My Review Of "Between The Trees"

"Between The Trees" is an evil-in-the-woods" , survival horror somewhere In the underbrush between films like"Wrong Turn" and "Madman". The film is directed by Brad Douglas and stars Greg James, Michael Draper, Jonny Lee and Dan Kyle.

Steve, suffering from a collapsing marriage, invites his three closest friends on a weekend retreat to the mountains only to discover his real troubles are in the trees that surround them. They encounter a deranged killer and their fun weekend becomes a deadly fight for survival. 

The story teases a cryptoid style horror but that is only in the dialog at the beginning between the main characters. I thought it was going in. It was not. What unfolds is a nicely concealed, layered horror story that brings hints of "madman" and "mutants". Douglas does a good job of regulating how much of the deeper plot elements get revealed. At some level the complexity of the movie elevates the experience of watching the story unfold. 

The cast is fully committed to the characters. Unfortunately they are not developed to the level that makes you connect with them. They are thinly veiled stereotypes, overdrawn. None are likeable. Still, "Between The Trees" has some stuff happening that is interesting, and there is some atmosphere that keeps your attention. It does go left midway when some comic relief appears- and falls flat.

Special effects, minus CGI gunfire, stays practical. It is pretty good work and, even though it is limited, is a pleasure to see onscreen. The creature design and concept is a bit lackluster, kind of like a theme park mutant from a haunted attraction. Still the idea of It all is chillingly delightful. Overall, "Between The Trees" has as much working in its favor as it has going against it. It's worth checking out and despite it's flaws it is mildly enjoyable. (3/5)

My Review Of "Pet Graveyard"

"Pet Graveyard" is a sort of mock-up of a few different films, most notably"Pet Sematary" and "Flatliners". It is directed by Rebecca Matthews and 
Stars Jessica Otoole, David Cotter, Rita Siddiqui, Claire-Maria Fox, Andrew Hollingworth, and Hattie Willow.

The film concerns a group of friends tormented by the Grim Reaper and his sinister pet after they undergo an experiment that allows them to revisit the dead. 

The obviously cheap ploy, with the title, aside, the film plays with very familiar horror tropes decently. The supernatural, reaching the spirit world, and the eternal longing for an understanding of of death. All these, only in a twisted nightmarescape where delving into the darkness can be deadly. 

The acting faulters throughout the film, character development is only slightly developed to a level that only supports scene staging and we never really get to connect emotionally. Most of that seems to stem more from a lack of character committment than story. Still there is enough present to tell a complete story, The things lacking cause a lack of energy, suspense and elevated level of horror desperately needed.

"Pet Graveyard" does implore practical elements, which are always a plus and something I really enjoy. There isn't much of a musical score to to amplify the feel and thrill of the movie, overall. It kicks in during the kill shots but often it feels clunky and does little to accentuate the moment. Overall, the film never reaches it's potential, and there is a lot of that present in"Pet Graveyard". Check it out but don't expect too much. (2.5/5)

Josh Stewart Reveals Poster For "The Collector 3"

Actor Josh Stewart revealed the poster for horror sequel "The Collector 3" on his Twitter account. The film is the long desired follow up to "The Collection", in which Stewart's character was the soul survivor. The original film, "The Collector", was released in 2012.

NEW GRINDHOUSE TRAILER RELEASED FOR "I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE DEJA VU"

Deja Vu LLC announces the release of I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE DEJA VU on VOD. 

I Spit On Your Grave Deja Vu sends now successful writer Jennifer Hills (Camille Keaton) hurtling back to where it all began – to face the wrath of the families of those she murdered. Kidnapped along with her daughter Christy (Jamie Bernadette-The Furnace), it’s a tense game of hunt – or be hunted – against a ruthless gang of degenerates overseen by a violently unhinged matriarch Becky (Maria Olsen-American Horror Story).

Official Trailer Debut For Action Thriller "ABDUCTION"

This pulse-pounding thriller pits two strangers against a nefarious alien force, with the future of mankind hanging in the balance.

