My Review Of "Crypsis"

"Crypsis" is a creature horror written and directed by Paul Anthony Rogers. The film stars Rogers, alongside Michael Armata, Anthony Hoang, Jordan Mitchell-Love and Eddie Nason. It is a b-movie mashup of backwoods horror and over-the-top monster movie.

A group of friends make a bet to survive on an island. Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious old creature begins hunting them throughout the night. What began as an innocent bet quickly turns into a fight for survival. As night falls, this becomes a fight to the death that no one had anticipated.

"Crypsis" takes on traditional creature feature tropes. It is reminiscent of "Animal" and "Indigenous", mixing backwoods concepts of wilderness horror. It starts off with a barely convincible start. The story is high energy, and constant thriller. There is very little down time or respite from the action aspect. 

The characters are stereotypical, annoying and surface. One or two in a cast is cool but with every character seeming to be a clone of every other then it is hard to connect with them. There isn't much realism built into these guys. The acting isn't all that great either. Still I did connect with a couple of the characters and I enjoyed the action sequences. 

The horror elements are mostly done off screen with clever cut-aways and camera tricks. Most of them work, and the scenes with the creature coming in for the kill are my favorite moments in "Crypsis". I feel there really should have been a few really gruesome on screen kills though, the film teases us with the idea but never really delivers.

Overall "Crypsis" never lives up to all that it hopes to be. The story has some holes in it, the characters aren't developed enough to like, and the ending goes on two unnecessary scenes too long. Still there is some cool creature effects in "Crypsis". It pace is quick and the overall atmosphere is straight up horror. This isn't one for all horror fans but I think indie creature feature fans might find enough to like. (2.5/5)

My Review Of "The Tokoloshe"

"The Tokoloshe" is director Jerome Pikwane’s frightening fictional account of the mythological creature. The film stars Petronella Tshuma, Kwande Nkosi, and Dawid Minnaar. It is African folk horror wrapped in a chilling character study. 

Busi, a young destitute woman with dangerously repressed emotions, lands a job as a cleaner at a rundown hospital in the heart of Johannesburg. Desperate for the money so she can bring her younger sister to Johannesburg, she must cope despite the predatory and corrupt hospital manager. When Busi discovers an abandoned young girl in the hospital, who believes she is tormented by a supernatural force, Busi must face her own demons from her past in order to save the child from the abusive monster that pursues them both relentlessly.

Pikwane's story is deep. Riffe with social commentary, human struggle and personal conflict. Plus it introduces a truly terrifying creature of mythology from a region sorely lacking in modern story telling. "The Tokoloshe" is an evenly paced, tense thriller. A lot of the story perspective is interpretative and layered. There is the human tragedy, reconciliation of past, and a nightmarish, supernatural monster. And it is all weaved together with such heart and emotion, as disturbing as it may be. 

The tone of the story is dark, methodical and atmospheric. There is more of a tug-of-war between the character drama and the creature feature aspect of the movie. At times it hints at the possibility of the Tokoloshe being more of a subconscious manifestation of unresolved issues, then the film pulls you into a full on monster movie. It is a back-n-forth that Pikwane masters without loosing context. I enjoyed the stronger focusing leaning more on the human interest component.

The film does move a bit slow and keeps with a heavy heart. The horror is more psychological than graphic. The atmosphere and focus plays out like a paranormal horror. Creepy, shadowy lighting creates a spooky vibe. The monster is referenced more than is on screen. It makes appearances but the real monsters are of the human kind. Cruelty is a gift man seems more inclined to share. But yeah don't forget that this is a story about a supernatural creature who feeds on children and the lonely. 

Overall "The Tokoloshe" is a good folk horror to just sit back and let it consume you. It isn't a shock cinema thing so don't confuse it with Western creature feature. The real nightmares that happen are very human, tragic and relatable. This is a cool import psychological thriller with horror elements that is shot beautifully. Check it out. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. (3.5/5)

My Review Of "This Is Our Home"

"This Is Our Home" is a psychological thriller directed by Omri Dorani and stars Drew Beckas, Jeff Ayars and Simone Policano. It is a heavy-toned, dark character study that creates a slow, suspenseful horror. 

