My Review Of "Last Girl Standing"

Benjamin R. Moody's "Last Girl Standing" just screams modern American giallo. Of course Moody mixes in a nice dose of early 80's gore to create on dark, emotional horror story. The film stars  Akasha Villalobos, Danielle Evon Ploeger, Brian Villalobos, and JD Carrera. "Last Girl Standing" flips the final girl story inside out.

Synopsis: Five years ago, a psychotic slasher brutally murdered a group of friends. Since then, Camryn (Akasha Villalobos), the lone survivor of the masked killer, has struggled to reclaim her shattered life. Wracked with survivor’s guilt and paranoia, Camryn now leads a depressingly lonely existence until Nick (Brian Villalobos), a new co-worker, befriends Camryn and attempts to integrate her into his group of friends. Just when she might be ready to start a new life, Camryn’s past comes back to haunt her. Can Camryn ever have a life again, or is she destined to be alone?

Benjamin R. Moody's story is a dark, cynical next chapter in the final girl persona. Although the film starts with a strong, gory opening it soon turns to Indie driven character study with lofty amounts of solemn atmosphere. The cast get into their characters and for the most part give strong performances. They play up the quirky but familiar stereotypes nicely. "Last Girl Standing" goes into a deep drama mode after the first scenes, but it is an evenly paced, tense rise to a bloody climax. 

The special effects are worth watching the film. It is bloody, and gory and brutal. It has all the elements of giallo, grindhouse, and splatter gore neatly tied up in one hell of a bloody third act. The middle moves toward atmospheric, and macabre thriller, but the story is strong, and the blood is gore is in your face. Definitely a big plus for "Last Girl Standing". I do think the suspense and intensity could have contained more power, but whateve, all in all this is a good, indie American giallo horror that most indie fans will dig.

Actors Madeline Smith and John Carson confirmed for Hammer Documentary!

Press Release:

Veteren Hammer actors Madeline Smith and John Carson have been confirmed to take part in the new documentary HAMMER HORROR: THE WARNER BROS YEARS, to be produced and directed by film historian Marcus Hearn.

JOHN CARSON

John Carson has a long history with Hammer Horror. He is one of the co-stars of Taste the Blood of Dracula. He also appeared in the Plague of the Zombies and Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter.

MADELINE SMITH

Although Madeline Smith's role for this film was short lived she still had a pinnacle part to play. Appearing in a single scene where Hargood, Paxton and Secker visit a high-class brothel, Madeline plays prostitute Dolly. The scene is initially light-hearted, containing a flirtatious exotic dance with a stripper who wields a live snake. But things take a downward slope as Lord Courtley barges in to steal one of the girls; that girl being Madeline, although we do not get to see what fate befalls her.

Speaking in Hammer Films: The Elstree Studio Years (Kinsey 2007) on the role Madeline says…'I had to ride on the back of Geoffrey Keen. He's a very serious man, but I got to know him much better later on when I worked with him on TV. I was dressed in this little white outfit, and it was meant to be a brothel. Of course, I did not know what a brothel was and what this woman was doing with a snake'… in the same text actor, John Carson who also appeared in the scene outlines how Madeline certainly made an impression… ‘Geoffrey Keen who is a touch portly in physique and somewhat short in temper, was given a sweet girl dressed like a painted doll. There was Geoffrey on all fours with this girl astride him. He was shouting crossly, "take the weight on your feet girl!."

Although Madeline enjoys very little screen time she does manage to portray a sense of wide-eyed innocence in the part, and her presence stands out among the crowd of beautiful women. She was soon to be invited back again; this time to take the role she became known all over the world for, Emma Morton in The Vampire Lovers.​

Ever Wonder What The Scariest Horror Halloween Costumes Are?

Have you ever wondered what the scariest horror Halloween costumes are that people pick? Well with all the choices out there and an almost endless supply of horror inspiration it could seem like a hard choice to make. Well, Halloween is just around the corner so time is of the essence. You may think that it would be easy to not be seen as  just another cat in the crowd, or creepy but sexy Freddy Krueger, well the tendency to migrate toward specific horror icons for inspiration puts people more a like than you would imagine.

Just how close are you to becoming the other-other Sam? Check out the infograph created by  Angels Fancy Dress , a fancy dress supplier and Oscar winning costumier for movies like Bram Stokers Dracula and more recently Woman in Black, showing the most picked legends of fright to go as on our most hallowed of holidays-Halloween.

I have to say that the infograph does offer a nice little peek into fellow horror family's and costumers' psyche. Pretty much every character shown here, representing the top icons chosen for Halloween-and if we expand a bit-even cosplay, are the very characters I tend to migrate toward with movie watching, cold days that I crave a comfort classic horror with some snacks.  However who wins the best or most realistic at the party or festival, is still up in the air and completely dependent on how intense you get into creating these delightful boogie men. 

