DVD Release Date Set For Cameron Romero’s “Auteur”

Check out the new cover art for the DVD release of Cameron Romero’s mockumentary horror “Auteur”. The film stars Tom Sizemore, B.J. Hendricks, Ian Hutton, Madeline Merritt, Eli Jane, Matt Mercer and Ace Marrero “Auteur” blends urban legend styled atmosphere with Hollywood mystery theatre in a faux documentary set-up. The film will be available on DVD April 21st, 2015.

A naive documentarian sets out to find a legendary horror director who mysteriously disappeared before the release of his highly anticipated masterpiece. As the filmmaker uncovers the story through various interviews, he learns that the truth is much more deadly than he ever imagined. You can read my review of “Auteur” here  http://asouthernlifeinscandaloustimes.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-review-of-auteur.html

Blu-ray Details For “Paranormal Extremes: Text Messages From The Dead”

The blu-ray details have been announced for Ted V. Mikels “Paranormal Extremes: Text Messages From The Dead”. The film stars Colie Knoke, Josef Niznik, Ted V. Mikels, Brenda Grippi, Beverly Washburn, and will hit shelves on April 21st, 2015.

Two loves are sperated by a tragic accident but death can not keep them apart. This is a haunting tall of love, life, death and the intervention of the dead. Pre-order this paranormal thriller here- Amazon.com

New Poster Unveiled For Slasher Comedy “Chopping Block”

A new poster has been unveiled for upcoming slasher comedy “Chopping Block”. The film is directed by Joshua Hull and set to premiere at Hamilton 16 IMAX in Noblesville, Indiana on February 27. “Chopping Block” stars Comedian Michael Malone, Jas Sams (V/H/S), Haley Jay Madison, Raymond Kester (The Impersonators, Proxy), Bryan Wilson (Underground Entertainment: The Movie) Alex Raaen, and Melissa Revels.

The film follows a group of corporate guys who get laid off. Desperate times call for desperate measures. They decide to kidnap their ex-boss's daughter for ransom. Things take a bloody turn, when the boss's daughter just happens to be the only survivor of a masked psychopath. A masked psychopath still out for blood. Hilarity & bloodshed ensue.

Trailer Released For “Nightlight”

Check out the trailer for Scott Beck and Bryan Woods’ “Nightlight”. The film stars Shelby Young, Chloe Bridges, Carter Jenkins, Mitch Hewer, Taylor Ashley Murphy, and Kyle Fain. “Nightlight” hits U.S. theatres and VOD on March 27, 2015. The story involves five friends in a a late night game in a local forest, well known as an attraction for troubled teens considering suicide.

For years, the Covington forest has been shrouded in mystery, with a dark past as a final destination for troubled youths. Undeterred by the news of a classmate who recently took his life in those woods, five teens journey into the forest for an evening of flashlight games and ghost stories. But their plans go awry when the friends awaken a demonic presence, an unseen evil that will seize upon their deepest fears—and plunge them into a nightmare of absolute terror.

FOX Orders Pilot For ‘Lucifer’ Series Based On DC Comic

On Thursday FOX handed out a pilot pickup for Lucifer, based on the character from The Sandmancomics and its subsequent spinoff. Jerry Bruckheimer and Sleepy Hollow EP Len Wisemanhave boarded the drama. The drama centers on Lucifer, who is bored and unhappy as the Lord of Hell and resigns his throne and abandons his kingdom for the beauty of Los Angeles, where he gets his kicks helping the LAPD punish criminals.

New Poster And Clip For “Love In The Time Of Monsters”

A new poster and clip have been released for “Love In The Time Of Monsters”. The film is currently available on DVD and On Demand. “LITTOM” is directed by Matt Jackson and stars Doug Jones (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th, Hatchet), Mike McShane (Whose Line Is It Anyway? Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves), Heather Rae Young (Playboy Playmate of the Month February 2010), Shawn Weatherly (Baywatch, Police Academy 3), Gena Shaw (Granite Flats), Marissa Skell (Scream Queens) and Paula Rhodes (The League).

