Pagan Festival Shout Out: Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami (Devanagari कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी kṛṣṇa janmāṣṭamī), also known as Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanti or sometimes simply as Janmashtami, is an annual celebration of the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Shraavana (August–September) in the Hindu calendar. Krishna was the 8th son of Devaki and Vasudeva.

Based on scriptural details and astrological calculations, the date of Krishna's birth, known as Janmashtami, is 19 July 3228 BCE and he lived until 3102 BCE. Krishna belonged to the Vrishni clan of Yadavas from Mathura, and was the eighth son born to the princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva.

Following the birth, Vishnu ordered Vasudeva to take Krishna to Gokul to Nanda and Yashoda, where he could live safely, away from his Uncle Kansa. Vasudeva took Krishna with him and crossed Yamuna to reach Gokul. There, everyone was asleep; so he quietly kept him there and returned with Yashoda's daughter. Kansa, thinking her to be Devki's eight child, threw her on a stone. But she rose into the air and transformed into Yogmaya (who is Vishnu's helper) and warned Kansa about his death. Then, she disappeared. Krishna grew up in Gokul with his brother, Balram. He then returned to Mathura and killed Kansa with the help of Balram.

Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and staying up until midnight, the time when Krishna is believed to have been born. Images of Krishna's infancy are placed in swings and cradles in temples and homes. At midnight, devotees gather around for devotional songs, dance and exchange gifts. Some temples also conduct readings of the Hindu religious scripture Bhagavad Gita.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Portumnalia

It is time again for the Portumnalia, the festival to the god Portunus. Hewas an ancient Roman god, and the god of keys, gates and doors (porta), as well as livestock. He protected grain warehouses and barns. The Temple of Portunus was consecrated on August 17 in the first century BC, and still stands to this day. Portunalia, the festival celebrated in honor of Portunus, was held annually and was celebrated at Rome by the Pons Aemilius and also at Ostia. The Romans threw keys (the symbol of Portunus) in a solemn manner into a fire during Portunalia for good luck.

I have keys placed over the entry ways leading into my home for protection. I keep a lot of old keys around for the varies holidasy and amulets that will use them. I will be throwing a key into the flames tomorrow evening! Read the rest of my post about Portunus and the Portumnalia here.

Trailer For “President Wolfman”

Check out the trailer for Wild Eye Releasing’s “President Wolfman”. Wild Eye announced the North American DVD release for the film will be August 26th, 2014. “President Wolfman” stars Marc Evan Jackson, Paul Alvarez, Ashley Ann, and Anthony Jenkins. It is a unique project made up of stock footage and public domain material edited into a feature film with a re-voiced soundtrack added for the dialog.

Meet John Wolfman - politician, single parent and werewolf. A man whose (hairy) hands are definitely full. Not only is he trying to stop his opponents from selling the US to China (by way of the controversial CHIMERICA Bill), but also solve a series of grizzly murders in the capitol. Add to this a crazed Mad Scientist, Smokey the Bear, a Miss Teen Beauty Pageant and a race against time to save his 8 year old son Bobby Wolfman from a murderous Vice President, and you have a movie that will keep you howling.

Trailer Released For “The Babadook”

Check out the trailer for “The Babadook” (funny name I know-but be very afraid!). “The Babadook” is directed by Jennifer Kent and follows a single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, no battling with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house,  soon discovering a sinister presence all around her. The film stars Essie Davis, Hayley McElhinney, and Daniel Hanshall.

Six years after the death of her husband, Amelia struggles to discipline her “out-of-control” six-year-old Samuel – a son she finds difficult to love. Samuel’s dreams are plagued by a monster he believes is coming to kill them both. When a disturbing storybook called “The Babadook” turns up at their house, Samuel is convinced that the Babadook is the creature he’s been dreaming about. And when Amelia begins to see glimpses of the creature herself, it slowly dawns on her that the thing Samuel has been warning her about may well be real.

