Pages

28 December 2014

The Woods Within 2014 - REVIEW


Here we have a Slasher film that is being released in about a week or so from Studio 605.  Anymore the indie slashers are the ones that I have leaned towards over the big budget movies with a ton of CGI and stupid shit.  This one nonetheless is filmed close to my hometown of Cincinnati, Oh.  All of these things make me think I am really going to like this film but I have been wrong before and I always leave plenty of room for error.

Nicole (Tori Ahr) and her high school friends are all planning a before graduation campout party in the woods.  The only thing is people start to die and the group of friends quickly turn on one another as they get picked off one by one.  Everyone is a suspect and  no one is safe in The Woods Within!

Slasher films for the most part are fun and people enjoy watching people getting sliced and diced and I am no different.  However, I was not really a fan of The Woods Within.  The story itself was way too predictable.  The lack of originality and predictability really took away from the fun factor.  I know its meant to be more of an homage than an original slasher flick but still I think it lacks. The characters are not developed enough and the reveal of the killer wasn't too much of a reveal at all.  It was pretty easy to guess from early on in the film.  This film also really lacked humor.  The tone and the atmosphere is too serious.  A Slasher is meant to be fun, bloody and should be able to make you laugh at one point or another.  Not sure I cracked a smile at any point.

Something else that really bothered me while watching this was the lack of emotion in the acting.  I was not expecting an Academy Award performance by any means but for the most part the acting was stiff and did nothing to grab the audience at all.  There are a couple performances that were decent but nothing that really stands out.

I really am not trying to sit here and bash this film because I think it could find an audience.  The kill scenes were good and had a few good effects to go with it.  Looking at the quality of the film I thought it looked great.  The sound and the look really is fantastic and any other release that Studio 605 puts out I would definitely give it a watch.  Here comes that part where I rate this film.  Well, while I think they did a great job in some areas there is just too many that I didn't think they did.  I rate this 4 stars out of 10.  Stay twisted everyone!

27 December 2014

The Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival Returns For 2015 Event


Four-Days Jam-Packed with Award-Winning and Groundbreaking Features and Shorts HIGHLIGHT: Mark Netter's "Nightmare Code" Starring "The Walking Dead's" Andrew J. West 

NYC PREMIERE: Jacob Akira Okada's Documentary Short "Painting The Way To The Moon"

@PhilipKDickFest #PKDFestNYC

(New York City, N.Y.) - Legend states that events come in threes -- a phenomenon in its truest form for The Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival as it embarks on a third year honoring the literary world's most nuanced and visionary author, Philip K. Dick. The highly anticipated four-day experience from January 15-18, 2015 will screen at three distinguished locations including The Cervantes Institute, Tribeca Cinemas and The Producer's Club and features a slate of innovative features and shorts which capture the distinctive boldness of the the genre and brings forth the most riveting moments of science fiction cinema ever to grace the big screen.

The festival launches on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at The Cervantes Institute with a free-admission night of international science fiction shorts beginning at 7pm. The exciting schedule includes Martín Rosete's Voice Over (2011, Spain), Michel Goossens' Exit (2013, Spain/Netherlands), MacGregor and Bruno Zacarías' Similo (2014, Spain), Daniel Romero's No Mires Ahí (2014, Spain), Fernandez Sanchez's Sujeto Darwin (2014, Spain), Antonio Souto Fraguas' Renacimiento (2013, Spain), Thierry Lorenzi's On/Off (2013, France), Didier Philippe's Seule (2014, France), Lee Citron's Martian American (2014, USA/Mexico) and Federico Telerman's Albino (2014, Argentina).

The mayhem comes full force on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Tribeca Cinemas with the frighteningly entertaining and award-winning Nightmare Code (2014) at 7pm in Theater One. The star- studded film features Andrew J. West, widely known to audiences as Gareth on AMC's mega-hit The Walking Dead, Mei Melançon (X Men: The Last Stand, The L Word) and Googy Gress (Apollo 13, Parenthood) and follows the gripping account of a start-up programmer who battles a mysterious software code that takes on a life of its own following the murderous rampage of his predecessor. The feature film is directed and produced by Mark Netter, written by Netter and M.J. Rotondi and executive produced by Craig Allen and Avi Bachar. A Q&A session with Netter is scheduled to follow. Having premiered to critical success across the board, Jacob Akira Okada's documentary short Painting the Way to the Moon (2013) will have its exclusive New York City premiere at 9pm in Theater One. Produced by Adam Morrow and Carylanna Taylor the film follows Princeton mathematician and artist Ed Belbruno, who discovered a new form of space travel. His "eureka" moment while working at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the 1980s came to him while painting. The groundbreaking conjecture that satellites could use the mathematics of the chaos theory rather than rocket fuel to orbit around the moon and send experiments into space was initially rejected by NASA and he was soon fired. However, his work eventually found a home at the agency. The film examines how "art and science share a common process and explores how creative thinking is not only for artists," according to the official film synopsis. A Q&A session with Belbruno is scheduled to follow.