Two sisters travel to a cheesy tourist trap where they battle toxic monsters dressed in bigfoot costumes in order to save the ones they love. As children, Marla (Gena Shaw) and Carla (Marissa Skell) lost their father in a horrific accident at a roadside attraction. Fifteen years later, the girls find themselves in a similarly lethal tourist trap after Carla’s fiancé Johnny and the other costumed employees of the ultra-kitschy “Uncle Slavko's All-American Family Lodge” are exposed to a super-cocktail of toxic waste and are transformed into primal, psychotic killers – dressed as Bigfoot. Now, the sisters must fight to survive the night and save Johnny’s life.


(source: Daily Dead)

Mick Taylor Hunting Down Prey On The Small Screen

It seems that John Jarrett will return as Mick Taylor to hunt down his prey on the small screen. A series order has been placed by Australian On Demand service “STAN” for a mini-series based on the “Wolf Creek” story, and the iconic Mick Taylor character. Writer/Director Greg McLean has committed to overseeing the production to maintain the franchise integrity. The new series continues the dark mythos of Mick Taylor after the events in “Wolf Creek 2”.

Movie Release News & Release Party For “Empress Vampire”

Coming to American market on September 2015! The movie will be distributed by MAVERICK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP INC (maverickentertainment.cc) & Represented by: B.D. FOX INDEPENDENT for North American All Media release. Maverick is planning to start marketing the film in March. New Key Art will be created by Maverick through ad campaign. “Empress Vampire” is directed by Phil Condit and stars Ange Maya, Tom Cochran, Beau Nelson, Megan Renee Kim, Garrett Brawith, Laura Cotenescu.

The revelry of an upscale Halloween party is shattered by gunshots when two armed robbers attempt to fleece the well-to-do patrons of their money and jewels. A diminutive cloaked figure steps out from the crowd and despite being shot multiple times, effortlessly dispenses with the thieves. These superhuman feats do not go unnoticed and when news of them reaches the Secretary of Defense, Arthur Hayes (Tom Cochran), he dispatches FBI Agent Dan Higgins (Beau Nelson) to track the figure down. Higgin's quest turns ominous when he discovers he is attempting to track down a vampire, but not just any vampire - the Empress Vampire (Ange Maya), the source from which all other vampires descended! Higgins then enlists the aid of Ivor Helsing, a vampire hunter (Garrett Brawith), and Ariana , a psychic, who are also intent on tracking the Empress down. The Empress Vampire is no ordinary vampire. She craves more than mere blood. She is carnal as well as carnivorous and sexually exhausts her prey

My Review Of “Pernicious”

James Cullen Bressack has risen to greatness as a filmmaker and storyteller among the indie horror community, steadily heading toward mainstream awesomeness. His in-your-face style of directing, ability to pull you into the emotionality of terror is notable. His film “Pernicious” is the latest in his long line of cinematic accoutrements, which began with low budget SOV style films, before evolving into head-on, “too real for fantasy”, character driven nightmares. Regardless of whether you like his work or not one this is for sure, James Cullen Bressack takes the concept of horror and perverts it into a true spectacle of horror.

“Pernicious” stars Ciara Hanna, Emily O'Brien, and Jackie Moore as three young educators starting off in a foreign land on a humanitarian mission. The multicultural story was co-written by Taryn Hillin and blends urban legend with supernatural mythology. Westerners head out into the big ole world only to become prey for societal degenerates and local superstitions. “Pernicious” takes on three lovely birds with one bloody and brutal stone. It is a bit of a departure from Bressack’s gritty, “real world” character studies in horror like “Hate Crime” and “To Jennifer”, but a departure that he seems comfortable in having worked with The Asylum on “13/13/13 , and who can forget “Blood Lake”.

Now personally I enjoyed Bresseck’s earlier, low budget nightmares to these bigger budgeted horrors, but one this is for sure-the guy can give some good horror! “Pernicious” is a cut above the a fore mentioned supernatural horrors with a tighter story that holds up from start to finish. It isn’t as straight forward as you think going into the story which adds a greater amount of suspense to the film. The acting is a bit lukewarm, with often disconnected line deliveries, and dramatic expressiveness. At times it feels a bit “Lifetime”. Still, the characters are convincing enough to pull you into the story, connect with them, and “die” to see how this whole “sich” plays out!

