Saturday, August 2, 2014

New Images And Official Synopsis For Mad Max: Fury Road”

mm3Three new images and the full synopsis for “Mad Max: Fury Road” has been released. The fourth in the franchise brings back sci-fi Director George Miller, who first brought us the post-apocalyptic warrior back in 1979. “Mad Max: Fury Road” stars Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) in the title role of Max Rockatansky, alongside Oscar(R) winner Charlize Theron (“Monster”, “Prometheus”) as Imperator Furiosa, Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: First Class”) as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne (“Mad Max,” “Sleeping Beauty”) as Immortan Joe.





mm2“Mad Max: Fury Road” also stars Nathan Jones (“Conan the Barbarian”) as Rictus Erectus. Collectively known as The Wives, Zoe Kravitz (“X-Men: First Class”) plays Toast, Riley Keough (“Magic Mike”) is Capable, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) is Splendid. They are joined by supermodel Abbey Lee Kershaw as The Dag and Courtney Eaton as Fragile, both of whom are making their big screen debuts. Also featured in the movie are Josh Helman as Slit, Jennifer Hagan as Miss Giddy, and singer/songwriter/performer iOTA as Coma-Doof Warrior.





mm1Synopsis:
From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary Mad Max franchise, comes Mad Max: Fury Road, a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky. Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max (Tom Hardy) believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa (Charlize Theron). They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.


Official Poster For “Hellyfish”

Check out the first official poster for creature-feature/comedy “Hellyfish”. The film is directed by Pat Longstreth and  Rob McLean with a release date set for Halloween. “Hellyfish” stars Lillian McCotter, Agnes Asplund, Abraham Lebos, Maggie Hart and Gary Hill.

America’s only missing nuclear weapon is leaking radioactive material into the ocean just off the coast of Tybee Island, GA. The trifling existence of a hapless cast is disrupted by a vicious force of nature that shows no mercy.


Hellyfish

“The ABC’s Of Death 2” Release Date Announced


abc2“The ABC’s Of Death 2” will be available on VOD October 2nd with a theatrical release to follow on Halloween. The second in the anthology franchise features directors Rodney Ascher, Julian Barratt, Robert Boocheck, Alejandro Brugués, Kristina Buozyte, Alexandre Bustillo, Larry Fessenden, Julian Gilbey, Spencer Hawken, Jim Hosking, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, E.L. Katz,Aharon Keshales, Steven Kostanski, Marvin Kren,  Juan Martínez Moreno,  Erik Matti, Julien Maury, Robert Morgan, Chris Nash, Vincenzo Natali, Hajime Ohata, Navot Papushado, Bill Plympton, Dennison Ramalho, Todd Rohal, Jerome Sable, Bruno Samper, Shion Sono, Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska with 26 more chilling short films. Each horror short will present a unique Alphabet themed way to die.

Friday, August 1, 2014

First Teaser For “Extraterrestrial”


The first teaser trailer has been released for The Vicious Brothers’ “Extraterrestrial”. The film will be released this October and follows the terrifying ordeal surrounding a group of friends weekend getaway when they encounter extraterrestrials. “Extraterrestrials” is directed by Colin Minihan and stars Brittany Allen, Freddie Stroma, Melanie Papalia, Jesse Moss, Gil Bellows.

Hoping to spend a romantic weekend in the woods at her parents' cabin, April (Brittany Allen) is dismayed when her boyfriend Kyle (Freddie Stroma) invites his friends to party in the woods. As the group settles into the secluded location, they discover that a UFO has crashed nearby and that they are being observed by one of the craft's survivors. They end up attacking and killing the alien, which prompts a series of attacks by its crew mates.





Extraterrestrial (2014) teaser trailer from The Vicious Brothers on Vimeo.

Dimension Films To Unleash “Demonic” In December




Demonic (2014)James Wan’s “House Of Horror”, now going under the title “Demonic” will be unleashed theatrically this winter. Dimension Films has announced that they will release the supernatural horror December 12th, 2014. The film is directed by Will Canon and stars Maria Bello, Frank Grillo, Cody Horn, Dustin Milligan, Megan Park, Scott Mechlowicz, Aaron Yoo.

“Demonic” centers on two detectives investigating the murder of five college students after a night of ghost hunting goes terribly awry. As investigators begin to unravel the murders, they uncover clues to what began as an innocent ghost-hunting excursion but eventually turned into a terrifying escapade involving the house itself.






