My Review Of "Cry Havoc"

"Cry Havoc" is a hybrid slasher/ action horror directed by Rene Perez and stars Robert Bronzi, Richard Tyson, Emily Sweet and JD Angstadt. The film is a high energy bloodbath, blending classic elements of action thriller gunfire and 80's inspired gore. 

An ambitious young reporter is granted an interview with one of the FBI’s most wanted. While entering his compound she finds one of his prized possessions, a serial killer who murders at call, called HAVOC. Her only hope is a rogue police man searching for his daughter.

Rene Perez packs a lot in this multilayered hybrid horror. There are elements of "not without my daughter" story points, dark web inspired "games madmen play" evilness and traditional slasher carnage. Where a lot of directors fail to maintain this level of storytelling, Perez manages to hold control and really bring the vision to life. The film isn't perfect, some aspects drag on the crescendoing energy, but so much more works wonderfully.

The elements of "Cry Havoc" that I didn't get into are few. The film starts off with a bloody bang that really sets the tone and let's you know what to expect. However the introduction of the story that deals with a sort of dark web investigative aspect seems a bit over dramatic and caricature. Honestly, I believe that was the only real problem I had with the film. The bulk of the film is a joyful reign of blood. 

The horror elements in "Cry Havoc" are a wonderful reminder of what has always made slasher movies so great. The kills are full on visceral moments filled with blood splatter all done using practical effects. The masked unstoppable killing machine is formidable, memorable and intimidating. A cross between Leatherface and Jason Voorhees. 

Overall "Cry Havoc" is a fun slasher that both entertains and excited. There is some slight drag in the storytelling were exposition and dialog is concerned. However it is minor considering how much of the film is filled with action and carnage. A few characters seem too contrived but for the most part this film has too many gory death scenes not to enjoy. Definitely check it out. (4/5)

My Review Of "Human Zoo"

"Human Zoo" is part psychological, and part voyeuristic reality nightmare. The film is directed by John E. Seymore and stars an extensive indie film cast. Among the cast members are Robert Carradine, Jessica Cameron, Jose Rosete, Rachel Amanda Bryant, Megan Le, John D. Crawford, Heather Dorff, Raw Leiba, Edward Hong and many more.

The internet watches live, as reality-show contestants struggle against time to see who will stay in solitary confinement the longest and take home the one million dollar prize.

"Human Zoo" has a pretty cool concept but somehow the film loses the ability to manifest Seymore's vision. The story starts out by really dragging on the runtime with pointless character introduction and "faux contestant intros" which could have been sped along to allow for more development of the actual reality show story. Plus choosing a solitary confinement theme where everything is dependent upon the actors ability to portray an authentic psychological conflict and deep emotional outburst on a level that will connect with audiences is a big risk. 

In this risky reality show concept a lot of the film becomes encumbered by clunky improvisational melodrama that very few in the cast seem capable to project convincingly. Still there are a few stand out actors who seem to have a grasp on what is being asked of them and really sell their characters. Those were the moments I really got into the story. Plus about 50 minutes in it becomes clear what the true goal of this social experiment really is meant to be. 

As far as horror elements, there is no real aspects of risk/reward that would allow for true suspense. There are deaths but they fall a bit flat because there is no build up and no real feeling of anxiety that holds you to the scenes of death to allow any sympathy for the characters. Mostly it all just plays out like actor sizzle reels. "Human Zoo" falls short of expectations but as always check it out for yourself. Just go in forwarned. (2/5)

My Review Of "A Nun's Curse"

"A  Nun's Curse" is a psychological horror that plays on themes of psychosis with hints of paranormal horror and urban legend. The film is directed by Tommy Faircloth, and starring scream queen Felissa Rose, Erika Edwards, Kristi Ray, Damian Maffei, and Gunnar Willis.

On a weekend trip, a group of friends are forced to seek shelter inside an abandoned prison where a nun named Sister Monday had once been assigned. During her time at the prison, Sister Monday was suspected of killing prisoners who were serving out their sentences but before she could be questioned, she disappeared. Once inside the prison, they will learn the terrifying truth.