A chilling account of a struggling couple who, during a weekend getaway, are greeted in the middle of the night by a child claiming to be their son.

The story is a ominous character driven nightmare that feels foreboding from scene one. There is a dark energy that hangs over each scene, accenting both the dramatic moments and the thriller alike. Dorani manages to tap into an unease that some tragic relationships carry effortlessly. He does so without relying on cumbersome exposition. 

The acting is stellar. Both Ayers and Policano are wonderful at bringing life to these characters in a way that humanizes them. The characters are recognizable and relatable. Beckas is charismatic and creepy with his portrayal of young Zeke. I did come across a few moments in the middle of the movie where I thought maybe the story got away from me. The feeling didn't stick. 

Most of the horror is subjective. Beholden to the intensity and suspense that owns the film's atmosphere from scene one. Watching the steady deterioration of the characters, their relationship and the overall ominous situation works both psychologically and viscerally. The horror that unfolds is subtle but impactful. 

"This Is Our Home" is a tense, dark thriller. Heavily stylized, the film taps into both the struggle of mental illness and stress of imperfect relationships without sensationalism. Plus the downfall of this couples weekend getaway is nightmarish and bizarre. Almost ethereal, not in a heavenly way but in a 'sleep-walking through a bad dream' way. This is just a really well done movie- save the ending. Not sure how I feel about that. (4/5)

My Review Of "Pickaxe"

Horror icons A.Michael Baldwin (Phantasm) and Tiffany Shepis (Strange Nature) star in director Jeremy Sumrall's ode to '80s horror, "Pickaxe". The film costars Cory W. Ahre, Keefer Barlow. Perry Batson. Kerry Beyer. Drew Brown. Kelly Byrns. Lyndsey Case.

The survivors of a series of brutal killings in a small town are forced to face the killer once again when a ritual resurrects him from the grave.

The story keeps with a classic theme of a supernatural slasher. It is straightforward, methodic and light-hearted. Jeremy Sumrall celebrates those VHS horror tropes from 80's horror with fun enthusiasm. Although the film does have flaws, it is still a commendable ode. It keeps with a simple slice-n-dice format, there is a formidable killer, and plenty of flesh and blood. 

With a couple recognizable indie names attached, "Pickaxe" receives some cred. Tiffany Shepis is a indie horror staple. Baldwin does a great job as the sheriff. The rest of the cast don't quite equal these two's performances, but they do well enough to move the story. There is some dialog issues and a few moments that feel contrived. I also found a few of the asthenic scenes tacky, set in a way that takes away from the moment than the intended effect.

The horror elements of the film are really notable, commendable aspects of the film. It is low budget affair, but the practice choices seemed to be approached with care. Reminiscent of 80's slasher gore films like "The Burning" and "Madman". I really enjoyed the kill scenes in "Pickaxe". Some of the setups to the kill sequences seemed a bit hokey, missing to create an added anticipation, and did more to lower the energy of otherwise cool kills.

Overall "Pickaxe" is a straightforward low budget slasher that only works in the indie horror community. It probably will disappoint mainstream movie goers with its low scale production, indie acting and 'on a dime' practical effects. Still there is some fun gore elements, a strong slasher and cool, creepy atmosphere. Check it out if you dig low budget movie making. (3/5)

Release Date Announced For Steven Spielberg Produced "The Turning"

The Turning, an adaptation of The Turning of the Screw by Henry James,will open in theaters on January 24th, from Universal Pictures. The film is directed by Floria Sigismondi and stars Finn Wolfhard, Mackenzie Davis, and Brooklynn Prince. 

A young woman hired as the nanny to two orphans are convinced that the country mansion they live in is haunted.

Official Trailer Released For Supernatural Thriller "Awoken"

The official trailer has been released for Austrian supernatural thriller "Awoken". The film is directed by Daniel J. Phillips and stars Erik Thomson, Benson Jack Anthony, Sara West, Felicia Tassone, Adam Ovadia, Rob MacPherson, Matt Crook, and Amelia Douglass.

