Extended Trailer Released For "Pennywise: The Story of IT" Documentary

Check out the extended trailer for "Pennywise: The Story of IT". The documentary comes from the creative force behind "You're So Cool Brewster: The Story of FRIGHT NIGHT" and "Unearthed & Untold: The Path to PET SEMATARY". It is  about the making and legacy of Stephen King's 1990 miniseries, IT. Starring Tim Curry, Seth Green, Richard Thomas, Emily Perkins, Bart Mixon, and many more, this documentary will dive into the clown that terrified a generation.

Coming later this year!"

"Annabelle 3" Release Date Bumped Up To June

Originally set to open on July 3rd, "Annabelle 3" has been bumped up  to a June 28th release date. James Wan has teased the spin-off as having similarities to Night at the Museum, as it sees Annabelle wreaking havoc in the Warren’s room of haunted artifacts. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as Lorraine and Ed Warren. Madison Iseman, McKenna Grace, Katie Sarife, and Steve Coulteralso star.

“Annabelle basically activates all the other haunted artifacts in that room, so it’s basically Night at the Museum with Annabelle.” Wan explains.

Trailer Released For Netflix Series 'The Order'

The trailer has been released for Netflix original series 'The Order'. The series is from creators/writers Dennis Heaton (Ghost Wars) and Shelly Erikson (Continuum). It premieres March 7th and stars Jake Manley, Sam Trammell, Max Martini, Adam DiMarco, and Louriza Tronco.

Jack Morton is a college student out for revenge for his mother’s death. When Jack pledges a secret magical order he lands in the middle of a war between practitioners of dark magic and werewolves.

"The History of Metal and Horror" Final Fundraising Campaign

The History of Metal and Horror is running its final fundraising campaign to cover completion costs. The documentary explores the evolution of both heavy metal and horror and how the two genres have merged over time. Featuring over 50 interviews with the biggest names in heavy metal and horror, including:

Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie,
Corey Taylor, Kirk Hammett,
Dave Mustaine, John Carpenter,
Bill Moseley, Sid Haig,
Gunnar Hansen, Tom Savini

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
•An in-depth look into the origins of both heavy metal and horror.
•Commentary from horror icons, explaining the impact of their films.
•Commentary from heavy metal artists about their favorite horror films, past and current influences, involvement in horror films, horror-themed fashion, music videos, stage performances, and more.
•Thoughts from both horror icons and metal artists about why heavy metal and horror go hand in hand.
•An exploration into the world of horror conventions which contain a large heavy metal component.
•A short, wraparound film that ties each segment together.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-history-of-metal-and-horror–4/x/5660175#/

Teaser Released For Daniel de la Vega's "Punto Muerto"

A teaser trailer has been released for Daniel de la Vega's "Punto Muerto", which had its world premiere at Mar del Plata International Film Festival. The film stars  Osmar Nuñez, Rodrigo Guirao Díaz, Luciano Cáceres, Natalia Lobo, Daniel Miglioranza, Sergio Boris, Enrique Liporache, and María Eugenia Rigón. Also check out several stills from the film. 

Luis Penafiel is a writer who has just finished a novel that presents the perfect crime in a closed room. He has achieved the respect and admiration of all their fellow writers because of the surprising and dramatic resolution of his story. The same night, a writer will be killed, following the same pattern in its history. Peñafiel is accused of the crime, and to prove his innocence, he must find the real killer. In its effort to prove his not guilty, Peñafiel, you will discover that nothing is more confusing than an obvious fact…

New Trailer Released For "What Lies Ahead"

Check out the new trailer for "What Lies Ahead". The thriller, directed by Rob Gardner, stars Rumor Willis and Emma Dumont. It hits select theatres March 1st with VOD/DVD release March 5th.

Jessica (Emma Dumont) is head over heels in love with her new boyfriend Kyle.  But when he is unexpectedly called to ER duty, he asks Jessica to fly to his home town in Georgia and accompany his sister Raven (Rumer Willis) as she drives up to New York to move closer to him following the recent death of their mother.  Jessica reluctantly complies. As the two women get to know one another on this three-day journey – encountering assorted locals and misadventures along the way – it soon becomes clear with each passing mile, that something just isn’t right. What began as an awkward yet innocent road trip ends up in a terrifying and brutal fight for survival that will change both women’s lives forever.