James Wans Demonic to Hit Theaters in December





Thursday, July 31, 2014

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Nag Panchami


nag panchamiNag Panchami (Devanagari: नाग पंचमी) is a traditional worship of snakes or serpents observed by Hindus throughout India and also in Nepal. The worship is offered on the fifth day of bright half of Lunar month of Shravan (July/August), according to the Hindu calendar. The abode of snakes is believed to be patal lok, (the seven realms of the universe located below the earth and lowest of them is also called Naga-loka, the region of the Nagas, as part of the creation force and their blessings are sought for the welfare of the family. Serpent deity made of silver, stone or wood or the painting of snakes on the wall are given a bath with milk and then revered.

On the Nag Panchami day Nag, cobras, and snakes are worshipped with milk, sweets, flowers, lamps and even sacrifices. Fast is observed on this day and Brahmins are fed. The piety observed on this day is considered a sure protection against the fear of snake bite. At many places, real snakes are worshipped and fairs held. On this day digging the earth is taboo as it could kill or harm snakes which reside in the earth. Images of Nag deities made of silver, stone, wood, or paintings on the wall are first bathed with water and milk and then worshipped with the reciting of the following mantras.

Roman alphabet: Naga preeta bhavanti shantimapnoti via vibohSashanti lok ma sadhya modate shashttih samh

IAST: Nāga prītā bhavanti śāntimāpnoti bia viboh
saśanti loka mā sādhya modate sasthitaḥ samaḥ

Rough translation: Let all be blessed by the snake goddess, let everyone obtain peace
Let all live peacefully without any turbulence.

On this occasion doorways and walls outside the house are painted with pictures of snakes, auspicious mantras (spells) are also written on them. It is believed that such depictions will ward off poisonous snakes. Nag Panchami is also the occasion observed as Bhratru Panchami when women with brothers worship snakes and its holes, and offer prayers to propitiate nagas so that their brothers are protected and do not suffer or die due to snake bite.


Red Band Trailer And DVD Details For “The Dead 2: India”


td2indiaPress Release:
Two years ago filmmakers Howard J. Ford and Jon Ford took international audiences on an unforgettable journey through a zombie-infected African veldt with the critically acclaimed and audience favorite The Dead.

Setting a new standard for the zombie film, the Ford Brothers have now raised the survival stakes to new dramatic heights with the September 16th Blu-ray and DVD release of The Dead 2.

As demonstrated with screenings at numerous international film festivals, audiences around the world have once again thrilled to the Ford Brothers’ unique vision of the zombie apocalypse, taking it to yet another epic level. And just as with the first film, reviewers are bestowing glowing praise on the filmmakers’ ability to transform an exotic environment into a vital character within the character-driven narrative. The first international zombie film production to be shot in India, The Dead 2 utilizes the spectacular vistas of Rajasthan, Delhi, and Mumbai to create yet another unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness baked in sunlight. SRP for the Blu-ray is $29.99 and $24.98 for the DVD.

A ship docks fresh from Somalia, which contains one infected worker that passes unnoticed into the very heart of India’s overpopulated bustling streets, setting off an unstoppable chain of events. Meanwhile, American turbine engineer Nicholas Burton (Joseph Millson, Casino Royale) is working in the stark yet tranquil Indian countryside when he receives a call from his love, Ishani (Meenu), a local girl who lives on the outskirts of the slums of Mumbai and who has hidden their relationship from her tradition-minded father. She reveals she is now pregnant and scared for her life as chaos and terror have taken ahold of the cities as the dead return to life and attack the living. Nicholas has to battle his way across their 300-mile landscape filled with flesh-eating – and infectious – undead. With the help of young street kid Javed (Anand Goyal), he has to rely on his wits and sheer brute force to try and save them all, as the clock ticks off the minutes before the last flight out of a living hell…

Bonus features on The Dead 2 Blu-ray and DVD include “The Making of The Dead 2″ and deleted scenes.
Unfolding across an epic vista of breathtaking scope, thrilling action, death-defying stunts, and spine-chilling fright, yet always keeping the emotional resonance in focus, The Ford Brothers’ The Dead 2 once again melds the terror of the end of the world with the inspiration of the human drive to survive.








Official Theatrical Trailer For “Charlie’s Farm”


CF666A new theatrical trailer has been released for “Charlie’s Farm”. The film hits U.S. in 2015 courtesy of Shoreline Entertainment. “Charlie’s Farm” is directed by Chris Sun and stars Bill Moseley, Kane Hodder, Tara Reid, Nathan Jones, Cameron Caufield.

In an effort to do something different, four friends head into Australia’s outback to explore Charlie’s Farm, the site where a violent family met their end at the hands of an angry mob. Despite all warnings, they persist in their horror-seeking adventure. Once there, the four friends meet other transients and find Charlie’s Farm to be anything but horror inspiring. They are unaware that they are being watched. While exploring the property to prove the myth, they encounter Charlie, who shows them that some legends never die.