Official Trailer For “Volcano Zombies” Arrives

Check out the first official trailer for “Volcano Zombies”. The film is directed by Rene Perez and takes on the creatures in a creative style, filled with lava! “Volcano Zombies” stars Danny Trejo, Tom Downey, Moniqua Plante, Robert F. Lyons, Nicole Cummins, Kevin Norman, Julia Lehman, Kyle T. Heffner, Tom Nagel, Adam Gregor, Jenny Lin, Morgan Lester.

A sheriff must rescue an estranged family from a mountain during a volcano eruption and fight off a horde of lava-filled zombies brought to life by a curse.

My Review Of “Mine Games”

“Mine Games” is psychological horror film directed by Richard Gray that tells the nightmarish ordeal of a group of friends, celebrating graduating college, in a cabin nestled in the woods. It stars Briana Evigan, Rebecca Da Costa, Julianna Guill, Rafi Gavron, Joseph Cross, Ethan Peck, Alex Meraz, Lindsay Lamb and Michael Guillod. “Mine Games” combines the standard group-getaway horror set-up with a complex, headier story of time/space overlap and ancient mythology.

“Mine Games” creates a strong story that manages to be chilling and intense. There is no lag in the time span from when the film starts to when the action begins. The film isn’t an all out high production thrill ride but it maintains a steady, entertaining pace filled with creepiness, and excitement. The style is pretty standard as far as horror direction and character definition but the unique blended nature, adding time/space situation on top of mythology, keeps the “cabin in the woods” set-up from being cliché or boring. “Mine Games” offers a more cerebral nightmare that never looses total cohesion.

The cast deliver pretty believable characters, they are stereotypes scene in horror, however Gray and the writers give enough material to allow the characters feel authentic, convincing, and relatable. The acting never becomes stale or over-drawn. A lot of horror films either play up the clichés until they look clownish or create characters that not even fiction could make believable as friends. “Mine Games” keeps the relationships and social dynamics even keeled enough to make, both the group, as college friends, and the individual interactions seem plausible.

The special effects utilized in “Mine Games” are tight. There isn’t an exploitative nature to the gore or deaths, but what is scene on film comes across realistic looking. The shadowy nature and fact that almost all of the scenes are in nearly dark areas, or at night, gives the film most of it’s spooky quality. The cinematography hearkens back to more traditional methods of straight cam shots, light inflections and natural third person views. With all the gimmicky, modern methods of handhelds, shaky cam shots, or first person view points, it is nice to see some aspects of classic horror story telling style still used. Not that I have a problem with fresh, innovative filming techniques like first person POV or found-footage.

Overall “Mine Games” gives us a great nightmare scenario that is well executed. The story is creepy, creative and cerebral. It will not appeal to all horror fans, and there is plenty to get the intellectuals stirred up, with the whole time/space-Ouroboros aspects of the story. Personally I spent a lot of the film wondering what exactly was the real deal happening- was it a “Soul Survivors” situation or was it a take similar to “Triangle”. Once I caught up with the true nature of the hell these guys were dealing with I was still compelled to the story. It does weaken a bit toward the end after the big reveal. Not much though, and the time until the ending-when it all becomes clear- isn’t all that long, so “Mine Games” works pretty much from start to finish.

Julian Richard’s “The Last Horror Movie” Gets U.S. Release Date

“Shiver” director Julian Richards 2004 cult hit “The Last Horror Movie” will be re-released on DVD/VOD in the US and Canada on August 26th 2014 by MVD. This special collectors edition includes a directors commentary, behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes as well as trailers for Richards other award winning features including “Darklands”, “Silent Cry” and “Summer Scars”.

“The Last Horror Movie” is about ordinary madness caught on camcorder and takes reality TV to its very limits. Silver-tongued serial killer Max Parry invites us to watch as he shoots a fly-on-the-wall documentary about his working practices. Billed as "an intelligent film about murder", it's a snuff movie showcase of his greatest hits overlaid with his suave, amoral commentary about the nature of killing. Max is a middle-class suburbanite who shoots wedding videos by day and snuff movies by night. A remorseless psychopath with a flair for self-promotion who wants to prove that we're all capable of murder.

"It's great to see the film getting a re-release" said Richards " and it will be interesting to see how todays internet savvy audience will react to some of the ideas explored in the film. If Max is still out there, somewhere, I'm sure he's now using social networks to lure his victims".