A block of international science fiction short films begins at 7:30pm in Theater Two. A highlight of the evening is Room 731 (2014, USA) which stars Tim Kang, best known as Kimball Cho on CBS' smash-hit The Mentalist. The film directed by Young Min Kim and written by Kim and Christie Cushing is a supernatural mystery along the bloodlines of The Grudge and Saw and follows an amnesiac girl who awakens in a jail-like room and is haunted by dangerous spirits. Also starring Yoojung Kim and Nikki SooHoo, the film sheds light on the traumas of the WWII-era Japanese concentration camp known as "Unit 731." Industry professionals including Eddie Yang (co-founder, Alliance Studio), SFX makeup artist Diana Choi (The Dark Knight), Vanessa Mi Kyung Lee (The Hunger Games), editor Jimmy Gadd (The Mentalist) and executive producers Anna Liza Recto and Michael Kaleda (Bold MP) have rallied behind the project. The evening continues with Thomas Charles' Désaffection (2013, France), Mat Owen's Turn On (2013, UK), Winnie Cheung's Dear Lucas (2014, USA), Laura Maxfield's A Girl, A Cat, A Bomb (2014, USA), [followed by Room 731 in sequence], Faroukh Virani's Vimana (2014, USA/India), Aldo Romero's Silent Threat (2014, USA), Erin Li's Kepler X-47 (2014, USA) and Vanessa Gould's The Atom Bomb (2013, USA). And just when you thought the screams had died down, three filmmakers barricade themselves in a haunted house where no one has survived past 21 Days (2014) at 9:30pm in Theater Two. The spine-chilling and multiple award-winning feature film written and directed by Kathleen Behun stars Whitney Rose Pynn (co-star of NBC's upcoming David Duchovny series Aquarius), Max Hambleton and Mickey River. A Q&A session with Behun is scheduled to follow.

The festival continues on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at The Producer's Club with three blocks of short films. First up are Philip K. Dick-inspired films of "Paranoia, Conspiracy and Dystopia" at 3pm including John Butler's The Terminal Node (2014), Stephen Parkhurst's Frontier (2014), Scott Danzig's Sky Paradise (2013), Alessandro Bricoli's Ignorenatus Alius (2014), Gavin Williams' Sleepworking (2013), Anthony Willis' Escapement (2014), Etienne Gravrand's The Fischer Case (2014), Joachim Huveneers' I Wish My Life (2014), Ayoub Qanir's Artificio Conceal (2014) and William Hart and Ciaran Birks' Serpent Dreams (2014). After the block, audience members will have the opportunity to vote for the "Best PKD Short." Next is "Wonders, Curiosities and Oddities" at 5pm include Zac Grant and Jason Markowitz's The Dahl House (2014), Peter LaSala and Christopher Ventura's Except for Us (2014), Dustin Lee's The Astronomer (2015), Michel Goossens' Ego (2014), Edmond Deraedt and Kristin Arnesen's Reliquary (2014) and Keaton Smith's The Story of Christopher Jenkins (2014). "Horror and Supernatural" closes out the lineup with Andy Green's Vomica (2014), Lauren Morrison's Viscera (2014) and Kristen Swinkels' Nigredo (2013). But the night is far from over with the screening of the award-winning feature film The Perfect 46 (2014) starring Whit Hertford, Don McManus and James M. Connor. Written and directed by Brett Ryan Bonowicz, the film follows the story of a geneticist who develops a website to pair individuals of a pure genetic match in order to create the "perfect child." Ending the night is the feature There (2014), a high-octane thriller about a socially displaced war veteran who " justifies domestic terrorism by interpreting his actions with alien invasion." Written and directed by prolific underground filmmaker James Fotopoulos, the film stars Xander O'Connor, Brenda Bakke and Sarah Brooks.

The festival ends on Sunday, January 18, 2015 but not before the twists and turns of Inverse (2014) at 4pm in Tribeca Cinemas' Theater One. Written and directed by Matt Duggan, the feature film stars Josh Wingate, Luisa Beck, W.C. Boelter and John Burish in this story of eternal ruination and forbidden desire. Experience captivating shocks as a man awakens from what he perceived as death but is in fact a parallel universe all the while he falls in love with his doppelgänger's wife and mankind is threatened with total destruction. A Q&A session with Duggan is scheduled to follow. When all is dead and done, the highly anticipated awards ceremony brings the festival to a satisfying close.

The Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival has thrilled its attendees with entertaining and visually captivating themes which have made the event a favorable and continued success. For full schedule and ticketing information please visit www.thephilipkdickfilmfestival.com. The festival will take place on January 15, 2015 at The Cervantes Institute (day is free admission) at 211 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 (visit nyork.cervantes.es/en/default.shtm or call 212-308-7720), January 16 and 18, 2015 at Tribeca Cinemas at 54 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013 [at Laight Street, one block below Canal Street] (visit www.tribecacinemas.com or call 212-941-2001) and January 17, 2015 at The Producer's Club at 358 W 44th Street, New York, NY 10036 (visit www.producersclub.com or call 212-315-4743). And always be sure to visit the festival's Twitter page at twitter.com/PhilipKDickFest (tweet the hashtag #PKDFestNYC) and the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ThePhilipKDickFilmFestival.