Trailer Released For “The Scribbler”


TSCheck out the trailer for John Suits’ “The Scribbler”. The film stars  Katie Cassidy, Eliza Dushku, Gina Gershon, Michael Imperioli, Billy Campbell, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Sasha Grey. XLrator Media has planned a September release for the horror thriller.

An experimental machine is designed to eliminate multiple personalities... What could go wrong in this horror thriller? A young woman (Cassidy) confronting her destructive mental illness using “The Siamese Burn”.









Rob Zombie Launches Funding Campaign For “31” Film

31filmRob Zombie has launched a crowd funding campaign on the site Fanbacked.com for his upcoming horror project “31”. Along with the site launch Zombie released more concept artwork for the film. Why crowd funding? Zombie stated the reason for turning to his fan base on the film’s page:


“I’m crowd funding because I realize that it’s an incredible opportunity to engage the fans. They’ve always been the most important thing for me because, with metal and horror, the fans aren’t just fans – it’s their life, their lifestyle. They live and breathe it, as I do, and any way that you can bring the people that are as passionate about it as you are into the process is a win-win for everybody.Get on board! Get involved! Be part of this horrifying business! The world of horror needs you!”






Along with the statement Rob Zombie addresses the reason in a short video discussion about choosing Fanbacked.com. Check it out below and head over to the page to check out the cool info and back the project.


Pagan Festival Shout Out: Lithasblot


lithasblotThe harvest festival; giving thanks to Urda (Ertha) for her bounty. Often alms are given to the unfortunate at this time, or loaves in the shape of the fylfot (the Sun-wheel, which fell into regrettable disrepute during the dark times of the second World War when the symbol was perverted as a symbol of chaos and darkeness).  Interestingly, Lithasblot 1941 was allegedly the time when the magical lodges of England performed rituals to keep the Nazi forces from invading their country; which may have worked, since Hitler eventually abandoned plans to invade Great Britain.  Lithasblot has long been associated with ceremonial magic and magical workings.


urdUrðr (Old Norse "fate") is one of the Norns in Norse mythology. Along with Verðandi (possibly "happening" or "present") and Skuld (possibly "debt" or "future"), Urðr makes up a trio of Norns that are described as deciding the fates of people. Urðr is together with the Norns located at the well Urðarbrunnr beneath the world ash tree Yggdrasil of Asgard. They spin threads of life, cut marks in the pole figures and measure people's destinies, which shows the fate of all human beings and gods. Norns are always present when a child is born and decide its fate. The three Norns represent the past (Urðr), future (Skuld) and present (Verðandi). Urðr is commonly written as Urd or Urth and in Old English written as Wyrd.







Here is my first attempt at a sun-wheel loaf of bread-


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

My Review Of “Something Sinister”


Poster“Something Sinister” is a psychological thriller written and directed by Christopher Dye. The film explores the psychosomatic effects of a young woman’s disturbing past and present oppression by a antagonistic family member. “Something Sinister” stars Rachel Appelbaun, Jeremy Gladen, Johnny Wolf and Maria Olsen.

The synopsis reads: In an old secluded home, a young girl named Amelia finds herself at the mercy of her oppressive and abusive Aunt Helen.Slowly Amelia starts to lose her grasp on reality and falls into a vortex of madness and the supernatural, soon believing she’s being stalked by an evil presence. Is there something sinister haunting her from beyond the grave?

The story of “Something Sinister” is a haunting tale that plays on strong personal guilt, in this case Catholic guilt-which I hear is almost as bad as Jewish mother guilt and far worse than the standard variety of guilt. Not that you need to really understand this to get it-or that it is clearly defined- I only recognize the concept through the strong expressionistic use of the rosary and other iconography as being important to the characters in the film. What results is a truly chilling experience that blurs the lines between supernatural malevolence and psychological breakdown. The story arch is a constant, even paced thriller that is hypnotically enthralling without the need for shock thrills or high energy melodramatics.

The cast create creepy, engaging characters that manage to be both distant and relatable. Through use of Gothic horror and surreal visage, Dye creates a tight chiller that is reminiscent of classic thriller noir and horror parable. The result is a mature, comparable art film. I chose to screen the black and white edition of the film so the use of shadow and light blended with askew angles produced a visual story that is haunting and captivating. What really leads “Something Sinister” is the eerie sound track that utilizes classic horror sound effects that play throughout the story which creates an emotional unease and atmospheric accompaniment that hovers disturbingly over the dramatic components.