'Takes the notorious home invasion scene from HENRY and multiplies it by 10'
—Tony Timpone, Fangoria

'Disarmingly real... an ice pick meticulously inserted into your temple'
—Rod Gudino, Rue Morgue Magazine

'Thought provoking, mesmerizing, compelling'
—John Fallon, Arrow In The Head

Crowd Funding Starts For “Killjoy’s Psycho Circus” Series

Charles Band and Full Moon Features has kicked off a crowd funding campaign for “Killjoy’s Psycho Circus”. The series will bring the “Killjoy” franchise to the new Fullmoonstreaming site and bring back the demonic clown as well as Batty Boop, Punchy, and Freakshow. The new series promises some new monsters of mayhem in some truly twisted antics. “Killjoy’s Psycho Circus” is currently running the crowd funding campaign over on Kickstarter. 

Killjoy, the demon of vengeance, trickster god and killer clown has finally made it to Earth! Along with his gruesome crew Freakshow, Punchy and the sexy/psychotic Batty Boop, Killjoy is free to terrorize mortals in new and excruciating ways. But two years down the road Killjoy discovers that life on Earth is a drag, filled with inconveniences such as eating, breathing, taxes and immigration issues. His crew has left for other jobs, and Batty Boop has gone her own way after a bitter lover’s quarrel. Not to mention that Killjoy is now semi-mortal!

Meanwhile, back in hell, Beelzebub is on trial for letting Killjoy escape. The only way that Beelzebub can redeem himself is to trap Killjoy’s spirit and bring it back in a box. For this mission he is granted a monumental spaceship capable of destroying entire cities!

Killjoy has finally settled in, starring in his own web series called PSYCHO CIRCUS, as well as running a movie and merchandise company with the notorious Hambo the Ranch Hand. The challenges of being a producer are nothing compared to the challenges of staying alive after Beelzebub’s assassins appear to kill the demon clown and capture his spirit. Killjoy will have to find a way to reunite his gang of clowns in order to defeat Beelzebub and his minions!

It all comes together in an epic battle in KILLJOY’S PSYCHO CIRCUS!

U.S. Release Details For “Devoured”

“Devoured” will be available on VOD in U.S. September 2nd. The film is directed by Greg Olliver and stars Marta Milans, Kara Jackson, Bruno Gunn, Tyler Hollinger. “Devoured” is a psychological thriller set to be released by Gravitas Ventures.

Lourdes is a young woman that works at night cleaning a restaurant. All the money she made is for her son that lives in her hometown with her mother. We know very little about Lourdes son, only that he is sick and Lourdes is working every night and sending money to help her son and find a cure for his illness. Suddenly, Lourdes starts seeing visions in the restaurant where she works, in her little apartment. These visions, her evil co-workers and her son apart from her, all this stress Lourdes out and she began questioning herself who wants to hurt her? Or if all of whats happening is really happening or not.

New Trailer Released For “Dark Cove”

Check out the new official trailer for Rob Willey’s “Dark Cove”. The film follows five friends who go camping on the wild coast of Vancouver Island. Things start to go seriously wrong while partying with two Australian surfers. “Dark Cove” stars Eliot Bayne, Rob Willey, Montanna McNalley, Jules Cotton, Ty Stokoe, James Anderson, Cameron Crosby, Rob Abbate, and Alexandra Brown. No official release date has been announced for the film yet, but a festival run in the works and awaiting confirmation of venues.

                   

Trailer And Release Date For “2 Bedrooms 1 Bath”

“2 Bedrooms 1 Bath” will hit select theatres on September 5th, 2014. The film is directed by Stanley Yung, produced by Al Bravo Studios and Chemical Mind Studios. “2 Bedrooms 1 Bath” stars Michele Hicks, Andrew Walker, Costas Mandylor, Dee Wallace and Eric Roberts. The film is described as a frightening, psychological thriller that shows there is no turning back once the evil clutches of the supernatural grab hold of you.

