"Skeletons In The Closet" VOD Release This Month With DVD In October

Throwback horror "Skeletons In The Closet" will be released on VOD later this month with the DVD to follow October 15th. The film is directed by B.A Lewandowski and Tony Wash. It premieres theatrically at Davis Theater in Chicago on September 7th. "Skeletons In The Closet" stars Ellie Church, Adam Michaels, Alaina Karner, and Elizabeth Stenholt.

Skeletons in the Closet is a late-night, horror anthology television series featuring The Widow and her dead husband, Charlie. Each episode finds them providing hilarious commentary on a variety of B-movie horror films – some of which are terrifying! Their number one fan, a precocious 11-year-old named Jamie, never misses an episode. With her parents out for the evening, Jamie sits down in front of the tube to devour the delectable terror, but her favorite Friday night freak show is constantly interrupted by her annoying new babysitter, Tina. If they can survive each other, they may be able to survive the night!

DVD Release Details Announced For "Lake Fear 3"

ITN Distribution has announced the DVD release details for "Lake Fear 3". The film, directed by Michael Crum hits horror fan's shelves October 2nd. "Lake Fear 3" stars Shanon Snedden, Katelynn Newberry, Devi Khajishvili, Joshua Winch, Vandi Clark and John Zetty.

Revel and her best friend Chloe as they desperately search for Revel’s missing sister – Jordan from Lake Fear. Coincidentally, they cross paths with a wannabe television medium, Vincent, who promises to help discover the other woman’s whereabouts. During this mission, the trio inadvertently stumbles upon the town’s biggest, wettest urban legend… and it’s hungry for human flesh.



Pre-order your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FQ5WPNB

Blu-ray/DVD Release Details For "Hereditary" Announced

"Hereditary", arguably the best horror film of 2018, is due out on Blu-ray / DVD,  plus 4K Ultra on September 4th. The film is directed by Ari Aster and stars Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd, Zachary Arthur, Ann Dowd, and Milly Shapiro. The release special features includes featurette “Cursed: The True Nature of Hereditary” and the “Evil in Miniature” .

In the film, Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family, passes away and her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry. The more they discover, the more they find themselves trying to outrun the sinister fate they seem to have inherited.

Final Trailer Released For "The Predator"

Check out the final trailer for 20th Century Fox's "The Predator". The film is directed by Shane Black and hits invades theatres September 14th. It stars Yvonne Strahovski, Olivia Munn, Keegan-Michael Key, Sterling K. Brown, Trevante Rhodes, Augusto Aguilera, Jake Busey, and Edward James Olmos.

"From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home in Shane Black’s explosive reinvention of the Predator series. Now, the universe’s most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race.”

My Review Of "The Dawnseeker"

"The Dawnseeker" is directed by Justin Price.  It stars Franziska Schissler, Alexander Kane, Jason Skeen and Khu, The story is a sci-fi horror actioner which pits five mercenaries against a dangerous alien creature.

2245, the Earth's sun has dwindled and no longer provides the energy needed to sustain human life. Five hired mercenaries travel to an uncharted planet to collect a rare mineral known as stardust to replenish the dying star. After their spaceship crashes on the alien planet, they are stalked and hunted by a creature far more advanced than anything they have ever encountered before.  

"The Dawnseeker" is a Sci thriller set in a dystopian future with Earth'so future hanging in the balance. The story has humanity searching for one last chance to save the sun and Earth's existence, seeking a material in the cosmos that can restore the dying sun. It consists of galactic quests, alien confrontation, and man's inevitable extinction. 

Justin Price's epic tale is a broad, ambitious one, with an apocalypse in progress, a journey to the stars, and a battle against an alien adverser. All while searching for a rare mineral that can bring life back to the sun. It is enough to any RPG gamer or programmer giddy. And for a B movie experience, "The Dawnseeker" tries it's best to make sci-fi fans just as giddy.

Unfortunately the ambition far exceeds the execution here. Whether overzealous excitement during production, or budget restraints, the movie never really reaches its capabilities. The acting is choppy and character direction, at times, seems nonsensical. The story is simpleasy and moves from point A to point B easily enough, but at times thefilm seems confusing and broken, when simplicity seems possible. It could be that the characters aren't developed as well as needed for the cast to sell the story, or it could just be me.