The special effects and cinematography are what really hold “Pernicious” together. There are moments when Bresseck almost serenades Eli Roth with the full on gory scenes of violence. The blood, grue and kills are very exploitative and visceral, something that I really beg for in my horror-more so lately. Yet it is carefully blended with a surreal, paranormally atmospheric chilliness that elevates the horror to true ghost story expectations. Combine that with the quality filming framed around a fascinating  and scenic environment and you have a world class horror story. Also the soundtrack which is a mix of creepy, suspenseful  instrumental  sounds and classic, spooky effects carry the macabre nature through “Pernicious” nicely.

Overall “Pernicious” is a great story, well written and carefully executed. It brings a bit of the more exotic superstitious nature of the world into western mentalities. The actual scare-factor isn’t really present in the film, but the suspense and horror are very much here. The acting at times does fill forced, with choppy dialog given during dramatic scenes, and Bresseck’s “in-your-face” brutality of man is missing from “Pernicious” much as it was missed in his other supernatural horror films, “13/13/13” and “Blood Lake” (yes I believe a sci-fi creature feature that exaggerates the monstrous nature of wild life is “supernatural” ). The bottom line is this, “Pernicious” is a great ghost story, that offers a more “Lifetime Movie Network After Dark” experience on a R-rated level. I do miss the James Cullen Bressack that had me in fear of my neighbor and afraid to flirt with the checker down at the supermarket though!

My Review Of “Awaken The Devil”

Richard Granoble directed, highly stylized horror “Awaken The Devil” is surreal nightmare that blends classic Lovecraftian terror with graphic novel attitude. The film stars Ryan Lieske, Jason Roth, Matt Simpson Siegel, John Tuttle and Leah Vukavich. It is a somber story of evil being born into the shadows and unwashed of man’s world. Two homeless brothers seek refuge and rest in an abandoned building that serves as a gateway to Hell. Used by a satanic cult to bring the devil into the world of flesh, the building is a haven of horror.

The story was written by  O.H. Krill and is a stark, macabre piece that would make H.P. proud. There is very little dialog  leading the story from A to B, but the visual spectacle that unfolds creatively does all the story telling in a very awesome blend of live-ation, and graphic artistry. The acting is decent enough considering the weight of the film relies on mostly facial expressions, situational moments of drama, and idle, aimless chatter framed around a setting fit for Hell.

The special effects and graphic artistry are superb. I love this blended style of story telling in both horror and sci-fi. It is creative, entertaining, and holds endless possibilities for story telling. In films like “Awaken The Devil” the CGI is easier to enjoy if it is almost all of the film such as seen here. The cinematography and direction stay controlled and motionless, focused on framed-scenes that really pull you into the film. The soundtrack, effects and instrumental tones create a heartfelt, emotional atmosphere that is a blend of depressing and creepy.

Overall the graphic art backdrops and CGI blend that make “Awaken The Devil” look like a graphic novel come to life takes precedence over the actual story content. Most of what happens in the film could have been wrapped up in a twenty minute short film and been just as effective. Having a simple situation stretched out into a feature length scenario causes the energy and story effectiveness to weaken and become dull midway through. There isn’t enough action or theatrics picking up some much needed energy. It becomes a bit boring after 50-or so- minutes. Still you can’t ignore the beauty and talent of “Awaken The Devil”, in both style and artistry.

My Review Of ‘Ladies Night 2”

Concept Media and Ryan Stacy give the much loved Ladies Night out a second jolt of blood-soaked energy with horror short “Ladies Night 2”. A follow up to the a previous short film featured in horror anthology “Watch This”, “Ladies Night” takes the women’s night of festivities and literally paints the town red! “Ladies Night 2” brings back Christy Faulkner, Amanda Collins, in this stand alone sequel. It will be available in an ultimate Concept Media collection on the company’s website. Along for the ride and carnage are Emily Sewell Smith and Kelci C. Magel who help give new meaning to “girl’s night”.

The story is a steady, fast-paced situation that has the female killers hooking up and cutting up with some new hot bodies. Much like the first film, “Ladies Night 2” moves quickly toward the ultimate goal-kill men!-and anyone else who gets in the way. The dialog is simple, and direct with some characters feeling more authentic than others, although pretty much the entire cast feel and look comfortable on camera in their roles. It keeps the atmosphere and attitude light-hearted and cheeky.

