INTERVIEW - Angelina Armani on ChromeSkull: Laid to Rest 2

Since LAID TO REST 2 is set to be released later this year, I thought it would be nice to have a little chat with one of the stars of the film, Angelina Armani. Not only was she gracious and approachable but she's also very open about what we can expect from the sequel to Robert Hall's Laid to Rest. Check out what she has to say about ChromeSkull's reign of terror and being invited to guest at this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend and also some behind the scenes photos of her in action.

Twisted Central: I guess the best place to start is if you could briefly tell me a little about yourself. Have you always been a fan of horror films and if so, what are some of your favorites?
Angelina: You hit me with the hardest question first. It's so hard to describe yourself briefly in so few letters. I started runway modeling in New York and moved to LA at 19 to be an aspiring actress. I just finished shooting in a sequel called ChromeSkull: Laid To Rest 2. This movie has been written and directed by Robert Hall, and should be released fall of 2011. I have always been a huge horror fan since I was a little girl. It's all I would watch. My mom showed me that horror movies were for entertainment and couldn't hurt me from watching them so I grew attached to the genre. Some of my favorites are the instant classics like Halloween, Friday The 13th, Prince Of darkness, and so many more that couldn't all fit in this interview.

Twisted Central: How did you become involved with ChromeSkull?
Angelina: When I found out that a sequel was in the making, I knew I had to be in on it. I auditioned for a role of a detective. Next thing I knew, a script was in my hand.

Twisted Central: I was only recently able to actually watch Laid to Rest and I found it quite enjoyable and thought it had some of the most inventive kills I've seen in a while. Can we expect the same thing from this second chapter?
Angelina: Robert Hall promises double the kills with twice the blood shed. So I hope the viewers have high expectations because that's what their getting.

Twisted Central: What do you enjoy most about Laid to Rest and the ChromeSkull character?
Angelina: I think I can relate to the audience and say I enjoy it for its gruesome kills. As far as ChromeSkull, he's a legendary killer in the making. Robert Hall has created a piece of history that will indeed embed itself in the horror world. ChromeSkull is known for the best kills out of any horror flick. He's fast and has absolutely zero mercy on his victims and the ones to come.


Twisted Central: What affect has being part of ChromeSkull had on your life?
Angelina: My vision has definitely expanded. I get to sit back and see things through the killers eyes since I'm always on set. The affect has mostly been the learning experience.

Twisted Central: There are so many "big" names associated with this film i.e. Brian Austin Green and legendary horror actress Danielle Harris. What was it like working right along side them?
Angelina: Brian is the absolute best. He's so easy going and sweet! I didn't get to work with Danielle in LTR but I'm sure we'll hopefully cross paths again in another movie.

Twisted Central: Nick Principe gives me chills as ChromeSkull, I find him extremely intimidating and creepy (even with the mask on), were there any jump out and scare ya moments on set?
Angelina: I was opening a few of the caskets on set looking for something and nick was sleeping inside one of them with his mask on. I jumped and slammed the lid on his head when he sat up. It's more humorous than scary but I figured I'd share it.

Twisted Central: What other projects do you have coming up? More horror?
Angelina: I have so much coming up. Definitely more horror although I am not opposed to any other genre. I'll be at lots of conventions this year promoting Laid To Rest 2 like HorrorHound Weekend Indianapolis, Texas Frightmare Weekend, and more.

Twisted Central: What a rush being invited as a guest to Texas Frightmare Weekend! What are you most looking forward to during TFW?
Angelina: Definitely the fans. Its ALL for the fans. I've been to Texas only once before and loved it there. Everyone is so down to earth and super sweet. I can't wait to meet them all.

Thanks again to Angelina for taking the time to answer some questions.

You can stay updated by following them on twitter at @AngelinaArmani and @laidtorestmovie or by joining the Laid to Rest Facebook fan page.

Raymond Did It 2011 - REVIEW

While most people scour the Internet and movie news sites looking for the "next great movie" that's coming out, I just kinda hang back and keep an eye on the indie scene. As far as I'm concerned that's where the greatness is coming from these days. After all, wasn't Hatchet just an indie glimmer in Adam Green's eye when it came about? Or how about Feast, Pontypool, Ginger Snaps, Eden Lake, May or one of my new faves, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon? The list could literally go on and on. Watch any of these films and you will see what a micro budget, some imagination and a little hard work can deliver. It's getting to a point where I don't even go to the theater for big studio horror anymore. What's the point? It's all over done, re-done or just plain done. There's absolutely nothing original coming out of H-Wood anymore. At least not as far as horror goes. I'd rather just wait for a screener or DVD release and kick back at home with a few friends (who am I kidding, I don't have friends) and a little alcohol. Don't get me wrong, indie horror has it's share of stinkers too but when a gem like one of the aforementioned films comes around... instant gratification.

