First Trailer Released For Supernatural Thriller "Widow's Point"

The first trailer has been released for upcoming supernatural thriller "Widow's Point", based on best-selling book by both Billy and Richard. The film is directed by Gregory Lamberson and stars Craig Sheffer, KateLynn E. Newberry and Dominic Luongo. 

The story focuses on a horror writer, who holes up in an old, haunted lighthouse. Hoping for a decent publicity event, Thomas finds a more supernatural force waiting for him.

New Trailer Released For Blumhouse's "The Invisible Man"

Check out the new trailer released for Blumhouse's revisioned "The Invisible Man". The film is directed by Leigh Whannell and due out February 28th. It stars Elisabeth Moss (Us, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale) in a terrifying modern tale of obsession inspired by Universal’s classic monster character.

Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Cecilia Kass (Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding, aided by her sister (Harriet Dyer, NBC’s The InBetween), their childhood friend (Aldis Hodge, Straight Outta Compton) and his teenage daughter (Storm Reid, HBO’s Euphoria).

But when Cecilia’s abusive ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House) commits suicide and leaves her a generous portion of his vast fortune, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia’s sanity begins to unravel as she desperately tries to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

Jason Blum, our current-day master of the horror genre, produces The Invisible Man for his Blumhouse Productions. The Invisible Man is written, directed and executive produced by Leigh Whannell, one of the original conceivers of the Saw franchise who most recently directed Upgrade and Insidious: Chapter 3.

The film is also produced by Kylie du Fresne (Upgrade, The Sapphires) for Goalpost Pictures. The executive producers are Whannell, Beatriz Sequeira, Charles Layton, Rosemary Blight, Ben Grant, Couper Samuelson and Jeanette Volturno. The Invisible Man is a co-production of Goalpost Pictures Australia and Blumhouse Productions, in association with Nervous Tick, for Universal Pictures.

Bloody BTS Images Released For "Terrifier 2"

Check out the bloody behind-the-scenes images from the set of Damien Leone's "Terrifier 2". The film stars David Howard Thornton as Art the Clown. Lauren LaVera has been cast as the film’s lead. Also joining the cast are Tamara Glynn (Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) and Jason Lively (Night of the Creeps).

“After being resurrected by a sinister entity, Art the Clown returns to Miles County where he must hunt down and destroy a teenage girl and her younger brother on Halloween night. As the body count rises, the siblings fight to stay alive while uncovering the true nature of Art’s evil intent.”

"Before the Fire" World Premieres At Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival

Madfire has announced the World Premiere of Charlie Buhler’s apocalyptic thriller Before the Fire at the 2020 Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival. The film follows a Hollywood actress whose rising career is cut short when a global crisis sends her back to the small town she fled years before, only to find something more dangerous than any virus waiting for her. Before the Fire will premiere at Cinequest at 3 Below Theaters and Lounge March 7th, with three additional screenings.

Two-time SAG Award nominee Jenna Lyng Adams (“The Kominsky Method”) headlines the cast as the actress whose flight from a collapsing Los Angeles is just the beginning of her troubles. Instead of shelter, her South Dakota hometown brings her face to face with even greater peril. Adams is joined by Jackson Davis (“Vida”), Ryan Vigilant (Naked As We Came), and Charlie Buhler. Buhler makes her directorial debut and produced from a script written by Adams, who also produced.

“We fought to make this movie, because we felt that there was a very specific expectation about the types of stories women were able to tell. Male directors shift between genres much more fluidly, and I think you can feel it in the types of stories that make it to the screen. But Jenna and I both love action, we both love sci-fi, so we wanted to make a female protagonist that we women could really rally behind,” said Buhler.

“Audiences are thirsty for unconventional, layered, and imperfect women on-screen,” said Adams. “I wanted our protagonist to find her strength by facing the darkest parts of her life in the darkest hours of the world. She reinvents herself over and over again to survive.”

As a global pandemic engulfs Los Angeles, rising TV star Ava Boone is forced to flee the mounting chaos and return to her rural hometown. As she struggles to acclimate to a way of life she left behind long ago, her homecoming attracts a dangerous figure from her past- threatening both her and the family that serves as her only sanctuary.