My Review Of "Deep Dark"

"Deep Dark" is a indie dark madness in perfect tone with stylish arthouse horror. The film is directed by Michael Medaglia and stars  Mary McDonald-Lewis, Erin Hagen, Don Alder, Sean McGrath, with Denise Poirier as the whole and John Nielsen. "Deep Dark" is a strange and wild journey into symbolism, and almost male-chauvinist themes that either over-sexual women or see them as negative cliches. And yet it is all more entertaining and captivating than one would think. 

Synopsis: Hermann, a failed sculptor, is about to kill himself when he finds a strange, talking hole in the wall. The creature in the hole (Denise Poirier, the voice of ÆON FLUX) has the power to fulfill his wildest dreams, but things go horribly wrong and when the killing starts, Hermann is thrust into the worst nightmare of his life. Deep Dark is a twisted tale warning you to be careful what you wish for, because it just might get you.

The story is a bizarre play on male/ female relationships in both the professional and person life. It does ride on familiar and redundant archetypes in the stories that reek of 'the battle of the sexes'. Normally the film is a comedy or high camp theatre, "Deep Dark" is neither, it is a heavy indie slice of surrealism and the macabre. It is hands down a instant cult classic for the new age horror fan. Medaglia is creative, risque, and blunt in his design and vision. And the relationship between the characters are real, authentic and justified in their cliched depictions, which you wouldn't think feels anything but ridiculous-and yet there is a real connection with not only the protagonist but also the antagonist-a whole in the wall!

The special effects are limited in "Deep Dark". The few scenes that have gore or blood give it good, but there isn't a lot of it. Enough to make the film look and feel like real modern horror. Oh, and they are all practical effects. The real special effect in "Deep Dark" though is the ability Michael Medaglia has in getting you to connect, and buy into this relationship between a struggling artist and a whole in the wall that is a woman. This is a bizarre film and the fans are gonna bit very mixed about the story, but I found it slightly more provocative than ridiculous. 

My Review Of "Worry Dolls"

Padraig Reynolds' supernatural horror "Worry Dolls" is the follow up to his 70's and 80's homage to slasher - grindhouse "Rites Of Spring". The film stars Christopher Wiehl, Kym Jackson, Tina Lifford, and Samantha Smith. "Worry Dolls" carry the same dark focus on things of the occult with this one, and the subject matter could not be more thrilling and creepy. 

Synopsis: A detective investigates a series of voodoo related killings in deep dark Mississippi,  but when he connects the murders with a previous case involving Guatemalan talismans he finds himself up against the clock to save his possessed daughter. 

Padraig Reynolds keeps with the same visual and directing style that played out in rural community horror fashion in "Rites Of Spring". That whole small town lives with their super evil occult issues. "Worry Dolls" doesn't quite give as exciting and well developed story the way his debut feature gives, but it keeps with a familiar creepy cult, black magic motif. Except in this story the occult, supernatural is more developed and defined. With "Rites Of Spring" it was a more subtle hint to the Sowing Season with more pagan inspiration. 

"Worry Dolls" is a wicked, and paranormal curse nightmare that gives good deadpan mixed with American Gothic flare. Unfortunately the suspense and energy is very low when it comes to getting the story off the ground. The emotion and atmosphere are their but the direction and character drama just never gets up there to meet this great, and chillingly good slice of occult horror. The cast give good performances, but compared to "Rites Of Spring", "Worry Dolls" feels more Charles Band than Ti West, not that that is a bad thing, just saying compared to films similar to "Worry Dolls" like "House Of The Devil" and "Nothing To Fear".

Now the special effects are beasts of another Hell! The blood splatter, and brutality was great, visceral slices of awesome. The opening scene honestly, I felt like I needed to go check to make sure no blood splashed on me. Great scene. I enjoyed all the horror scenes with the blunt, brutal deaths. Blood, blood, blood, every kill was crimson. The sound effects, and the musical score weren't as memorable as the special effects, but they do their job to keep the pace and attitude of "Worry Dolls" dark, and sinister. And the creature effects, although more like Haunted Attraction level artistry, created some freaky, evil faces. 

Overall, "Worry Dolls" is a bit disappointing, especially when comparing it to Reynolds' first film, but does have some cool stuff happening throughout the film. You will find yourself wondering on to other things during the long character building scenes. Still just when you feel you drifted too far a brutal,  blood staining event takes place and snaps you back into the depth of the horror in "Worry Dolls:" Definitely check this one out if you are keen to Padraig Reynolds style, I liked enough about the film based on concept and kills to wanna add it to my collection. But take note that the horror vibe doesn't really have full strength through the whole film, like the thrills, it comes and goes.