March Release Details Announced For "Book Of Monsters"

Epic Pictures and DREAD are excited to release the key art, the trailer, and the pre-order link for the monster-driven, audience chosen, horror film, BOOK OF MONSTERS, releasing on March 19, 2019!

BOOK OF MONSTERS began life as a Kickstarter campaign back in 2017 with a unique twist - backers could to vote on six key elements of the movie including what form the monsters would take and how they killed their victims! The result is a fun horror movie with buckets of gore and creepy monsters which have been brought to life with old-school practical effects and the participation of the audience.

"The love and support we have received from the horror community to get this film made was absolutely inspiring and since it premiered at FrightFest last year, we've been incredibly lucky to see the film play at horror festivals around the world," said director, Stewart Sparke. "I've got to extend a huge thank you to all of our amazing Kickstarter backers for making the film possible in the first place and now to Dread for bringing the film to a much wider audience!"

After a successful run at genre film festivals last year, BOOK OF MONSTERS picked up 7 awards including "Best Film" and "Best Special FX" at the New York City Horror Film Festival.

Synopsis: Sophie's 18th birthday becomes a bloodbath when monsters descend upon her house and start to devour the party guests. Sophie and her friends must rally together to send their party crashers back to hell.

BOOK OF MONSTERS is directed by Stewart Sparke (The Creature Below), written by Paul Butler (The Creature Below), and starring Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser), Lyndsey Craine, Anna Dawson, and Michaela Longden.

Official Trailer Released For 'Twilight Zone' Reboot

The official trailer has been released for the 'Twilight Zone' reboot helmed by Jordan Peele for CBS All Access. Peele hosts the new series set to premiere on April 1st. The cast that includes Taissa Farmiga, John Cho, Greg Kinnear, Sanaa Lathan, Kumail Nanjiani, Adam Scott, Jacob Tremblay, Jessica Williams, Alison Tolman,DeWanda Wise, Rhea Seehorn, Jefferson White, Lucinda Dryzek, Jonathan Whitesell, Luke Kirby, Ike Barinholtz, Percy Hynes-White, and “The Walking Dead” actor Steven Yeun. 

"Beach House" Gets VOD Release Later This Month

Beach House, from director Jason Saltiel, is set to be released on VOD later this month,  February 26th. It stars Willa Fitzgerald, Murray Bartlett and Orlagh Cassidy. The thriller is a film about one young woman’s passionate affair with an older man that takes a sinister turn.

Emma’s  retreat to her family’s beach house in the Hamptons takes an unsettling turn with the arrival of Paul an enigmatic artist from her mother’s past. There’s something off about this handsome photographer. Yet Emma, an aspiring writer chafing at her privileged confines, also finds herself intrigued. As her attraction to him grows, she makes unsettling discoveries-and among his things finds violent Polaroids that plant dark ideas in her mind.

Launch Over's "Clickbait" To Show At Starburst Film Festival in Manchester

Launch Over's "Clickbait" To Show At Starburst Film Festival in Manchester. The film is also slated for distribution later this year through ITN Distribution. It is directed by Sophia Cacciola, and Michael J. Epstein. "Clickbait" stars Colby Stewart, Brandi Aguilar, and Seth Chatfield. Starburst Film Festival takes place March 15th to 16th, 2019.

The story for "Clickbait" involves a college student, searching for internet fame. Unfortunately, Bailey is kidnapped by an internet stalker and the only one who can rescue her is a reluctant roommate.

"Clickbait" at Launch Over: Clickbait Details at Launch Over

"Clickbait" at Starburst Magazine: Clickbait Film Festival Details 

New Trailer Released For "Dragged Across Concrete"

A new trailer has been released for action thriller "Dragged Across Concrete". The film stars Vince Vaughn and Mel Gibson and arrives in theaters and on demand on March 22nd. It is directed by S. Craig Zahler and costars Tory Kittles, Michael Jai White, Jennifer Carpenter, Laurie Holden, Fred Melamed, Thomas Kretschmann and Don Johnson. 

Dragged Across Concrete centers on two police detectives who are suspended from the force after a video of strong-arming a suspect is leaked to the media. With little money to their names and no other place to turn, the frustrated officers take a turn into the criminal underworld, ultimately finding more than they bargained for waiting for them in the darkness. 