I'm quickly becoming aware of the effort that goes into a micro budget film be it short or feature length and I'm gaining a new respect for the people that make it happen. From directors/producers who put in their own money to actors who put their best face forward on a strictly no/low paying gig.

Raymond Did It is a slasher film in the tradition of Halloween and Prom Night. When twelve-year-old Bryce Rourke is accidentally killed in a playground scuffle, his friends decide to blame Bryce's developmentally delayed older brother for the accident. Raymond is taken to a state hospital while the true killer walks free. Six years later, Raymond escapes from the hospital to seek bloody revenge for his brother's death.

This is not your typical indie horror cast. Lindsay Felton from VH1’s Scream Queens plays Tammy, who was Raymond's only friend and the only one who had any remorse whatsoever about Bryce's death. Also from Scream Queens, Jessica Palette appears as Jayme, and horror veteran Elissa Dowling stars as the manipulative Paige. Newcomer Kyle Hoskins plays Raymond in his first feature-length film and he tears the screen up with his imposing 6'5" bulky stature. He's not really given much to say but just knowing the back story of the character, it's easy to sympathize with his character and it doesn't hurt that he pulls off the timid nature of Raymond pretty well.

Travis Legge pulls out (IMO) a very solid micro budget horror here. It doesn't have the normally shoddy sound that is infamous in these kinds of Indie films. The score is reminiscent of John Carpenter's original Halloween. (I can think of one shot in particular that brought me right back to the streets of Haddonfield.) The down side, there are a couple of choppy scenes (not overly noticable) and one or two rushed kills but the gore makes up for it. One little hint... washing machine. Not to mention the ending kinda leaves it open for a sequel. Will there be a sequel Mr. Legge?? C'mon, you can tell me.

In my opinion Legge has created one of those gems that come along every so often and he's someone who will do very well amongst the horror fiends and I for one can't wait to see what he does next..... Perhaps The Social Media Massacre with me?? Time will tell.

Zombie Ink Comics to Release MonsterMatt’s Wolff’s Run

Buffalo, NY January 26

Buffalo-based independent comic publisher Zombie Ink Comics is proud to announce that they will be releasing Wolff’s Run written by MonsterMatt Patterson (MonsterMatt’s Bad Monster Jokes Vol. 1) and illustrated by tattoo-artist Bob Bieber. Zombie Ink is shooting for a mid-2011 release for the three issue mini-series.

Combining equal parts horror, sci-fi, and crime noir set in the Prohibition Era, Wolff’s Run promises to be a dark hard-boiled romp full of surprises! The story follows Frank Wolff, an illegal immigrant smuggler and rum runner on the Canadian border who crosses the wrong people and finds himself the subject of a twisted experiment! Wolff’s Run fits in perfectly with Zombie Ink Comics’ brand of underground pulp comics.

Chrome Skull: Laid to Rest 2 Trailer

A new trailer for Robert Hall’s sequel to Laid To Rest has hit the web. If you're a fan of the original, as I am, you won't be disappointed!

ChromeSkull: Laid To Rest 2 brings back Nick Principe as the villain, plus Thomas Dekker, joined by Brian Austin Green, Mimi Michaels, Danielle Harris, Angelina Armani and Gail O'Grady as well as one of my favorites from The Mentalist, Owain Yeoman

I am so psyched for this film! With a great cast, inventive kills and the effects talent of Robert Hall, I expect this one to be even better than the first!

SPLATTERFEST BRINGS CARNAGE TO COMICPALOOZA

Houston, Texas January 29, 2011

SplatterFest will be hosting the Comicpalooza Film Festival May 27-29, 2011 at the George R. Brown convention Center in Houston.

Special guests include Tony Todd (CANDYMAN, STAR TREK: NEXT GENERATION) and Linnea Quigley (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4) and many more.

Film submissions in the horror, sci-fi, action, animation, comedy and fan fiction genres are now open. The deadline for entry is March 31, 2011. Submissions are free - see splatterfest.com for details and entry form. Premiere trailers for upcoming movies will also be accepted on a case by case basis.

Comicpalooza is one of the best and biggest annual pop culture conventions in the southwest region of the United States, serving not only fans of comics, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, anime, music and film but also as a trade show and showcase for studios, publishers and manufacturers in those industries. Visit comicpalooza.com for more information and registration.

Exhibit booths are available at discounted rates for filmmakers who submit. All exhibitors will be included in the festival's massive PR campaign and numerous media outlets will have a presence at the convention making it a great opportunity for exposure.