Jinga Inks Deal With "Last Girl Standing" For AFM Slate

Press Release: 

Worldwide genre specialist Jinga Films has added Benjamin Moody's post modern slasher LAST GIRL STANDING to its AFM slate.

Akasha Villalobos stars as the sole survivor of a horrific massacre in which all her friends were brutally murdered. After a period of convalescence, she returns to society where she struggles to gain acceptance. Treated as a freak by her work colleagues she eventually becomes like her would be killer, an outsider with a grudge to bare. Can she escape the cycle of violence or is she destined to repeat the slaughter?

Produced by Rachel Moody, LAST GIRL STANDING received its World premier at FrightFest in the UK where it was picked up for UK distribution by Icon (Babadook, It Follows). Its US premiere was at Eerie Horror Film Festival in Pennsylvania where Benjamin Moody was awarded the prize for Best Director. LAST GIRL STANDING has since been selected for Dublin Horrorthon, Tucson Terror Festival, Lund Fantasik Film Festival in Sweden and the New York Independent Horror Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Jinga has booked screenings at the forthcoming American Film Market in Santa Monica where LAST GIRL STANDING will be viewed by distributors from all over the World.

LAST GIRL STANDING - TRAILER from Jinga Films on Vimeo.

New Clip Released For Upcoming Horror Comedy "Caeser And Otto's Paranormal Halloween"

Press Release:

Caesar & Otto are back with their latest cinematic misadventure. In anticipation of the Halloween DVD release, the hapless half-brothers have debuted a new clip featuring B-movie legend Brinke Stevens (Nightmare Sisters, Teenage Exorcist) in a nod to The Shining. Written and directed by Dave Campfield (Caesar), Paranormal Halloween stars cult icons Stevens, Tiffany Shepis, Vernon Wells, Felissa Rose, Deron Miller, Sean Whalen, Andre Gower and Debbie Rochon.

These heroes of the low-budget silver screen join Campfield, Paul Chomicki (Otto), Ken MacFarlane, Samantha Barrios, Avi Garg and Shawn C. Phillips in a hilarious homage to Insidious, The Conjuring, Amityville Horror, Sinister, Paranormal Activity and more.

It’s Halloween Eve and Caesar and Otto find themselves housesitting for the world’s most unpopular Governor, Jerry Grayson (MacFarlane). But after a series of ghostly visions, strange phenomenon and a demonic possession, the half-brothers call upon renowned exorcist Father Jason Stieger to help put a stop to this new nightmare. But in this house, nothing is what it seems and everyone is fair game for the mysterious forces at work.

The DVD release of Caesar and Otto’s Paranormal Halloween will exclusively include two feature length commentaries with director Dave Campfield, cast and crew, The Son of Piggyzilla shorts trilogy, a tribute to Robert Z’Dar, trailers and other videos. Look For it on DVD and VOD October 27th courtesy of Wild Eye Releasing.

Get Your Taste Of Chaos With "Sheborg Massacre" Stills & Poster

Get your first taste of sweet sweet chaos with the teaser poster and first look images from "Sheborg Massacre". The film is directed by Daniel Armstrong and my knee jerk reaction is that this film is looks cool as fuck! Read the full press release and check out the images below.

Press Release:

Strongman Pictures Entertainment announce the completion of primary shooting on their latest do-it-yourself, exploitation, splatstick feature epic SHEBORG MASSACRE, along with plans to drop the first teaser trailer via their Facebook page (Facebook.com/StrongManPix) on this Halloween eve, October 31st.

SHEBORG MASSACRE began shooting on July 4th this year, and in true do-it-yourself style has consumed 33 weekends and evenings for all concerned over the past 4 months. The film marks writer/director Daniel Armstrong’s third DIY feature (the previous two being FROM PARTS UNKNOWN: FIGHT LIKE A GIRL, and the international cult hit MURDERDROME – both of these films are distributed through Monster Pictures in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and Camp Motion Pictures in North America).

Armstrong describes SHEBORG MASSACRE as a neo-pulp film.

“Neo-pulp lovingly embraces the most extreme, cliche, and supercilious elements of pop culture and pulp literature and puts them in a human context. SHEBORG MASSACRE itself is a 50s teen rebel flick set in a B grade sci-fi world from the early 80s, with horror style violence. It’s not a spoof, it’s not horror, it’s not action, it’s not sci-fi, it’s not drama. It’s all of these things. It’s neo-pulp.”