A young couple moves into what appears to be the perfect home, but when they discovered that they will soon become parents, things begin to fall apart. Rachel, the expecting mother, is visited and tormented by a ghost in a red dress. At the same time, Kevin, the soon to be father, simultaneously begins to experience issues at work. What was once a happy couple, is torn apart by horrific events which all seem to be centered around the birth of their unborn child.

Trailer And Poster For “Hans Crippleton: Talk To The Hans”

Check out the trailer and poster released for horror/comedy “Hans Crippleton: Talk To The Han”. The film is directed by Jimmy Lee Combs and stars Andy Hankins, Heath Heine, Katie Bevard, Irene Leonard and Ryan Manley-Rohrer. Zombie films are at the peak of their popularity in pop culture, especially when tossing comedy into the mix. Hans Crippleton: Talk to the Hans embodies the horror/comedy genre while straying away from the mundane to deliver a unique and hilarious zombie film.

The Crippleton family is the highlight of this trailer and rightfully so since the film follows their day to day routine. Some may fear their life when encountering the Crippleton’s because… well let’s be honest, they look like they would eat the flesh right off your bones, but for those who get to know them, you may just find out you’d like to stick around for the boozin’ and floozin’.

Hans Crippleton: Talk to the Hans introduces us to a backwoods family plagued by a mysterious zombie curse. Enter Barnaby Hunt, host of Horror Hunts, a show dedicated to bringing you the story behind horror legends, supernatural occurrences and the macabre. We find Barnaby on Sukkin Booz farm which is inhabited by Hans Crippleton and his inbred family members. Barnaby and his camera crew are swept into the backwoods ways of this disturbing family and are along for the ride as they uncover the mystery behind the Crippleton family zombie curse. Hans Crippleton (the leader of the pack) is the star of the show as we witness his rise and fall from fame. And let’s just say he gets into a lot mischief with his little hand and proud hump.

Brinkvision Picks Cult Comedy “L” For North American Distribution

Brinkvision has acquired the rights to the cult comedy “L” for North American distribution. The film is directed by Babis Makridis and Aris Servetalis, Efthymis Papadimitriou, Lefteris Matthaiou, Nota Cherniavsky, Thanassis Dimou and Stavros Raptis. “L” will be released on VOD and DVD August 26th, 2014. Check out the latest clip to come out for the film as well as the trailer.

A man lives in his car. He is 40 years old and although he does not have a lot of free time, when he has, he chooses to spend it with his family. He meets his wife and two children at a specified day and time in car parking lots. His job is to locate and bring the finest honey to a 50-year old man. A new driver shows up and the man gets fired. Disappointed, he decides to leave his car behind. The man’s life changes, and he finds it absurd that no one trusts him anymore.

The Top Entries Have Been Announced For “Empire State Of Dead” Zombie Short Film Contest

SRS Cinema LLC and SCARE-A-CON are proud to announce this year’s finalist in their “Empire State of Dead” contest. They are as follows:

-“Occupied” – Dir. Georffrey Orlowski
-“Necropath” – Dir. Joshua Reale
-“Revenant” – Dir. David Royal & Andrew Peters
-“Fresh Meat” – Dir. Chad Foster
-“Blessed are the Meek” – Dir. Matthew Peters
-“Zombie Hipsters from Upstate” – Dir. Stephen Long
-“Fodder” – Dir. David Dollard
-“What’s the Matter with Allison” – Dir. Alexander Bell

These entries will compete for top honor at this year’s SCARE-A-CON event Sept 12^th-14^th at The Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. The top short, as announced at the event, will receive $500 in prize money and a potential development deal with SRS/SAC. All 8 of these shorts will also come out as part of a feature length movie called “Empire State of Dead” sometime in the near future.

In addition, ALL entries in the contest will screen as part of the festivities at SCARE-A-CON.
A schedule of showings, which includes additional film fest entries and underground features, will be posted to the site soon. Swing by www.scareacon.com for continual updates on this and all the convention events.