SplatterFest, known for their weekend short film competition, began in 2010 producing 18 films with over 250 filmmakers and drawing an attendance of over 2000 at the Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks. SplatterFest will return in the fall of 2011 with it's annual short film competition.

Kill Theory 2009 - REVIEW

By mid-year, I usually have a list as long as my leg of films I want to see. Some I come across on my own and some I pick up from Twitter or Facebook. Occasionally I'm even surprised by a gem or two that comes up on Chiller TV. They are notorious for showing films that most channels just kick aside like a little homeless kitty. But it works out for them because I'm seeing their name and logo pop up more and more every day in the social networks. (Go Chiller!!) What I like best about Chiller is that their main focus is to shed some light on Indie Horror and I gotta say, "It's about fucking time someone did!" Because let's face it, that's where the good horror is coming from these days, not Hollywood.

Wow, I got off on a little rant there, my bad! My point was that somehow, some way, this one slipped by me. Which is strange, especially since it's an Afterdark Horrorfest 4 selection. I caught it on Chiller one night, recorded it and waited probably months to watch it. Again, my bad. "Normal" life tends to keep me too busy to be able to sit and watch films on a regular basis. I'll keep working on that.

A group of friends take off to a secluded vacation home to celebrate their upcoming graduation. The fun doesn't last long when a sadistic psychopath shows up and forces them to participate in his deadly contest. The rules are simple -- in order to survive they must kill each other. As tension builds, and relationships begin to crumble, they realize that only one can make it out alive. Could you trust your boyfriend? Your girlfriend? Your best friend? Only one can go home. So who will be the last man or woman standing?

Patrick J Flueger and Agnes Bruckner lead this 20 something cast of up and comers and I was pleasantly surprised by the performances from the whole bunch. I think their reactions to being in a kill or be killed situation were remarkably realistic. Personally, I think the most genuine and natural performance came from Daniel Franzese. He's portrayed as kind of the odd man out, the friend that we've all had in our lives at one point or another. The fun, chunky, lovable guy that everyone wants to be around. I predict Bruckner, whose been on my radar ever since I saw her in Venom a few years back, is going to have a very lucrative career in this genre. She just seems real to me, not to mention she's incredibly gorgeous! Pretty boy Flueger manages to hold his own as the level headed one of the bunch. His nice guy thing gets a little irritating at times but not so much that his character becomes unlikeable. I'm not a huge fan of Taryn Manning, could be because I haven't seen too many of her films. I liked her ok in The Breed and she did a decent job here too. We never see much of Kevin Gage but seriously, why do you even need to see him when you can just listen to him? He's got a voice that I will put right up there with Stephen McHattie and Lance Henriksen. It's like BUTTER! As for the rest of the cast, it wasn't anything spectacular but as a whole they appeared to play off each other well.

I don't know why it took me so long to figure out that it was Project Greenlight's Chris Moore who directed. That explains why it was done so well. Together with first time screenwriter Kelly Palmer they managed to create a shocking and unpredictable tale, which is rare these days. It's also not hard to tell that they were inspired by the Saw franchise with all the video tapes and traps but it's done in a subtle, classy way. It was well paced and had some extremely brutal kills but what really stood out for me was the psychological mind games the characters played on each other. It's enough to make you wonder what you would do in a situation like that or better yet, what would your friends do? Palmer obviously put a lot of thought into the script (it would be interesting to find out how many re-writes there were) there are some very interesting twists and turns. He also manages to do all this without the typical horror cliches. There is no big breasted virgin that finds her inner strength and defeats the bad guy and if you think you know who the last man standing is... think again.

Kill Theory was originally slated for a theatrical release from Lions Gate Films but instead went straight to DVD with a theatrical release only in Russia. Which is where my next complaint comes in. How can Lions Gate theatrically release shit fests like Disaster Movie but lock up a clearly superior film like it's an evil little step-child? It makes no sense to me whatsoever. Kill Theory is engrossing and entertaining and in my opinion with the right promotional campaign would've done just fine in theaters. It has a solid story line, it's well written, well directed and has some solid acting. I would definitely recommend it to someone looking for a taut psychological thriller.

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

I am extremely pleased to announce some amazing news to all you freaks out there... well I think it is anyway!!

The very talented, quickly on his way to the top, Indie producer/director Ron Purtee has brought yours truly on board to write an episode for his new web series based on his short The Social Media Massacre. As of today he has script in hand but no word yet on when shooting will begin.

There aren't any words to describe how happy I am to be a part of his team and I look forward to working with him!

Want to know more about Ron Purtee? He's been featured in several articles on Dread Central, all of which you can find here. To keep up with the progress of the web series be sure and check out thesocialmediamassacre.com. And for everything Ron Purtee, you can find him on twitter and Facebook!