A young medical student attempts to cure her brother of a terminal sleep illness called Fatal Familial Insomnia, where you are unable to sleep until you die. On her quest to help him, a more sinister reason for his condition is revealed.

Release Details Announced For German Horror "Luz"

Director: Tilman Singer
Cast: Luana Velis, Jan Bluthardt, Julia Riedler, Johannes Benecke, Nadja Stübiger, Lilli Lorenz
Preorder: 2/11/20 Street: 3/10/20
MSRP: $27.99
UPC: 682863690965
Catalogue #: AI-20B
Genre: Horror
Color
70 minutes in German, Spanish, & English, with English & Spanish subtitles

Special Features:
2 Short Films by Tilman Singer.
New Interview with Director Tilman Singer.
International Teaser Trailer.
U.S. Theatrical Trailer.
Pull-out Poster.
Reversible Cover Art.

Fleeing from the grasp of a possessed woman, a distressed cabdriver begins a confession in a rundown police station that endangers everyone who crosses her path. Shot entirely on 16mm and featuring a hypnotic synth-driven score, this first-time feature film from director Tilman Singer pays homage to the Euro Horror sensibilities of Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession while subverting and reinventing the genre along with contemporaries like Panos Cosmatos (Mandy).

Teaser Trailer Released For "Blade: The Iron Cross"

Full Moon has released the official teaser trailer for "Blade: The Iron Cross". The film is directed by John Lechago and stars Tania Fox, Roy Abramsohn, Griffin Blazi, Jarrell Hall and Bobby Ree. It is set to be released March 2020 as part of Full Moon's Deadly Ten.

For decades the fans have been clamoring for it, and now Full Moon delivers with the first standalone feature debut of one of its most beloved (and most frightful) characters: the hook-handed maniac puppet, BLADE! Charles Band’s PUPPET MASTER series continues as an unspeakable evil from Blade’s past emerges in the form of a murderous Nazi scientist named Dr. Hauser. As Hauser’s heinous crimes are discovered, the psychic war journalist, Elisa Ivanov, awakens Blade, and together the bloody journey of revenge begins. It’s Herr Hauser’s reanimated undead army versus a possessed doll and a beautiful vengeance-seeking clairvoyant! 

Blade: The Iron Cross Teaser

DARKMATTER TV IS THE NEW STREAMING HOME FOR CULT FAVORITES

DARKMATTER TV is the new go-to app to stream classic horror movies, and these seven horror-staples are guaranteed to be a frightfully good watch.

Horror has remained a part of pop culture since the dawn of time – or at least since Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror novel “Dracula” (1897). Staple horror films like John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982) and Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980) have remained classic favorites despite the several re-makes and cinematic competitors.

Classic horrors were created in a different era, providing viewers with a much more eerie and creepy experience, rather than most modern films that are overtly CGI saturated. Filled with dark secret passageways, ominous farmhouses, mysterious carnivals and flesh-eating monsters, classic horrors have been passed down from generation to generation, presenting cinematic adrenaline rushes unparallel to any previous experience.

Instead of pouring millions of dollars into films we hope scares you, DarkMatter TV, TriCoast TV’s FREE ad-supported video service, has collected cinema’s cult classic horrors films that are sure to spook audiences of all ages. As the newest destination for genre fans seeking the best sci-fi, horror, action and true crime entertainment, DarkMatter TV provides studio hits from the past five decades, including underground fan favorites, glorified cult classic series, film festival favorites and additional top-notch viral content.

From untimely fright flicks like F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) to George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968), these seven horror-staples streaming on DarkMatter TV are guaranteed to be a frightfully good watch:

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – George A. Romero

“There’s no denying it, Night of the Living Dead is THE archetypal zombie film,” wrote Classic-Horror.

Summary: From 16-time award-winning writer/director George A. Romero (Land of the Dead, Tales from the Darkside, Deadtime Stories), Night of the Living Dead follows a ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a bloodthirsty, flesh-eating breed of monsters who are ravaging the East Coast of the United States.

2. House on Haunted Hill (1959) – William Castle

“House on Haunted Hill is something everyone should watch at least once, preferable with good friends, good wine, and plenty of popcorn,” wrote Classic-Horror.