Quinn (Scott Adkins, Doctor Strange), a member of a SWAT unit, steps out of a park fountain in an Asian city with no recollection of who he is or where he came from. As he pieces together clues from his past, he vaguely recalls his young daughter, who has been kidnapped. Meanwhile, Conner (Andy On, Zombie Fight Club), a former military operative turned gangster-for-hire, discovers that his wife has also disappeared mysteriously in the middle of the night. These two men, with little in common, realize they must work together to find their loved ones and thwart their mysterious abductors.

Production Set to Begin on Next Installment of Hit Found-footage Franchise

Production Set to Begin on Next Installment of Hit Found-footage Franchise

Pack your bags for another terrifying stay at the infernal Abaddon Hotel. HELL HOUSE LLC III: LAKE OF FIRE, the third installment in the hit found-footage horror franchise, has started production as of May 1 and will premiere exclusively on Shudder later this year.

Writer/director Stephen Cognetti and producer Joe Bandelli have returned for the new installment, along with many of the original Hell House LLC cast. The following castmates will reprise their roles: Ryan Jennifer Jones (Sara), Danny Bellini (Alex), Gore Abrams (Paul), Adam Schneider (Mac), Theodore Bouloukos (Robert) and Jared Hacker (Tony). They are joined by returning Hell House LLC II cast members Joy Shatz (Molly), Jillian Geurts (Jessica) and Brian David Tracy as the demonic former Abaddon Hotel owner Andrew Tully.

Shudder manager Craig Engler has talked about the franchise, recently. Engler said of the films: “the Hell House LLC franchise on Shudder has been hugely popular, and our worldwide premiere of Hell House LLC 2 last year was one of our most watched films ever.” Engler also said of the film’s debut: “we couldn’t be more thrilled to premiere the final chapter of this epically terrifying series exclusively on Shudder!”

Terror Film’s president Joe Dain has specifically talked of the third film. Dain said of this latest title: “Hell House III will be taking a cue from the original Hell House LLC, returning to its roots to capture the same intensity and fear that fans and critics alike fell in love with.” Dain also said of the partnership with the filmmakers: “we’re thrilled to be continuing our distribution partnership with Stephen and Joe, and I couldn’t think of a better way to premiere the film than on Shudder. It’s our hope that this third and final installment will not only satisfy the multitude of questions from fans from all over the world, but also act as an exciting precursor for The Abaddon Tapes—a limited series currently in development, which will expand on the history of the Abaddon Hotel, the now infamous setting of the franchise.” The latest film, HELL HOUSE LLC III: LAKE OF FIRE, will be available in just a few months.

In HELL HOUSE LLC III: LAKE OF FIRE, guests both past and present will be forced to battle for their souls as all is revealed about the infamous Abaddon Hotel and the evil that dwells there. Set one year after the events of Hell House LLC II, the hotel is on the verge of being torn down when it is purchased by billionaire Russell Wynn (Gabriel T. Chytry) as the new home for his popular interactive show, Insomnia. He invites journalist Venessa Sheppard (Elizabeth Vermilyea) and her crew to record everything happening inside the hotel leading up to the performance, but they soon encounter a more nefarious plot, one that threatens to unleash a veritable hell on earth. 

Official Poster And Trailer Released For "Crawl"

A trailer and official poster has been released for upcoming creature horror "Crawl". Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film stars Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper, Ross Anderson and Anson Boon. 

During a massive hurricane. Set in Florida, the influx of water has turned a neighbourhood into an alligator's breeding ground. Now, Haley, after reuniting with her father must find a way to survive the night, until the flood waters recede. Together, father and daughter will have to find a way to work together - to weather this storm.

New Poster Released For "Alive" Ahead Of AFM Showing

A new poster has been release for upcoming horror "Alive" ahead of AFM showing. The film is directed by Rob Grant and stars Thomas Cocquerel, Camille Stopps, and Angus Macfadyen. It has been picked up by sales agent SC Films International, for a possible wider release.

"Alive"involves an injured man and woman, who end up in an abandoned hospital. Here, they must face a sadistic caretaker.