Slasher Satire “Sledge” Release Date Announced

The horror satire “Sledge” has a release date. The film will hit VOD on September 7th with a DVD release slated for October 7th, 2014. You can read my review of “Sledge” here! The film is directed by John B Sovie II, with Kristian Hanson and stars Kristian Hanson, Russell Matoes, Dustin Bowman, Travis Hanson, Stephanie Tupper, and Rachel Cornell.

A spoof of the horror genre, and littered with nods and references to fright flicks of yesteryear, the film fixes on a psychopath who not only believes he’s in a movie and video game but that he’s the hero of this story.

“Sledge is a horror comedy that takes a loving poke to the horror classics we all grew up with”, says writer and co-director Kristian Hanson. “Adam Lynch is an original slasher who loves to talk and make jokes as he viciously mutilates the dumb campers who always return to a site of mass murders for no apparent reason.”

Hanson says SLEDGE is a movie made for the horror fan like himself.

“The overall idea of Sledge was to make a horror film that I would want to see. I love horror comedy and instead of having the typical brooding giant mute, I went for the funny and psychotic killer who always seems to be shorter than his victims. I wanted to pay homage to the greats like Jason, Freddy, Leatherface and Pinhead but put my own personal spin on it with my type of inappropriate humor. Adam Lynch is a slasher that brings the funny and the body count.”

Fab 5 Blog Hop! :

Fabulous Five Blog Hop

I have been tagged to answer these questions by the outstanding and thought provoking author Laura Susan Johnson. Her work is without a doubt inspiring and compelling, touching on contemporary issues which forces us to challenge our view of the world around us. She is the author of Crush, and Bright. You can check out Laura’s work at  http://bright-the-book.snack.ws/.

1.)    What am I working on?



Southern nightmares is a trilogy novel with three stories that revolve around one of Trion, Georgia’s most macabre locations, Corpsewood Manor, locally known as “Devil worshipper’s mountain. A site that saw 60’s era good times filled with sex, drugs and rock‘n’roll, hosted by the gay couple that called the place home. It is also the place that saw a nightmarish horror unfold as the two men were brutally murdered and left in a manor resembling a work of art that depicted their own untimely death.

My trilogy doesn’t actually talk about that crime directly but instead focuses on three terrifying tales that take place in locations that have indirectly been touched by Devil Worshipper’s Mountain by some way.



Three stories of horror framed around the occult and ultimate sacrifice.

I - Darktree Estates; Devon learns the true meaning of "sacrifice" when it comes to his family's constant climb up the social ladder.
II- A Walk Through The Corpse Wood; A simple Saturday hike in a place of legend and long forgot horrors turns demonic for these high school friends.
III- The Council's Ring; Some places are better left undiscovered in this tale that has a couple seeking out a fabled location of witchery. 
 
2.)  How does my work differ from others?

My work is different from other horror writers in that I focus on my stories with a more sympathetic point-of-view from that dark place that gives birth to nightmares and horror. Sort of a “he said, she said” dichotomy. The stories take the tradition view of horror and frames it with strong naturally developing LGBTS characters without sensationalizing their personas beyond what is normally found in the eclectic personalities found in society. My style of writing is very descriptive, and macabre. Although a lot of my characters are LGBT as well as Straight, my stories are relatable to all horror fans. I have been told that I do not shy away from writing the horror that unfolds in detail.
 
3.) Why do I write what I do?

I write about the subject matter that I do because it is the type of stories that comforted me and entertained me from as early as I can remember. I came from a clan of cousins and parents that enjoyed late night bonfires, telling ghost stories. We held séances and went to haunted cemeteries to experience the paranormal. Horror is in my blood. The first mature fiction book I read that wasn’t assigned by Elementary school course study was Stephen King’s Cujo. From that first experience I have been addicted to horror.
I have since developed a broader understanding and desire to create horror that is all inclusive storytelling-allowing for fans of all communities, backgrounds and cultures to enjoy and feel apart of the community. I would like to think that my stories speak to all fans of nightmare fiction genres without excluding or only speaking to one particular group.
 
4.) How does my writing process work?

