My Review Of "Intensive Care"

"Intensive Care" is an action thriller directed by Jared Bentley and stars real life stunt lady Tara Macken, with Jai Rodriguez, Leslie Easterbrook and Kevin Sizemore. The film is described as a "fast-paced, no-nonsense homage to uncomplicated, on-the-nose action cinema”. Reminiscent of straight-to-video fight flicks with a strong female lead, "Intensive Care" pays tribute to a subgenre that made stars out of stunt men in the 80's and 90's.

Three low life criminals plan to rob an elderly woman’s home, but her caregiver turns out to be a former special ops agent with an agenda of her own. Ex-special ops turned nurse gives the thieves a fight they will not win.

Jared Bently offers a solid story that frames Macken's skills perfectly. Although the concept is neither original nor all that thrilling, it is action packed entertaining. At times scene execution does waver,  creating moments that weaken an otherwise strong performance. The only real troubles with "Intensive Care" is the lack of room needed to allow Macken's character true depth and development. Then there is times the film confuses itself to whether it is a thriller or comedy, causing some scenes to feel clumsy.

The action sequences are pretty killer. I venture to say that Tara Macken's skills put her up there with Van Damme and Sophia Crawford. The cinematography isn't too original,  the standard angles and framing is pretty basic. Not that that is bad. It works and the quality equals any action,  or fight flick of this caliber. It was appealing but it is all stuff seen before, time and again. 

Overall "Intensive Care" is a decent popcorn movie. There is a strong female lead, plenty of action, and a story that maintains a level of entertainment value from start to finish. I would have liked to have seen a bit more character development but still action fans and anyone wanting to see a strong woman kick some butt will enjoy this movie. (3/5)

New Images Released For "The Curse Of La Llorona"

New images have been released for upcoming horror "The Curse Of La Llorona". The film is directed by Michael Chaves and stars Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen, Roman Christou. Linda Cardellini, Sean Patrick Thomas, Patricia Velasquez and Raymond Cruz. It hits theatres April 19th.

Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Their only hope to survive La Llorona’s deadly wrath may be a disillusioned priest and the mysticism he practices to keep evil at bay, on the fringes where fear and faith collide.

Beware of her chilling wail…she will stop at nothing to lure you into the gloom. 

Because there is no peace for her anguish. There is no mercy for her soul. 

And there is no escape from the curse of La Llorona.

My Review Of "Lifechanger"

"Lifechanger" is a horror drama directed by Justin McConnell. The film, starring Lora Burke, Jack Foley, Elitsa Bako, Sam James White, Steve Kasan, Rachel Vanduzer, Peter Higginson, Adam Buller, Brian Quintero, Mark Rainmaker, Ry Barrett, Michelle D'Allesseandro Hatt, Uche Ama, Daniel Faraldo, and Francesco Filice, puts the shapeshifter in existential crisis. "Lifechanger" has been described as "thought - provoking body horror" and I have to agree.

Drew has an identity problem. Every few days, has to shape-shift, or face a painful death. He has to find someone and make a copy. He takes everything: their looks, memories, hopes, and dreams. Their entire life. He becomes them, and they die horribly. Enter Julia, the object of Drew’s affection. How can he make things right when he’s never the same person for very long? How do you gain back trust when who you are keeps changing? Part psychological thriller, part body horror, Lifechanger follows one shape-shifters’ twisted quest to repair the damage he’s caused, while leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.

McConnell's film places the main character in the role of both protagonist and antagonist. A shapeshifter, unsure of what it truly is, fighting emotionally against its own nature and drive to survive. Told in amplified conceptual storytelling, the film flows with a hint of melancholy juxtaposed against frantic horrific circumstances. It is all more "art film" than traditional horror.

The acting is top shelf,  and there is a consistency in identity that is maintained in the many actors who all play the main character Drew. It is an exceptionally hard task to maintain, and a necessity to make a story of this unique nature work. Kudos to both the director and casting. A voice narration lapped over the film by the original Drew helps but had not McConnell's writing been so strong,  the story could have easily become muddled.

The special effects are bone-cracking,  visceral moments of practical, gooey delight. Unfortunately they are short-lived moments for most of the film , which moves pretty quickly. Perhaps if the pace were slower more time to enjoy the horror transformations could have been had, just saying. The pace also cripples the ability to really be vexed by the emotion and drama put forth in "Lifechanger". Still it is a good movie and definitely worth watching. (3.5/5)

New Poster Released For "Escape Room"

A new poster has been released for "Escape Room" ahead of the theatrical release date. The film is directed by Adam Robitel and stars Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Deborah Ann Woll, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Nik Dodani, and Yorick van Wageningen. It hits theatres January 4th.

The film centers on six strangers who find themselves in circumstances beyond their control and must use their wits to survive.