New Poster Released For The Curse Of La Llorona"

A new poster has been released for upcoming supernatural horror "The Curse Of La Llorona". The film hit theaters on April 19th. It stars Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen, Roman Christou, Linda Cardellini (Avengers: Age of Ultron), Patricia Velasquez (The Mummy), Sean Patrick Thomas (Barbershop: Back in Business) and Raymond Cruz (Better Call Saul). "The Curse Of La Llorona" is directed by Michael Chaves. 

La Llorona. The Weeping Woman. A horrifying apparition, caught between Heaven and Hell, trapped in a terrible fate sealed by her own hand. The mere mention of her name has struck terror around the world for generations. In life, she drowned her children in a jealous rage, throwing herself in the churning river after them as she wept in pain. Now her tears are eternal. They are lethal, and those who hear her death call in the night are doomed. La Llorona creeps in the shadows and preys on the children, desperate to replace her own. As the centuries have passed, her desire has grown more voracious…and her methods more terrifying.

Trailer Released For 'Into The Dark's' "Treehouse"

Hulu has released the trailer for original series 'Into The Dark's' next installment coming this March. "Treehouse" will air March 1st and stars Jimmi Simpson (“Westworld”, “Black Mirror”), Mary McCormack (1408, Deep Impact), Shaunette Renee Wilson (Black Panther), Maggie Lawson (Gamer), Stephanie Beatriz (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Julianna Guill, Michael Weston, Amanda Walsh, Sutton Foster, and Cass Bugge. It is directed by James Roday and celebrates the Ides Of March. 

"Treehouse” tells a tale about chef Peter Rake, who tries to escape a recent wave of negative press by retreating to his family’s vacation home in the woods. But the ghosts of his past are out for blood.

Oh My Hanna-Barhorror! A Banana Splits Horror Movie

In unusual and possibly cool crossover news! A possible horror film based on the Banana Splits Adventure Hour is in the works at Warner Bros. Deadline reports that the animal hosts will be back and that the movie is set to premiere later this year from Blue Ribbon Content and Warner Bros. It will make its television premiere on Syfy.

In the new horror thriller, “A boy named Harley and his family (brother Austin, mother Beth, and father Mitch) attend a taping of The Banana Splits TV show, which is supposed to be a fun-filled birthday for young Harley and business as usual for Rebecca, the producer of the series. But things take an unexpected turn — and the body count quickly rises. Can Harley, his mom, and their new pals safely escape?”

Dani Kind (“Wyonna Earp”), Finlay Wojtak-Hissong (The Kindness of Strangers), Romeo Carere (Pyewacket), Steve Lund (Schitt’s Creek), and Sara Canning (“The Vampire Diaries”) star in the film. Danishka Esterhazy (Level 16) is directing from a script penned by Jed Elinoff & Scott Thomas.

Trailer Released For Noir Thriller "Abeyance"

Check out the trailer for Painted Creek's noir thriller "Abeyance". The film is a sci-fi indie pic directed by Harley Wallen and stars Richard Tyson, Billy Wirth and Scout Taylor-Compton a Harley Wallen Film with Erika Hoveland, Damien Chinappi, Shane Hagedorn, Angelina Danielle Cama, Harley Wallen ,Ken Alter, Yan Birch, Mel Novak, Vida Ghaffari, and Calhoun Koenig. 

After helping to create a revolutionary invention with great implications Bridget (Erika Hoveland), finds a character flaw in the company they’ve partnered with to develop the prototype that could be the fountain of youth. When she pulls the plug and ties to step away from their original deal, she immediately realizes they will stop at nothing to get it back. After her family gets kidnapped to sway a favorable vote, their hopes rely on their teen daughter Miranda (Angelina Cama) and her unlikely allies, Corey (Damien Chinappi), a suicidal military veteran and Stephanie, (Kaiti Wallen), a prostitute. 

“I believe with Abeyance we will take everything to a new level and I feel I really hit the jackpot with my cast! The subject matter is incredibly timely and story is my best to date and I could tell my cast was very inspired and all brought their A-Game! Life everlasting, the holy grail, the fountain of youth has always been intriguing but as technology advancements move at such an incredible pace and almost feels within our grasps, what will we do when we reach that point?” said Harley Wallen.