About the superstars of SHEBORG MASSACRE

The film stars acting/action-star powerhouse Whitney Duff, as the tough as nails, Tank Girl-esque rebel-without-a-clue heroine, Dylan. Duff garnered an award nomination at this year’s MUFF for her work in Ivan Malekin’s short film MIRROR OF FILTH, and shouldered a lead role in Jake Reedy’s independent Aussie feature LOYALTY. Duff has also appeared in numerous critically acclaimed short films over the past 5 years and has earned enormous respect throughout the local industry for her powerful and emotive performances, as well as for her eagerness and aptitude for performing her own stunts.

Sharing top bill is Daisy Masterman in the role of Eddie, a little-girl-lost with fierce loyalty to her BFF Dylan that manifests as unexpectedly extreme violence from time to time. Masterman starred in Armstrong’s debut feature, MURDERDROME, a role for which she had to learn to roller skate and play roller derby. She is also known for playing the role of Sydney Sage in the BLOODLINES book trailers (the sequel series to the VAMPIRE ACADEMY novels), a role for which she has captured a large and loyal fan base around the world. Masterman also voices the lead character “Love” in the Gwen Stefani cartoon Kuu-Kuu Harajuku. Like all the cast of SHEBORG MASSACRE Masterman took on the challenge of performing her own stunts and only occasionally hurt her co-workers in the process!

Emma Louise-Wilson stars as the titular character THE SHEBORG. Wilson appears in the AACTA and Logie Award winning comedy UTOPIA (for Working Dog Productions and the ABC). In 2015 she was part of the vibrant ensemble of KINNE, a sketch comedy for 7mate. Wilson also recently starred as Alice in the epic horror music video, ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND, for independent artist and horrorcore icon, KidCrusher. Wilson also played a supporting role in Armstrong’s just released feature FROM PARTS UNKNOWN : FIGHT LIKE A GIRL.

SHEBORG MASSACRE also stars Louise Monnington (aka Cyndi Lawbreaker). Monnington had her acting debut in MURDERDROME as Psych, the smart talking, potty-mouthed roller derby girl, and her portrayal of the character has led to Psych becoming a true fan favorite. In contrast for SHEBORG MASSACRE Monnington takes on the role of uber-nerd Velma, a character that never swears, gets angry or throws a punch.

Local pro-wrestling personality Tommy Hellfire, well known for his work with one of Australia’s premiere wrestling promotions Melbourne City Wrestling, plays the role of straight laced police officer Sam, who finds himself in over his head when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan.

About SHEBORG MASSACRE

Self styled tough-girl and punk activist Dylan loves fighting for a cause… literally any cause will do (much to the chagrin of her BFF Eddie). When an alien fugitive crash lands into a local puppy farm and begins turning people into machines that feed on puppy flesh, Dylan has to decide if she believes in any cause enough to risk her life, take on the SheBorg menace, and save the world.

SHEBORG MASSACRE was produced by Melbourne based production company Strongman Pictures Entertainment, and written, directed and edited by Daniel Armstrong. Armstrong’s previous films include the international cult hit MURDERDROME – the world’s first roller derby horror movie, which hit a chord with alternative cinema fans world wide, and the wrestle-ploitation film FROM PARTS UNKNOWN : FIGHT LIKE A GIRL.

Details And Promo Poster Released For "The Amityville Legacy"

The first details have come out regarding Dustin Ferguson's "The Amityville Legacy". The film is currently in pre-production with a 2016 multi-platform release slated. "The Amityville Legacy" also released a promo poster for the film. Word came courtesy of DreadCentral.com.

"The Amityville Legacy" deals with a possessed toy monkey from the DeFeo's days in the cursed house. It wrecks havoc on a family as the father becomes possessed when the toy monkey is given to him as a gift.

LADY FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL Hosts U.S. Premiere of "Let Go"

After a packed screening at the Fantasia Film Festival earlier this summer in Montreal, Canada, Isabel Dréan’s poignant macabre short Let Go will have its US Premiere at the 7th Annual Lady Filmmakers Festival.

SCREENING INFO

Sunday October 25th at 7:30pm

Ahrya Fine Arts Theatre

8556 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA

Let Go - Trailer from Kebweb.tv on Vimeo.

Starring acclaimed Canadian actress Claudia Ferri (Mambo Italiano, Unité 9), as the tormented mother, this short drama is written, directed and co-produced by Isabel Dréan, known for the Quebec multi award-winning cult series entitled Manigances. The film asks the question: “How do you survive the loss of a child when a family is torn apart by a fatal accident?”

“I asked myself, what scares me the most in life? Losing a child was the most horrific thing I could think of”, says the director about the profound and troubled psychological process that she went through while exploring the theme of this film.

"Independent cinema is an art I want to be part of because, as in life, you have to be willing to take risks, let the film take a life of it's own... and Let go!", explained actress Claudia Ferri, who portrayed a very tormented mother in this film, while demonstrating a palpable raw intensity that she hadn’t reached in her previous work.