Trailer And Release Details For "The Unseen"

A trailer has been released,  along with DVD release details, for "The Unseen". The film is written and directed by Geoff Redknap. It stars Aden Young, Camille Sullivan, Julia Sarah Stone and Ben Cotton. On February 26th Monarch Home Entertainment will release "The Unseen" on DVD. 

"The Unseen" involves a father, desperate to see his daughter again. When she goes missing, this father will do anything to find her. But, Bob is slowly losing himself and becoming invisible.

My Review Of "The Cabin"

The Swedish chiller "The Cabin"is the debut feature of Johan Bodell. The film stars Caitlin Crommett, Christopher Lee Page, and Erik Kammerland. "The Cabin" offers a stripped down, straightforward cat-and-mouse thriller with slasher tendencies. 

Young American couple, Rose and Harry are on their way to visit Harrys family cabin. Both as a nostalgic vacation and as a way to rekindle their relationship. But they’re not the only one that decided to visit the cabin this weekend... The vacation is quickly turned into a living nightmare for Rose and Harry as they meet a vicious sociopath, who invites them into a involuntary cat and mouse game. ​

"The Cabin" uses an all too familiar premise, that at first glance seems "been there -seen that". And in a lot of ways it is just that, however Bodell is masterful in his, seemingly easy, ability to make the simple premise work. Plus the dichotomy of protagonists already in personal crisis against a motivation-less, mindless psychopath brings a freshness to the story.

The cast are well above average in both portrayal and talent. The characters feel authentic and their consistency on screen is captivating and compelling. I should note though that, opening scene aside, the first 20 felt a bit drawn out. Still, quality writing and great chemistry made it forgivable.

The special effects were spot on - minus a couple of scenes where CGI blood splatter, in already bloody scenes were unnecessary, and tacky. Other than that the horror elements stayed simple, practical and properly executed. I liked the mix of both minimal visceral gore,  with more classic horror use of off-screen suggestive choices.

Overall "The Cabin" is a nice, unexpectedly good contemporary classic. Minus a few technical flaws that hit every movie during production, just things like holding a shot too long, the movie is worth checking out. The premise may cause you to wanna turn away from this one,  fight that instinct and watch "The Cabin". (3.5/5)

My Review Of "Cargo"

"Cargo" is a James Dylan film starring Ron Thompson, Corbin Timbrook, Jose Rosete and Danika Fields. The film is framed as a taught thriller inspired by such films as "Saw" and "Buried". Anthony Peterson has 24 hours of air. A cell phone. And no way out.

A man wakes trapped inside a cargo container with only a cell phone and is given 24 hours by his kidnappers to raise ten million dollars in ransom or die.

The story is a high concept suspense told in a minimalist, claustrophobic manner. The idea is familiar and novel. Dylan plays on those familiar tropes with creativity and style. The dark,  often close-framed shots create an atmosphere of suspense and tension. It gives a physical representation to the dire circumstances and loss of control both in situation and emotion. 

The single actor drama is a risky choice that can, at times, seem tedious. Putting more constraint on the ability for an organic flow. And for the most part "Cargo" falls into this trap. The unseen antagonist offers some relief,  providing a catalyst for both the story motion, and the character study. However the execution of the one-man show often feels forced and looses momentum periodically. Not by any fault of the actor, Ron Thompson, he gives a great performance. 

The cinematography is quality, keeping the scenes, and setting interesting throughout the movie. The soundtrack is also good and seems to compliment the journey of this tortured, kidnapped  (bad man). Still at times "Cargo" did loose my attention,  and to finish did require dedication. Check it out but the high concept and uniqueness will only really speak to a select audience. (2.5/5)

"The Luring" World Premiere Set For Panic Fest

The world premiere for Christopher Wells' "The Luring" is set for Panic Fest in Kansas City Missouri, held January 25-31st. The film stars Michaela Sprague, Jake Katzman, Alex Emanuel, Molly Fahey and Rick Irwin. Wells will be on hand at Panic Fest for the film's premiere.

"The Luring" is a psychological thriller about a man, Garrett, who tries to recover a lost memory that took place during his tenth birthday at his family's vacation home in Vermont. Unbeknownst to him, something unspeakable happened and as a result, Garrett was found in a non-responsive state by his parents, which subsequently resulted in an extended stay in an institution. Psychiatrists call it dissociative amnesia - a loss of memory due to a traumatic event - but Garrett will soon learn some memories are best kept forgotten.

"Devil's Path" Theatrical Release Details Announced

Devil's Path North American Theatrical, DVD, and VOD Release Details:

Breaking Glass Pictures has announced the acquisition of North American rights to Matthew Montgomery's Devil's Path. The film will be released in theaters in March, with a DVD and VOD release to follow. LGBTQ psychological thriller stars Stephen Twardokus (An American Ghost Story) and JD Scalzo (The Broken Rose), Jon Gale, Michael Hampton, Steve Callahan, Spencer Kelly, Michael van Why and Brandy Elliott.