I have to say, I am on the fence about this one. The film is a standard horror film that stays within traditional horror tropes. It is a little to familiar, with a lot of the material having been seen and done before. And yet, it the cinematography is good, it taps into that comfortable horror styled atmosphere, and it offers a somewhat memorable baddie in Sister Monday.

With "A Nun's Curse" I think my biggest complaint is just how long it takes before anything significant happens. For the first 40 or so minutes it is filled with too much dramatic dialog, exposition and melodrama that really eats into the runtime. But from there on things get somewhat interesting and the story transitions into a full on horror story. Again, the atmosphere is cool. I found myself really starting to get into.

The horror elements are pretty well done. There is some stereotypical paranormal styled moments that are your standard gimmicks used. The best part is that the kills are done with practical effects that look good. The down side that the time starts running out on the film so the kills seem rushed. 

Overall, as much as I wanted to really like "A Nun's Curse" there was just more that I didn't like. I enjoyed Felissa Rose as Sister Monday but it takes too long to get her on screen. There is a "surprise" twist to the ending that will become clear before it is intended to, but it is a cool one. Unfortunately instead of ending the film there the story goes for another, weaker ending that kinda ruins things. As always check it out but don't expect much. It has some moments that are interesting, but not everyone will enjoy this one. (2/5)

My Review Of "Evil Little Things"

Horror anthology "Evil Little Things" is a wicked little film that plays like 'Two Minute Horror Stories' but with a traditional feel of "Creepshow". It is directed by Matt Green and stars Zach Galligan, Hannah Fierman, Courtney Lakin and Jonathan Horne. 

A young boy finds a mystical toymaker with stories to tell. The first is of a leprechaun seeking revenge on a defenseless family. The second is of a doll who works evil on her fragile owner. The toymaker gives the boy a clown named Giggles. Clowns are supposed to be the guardians of happiness, right? These Evil Little Things will cause you many sleepless nights.

The story about the leprechaun is probably the longest of the two shorts that make up the body of the film. It is a cute story, it isn't really scary but it has a very creepy atmosphere that permeates the story. It does seem to take longer than necessary to tell, and the horror elements are kinda minimal. Still the killer leprechaun doll used is creepy as it gets and it ends with the classic twisted ending we all love about classic anthology series.

The second of the stories deals with an evil porcelain doll that has a jealous streak fed by the demonic. It is a pretty familiar tale, but still it is told nicely. It is a bit shorter than the first and there is a little bit more horror in this one. Mostly paranormal-esque gimmicks and occult themes toward the end. I was crazy about the choice of voice for the Patty doll but she looks evil. Plus the story had another wicked little ending. 

The wraparound is my favorite story. It is classic "Creepshow" style storytelling. The first half plays as your basic set up for the two middle stories, but it starts out with a hint of domestic violence. The second half is the fun part, and although it is short it has the most horror in the anthology. Plus a clown doll that goes all demony is always a treat. 

Overall "Evil Little Things" is a cute horror anthology. I do enjoy a bit more horror in the films, but I did appreciate the throwback feel of the stories. Plus I am a sucker for evil, creepy doll movies. "Evil Little Things" will find a fan base, it is pretty PG so hardcore splatter/gore fans may not get it, but check it out and decide for yourself. (2.5)

Freestyle Digital Media Acquires North American Distribution For Psychological Thriller "Woodland"

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios, has acquired North American rights to the psychological thriller, WOODLAND. WOODLAND will be available to rent and own on DVD and North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms through Freestyle Digital Media on July 28, 2020.

Written and directed by Jon Silverberg, WOODLAND features an ensemble cast including Richard Harmon (‘Jake’), Amanda Tapping (‘Donna’), Frank C. Turner (‘Kohler’), Philip Granger (‘Sparky’), and Catherine Jack (‘Anna’).

WOODLAND stars Richard Harmon (CW’s THE 100), a photojournalist whose future is revealed to him through the images he shoots. Set in 1989, photojournalist Jake is out-of-work and struggling with addiction when he takes a job as watchman of a wilderness lodge on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, alongside veteran handyman, Sparky. Jake sets up a darkroom to develop his photographs, which begin to expose disturbing premonitions of their future.