My process for writing is kind of chaotic. I usually have a basic idea or scene that pops in my mind, either in a dream or just during a random moment. I don’t really focus strongly on the idea until I catch myself playing it out further, usually while doing other things or while writing another story. At that point I start rough writing the scene and expanding on the concept on paper. When I am happy with the total vision I begin drafting a story and adding characters. A lot of what I add to my stories are over-dramatized events that I work into fantasy so that it fits the characters and situations in a horror setting. In every character and situation that builds my characters backgrounds come from my own past and the experiences I have had in life. There is a little bit of truth sprinkled in my fantastical nightmares.

Who’s next on the blog hop?

I tag Char Hardin, author of the recently published Ogres of the Hickory Cottage: The Urban Fantasy Series Book 1 . She is a consummate writer with a wonderful and whimsical style of storytelling. She is also a the host of her own Blogtalkradio show Charred Remains.

Horror Anthology “Tales Of The Supernatural”DVD Extended Cut Release

Greenway Entertainment is giving horror fans a chance to order “Tales Of The Supernatural” ahead of the street date. The film contains six bone-chilling, blood-curdling, nightmare-inducing short films that link together to reveal a shocking truth. “Tales Of The Supernatural” stars Bruce Payne, Jon Campling, Patrick Rowe, Jon-Paul Gates, Giles Alderson, Debra Baker, Mia Baker, Joe Shefer, Jeremy Hill, Lynsey Pow, Nina Hatchwell. It is directed by Steven M. Smith (Segments The Book, Diary Of Disturbance, The Hike, Naked), Daniel Johnson (Segments, Bryan's Daughter & Paralysis). Check out the trailer below.

DISTURBANCE: "Poltergeist" meets "Blair Witch" as a supernatural power returns to seek revenge on the owners of a peaceful English farmhouse.

THE BOOK : An American writer finds herself trapped in a chilling supernatural conspiracy which takes her to the edge of insanity. Someone, or something, is controlling her destiny and will lead her into an eternal black void of terror unless she can discover the secret of The Book...

THE HIKE: A city banker who has just lost millions on the markets sets out on a hike across the hills. He encounters a village that is unwelcoming and a forest hike that is possessed by spirits that are trying claim him as their next victim...

NAKED.

PARALYSIS :Angela is plagued by nightmares where she is awake within her dream. Nick her boyfriend is unsympathetic. The nightmares increase intensity until paralysis...

BRYAN'S DAUGHTER: Elaine (Debra Baker) has to give her daughter, Millie, the bad news. "Dad is dead," says Elaine. "I know, he told me," is Millie’s chilling response. Although Bryan is dead, it seems he is not totally gone. Over the course of one sleepless night, a series of bizarre events make Elaine question her sanity and the safety of her daughter. Millie was always a Daddy's girl - they were inseparable. Elaine and Millie were never as close. That's why Bryan's spirit wants to take Milly away, because she belongs with her father.

Check Out The New Poster For “Rec 4: Apocolypse”

A new official poster has been released for the fourth film in the “Rec”  franchise. “Rec 4: Apocolypse” hits Spanish theatres on Halloween. The film is directed by Jaume Balagueró and stars Manuela Velasco, María Alfonsa Rosso, Héctor Colomé, Ismael Fritschi, Paco Manzanedo and Críspulo Cabezas.

Ángela Vidal, the spunky young television reporter that entered the building in 2007 has exited with the swat team. Little do they know that she carries the seed of the strange demonic infection. She is taken to an oil tanker miles off shore which has been especially equipped for the quarantine..

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Vertumnalia

August 13th is Vertumnalia, the festival to Vertumnus, the Roman god of seasons, change and plant growth, as well as gardens and fruit trees. He could change his form at will, and used this power to trick the dryad (wood nymph) Pomona, the patron of orchards and gardens, into becoming his wife by disguising himself as a crone. The scholar Varro was convinced that Vertumnus was Etruscan and a major god in the pantheon.

“The rites of Vertumnus bring lyre and lyric from the woods of rustic Latium. Seasons change as fast as faces, bringing forth the bounty of crop and bough. Once a god of old Tusculum, Vertumnus, master of change, revels in his pastoral triumphs.”