Ferri shares the screen with the director’s two children; 5-year old, Jaz Côté Dréan and eleven year-old, Milan Côté Dréan, who both are making their debut on screen. 

Isabel Dréan is an award-winning filmmaker specialized in darker subject-matter ranging from Psychological Thriller to Murder Mystery, from Suspense to Horror. Her first feature film screenplay The Wife of Frank B., which she co-wrote with her mother Celine Bennett, made it to the Quarter Finals in the prestigious Academy Nicholl Fellowship.

My Review Of "Ouija"

Occult horror "Ouija" is a paranormal thriller directed by Stiles White and starring Olivia Cooke, Douglas Smith, Bianca Santos, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff, and Douglas Smith. The story is a haunting and atmospheric tale that focuses on a malevolent force using a spirit board to reach out to the living with deadly consequence.

Synopsis: A girl is mysteriously killed after recording herself playing with an ancient Ouija Board, which leads to a close group of friends to investigate this board. They later find out that some things aren't meant to be played with, especially the 'other side'. 

"Ouija" has a pretty cool and creepy story to work with, an old spirit board discovered in the attack, suicides and haunting, a creepy legend that connects the board to the house of the suicide girl, it is all perfect horror subject matter. Unfortunately there is something missing from "Ouija" that makes it more spectacle than horror. The scenes build nicely through suspense, shadowy, eerie atmosphere, and great sound effects, but the end result falls flat. The big scares aren't really scary.

The cast give well enough performances of these haunted characters. The direction and cinematography are equally stellar. You can tell money was well spend in production, "Ouija" has all the right components to be a real good horror film, unfortunately it all stays pretty PG. The horror seems almost pulled back into safer zones when they should have took that thrilling momentum and gone for some major scares. Not sure why they chose to keep things subdued. I mean really for what "Ouija" is it is a nice, creepy Halloween horror film based on an occult staple-the spirit board. And there are a few scare-ish moments that use the sudden shock gimmick to get a jump out of the movie-goer but still this film is far less exciting than say "Insidious" or "The Conjuring".

Teaser Trailer Released For Santa Horror "Good Tidings"

Check out the teaser trailer for Santa horror "Good Tidings". The film premiered recently at Mayhem Film Festival. "Good Tidings" is directed by Stuart W. Bedford and stars Jonny Hirst, Colin Murtagh, Alan Mulhall, Garry McMahon, and Liam W. Ashcroft. This holiday nightmare doesn't come out until December 2016 in UK. 

A creepy, horrific Christmas exploitation tale. A homeless war-veteran with a chequered past must rely on a side of himself once thought buried when he and his companions are targeted on Christmas Day by three vicious psychopaths in Santa suits.

Shout Factory Gets Into Movie Making With First Original Feature

Shout Factory is probably the truest distribution company to hit up for those highly sought after, cult classic, way-back-when films for movie collectors. Not to mention the original cover art that comes with purchasing the stellar selection that the company offers. Well now Shout Factory are moving beyond supplying us with those horror, cult, sci-fi genre gems, and move into the movie making business with first feature film to come from the guys!

Shout! Factory has acquired the script for the horror feature 'Fender Bender'. Mark Pavia (Stephen Kings The Night Flier) wrote the script and will be directing the film. Shout! Factory will develop and finance the film through it's Scream Factory horror genre label. It is currently in pre-production and is planned to begin filming in the next three months. The film is the first original feature for the company and is said to be "a return to a more classic style of horror film."-Deadline

Crowd Funding Starts For Hammer Horror Documentary "Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros. Years"

It is hard to believe that there hasn't been a documentary detailing the interesting years behind Warner Bros. involvement with the iconic horror film house, Hammer Horror Studios. Well that oversight is in progress to be corrected as word has come out of the Kickstarter campaign to explore those very years. "Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros. Years" is being backed by Diabolique Films.

In the 1950s Hammer, England’s world-renowned production company, initiated a new style of horror film making that transformed the genre. At the end of the 1960s, the world that Hammer had helped to create was changing fast – the once-reliable business model was unraveling and audiences wanted something new from their films. 

Amid this uncertainty, Hammer’s short-term survival was secured by an alliance with American distributor Warner Bros. The films the two companies made together are among the most renowned in Hammer’s history. Classics such as Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968),Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1970) and Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970) were produced alongside the Oscar-nominated epic When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970), the disturbing thriller Crescendo (1970) and the bizarre sci-fi western Moon Zero Two (1969). 

The films became increasingly experimental in the 1970s, challenging the perception of traditional Gothic horror with Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972), The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) and The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires (1974). 