“Something Sinister” is a clever, artistic chiller that appeals to both classic and contemporary art film lovers. Those looking for gimmicks and thrills from over-the-top special effects or spectacle may have a harder time with this one. I personally loved “Something Sinister” ability to show a more romanticized passion for the Gothic horror and play on deteriorating psyche verses outward supernatural interference. Dye has a strong and clear understanding of horror, as well as a directorial style that shows an appreciation for the classic storytelling style while maintaining a unique signature. 

Four Cool Character Posters For “Mad Max: Fury Road”

Check out these four very cool character posters for fourth installment to the Mad Max franchise, “Mad Max: Fury Road”. The film lands in May, 2015 and stars Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Hugh Keays-Byrne and, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. “Mad Max: Fury Road” is directed by sci-fi’s legendary director George Miller.

The post-apocalyptic action film is set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world of fire and blood exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order…

Mad-Max-Fury-Road-Poster-4-610x903


Mad-Max-Fury-Road-Poster-3-610x903


Mad-Max-Fury-Road-Poster-1-610x903


Mad-Max-Fury-Road-Poster-2-610x903

New Name And Release Details Announced For “Where The Devil Hides”

Christian E. Christiansen’s new supernatural horror “Where The Devil Hides” has a new title and release date. “The Devil’s Hand” will hit DVD, VOD and other platforms on October 10th thanks to Lionsgate. The film stars Rufus Sewell, Alycia Debnam Carey, Adelaide Kane, Leah Pipes, Thomas McDonell, and Jennifer Carpenter.

WTDH
Something very strange happened in the small village of New Bethlehem, a devout community kept under the tight reins of the town’s vigilant Elders. Six girls born on the same day to different mothers. Perhaps a coincidence or, as most believe, a chilling omen of something yet to come. Now, on the eve of their 18th birthday, the young women are mysteriously disappearing one by one and feared dead. Terror has overtaken this quiet community. Could this be the work of a serial killer, one of the village elders, or an horrific prophecy come true, born of the supernatural?

New Poster Released For “The Divine Tragedies”

Check out the new poster promoting “serial-noir” “The Divine Tragedies”. The horror thriller is directed by Jose Prendes and tells the story of Charles Brubaker (Graham Denman) and his half-brother Thomas Lo Bianco (Jon Kondelik), who concoct a deadly game to test their superior intelligence against the dimwitted masses.

This game will eventually lead to murder, and when Genevieve, a beautiful single mother, enters their lives they finally find the perfect girl for their first kill. But problems arise when they quickly discover that Detective Homer Gaul (Ken Foree), a cop with a very special gift, is hot on their trail. “The Divine Tragedies” stars Graham Denman, Jon Kondelik, Hannah Levien, Sean Whalen, Lynn Lowry, Ruben Pla, Aaron Pruner with special appearance by Ken Foree and Barbara Crampton.

TDT


Trailer Released For ‘The Devil Incarnate”


TDICheck out the trailer for upcoming horror “The Devil Incarnate”. The film is directed by L. Gustavo Cooper and stars Rod Luzzi, Graci Carli, Emily Rogers. “The Devil Incarnate” hits DVD shelves on October 7th, 2014.

The future looks bright for newlyweds Trevor and Holly, but their dreams are about to devolve into a nightmare of unspeakable terror. On a random visit to a tarot reader, they encounter a mysterious old woman who tells them that Holly is pregnant. But soon, their joy is overshadowed by a mounting sense of dread that something sinister lurks within Holly’s womb. As the child grows within her, she begins to exhibit increasingly bizarre and violent behavior. Desperate to save his wife and unborn child, Trevor searches for answers and discovers Holly may have fallen prey to an ancient curse spawned by an evil demon with an insatiable lust for blood.



Trailer And Release Details For “Septic Man”


Septic Man Movie Poster (2)Check out the trailer for Jesse Thomas Cook excretas chiller “Septic Man”. The film will be available On Demand and for digital download August 12 and will have a limited theatrical run on August 15. The DVD will be available August 19.

Starz Digital Media is set to release the award-winning horror film “Septic Man” this summer. “Septic Man” was directed by Jesse Thomas Cook (Monster Brawl) and written by Tony Burgess (PontyPool). It co-stars Molly Dunsworth (Bunker 6, Hobo with a Shotgun) and Robert Maillet (The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones).

From the creators of Monster Brawl, Exit Humanity, and 2014’s Hellmouth and Ejecta, Septic Man dazzled audiences at the 2013 Fantastic Fest, where its star Jason David Brown (Exit Humanity) won “Best Actor” in a horror feature. The film also garnered a prize at Toronto After Dark 2013.