My Review Of “Kundo”

YOON Jong-bin’s “Kundo”is the story of a bandit clan that take on the tyranny inflicted on the peasant population during the Joseon Dynasty. The film is a Korean period piece, set in 1859, and brings together a modern vision to classic Asian action-fantasy with tradition dramatic passion. “Kundo” stars Jung-woo Ha, Ye-ri Han, Man-shik Jeong, Dong-won Kang, Hae-suk Kim, Seong-gyoon Kim, Kyeong-yeong Lee, Sung-min Lee, Dong-seok Ma and Ji-hye Yun.

“Kundo” tells a very powerful saga between the impoverished people suffering at the hands of the ruling nobility. It is a tale that rings, not only in historical record, but in modern time around the world. Similar to the legend of Robin Hood, “Kundo” creates a wonderful narrative of one group of individuals standing up to the oppression, taking what they can from the rich, and handing it out to the poor. Something that is universally recognizably as true human heroism. Yoon brings the story to life in epic style, filled with both visual and emotional power that captivates.

The special effects in “Kundo” are restrained and by no means rise as the star of this film. The story, with all its raw intensity, personable emotion, and hypnotizing sound effects are of equal status in this one. The choreographed fighting style is every bit as entertaining as Hong Kong’s action films that match this type of film. However the character that develops in “Kundo” balances that fantastical ability of Asian martial arts and war with true passionate story telling that hits at the heart. It is relatable on so many levels. At times the film reminds me of the American westerns of the late 60’s and early 70’s that tried to give an honest voice to the First Peoples plight.

Over all I have to say the “Kundo” is an affective film-creating a strong atmosphere than pulls you into the story completely. Yoon is brilliant in his ability to make a historical picture relevant to modern audiences while honoring the  past. Elements of Western bravado show at certain moments, without spoiling the film I can only say that the film is truly entertaining, giving moments of Kevin Reynolds’ “Prince Of Thieves” dramatically-Hong Kong styled fighting and action reminiscent of Tsui Hark’s “Once Upon A Time In China”. Ther is also a bit of wild west attitude in “Kundo” that reminds me of Christopher Cain’s “Young Guns”. And yet Yoon manages to keep a unique signature style that is what must be totally Korean, all the elements that make “Kundo” such a stellar film are balanced perfectly with out being overstated. It is a true cinematic gem.

My Review Of “Carne: The Taco Maker”

“Carne: The Taco Maker is an ultra low-budget satire fed by hunger for horror. The film is directed by Rene Rodriguez and deals with cannibalism, urban cultural disparity and twisted family dynamics.  “Carne” stars Director Rodriguez himself, Mario Valdez Juarez, Rosemary Soto Rodriguez, Claudia Vazquez, and Eric Felicano. It is described as the first Chicano slasher/ comedy.

The story is basically “Motel Hell” in the inner city. It is an odd tale that features a family that kills and dresses human meat for a curb side taco stand. Don Taco has the best tacos in town, and makes some sweet cash feeding the communities taco cravings. Without spoiling the film, there is a seedy criminal element addressed, as well as inequality that inner city residents deal with on a daily basis Rodriguez explores in “Carne: The Taco Maker”. The effects blending such pleasant communal revelry between the people, laid against the disturbing reality of what is happening behind closed doors, gives us a dark satirical parable.

The acting in “Carne: The Taco Maker” is pretty weak, almost all characters flub their lines at one time or another, and none of them seem to really understand the characters they are playing well enough to make you believe completely. I had a hard time connecting or relating to them on a personal level. With that said, the way they deliver the lines, the situations that unfold, and the mental break-down style of surreal story telling Rodriguez produces somehow creates a bizarre that is entertaining. It comes together more like low-budget trash cinema. The off-beat atmosphere, Thorazine inspired character interactions are reminiscent of “Motel Hell”, and “ The Gay Bed & Breakfast Of Terror”. It will no doubt lend itself to the list of indie cult classics.