About The Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival:

The Philip K. Dick International Film Festival of Science, Science Fiction, Fantastic Film and the Supernatural is New York City's first festival of its kind and is organized by individuals and filmmakers who understand the difficulties and challenges of telling a unique story in a corporate environment. With extremely successful 2012-2013 festivals, a 2013 international event in Lille, France and endless screening events the festival is only beginning its vision of honoring the legacy of the great Philip K. Dick. From guest speakers and writers who best represent the goals of the festival, original voices and enhanced visions in works submitted, this is a festival created by filmmakers for filmmakers.

About Philip K. Dick:

"Reality is whatever refuses to go away when I stop believing in it." - Philip K. Dick
Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) was one of the 20th century's most profound novelists and writers within the science fiction community. His exploration, analysis and beliefs led to the publishings of 44 novels and 121 short stories. Dick's enormous library of works led to several film developments including Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990), Minority Report (2002), Paycheck (2003) A Scanner Darkly (2006), Radio Free Albemuth (2010), The Adjustment Bureau (2011) andTotal Recall (2012). Dick's enormously effective views comprised of fictional universes, virtual realities and human mutation foresaw an exaggerated version of the current state of government and contemporary life. Though he is gone in the physical form his philosophies live on in the techniques applied to modern stories and films and generate large displays of appreciation and understanding.

BIBLE BELT SLASHER: THE HOLY TERROR Coming To DVD

This Christmas Brain Damage Films presents The Bible Belt Slasher: The Holy Terror, a love letter to the 1980's and its low budget slashers from the mind of Bradley Creanzo. The movie is already available On Demand through most major cable, satellite, and internet VOD providers, with a bonus-packed DVD arriving December 30th. DVD extras include the 30-minute "Bible Belt Slasher Part 1" short film, original music videos, bloopers/deleted scenes, TV spots, interviews and more.

About the Film
The Bible Belt Slasher is the brain child of writer/director/producer/star/cinematographer/composer/editor/80's fanatic Bradly Creanzo. Some may remember him from the 2013 documentary Adjust Your Tracking, in which he shows off the replica retro video store he built that lives in his basement (which also appears in Bible Belt).

The Holy Terror is actually the second film in the series -- the first is a half hour short included on the DVD -- described by Creanzo as having "Something for everyone whether it be violence, blood & gore, 80's music, suspense, black comedy or that walk down slasher memory lane."

Both films premiered together to a sold out theater in New Jersey, followed by a very limited DVD, VHS and Betamax (yes, you read that right) release. Brain Damage Films has no plans for a wider Betamax release but we're excited to bring this uniquely entertaining piece of cinema to the masses just in time for the holidays!

Synopsis
It's December 1989, and Wilkins, Tennessee native Jason Fry returns to wreak more havoc on the survivors, friends and families of the teenagers whom he killed in the first film. Fry is committed back to the Hillside Sanitarium for his brutal crimes, but he doesn't stay there long. Fry kills his doctor and escapes going on a bloodbath crusade of revenge against those he believes to be sinners in his eyes. Only Dr. Landers knows what Fry is and he will do anything in his power to stop him, but will he save everyone from the holy terror that Fry brings this Christmas season?

Check out the clips below:

Clip 1: "Candy Cain"

Clip 2: "Season's Beatings"

Clip 3: "He Could Be Anywhere"

21 December 2014

Top 5 Horror Films of 1990


If you talk to horror fans most will say for the most part the 90's were not very kind of the horror genre.  I disagree.  It was not a boom like the 1980's but still there are some real gems in this decade.  There are a few years where it is hard to find a handful of good horror films but it started out strong and finished strong.  Here we are entering the best horror films of 1990.



I am a total sucker for good anthology horror.  I loved the TV show and the movie is no different.  3 great stories with a nice wraparound as well.  The first one being the best, Lot 249,  starring young stars Christian Slater, Julianne Moore and Steve Buscemi.


This one made this list because I love a slashers and this movie is just fun.  It's not a great movie by any stretch of the imagination but it is entertaining.  Did I mention the half naked women running around the entire movie?  That should account for something!


 This really is one of my guilty pleasures.  I love the whole franchise of the Prom Night films but this one really stands out for me.  A very tongue in cheek, cheesy slasher film that is meant not to be taken seriously and you have to love that.  The cast in this film isn't awesome but the performance of Cynthia Preston does make it better.  See my past interview with her from last year if you are a fan of this film.


The First Power is one of those movies I consider to be very underrated.  It had its big star in it Lou Diamond Phillips but the main reason I enjoy this film is for Jeff Kober and his excellent performance portraying a serial killer in this film.  This one was just released on Blu Ray too if anyone was interested in giving it a try.