In the early ’90s, two strangers meet in a wilderness park where gay men cruise for sex. What seems like an innocent and random meeting quickly descends into a horrific nightmare. With recent disappearances and attacks, the two men soon find themselves in the terrifying position of being the next victims in a deadly game of cat and mouse. As they flee further into the woods to escape the danger, they begin to understand that the greatest danger of all may be closer than either of them realizes. Will these two strangers be able to work together to defeat the darkness that has settled in on Devil’s Path? Or will their own secrets and lies lead them to be the next two missing persons in this perilous park?

Official Poster Released For Upcoming Hazing Horror "Pledge"

Daniel Robbins‘ thriller "Pledge" has a limited theatrical release and VOD release set for January 11th. Check out the official poster revealed ahead of the date. The film stars Zack Weiner, Phillip Botello and Zachery Byrd, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Aaron Dalla Villa, and Jesse Pimentel.

Three friends get the chance to live the college dream when they’re invited to join an elite fraternity—but first they’ll have to survive the hazing from hell. Freshman social misfits Ethan (Phillip Andre Botello), David (Zack Weiner), and Justin (Zachery Byrd) are desperate to improve their terminally uncool reputations by pledging one of their university’s prestigious Greek houses. When every frat on campus turns them down, they are unexpectedly recruited by a shadowy social club offering them access to an exclusive world of raging parties, eligible coeds, and VIP social status. The catch? A sadistic initiation ritual that goes from depraved to deadly over the course of 48 booze- and blood-soaked hours. Spiked with twisted humor and gruesome shocks, Pledge asks: how far would you go to be popular?

Teaser Released For Third Season Of 'Slasher'

Check out the one sheet above teasing the long awaited third season of 'Slasher' series. Netflix picked up the anthology horror series after it was dropped by Chiller, and later Syfy. The latest installment was directed by Backcountry and Pyewacket‘s Adam MacDonald. 

Follows a killer seeking revenge on witnesses to a murder in an apartment complex.

New Image Released For 2019's "Pet Sematary"

A new image has been released for 2019's remake of Stephen King horror "Pet Sematary". The pic features Jud Crandall stepping into the barrier off the pet cemetery, a role taken on by John Lithgow. "Pet Sematary" hits theatres April 5th.

Directed by Dennis Widmyer and co-starring Hugo Lavoie and Lucas Lavoie play Gage Creed, with Jeté Laurence taking on the role of Ellie Creed. Jason Clarke (Winchester) and Amy Seimetz (Alien: Covenant, A Horrible Way to Die) are our new Louis and Rachel Creed. Young actress Alyssa Brooke Levine has been cast as our new Zelda, with Obssa Ahmed as Victor Pescow.

Based on the novel by Stephen King, Pet Sematary follows Dr. Louis Creed, who, after relocating with his wife Rachel and their two young children from Boston to rural Maine, discovers a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near the family’s new home. When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to his unusual neighbor, Jud Crandall, setting off a perilous chain reaction that unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.

New Images Released For Scott Cooper Feature Debut "Antlers"

New images have been released for upcoming horror movie "Antlers". The film is the feature debut of Scott Cooper and stars Keri Russell. It is produced by Guillermo Del Toro along with J. Miles Dale and David S. Goyer. Jesse Plemons, Jeremy T. Thomas, Graham Greene, Amy Madigan, Scott Haze, and Rory Cochrane costar.

A small-town Oregon teacher (Russell) and her brother (Plemons), the local sheriff, who become entwined with a young student (Thomas) harboring a dangerous secret with frightening consequences.

Trailer Released For Netflix "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch"

Check out the trailer for feature length special from Netflix's hit scifi anthology 'Black Mirror'. "Black Mirror : Bandersnatch" is a surprise installment that will premier December 28th on the streaming service. It is directed by David Slade and stars Asim Chaudhry , Alice Lowe, Will Poulter, Fionn Whitehead. 

In 1984, a young programmer begins to question reality as he adapts a sprawling fantasy novel into a video game and soon faces a mind-mangling challenge. Welcome back.

Trailer Released For Serial Killer Horror "One Must Fall"

Check out the trailer for serial killer horror comedy "One Must Fall". The film, from writer / director Antonio Pantoja, will kick off a festival run at HorrorHound in March. It stars Julie Streble, Vincent Lee Alston, Daniel de Weldon, Rebekah Lynn Dow, Lloyd Kaufman, and Heidi Harian.

Set in the 1980s, the film centers on a woman wrongfully fired from her office job and forced to take on a temporary job on a crime scene cleanup crew. There’s a maniacal serial killer on the loose, leaving the team a lot of work. But did he ever leave the crime scene?