Cinequest:
Saturday, March 7, 2020
3:00 pm
3Below Theaters and Lounge
288 S 2nd St
San Jose, CA 95113

Monday, March 9, 2020
9:15 pm
Century 20 Redwood City, Screen 2
627, 825 Middlefield Rd
Redwood City, CA 94063

Wednesday, March 11, 2020
11:45 pm
Century 20 Redwood City, Screen 17
627, 825 Middlefield Rd
Redwood City, CA 94063

Thursday, March 12, 2020
2:15 pm
Hammer Theater
San Jose State University
101 Paseo de San Antonio
San Jose, CA 95113

Poster And Trailer Released For Action Thriller "2 Graves In The Desert"

"2 Graves In The Desert" is a cold thriller set on the blazing road to Las Vegas, provoking the ultimate question – is there any way the hostages can escape alive? The film is directed by Benjamin Goalabré and stars Michael Madsen (Vince), William Baldwin (Mario), Cassie Howarth (Blake), Iván González (Eric). It is due out March 3rd on VOD & Digital HD On Leading Digital Platforms & DVD.

When Eric wakes up, tied and gagged in the trunk of a pick-up truck, it’s instantly clear he’s been kidnapped. However, quickly he discovers he’s accompanied by a young woman, Blake, another hostage. Neither can recall how they ended up in this dire situation, and together they desperately try and get any help they can. With no help coming, and as things become more and more hopeless, it soon becomes fearfully apparent that there is more at stake than it first seems. The two kidnappers have their own agenda, and it’s not a pleasant one…

First Images Released For Upcoming Horror Comedy "Psycho Goreman"

The first images have been released for upcoming horror comedy "Psycho Goreman". The film is directed by Steven Kostanski and stars Nita-Josee Hanna, Owen Myre, Matthew Ninaber, and Adam Brooks. 

Set in small-town suburbia, the movie follows two kids, Mimi and Luke as they discover the tomb of a sleeping alien warlord whose only goal is to destroy the entire universe. The children find the magical gemstone allowing them to control the creature and embark on a crazy adventure full of cosmic action and comedy.

Digital Release Announced For Teen Zom-Com "Eat, Brains, Love"

Gunpowder & Sky’s horror brand ALTER, DIGA Studios and Full Fathom Five announced the digital release of teen zom-com "Eat, Brains, Love". The film is directed by Rodman Flender and stars Jake Cannavale (Nurse Jackie) as ’Jake’, Angelique Rivera (American Crime) as ‘Amanda’, Sarah Yarkin (American Horror Story) as ‘Cass’ and Alex Stage (“Cloak & Dagger”) as ‘Kyle’.

“The good news: Jake’s dream girl, Amanda, finally knows his name. The bad? It’s because they both contracted a sexually transmitted mysterious zombie virus and devoured half of their senior class. Now they’re on the run from the government as they search for a cure, all while weighing up the existential question of who really deserves to be eaten alive.”

Eat, Brains, Love is a gory and funny zombie-rom-com based on the living dead road trip novel by Jeff The film premieres on iTunes, Amazon, FandangoNOW, Google Play, Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation, Vudu, and Redbox, on Friday, February 14th.

New Trailer And Art Take Flight For "The Mothman Legacy"

Small Town Monsters has released the first trailer for The Mothman Legacy, the latest from cryptid documentarian Seth Breedlove.  The new trailer gives audiences a glimpse into some of the dark, haunting landscapes captured around West Virginia, along with sound clips from witnesses interviewed for the new film.  The trailer is accompanied by a new one-sheet from acclaimed artist, Christopher Shy (Mandy, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) which gives a haunting look at the titular creature.

The final chapter in Breedlove's Mothman trilogy, The Mothman Legacy will tell the story of dozens of sightings of a folk legend of dubious origin, who allegedly continues to be seen throughout the area today.  With a dozen eyewitness interviews, the film promises to offer some of the most intense and terrifying encounters ever recorded.

Many believe the Mothman to be a 1960's phenomenon, an omen only appearing before tragedy, and disappearing after a flap of sightings and the subsequent Silver Bridge collapse in 1967.  But what if there's more?  What if the origins of this omen trace back much further and go much deeper than anyone realized?  And what if...the sightings never ended?

The Mothman Legacy is directed by Seth Breedlove and produced by Adrienne Breedlove.  Lyle Blackburn returns to narrate with cinematography by Zac Palmisano and an original score by Brandon Dalo.  The Mothman Legacy is being funded through a crowdfunding campaign via Kickstarter which launches Thursday, February 6th.  Rewards include copies of the film on DVD and Blu-Ray, posters, t-shirts and more.

Small Town Monsters made waves in 2017 with their documentary The Mothman of Point Pleasant, followed by 2019's Terror in the Skies.  The Mothman trilogy will conclude with the release of The Mothman Legacy, set to premiere in Fall 2020.