Exclusive Clip Released For Horror "The Convent"

Vertical Entertainment has released an exclusive clip of upcoming horror "The Convent". The film will be released in theaters and VOD May 3rd. It is directed by Paul Hyett.

In the 17th century, those accused of witchcraft often face death at the flames of the stake, but in the new horror movie The Convent, Reverend Mother (Clare Higgins) offers sanctuary to those accused of necromancy... but those who accept her help soon find that they may have been better off at the stake.

Premiere Date Announced For 'Legion' Final Season

FX has announced a premiere date for the final season of'Legion'. The series will air June 24th 10/9c.

Based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, Legion is the story of “David Haller” (Dan Stevens), a man who believed himself to be schizophrenic only to discover that he may actually be the most powerful mutant the world has ever seen.

First Clip Released For Upcoming Horror "Saint Bernard"

The first clip has been released for upcoming horror "Saint Bernard". From legendary FX Master Gabe Bartalos (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Darkman) comes a “must-see for the truly adventurous” (UnseenFilms.net), premiering on Blu-ray, DVD and digital platforms May 14 from Severin Films.

Shot on Super 16mm and 35mm film, the highly-anticipated horror jaunt fixes on a classical musical conductor who unravels into the abyss of insanity.  Jason Dugre (“Bosch”), Katy Sullivan (“Last Man Standing”), Peter Iasillo Jr. (HellBilly 58), Bob Zmuda (Man on the Moon) and Warwick Davis (Leprechaun, Solo, Return of the Jedi) star.

Manson Biopic "Charlie Says" To Premiere At Tribeca

The Charles Manson biopic "Charlie Says" is set to premiere today at Tribeca ahead of the film's release. The film is directed by Mary Harron and stars Matt Smith (Mapplethorpe, “The Crown”), Hannah Murray (“Game of Thrones”), Sosie Bacon (“13 Reasons Why”), Marianne Rendón (“Imposters”), Chace Crawford (“Gossip Girl”), Suki Waterhouse(Insurgent, “The White Princess”), Kayli Carter(Private Life), Annabeth Gis. It will play in Tribeca Film Festival on May 1st.  The film opens in Los Angeles, Orange County, and New York on May 10th.

Years after the shocking murders that made the name Charles Manson synonymous with pure evil, the three women who killed for him—Leslie Van Houten, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Susan Atkins—remain under the spell of the infamous cult leader. Confined to an isolated cellblock in a California penitentiary, the trio seems destined to live out the rest of their lives under the delusion that their crimes were part of a cosmic plan—until empathetic graduate student Karlene Faith is enlisted to rehabilitate them. Convinced the prisoners are not the inhuman monsters the world believes them to be, Karlene begins the arduous process of breaking down the psychological barriers erected by Manson. But are the women ready to confront the horror of what they did? Boundary-pushing auteur Mary Harron presents a provocative new perspective on one of the most notorious crimes of the 20th century.

New Poster And Clip Released For Critically Acclaimed "Starfish"

New Poster And Clip Released For Critically Acclaimed "Starfish" Ahead Of May Release Date.

STARFISH is written, directed and composed by A.T. White and produced by We Are Tessellate, Spellbound Entertainment and 3ROUNDBURST Productions. The film stars Virginia Gardner (Blumhouse’s HALLOWEEN, Hulu’s Runaways) and features supporting performances from Christina Masterson (Power Rangers Megaforce), Eric Beecroft, Natalie Mitchell and Tanroh Ishida.

Arriving on VOD May 28th in the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand

When a mysterious signal from an unknown dimension summons the end of days, it appears as if only Aubrey (Virginia Gardner) is left on earth. Trapped in the apartment of her recently deceased best friend, the only clue she has is a single cassette left behind after her friend’s death, labeled: “THIS MIXTAPE WILL SAVE THE WORLD.”