James Quinn Unveils First Teaser for "Daughter Of Dismay"

Sodom & Chimera Productions has revealed the first tease for Daughter of Dismay, the first narrative short to be shot in 70mm IMAX.  The film will be an epic, moving and emotional trip through a world of witchcraft and occultism, focusing on a different kind of witch than usually portrayed in media, one that doesn't focus on cliched depictions of devil worship, but on a much deeper and more human side.

Directed by arthouse horror veteran James Quinn (Flesh of the Void, The Temple of Lilith) and produced by Justin Schenck (Swordfish, Fox's "The Exorcist"), Daughter of Dismay included behind the scenes talent including composer Joseph Bishara (The Conjuring, Insidious, Annabelle), Kodak award-winning director of photography Ben Brahem Ziryab (The Negative, Room for Rent), sound engineer Steve Maslow (The Empire Strikes Back, The Thing, Beetlejuice) and foley artist Martin Langenbach (The Perfume, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Goodnight Mommy). 

Of the new short, Quinn said, "There's a certain magic about seeing something on actual film on the big screen, especially in 70mm. I was always extremely interested in this epic aspect of movies, where you don't just go to watch something, but actually experience the entire movie to a point that's almost physical, as part of a spectacle that evokes greater feelings than just simple entertainment. As a big fan of horror cinema, I wanted to combine this experience that 70mm and 70mm IMAX brings with occult and horror elements, something that's very unusual for this format, something that I think is very exciting."

First Clip Released For Occult Horror "1st Summoning"

The first clip has been released for occult themed horror "1st Summoning". The film, directed by Raymond Wood from a screenplay by Chris Piner, will be released in select theaters and on demand (including iTunes and Amazon Prime Video) on February 22nd. The clip comes on the heels of the trailer release earlier this month,  you can check that here: https://asouthernlifeinscandaloustimes.blogspot.com/2019/02/occult-horror-1st-summoning-gets.html? 

As four student filmmakers unearth a bizarre history of occult practice tied to an abandoned warehouse, it becomes clear the horror they set out to document may have been lurking among them all along.

Trailer Released For "The Field Guide To Evil"

On March 29th, the terrifying new horror anthology THE FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL will be released to theaters across America and all digital platforms. A new poster and trailer for the film debut today at fieldguidetoevil.com.

In FIELD GUIDE, eight of the most exciting new voices in international horror were asked to draw upon the folklore of their country, reimagining a legend through their own unique (and often twisted) creative lens. The film was also the very first equity crowd-funded feature in America, generating $500,000 of funding from 255 equity investors.

We approach creating a project like this as fans. What do we want to see first and foremost. Then we assembled a team of filmmakers we felt to be among the most interesting new voices in horror on the planet,” says producer Ant Timpson. “We can’t wait for audiences to explore these diverse and dark paths they’ve created.”

THE FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL features segments by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala (GOODNIGHT MOMMY, THE LODGE), Peter Strickland (THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY, BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO), Agnieszka Smoczynska (THE LURE, FUGUE), Katrin Gebbe (NOTHING BAD CAN HAPPEN, PELICAN BLOOD), Can Evrenol (BASKIN, HOUSEWIFE), Calvin Reeder (THE RAMBLER), Ashim Ahluwalia (MISS LOVELY), and Yannis Veslemes (NORWAY).

In addition to Tim League and Ant Timpson, who produced the successful ABCs OF DEATH franchise, THE FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL was executive produced by investors Christos V. Konstantakopoulos (BEFORE MIDNIGHT, THE LOBSTER), Keith and Jess Calder (ANOMALISA, BLAIR WITCH, YOU’RE NEXT), and Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company (MANDY, JAY AND SILENT BOB REBOOT).

Legion M will be hosting fan meet-ups for THE FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL at select theaters across the United States. FIELD GUIDE meet-up details can be found at legionm.com/evil.

"Being a fan-owned entertainment company, we're not only financially invested in FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL but our fast-growing community of 70,000 members and investors are empowered to share our project with the world so they can experience it with us," says Paul Scanlan, cofounder and CEO of Legion M. 

"FIELD GUIDE TO EVIL was one of Legion M's earliest investments and we have been eagerly awaiting this opportunity to activate our proven experiential meet-up model across the country, which will eventize screenings and feature cool perks like exclusive FIELD GUIDE merchandise for all meet-up attendees."