My favorite movie of the franchise and my favorite of 1990.  Childs Play 2 in my opinion was better than the first and was a great followup.  This is one of the few franchises that started in the 80's and really put out some good films in the 90's.

14 December 2014

First Trailer For "The Culling" Has Been Released - PRESS RELEASE




The supernatural thriller The Culling is being revealed here! This title, from director Rustam Branaman, involves a lost and lonely, young girl. She encounters five friends at an isolated cafe and they bring her back to her home. But, a secret lies in the bowels of this cursed structure, one in which none of the friends can escape. Starring Elizabeth Di Prinzio (The Devil Within), Jeremy Sumpter (Peter Pan), Brett Davern (“Awkward”), Chris Coy, (Hostel: Part III) and Linsey Godfrey, The Culling now has a thrilling first trailer

The clip shows the five friends, with Lucy (Harley Graham). They drive her back to her home, but the house is strangely empty. As the night grows darker, Tyler, Emily, Sean, Hank, and Amanda begin to suspect that Lucy has brought them into a ghostly trap. Can they escape this curse? Only if the home’s demonic inhabitants will let them.

Recently, The Culling has been picked up by Signature Entertainment, for distribution in the United Kingdom. The release will take place on DVD, this upcoming March 23rd, 2015. As well, there are plans to release the film in North America; New Media Millenium Distributors will handle the film’s domestic distribution. A release date for the United States and Canada is coming soon. For now, media and editors can enjoy a first look at, which is sure to be, one of 2015’s most exciting and terrifying indie horror features- The Culling!

The trailer can be downloaded here and uploaded on the platform of your choosing:

https://app.box.com/s/uj9z3ls1uwn3j6bl18et


As well, the trailer can be viewed here, on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNN7n8JyhYo

More photos can be found at the Silver Lining Media Group social media page:

https://www.facebook.com/silverliningmg/photos

18 November 2014

The Second Trailer Released for "The Dooms Chapel Horror" - PRESS RELEASE




The Dooms Chapel Horror is a creature feature with heart. This tale of terror recently had its World Premiere, in Paducah Kentucky. Here, the film played at the River’s Edge Film Festival, to a packed house. This indie horror feature tells a tale of revenge. And, the film centrally stars: Bill Oberst Jr. (Deadly Revisions), Shaun Gerardo (X-Men: First Class), Wendy Keeling (Revelation Trail) and Joshua Mark Robinson (Burning Kentucky). The filmmakers, director John William Holt and writer Jason Turner, are pleased to release a second, much bloodier trailer for The Dooms Chapel Horror right here!

This extended trailer shows the conflicts housed within Kaler Mills. Kyle (Austin Madding) returns to his hometown, after being absent for ten years. He is there to put a family tragedy to rest. Blamed for the death of his brother, Ryan (William Ryan Watson, Stoker), he hopes to clear his name, by proving that his brother’s death was an accident. But, something in the woods promises to take even more from Kyle.

The Dooms Chapel Horror debuted on the big screen to a packed crowd. The World Premiere of the film was sold-out as producer, Christopher Bower, brought the film back to where it was filmed. Most recently, the film has taken part in the American Film Market, where it was shown to over a dozen distributors. This film is expected to release in 2015.

The official trailer for the film is available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WqTJFoQkQo&feature=youtu.be
A downloadable version of the trailer is available here:
https://app.box.com/s/r6n6ghuxfpinqvw7mc5p

The official synopsis: “A horrific family tragedy, a town that lays blame, a boy who wants revenge. The Dooms Chapel Horror rises to unleash its terrible vengeance on the tight-knit, southern town of Kaler Mills.

Blamed for the death of his celebrated older brother, young Kyle Cole is tormented by members of the community, to the point of no return. A secret meeting at the compound of a mysterious and dangerous man named Jordan sets the fate of the town...only to be put on hold as Kyle's parents, succumbing to their grief, abruptly send Kyle away to be raised by distant relatives.

Now, years later, Kyle is a young man on the verge of graduating from college. He is joined by his girlfriend Mandy and Tanner, a young documentary filmmaker, as he travels back to Kaler Mills. He hopes to find peace with his mother and father and to finally deal with the events that caused him so much sadness and anger as a boy. But, his parents are not the only ones waiting for Kyle's return. The table is still set and Jordan, his adopted son Samuel and the dark, ancient creation of Kyle's vengeance have been waiting...and they are hungry!

Fan pages for the film can be found here:
https://twitter.com/thedchmovie

And here:
https://www.facebook.com/TheDoomsChapelHorror/timeline

16 November 2014

Topy 5 Horror Moives of 1989


The last year of just a fantastic decade for horror films.  The slasher films start to wain and die off but there are still a ton of great horror films in this year.  Although I have to say it is the worst year for 3 big franchises: Halloween 5, Friday the 13th Part 8 and Nightmare on Elms St part 5.  All 3 in my opinion are flops.  Each one had a giant success with the prev installments but could not sustain it.  Spoiler here!  None of those 3 make my top 5 list.