The special effects are practical, basic tricks that really sell the scene. The kills are a bit quick and somewhat uneventful in their sudden-ness of the moments. I would have liked the female characters to play more with their victims before killing them but I image the night was still young and offered plenty more opportunities for these femme fatales. For a short film with several death scenes, witty humor, and fun energy, “Ladies Night 2” continues a very entertaining story.

Official Poster And Stills From Anthology “Voices From The Grave”

The official poster, along with a set of new movie stills has been released for Richard Stoudt and Laurence C. Holloway’s horror anthology “Voices From The Grave”. The film, the first feature length film from Stoudt and Holloway gives us three tales of terror including a wrap-around segment.
 
“Voices From The Grave” deals with deadly spirits, back from the grave and seeking vengeance. Myles Brandt is a horror fan that wanders into a mysterious bookstore in search of something different. He finds a book of supernatural horrors that he sets out to read in a secluded corner of the bookstore.















The tales include, “Invitation”, based on Gary Brandner’s work (The Howling), which tells the creepy tale of Len Krager, a loser who attends a party he’ll never forget. “All Hallows’ Eve”, an exercise in suspense and atmosphere set on an eventful Halloween night. The third tale is of Robert Mundy, a bitter man, still mourning the death of his brother- a brother who returns as a vengeful ghost in search of retribution-“Re-Possessed”.


“Voices From The Grave” is described as atmospheric, gory, and chilling. Richard Stoudt and Laurence C. Holloway have set out to give horror fans an anthology that they-as fans of horror-would want to watch. The film is a stylized anthology that is both fun and scary. “Voices From The Grave” is currently seeking distribution.

Let the Oddness Begin! "Odd Noggins" Now On DVD

Let the Oddness Begin! "Odd Noggins" Brings the Weird. 


Director Joe Sherlock's strange sci-fi horror movie ODD NOGGINS is now available as a limited edition unrated director's cut DVD, following a successful world premiere at Portland, Oregon's Clinton Street Theater, famous for having shown Rocky Horror Picture Show weekly since 1978! Since writer/director Sherlock describes his weird flick as "the perfect midnite-movie-style movie" the venue seemed fitting.  

After a strange man in a black suit introduces the movie and warns viewers, "Keep your eyes peeled, or I will have to peel them for you. Hold on to your colon…because here we go," ODD NOGGINS introduces the viewer to a number of housewives who work as bellydancers, clowns for kids parties and gorilla-gram deliverers. Stoic Mr. Birch is conducting unseen experiments, while everyone seems to be watching the same gross horror movie on tv, having nightmares and talking about going to Bob's halloween party. Various story threads come together in slimy and gory ways.

Sherlock wrote, produced, directed, shot, edited and scored the feature. He is no stranger to splashing the red stuff, having helmed recent bloodbaths DRIFTER and BLOOD CREEK WOODSMAN, and celebrates his 20th year of creating microcinema fare.


More information can be found at http://skullfaceastronaut.com/oddnoggins.html

Chris McMillan from Shadow Over Portland commented, "I enjoyed it…the Corman reference and Harryhausen moments were nice. And I appreciated the non-linear story." 

Christopher Jayawardena, director of Downcast called it, "another gross-out romp from Joe Sherlock and co., ODD NOGGINS is definitely a goofball blast. Comedic bizarro antics, alien invasion, copious mayonnaise (Corman-brand!), and the best damn collection of bubble baths ever…a blast for those that dig it!"

Odd Noggins stars Dale Wilson (Drifter, Beneath A Dead Moon), Liana Williams (Blood Creek Woodsman), Bryn Kristi (Throng, Drifter, Twisted Fates), Bob Olin (10 Days in a Madhouse, C.O.G., Lake Noir) Gwyn Laree (Deep Dark, Deadly Premonitions, Beneath A Dead Moon) and a bevy of Sherlock's b-movie gang.

"ODD PACKS" FOR SALE: http://skullfaceastronaut.com/oddpacks.html

MORE ABOUT JOE SHERLOCK: http://www.skullfaceastronaut.com/about.html