Saturday, July 14, 2018

August Release Date Announced For "Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich"


Press Release:
We are excited to be working with RLJE Films on the terrifying new vision of Charles Band’s horror classic, PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH.
The film made its World Premiere earlier this year at the Overlook Film Festival and will be released in theaters and on VOD and Digital HD on August 17th.
PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH stars Thomas Lennon (I Love You, Man, “Reno 911!”), Jenny Pellicer (“State of Affairs”, “The Bridge”), Nelson Franklin (“Black-sih,” “New Girl”), Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up, This Is 40), Michael Pare (Gone, The Virgin Suicides), Barbara Crampton (“The Young and the Restless”, You’re Next), and Udo Kier (Downsizing, Melancholia, Blade).
The film is written by S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99) and co-directed by Sonny Laguna (Wither, Animalistic, Blood Runs Cold) and Tommy Wiklund (Wither, Animalistic, Madness). Award winning SFX artist, Tate Steinsiek (The Amazing Spider-Man, Knock Knock) serves as principle Creature and Puppet Designer.
In PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH, Edgar (Thomas Lennon), recently divorced, returns to his childhood home to where he finds a nefarious looking puppet in his deceased brother’s room. He decides to sell the doll for some quick cash at a small-town convention celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the infamous Toulon Murders. All hell breaks loose when a strange force animates the puppets at the convention, setting them on a bloody killing spree that’s motivated by an evil as old as time.

Frightening Michael Myers Image Released

Check out the frightening image of Michael Myers released in EW first look. The new "Halloween" film hits theatres on October 19th and stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Andi Matichak, Judy Greer, Virginia “Ginny” GardnerMiles RobbinsDylan Arnold and Drew Scheid. Nick Castle returns to drop bodies this Halloween.


A British documentary crew comes to the States to visit Michael in prison for a retrospective of the maniac’s night of terror — but their project becomes way more interesting when Myers escapes custody, retrieves his signature mask and seeks revenge on Laurie, with others naturally being part of his impressive career body count along the way.
In the decades following the fateful Halloween night that forever altered the former babysitter’s life, Laurie has armed and prepped herself for Michael’s inevitable return — to the detriment of her family, including daughter Karen and granddaughter Allyson.

New Intense Trailer For "Unfriended : Dark Web" Released


A new intense trailer for upcoming horror "Unfriended: Dark Web" has been released ahead of the July 20th release date. Written and directed by Stephen Susco, the film stars Betty Gabriel, Colin Woodell, Andrew Lees, and Connor Del Rio. Check it out below.

Unfolding in real-time UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB is the most terrifying horror yet from the producer of GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY and THE PURGE, and the makers of UNFRIENDED. When a 20-something finds a cache of hidden files on his new laptop, he and his friends are unwittingly thrust into the depths of the dark web. They soon discover someone has been watching their every move and will go to unimaginable lengths to protect the dark web.

Poster And Trailer For "The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina"


A teaser poster and trailer has been released for Netflix's reimagining of Sabrina The Teenage Witch. The upcoming series "Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina" stars Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina Spellman. Hilda and Zelda will be played by Lucy Davis and Miranda Otto.


Reimagines the origin and adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch as a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror, the occult and, of course, witchcraft. Tonally in the vein of Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist, this adaptation finds Sabrina wrestling to reconcile her dual nature – half-witch, half-mortal – while standing against the evil forces that threaten her, her family and the daylight world humans inhabit.

Poster Release And Details On Upcoming "Hell Fest"

Check out the teaser poster for upcoming horror "Hell Fest", directed by Gregory Plotkin. It stars Amy Forsyth (Rise), Reign Edwards (Snowfall), Bex Taylor-Klaus (The Killing), Christian James(Nashville), Roby Attal (The Long Road Home), Matt Mercurio (Black Lightning), and horror icon Tony Todd (Candyman). "Hell Fest" is slated for a September 28th release.


College student Natalie (Forsyth) is visiting her childhood best friend Brooke (Edwards) and her roommate Taylor (Taylor-Klaus).  If it was any other time of year these three and their boyfriends might be heading to a concert or bar, but it is Halloween which means that like everyone else they will be bound for Hell Fest – a sprawling labyrinth of rides, games, and mazes that travels the country and happens to be in town.  Every year thousands follow Hell Fest to experience fear at the ghoulish carnival of nightmares.
But for one visitor, Hell Fest is not the attraction – it is a hunting ground.  An opportunity to slay in plain view of a gawking audience too caught up in the terrifyingly fun atmosphere to recognize the horrific reality playing out before their eyes.  As the body count and frenzied excitement of the crowds continue to rise, he turns his masked face to Natalie, Brooke, Taylor and their boyfriends who will fight to survive the night.