The film is being distributed by SuperLtd and will be released in select theaters and all digital platforms on March 29th. For more information – including the brand-new poster and trailer, showtimes, ticket information, Q&A screenings, and Legion M fan-meetup events – visit fieldguidetoevil.com.

Crowd Funding Campaign Starts For Ouiji Horror "Deathboard"

Fuzzy Monkey Films was started in 2014 by filmmaker Brad Twigg. Since then we have produced nearly 20 feature films and anthology segments including “Wrestlemassacre”, “Killer Campout”, “Brutality”, and “The Grindsploitation Series”. Our films have received national distribution from companies like Wild Eye Releasing, Troma Entertainment, Worldwide Multimedia and SRS Cinema. We make horror films for horror fans by horror fans and that’s always been our mission from the start. We want to take fans back to the glory days of the 80’s when horror movies were fun and not riddled with CGI and remakes.

We’ve already started production on our newest movie entitled Deathboard, but we need your support to finish it. In the film Valerie buys a house with a gruesome past. Four of her friends come over to help her move in and have a housewarming party. After a strange encounter with a creepy neighbor, the ladies discover an old Ouija board in the basement and unwittingly unleash a horrifying evil. Can they survive the night?

Your contributions will help us cover special makeup effects, talent, wardrobe, camera equipment, travel, lodging, food, promotions, marketing and more. In return we’re offering some awesome perks like signed and numbered limited edition DVD’s, posters, signed screen used props, associate and executive producer credits and more!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/deathboard-horror-feature-film/x/2008895?fbclid=IwAR3Gu3ZzgQcOwk7MtI1BAaEVC4Qmle5lA95bIVjkIboIo_634-_TFM94rhs#/

Release Details Announced For Tech Horror "Do It Yourself"

Artsploitation Films will release "Do It Yourself" March 5th on DVD and select VOD sites. The film is directed by Greek filmmaker Dimitris Tsilifonis. 

Small-time crook and ex-con Alkis is double-crossed by an ex-cellmate and finds himself trapped in a working porn studio where his shady, trigger-happy accomplices have no intention of letting him out alive. The disheveled crook has only one option – to escape by any means possible.

"The Possession Of Hannah Grace" Out Today On VOD

Diederik Van Rooijen‘s "The Possession of Hannah Grace" out on VOD today.  The film arrives on Bru-ray/DVD, which includes deleted scenes and two featurettes, on February 26th from Sony Pictures. 

Starring Shay Mitchell as a cop just out of rehab who signs up for the night shift at the local hospital morgue where she will face an onslaught of strange, violent events caused by an evil entity attached to the corpse of a girl (Kirby Johnson) left contorted and dead during an exorcism.

Robi Michael’s "Every Time I Die" Lands World Premieres at Cinequest

Robi Michael’s Every Time I Die Lands World Premieres at Cinequest
His Grisly Murder is Just the Beginning for Sam ; Troubled Man Wakes Up in the Bodies of his Friends

MiLa Media and Invisible Pictures have announced the World Premiere of Robi Michael’s Every Time I Die at the 2019 Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival. The film follows the classic tale of ghost possession, flipping the script by telling the story from the perspective of the possessing spirit trying to stop his killer from striking again. Every Time I Die will premiere at Cinequest at the California Theatre San Jose March 8th.

Drew Fonteiro (“Good Trouble”) headlines the cast as a disturbed young man with a mysterious past whose tragic death is just the beginning of his troubles. Instead of the hereafter, he finds himself trying to protect his friends from inside their bodies. Fonteiro is joined by Marc Menchaca (“Ozark”, “The Sinner”), Michelle and Melissa Macedo (“Girlboss”, “One Day”), and Tyler White. Robi Michael directed and produced from a script he wrote with Gal Katzir, alongside producers David Milch and Tal Lazar.

Sam falls in love with Mia, but she’s already married. In his attempts to win her love, he’s murdered on the shores of a lake. However, his consciousness does not die. Instead, he finds himself inhabiting his friend’s body. Now, he will need to stop his killer from murdering him again. In the process, his dark past will unravel and he might find out why he’s doomed to never let go of life.