Septic Man follows Jack, a sewage worker who is determined to uncover the cause of the town's water contamination crisis. During his investigation, he becomes trapped underground in a septic tank and undergoes a hideous transformation. He must team up with a docile Giant and confront a murdering madman in order to escape.

Septic Man is an odyssey into the darkest depths of gross-out horror.



Imposing First Poster For “Extraterrestrial”

The first official poster has been released for The Vicious Brothers’ “Extraterrestrial”. The film will hit VOD on October 17th thanks to IFC with a theatrical release on November 21st.  The film is directed by Colin Minihan and stars Brittany Allen, Freddie Stroma, Melanie Papalia, Jesse Moss, Gil Bellows.

Hoping to spend a romantic weekend in the woods at her parents' cabin, April (Brittany Allen) is dismayed when her boyfriend Kyle (Freddie Stroma) invites his friends to party in the woods. As the group settles into the secluded location, they discover that a UFO has crashed nearby and that they are being observed by one of the craft's survivors. They end up attacking and killing the alien, which prompts a series of attacks by its crew mates.

Extraterrestrial-Poster

DVD Release Date For “Chemical Peel”


A DVD release date has been set for Hank Braxtan’s alchemical nightmare “Chemical Peel”. The film is on my “to review” list but everything I have seen so far concerning the flick has been promising.

ChemicalPeelDVD
Press Release:
Prepare to feel the burn as Chemical Peel arrives on DVD (plus Digital), Digital HD, and Video on Demand October 14 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

What starts off as the perfect bachelorette weekend quickly takes a gruesome turn when a deadly chemical toxin is released into the air.

Starring Natalie Victoria (Abstraction), Arielle Brachfeld (The Haunting of Whaley House), and Stephanie Greco (Hansel & Gretel), the Chemical Peel DVD includes two audio commentaries, a “making of” featurette, and outtakes.

A weekend trip to the woods for a bachelorette party turns deadly when a nearby train accident causes a chemical reaction to overtake the secluded valley. But waiting out the disaster inside could prove to be just as dangerous as the outdoors.

Special Features:
  • Audio commentary with actors Natalie Victoria, Arielle Brachfeld, Stephanie Greco, Lacy Fisher, Leigh Davis, and Lony’e Perrine
  • Audio commentary with director Hank Braxtan, writer Dan Sinclair, and producer Tarkan Dospil
  • “Slow Burn: The Making of Chemical Peel” featurette
  • Outtakes





Tuesday, July 29, 2014

‘Teen Mom’ Reality Star Cast In “Axeman 2: Overkill”


FarrahAbrahamFarrah Abraham of former “Teen Mom” fame has been cast as Fannie Rae Baker, a bible-thumping Evangelical Christian, in Joston Theney’s sequel “Axeman 2: Overkill”. Abraham’s character along with her husband and friends, are on their way to the Crimson Cross’ Christian Couple Camp when The Axeman shows up to separate them... and dismember them. Abraham describes Fannie as, “an Uber Bible Thumper – getting a little radical about the Bible and taking the words farther than the way God intended.”


BryanClarkAlso cast in the film as the axe-wielding nightmare is 3-time World Champion, WWE’s “Adam Bomb”/ WCW’s “Wrath”, also known as Bryan Clark. Well aware of the new direction executive producer Christopher Otiko and the team at Blood Red Films were looking to take the franchise, director Joston “El Rey” Theney knew Clark was perfect for the role. He describes the 6’6” behemoth as having “the most menacing 40-yard stare” he’s even seen. “Just like me, he’s a warm, good ol’ boy from the south but he has an uncanny ability flip the switch and become this massive, imposing and terrifying figure,” Theney went on to say.


Rounding out the cast of crazed Christians are Allen Merritt (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) as Fannie Rae’s hick husband Jim Ed Baker, Arielle Hader as Fannie Rae’s best friend Irma Jean Manly and Edward Gusts as David Manly.

Angelica Bridges (“Baywatch,” “The Bold and The Beautiful”) has been cast as the money-hungry mercenary Dungie. “Big Brother” reality show winner Rachel Reilly joins the cast as the tough as nails, double-crossing Breaker.

Arielle Brachfeld reprises her role as the reluctant hero Deputy Darlene Whitfield, as well as Joston “El Rey” Theney in his surviving role of the affable, death-defying Darren Cole. Rounding out the cast as of this release are Monique Parent (THE PROFANE EXHIBIT), Jacqui Holland (MY BEST FRIEND’S GIRL), Maria Olsen (PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3), Alisha Seaton (THE FOURTH KIND), Whitney Nielsen (CHILDREN OF SORROW), Hanna Landberg (RABID LOVE), Michael Foster, Sasha Higgins, Linda Wong and Craig Partamian.