Stephen King the master!  This is one of my favorite King movie and one of the few films that actually scared me and gave me nightmares multiple nights in a row.  Very deserving of #5 on this list.

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a Full Moon nut.  This it the one that started the Full Moon success that lasted through most of the 90's.  I don't care for this one as much as the sequels but I love it all the same.  No real notable actors in this one but a nice cameo by Barbara Crampton.

A controversial film to say the least but not because of the film itself but what went on behind the curtains.  Unfortunately this one will probably not see another release on DVD or BluRay.  If it did I would be surprised.  If you have never seen it I recommend it, you can watch the full movie on You Tube.  The quality is not great but unless you were lucky enough to get a copy that never really hit the shelves then it is the only way.

The 2nd sequel to the 1983 masterpiece starring Bruce's little sister Pamela Springsteen as our Transgender killer.  While this was filmed at the same time as Part II it was not released till a year later.  My favorite of the series honestly.

One of my favorite movies that is severely underrated.  Steve Miner, who is well recognized in the horror world, did a fantastic job with this film.  Not only is it creepy as shit but Julian Sands turns in an outstanding performance of a very evil warlock.  So yes this is my #1 of 1989!

09 November 2014

The Convention Documentary Fantasm Hits DVD on November 11th - PRESS RELEASE




Horror convention documentary Fantasm will be released on DVD on November 11th. It's currently available for pre-order at a discounted price via fantasm.storenvy.com.

In addition to the feature-length documentary, this limited edition DVD includes the original student film, extended interviews, bloopers, "Dinner at the Kuchta's," trailers and the Kickstarter video.

Fantasm is on sale for $13 until the November 11th release, after which the price will increase. It's also available signed by director Kyle Kuchta - at no additional cost - during the pre-order period only. Posters are on sale as well.

"I'm excited that Fantasm will finally be out and available," says Kuchta. "What started as a student film grew into so much more, and I'm grateful for all the love and support over the past two years."

In an effort to understand his own fascination with the genre, horror fanatic Kyle Kuchta embarked on a journey to six horror conventions throughout the united states. Through interviews with actors, directors, horror experts and fellow fans at conventions, Kyle discovered that it’s not only the love of the genre that makes these gatherings so special, but it’s the sense of community.

Fantasm features insight from such notable names as Tom Atkins (Escape from New York), Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Lloyd Kaufman (The Toxic Avenger), Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2), Richard Johnson (The Haunting) and more, alongside the dedicate fans who attend horror conventions.

Kuchta will celebrate the release of Fantasm with a free screening and release party at Jumpcut Cafe in Studio City, CA on Saturday, November 8th. Event details can be found here.

Special features:
Original student film
Extended interviews
Bloopers
"Dinner at the Kuchta's" featurette
Trailers
Kickstarter video

Pre-order Fantasm on DVD now: fantasm.storenvy.com

Completion Nearing for "Granny's House" Starring Bill Oberst Jr - PRESS RELEASE




Director Les Mahoney (Available) has nearly completed post-production on the indie horror, thriller feature At Granny`s House. This film stars Rachel Alig (Bikini Spring Break), Glenda Morgan Brown (“The West Wing”), Mahoney(Coldwood) and indie horror favorite Bill Oberst Jr. (of the Emmy-winning Takethislollipop.com and Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies).

This title is of a loving caregiver whose dark secret makes Granny’s house a macabre place of death - and love. Shot entirely in a rural town in Colorado, At Granny’s House is a dark Hitchcockian thriller that will make audiences wonder what is going on, behind closed doors in small-town America.

The first teaser trailer for the film was recently released. In it, we see Alig with her ever-present syringe. Oberst, Morgan Brown and a mysterious dishevelled man (held captive in an austere room) are also shown.

While details of the movie are still shrouded in mystery, it is certain that those who enter Granny’s house will never be the same.

The film`s trailer is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3GVNVN_OBQ

As well, the trailer can be downloaded here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g7mbctoyt5zt46m/At-Granny%27s-House-Teaser-Trailer.mp4?dl=0

Release Date: TBA.

Director: Les Mahoney.

Cast: Bill Oberst Jr., Rachel Alig, Laura Lee and Nissa Von Reiter

The film`s homepage is available here:
http://www.grannyshousemovie.com/

At Granny`s House on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Grannyshousemovie

04 November 2014

Bill Oberst Jr. Receives Lon Chaney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Horror Films


Actor Bill Oberst Jr. has received the "Lon Chaney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Horror Films," at the FANtastic Horror Film Festival (FHFF) in San Diego. Ron Chaney, the great-grandson of Lon Chaney and the grandson of Lon Chaney Jr., was on hand along with Lon Chaney’s great-great-granddaughters Jaclynn and Jennifer to present Oberst with this first-ever award.