The special effects are well thought out, well done for the most part. There are flaws sprinkled throughout the CGI sci-fi stuff, and creature effects on the alien comes off as costumey. Still the thing looked original and the overall action sequences come together nicely. I have seen worse and "The Dawnseeker" is one of the better B movie attempts- in a world that embraced Sharkado mind you. Overall there is some quality moments here, and an exciting futuristic saga happening. (2.5/5)

October Release Set For Upcoming Horror "Sleep No More"

RLJE Films (NASDAQ: RLJE) will release the horror film SLEEP NO MORE on VOD, Digital and DVD on October 2, 2018. Written by Jason Murphy (The League of Extremely Ordinary Gentlemen) and directed by Phillip Guzman (Dead Awake), SLEEP NO MORE stars Keli Price (“Side Effects”), Lukas Gage (Assassination Nation), Yasmine Aker (12 Strong), Brea Grant (“The Arrangement”), Stephen Ellis (“You’re the Worst”) and Christine Dwyer (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert”). RLJE Films will release SLEEP NO MORE on DVD for an SRP of $27.97.

In SLEEP NO MORE, five graduate students are conducting a study to prove the theory that once you’ve passed 200 hours without sleep, you will never need sleep again. As the hours tick by and their struggle to stay awake intensifies, they each start to have strange and unsettling experiences. Visions from the past, violent impulses and terrifying waking nightmares begin to take hold and turn this experiment into a desperate fight for survival.

UK's Horror Series 'Devil's Gold' Gets October Release

UK based company Altruism Pictures announce the release of horror mini-series 'Devil's Gold', a period set webseries framed by war-torn Poland days after Hitler's death. Each episode lasts around 5 minutes, releasing weekly from October 7^{th. 'Devil's Gold'} comes to Amazon Prime, YouTube and Blu-ray.

Devil’s Gold is a genre defining adventure horror following British Army Captain John Marston, who will ultimately choose the side of light or dark as he faces temptation and redemption. While posted in Poland, John and his unit embark on a covert mission just days after Hitler is declared dead. All the while, a mysterious storyteller weaves a tale of hidden gold in an underground compound situated beneath an undiscovered Death Camp in war-torn Poland. Featuring an ensemble cast, fast action, unsettling horrors and good old-fashioned creepy storytelling that is guaranteed to leave you craving more; Devil’s Gold is already being dubbed “Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Hellraiser”.

First Look At Puppet Killer "Handy Dandy"

Check out these first look images at horror legends Bill Oberst Jr. and Bill Moseley in puppet killer movie "Handy Dandy". The film is directed by Jeff Broadstreet and costars Jake Red, Cody Cameron, Arthur Marroquin, Danni Spring, Kyle Anderson and Katelynn Newberry. 

The story follws a shuttered TV studio haunted by a 200-year-old dark magician known as Mr. Jolly (Oberst). Once the star of a 1960’s children’s show, Mr. Jolly has a long history of stealing living hearts from kids and adults alike in order to keep his evil puppet family alive. Tonight, as five unsuspecting intruders stumble into the puppets’ bloody lair, one brave man (Moseley) has come to face his past in the form of Mr. Jolly and stop the magician from taking any more innocent life.

New Blood Stained Poster Release For "Suspiria"

A new blood stained poster has been released for "Suspiria". The highly anticipated remake is due in theatres (limited) October 26th, with nationwide release set for November 2nd. It stars Dakota Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, and Renée Soutendijk. 

Directed by Luca Guadagnino, “A world of darkness swirls at a world-renowned dance company, one that will engulf the troupe’s artistic director (Swinton), an ambitious young dancer (Johnson), and a grieving psychotherapist (Ebersdorf). Some will succumb. Others will wake up.”

New Trailer Release For Upcoming Horror "Cynthia"

Check out the trailer released for upcoming horror film "Cynthia". It is directed by Devon Downs and Kenny Gage. "Cynthia" is due out September 18th on DVD/VOD and stars Scout Taylor-Compton, Sid Haig, and Bill Moseley.