The film is a collaboration between Christopher Otiko’s Blood Red Fims and Joston “El Rey” Theney’s #SinningWorks. Theney writes, directs and produces the film and Otiko co-writes and executive produces. AXEMAN 2: OVERKILL will receive a theatrical release in 2015, release date and locations TBA.

Official Twitter: @AxemanTheMovie
Official Instagram: Axeman_Trilogy



Pagan Festival Shout Out: Lammas/Lughnasadh


lammasAugust 1st is Lammas! It is the beginning of the harvest seasons as the first fruits of the crop beg to be gathered. Lammas also known as Lughnasadh is also a moment to observe the waning summer as fall approaches. Depending on your individual spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Lammas, but typically the focus is on either the early harvest aspect, or the celebration of the Celtic god Lugh. It's the season when the first grains are ready to be harvested and threshed, when the apples and grapes are ripe for the plucking, and we're grateful for the food we have on our tables.

Lugh or Lug (/luɣ/; modern Irish: /lu:/) is an Irish deity represented in mythological texts as a hero and High King of the distant past. He is known by the epithets Lámhfhada (pronounced /'la:wad̪ˠə/, meaning "long arm" or "long hand"), for his skill with a spear or sling, Ildánach ("skilled in many arts"),Samhildánach ("Equally skilled in many arts"), Lonnbeimnech ("fierce striker" or perhaps "sword-shouter") and Macnia ("boy hero"), and by thematronymic mac Ethlenn or mac Ethnenn ("son of Ethliu or Ethniu"). He is a reflex of the pan-Celtic god Lugus, and his Welsh counterpart is Lleu Llaw Gyffes, "The Bright One with the Strong Hand".


Lugh's name has been interpreted as deriving from the Proto-Indo-European root *leuk-, "flashing light", and he is often surrounded by solar imagery, so from Victorian times he has often been considered a sun god, similar to the Greco-Roman Apollo though historically he is only ever equated with Mercury. He appears in folklore as a trickster, and in County Mayo thunderstorms were referred to as battles between Lugh and Balor, so he is sometimes considered a storm god: Alexei Kondratiev notes his epithet lonnbeimnech ("fierce striker") and concludes that "if his name has any relation to 'light' it more properly means 'lightning-flash' (as in Breton luc'h and Cornish lughes)". However, Breton and Cornish are Brythonic languages in which Proto-Celtic *k did undergo systematic sound changes into -gh- and -ch-.

lughLugh's mastery of all arts has led many to link him with the unnamed Gaulish god Julius Caesar identifies with Mercury, whom he describes as the "inventor of all the arts". Caesar describes the Gaulish Mercury as the most revered deity in Gaul, overseeing journeys and business transactions. Juliette Wood interprets Lugh's name as deriving from the Celtic root *lugios, "oath", and the Irish word lugh connotes ideas of "blasphemy, cussing, lies, bond, joint, binding oath", which strengthens the identification with Mercury, who was, among other attributes, a god of contracts.


Celebrate the harvesting of the grain at Lammas.
Image by Cultura/Henry Arden/Riser/Getty Images
In some Pagan traditions, Lammas is the time of year when the Goddess takes on the aspects of the Harvest Mother. The earth is fruitful and abundant, crops are bountiful, and livestock are fattening up for winter. However, the Harvest Mother knows that the cold months are coming, and so she encourages us to begin gathering up what we can. This is the season for harvesting corn and grain, so that we can bake bread to store and have seeds for next year's planting.

This ritual celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and the cycle of rebirth, and can be done by a solitary practitioner or adapted for a group or coven setting. Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- sickles and scythes, garden goodies like ivy and grapes and corn, poppies, dried grains, and early autumn foods like apples. If you like, light some Lammas Rebirth incense.

Have a candle on your altar to represent the Harvest Mother -- choose something in orange, red or yellow. These colors not only represent the blaze of the summer sun, but also the coming changes of autumn. You'll also need a few stalks of wheat and an un-sliced loaf of bread (homemade is best, but if you can't manage, a store-bought loaf will do). A goblet of ritual wine is optional.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

Light the candle, and say:
The Wheel of the Year has turned once more,
and the harvest will soon be upon us.
We have food on our tables, and
the soil is fertile.
Nature's bounty, the gift of the earth,
gives us reasons to be thankful.
Mother of the Harvest, with your sickle and basket,
bless me with abundance and plenty.


altarHold the stalks of wheat before you, and think about what they symbolize: the power of the earth, the coming winter, the necessity of planning ahead. What do you need help planning right now? Are there sacrifices you should be making in the present that will be reaped in the future?