Buy Tickets

Cinequest:
Friday, March 8, 2019
9:50 pm
California Theatre San Jose
345 S 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113

Sunday, March 10, 2019
7:00 pm
Century 20 Redwood City, Screen 17
627, 825 Middlefield Rd
Redwood City, CA 94063

Tuesday, March 12, 2018
5:00 pm
Century 20 Redwood City, Screen 3
627, 825 Middlefield Rd
Redwood City, CA 94063

Friday, March 15, 2019
10:00 pm
Hammer Theater
San Jose State University
101 Paseo de San Antonio
San Jose, CA 95113

It's A March Release Date For Scifi Thriller "White Chamber"

UK's scifi thriller "White Chamber" is set for wide release in March. The film is directed by Paul Raschid and stars Shauna Macdonald, Oded FFehr, Amrita Acharia and Candis Nergaard. It will see a limited theatrical run, and digital release March 29th. 

In a dystopian post-Brexit Britain torn apart by civil war, a woman with a questionable past finds herself the latest subject of a futuristic prison pod.

First Poster Release For "We Summon The Darkness"

Satanic thriller "We Summon The Darkness" has released first poster. The film, currently in post, is being directed by Marc Meyers and stars Alexandra Daddario, Keean Johnson, Johnny Knoxville and Maddie Hasson. Look for a trailer release to come shortly.

The film involves a series of Satanic murders, in the Midwest. Three friends head out on a road trip and they meet several interesting blokes, at a heavy metal music festival. Back at the girlfriend's family home, the afterparty turns into a night of bloody debauchery. Now, killers are on the loose, with no one to be trusted.

My Review Of "Fighting The Sky"

Strange other-worldly sounds are echoing around the world. A group of researchers, led by expert ufologist Lorraine Gardner, begin an expedition to track down the point of origin from which the sounds emerge. Yet as their journey deepens, they begin to discover more than they bargained for.

"Fighting The Sky" is directed by Conrad Faraj. The scifi thriller stars Angela Cole, Roger Conners, Matthew Ward, Nicole Ann Hicks, Alison Headrick, Jinette Faraj, Judith Faraj, Brianna Burke, Bailey Weaver, Logan Roberts, Ed Conrad, and Larry Cahill.

"Fighting The Sky" has a standard "It Came From Outer Space", story that plays along similar lines as "Dark Skies". It does manage to string together a pretty neat story from the many ideas ripped from classic scifi tropes. It does lack originality,and at times the pace falls flat when dialog heavy scenes seem clunky and forced.

The acting bounces from hokey and below B level to some truly cool moments that give a level of quality to the film. Notably Cole, stands out as a strong performer. The overall storyline is a good concept and for reasoning Faraj has created a cool little first contact, alien tale. Still,  there is plenty wrong,  making it a film to either dedicate ones' time to it, or just get stoned and let it happen.

The creature design is a unique choice , and the CGI was well done. At first the aliens made me whence,  but stayed with it and it works because not all aliens are the same. Right?! The cinematography is excellent and the cast get their groove at the halfway mark so the story amps up. Overall "Fighting The Sky" won't appeal to everyone,  this isn't high level effects mayhem like "The Fifth Wave", but the indie vibe,  and recognizable cast make it worth checking out. (2.5/5)

My Review Of "The 6th Friend"

"The 6th Friend" is a psychological thriller told from the female perspective. It is directed by Letia Clouston, and stars Jamie Bernadette, Chantelle Albers, Dominique Swain, and Jessica Morris.

Six college best friends throw their own private graduation party that goes terribly wrong when an uninvited guest arrives. Five years later, the girls gather once again and endure a night of far more horror and bloodshed.

The story has the potential to expose and,  to some degree, exploit very poignant and timely subject matter echoing from the #metoo movement. A group of women forced into a horrible situation at the hands of a really bad dude,  lives changed at a fundamental level, then reuniting once more only to have a new nightmare unfold. The concept just begs to perform. Unfortunately none of the material is truly developed enough to really bring life to this cultural battle cry. 

The cast do their best to breathe life into the characters,  but it soon becomes clear that they don't get it- not completely anyway. The social interactions of these friends feels made-up. The dialog isn't smooth enough to convince me that they experienced the original nightmare and maintained a bond strong enough to reunite. I mean there are moments of strong dialog and gritty story telling,  but not consistent enough to maintain cohesion. 