New Trailer Released For Hulu's "Into The Dark: My Valentine"

The new trailer of "Into the Dark: My Valentine" has been released. The episode comes from writer/director Maggie Levin and stars Britt Baron (GLOW), Anna Lore (Doom Patrol),
Benedict Samuel (Gotham), Anna Akana (Let It Snow). 

The film follows Valentine, whose songs and artistic identity have been stolen by her ex-boyfriend/manager – and shamelessly pasted onto his new girlfriend/protégé, Trezzure.

Chilling New Trailer Released For Matthew Pope's "Blood On Her Name"

Check out the chilling new trailer for Matthew Pope's "Blood On Her Name". The Atlanta-based filmmaker co-wrote the film with producer Don Thompson. It stars . Bethany Anne Lind as Leigh. Will Patton as Richard. Elisabeth Röhm as Dani. Jimmy Gonzales as Rey. Jared Ivers as Ryan. Jack Andrews as Travis. Joshua Mikel as Reed.

The dead body lies at her feet, its blood still draining onto the floor. It was an accident, borne of self-defense, but its discovery could have devastating consequences for local garage owner Leigh Tiller and her son.

In a panic, Leigh decides to conceal the crime, cleaning the bloody scene and scrambling to dispose of the body. But can she actually disappear a man from the earth—from his family—leaving them forever wondering? As Leigh is torn between her primal instincts and tortured conscience she struggles to keep her sins hidden from her estranged father–a cop with a long history of moral compromise –and from the keen-eyed girlfriend of the deceased. Blood On Her Name is a character-driven thriller that explores questions of guilt, moral identity, and the irrevocability of choices in the direst circumstances.

Dracula Rises In Full-Cast Audio Production, 'Dracula's Guests'

Dracula has risen in new audio thriller 'Dracula's Guest'. Mark Gatiss stars as the Count in a full-cast audio production from Big Finish. It is now available in the UK as a three-disc collector’s edition CD for £19.99 or as a download for £16.99.

Joining Mark Gatiss as Count Dracula are David Bamber as Jeremiah Hart, Ian Hallard as RM Renfield and Hannah Arterton as Sabine.Save money with the Dracula trilogy bundle (including the already-released adaptation of the novel Dracula, and the sequel release due in September 2020, Dracula’s War) for just £53 as a collector’s edition CD box set or £45 as a download.

Transylvania, 1888.

Sitting in his castle like a spider in its web, Count Dracula is setting his plans in motion.

Soon he will travel to England, there to cut a bloody swathe through polite society and pit himself against a dedicated crew of vampire-slayers.

Yet before then there is much to be done. A certain artist must be brought to him and a certain portrait painted. An old tale must be told, drawn from the darkest recesses of Transylvanian history. And in faraway London an honest police detective must be corrupted and set to work in the service of the Count.

The vampire king is making preparations. And his survival will be assured – no matter the cost.

First Teaser Trailer Revealed For "Spiral: From the Book of Saw"

The first teaser trailer has now been revealed for "Spiral: From the Book of Saw". Lionsgate will release the film in theaters on May 15th. It is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and stars Rock, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols and Samuel L. Jackson.

A sadistic mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in SPIRAL, the terrifying new chapter from the book of SAW. Working in the shadow of an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.

CW Orders Revised Pilot Episode For 'The Lost Boys' TV Series

CW has ordered a new, revised pilot episode for potential reboot 'The Lost Boys' TV series. This is a revamped rework of the previous pilot order from the network. The pilot episode of “The Lots Boys” TV series will be directed by Marcos Siega (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Batwoman”). Executive producer Rob Thomas co-wrote the retooled version of the script with Heather Mitchell.

“After the sudden death of their father, brothers Michael and Sam Emerson move to Santa Carla with their mother, Lucy, who hopes to start anew in the town where she grew up. But the brothers soon find themselves being drawn deeper and deeper into the seductive world of Santa Carla’s eternally beautiful and youthful undead.”

My Review Of "Inner Ghosts"

Paranormal horror "Inner Ghosts" is directed by Paula Leite. The film stars Celia Williams, Elizabeth Bochmann, and Iris Cayatte. It plays on traditional ghost story themes, parapsychology and psuedo-scientific theories. 

