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Showing posts from September, 2023

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest announces Halloween 2023 line-up

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Following the sensational success of its five-day event in August, the UK's largest genre film festival is returning to Cineworld, Leicester Square with an exhilarating two-day Halloween event on Friday, October 27th, and Saturday, October 28th. The event will showcase nine premiere titles never before seen in the UK. Kicking off the proceedings is the world premiere of "THE WATERHOUSE," an urban psychological chiller directed by Sam Clemens, making his debut in the director's chair. Sam, son of the renowned genre writer/director Brian Clemens, will grace the event, accompanied by the film's cast. The Friday lineup continues with the international premiere of the tense Halloween slasher "HE NEVER LEFT," marking the directorial debut of US-based director James Morris. Also on Friday night, Argentine director Gabriel Grieco presents the UK premiere of his shocking feminist revenge horror "MARIA," adding an exhilarating end to the day's lineup...

NYX UK reveals a 'Helloween' month of horror movies for October

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  October marks the 'Helloween' season on NYX, presenting a spooky lineup of 9pm channel premieres. Notably, it's a month of terror, coinciding with the birthday of the exceptionally talented filmmaker Sam Raimi on October 23. Among the premieres are the iconic THE EVIL DEAD by Sam Raimi, the chilling 1981 horror THE BLACK CAT by Lucio Fulci, the vampire hit HABIT by Larry Fessenden, the breakthrough slasher BLACK CHRISTMAS from 1974 by Bob Clarke, the giallo masterpiece WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE?, and the acclaimed Irish supernatural horror WAKE WOOD featuring Timothy Spall. For Halloween enthusiasts, there's a treat: a double bill airing on Sat 21 Oct at 9pm with DICK SMITH’S DO-IT-YOURSELF MONSTER MAKE-UP and TOM SAVINI’S HORROR EFFECTS, offering insights and tips for makeup enthusiasts. Additionally, the beloved 'Hammer Sundays' tradition continues at 9pm, showcasing four beloved films. This month's lineup includes the gothic cult chiller COUNTESS DR...

LEGEND Channel reveals horror & action premieres for October 2023

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  Watch out for plenty of star-studied thrills and spills on LEGEND, as the UK’s most entertaining channel for action, suspense and Sci-Fi presents eleven premieres for October, including the UK TV premiere of ANTI-LIFE, an edge-of-your-seat sci-fi thriller with an (inter)stellar cast including Bruce Willis and John Suits. There also a welcome channel premiere for THE GUEST, a brilliant homage to 1980s action flicks and slasher horror, which showcases ex- ‘Downtown Abbey’ actor Dan Stevens in an inspired star-making turn. Other channel firsts include high-octane crime thriller DOG EAT DOG, starring Nicolas Cage and Willem Dafoe, American road comedy film MIDNIGHT RUN, starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, THE QUEST a martial arts thriller directed by Jean-Claude Van Damme in his directorial debut and the controversial drama SLEEPERS, starring Kevin Bacon, Dustin Hoffman, Brad Pitt, Robert DeNiro and  Minnie Driver. Plus, there’s British mystery thriller UNDER SUSPICION s...

REVIEW: Elevator Game (2023) - Starring Megan Best and Gino Anania

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"Elevator Game," under the direction of Rebekah McKendry, propels audiences into a nerve-racking voyage into the supernatural realm. The film initiates with a gripping sequence, ingeniously employing shots of Becki (Megan Best) maneuvering the elevator's controls and the concealed machinery, establishing an ominous ambiance. As the plot unfurls, a mysterious entity known as The 5th Floor Woman emerges, plunging the story into a chilling realm of horror. Becki's vanishing act leaves her socially awkward teenage brother, Ryan (Gino Anania), desperately seeking answers. Upon discovering her involvement in 'The Elevator Game' prior to her disappearance, he resolves to retrace her steps and unveil the truth. Ryan intertwines his destiny with a group of YouTubers led by Chloe (Verity Marks), embarking on an exploration of the supernatural. The film delves into the Elevator Game, a ritual attempting to traverse dimensions, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline....

REVIEW: Talk to Me (2023) - Starring Sophie Wilde and Joe Bird

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"Talk to Me" is an Australian supernatural horror film, skillfully directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, promising viewers a captivating and unsettling experience. The movie achieves a commendable rating of 7 out of 10, owing to its enthralling plot, impressive practical effects, compelling performances by the young cast, and an evocative sense of dread. The narrative revolves around a group of teenagers who chance upon a mysterious embalmed hand, granting them the ability to communicate with spirits. What begins as an exciting and alluring discovery swiftly descends into a nightmarish journey as they test the limits of their newfound power. A standout feature of "Talk to Me" is the excellently crafted eerie ambiance. The film masterfully builds suspense, relying minimally on special effects and instead utilizing a well-crafted sound design to keep the audience on tenterhooks. The practical effects portraying possession scenes are notably impressive, adding to th...