“Hammer’s period at Warner Bros produced some of their finest films, including FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED which is not only Peter Cushing’s finest screen performance, but Terence Fisher’s directorial triumph as well. There have been many documentaries and featurettes made about various aspects of Hammer Horror and the various period’s in Hammer’s illustrious history, but no serious study has ever been done on Hammer’s period at Warner Bros. Diabolique Films is happy to team with Marcus Hearn, Hammer’s official historian, in compiling the first film of this kind to tackle Hammer Horror/Warner Bros. illustrious history.”-Dima Ballin

New Stills And Trailer Released For 35 FT Living Dead Nightmare "Zombie Croc"

Check out the stills and the trailer released for 35 feet of living dead nightmare "Zombie Croc". The film is directed by Robert Elkins who also stars in the film along side Brittney Scalf, Apryl Crowell, Crystal Howell, Tony Jones, Lafnmn Jones. Ken Peebles, Dewey Brandon Collins, Vivian Thompson, Linda Witt, David Witt, Jerry Eugene Long, and Alyssa Wheaton. "Zombie Croc" is a throwback creature feature from American Eyesore Productions and World Wide Multimedia.

The film takes place in a voodoo cursed swamp and pits explorers/researchers against an unnatural machine of terror, a 35 foot long zombie crocodile.

 

My Review Of 'Fear Clinic"

"Fear Clinic" is a fantastical forray in surrealism and fear. The film is directed by Robert Hall and stars Robert Englund, Fiona Dourif, Thomas Dekker, Brandon Beemer, Corey Taylor and Angelina Armani. "Fear Clinic" deals with familiar metaphysical thoughts surrounding fear and doorways into other realms that can be accessed once we unlock the sleeping mind. In this case exploiting fear in order to overcome phobias.

Synopsis: When trauma-induced phobias begin to reemerge in five survivors a year after their horrifying tragedy, they return to the Fear Clinic hoping to find the answers they need to get cured. Dr. Andover, a fear doctor who runs the clinic, uses his Fear Chamber to animate their fears in the form of terrifying hallucinations.However, Dr. Andover begins to suspect that something more sinister may be at work.

"Fear Clinic" is a feature adaptation of a web-series by the same name. I didn't watch the web-series but I did follow the progress of "Fear Clinic" up until the film was completed. I really look forward to seeing Robert Englund's projects that he choices. There is something classical and enthralling, in both creativity and fantasy, with the projects he chooses. This is film is no exception. "Fear Clinic" taps into those over-the-top, fantasy subjects such as tapping into our fear through science to face and overcome phobias, only to learn that fear has a form, an appetite, and fear bleeds black. It is all similar to classic philosophical tropes like "Dreamscape", "The Cell", and "Nightmare On Elm Street". Although here things are more H.P. Lovecraft than Wes Craven. 

The story is a nice, exciting nightmare scenario that gives us the classic characters, a creeping, eccentric doctor, and some 'out of this world' experimental technology. The evil, or ultimate antagonist in "Fear Clinic" is unhinged demonic energy that is black, oozy, gluttonous, and terrifying. The cast give decent enough performances and the dialog is delivered nicely. Some of the scenes with character development seem more staged for theatrical purposes than for the sake of the story, but again, it all is keeping with those more, over-the-top, fantasy horror films of the 80's. 

The special effects are stellar. The CGI and practical effects mix perfectly to create chilling and creepy scenes that are entertaining, Some of the shock moments fall flat but there are a few that build intense, suspenseful moments, and give good, chilling scares. The sound effects and musical score offer cool, chilling atmosphere and keep the energy dark, and ominous. I really didn't find much wrong with the special effects or creature design. Some scenes go a bit overboard with the theatrics but "Fear Clinic" is fully committed to playing with surrealism concepts.

Overall "Fear Clinic" is a cool modern horror than hearkens back to 80's VHS heydays. I thought some of the staging and conceptual scenes were a bit too much, but I liked that every moment was well thought out as far as creating visual, artistic fantasy moments from the point of view of fear and horror. The evil, or creature is creepy, Lovecraftian, and one that I would definitely fight to wake up from if I found it entering my fear chamber session. "Fear Clinic" doesn't really deal in dreams but the horror, and nightmare situations it gives us are the dreams of demons, and they dream of feeding on our fears! 

Contest: Time To Die For Your Love Of The "Puppet Master"

To celebrate the upcoming PUPPET MASTER HALLOWEEN MARATHON, El Rey Network and Full Moon are teaming up to give one lucky horror fan a once in a lifetime opportunity: Die on-screen in the upcoming movie PUPPET MASTER 11: AXIS TERMINATION, directed by cult iconCHARLES BAND!

The Grand Prize Winner will be flown to Los Angeles for a 3 Day/2 Night trip, where they will spend a day on set and be murdered by puppets!