If ghosts can think and remember who they are, then the physical brain is not the only place where we store our inner selves. Helen is asked to train two young women into the art of communicating with the dead. But Helen's days as a medium are long gone. In fact, she gave up that life 15 years ago when she lost her daughter. Today Helen is a different woman dedicated to her career in brain research. Things start to change when a visit from the other side offers her the design of a device that can do amazing things. But to everything there is a risk.

The story is a very complex, creative exploration of paranormal activity and psuedo-scientific applications. I say psuedo, but the logic behind this concept could very well be tested in mainstream science. Not all of the material but the basic stuff. "Inner Ghosts" is a good, layered story that mixes practical ghost story themes with more fantastical elements.

The acting is pretty good, the characters are fully developed and relatable. At times it gets a bit too theatrical and overly dramatic, but a story where contact with ghosts in order to test and explore intelligence in an attempt to find real world application isn't meant to play straight. The writing may stretch ones sense of belief but it is well done. 

"Inner Ghosts" is atmospheric and filled with all the expected ghosty stuff you expect to see. At times, even with certain characters, the film is very reminiscent of "Insidious", but with a more scientific research edge. The cinematography is great. The real horror parts don't show up till the 50 minute mark. Then the film spirals into more Clive Barker territory.

Overall I have some mixed thoughts towards "Inner Ghosts". I loved the story, very interesting and layered. I thought the acting was strong. I do feel that the film runs a little too long, spends too much time on the melodrama character structure for the first 50 minutes. The last 40 is impactful and hits the horror elements strong, but during the ending the story become confusing, just a bit. Still the film is a strong indie paranormal thriller. (3.5/5)

My Review Of "The Mercenary"

"The Mercenary" is a action thriller from director Jesse Johnson. The film stars Dominiquie Vandenberg, Louis Mandylor (Rambo : Last Blood) and Carmen Argenziano (“CSI : NY”). It is a classic action driven movie reminiscent of 'Strike Back' and "Savage Dog".

Maxx (Vandenberg, Triple Threat, Gangs of New York) is a legionnaire turned mercenary. When a mission in South America goes wrong Maxx is left for dead, but he is nursed back to health and reborn with a new outlook on life. He tries to live tranquilly within the confines of his new beliefs surrounded by his new friends at a church. But his peaceful days are short-lived when mercenaries he used to work with cross his path again and he is forced to revisit and face his own demons. His brutal past, war and violence have come looking for him again. His path to redemption is interrupted and Maxx becomes an avenging warrior using the skills that were his trade.

The story is very familiar, a man seeking redemption, forced back into darkness when his violent past comes back to haunt him. There is tragic loss, bloodshed, revenge and a reluctant sidekick. It is a format that has permeated action film and television for decades. "The Mercenary" mirrors it's predecessors but does so spectacularly. 

This isn't a genre I seek out, but having gotten hooked into the concept via 'Strike Back', I have come to appreciate quality storytelling in this genre. Johnson's film lacks some of the bigger budget asthetics, but still manages enough drama and climactic arc to capture it's audience. The acting is decent, not stellar but good enough so that you can get into the movie.

The effects blend CGI with more baser practical effects and quality choreography. It is what you expect to see in a action film. It is also very predictable. There isn't anything here that hasn't been seen before, still "The Mercenary" does it right, even on an obviously lower budget. Overall it is an entertaining action film that is worth checking out- if you are into action films. (3.5/5)

My Review Of "Blood Hound"

"Blood Hound" is a crime thriller from the first person point of view of a private investigator told through video diary format. The film is directed by Jason R.Miller and stars Ed Ackerman (Frozen, 17 Again), David Foy (Hatchet II) , Miles Dougal (Director’s Cut, Detroit Rock City), Jess Allen (Broken Glass), and Silvia Moore (Lords of Salem, Chillerama).

Private investigator Abel Walker along with his cameraman, Jim, are on the hunt for a missing woman. As they unravel the mystery of her disappearance, they become caught in a sick and violent game that will end in murder.

"Blood Hound" begins a bit sketchy. The throwback noir homage with classic p.i narration over video diary cam work made me a bit apprehensive. But- full disclosure- I am kind of hyper-critical when it comes to found footage story telling. Still I did stick with the film, to give Miller's concept a chance. It is a great story idea, a private eye crossing paths with a very scary group and a situation that is deadly beyond the standard case.

The writing does have some moments of strong suspense and thrilling concepts. However there is a lot of the material that should have been re-evaluated or fleshed out more. The acting is decent, even in scenes that don't flow as smooth as they need to. It does get a little boring waiting for the energy and story to reach a level of suspense that says "horror". It takes nearly 50 minutes. 