The kill scenes and special effects are on the cheap. I don’t think there was much of a budget for this film, and it shows. However the scenes are unapologetic, and straight forward, there is no pretense about this film being b-movie/ trash cinema on the cheap. “Carne: The Taco Maker” starts out rough, makes you question whether it is worth viewing at all, but but twenty minutes in I found myself enjoying the campy characters, ridiculous premise, and fun kill scenes. Overall “Carne” becomes an entertaining flick, filled with madness, satire, and a body count. It isn’t going to be a film for everyone, but there is a place for ultra low-budget trash cinema in indie horror and “Carne: The Taco Maker” has earned a spot in that cult movie list.

UK Release Date And Cover Art For “Werewolf Rising”

The UK will receive the lycan nighmare “Werewolf Rising” one month ahead of the already planned US release. The film directed by BC Furtney hits UK fans DVD shelves on September 8th, 2014. “Werewolf Rising” stars Bill Oberst, Jr., Melissa Carnell, Danielle Lozeau, Irena Murphy, and Matt Copko. with a date of October 14th slated for US release. Check out the cover art for the UK DVD cover.

When Emma returns to her childhood home deep in the Arkansas mountains, she’s in need of rest and relaxation, but her problems have only just begun. What she finds is slaughter, fear, and the foul pestilence that comes with a full moon.

A bloodthirsty werewolf is tearing through the township, ripping and ravaging all who cross its path, revealing a menacing underworld that few knew existed. Suddenly Emma finds herself plunged into a fight for her life and more – a fight to the finish for her soul.

Beware of the beast in Werewolf Rising, a bloody thrilling fantasy.

“Expedition” Gets New Title And Trailer

Adam Spinks’ Jurassic creature-feature , “Expedition”, gets a new title as well as new poster and trailer. “Extinction” lands at UK’s Film4Frightfest on August 24th. Check out the new goodies for the film released ahead of that date. “Extinction” stars Ben Loyd Holmes, Sarah Mac, Neil Newbon, Daniel Caren, Ernesto Cantu, Ross O’Hennessy, Simon Burbage, Dolores Reynals, Emma Lillie Lees, and Angela Peters. The film is slated for a 2015 release.

Deep in the Amazon jungle a research team lead by a respected Professor embark on an expedition to protect vulnerable and endangered species. After a series of strange events their superstitious guides abandon them and the team choose to remain deep in the jungle, dedicated to the project… but as night falls in the camp they begin to realize that all is not as it seems, and that they are in the hunting ground of a predator…. one they never could have expected.

Blood & Babes Comic Con Coming September 12-14

BLOOD & BABES COMIC CON... "The Ultimate Horror Convention Experience" Coming September 12-14, 2014. New York is about to experience an event that will leave everybody begging for more. Over 70 Horror Scream Queens, Playboy Playmates, Glamour Models appearing over the course of three days. Silent auction to raise money to the Jack Kirby Research Museum . Over 8 screenings of popular horror movies from acclaimed indie filmmakers!

The sensational After Party will take place Saturday Night at Dave & Busters in the same building which includes a sumptuous Buffet, Open Bar, Unlimited Video Games, Bowling, Billiards. You will have the opportunity to meet the girls and take photos with them. If that's not enough, a concert featuring top horror rock band Demon Boy and 3 other bands including a swimwear fashion show consisting of at least 10 models!

There will also be numerous vendors including DIABLIQUE "The Premiere Horror Genre Magazine" selling all sorts of merchandise, tattoo artists, posters, toys, magazines, autographs, t shirts, jewelry, trading cards (sport and non-sport). On site Mexican food provided by Cozymels. BLOOD & BABES COMIC CON will take place in The SOURCE, 1504 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590

Concept Artwork For “Lake Runs Red”

Check out the indie horror “Lake Runs Red”. The film has released some concept artwork for the project which is aiming for June 2015 release. “Lake Runs Red” is directed by Jason Riesgraf and stars Kaci Wegleitner, Lauren Morris, Michael Hertenstein, C.J. DeVaan, Helene Donohue, Troy LaFaye.

“Lake Runs Red”is a horror-thriller feature film with contemporary noir influences, exploring the philosophical impact and universal themes of rejection, family, friendship, and choices. Two female college coeds go to their parent's secluded northern Minnesota lake home to study for finals. An unexpected visitor stops by. He isn't there to study.











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