In addition to the Grand Prize, one First Prize winner will receieve a $200 Full Moon Direct gift card. One Second Prize winner will receive a $100 Full Moon Direct gift card.

To enter, complete the form below. 

Don't forget to tune in to the PUPPET MASTER HALLOWEEN MARATHON, all Halloween long on El Rey Network!

Teaser Trailer For "S.T.A.R. (Space Traveling Alien Reject)"

Press Release:

DefTone Pictures Studios Inc is about to take you on another exciting venture into indie filmmaking with their newest science fiction thriller! Over the past few years, DefTone Pictures Studios and Director Adam R Steigert have produced various titles such as the science fiction horror film Not Human (formerly Ombis: Alien Invasion) which is now available on DVD and VOD, the horror/comedy A Grim Becoming (currently screening in film festivals) and now the newest project: S.T.A.R. [Space Traveling Alien Reject].

S.T.A.R (Space Traveling Alien Reject) revolves around the once famous, award-winning writer Greg Vincent who is now a down on his luck, struggling alcoholic. Looking for inspiration for what he hopes will be his big comeback story, Greg ventures to the small town of Metsburgh. Along with revitalizing his career, he hopes that he can sell the story to get some much needed cash to pay off his debts to crime lord Angelia Branco. Enter STAR, an on-the-run alien fleeing certain death from the hideous Meroarks on his home planet of Mars. Greg encounters this blue, oddly shaped, wise-guy alien after they find themselves hiding in the same cabin. With a deadline given by the mob and an alien race hot on STAR’s trail, who will be able to save them? Will it be Alex Creed? The star of such grindhouse films as Devon Danger vs. the Atomic Space Zombies. Or maybe Marissa? A diehard fan of those very films. Could this be the basis for the perfect story which could jump start not only Greg’s career but also his life?

DefTone Pictures Studios is aiming for a 2016 release of S.T.A.R. [Space Traveling Alien Reject]. Adam R Steigert will helm the project as Director. S.T.A.R reunites Not Human star Richard Satterwhite as Alex Creed and A Grim Becoming co-star Aryn Fitzgerald as Marissa with the DefTone crew. The film also features newcomer Christopher Barbis in the title role of Greg Vincent, Lori Cholewka as Lana, scream queen Nicola Fiore playing Sarah, supermodel Melyssa Jade as the villanous Angela Branco and Patrick Mallette voicing STAR himself.

DefTone Pictures Studios’ Not Human is currently available for purchase at Walmart stores nationwide and also online at amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Fye and other major retailers. Rent or own it now on VOD (Video-on- Demand) through Verizon, Dish, Amazon Instant Video, ITunes, Vudu, Blockbuster, Shaw, Comcast plus many more platforms. Not Human’s DVD special features are a commentary track with Adam R Steigert and Makeup effects supervisor and graduate of the Tom Savini school of Arts (Douglas Academy) Phil Beith, Behind the Lens, Deleted Scenes, Making a Mutant, Photo Gallery and much, much more!

Production Begins On 'Wolf Creek' Mini-series

Production has began on Australia's mini-series adaptation of "Wolf Creek" for streaming site STAN. The series stars John Jarratt (of course), Lucy Fry (“Vampire Academy”), Deborah Mailman (“Offspring”), Dustin Clare (“Strike Back”), Miranda Tapsell (“Redfern Now”), Richard Cawthorne (“Catching Milat”), Jake Ryan (“Wentworth”), and Jessica Tovey (“Wonderland”). Greg McLean will also return as series director. 

Wolf Creek, a six-part drama series, is a psychological thriller set in the world that fans of the films will recognize – but this time things are different. At first the pattern is familiar: Mick Taylor targets an American tourist family to terrorize and destroy. But the tables are turned when 19-year-old Eve survives the massacre and starts to rebuild her shattered existence by embarking on a mission of revenge.

The series is due out mid 2016 on STAN. The episodes are an hour long each and all six will be available at once for binge watching! Lucy Fry is slated to play the character of Eve.

Starz Presents To Offer Sneak Peek Of 'Ash VS Evil Dead' Plus Evil Dead Movie Marathon

Setting the stage for the premiere of the highly anticipated STARZ Original series Ash vs Evil Dead, Starz presents a marathon of the cult classic Evil Dead horror franchise on Friday, October 30 beginning at 8:00pm ET/PT hosted by Evil Dead star Bruce Campbell (Ash). The marathon will conclude with a sneak peek of the first episode of Ash vs Evil Dead at 12:15 a.m. ET/PT.

The Evil Dead marathon kicks off with the original 1981 cult classic, The Evil Dead at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ. This seminal horror movie features five friends who go to a cabin in the woods where they find unspeakable evil lurking in the forest. They discover the Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead, which when translated releases a legion of demons and spirits. In order to survive the night, Ash must do battle with the evil dead.