Friday, July 13, 2018

New Title For James Wan's "The Children"

James Wan's next horror has a new title. Though the film isn't due out till April 2019, "The Children" as been renamed "The Curse Of LA Llorona". Directed by Michael Chaves, the film stars Linda Cardellini, Patricia Velasquez, Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen, Roman Christou, and Sean Patrick Thomas.


The story follows a social worker who, while investigating the mysterious disappearance of two children, discovers her own family might also be in jeopardy.

My Review Of "The World Over"


"The World Over" is directed by Heath C. Michaels and stars Tess Granfield and Brett Keating. The film blends sci-fi and horror in a dark parable with fatal consequence. It is told effortlessly with drama and atmosphere combined to create a twist nightmare.

When a couple discovers a door leading to a parallel world, they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of mistaken identity after coming face-to-face with mirror images of themselves.

"The World Over " explores the theory of a multiverse with a clever and emotional story. It is well written and the cinematography is just elegant. In the short amount of time given Michael's characters are nicely developed and genuine. The mix of sci-fi with an almost visceral horror edge feels very millennial, while giving perfect homage to classic elements reminiscent of cult anthology shorts I watched with 'Night Gallery'. Dark, fantastical and nightmarish. (5/5) 

"NIGHT OF THE DEMONS" Celebrate 30th Birthday At Hollywood Horrorfest


Cult film and ‘80s fan favorite NIGHT OF THE DEMONS is celebrating its 30th birthday at Hollywood Horrorfest Saturday, July 28 with the colorful fundraising event benefiting the Vincent Price Art Museum in East Los Angeles.  
 

Director Kevin Tenney and his film’s cast and crew, including Philip Tanzini, Cathy Podewell, Kevin Kutchaver, Kathy Zielinski, Steve Johnson, Lance Fenton, Billy Gallo and Hal Havins (more names TBA) will join Tenney for a post-screening Q&A, photo ops aplenty and 80's after-party for all.

Kevin Tenney has been amazing in putting the cast together for this charity event, and we’ve had so many people donate both prizes and their services for free. Everyone’s doing it for the love. Shows you how much respect Kevin and the film have amongst fans and people in the industry” says Festival Director Miles Flanagan.
 
"NIGHT OF THE DEMONS’ 1988 release - grossing over $3 million against its $1 million budget - spawned two sequels and a remake. But did anyone know at the time how successful this little indie was going to be?

"Honestly, if you'd asked any one of the cast or crew members on the set of NIGHT OF THE DEMONS thirty-something years ago, not one of us would've predicted our little low-budget film would become a holiday perennial, and still be screening for hardcore fans in sold-out venues today. We all just did our best and hoped it would find an appreciative audience. Mission accomplished, I guess..." said Tenney.
 
The film’s soundtrack - by Kevin's brother, Dennis Michael Tenney - has also generated a life of its own; it was recently released by Lunaris Records for the first time ever on vinyl, and the festival will be raffling off copies on the night, courtesy of the label.

"This is so far the craziest NOTD reunion screening event ever put on, and the only 30th Anniversary Reunion. NOTD is the ultimate ‘80s horror party film. That's why we've made this more than just a reunion Q&A, but a full-on party experience.”
 
Keeping the ‘80s party vibe going will be a very special appearance from MTV Video Vixen Macha Bennet-Shephard (formerly Annie Hubbard), the infamous ‘Sister Christian’ from the iconic Night Ranger video in her very first event appearance, who is in fact a big fan of the film. Music throughout the night will be provided by another NOTD fan, DJ HiJinXX - flying in from Europe just for the event - spinning the best in ‘80s rock & pop. 

“Plus we’re screening it in the perfect venue,” continues Flanagan. “It’s not a regular cinema but more of a club - with a proscenium stage, full bar and even a retro disco ball for the after-party. It’s going to be awesome. Our own ‘80s prom for adults.”
 
The party will also include celebrity raffles (with prizes donated by Arrow Video, Wild Eye Releasing, Susete Saraiva, Mull House Pinworks, Dead End Toyz, Will Turner, Hello Gorgeous Creations, Knee High Horror, The Horror Corner and Lunaris Records) as well as NOTD cosplay competitions and much more. The Q&A will be moderated by celebrated journalist Pat Jankiewicz (author of Just When You Thought it Was Safe - a JAWS Companion).

Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly, with prizes for best - or worst - ‘80s attire, with more ‘80s horror icons expected to be on hand to and party like it’s 1988. Tickets, available now at demons.brownpapertickets.com, are very limited, and once sold out online will be unavailable at the door. Doors open at 6:00pm at the Mayflower Club (11110 Victory Boulevard, N. Hollywood, CA 91606).
 
HHF is accepting film and script entries through FILM FREEWAY. Enter now as regular rates end on June 16. 
 
 


Trailer And Images Revealed For Upcoming Horror "Pledge"


Check out the trailer and movie images released for Daniel Robbins' upcoming horror "Pledge". The film premieres at Fantasia on July 24th. It stars Zack WeinerPhillip Botello, Zachery Byrd, Cameron CowperthwaiteAaron Dalla Villa, and Jesse Pimentel

A group of freshmen are offered a chance to pledge what they believe is an exclusive fraternity. FEW GET IN. NONE GET OUT!






First Clip Released For Movie Maverick Retrospective "King Cohen"


The highly anticipated King Cohen, the true story of writer, producer, director, creator and all-around maverick, Larry Cohen,  will receive a full theatrical run across the U.S beginning July 20 in L.A (with other cities in the weeks to follow),  courtesy Dark Star Pictures.
Cohen, best known for resourceful low-budget horror and thriller films that combine social commentary with prerequisite scares and welcome humor, is responsible for celluloid classics including Black Caesar, It’s Alive, Q: The Winged Serpent, and The Stuff. He was also a major player in the Blaxploitation films of the 1970s, as well as a prominent Hollywood screenwriter (Phone Booth).


The acclaimed film features interviews with such industry luminaries as Martin Scorsese, J.J Abrams, Joe Dante, Mick Garris, John Landis, Fred Williamson as well as Cohen himself. Cohen’s remarkable one-of-a-kind career, from 60’s TV series creator (Branded, The Invaders), to 70’s and 80’s independent film icon and beyond, is chronicled with freewheeling and insightful verve.



Winner of the 2017 Fantasia Fest Best Documentary Feature Audience Award, King Cohen hails from Rondo Award-winning writer/director Steve Mitchell, whose film and television credits include co-writing the beloved cult horror/comedy Chopping Mall. King Cohen is a La-La Land Entertainment production, in association with Big And Tall Pictures and Off The Cliff Productions. It is directed and produced by Steve Mitchell and produced by Matt Verboys and Dan McKeon.


King Cohen begins its theatrical run July 20 in LA, with other cities to follow.


 
Synopsis: Buckle up for KING COHEN, the true story of writer, producer, director, creator and all-around maverick, Larry Cohen. Told through compelling live interviews, stills and film/TV clips, the people who helped fulfill his vision, and industry icons such as Martin Scorsese, J.J. Abrams, John Landis, Michael Moriarty, Fred Williamson, Yaphet Kotto and many more, including Larry himself, bring one-of-a-kind insight into the work, process and legacy of a true American film auteur. Few can boast of a career as remarkable or prolific, spanning more than 50 years of entertaining audiences worldwide.






Thursday, July 12, 2018

Documenting The Paranormal, "Darkness Reigns", And Casper Van Dien : My Interview With Andrew P. Jones

Andrew P. Jones' "Darkness Reigns" is a paranormal experience within a paranormal experience - sort of.  The film follows a documentary film crew on set as they journal the behind-the-scenes action of a paranormal film shoot. A mix of supernatural entanglement sets into motion a deadly sequence of nightmarish events

Jones, a lover of the paranormal genre, documentarian and indie filmmaker, creates an ambitious story, produced on a microbudget. He also snags genre icon Casper Van Dien, a legend in the making of the horror and sci-fi genres. I was privileged enough to have an opportunity to interview Andrew P. Jones about "Darkness Reigns" and working with Van Dien.

ASouthrnLifeWhere did the inspiration come from for "Darkness Reigns? 
Andrew P. Jones: Darkness Reigns was inspired by my personal love of the paranormal, as well as my experiences working in the indie film business. I also wanted to figure out how to make a film in an unthinkably short amount of time, so the long, continuous takes was my answer to that.

