France, Caplongue, lays a nuclear power plant, an industrialized agriculture and a church lower than its unemployment rate but also, the football team, which managed to reach the 1/32nd French Final Cup with a lot of courage and talent.

Trailer Released For “Varsity Blood”

“Varsity Blood” dropped the trailer for the upcoming horror on Dread Central today. The film is directed by Jake Helgren and stars Lexi Giovagnoli, Wesley Scott, Debbie Rochon, Natalie Peyton, Blair Jackson, Elyse Bigler, Melody Herron, Jesse Ferraro, Kiarra Hogan, Chris Hlozek, Payton Wood, Fabian Watkins, Elle LaMont, Manuel Chapa, Taylor Moessinger, Chloe Evans, Tate Chapman. “Varsity Blood” hits DVD shelves on August 19th, 2014.

This football season, Hogeye High’s Warriors and cheerleaders are out for blood. Unfortunately, someone is out for theirs, and they’ll be forced to take one for the team. After the big Halloween football match, the students are joined by an uninvited guest dressed as their high school mascot armed with a bow and arrow, a battle-axe, and an insatiable appetite for butchery. Soon, they find themselves fighting for more than the winning score as terror becomes the name of the game.



Varsity Blood: Trailer by dreadcentral

“The Human Race” Release Date Set

XLrator has announced the release date for sci-fi, action-horror “The Human Race”. The film stars Paul McCarthy-Boyington, Eddie McGee, Trista Robinson, T. Arthur Cottam, Fred Coury,  Richard Gale and is directed by Paul Hough. “The Human Race” will be available on VOD, iTunes: June 13, 2014. A theatrical release is slated for the same day.

Eighty strangers from all walks of life are ripped out of their daily lives and forced to participate in a brutal race to the death. The rules are simple; follow the arrows or you will die, step on the grass and you will die, get lapped twice and you will die. Only one participant will survive. Race or die. There can only be one winner, but who will survive and for what purpose?

Release Date Set For “Hunting The Legend”

LOS ANGELES (June XX, 2014) – Image Entertainment, an RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand, announces the DVD and digital download release of the monster thriller “Hunting the Legend”. Directed and written by Justin Steeley and starring Christopher Copeland, Hannah Wallace, Jeff Causey, Alex Ballew, and Stan Copeland, the film takes you on a terrifying journey to uncover the truth behind the mythical beast. “Hunting the Legend” will be available on July 8, 2014.

Five years ago, a deer hunter vanished in the Alabama woods, leaving behind only a rifle, bloodstains and an enormous footprint from a species unknown to science. Now, the hunter’s son Chris, his two best friends and a documentary film crew set out to learn the truth… and seek vengeance. Their search leads them deep into rugged terrain rumored to hide the huge, man-like beast known as Sasquatch. As they close in on their prey, they learn the horrifying consequences of Hunting the Legend.

New Trailer For “Chilling Visions: 5 States Of Fear”

Check out the new trailer for Chiller Films’ second installment of horror anthology “Chilling Visions: 5 States Of Fear”. On Friday, July 11 @ 9pm, the next installment of five short films inspired by five basic human fears will premiere. The film takes place in a specific location across five different U.S. states.

The five short films are:
- Ego Death ("Sandy") Written & Directed by Brett Simmons Produced By, Brett Simmons, Andrew Ducote, Kellen Moore for Brett Simmons Productions
- Separation ("The Trouble With Dad") Directed by Glenn McQuaid Written by Glenn McQuaid & Clay McLeod Chapman Produced By, Larry Fessenden, Jennifer Wexler for Glass Eye Pix
- Mutilation ("Tick Warning") Written & Directed by John Poliquin Produced By Dan De Filippo, Dave Marken for Pipeline Entertainment
- Extinction ("Ghost Daughter") Written & Directed by Zao Wang Produced By Zao Wang, Andrew K. Li for Chilling Coastline, LLC
- Loss of Autonomy ("The Caregiver") Written & Directed by Graham Reznick Produced By Larry Fessenden, Jennifer Wexler for Glass Eye Pix

Clip Released For Sci-fi Romantic Horror “Honeymoon”

An exclusive clip has been released for Leigh Janek’s sci-fi, horror, romance “Honeymoon”. The film stars Rose Leslie, Harry Treadaway, Ben Huber, and Hanna Brown. “Honeymoon” will be released on September 12th by Magnet Releasing.  “Honeymoon” will have a limited theatrical run and be available On Deman upon its release.