Festival organizers kept the award a secret to surprise Oberst, who has often cited Lon Chaney as a major influence and expressed a desire to play The Man Of A Thousand Faces on stage or screen. The actor was nearly speechless as Ron Chaney called him forward at the FHFF Awards Banquet. "My inner 14 year-old horror kid is in overdrive right now," he said. "Without the Chaney family there would be no horror genre."

Ron Chaney, speaking for the family, thanked the FHFF crowd for helping to keep the Chaney cinematic legacy alive. "We are honored to be here tonight to present this first ever Lon Chaney Award in the spirit and in the memory of my grandfather and great-grandfather," he said.Chaney is President & CEO of Chaney Entertainment, Inc. which manages licensing rights to the two Lons, and maintains The Official Chaney Site and store at: http://lonchaney.com/ 

More on the FANtastic Horror Film Festival is at http://www.fhffsd.org/

More on Bill Oberst Jr.'s work is at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2454994/

Psychological Horror Eggs Launches Kickstarter Campaign


Los Angeles, California - Director Ryan Stockstad has partnered with producer Gui Pereira to make the short horror movie “Eggs.” Lynn Lowry and Duane Whitaker will star in this short, which was written by Stockstad and Jon Rosenberg. The filmmakers have launched a campaign on the crowd-funding site Kickstarter to raise $30,000 of the project's budget.

"’Eggs’ is a psychological horror movie about loneliness and madness taken to extreme consequences," said Ryan Stockstad, founder of Crowned Prince Productions. "It's about what can happen when otherwise good people ignore the suffering of others."

Screenwriter Jon Rosenberg adds: "what makes ‘Eggs’ truly frightening is that it could happen. And it actually does. It culminates in a bloody finale that is not too far removed from what you hear about almost every day on the evening news."

Casting on this short film has already begun. Actress Lynn Lowry will star. Lowry is a respected horror icon having appeared in over 25 horror movies, including David Cronenberg's first feature film Shivers(1975), the George A. Romero classic The Crazies (1973), the enduring cult classic I Drink Your Blood (1970). Lowry says of her upcoming appearance in “Eggs:” "I'm certain this short film will win plenty of awards. It's one of the most unique scripts I've ever read."






As well, prolific actor Duane Whitaker has also been cast. Whitaker is perhaps best known for his performance in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) as Maynard, the menacing proprietor of the “Mason Dixon Pawn Shop.” He has also appeared in From Dusk Till Dawn 2 (1999), which he also co-wrote and also in The Devil’s Rejects (2005). Whitaker says of his appearance in Stockstad’s latest: "a project this good is rare. I can't wait to see it made!" And, “Eggs” will begin shooting later this year.

The filmmakers have chosen to raise funds on Kickstarter to better retain their creative freedom and reach a larger section of horror movie fans than might otherwise be available to them. In exchange for financial pledges, they're offering a number of valuable rewards, including DVDs, Blu-rays, t-shirts, posters, books, autographs, invitations to private events, producer credits, and more!

The official synopsis: “A lonely woman in a small town is hearing voices. With her family all either dead or gone, it isn't long before she begins to believe that her dead son is speaking to her. This motivates her to take action for the first time in years, but without the support of people who care for her, things go very, very badly.”

”Eggs” was recently chosen by the Kickstarter staff to be listed as a Kickstarter Staff Pick. The campaign will run now through November 7th, 2014. For more information, please visit:

www.kickstarter.com/projects/hollywoodpsychic/eggs-a-horror-movie

Deadly Revisions Lands Distribution with SGL Entertaiment

SGL Entertainment is pleased to announce that it has acquired the award winning film “Deadly Revisions”. This psychological, horror, thriller stars Emmy Award Winning Actor Bill Oberst Jr. Best Known for a Daytime Emmy Award Winning performance in “Take This Lollipop” and a Ratings Winning role on CBS-TV’s “Criminal Minds”.

SYNOPSIS: Horror writer and filmmaker Grafton Torn awakens from a coma to find himself with a large section of his memory missing. To aide in the doctor’s orders of rest and relaxation, good friend Deter offers Grafton his remote lakeside cabin. There, with the help of a hypnotherapist and medication, Grafton tries to piece together the missing memories… Scrambling for answers, Grafton must face his own creations including a hooded figure, a possessed doll, a zombie and more, before DEADLY REVISIONS rushes to its shocking conclusion and Grafton realizes the line between reality and madness is as thin as a sheet of blank paper.



The film stars: Bill Oberst Jr., Mikhail Blokh, Cindy Merrill, Lise Hart and Dawna Lee Heising

Bill Oberst Jr.

Cindy Merrill

Lise Hart

Mikhail Blokh
Deadly Revisions was Written, Directed and Produced by Gregory Blair who won for “Best Director” at the EOTM’s. The movie will be available in early 2015 on Blu-ray, DVD, Cable TV and all of the top VOD Video On Demand Platforms such as iTunes Movies, Amazon Prime, Google Play, M-GO, Bigstar TV and others via SGL Entertainment, along with our partners MVD Visual and Indie Rights Movies. SGL Entertainment, headed up by Jeffrey A. Swanson and Damien Dante is a worldwide major independent film distribution company.