Poster And Trailer Released For Horror "Mollywood"

Poster, above, and a trailer have been released for upcoming horror "Mollywood". The film is directed by Morocco Vaughn and is set to be released on demand and digital June 4th. It stars Vinicius Machado, Micah Fitzgerald, Billy Dec, Lesile Lopez, Waka Flocka Flame, London on Da Track.

A serial killer disguises himself as a drug dealer in order to “deliver” young people their worshiped drugs.

Terror Washes Up in PARADISE COVE Starring Mena Suvari

Terror Washes Up in PARADISE COVE

Production Underway on Malibu Beachfront Thriller

Starring Mena Suvari, Kristin Bauer van Straten & Todd Grinnell

Principal production has begun on the scenic psychological thriller Paradise Cove. The Martin Guigui-helmed feature is now filming in Los Angeles with leads Mena Suvari (American Beauty, American Pie, "American Horror Story") and Todd Grinnell (Netflix's "One Day at a Time" and "Grace and Frankie") at the mercy of "True Blood" and "Once Upon a Time" alum Kristin Bauer van Straten. A contractor and his wife (Grinnell, Suvari) head to Malibu to flip his late mother's beach house and are terrorized by the deranged homeless woman (Bauer van Straten) living underneath.

 

Paradise Cove is the latest feature for director Martin Guigui, who has enjoyed a long career as both a feature director and Grammy-nominated music producer. The script was penned by executive producer Sherry Klein, making her first foray into the thriller genre after starting her career on TV's "Star Trek: Voyager" and recently working on the animated fantasy film franchise Ever After High.

Break Quarantine This May As "Redcon-1" Gets Released

After a deadly viral outbreak...
An elite squad of special forces soldiers must infiltrate a quarantine zone to rescue a scientist who holds the only cure to save mankind. In a last attempt to contain the mutated virus, they launch a final strike against the infected, risking all of humanity in the process.

Get your pre-order now on iTunes. Available May 7th.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Beltane / May Day

Beltane is the cross-quarter festival that marks the start of the summer quarter of the year and the end of the spring quarter. It is the festival of the ‘Good Fire’ or ‘Bel-fire’, named after the solar deity Bel, god of light and fire, the Bright One. 

This is a time when nature blossoms and felicity and fertility return to the land. Fires are built at Beltaine and traditionally a Beltane fire was composed of the nine sacred woods of the Celts. All hearth fires were extinguished on Beltane Eve and then kindled again from the sacred “need fires” lit on Beltane. People would leap through the smoke and flames of Beltane fires and cattle were driven through them for purification, fertility, prosperity and protection. 

Beltane is celebration of fertility and is represented by the union of the Goddess as May Queen with the God as Green Man bringing new life to the earth. It is the time when the Goddess moves on in her cycle from Maiden and her union in the greenwood with the God. Beltane is a time to devote energy to growth and integration. It is a time of celebration, exuberance and hope, when we should enjoy and appreciate the gifts of nature.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Goddess Maia

Goddess Maia was one of the Goddesses known as “Bona Dea” or Good Goddess whose rites were restricted to women. Maia was the ancient and original name of the original Bona Dea whose name was so sacred it was forbidden to be spoken aloud. Maia was worshiped throughout Greece and Italy, and She had a large following in Marseilles.

Maia is an Earth Goddess of springtime, warmth, and increase. Her gentle heat causes growth.  When the Goddess Calistro was transformed into a bear, Maia took on the task of raising Calistro’s son Arcas.  Maia was a solitary Goddess who preferred to live alone in wild caves far from civilization.  It was her son, Hermes who was continually plotting to advance himself and Maia to Olympus.

ICONOGRAPHY: Her image appears on coins from Phenos, Arcadia

BIRD: Dove

ANIMAL:  Pig

ELEMENT: Earth

CONSTELLATION: Pleiades

TIME:  The month of May. The 1st and 15thdays of the month

ALTAR:  Place Her Altar within a cabinet or cave-like space.

OFFERINGS: Honey, cookies, and pastries in the shape of pigs

Web Series 'Guess I’m a Ghost" Now Streaming On Vimeo

Web series “Guess I’m a Ghost“, is now streaming on Vimeo. The eight-episode series is  a mix between “High Maintenance” and “The Good Place”. It made its world premiere at DC Webfest  and recently accepted to the Hunter Mountain Film Festival.