Young newlyweds Paul (Harry Treadaway) and Bea (Rose Leslie) travel to remote lake country for their honeymoon where the promise of private romance awaits them. Shortly after arriving, Paul finds Bea wandering and disoriented in the middle of the night. As she becomes more distant and her behavior increasingly peculiar, Paul begins to suspect something more sinister than sleepwalking took place in the woods.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Matralia

Matralia was celebrated June 11th at the temple of the goddess Mater Matuta, the goddess Aurora in the Forum Boiarum. It was celebrated by Roman matrons, matrones and , a univir a woman married only once had the privilege of crowning the cult statue of Mater Matuta. Mater Matuta was the goddess of growth, childbirth, motherhood, and the raising of children. Mothers were honored on this day by their husbands and children.

Roman matrons would bring their nieces and nephews with them to the temple of Mater Matuta. One slave was admitted into the temple, and given a blow on the cheek and then sent away. The matrons would then embrace their nieces and nephews and pray for their well-being. This was done to symbolically reinforce to the mothers that they should care for their nieces and nephews as well as their own children and shouldn’t leave them to careless slaves. Sacrifices were made to the goddess in the form of testuacia (sacred cakes) cooked in testu (earthenware). Slaves were forbidden from entering the temple or participating in the ceremonies. For the Matralia a slave, was made to enter the sanctuary and then ritually slapped and expelled by a matron.

Poster And Release Date For “Radio Free Albemuth”

The official poster for Philip K, Dick’s “Radio Free Albemuth” has been released along with the VOD and theatrical premiere date. The sci-fi, conspiracy-thriller will be out June 27th, 2014. “Radio Free Albemuth” is directed by John Alan Simon and stars Jonathan Scarfe, Shea Whigham, Alanis Morissette, Katheryn Winnick Featuring: Hannah Hall, Scott Wilson, Rosemary Harris,Frank Collison, Joel McKinnon Miller, Rich Somer, Jon Tenney, Ashley Greene, Will Rothhaar, Michael Rothhaar, and Matthew Letscher.

It’s 1985 in an alternate reality and Berkeley record store clerk Nick Brady (Jonathan Scarfe, Perception) begins to experience strange visions transmitted from an extra-terrestrial source he calls VALIS. He uproots his family and moves to Los Angeles where he becomes a successful music executive with a secret mission to overthrow the oppressive government led by US President Fremont (Scott Wilson – The Walking Dead). With the help of his best friend, sci-fi writer, Philip K. Dick himself (Shea Whigham – Boardwalk Empire, American Hustle) and a beautiful, mysterious woman named Silvia (Alanis Morissette – Weeds), Nick finds himself drawn into a conspiracy of cosmic, mind-shattering proportions. Although it might cost them their freedom or even their lives, they join forces to expose the dangerous truth about the corrupt regime.

Crowd Funding Underway For Eric Stanze’s “Stoplight”

The crowd funding campaign has begun for Eric Stanze directed “Stoplight”. The film kicked off pre-sales on the production company’s , Wicked Pixel Cinema, website. The fundraising is taking place over on Indiegogo.com. “Stoplight” is described as a road-trip odyssey, a gritty thriller, and a harrowing descent into madness. Head over to the campaign page to check out the rewards for funding the project.

Sam Carter’s Pennsylvania to Arizona road trip is turned upside down when a troubled, terrified woman bolts from an alleyway, directly in front of his car.  What could have been a tragic ending instead becomes the beginning of a fascinating journey for Amber Bedloe, who joins Sam for a cross-country road-trip odyssey.  Pummeled by hardship her entire life, Amber uses the road trip to confront the darkness and violence of her past.  She finally braves an unflinching look into herself – striving for bright horizons while descending uncontrollably into madness.


Eric Stanze also directed SCRAPBOOK, which was named the Number One Independent Film Of The Year by Rue Morgue Magazine. SCRAPBOOK wonBest Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the Syracuse International Horror, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival, and the movie won Best Feature Film at the Fright Night Film Festival, in addition to gathering tremendous worldwide critical praise.

Kino Lorber Acquires “A Girl Walks Home At Night” For U.S. Distribution

Ana Lily Amirpour’s Iranian,vampire- romance-horror “A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night” has been picked up by Kino Lorber for U.S. distribution. The film stars Sheila Vand, Arash Marandi, Mozhan Marnó, Marshall Manesh, Dominic Rains, Rome Shadanloo, Milad Eghbali and Reza Sixo Safai.