ASoutherLifeHave you always been interested in the paranormal or did your interest come about from an experience?
Andrew P. Jones: I have always had a general interest in the paranormal.  It's fun for me to stay at "haunted" hotels.  I have made documentaries on the subject, and I have a TV show I'm developing that I think offers a fresh, new take on the ghost hunting genre.  I shot a pilot for that and it involved traveling all over the country and working with a multitude of paranormal researchers.  I would imagine I've been on more ghost hunts with more of a variety of paranormal groups than anyone on the planet.

ASouthernLifeDarkness Reigns" is sort of a "movie within a movie", the making of a horror film and the paranormal experience, how important was it to tell the story this way, and how hard was it to keep the fluidity of your concept?  
Andrew P. Jones: Creating a movie within a movie is challenging on a tight budget because you need to film what looks like a working film set.  The upside is that we didn't need to worry about equipment being in the shot, or clearing away things we might normally clear away.  I remember once my DP, who was operating the camera, stopped during a rehearsal and said, "I need to change this... I caught my shadow on the wall."  A normal thing for a DP to notice.  But after a moment of contemplation, I said, "wait, no it's OK... it's SUPPOSE to be there.  We know there is a cameraman shooting this.... it's his footage we're watching."  So, it was odd to break old habits but it gave us total freedom.

ASouthernLifeWhat classic films told in a similar style did you draw influence from- if any?  
Andrew P. Jones: We get the "found footage" thing a lot, which baffles me.  There is no footage that anyone finds.  It's documentary style.  It's "continuous footage."  So... I get the Blair Witch comparison a lot and there really is zero similarity.   I tend to pay homage to the 80's and 90's when there were more practical effects and movies were a little more about interesting characters.  I think there is a little nod to The Shining in that it's set in an old hotel and there is a cool bar that we had some fun with.

ASouthernLifeIn the film Casper Van Dien plays himself, how was it working with such an iconic talent, and was it always your intentions to have him in the movie?
Andrew P. Jones: When I wrote the script, probably five or six years ago, I had no idea who that might be.  Once my casting director got involved, she pitched me a few names, and I pitched her a few... but honestly Casper was pretty much top of her list.  And I thought it was a great choice because he's not a cliche. It would have been easy for that character to become a joke, and I didn't want that.  He's respected as an actor and beloved by his Starship Troopers fan base.  He has a strong following in family films too.  More than anything he was a joy to work with and I'm at the age where that carries a lot of weight.  After thirty plus years in this business, I like to surround myself with good people who are going to make the experience as enjoyable as it can be, and that is Casper for sure.

ASouthernLifeWhat projects do you have slated now that "Darkness Reigns" is out there, and will it be paranormal in nature?
Andrew P. Jones: I am working on a family film called Harriet Houdini that is near and dear to me.  I also have a couple period dramas that are based on true stories that I am trying to raise money for.  I have a wonderful Christmas movie that I'm hoping to make soon.  All in all I have six features and three TV shows in various stages, so, I'm keeping pretty busy.

ASouthernLifeWho are some other big genre names you would like to work with? 
Andrew P. Jones: I don't think in terms of genre names.  I love actors.  I tend to love the really great character actors, and there is a long list of those I hope to work with like Stephen Root, Len Cariou, Bill Nighy, Timothy Spall... too many to list.  But, I still have a lot of movies to make, so, there's time.

Crowd Funding Starts For "Our Honeymoon: A Gay Horror Film"


This film is about Max and Jesse with their relationship over the years told through home movies. Then, it flashes to Max and Jesse’s wedding day where things do not go exactly as planned. It has horror, drama, pain, love, and more within its confines. 

From the Director : "I’m gay and when I look at the horror genre there is not a lot of them that have a main focus of LGBT characters, some may argue me on that but a lot of time they are on the side cast or just not showing up at all. This is why I wanted to make this film. It is a way for me to start to make my way as an LGBT horror filmmaker and show that LGBT characters can be just as compelling and interesting as their heterosexual counterpart."

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/our-honeymoon-a-gay-horror-film--3#/

First Images Offer A Glimpse Inside M. Night's "Glass"

M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming film "Glass" is the third in the "Unbreakable" trilogy, intersecting characters from the earlier films. This latest installment centers on Samuel L. Jackson'a character, Elijah Price a.k.a Mr. Glass. The images come courtesy of EW.


Synopsis: From Unbreakable, Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. Joining from Split are James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast. Following the conclusion of Split, Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb’s superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.






"Glass" is slated for January 18th 2019. 