Diane…wasn’t the best friend. She liked to bend the truth and look out for number one. After embarrassing herself at a party, she’s killed in a ride-share accident when climbing into the front seat to charge her phone. Then, because of a mistake in the afterlife, she’s sent back to earth and forced to haunt those she could’ve treated a little better and might owe her an apology themselves.



Guess I'm a Ghost Trailer from Chris Sullivan on Vimeo.

RLJE Films Set To Release "THE CLEANING LADY" This June

RLJE Films is set to release THE CLEANING LADY On Demand, Digital HD and DVD on June 4th. The film is directed by Jon Knautz and stars Alexis Kendra also stars in the film along with Rachel Alig (“Officer Down”), Stelio Savante (Starship Troopers 3: Marauder) and JoAnne McGrath. It will be released on DVD.

On the surface, Alice (Kendra) seems like a woman who has it all: a gorgeous apartment, a booming career, a stunning physique, and a handsome boyfriend. The only problem is he’s married to someone else. Looking for a way to simplify her life, Alice hires Shelly to clean her house. As Alice begins to confide in Shelly about her illicit affair, their friendship grows… and so does Shelly’s twisted obsession with her new employer. It soon becomes clear that Shelly has motives that reach further than a normal cleaning lady. Shelly wants to cleanse Alice’s entire life and will stop at nothing until she’s done.

WITNESS THE TAKEOVER OF A SOUL THIS MAY IN "THE POSSESSION DIARIES"

 Start an entry in the frightening The Possession Diaries, featuring acclaimed actor James Russo (Django Unchained, Beverly Hills Cop), arriving on DVD and Digital this June from Uncork’d Entertainment.
 
Juan Frausto, director of Road Kill and Once Upon a Time in the Hood, invites you to log on for a streaming screamfest that will leave one girl possessed… and you on the edge of your seat!
 
Playing with a Ouija board is dangerous, and college student Rebecca Clarkson (Katherine Munroe) is now documenting the proof, as day by day a demon takes possession of her while a webcam audience watch the horrific event.

Eileen Dietz (The Exorcist), Johnny Ortiz (Peppermint), Noel Gugliemi (“Fresh Off The Boat”), Monica Engesser (“Crazy in Love”), and Delilah Cotto (Empire) star alongside James Russo and Katherine Munroe in The Possession Diaries, on DVD and Digital June 4, 2019 from Uncork’d Entertainment.

The Hallucinatory Epic "Saint Bernard" Comes Home This May!

The Hallucinatory Epic From Writer/Director/FX Master Gabe Bartalos comes home this May!

Warwick Davis (Leprechaun) features in the hallucinatory new horror epic Saint Bernard, releasing this May!

From legendary FX Master Gabe Bartalos (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Darkman) comes a “must-see for the truly adventurous” (UnseenFilms.net), premiering on Blu-ray, DVD and digital platforms May 14 from Severin Films.

Shot on Super 16mm and 35mm film, the highly-anticipated horror jaunt fixes on a classical musical conductor who unravels into the abyss of insanity.  Jason Dugre (“Bosch”), Katy Sullivan (“Last Man Standing”), Peter Iasillo Jr. (HellBilly 58), Bob Zmuda (Man on the Moon) and Warwick Davis (Leprechaun, Solo, Return of the Jedi) star.

Gabe Bartalos, the film's director, writer and special effects artist pulls heavily from his ripe imagination, creating extraordinary characters, bizarre set designs, and incredibly inspired prosthetic effects. Amid a palette of dark themes, the film takes its audience on a turbulent ride through Bernard’s surreal adventures as he spirals into madness.

Saint Bernard’s marvelously hypnotic tone displays influences characteristic of prior collaborations with art world icon Matthew Barney, horror aficionado Frank Henenlotter, and renowned photographer Mark Seliger, yet carves out a distinct new voice for Bartalos.