The horror elements and actual thriller edge was a bit to dull to sell me on the "new nightmare" situation that the group deals with in "The 6th Friend". Most of the scenes meant to provide chills and thrills seem placed as overworked tableaus. They looked good but in a film where things are already falling apart,  they just aren't enough to save it. Overall I didn't enjoy this one, I wanted to,  thought it was gonna be good, but it just wasn't. (2/5)

My Review Of "Blood Bound"

"Blood Bound" is a supernatural thriller from director Richard LeMay. It stars Joseph Melendez, Eden Brolin, Rosa Arredondo, Gerald McCullouch, and Vanessa Rubio. Bound to an ancient pact, a family of unlimited power descend upon a small rural town to sacrifice 4 human lives, one being a member of their own family.

Every 25 years, it begins. Bound to an ancient pact, a family of unlimited power descends upon a small rural town to sacrifice four human lives, one being a member of their own family. This Rosemary’s Baby meets Drag Me to Hell thriller takes a dark look into how far the human spirit can take one soul in it’s most desperate hour.

"Blood Bound" is a weighted story, with family dynamics, personal conflict, and social complexities. On the surface it is a story about the occult, and overcoming supernatural evil. But to its depth it is a character melodrama pitting self identity against clan mentality. And aesthetically the juxtaposition between backdrops of scenic beauty against such dark and damaged characters is total arthouse.

At the beginning the story falters near to being forced,  or convoluted. However it merely teeters there as characters become more developed and recognizable. It is mixed with some moments of quality acting and captivating storytelling. "Blood Bound" feels indie and at times it felt like a Lifetime movie, you know- the creepy kind they play during the Halloween season. I did keep asking "where's the horror"?!

There is some horror in the film but it comes nearly an hour into the story. The supernatural elements are slightly weak,  mostly coming off as "make-believe". They seem too understated. The occult aspects beyond that are done nicely, and really give into the witchy vibe that LeMay is going for. Overall "Blood Bound" fails to gain any major ground as far as the horror,  but the story is a good one and the film is worth checking out. (2.5/5)

My Review Of "Crossbreed"

In the near future, the President of the United States of America hires a team of military veterans to retrieve an alien bio-weapon from a top-secret research facility orbiting the Earth. These highly trained mercenaries must infiltrate the space station and recover the deadly experimental alien cargo located onboard. All is going according to the plan until the cargo escapes.

"Crossbreed" is directed by Brandon Slagle
and stars  Vivica A.Fox, Daniel Baldwin, Stink Fisher, Devanny Pinn, and Vernon Wells. Marines take on the monster in this throwback sci-fi space thriller.

"Crossbreed" is a pretty straightforward story that pits space marines against a alien bio weapon. It is simple but at moments it strong in representation and aesthetics. Reminiscent of mid-nineties space fare like "Jason X" and Syfy stuff back when it was spelled correctly. Vivica A. Fox is great in her limited role as Commander-in-Chief,  Madame President. The marines are stereotypical, but tolerable. 

Special effects are a mixed bag of cheap CGI and slightly better game-play level. Still it works and gives an entertaining affectation to the action sequences. The creature design and limited practical effects give "Crossbreed" it's real selling points. Plus add in some quality cinematography and the film is worth the watch. Just remember to go in with b-movie expectations. (3/5)

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Festival Of Neteret Bastet

Bastet is the Egyptian goddess of the home, domesticity, women's secrets, cats, fertility, and childbirth. She protected the home from evil spirits and disease, especially diseases associated with women and children. She was the daughter of the sun god Ra and is associated with the concept of the Eye of Ra (the all-seeing eye) and the Distant Goddess (a female deity who leaves Ra and returns to bring transfromation).  

Bastet appears early in the 3rd millenium BCE in her form as an avenging lioness in Lower Egypt. By the time of the Pyramid Texts (c. 2400-2300 BCE) she was associated with the king of Egypt as his nursemaid in youth and protector as he grew. In the later Coffin Texts (c. 2134-2040 BCE) she retains this role but is also seen as a protector of the dead. The goddess was worshipped primarily at Bubastis but held a tutelary position at Saqqara and elsewhere. They celebrated the festival of the goddess by drinking, dancing, making music, and displaying their genitals" (116). This "raising of the skirts" by the women, described by Herodotus, had as much to do with freedom from social constraints as it did with the fertility associated with the goddess