“Cynthia is a horror film about the ‘perfect’ couple and their desperate obsession to have a child which descends into a terrifying dark comedy.” 

SPIELBERGIAN FANTASY "MY PET DINOSAUR" PREMIERES THIS OCTOBER

Spielbergian fantasy film My Pet Dinosaur, from Emmy winner Matt Drummond, premieres on Demand this October from Uncork'd Entertainment.

A cross between E.T and Monster’s Inc, My Pet Dinosaur fixes on the unlikely friendship between a boy and a dinosaur.  Cast includes Jordan Dulieu, Annabel Wolfe, Christopher Gabardi (The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years) and Tiriel Mora (Farscape).

Featuring state-of-the-art visual effects, a heart-warming tale of friendship and the beautiful Australian countryside, My Pet Dinosaur is the perfect family treat.

My Pet Dinosaur on Digital 10/2 and DVD 11/6 from Uncork'd Entertainment.

Official Synopsis :  When a boy finds the remnants of a failed military experiment his troubled town is plunged further into chaos as he accidentally makes a new friend.

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"Tucker And Dale" Actor Joins New Kaiju Film "The Great Buddha Arrival"

Philip Granger popular character actor from Tucker And Dale vs. Evil, Monster Trucks, TV's Ghost Wars, etc... has joined our cast!! The film is a reboot of a long-lost, and quite possibly the first daikaiju film Daibutsu Kokaiku (1934)!

The all-star ensemble cast of our film, directed by Hiroto Yokokawa, includes legendary actor Akira Takarada (6 Godzilla films, including the original), Peggy Neal (X From Outer Space), Yukijiro Hotaru (Gamera trilogy, Godzilla: GMK), Ippei Ohsako and Inge Murata (both from Shin Godzilla), Shelley Sweeney (4 Godzilla films), Yuki Morita (Godzilla 2014), Norman England (2 Godzilla films), Robert Scott Field (Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah), Masanori Kikuzawa, J-Pop superstar Momoka Iwata, rapper Yuma, Kazuma Yoneyama, Jun’ichiro Nirasawa and Yoshihiko Ohtsuki (both from Godzilla: Final Wars), and Takashi Yasuda!!

 Please check out our campaign and consider donating to help us snag the last few celebrities for our all-star kaiju film as time is running out! Donations start as little as $5 and every little bit really does help us out! Get your name in the film's credits as a 'Special Thanks' for just $30 or as an 'Associate Producer' for just $250!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kaiju-celebrity-cameos-for-great-buddha-arrival/x/6412467#/

https://www.daibutsukaikoku.com/english

https://www.facebook.com/大仏廻国-288837068232578/

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My Review Of "Revenge"

Norwegian revenge thriller "Revenge" is directed by Kjersti Steinsbø. The film stars Siren Jørgensen, Frode Winther, Maria Bock, Anders Baasmo Christiansen. It is a dramatic, intelligent story focusing on one woman's plans for retribution.

Travelling under a false identity, Rebekka sets out on a mission to confront Morten Holand whom she shares a dark secret surrounding the death of her sister. As her plan falls apart, Rebekka is forced to face the devastating consequences of her actions and must decide how far she is willing to go to seek revenge.

"Revenge" is a steady, methodical character study, driven by cruelty and fueled by retribution. The story is a classic revenge thriller tale in that it focuses on one woman's journey to exact revenge. Kjersti Steinsbø's prose stays more within the drama and psychological methodology of the victim's motivatio, as opposed to traditional films focusing on graphic violence. "Revenge" works when connecting the viewer with a sympathetic perspective, but fails when approaching the thriller edge, needed to excite the story's more psychological criminality eluded to in the plot details.

The film does manage to be an original approach to the revenge subgenre story. Instead of going for gore and gratuitous violence. Steinsbø chooses a more empathetic, dramatic approach, allowing for the viewer to be imaginative in interpreting the moments as they unfold. It proves well at giving the movie a more sophisticated look and feel. Unfortunately the volume of material presented isn't enough to maintain the initial level of suspense, and intrigue the beginning builds.