“I’m incredibly proud to share my horror/thriller fever dream and labor of love that is WOODLAND – brought to life with explosive and achingly beautiful performances from both leads, Richard Harmon and Philip Granger,” said filmmaker Jon Silverberg. “Richard Harmon, as both star and Executive Producer on the film, was such a dedicated and supportive collaborator. On behalf of the entire cast and crew, I’m thrilled to be working with MPX and the team at Freestyle to bring the film to audiences on so many platforms.”




WOODLAND official website: www.redcastlefilms.com/project/features-woodland/

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DARK SKY FILMS ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO HORROR COMEDY ‘IT CUTS DEEP’

Dark Sky Films today announced it has acquired all North American distribution rights to the new horror comedy IT CUTS DEEPS, the directorial debut from Nicholas Payne Santos.

Greg Newman, Executive Vice President of MPI/Dark Sky Films, negotiated rights for the film and Dark Sky’s parent company, MPI Media Group will be representing worldwide international sales for the film. Nicola Goelzhaeuser, MPI’s Vice President of Sales and Acquisitions will be introducing IT CUTS DEEP to buyers at this year’s virtual Cannes.

The film is an 88/90 Production in association with BullMoose Pictures. Producer on the film is Kristy Richman. IT CUTS DEEP will be released in November 2020.

IT CUTS DEEP lives up to its title, revealing the extremes to which the fear of getting married and having children can go. While on Christmas vacation, a young couple contemplates their future together. Ashley (Quinn Jackson, The Blacklist, Hunting Season) is interested in marriage and kids, which terrifies Sam (acclaimed comedian Charles Gould, The Big Sick, Bonding). But when the handsome and paternal Nolan (John Anderson, Quantico, Mozart in the Jungle) enters the picture, Sam’s life spirals out of control as Ashley questions their relationship. Chaos reigns as Sam desperately clings to Ashley while fending off the threatening Nolan.

IT CUTS DEEP stars rising comedian Charles Gould. Gould is an LA-based stand-up comedian who was named a “Comic To Watch” by Comedy Central and was most recently named a “New Face of Comedy” at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal.

First Images Released For Horror Sequel "The Collected"

LD Entertainment has released the first Images for "The Collected". The film is the second sequel in "The Collector" franchise, following "The Collection". It is directed by Marcus Dunstan and brings back leads Josh Stewart and Emma Fitzpatrick. "The Collected" costars Tom Atkins, Randy Havens (Godzilla: King of the Monsters), Dot-Marie Jones (3 From Hell) and Navi Rawat (Feast). No word on full plot details but if it keeps with the brutal and tense energy as the previous entries then I am here for it.

TERROR FILMS Expands Into Europe With Italian SVOD Platform HODTV!

TERROR FILMS continues to pave the way toward its worldwide digital expansion in its latest partnership with Italian streamer HODTV.

On the heels of direct partnerships with international platforms Horrify (Netherlands) and iFlix (Malaysia), HODTV will now help position the genre distributor’s content in Italy and surrounding European countries. 

The initial launch will consist of three TERROR FILM'S originals. First up, TRACE, stars Nick Fink (The CW’s “Legacies”), in a film about a group of friends experimenting with EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon). They accidentally open a doorway allowing a powerful demon to enter our world. Second, THE CHOSEN stars YouTube influencer Kian Lawley (TV’s “Zac and Mia”) - in a film about a child-stealing demon who attaches itself to a little girl, thrusting her family into a battle against time in order to save her. Third up, PATIENT SEVEN is a horror anthology with segments starring: Michael Ironside, Amy Smart, Doug Jones, Grace Van Dien and Alfie Allen. This title is about a renowned psychiatrist, who selects 6 severe mentally ill and dangerous patients from the Spring Valley Mental Hospital, to interview as part of research for his new book. But soon, he learns there is an even deadlier patient that connects them all.

This platform will begin releasing the films in July. Launched in September of 2019, HODTV is a subsidiary of House of Disaster Production and Entertainment SRL, an Italian Media and Entertainment Company - with an SVOD platform dedicated to horror and thriller content. Check out the company’s promotional teaser below.