Summary: A millionaire offers $10,000 to five people who agree to be locked inside a large, spooky, rented house overnight with him and his wife.

3. Carnival of Souls (1962) – Herk Harvey

“Carnival of Souls is unlike any other movie I’ve ever seen,” wrote Classic-Horror, adding that moments of the film “blended with the crudeness of the production, are amongst the most inventive and absolutely creepy in all of horror cinema.”

Summary: Directed by four-time award winner Herk Harvey, Carnival of Souls takes place after a traumatic accident, where a woman becomes drawn to a mysterious abandoned carnival.

4. Deep Red (aka ‘Profundo Rosso’) (1975) – Dario Argento

“A film that deserves a place on the shelf of every horror and suspense film fan,” wrote Classic-Horror.

Summary: From Dario Argento, true staple in horror entertainment history for his award-winning writing in Opera (1987), Phenomena (1985) and Suspiria (1977), Deep Red is about a jazz pianist and a wisecracking journalist, who are pulled into a complex web of mystery after the former witnesses the brutal murder of a psychic. This award-winning Italian slasher will leave you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

5. Fantastic Planet (1973) – René Laloux

“Many movies may aspire to cult status, but only a few can slither right in and stake an unquestionable claim. The 1973 French/Czechoslovakian animated film Fantastic Planet, thankfully, is absolutely one of the latter,” wrote The Stranger.

Summary: Directed by three-time award winning director René Laloux (Time Masters), this animated sci-fi takes place on a faraway planet where blue giants rule and oppressed humanoids rebel against their machine-like leaders.

6. Nosferatu (1922) – F.W. Murnau

“Nosferatu is at least the earliest surviving cinematic appearance of that famed vampire, if not vampires in general,” wrote Classic-Horror, adding, “Nosferatu is an essential masterpiece, not only for the horror genre, but for film as a whole.”

Summary: Based on the novel “Dracula”, Nosferatu is a highly influential silent horror film. In the town of Wisborg, a demented estate agent sends his employee on a mission to sell a vacant property opposite to the mysterious Count Orlok. Upon the employee’s arrival, he comes across a novel, “Nosferatu”, which warns him of the supernatural perils. Orlok’s vampire nature soon becomes apparent, traumatizing the employee and unleashing terror upon Wisborg. But when his wife discovers the abandoned book, she learns that she must sacrifice herself to end the terror.

7. Dementia 13 (1963) – Francis Ford Coppola

“The genesis of Coppola’s legendary career as an American directorial icon started with the low-budget slasher thriller Dementia 13,” wrote Classic-Horror.

Summary: Shocked by the death of her spouse, a scheming widow hatches a bold plan to get her hands on the inheritance, unaware that she is targeted by an axe-wielding murderer who lurks in the family’s estate. What mystery shrouds the noble house?

It truly the good old scare that gets us every time. DarkMatter TV welcomes you to the dark side.

If you’re prepared for the scream-inducing plot twists, bone-chilling goose bumps and the mind-bending emotional and physical terrors, then download the DarkMatter TV app today, directly from your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Android devices for free here or on Google Play.

As a free streaming service available across all various devices, DarkMatter TV is available on mobiles and tablets (Google Play, Android, Apple iOS), OTT devices (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast), Smart TVs (Samsung, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, Phillips, LG), gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) and more. Viewers may also subscribe commercial-free for $4.99 per month. DarkMatter TV has also partnered with major worldwide mobile device companies to expand the App and Linear channel to the international market in Q2 2020.

Follow DarkMatter TV on Twitter @TVDarkMatter (https://twitter.com/TvDarkmatter), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DarkMatterTV/) and Instagram (@DarkMatterTVapp). Please contact DarkMatter TV at info@tricoasttv.com for more information.