Overall "Revenge" is a delightful, captivating melodrama that tip-toes around rap-revenge tropes without getting dirty. Shot beautifully and told with heartfelt honesty. However it will only resonate with indie world cinema crowds,  satisfied with drama framed by some of the world's prettiest scenery. Horror and traditional revenge thriller fans will find very little to sustain them during the film's running time. (3/5)

My Review Of "Sacred Heart"

Written and directed by Kosta Nikas, "Sacred Heart" is psychological drama focusing on loss, inner conflict, and questioning faith. It stars David Field, Kian Rothbury, Lizzie Schebesta, Barbara Gouskos and Panda Likoudis. "Sacred Heart" is one man's bleeding journey through loss and self doubt toward redemption and rwvenge.

The film chronicles the journey of a religious man, who rejects God and his faith, after the tragic death of his pregnant wife and then challenges the Devil. He receives a visit from his priest, who pushes him to question his own beliefs. The Priest turns out to be a mirror of his own insanity, pushing the boundaries between heaven and hell.

"Sacred Heart" is a heartfelt exploration into pain, loss, and one's struggle with spirituality. The film is heavy on dialog with most of the story focusing on a confrontional conversation between the protagonist and antagonist. It plays out in an almost Machiavellian manner. The intense subject matter, and journey of the lead character is told with an almost elegant and personal insight by writer / director Kosta Nikas.

The cinematography is done beautifully, bouncing between stark realism and surreal moments meant to convey emotional turmoil. The action is limited, most of the scenes rely heavily on subliminal,  and suggestive imagery to create suspense. There are very few thrills beyond the meat of the story - tragedy, recovery, mostly explored through dialog. The ending offers the film's only real edge.

Overall "Sacred Heart" isn't a film that most crime- noir or action-thriller fans will enjoy. The drama is long and heavy. There is very little real thrilling action, or major excitement. Still, the story is relatable, the characters are strong, and the film - on a whole - is nicely told. (3/5)

Alex Noyer's Short Film "Conductor" Premieres in September

Alex Noyer is excited to announce his directorial debut, the short film Conductor, will premiere at Horrible Imaginings this weekend before embarking on a festival run.  The seven minute film follows a music engineer as she mentors a young aficionado through composing a beat for a once in a lifetime competition, with devastating consequences. 

The 808 producer said wanted to not only study the use of drum machines and beat making in a horror setting but also contemplate the price of the pursuit of fame along with the consequences of today's need for instant gratification.

Conductor will screen first at Santa Ana's Horrible Imaginings.  The film will appear in the Faith, Livelihood and Identity Short Film block, screening September 2nd at 11 am at the Frida Cinema.

Conductor will then travel to downtown Provo, UT for the Film Quest Film Festival.  It will screen September 7 at 9 pm in the Midnight Madness Shorts block at Velour.

Conductor (2018) - Teaser from You Know Films on Vimeo.

Alexis, a sound engineer, helps an aspiring musician, Josh, win the drum machine of his dreams in a competition in a mall. She mentors him and helps him find his groove to compose the winning beat. Once he submits his creation, it triggers a chain reaction revealing the competition booth to be a gruesome contraption. Through Josh's beat and a horrific death, Alexis' creative design comes to fruition directing the macabre music she envisioned.

September Release Set For Sci-fi Thriller "Domain"

GVN is set to release Nathaniel Atcherson's sci-fi thriller "Domain" This fall. It stars Britt Lower, Ryan Merriman, Sonja Sohn, Beth Grant, William Gregory Lee, Kevin Sizemore, Nick Gomez, and Cedric Sanders. "Domain" will be released theatrically September 28th with DVD/VOD coming October 2nd.

After a deadly virus wipes out most of humanity, the survivors are forced to wait alone in self-sustaining bunkers while the viral threat runs its course. Able to communicate through a networked video interface, the survivors wait for years and slowly become a motley family of sorts.  But their fragile social ecosystem is shattered when, one by one, they start mysteriously disappearing from their bunkers.