The story pace does amp up. The darker, scarier aspect of the story is entertaining. Still nothing really manifests to truly qualify as horror. "Blood Hound" does reach decent thriller level story telling. A couple of jump scares worked on me. Overall the film falls somewhat short of expectations, but there is enough here to find an audience. Just suspend disbelief and give yourself over to the found footage choice. (2.5)

My Review Of "2050"

"2050" is a sci-fi fantasy movie directed by Princeton Holt. The film stars Dean Cain, David Vaughn, Irina Abraham, Devin Fuller, Stormi Maya and Stefanie Bloom. The film plays out as philosophical exploration of human emotion and sexual conflict in an age of realized futurism.

The film tells the story of a married video game developer who is introduced to a warehouse that customizes androids for human companionship.

The story is ambitious. Much like "A.I" and 'Humans', "2050" explores the relationship between man and technology. The personal acceptance, social implications and potential conflict. In this film the exploration is between human relationships and advanced artificial intelligence integrated sex bots. And yes there is a slight flippant approach with "battle of the sexes" humor. 

I am not sure if "2050" ever lives up to the expectations of the film's creators. The concept, on the surface is a curious topic, one with a valid point. Unfortunately, I felt a definite judgemental vibe from the story's perspective choices. Several of the characters felt shakey, didn't really fit Into the situations offered. Some of the writing seemed to need a bit more development. 

Special effects are pretty minimal. The environments seem more now than future. Aside from some ancillary CGI elements peppered in there is no real leap to a sci-fi aspect. I didn't get enough A.I conveyance from the android characters to believe them. All that said, the film is shot nicely. Some of the situational material between the human characters were nice. "2050" has a few cool elements but not enough to make sci-fi futurist fans happy. (2/5)

Official Poster And Trailer Released For "Dead Sound"

Genre icon Jeff Kober (The Walking Dead, Buffy), Terminator : Dark Fate’s Brett Azar and Stranger Things’ Matty Cardarople star in the terrifying Dead Sound, premiering on DVD and Digital this March from Uncork’d Entertainment.

Four best friends from boarding school decide to attend a massive blow-out High School graduation party on Block Island. After missing the last ferry they decide to hire a fishing boat to take them on what should be a simple journey. What they get is the trip from hell, with a captain and his first mate that have no intention of taking the kids to Block Island, putting them into a fight to survive and to simply make it back to land... any land.

Caroline Day, Ashley Austin Morris, John Behlmann, Eric Tabach, Matthew Gumley, Noah Gaynor and Sophie Faulkenberry co-star.

From director Tony Glazer, and writers Jon Adler and Ted Weihman, Dead Sound is released March 3.

My Review Of "A Rough Draft"

"A Rough Draft" is a sci-fi thriller written by Sergei Lukianenko, author of Night Watch. The film is directed by Sergey Mokritskiy and stars Nikita Volkov, Yulia Peresild and Yevgeny Tsyganov. "A Rough Draft" is a visual, fantastically entertaining sci-fi movie. 

Set in and around the concept of open world video gaming, following a man without an identity nor memories who plays middle-man to corresponding worlds. Kirill’s identity has been eliminated. Erased from the memories of everyone around him, Kirill will be forced to serve as the gatekeeper of a portal that connects parallel worlds.

"A Rough Draft"  manages to be a pretty entertaining, highly conceptual sci-fi story. Much like "Night Watch", the film's big theme is alternate realities, filled with near supernatural characters who have learned to manipulate and control destiny. It is instantly a fascinating concept and begs of intrigue. I found the film interesting from the beginning. 

Although "A Rough Draft" suffers similar flaws as "Night Watch", lack of depth in regards to character development and a true human touch, the movie gives us a fun ride with cool characters. The writing does hint at cookie-cutter hyperbole, the cast interact with enough comfort to create engaging story development and drama. 

The special effects wag between creative high concept CGI elements and mockbuster aspiration. The film is visually stunning with various Moscows showcasing some exciting possible realities. There is some really memorable scenes that almost brings to mind "Inception" level effects, my favorite involves a Matryoshka doll. 

Overall "A Rough Draft" is a very entertaining, highly engaging sci-fi action movie with cool effects and stellar cinematics. It isn't quite as high impact as "Night Watch", but it is a proper effort. Still the film does lack true depth inregards to connecting on a personal level. The characters don't completely feel fully drafted. That being said, the movie is worth watching and should be entertaining to sci-fi fans. (3/5)