Rub the stalks between your fingers so a few grains of wheat fall upon the altar. Scatter them on the ground as a gift to the earth. If you're inside, leave them on the altar for now -- you can always take them outside later. Say:

The power of the Harvest is within me.
As the seed falls to the earth and is reborn each year,
I too grow as the seasons change.
As the grain takes root in the fertile soil,
I too will find my roots and develop.
As the smallest seed blooms into a mighty stalk,
I too will bloom where I landed.
As the wheat is harvested and saved for winter,
I too will set aside that which I can use later.


Tear off a piece of the bread. If you're performing this ritual as a group, pass the loaf around the circle so that each person present can take off a small chunk of bread. As each person passes the bread, they should say:

I pass to you this gift of the first harvest.

Everyone eats their bread together. If you have ritual wine, pass it around the circle for people to wash the bread down. Once everyone has finished their bread, take a moment to meditate on the cycle of rebirth and how it applies to your own life - physically, emotionally, spiritually. When you are ready, if you have cast a circle, close it or dismiss the quarters at this time. Otherwise, simply end the ritual in the manner of your tradition.

What You Need:
  • A candle to represent the Harvest Mother
  • Stalks of wheat
  • A loaf of bread
  • Ritual wine (optional)

Monday, July 28, 2014

Trailer Released For “Blood Moon”


Blood MoonCheck out the trailer for werewolf flick “Blood Moon”. Jinga Films will release the Jeremy Wooding directed horror in November for UK fans. “Blood Moon” stars George Blagden, Ian Whyte, Anna Skellern, Corey Johnson, Shaun Dooley and Jack Fox. The film looks to be a pretty cool period horror film. This one is definitely on my list of films to check out.

1887. Colorado. A deserted town lit by the glow of a reddish full moon. A stagecoach full of passengers and an enigmatic gunslinger find themselves prisoners of two outlaws on the run. As the travelers attempt to outwit the outlaws it becomes apparent that a bigger menace lurks outside; a beast that only appears on the night of a blood red moon.








Official Trailer For “Tusk”


TuskThe official trailer for Kevin Smith’s “Tusk” is out. With plot details still limited it is nice to get the glimpse into a truly fascinating project. “Tusk”  stars Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez and Michael Parks. It hits theatres on September 19th, 2014.

“Tusk” has Justin Long’s character, a podcaster, heading out in search of answers to the disappearance of his podcast co-host. He finds Howard Howe, an adventurer and a truly fantastic tale that somehow involves a mysterious walrus creature named Odobenus Rosmarus.

Trailer Released For “Live-In Fear”


lifA trailer has been released for Brandon Scullion’s “Live-In Fear”. The film is a tale of four dysfunctional friends on a crash course to bloody self-destruction in the snowy Utah mountains. “Live-In Fear” stars Sarah Greyson, Arielle Brachfeld, David Lautman, Chris Dorman, Nancy Wolfe, Geoffrey Gould, Myles Cranford, Charlene Geisler, and Maria Olsen.

“Live-In Fear” is a movie about confronting your fears and either defeating them, or letting them consume you. When four friends go on a mountain vacation to escape their normal lives, they soon find their fears and anxieties manifesting into reality through supernatural means, champing at the bit to drive them insane and kill them.


Teaser Trailer For “Deep Dark”


deep darkCheck out the teaser trailer and poster released for indie horror “Deep Dark”. The film is directed by Michael Medaglia and is currently completing sound design and VFX and pushing to premiere in the winter. “Deep Dark” is Produced by Lara Cuddy, Jason and Todd Freeman, Thomas Ethan Harris, and David Woods.

Press Release:
Vitamin M and Polluted Pictures are proud to premiere the teaser trailer for their feature film production, “Deep Dark,” that features the voice of Denise Poirier (actress who voiced Æon Flux from the television show of the same name) as the voice of the “The Hole.”

Denise says of the project, “I’ve always loved voice work, and working on the DEEP DARK was especially challenging, but also incredibly fun. I mean – how does one put together a character description for a sinister voice in the wall? With the Deep Dark team at the helm, it was an easy thing to do. They were so fun to be in the room with, and purely professional. The recording studio felt like a creative and nurturing space. I really haven’t had that much of a good time working on a project in years.”

Deep Dark is about “a failed sculptor finds a strange, talking hole in the wall. The hole has the power to fulfill his wildest dreams, or it just might become his worst nightmare.”

Co-Production Company Polluted Pictures, Todd Freeman and Lara Cuddy, are currently in Montreal pitching their next project “Love Sick” at the Frontières International Co-Production Market which is in conjunction with the Fantasia International Film Festival. They’ll also be meeting with potential Sales Agents, Festival Programmers, and Distributors on behalf of Deep Dark during their time in Montreal.