DVD Release Details For "Snake Outta Compton"

"Snake Outta Compton" arrives on DVD, Digital and On Demand October 23 from Lionsgate. The film is directed by Hank Braxtan and stars Ricky Flowers, Motown Maurice, and Joston Theney. The DVD commentary comes with insight from the director and cast.

It’s a great day in South Central: Cam and his hip-hop crew are all set to sign a record deal that could change their lives. But their jealous friend Vurkel wrecks their plans when he creates a giant, mutant snake that quickly lays waste to the city of Compton, eating everyone in its path. Soon Cam, Pinball, Neon, and Beez Neez cook up a crazy scheme to stop the monstrous, munching menace—blow it away it by pumping up the jams! This horror-comedy is alive with laughs, thrills, and dope beats.

First Images Released For Crime Thriller "Chase"

The first images have been released for upcoming crime thriller "Chase". The film is directed by Michael Matteo Rossi and stars Damien Puckler, Jessica Morris, Aries Spears, Skye Townsend, Devanny Pinn, and Richard Riehle.

Chase is a cold, calculated hitman whose best friend and mentor, Miles, looks at him like a golden racehorse. [He] must prove his loyalty to his mentor while his girlfriend wants to leave the business behind them.

IFC Midnight Releasing "The Clovehitch Killer" This November

IFC Midnight is set to release "The Clovehitch Killer" this November. The film, directed by Duncan Skiles, lands on VOD and Digital November 16th. There is also a theatrical release. It stars Charlie Plummer, Dylan McDermott, Samantha Mathis, and Madisen Beaty.

Tyler’s a good kid, a boy scout, raised by a poor but happy family in a small, religious town. But when he finds his dad, Don, has disturbing pornography hidden in the shed, he starts to fear that his dad might be Clovehitch, an infamous serial killer that was never caught. Tyler teams up with Kassi, a teenage outcast who’s morbidly obsessed with the Clovehitch legend, to discover the truth in time to save his family.

FIRST CLIP FROM TERRIFYING "e-DEMON"

Jeremy Wechter’s e-Demon goes viral September 14 in select theaters and On Demand.

The pic, produced by Wechter, Michael Gonzalez, PJ Starks, and Emily Pojman, tells of an escaped demon on a dark and twisted mission that manipulates a group of friends hanging out on a video-chat. The film is craftily structured – it takes place completely on a computer screen via the webcams being shown.

 Kendra, AJ, Mar and Dwayne are old college friends who find themselves growing apart. Attempting to hang on to their good old Ohio State days, the gang gets together online for a night of stories, pranks and drinking via web-cam. As the evening progresses, they unknowingly release a deviously clever demon that had been trapped for centuries in Salem, Massachusetts. Since the demon can possess multiple people at once, the group of friends must determine who they can still trust in order to survive the demon’s dark and twisted mission.

A division of Petri Entertainment, an independent production company focusing on genre driven films, distribution arm Dark Cuts is headed up industry veterans Warner Davis and Andy Palmer. Past and present releases include Butcher the Bakers, Karate Kill, and the Volumes of Blood horror series.

e-Demon is in theaters and On Demand September 14.

My Review Of "Dead Love"

Directed by Colin Floom and Greg Nemer, "Dead Love" is a modern arthouse folktale focusing on loss, mortality and personal conflict. It stars Kate Linder, Nicole Elizabeth Olson, Grayson Low, Bob Buckley, Elias Harger, and Deborah Curtis. 

Brandon is a young train engineer whose world is upended when his mother suddenly takes her own life. At the funeral home, he meets Fiona, a beautiful and mysterious mortician who takes a strong interest in him. Soon they discover they share a passion for music. And when Fiona serenades him with an ancient folk song, their lives become entwined for eternity.

The story is a slow paced melodrama, teasing at a macabre obsession with mortality. At first "Dead Love" unfolds like a Gothic prose crying out against death'sentence cruel nature, and the hollowness felt through loss. The arthouse style feels a bit "Six Feet Under" and a little Park Chan-wook. 