Saint Bernard out May 14 from Severin Films

Facebook Live Pajama Party To Raise Funds For Bigfoot Horror "Stranded"

Facebook Live Pajama Party Auction Extravaganza To Raise Funds For Upcoming Bigfoot Horror Film Stranded

Director Shawn Burkett will be going live April 30th at 6 pm to auction off some amazing items for fans as a way to secure funds to bring his vision to life. If you can’t make it to the live auction then please share the link. 

STRANDED follows a group of siblings into the wilderness to fulfill their mother request of scattering her ashes in a location where she was fond of as a child. Along the way the siblings are forced to hash out issues and reopen old wounds before they become stranded on an old country road.

"Friday Night Death Slot" World Premiere

"Friday Night Death Slot" World Premiere

 “Friday Night Death Slot” will be debuting from It’s Alive Films at NextWave Media Lab in Troy, MI. Written and directed by Stephen Florentine and stars Joshua Werner (Consigned to Oblivion, Schism), Krissi Kinney (Chair Gang, Replicator), Dennis Doyle Jr. (Beyond the Mask, I Declare War) and Belinda Bonaudo Hellebuyck (Replicator). The World Premiere event takes place Saturday, May 4th, at NextWave Media Lab in Troy, MI. Attendees will get appetizers, a meet-and-greet with the cast and crew of the film, an opening musical comedy short from the web series “Gigs”, Friday Night Death Slot, and then a Q & A along with dessert and champagne. Tickets are available now at its-alive-films.ticketleap.com.

"Friday Night Death Slot" blends comedy and horror in a new way. When the long running sitcom “Web Brewers” starts falling out of favor, and into the “Friday night death slot”, the fictitious characters start dying gruesome deaths at the hands of a serial killer, as outside forces are affecting the fate of the show. When the show’s lead character Sam starts to become lucid and more aware of the fictitious world he lives in, he finds himself fighting for survival as the show takes new directions.

Official Trailer Released For "Head Count"

The official trailer has been released for "Head Count". The film hits theaters and On Demand and Digital June 14th. It is directed by Elle Callahan. 

Newcomer Evan joins a group of teens on a getaway in Joshua Tree. While exchanging ghost stories around the campfire, Evan reads aloud a mysterious chant from an internet site. From that moment, someone–or something–is among them. As unsettling, inexplicable events become more frequent, Evan realizes this summoned shape-shifting creature is targeting them to fulfill a deadly ritual.

Filming Starts For "Along Came The Devil 2"

DeVan Clan Productions and Gravitas Ventures, a Red Arrow Company, announce the commencement of principal photography for "Along Came The Devil 2".  It will star Academy Award-nominated actor Bruce Davidson, Laura Wiggins, Mark Ashworth, and Tiffany Fallon. The film is expected to be released in theaters and on VOD this fall. "Along Came The Devil 2" will be shot in Atlanta as well as in the Flowery Branch in Hall County in Georgia.

In the film, after receiving an unsettling voicemail, Jordan returns home, looking for answers, only to find her estranged father and even more questions. A demonic force has attached itself to the town and no one is safe. The only one who seems to know anything is the small town’s Reverend.

"Hallowed Ground" Release Set For This June On Digital And In Theatres

This summer, trespassers will be prosecuted with terror. From writer-director Miles Doleac (Demons), comes a spine-chilling new motion picture experience in the tradition of The Green Inferno and Deliverance : Hallowed Ground. A married couple, trying to rebuild their relationship after an affair, travels to a secluded cabin and stumbles into a blood feud between the Native American owners of the property and the neighboring clan, who obsessively guard their land and punish those who trespass on it in terrifying ways. Doleac (‘’Banshee’’), Sherri Eakin (Hayride), Ritchie Montgomery (The Magnificent Seven), and Lindsay Anne Williams (The Hollow) star in an Uncork’d Entertainment release. Doleac and Williams produce alongside Wesley O’Mary and Michael Williams Hallowed Ground in select theaters June 7, and releasing on VOD/DVD June 11.