SGL Entertainment Releases Horror Thriller "Detention" On Blu-ray/DVD

SGL Entertainment has released horror thriller "Detention" on Blu-ray/DVD. The film is directed by Johan Vandewoestijne and stars Ziva Marshall, Sharon Slosse, Myrthe Hogeterp, Granit Nici, Rufus Six, Quinten Stoffin, Steve Van Nuffel, Gunther Vanhuyse, Thierry Wybauw and Anton Zwijsen. Available at WALMART, BARNES & NOBLE, TARGET, AMAZON, FAMILY VIDEO and More via SGL Entertainment and MVD.

1978, St Andrews a catholic school for boys and girls run by priests and nuns. Some of the youngsters have detention in the old chapel. A storm caused damage to the study room so detention is held there. However Billy Moons is not present. Ten minutes after detention has started, Billy drops in along with his two friends, armed to their teeth. Billy seeks revenge for the humiliations he has to go through caused by the boys present. His friend Morgan comes to settle a score with the priests for the abuse his younger brother Paulie had to suffer. Paulie eventually killed himself in dispair. It becomes even worse when the third friend named Psycho discovers that Paulie was not the only victim.

Official Trailer Released For "Into The Dark: Midnight Kiss"

The official trailer has been released for Hulu's New Year's horror "Into The Dark: Midnight Kiss". Directed by Carter Smith (The Ruins) from a screenplay by Erlingur Thoroddsen (Rift, Child Eater), Midnight Kiss stars Augustus Prew (The Morning Show), Scott Evans (Grace and Frankie), Ayden Mayeri (Veep), Lukas Gage (Euphoria), Chester Lockhart (Glamorous), and Adam Faison (Everything's Gonna Be OK). It will premiere on the streaming service December 27th.

A group of longtime gay best friends and their resident fruit fly head to a beautiful desert home to celebrate New Year's Eve. One of their annual traditions is to play MIDNIGHT KISS, a sexy but ultimately dangerous challenge to find that special someone to help you ring in the New Year. As friendships have grown strained with secrets, jealousy and resentment, the group faces another challenge when a sadistic killer wants in. Relationships are put to the test and truths are revealed as the night turns into a fight for survival.

A New Teaser Released For Netflix's ' Locke & Key'

A new teaser video has been released for Netflix's upcoming 'Locke & Key'. The series is set to premiere February 7th. The teaser video offers a brief peek at the 10-episode first season.  Cast includes Darby Stanchfield, Emilia Jones, Connor Jessup and Jackson Robert Scott as the Locke family.

"Netflix is redeveloping the scripts and re-casting the new series.

Locke & Key, written by Joe Hill, is a horror/fantasy series that revolves around three siblings who, after the gruesome murder of their father, move to their ancestral home in Massachusetts only to find the house has magical keys that give them a vast array of powers and abilities. Little do they know, a devious demon also wants the keys, and will stop at nothing to attain them.

The IDW Publishing Locke & Key comic book franchise, co-created by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, has garnered both awards and acclaim during its ten-year run; has been translated into dozens of languages across the globe; and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Episodes: 10 x 60

Creator / Writer / Executive Producer: Joe Hill

Showrunners / Executive Producers: Carlton Cuse (producing through Genre Arts), Meredith Averill

Executive Producers: David Ozer (IDW), Ted Adams (IDW), Lindsey Springer (producing through Genre Arts), Aron Eli Coleite, Andy Muschietti, Barbara Muschietti, David Alpert (Circle of Confusion), Rick Jacobs (Circle of Confusion)

Series developed by: Carlton Cuse, Aron Eli Coleite and Meredith Averill

First Episode written by: Joe Hill and Aron Eli Coleite"

Sometimes the secrets have to burn. pic.twitter.com/18rsEDSdLQ

— Locke & Key (@lockekeynetflix) December 20, 2019

Stephen King's Carrie To Be Adapted For Limited Series

Stephen King's Carrie is being adapted into a limited series for FX Network. Details and confirmation from FX and MGM has not been released yet. Collider reveals that "...telekinetic teen Carrie White will likely be played by either a trans performer or an actress of color rather than a cis white woman, as in past adaptations."

"The story of misfit high-school girl, Carrie White, who gradually discovers that she has telekinetic powers. Repressed by a domineering, ultra-religious mother and tormented by her peers at school, her efforts to fit in lead to a dramatic confrontation during the senior prom."