The acting is above par with Nicole Elizabeth Olsen giving an impressive performance. The real stand out however is costar Bob Buckley as Lassiter. He also gives us our only real suspense and psychological edge onscreen. Some moments are choppy when the larger plot material unfolds and as attractive a lead as Grayson Low is, his character is a bit too two-dimensional- barely emoting beyond his initial character traits. 

There is only a mild level of horror that can be applied to "Dead Love". The film keeps with a steady pace marred in melancholy that never really kicks it off to create any rwal energy.  But it is told beautifully and the surrealism is delish. All said, "Dead Love" has a niche arthouse audience but with no real thrills and a whimper of horror in the last act, this one will not entertain most horror fans. (2.5/5)

"Johnny Gruesome" Gets Revenge This October

This October, Johnny Grissom returns for revenge.

High school students Eric Carter and Johnny Grissom are best friends. Johnny is a heavy metal rebel nicknamed "Johnny Gruesome" by his classmates. When Johnny is murdered while on a drunken joyride, his killer persuades Eric and Johnny's girlfriend to help him make the murder look like an accidental death. Johnny returns from the grave as a murderous, wisecracking zombie hell bent on revenge.

Based on the award-winning novel by Gregory Lamberson (Slime City, Killer Rack), who also directs, Johnny Gruesome stars Anthony De La Torre, Byron Brown II and Michael DeLorenzo.

From Uncork’d Entertainment, Johnny Gruesome on VOD 10/16 and DVD 1/1/2019.


  

My Review Of "Inhumanity"

"Inhumanity" is written and directed by Joe McReynolds and stars Darcel Danielle, Diana Rose, Ford Austin, and Leviticus Wolfe. It is a neo-noir full of throttled performances and dire consequence, both in story and in action. 

Narrowly escaping death at the hands of a notorious serial killer, Jessa Dixon awakens from a coma to learn her father committed suicide. Unconvinced, she investigates the suspicious suicide and uncovers a dark corporate conspiracy involving the police and the psychotic killer that almost took her life. 

"Inhumanity" relies heavily on its neo-noir style, building on a 'Big Guy' mentality with cult film mayhem. The story is part crime thriller and part psychological melodrama. Initially I got a "Seven" familiarity from the energy and style of Joe McReynolds story telling. There is a lot that is going on in this one , and the sporadic jumps between scenes, shaky cinematography can atest to it.

The cast do well to their commitment to the story. They embody their characters with grandiose nature. At times giving honest, compelling performances, and at other times campy falderal. All playing out as sporadic as the plot point jumps and sketchiness. It isn't all bad, but it isn'tall 'so-bad-so-good' either. At times it all just under minds McReynolds' intent and pulls focus from the film's momentum. Plus side- Leviticus Wolfe is a big draw to "Inhumanity" as Six Pack Sam.

The effects are, for the most part, well-produced, low budget mix of blood, violence and pulp mystery. Shady dealings, crime-action, and frenetic concepts help to move toward that "True Grit" attitude. Again, at times the execution is flawless, other times it all falls flat or is over-shadowed by the over-zealous acting. (2.5/5)

Trailer Released For "Far From The Apple Tree"

A trailer has dropped for Grant McPhee directed "Far From The Apple Tree". The fantasy horror stars Sorcha Groundsell and Victoria Liddelle in what is being described as dark pop art cinema. It is expected to have a release toward the end of the year.

Judith, a wide-eyed and innocent artist, has been given the offer of a life time – the opportunity to live and learn from renowned occult artist, Roberta Roslin. In exchange for cataloguing and archiving Roberta’s visual archive Judith will be trained, moulded and prepared for her first solo exhibition. Judith soon realises however that there is more to Roberta’s offer than she initially thought as she discovers a mysterious woman hidden within the archive – Roberta’s missing daughter who bears a striking resemblance to herself.

Horror Thriller "Afraid" Coming To DVD In October

Jason Goldberg's debut feature, horror thriller "Afraid", comes to DVD October 2nd. The film stars Alanna Masterson and George Byrne. "Afraid" sees release courtesy of Well Go USA.