To learn more about TERROR FILMS, visit: http://www.TerrorFilms.net

And here: https://www.facebook.com/TerrorFilmsLLC/

To learns more about HODTV visit:  https://hodtv.net

And here: https://www.facebook.com/hodtvHT/

Tory Jones Mystery Thriller “ANGEL” Is Now Streaming Via Tubi!

Tory Jones' mystery thriller "Angel" (ITN Distribution/ Concept Media/ Jonestown Films) is now streaming on Tubi TV. The film stars Sonya Delormier, Cameryn Zupon, Dale Miller, Chelsea Skalski, Brady A. Myers, Talia Schade and Katie Stewart.

After his daughter goes missing, a wealthy contractor hires a group of investigative journalists to probe into an abandoned town with hope of uncovering clues about her disappearance.

Multi-Award Winning German Thriller "Ingenium" Set To Release Digitally This July

The multi-award winning German thriller "Ingenium" is set to be released digitally July 7th. The U.S. release will be subtitled ( something I personally prefer to overdub). The film is directed by Steffen Hacker and stars Esther Maab, Judith Hoersch, Adrian Topol and Jan Yousagoon.

"Ingenium" follows Felicitas after a tragedy in Bangkok. Alone and confused, Felicitas begins to question her reality, when she returns home.

Official Trailer Released For Apocalyptic Thriller "Greenland"

The official trailer for apocalyptic thriller "Greenland" has been released. The film is directed by by Ric Roman Waugh and stars Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roger Dale Floyd, Scott Glenn, David Denman, Hope Davis, Andrew Bachelor, and Joshua Mikel. STXfilms is set to release the film August 14th.

A family fights for survival as a planet-killing comet races to Earth. John Garrity (Gerard Butler), his estranged wife Allison (Morena Baccarin), and young son Nathan make a perilous journey to their only hope for sanctuary. Amid terrifying news accounts of cities around the world being leveled by the comet’s fragments, the Garrity’s experience the best and worst in humanity. As the countdown to global apocalypse approaches zero, their incredible trek culminates in a desperate and last-minute flight to a possible safe haven.

Yellow Veil Pictures Is Bringing "The Amusement Park" To The Cannes Virtual Market

NY/LA-based arthouse/genre sales company Yellow Veil Pictures have acquired the worldwide sales rights for THE AMUSEMENT PARK, the formerly lost film from iconic filmmaker George A. Romero.

Recently discovered and restored 46 years after its completion by the George A. Romero Foundation and produced by Suzanne Romero it was restored in 4k by IndieCollect in New York, THE AMUSEMENT PARK is an alluring snapshot of the filmmaker's early artistic capacity and style, and would go on to inform his ensuing filmography. The film was originally commissioned by the Lutheran Society to raise awareness about ageism and elder abuse. Romero, however, conceived of what was perhaps his wildest, most imaginative movie, an allegory about the nightmarish realities of growing older. THE AMUSEMENT PARK stars MARTIN’s Lincoln Maazel as an elderly man who finds himself disoriented and increasingly isolated as the pains, tragedies, and humiliations of aging in America manifested through roller coasters and chaotic crowds.

Yellow Veil Pictures Co-Founder Justin Timms said “We couldn't be more excited to team up with the George A. Romero Foundation to bring this horrifying lost film to audiences. George's work here, as always, is an unnerving criticism of American society, this time embodied through a relentless amusement park”

Suzanne Romero said: “Though not in the horror genre it is George’s most terrifying film. It has Romero’s unique footprint all over it!”

Arrow Video Channel Bites Into July Lineup

Arrow Video Channel Bites Into July Lineup

SVOD Channel Offers Classic and Cutting Edge Cult Cinema

July Seasons Include Asia Extreme & 80s Horror

New Titles Include Zombie for Sale, The 12-Film Gamera Collection, Creepshow 2, Bloodstone, Black Rainbow 

& Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Arrow Video is excited to announce the July slate of titles on their subscription-based Arrow Video Channel, including acclaimed undead comedy Zombie for Sale and Gamera: The Complete Collection, all twelve films starring mankind's greatest defender: a fire-breathing mutant turtle.  