“A Girl Walks Home At Night” premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and will be released theatrically October 2014. There are plans for the Digital and Home entertainment release set for 2015. Shot in black and white, everything from the characters, the look, a modern soundtrack of persian rock and euro-pop make this a truly modern Iranian film. A mythical mash-up of genre and culture, it's different than any Iranian film you've ever seen ... the first Iranian Vampire Western.

Strange things are afoot in Bad City. The Iranian ghost town, home to prostitutes, junkies, pimps and other sordid souls, is a bastion of depravity and hopelessness where a lonely vampire stalks its most unsavory inhabitants. But when boy meets girl, an unusual love story begins to blossom… blood red.

Trailer Released For “Harbinger Down”

The official trailer has been released for Alec Gillis’ creature-feature “Harbinger Down”. The film stars Lance Henriksen, Matt Winston, Giovonnie Samuels, Camille Balsamo, Wnston James Francis, Michael Estime, Jason Speer, Reid Collums, Mick Ignis, Edwin H. Bravo, Milla Bjorn, and Kraig Sturtz. 

A group of grad students have booked passage on the fishing trawler Harbinger to study the effects of global warming on a pod of Orcas in the Bering Sea. When the ship’s crew dredges up a recently thawed piece of old Soviet space wreckage, things get downright deadly. It seems that the Russians experimented with tardigrades, tiny resilient animals able to withstand the extremes of space radiation. The creatures survived, but not without mutation.

Now the crew is exposed to aggressively mutating organisms. And after being locked in ice for 3 decades, the creatures aren’t about to give up the warmth of human companionship.

U.S. DVD Release For “Hanging Shadows” Documentary

Elite Entertainment has released the DVD of Paolo  Fazzini’s 2007 documentary HANGING SHADOWS. The film presents an informative historical overview of the “Giallo” genre, exploring its genesis and chronicling the films, directors, and personalities that made up its golden age. 

Featuring interviews with Dario Argento, Lamberto Bava (director and son of  Mario Bava), Antonella Fulci (daughter of director Lucio Fulci), Franco Ferrini (co-writer of Sergio Leone's Once upon a time in America and numerous Argento films), Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust), Giannetto De Rossi (make-up artist on Fulci's films), Michele Soavi, Sergio Stivaletti and many others. It’s finally possible to discover all the secrets of Italian horror cinema narrated by the italian masters of horror themselves.

Elite Entertainment Gets “Mad In Italy”

A new Italian independent horror movie has landed US distribution with Elite Entertainment.The film is available on DVD with a lot of extra features.

MAD IN ITALY is a truly disturbing psychological film based on dramatic true events about one girl's ordeal to stay alive at the hands of a young maniac.

Screened for the first time at Fantafestival, Mad in Italy represents Paolo Fazzini's first feature film as a director, following his documentary Hanging Shadows  - Perspectives on Italian horror cinema.
The movie features a haunting original score by composer Mario Salvucci (Jessika Rabid by M. Reel, Silent Night Zombie Night by S. Cain, Sand sharks by M. Atkins, Rise of the dinosaurs by A. Fanhauser) and amazing cinematography by one of the most talented Italian directors of photography Mirco Sgarzi (House of Flesh Mannequins by D. Cristopharo, Orgy of Blood by C. Creepersin, Zombie massacre by Boni-Ristori).

Teaser Trailer Released For Chad Zuver’s “Night Of The Living Dead”

Check out the teaser trailer for Chad Zuver’s remake of “Night Of The Living Dead”, not to be confused with the 3D film starring Tony Todd. This one stars Lee Godwin, Rebekka Daniel, Gad Holland, Kayla Elizabeth, Sarah Bertz Thomas, Lisa Marie, Kayla Proffitt, James Fite, and Layla Thomas. “Night Of The Living Dead” hits theaters this October, just before Halloween.

During a visit to see their wife and mother's grave. Jerry and his daughters Melanie and Barbra are going to experience a night they will never forget. “Night Of The Living Dead” is produced by Shattered Image Films in association with Cullen Park Productions. Based on the 1968 movie directed by George A. Romero and wrote by Romero and John A. Russo.

My Review Of “Ghostlight”

“Ghostlight” is a paranormal thriller directed by Jeff Ferrell and follows a man who wins a chance at big money. Before he can collect though he must spend 24 hours in a haunted theatre. “Ghostlight” stars Brian Sutherland, Lisa Coronado, Dennis Kleinsmith, Russell Hodgkinson, and Ramona Freeborn.