The marathon continues with the 1987 sequel, Evil Dead 2 at 9:30pm ET/PT. Ash, the lone survivor of the original demon attack, returns in the second chapter of the cult franchise. Armed with a chainsaw and a shotgun, he again must fight the evil dead when a group of strangers interrupt his romantic vacation in a lonely cabin in the woods.

The Evil Dead marathon concludes with the 1992 third installment, Army of Darkness at 10:55pm ET/PT and a sneak peek at the first episode of the STARZ Original series Ash vs Evil Dead. In Army of Darkness, our hero, Ash, is transported back in time to 1300 A.D. and once again faces off against the evil unleashed. In order to return to the present and get back home, he must take up his chainsaw and boomstick to defeat the Deadites and return the Necronomicon to its final resting place.

Fans will be encouraged to join the social media conversations throughout the night using and other scene-specific hashtags that will appear within each movie.

For fans that cant wait for the marathon, The Evil Dead is currently available on STARZ, STARZ PLAY and STARZ ON DEMAND and Evil Dead 2 will be available on STARZ PLAY and STARZ ON DEMAND from October 26 through October 30. Army of Darkness will be available on STARZ, STARZ PLAY and STARZ ON DEMAND beginning November 1. Ash vs Evil Dead will be available on STARZ PLAY and STARZ ON DEMAND on October 31 at 12:00 a.m.

Ash vs Evil Dead, the long-awaited STARZ original series and follow-up to the classic horror movie franchise The Evil Dead, premieres on Halloween, Saturday, October 31 at 9:00pm ET/PT. The series is executive produced by Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Bruce Campbell, the original filmmakers of the franchise, and Craig DiGregorio who serves as executive producer and showrunner.

Campbell reprises his role as Ash, the stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead. When a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons personal and literal. Destiny, it turns out, has no plans to release the unlikely hero from its Evil grip.

The cast is led by Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, Burn Notice) in the role of Ash Williams; Lucy Lawless (Salem, Spartacus) as Ruby a mysterious figure who believes Ash is the cause of the Evil outbreaks; Ray Santiago (Touch, Meet the Fockers) as Pablo Simon Bolivar, an idealistic immigrant who becomes Ashs loyal sidekick; Dana DeLorenzo (A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas) as Kelly Maxwell, a moody wild child trying to outrun her past; and Jill Marie Jones (Sleepy Hollow) as Amanda Fisher, a disgraced Michigan State Trooper set to find our anti-hero Ash and prove his responsibility in the grisly murder of her partner.

Raimi directed the first episode of Ash vs Evil Dead that he wrote with Ivan Raimi (Darkman, Army of Darkness, Drag Me to Hell), and Tom Spezialy (Chuck, Reaper, Desperate Housewives). Raimi also serves as executive producer, with Rob Tapert (Evil Dead, Spartacus, Xena: Warrior Princess) and Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, Burn Notice) along with Craig DiGregorio (Workaholics, Chuck) who serves as executive producer/showrunner. Ivan Raimi serves as co-executive producer and Aaron Lam (Spartacus) and Chloe Smith (Spartacus) serve as producers.

Jinga Films Adds "Worry Dolls" To AFM Slate

Worldwide genre specialist Jinga Films has added Padraig Reynolds supernatural horror "Worry Dolls" to its AFM slate. Written and produced by Christopher Wiehl and Gregory J Haggart, "Worry Dolls" received its World premier at FrightFest in the UK and has since been selected for Dublin Horrorthon in Ireland and Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre in Argentina. Meanwhile,  screenings have been booked at the forthcoming American Film Market in Santa Monica where "Worry Dolls" will be viewed by distributors from all over the World.

Padraig Reynolds debut feature "Rites Of Spring", also repped by Jinga, sold to over twenty territories and was released in North America by IFC Midnight. In "Worry Dolls", Christopher Wiehl (Jericho) stars as a detective investigating a series of voodoo related killings in deep dark Mississippi,  but when he connects the murders with a previous case involving Guatamalan talismans he finds himself up against the clock to save his possessed daughter.  

WORRY DOLLS - TRAILER from Jinga Films on Vimeo.

Release Date Announced For "the Funhouse Massacre"

AMC Independent has announced a limited theatrical release for upcoming horror "The Funhouse Massacre" in 20 markets for November 13th- Friday November-13th. The horror comedy is directed by Andy Palmer and stars Jere Burns, Robert Englund, Scottie Thompson, Clint Howard, Courtney Gains.

Six of the worlds scariest psychopaths escape from a local Asylum and proceed to unleash terror on the unsuspecting crowd of a Halloween Funhouse whose themed mazes are inspired by their various reigns of terror.