Shortly into their vacation, the young couple realize that the cabin isn’t nearly as secluded as they thought and their every move is being watched by the cabin’s creepy owner.

Red Band Trailer Released For "Hell Fest"

A new red band trailer has been released for upcoming horror "Hell Fest". The film is directed by Gregory Plotkin, the director behind "Paranormal Activity : The Ghost Dimension". It stars Amy Forsyth, Reign Edwards, Bex Taylor-Klaus, Christian James, Roby Attal, Matt Mercurio, and horror icon Tony Todd. "Hell Fest" is set to release theatrically September 28th.

College student Natalie (Forsyth) is visiting her childhood best friend Brooke (Edwards) and her roommate Taylor (Taylor-Klaus).  If it was any other time of year these three and their boyfriends might be heading to a concert or bar, but it is Halloween which means that like everyone else they will be bound for Hell Fest – a sprawling labyrinth of rides, games, and mazes that travels the country and happens to be in town.  Every year thousands follow Hell Fest to experience fear at the ghoulish carnival of nightmares.

But for one visitor, Hell Fest is not the attraction – it is a hunting ground.  An opportunity to slay in plain view of a gawking audience too caught up in the terrifyingly fun atmosphere to recognize the horrific reality playing out before their eyes.  As the body count and frenzied excitement of the crowds continue to rise, he turns his masked face to Natalie, Brooke, Taylor and their boyfriends who will fight to survive the night.

My Review Of "Animalistic"

"Animalistic" is a slice of extreme cinema playing on rape/revenge tropes classic to the subgenre which gave birth to the 1978 cult classic "I Spit On Your Grave". Directed by Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund, the film pushes the visual shock level in "Animalistic". It stars Hanna Oldenburg, Ralf Beck, Torbjorn Andersson, Niki Nordenskjold, and Cheryl Murphy.

In this chilling thriller, Emma, an oil company executive, travels from Australia to the U.S to close a politically controversial deal. On her way to speak at a press conference, she hails a taxicab, but is drugged and abducted by the driver. She awakens bound in an isolated, filthy cabin and at the mercy of a trio of psychopaths, who she will have to turn the tables on in order to escape alive.

The story isn't very original nor does it expand upon the subgenre, but it does explore the subject matter with a push toward brutal, visceral, unease which tests the viewer's tolerance level toward revenge horror that plays in torture-porn lanes. The whole subgenre is hard to watch even the ones worthwhile, "Animalistic" takes you to the bitter edge of ability. 

The acting is intense,  acceptable performances that sell the cruelty set upon the protagonist, as well as that which show the assailants as disgusting members of humanities worst. It isn't stellar,  but enough to bring a very dark and disturbing story to life. It does bare mentioning that at times the acting is shaky and some moments feel too redundant. 

The effects are impressive. Graphic, gory scenes of horror and blood stained settings are good enough to make you gag at the grittiness on screen. The practical elements work well and when the killing goes to the good during the revenge portion of the movie, it works well! Plus the cringe worthy atmosphere and anxiety enduring score help pull you into the nightmare.

Overall, "Animalistic" lacks originality and creativity. However what you get is a purist, straightforward exploration of set expectations done good enough to satisfy most fans of the subgenre. All others with no taste or interest in this style of exploitation should stay away. But if you wanna check it out I say go for it! (3/5)

Buried Alive Submission Deadline Has Arrived

The 13th annual Buried Alive Film Fest is fast approaching and our submission deadlines are almost upon us.

Friday is the last day for submission to the festival at current pricing, before there is one last increase for the extended deadline on September 16th. That means there isn't much time left to send us your crazy, weird, and screwed up films.

Features, shorts, we want it all. We've gotten some really great submissions thus far, but we don't want to miss out on your creepiest and most bizarre entries. This is shaping up to be the best Buried Alive Film Festival yet and we hope you can be a part of it.

Submit your films over at FilmFreeway and join in on the festivities.

And stay tuned for more announcements in the next few weeks!

Important links:

Website: http://buriedalivefilmfest.com/

FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/BuriedAliveFIlmFestival

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuriedAliveFilmFest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/buriedaliveff