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

My Review Of "To Hell And Back: The Kane Hodder Story"


"To Hell and Back: The Kane Hodder Story" is the definitive and exclusive biographical documentary on horror icon, Kane Hodder, featuring co-stars and colleagues, such as Cassandra Peterson (Elvira: Mistress of the Dark), Robert Englund, Bruce Campbell, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, Danielle Harris, Sean S. Cunningham, Adam Green, and Twiztid.

Kane’s story reveals struggles and horrific experiences that encapsulates his complex life. It is the story of his dehumanizing childhood filled with torment and bullying in Sparks, Nevada; to his adolescence on a small military island; through his near-death burn accident; and his ultimate rise to the unforgettable horror icon, Jason Voorhees, and  Victor Crowley in the cult-classic "Hatchet" trilogy.

"To Hell And Back" is a deeply personal and intense account of the horror icon's journey through his darkest moments. From childhood bullying that reaches some truly violent, heart breaking episodes, right up to the gut-wrenching and harrowing experience as a severe burn survivor. The documentary is more than fangasm, it offers a level of realism and humanism that expands beyond the parameters of the horror genre fandom - all with Kane Hodder as the primary story telling offering a first-person account of his life.

Friends of the legend offer up moments and feelings of their relationship with Hodder. The selling point for me, and probably most fans, is the one on one feel you get as Hodder is center stage for the majority of the documentary, giving his story as only he could tell. Especially his recounting of being burnt severely during an impromptu demo with a standard fire stunt. An accident that nearly killed him, and as the title states- sent him to "hell and back". This is a documentary worth seeing and for any fan of Hodder, his work and his life, one to add to the collection. (5/5)

Where To Watch https://epic-pictures.com/film/to-hell-and-back-the-kane-hodder-story

Dustin Mills Productions Launches Crowd Funding For "Slaughterhouse Slumber Party" With Trailer Release


Dustin Mills Productions, the production house that brought you THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE and EASTER CASKET, is proud to present the trailer debut for their upcoming horror extravaganza SLAUGHTERHOUSE SLUMBER PARTY. DMP is running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter from July 8th through August 7th, and backers get immediate access to the full uncensored proof-of-concept trailer.

A group of gorgeous gal pals are horrified when one of their friends dies in a tragic naked pillow fight accident during their annual Slumber Party. Fearing legal repercussions, the ladies dump her body in a swamp and forge a runaway letter. Years later, the girls reunite to boob it up one more time with a saucy Slumber Party for the ages, only to have their party pooped by the vengeful spirit of their dear departed friend. Trapped by magic, surrounded by evil, and very underdressed, will they survive the night? Or will this Slumber Party become a Slaughterhouse?



DONATE TO SLAUGHTERHOUSE SLUMBER PARTY HERE: www.slaughterhouseslumber.party 

Trailer Released For YouTube Series "Mia Morris' Diary"


"Mia Morris' Diary is an adventurous modern-day retelling of Dracula. The indie webseries is headed to YouTube later this year, with the first episode expected in the Fall. For now though, check out the trailer that just released.

The series follows a college student, Mia Morris (played by Skye Fitzpatrick), and her friends – Lucy Westwood (played by Sharee Muller), Drake Alucard (played by Thomas Bishop), John Stuarts (played by Timothy Clark), Arthur Holmwood (played by Rafferty Parer) and Quinn (played by Isis Calje) – who face supernatural and evil forces at the university where a lot of unexplained attacks are taking place. It’s up to Mia and her friends to solve the mystery behind these attacks. 



Social Media:
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/miamorrisdiary/
TUMBLR – https://miamorrisdiary.tumblr.com/
TWITTER – https://twitter.com/miamorrisdiary/
INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/miamorrisdiary/

"Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween" Trailer Released


The first trailer for upcoming sequel "Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween" has been released. The film stars Jeremy Ray Taylor, Madison IsemanCaleel HarrisWendi McLendon-CoveyChris ParnellKen JeongBen O’Brien, and Peyton Wich. Directed by Ari Sandel, the film will be released  theatrically October 12th.  



On Halloween, two boys named Sonny (Jeremy Ray Taylor) and Sam (Caleel Harris) find a manuscript in an abandoned house who was previously owned by R. L. Stine called "Haunted Halloween." When they opened it, they unknowingly release Slappy (Jack Black) who plans to cause a Halloween Apocalypse with the help of his monster allies. Now Sonny and Sam alongside Sam's sister Sarah (Madison Iseman) must work to thwart Slappy's plot before all is lost.