The story of “Ghostlight” is your traditional, ghost story set-up, with a contest winner getting the opportunity to win some money, by staying in a haunted location. In this film that place is a haunted theatre, where the performance with bloody murder. This is a mature, somber thriller with a slow build to a terrifying and some what depressing ending. The arc is a proper string of suspense, with constant melodramatic, emotional connectivity, although the first half of the film is a bit of a sleeper with minimal thrills. Normally this would have me checked out permanently, however the strong story, decent acting and hints to a nice, tense ending held me to the film right until the bitter end.

The special effects in “Ghostlight” is a standard foray of gimmicks that one would expect in a paranormal thriller such as this. Most of the moments pay-off with some real suspense and creepy scenes taking place (most of which take place in the last half of the film). Now even though there isn’t much new brought to the table with chilling effects in this one, “Ghostlight” manages to execute, a decent, steady ghost story that creates a haunting atmosphere with a nice finish. The sound effects and soundtrack does help build some suspense but it didn’t really stand out as anything manager for me personally.

Overall “Ghostlight” is a well thought out little chiller. The first 45 minutes are bit slow and demand dedication when watching the film, but stick with it, the end is the big seller. The story is a mature tale that is worth a once over by paranormal fans. It is a classic tribute to both the theatrical and the ghost story that takes the genre serious. I enjoyed this film, it could have been a bit scarier, and the ending is a little more depressing than thrilling but still, it is a cool one that plays out nicely.

New Clip Released For “Reunion”

Check out the new clip for Shawn Chou directed, indie horror, “Reunion”. The film stars Maria Olsen, Jack Turner, Cara Santana, Sarah Schreiber, Reign Morton, Ruth Reynolds, Christopher Wolfe, Lucas Barker, William Leon, Arrielle Brachfeld, Leif Gantvoort and Matthew Jaeger.

Former rock stars Brad Norton and Grant Foley dream of their band's return to the limelight when a strange woman, Mia, shows up at their door. Trapped in their home during the heavy stormy night, the mystery unravels when Brad discovers Mia's obsession with him is guided by a sinister dark spirit. She's convinced Brad kidnapped her long-lost son, and will stop at nothing until he confronts his painful past in this spine-chilling action filled, life-and-death drama.

Release Date And Trailer For “Leprechaun: Origins”

A release date, along with a trailer, has been released for WWE’s “Leprechaun: Origins”. The film is directed by Zach Lipovsky and will hit VOD Digital HD on August 26th. This will be followed by a Blu-ray release on September 30th just in time for the holiday season. “Leprechaun: Origins” stars Brendan Fletcher, Teach Grant, Stephanie Bennett, Andrew Dunbar and Dylan Postl.

Backpacking through the lush Irish countryside, two unsuspecting young couples discover a town’s chilling secret. Ben (Dunbar), Sophie (Bennet), David (Fletcher) and Jeni (Roxburgh) quickly discover the idyllic land is not what it appears to be when the town’s residents offer the hikers an old cabin at the edge of the woods. Soon, the friends will find that one of Ireland’s most famous legends is a terrifying reality.

Trailer And First Image Released For Season 2 ‘Hemlock Grove’

‘Hemlock Grove’ returns for season 2 on July 11th with the first image and official trailer finally dropping for the Netflix, super-successful , supernatural series.

Season two continues with the town coming to grips with the shocking massacre incurred by one of its deadliest creatures. Roman and Peter are now faced with new responsibilities and the realities that come with adulthood. Roman’s relationship with his mother (Janssen) is all but dead as he struggles with his unwanted Upir birthright and the disappearance of his sister, Shelley (Martin).






Peter moves in with Destiny (Horn) and is forced to get a job after his mother is sent away. Meanwhile, in search of a new life, newcomer Miranda Cates (Brewer) embarks on Hemlock Grove with an unknowingly profound effect on Peter and Roman. And Norman (Scott), still reeling from the loss of his family, must face the harsh truths that are uncovered about those he still loves.

Crowd Funding Started For “You Found Me”

The crowd funding campaign has kicked off for Lawrence W. Nelson’s “You Found Me” feature film adaptation, based on the short film of the same name. You can read my review of the short film here. Last month Lawrence revealed the promo poster for the upcoming film adaptation for “You Found Me”.

You can check out more about that release here. Now the crowd funding campaign has kicked off for the project over on Kickstarter”.  Head over to the page to check out all the cool rewards for supporting the project.

“You Found Me” is described as a female driven horror slasher film. Saw meets Deliverance. Would you save your life or your Bestie? Also head over to the film’s IMDb page and like it.