An infectiously funny slice of modern Korean cinema where Train to Busan, The Quiet Family and Warm Bodies collide to create Zombie for Sale, a memorable rom-zom-com from debut director Lee Min-jae.  For the first time ever, fans can trace the decades-long evolution of Gamera, from the "friend of all children" in his more light-hearted earlier films, to the Guardian of the Universe in the groundbreaking 1990s reboot series, often hailed as three of the best kaiju films ever made.  

Zombie for Sale and Gamera: The Complete Collection will be available July 1st on the Arrow Video Channel in the US and the UK.  Additional new titles available July 1st include Creepshow 2, Bloodstone, Black Rainbow, and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.  The Arrow Video Channel is available on Apple TV in the UK and US, as well as on Amazon in the UK.  All July titles, with the exception of Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence UK Only, will be available in both territories.

When the illegal human experiments of Korea's biggest pharmaceutical company go wrong, one of their "undead" test subjects escapes and ends up in a shabby gas station owned by the Park family - a band of misfits spanning three generations who hustle passersby to make ends meet. When the Park family uncover their undead visitor, he bites the head of their household, who instead of transforming into an undead ghoul becomes revitalised and full of life! The family then hatch a plan to exploit this unexpected fountain of youth, allowing locals to pay to be bitten too, until things go wrong...

July Additions:

Zombie For Sale (UK/US)

The Gamera Collection (12 films) (UK/US)

Creepshow 2 (UK/US)

Bloodstone (UK/US)

Black Rainbow (UK/US)

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (UK/US)

   

July Seasons:

Asia Extreme:

From South Korea:

Zombie for Sale (UK/US)

Oldboy (UK)

From Japan:

Audition (UK/US) 

Battle Royale (UK)

Ringu (UK/US)

Ringu 2 (UK/US)

Ringu 0 (UK/US)

Spiral (UK/US)

Dark Water (UK/US)

Pulse (UK)

The Happiness of the Katakuris (UK/US)

Horrors of Malformed Men (UK/US)

The Vampire Doll (UK/US)

Lake Of Dracula (UK/US)

Evil of Dracula (UK/US)

Blind Woman's Curse (UK/US)

Wolf Guy (UK/US)

Tetsuo: The Iron Man (UK/US)

Tetsuo II: Body Hammer (UK/US)

Killing (UK/US)

Bullet Ballet (UK/US)
Kotoko (UK/US)

A Snake of June (UK/US)

Tokyo Fist (UK/US)

Vital (US)

80s Horror: 

The Burning (UK)

Demons (UK)

Rawhead Rex (UK)

Bride of Re-Animator (UK/US)

Society (UK/US)

The Mutilator (UK/US)

Maniac Cop (UK)

Pieces (UK)

Hellbound: Hellraiser II (UK/US)

Slaughter High (UK)

House (UK/US)

Creepshow 2 (UK/US)

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (UK/US)

Bloody Birthday (UK/US)

Hellraiser (UK/US)

Doom Asylum (UK/US)

Brain Damage (UK/US)

Microwave Massacre (UK/US)

House II: The Second Story (UK)

The Initiation (UK)

Return of the Killer Tomatoes (UK)

Demons 2 (UK)

Satan's Blade (UK)

Blood Rage (UK/US)

The Exterminator (UK)

Poster, Stills And Trailer Released For Sci-fi "G-Loc"

Lionsgate has released the poster, several movie stills and a trailer for sci-fi thriller "G-Loc". The film is directed by Tom Paton, and stars Stephen Moyer, Casper Van Dien, John Rhys-Davies, Tala Gouveia, Toby Osmond, and Shayne Ward. It is due out on DVD, digital and VOD August 11th.

With Earth virtually destroyed, Bran Marshall flees to the Rhea, a planet hostile to Earthlings. Escaping onto a Rhean supply ship, he finds the crew slaughtered, with the only survivor a female warrior named Ohsha. As the two try to kill one another, the ship is damaged by meteorites. Bran (Moyer) and Ohsha must join forces to salvage the craft before it impacts the planet below — and the humans that live there.