"3: An Eye For An Eye " Set For August Release


 Enter the basement of a complex and twist-filled kidnapping in award-winning filmmaker Lou Simon’s (“All Girl’s Weekend”, “HazMat”) 3 : An Eye for an Eye.

 A man and a woman kidnap her rapist in order to extract a confession from him. They need to get his confession on tape, because he has made up an alibi.  Locked up in the basement of a remote home, he is unwilling to confess on camera and continues to assert his innocence. With time running out, how far are they willing to go for justice and what if they are wrong?




“A solid, smart piece of genre filmmaking” (Horror Talk) and premiering on VOD August 7 from Uncork’d Entertainment, 3 : An Eye for an Eye boasts dynamic performances from Aniela McGuinness (Rock of Ages), Todd Bruno (HazMat), Mike Stanley (“Revolution”), and Katie Carpenter (Acrimony).

My Review Of "A.I. Tales"


A.I. Tales is a sci-fi anthology series released by Hewes Pictures, a company specializing in short film. The  collection of stories feature world-renowned talent such as Pom Klementieff ("Guardians of the Galaxy", "Avengers"), Eric Roberts ("The Dark Knight"), Neil Jackson ("Westworld") among many others. Titles include: SEED by Nelson Lee, IN/FINITE by Kristen Hilkert, PHOENIX 9 by Amir Reichart and REDUX by Vitaly Verlov.

"Seed" - In a future where draconian laws are enforced to combat over-population, Nathan’s 40th birthday will be his last. Amidst a parade of family and friends saying their goodbyes, an old lover emerges from his past. In the end, how much will he be willing to sacrifice in order to get back the life that was lost? 

The story is an emotional character play that holds you close as the true nature of this tale unfolds. The dark and somewhat conflicting pull between celebration and sorrow meld beautifully in a heartfelt attempt to address a society driven to extremes to handle population control.

"In/finite" - In the very near future, Jane, the lonesome, charming black sheep of her family, discovers that she has the uncontrollable urge to leave this Earth; as sometimes having a family and friends who love you doesn’t outweigh the inexplicable pull towards something – greater. 

In the second short we find a more foreboding and sadness that unfolds with mystery as to the main character's obvious personal struggle. As poignant and emotive as the first story,  "In/finite" is captivating and personalized. The complex nature of the situation offers both conflict and melancholy. It shows an aspect of colonization never really explored in sci-fi from this point of view.

"Phoenix" - After a global nuclear war has turned earth into a scorched wasteland, a struggling group of survivors discovers a secret installation that offers a new beginning – but not without a catch. 

This short film gets closer to the more familiar tropes of sci-fi, exploring the turmoil of self-annihilation and man'said hope-filled journey back to salvation. Only it unfolds into a tale of sinister styled parable more related to 'Outer Limits'. Still it is a clever, emotionally charged story.

"Redux" - A scientist must send a warning message through time before he gets killed by an assault team.

The last story gives us anow original spin on a very classic tale. With an equal amount of sci-fi and melodrama "Redux" continues the energy levels up and probably is the only short in the anthology which maintenance a measurable amount of positivity. A loose interpretation of a "happy ending". Maybe. 

Overall "A.I. Tales" is a intelligent, emotional exploration into futuristic concepts. The stories are strong and cleverly written. The acting is exceptional and filled with heart. An originally told collection the delivers dark, relatable entertainment for the sci-fi fan. (4/5)

EUTHANIZER INJECTS INTO THEATERS AND VOD THIS SUMMER


 Writer/director Teemu Nikki’s Euthanizer injects into theaters this July, and August on VOD, via Uncork’d Entertainment.  




A film that “keeps you on your toes” (Cinema Scope), Euthanizer provides “a film experience completely different than you'd find in mainstream cinema” (Birth.Movies.Death).

Veijo runs a black-market operation euthanizing people's ailing pets to make extra money. It is clear he has dark secrets, but only after meeting a young nurse and a seedy mechanic (who's mixed up with a vicious gang of neo-Nazis) that Veijo's carefully balanced, albeit deranged, life begins to show cracks. Things turn to the extreme when Veijo does not finish a job he was paid to and his client finds out…in this grungy exploitation throwback.

A “great addition to – and a new take on – the current wave of grungy exploitation independent cinema” (The AV Club), Euthanizer combines horror and humor like never before. Prepare yourself for the film experience of the summer.




Euthanizer will play in L.A theaters (other cities to be announced) from July 20, with a VOD release set for August 7.

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