Gregory Blair
For More Info go to:

23 October 2014

See No Evil 2 (2014) - REVIEW


The followup to 2006's See no Evil.  I have to admit when I first heard that this was being made I was not real excited about the new.  Then I heard that the Soska Sisters were the ones that would be behind the directors chair.  Having just seen their film that was just released, American Mary, I was a bit more interested.  Then they released casting details that included genre favorites such as Katherine Isabelle and Danielle Harris.  Now my full attention was on this movie and what they were going to do with it.  From that moment on it was on my pre order list on Amazon.com.  I could only hope that it would not disappoint.

We start immediately following the carnage of the first film where the police are cleaning up the bodies and the mess that Jacob Goodnight (Glenn Jacobs) left.  This mess also includes the dead body of Goodnight himself.  Amy (Danielle Harris) and Seth (Kaj-Erik Ericksen) are awaiting the dead bodies, including Jacob Goodnight,  at the local morgue.  It's also Amy's birthday and she elects to stay and help with all the bodies rather than meet her friends at a bar for a drunken night.  When she calls and cancels all of her friends bring the party to her.  The only problem is Jacob Goodnight isn't dead!!

I really like that the movie starts out right where the original one left off even though in real time it's 8 years later.  There were not glaring plot holes that you sometimes see when a sequel is made so much longer after its predecessor.  Jen and Sylvia Soska in my opinion did a stellar job bringing Jacob Goodnight and the story back to life.  I really am a sucker for a good slasher film and that is exactly what you get here.

The one thing that really did it for me was a cast.  There are so many familiar faces and any horror fan will be thrilled to see them all on the same screen.  Katherine Isabelle, and Danielle Harris notably but also Michael Eklund that plays the role of Holden who was just on the previous season of Bates Motel.  Before I even saw the movie I had the pleasure of interviewing Lee Majdoub who plays the part of Carter in the movie.  He also had a great performance and really just seemed so natural to be in front of the camera.

Even if you are not a fan of the original film, I think you will really enjoy this sequel.  I would definitely include this on a list of sequels that I like more than the original.  Jen and Sylvia Soska each have an eye for horror and I can't wait to see more of the movies that they direct.  I would rate this film 9  out of 10 stars.  Stay twisted eveyone!


11 October 2014

New Horror Short "Ink" Seeks Crowdfunding - PRESS RELEASE


  

INK, the Toronto-based body horror/ creature short promises audiences an atmospheric and visceral movie-going experience. Driven by the unique aesthetic of Photographer turned first-time Filmmaker, Ashlea Wessel, INK will be sure to transfix and horrify in equal shares. Jen Wright and the INK makeup team are busy creating a visually stunning experience through chill-inducing creature FX and lead character JOEY's full-body tattoos, and Ian Anderson has just signed on to lend his substantial talent as Director of Photography.

INK's original story provides an unusual take on the female protagonist in the damaged but resilient (and heavily tattooed ) JOEY, as well as a fresh perspective in a genre with so many creative possibilities and so few female voices.


Synopsis

After a pregnancy scare, JOEY marks the occasion with a new tattoo and a drunken night of distraction, but when she arrives home in the early hours of the morning, she’s confronted with the truth about what she really wants, and the past that's driven her to the brink of obsession. Her desires and circumstances intersect to awaken a monster who answers her unwitting call.

In exchange for helping INK to reach it's $10,000.00 goal, we're offering some fantastic perks such as INK t-shirts/ tanks, Associate Producer credits, and a piece of the CREATURE itself.

05 October 2014

Interview with Lee Majdoub From the Upcoming Movie "See No Evil 2"


Today I had the pleasure to talk with one of the stars of the upcoming horror film See No Evil 2, Lee Majdoub.  Lee also did a segment for ABC's of Death 2 as well.  A big end of the year for this actor.


TCSo Lee, how did you get into acting?

LM: Acting was something I had wanted to do for a long time, but I never thought it would be possible to pursue professionally. I was in line at a movie theater with one of my sisters (for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, btw) and there was a promotions booth for acting classes. Knowing it was something I really wanted to do, my sister pushed me to sign up for a draw. I didn’t win, but I did start taking classes there. Classes were what sparked the notion that I could really do this as a career.


TC: How long have you been an actor?

LM: I started training back in 2002, and I’ve been acting professionally since 2007


TCYou have a couple upcoming films namely See No Evil 2. What is your role in this film?

LM: I play a guy named Carter, who is Tamara’s boyfriend (played by Katharine Isabelle). He seems a little “douche-y” when you first look at him, but at the core he’s a nice guy.

It’s funny. When I first booked the role, I had no idea the character would end up looking the way he did. The writing of his personality didn’t change, but I didn’t know what I was walking into. This guy’s wardrobe was awesome! I never get to wear clothes that, so when I went in for my fitting and saw the selections, I peed a little.