Deep Dark Teaser from Michael Medaglia on Vimeo.



New Official Trailer For “Leprechaun: Origins”


Leprechaun OriginsWWE’s installment to the “Leprechaun” franchise hits VOD on August 26th. “Leprechaun: Origins” is directed by Zach Lipovsky and stars Dylan ‘Hornswoggle’ Postl, Stephanie Bennett, Andrew Dunbar, Melissa Roxburgh and Brendan Fletcher. The film hits DVD shelves on September 30th. Check out the new official trailer released for “Leprechaun: Origins” below.

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.




My Review Of “New Blood Rising”


New-Blood-Rising-2014-Movie-4Chad Zuver’s “New Blood Rising” is indie/low budget fantasy that tells the story of a race nearing extinction. The story revolves around a small clan of vampires fighting for survival while facing hunters who are determined to see the species exterminated. “New Blood Rising” stars Kayla Elizabeth, Dana Furlong, Vanessa Leonard, Thomas Sloan, Chad Zuver, Nathan Pelland, Ashley King, Lisa Marie, James Fite, Molly Sute, Allan Meyette and Rebekka Daniel.

Synopsis: Jade, her sister Ophelia, and brother Bryce, are the last three vampires in the world. They come into this small town to figure out a plan to restore their bloodline and raise an army of vampires. Jade says she needs someone with pure and innocent blood to restore balance to the family and for Jade to take over the world. Bryce finds a young girl named Brie, who is exactly what Jade wants. The one thing standing in the way of Jade's plan, is the group of vampire hunters that just moved in next to Brie's house. The Hunters are lead by Archer, and is followed by Karver, Riley, and Ash. Their lone goal is to protect Brie from Jade and her siblings and finally put an end to the vampires.

The story presented by Zuver with “New Blood Rising” offers a twist, placing vampire as victim (sort of) and man as violator (again-sort of). It is a view that is under-told in horror. Usually television medium is the ones focusing on the supernatural as being persecuted so it is a fresh change to see the roles flipped. The film gives a strong story arc that seems coherent and complete-a lot of indie films, especial low budget horror, tend to rush the story and lose a lot of the meat of the story. Chad Zuver as director manages to give us a clear vision that holds one’s attention from start to finish.

The acting is pretty well executed, the cast show commitment to their characters, execute their lines effortlessly. True that some of the needed emotion to really sell the story falls flat at times, but for low budget/homemade style indie cinema “New Blood Rising” delivers a quality product. The action scenes didn’t really have much impact, and the special effects are bare minimum. That would normally kill a film like this but considering the cast’s ability to keep the story alive through drama, and dialog from start to finish I enjoyed watching is vampire flick-“New Blood Rising”.

Overall the film puts out a nice story, gives a unique view on a over-tapped subject, and is entertaining. This is ultra low budget cinema with an “amateur” cast, (amateur being a relative term here because I recognized the names from a couple other projects), so if you are expecting something with high production value or effects gimmicks that dazzle then “New Blood Rising” will disappoint you. If you are a fan of low budget/homemade horror that is nicely executed, gives good story and is entertaining on a stripped down scale, then “New Blood Rising” is one of those films you will enjoy. I dug it- I recognized the vision Zuver was trying present, enjoyed the ride and felt a bit of the lost Gen-X vibe that indie film once held.

Trailer For “Night Of The Living Dead” 2014


notldA trailer has surfaced for Chad Zuver’s revision of classic zombie horror “Night Of The Living Dead”. The film stars Lee Godwin, Rebekka Daniel, Gad Holland, Sarah Thomas, Kayla Elizabeth, Lisa Marie, Melissa Zahs, JJ Lahey, Layla Thomas, Mark Klein, and John Klenk.

“Night Of The Living Dead” 2014 offers up an updated retelling of Romero’s cult classic while keeping with the stripped down, low budget still that embodied the classic.

First Trailer For “Mad Max: Fury Road”


mmfrThe first look trailer for the upcoming Mad Max installment, “Mad Max: Fury Road” has been released. The trailer debuted at Comic-Con and offers up an explosive level of action, vivid design and what looks to be an epic continuation of the post-apocalyptic tale of life after the death of the world we know.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” is directed by George Miller and stars Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Hugh Keays-Byrne, and Nathan Jones. The film hits theatres in 2015.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD is the fourth film of George Miller‘s Road Warrior/Mad Max franchise co-written and directed by Miller. The post-apocalyptic action film is set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world of fire and blood exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order…

There’s Max (played by TOM HARDY from The Dark Knight Rises), a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos. And… Furiosa (played by CHARLIZE THERON from Prometheus), a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland.

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