Cast Reveals Star Studded Power Fueling New Addams Family Movie

Cast reveal shows star-studded power fueling the new Addams Family movie. Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiernan are directing the new computer-animated feature for MGM. The characters will offer a new look more traditionally tied to the original material created by Charles Addams. 

Charlize Theron will be playing the oh so elegant dark lady Morticia Addams. Oscar Isaac will star as Gomez Addams. Chloë Grace Moretz will lend her voice to Wednesday Addams. “Stranger Things” actor Finn Wolfard will voice Wednesday’s partner in crime, her brother Pugsley. Bette Midler will be voicing Grandmama. Nick Kroll will play Uncle Fester. Martin Short (Innerspace) and Catherine O’Hara(A Series of Unfortunate Events) will lend their voices to a couple that star opposite the Addams.

Trailer Released For Monster Horror "Us"

The official trailer has been released for the highly anticipated monster horror by Jordan Peelee, "Us". The film hits theatres March 15th in the new year and stars Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Anna Diop, Evan Alex, Shahadi Wright Joseph, Madison Curry, Cali Sheldon and Noelle Sheldon. Check it out below.

A mother and father take their kids to their beach house, expecting to enjoy time with friends, but their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some visitors arrive uninvited.

Poster And Trailer Released For "The 6th Friend"

A new poster and trailer has been released for "The 6th Friend". The film is directed by Letia Clouston and stars Bernadette, Chantelle Albers, Dominique Swain, Jessica Morris, Tania Nolan and Monique Rosario. "The 6th Friend" will be released January 11th  courtesy of The Asylum.

The highly-anticipated horror film, from star, producer and writer Jamie Bernadette, is a Christmas gift unexpected! “Having co-written the screenplay, I’ve lived with the 6th Friend – figuratively speaking – for a long time. I guess you’d say it’s my wonderfully wicked horror baby – I’m so darn proud of it. Hearing news of a theatrical from our distributor, The Asylum, is music to my ears and I just know audiences are going to love seeing the six of us try and evade the uninvited guest of the movie together in a theater! Here’s to offering horror fans their first bigscreen scream of the new year!”.

The slasher film with a supernatural twist tells of six college best friends that throw their own private graduation only to see it go terribly wrong when an uninvited guest arrives. Five years later, the girls gather once again and endure a night of far more horror and bloodshed.

Lone Gunslinger Pictures Presents "UNEARTHED: THE CURSE OF NEPHTHYS"

Lone Gunslinger Pictures Presents Horror/Sci-Fi Feature Film ‘UNEARTHED: THE CURSE OF NEPHTHYS’

The 1980’s horror/scifi nostalgia returns in Unearthed: The Curse of Nephthys…

Beau Yotty, Cat Roberts, Dan Weisgerber, Wayne Lundy, Jacqueline Teixeira, Tessa Gardenier, Amanda Michalek, Amedeo Falgiatore and Jewel Bradford star in a film from writer/director Beau Yotty.

Don Slayer is back to do battle with the ancient Egyptian Goddess Nephthys, as she attempts to return to earth and enslave mankind. Nephthys was banished to the underworld, cursed to remain imprisoned for eternity by her sister Isis. An opportunity to escape her torment arises when an ancient artifact is discovered, buried in a chamber under the Sphinx in Egypt. After the object resurfaces in modern day Arizona, the race to save humanity begins.

"The Hole In The Ground" Arrives On DIRECTTV January

"The Hole in the Ground" lands on DIRECTTV January 31st and in limited theaters on March 1st. The film is directed by Lee Cronin. It stars  Seána Kerslake, James Cosmo, Kati Outinen, and James Quinn Markey.

Sarah and her young son Chris move to a new home in the Irish countryside, next to a forest that hides an enormous sinkhole. One night, Chris vanishes, and when he reappears he seems unharmed and unchanged. But, as his behavior grows increasingly disturbing, Sarah begins to fear that the boy who has returned may not be her son at all.

Freeform Adapting Henry James Supernatural Novel 'Turn Of The Screw' For Small Screen

Freeform is adapting Henry James' 1898 supernatural horror novel into a series. The project is being developed by Alexandra McNally (Under the Dome) and Josh Berman (Drop Dead Diva, CSI). Here’s the official description from the book:

A very young woman's first job: governess for two weirdly beautiful, strangely distant, oddly silent children, Miles and Flora, at a forlorn estate...An estate haunted by a beckoning evil.

Half-seen figures who glare from dark towers and dusty windows- silent, foul phantoms who, day by day, night by night, come closer, ever closer. With growing horror, the helpless governess realizes the fiendish creatures want the children, seeking to corrupt their bodies, possess their minds, own their souls...

But worse-much worse- the governess discovers that Miles and Flora have no terror of the lurking evil.