TCSee No Evil 2 is packed with stars : Danielle Harris and Katherine Isabelle to name a couple. How was it working with them?

LM: Everyone was absolutely great to work with.

Danielle brought her experience in the horror genre and her professionalism on set was remarkable. She was a leader and is extremely kind.
Katharine was a load of fun. She kept me on my toes in our scenes together. She’s incredibly free when it comes to her acting. I learned a lot from watching and working with her.

I miss that entire team, really. It felt like a family.


TCThe Soska Sisters are up and coming directors, what was your experience with them like? From an actors standpoint.

LM:  Jen and Sylvia are some of the smartest people I’ve met. I think their love of film making stuck out to me more than anything else. Their passion, joy, and energy is contagious. The Soskas have this innate ability to make everyone feel like they are a part of the team. I don’t think there are enough good things I can say about these women to convey their amazingawesomecoolness. That’s a word, right? Amazingawesomecoolness? Yeah... I think it is.


TCSo where was See No Evil 2 shot at?

LM: It was mainly shot at Riverview Hospital. It was a Canadian mental health facility, but was shut down a while back. Let me tell you, some of the areas in that building are insanely creepy. Thinking about it gives me the shivers. You want to test your courage? Go to Riverview in the middle of the night.


TCAnother one of your upcoming projects is The ABC's of Death 2. Tell us a bit about your segment in this?

LM: The segment I’m involved in is “T is for Torture Porn”, also directed by the Soskas. I love working with them. The segment focuses on something like a porn “casting couch”. A woman is being exploited and then... you’ll have to check it out. I swear to you, though... my character is innocent... maybe not... you be the judge ;)


Twitter: @LeeMajdoub

IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2837384/

29 September 2014

After School Massacre Coming to VOD November 4th


Brain Damage Films invites you to sleep over with After School Massacre on VOD this November 4th! Heads will roll, breasts will bounce, and these six girls will learn a new meaning for teacher appreciation in this fun yet brutal slasher. Availability will include all major and minor cable/satellite VOD operators, as well as major internet platforms including iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Xbox Video, and more.

About the Film
After School Massacre (previously titled "Teachers' Day") is the latest from writer/director Jared Masters (Slink) and his production company, Frolic Pictures. The film, which was nominated for Best Feature at this year's Shockfest, is a sure hit among horror fans with its hot pink, ring-pop terror and wanton slaying of beautiful underwear-clad girls!








The film stars Nikole Howell, Savannah Matlow, Danika Galindo, Lindsay Lamb, Courtney Rood, Yasmine Soofi, and Simone Wasserman. Additional cast includes Art Roberts, Dawna Lee Heising, and fun cameos including Mindy Robinson.

Ain't It Cool News' Mark L. Miller says "This throwback to old school low budget slasher films has a lot of moments that made me smile ... there are some great moments of gleefully gory and carnage laden scenes ... it does slumber party horror with a wink, a nod, and a slash to fans who like low-fi horror."

Synopsis
A 12th grade European History educator, Ty Anderson, whose minor online communication with a teasing student finds him immediately terminated from school grounds and snaps him into a psychotic killing spree, terrorizing his former female students at their slumber party.

For more information visit the film's website or Facebook page.

Jake's Road Now Available In-store and on VOD


BATON ROUGE, LA Jake’s Road, a full length suspense thriller that descends into horror by writer/director Mike Mayhall and starring Oscar nominated actor Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, The Expendables, The Cable Guy), Garrett Hines (Green Lantern, Last Vegas) and Leticia Jimenez (CW’s ‘The Originals’ and USA Networks ‘Satisfaction’), hits stores today. Winner, ‘Best Picture’ at the 2014 New Orleans Horror Film Festival and ‘Best Suspense Thriller’ New Mexico Fright Night, Jake’s Road promises edge-of-your seat entertainment that has already thrilled film festival audiences across the country.

Storyline: Waking in a hospital, bruised and beaten, a young man struggles to piece together the events of a horrifying weekend. Amid flashes of relaxing with friends, the image of a killer begins to emerge - creeping ever closer. Somewhere within his memories and the madness lies the key to the killer’s identity, which, once discovered, may be more horrific than the murders themselves. Set in rural southern Louisiana Jake’s Road is a tale of family and how one moment can rip loved ones apart or bind them forever. With enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing until the very end, we discover what drives a man to kill all that he loves and fight for all that he has.

Suspense and Horror film lovers will want to own this gripping film, which Michael DeFellipo of HorrorSociety.com says is ‘9 out of 10 stars. AMAZING,’ and ‘easily the best indie horror-thriller of the year.’

ABOUT FILMS IN MOTION: Films In Motion is a film and television production and distribution company based in Louisiana, the “Hollywood of the South.” Films In Motion also operates satellite offices in The Rock Hudson Building at Universal Studios in LA. With their team of award-winning and veteran producers, directors, casting agents and editors, Films In Motion’s body of work includes over fifty feature films. For more information and official movie trailers go to www.filmsinmotion.com.