REVIEW: The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) Starring Javier Botet

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"The Last Voyage of the Demeter" skillfully resurrects the classic tale of Dracula, taking the audience on a chilling journey through a haunting lens. Directed by André Øvredal and written by Bragi F. Schut Jr. and Zak Olkewicz, this 2023 supernatural horror film expertly navigates the perilous waters of horror, blending atmospheric dread with shocking twists. The film's focal point is the doomed voyage of the merchant ship Demeter, led by the capable Corey Hawkins as Clemens, an unwitting doctor joining the ill-fated crew. Aisling Franciosi shines in her standout performance as Anna, a stowaway enslaved by the sinister Dracula, portrayed with eerie mastery by Javier Botet. The ensemble cast, featuring Liam Cunningham as Captain Elliot and David Dastmalchian as first mate Wojchek, delivers solid performances anchoring the film. A notable strength of the film is its ability to cultivate a pervasive atmosphere of dread. From the departure of Demeter from Varna, Bulgaria, to...

COMPETITION: Win Creepshow Series One, Two & Three on Blu-ray

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Following the announcement that Creepshow Series Four will debut on Friday, 13th October 2023, we’re delighted to announce the home entertainment release of Creepshow Series One, Two and Three. And to celebrate we have a copy of each to give away to one lucky winner. Synopsis:   TUNE IN to Creepshow for some old-school horror thrills as the critically acclaimed TV series based on the seminal 1980s cult classic from horror dream team, maestro George A. Romero and virtuoso Stephen King, gets its home entertainment bow courtesy of Acorn Media International. Creepshow Series One, Two and Three are set to arrive on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 25 September 2023 as individual releases, each packed with special features. Creepshow Series Two comes with two fresh animated tales of terror in A Creepshow Animated Special, which sees Kiefer Sutherland (Designated Survivor, 24) star in Survivor Type based on the short story by Stephen King and Joe King (The Kissing Booth, The Act) star in Twitt...

COMPETITION: Win Creepshow Series One, Two & Three on Blu-ray

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Following the announcement that Creepshow Series Four will debut on Friday, 13th October 2023, we’re delighted to announce the home entertainment release of Creepshow Series One, Two and Three. And to celebrate we have a copy of each to give away to one lucky winner. Synopsis:   TUNE IN to Creepshow for some old-school horror thrills as the critically acclaimed TV series based on the seminal 1980s cult classic from horror dream team, maestro George A. Romero and virtuoso Stephen King, gets its home entertainment bow courtesy of Acorn Media International. Creepshow Series One, Two and Three are set to arrive on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 25 September 2023 as individual releases, each packed with special features. Creepshow Series Two comes with two fresh animated tales of terror in A Creepshow Animated Special, which sees Kiefer Sutherland (Designated Survivor, 24) star in Survivor Type based on the short story by Stephen King and Joe King (The Kissing Booth, The Act) star in Twitt...

COMPETITION: Win The Antichrist (Cult Classics) on Blu-ray

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Delve deeper into the STUDIOCANAL catalogue with the curated CULT CLASSICS collection. Discover eclectic, boundary pushing rarities, genre classics, and forgotten cinematic treasures. The next release is The Antichrist. And to celebrate we have a copy to give away. Synopsis:   A car accident caused by her father leaves the young Ippolita paralyzed and her mother dead. Following her uncle’s advice she undergoes a hypnotic session with the intent to heal her, but it actually awakens the spirit of her ancestress who was condemned for witchcraft. INCLUDED WITH THE ANTICHRIST: BRAND NEW SACRED AND PROFANE:  The Audio Recollections of Alberto De Martino RAISING HELL: Featuring Alberto De Martino and Ennio Morricone Audio Commentary with  Author/Critic Lee Gambin and Critic Sally Christie The Tempter Opening Credits     TV Spot  Blu-ray edition comes with four collector’s art cards English and Italian audio options available Buy from Amazon at -  ht...

COMPETITION: Win The Antichrist (Cult Classics) on Blu-ray

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Delve deeper into the STUDIOCANAL catalogue with the curated CULT CLASSICS collection. Discover eclectic, boundary pushing rarities, genre classics, and forgotten cinematic treasures. The next release is The Antichrist. And to celebrate we have a copy to give away. Synopsis:   A car accident caused by her father leaves the young Ippolita paralyzed and her mother dead. Following her uncle’s advice she undergoes a hypnotic session with the intent to heal her, but it actually awakens the spirit of her ancestress who was condemned for witchcraft. INCLUDED WITH THE ANTICHRIST: BRAND NEW SACRED AND PROFANE:  The Audio Recollections of Alberto De Martino RAISING HELL: Featuring Alberto De Martino and Ennio Morricone Audio Commentary with  Author/Critic Lee Gambin and Critic Sally Christie The Tempter Opening Credits     TV Spot  Blu-ray edition comes with four collector’s art cards English and Italian audio options available Buy from Amazon at -  ht...

COMPETITION: Win It Follows & Crimes Of The Future on Blu-ray

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It Follows & Crimes Of The Future are both out now on Blu-ray And to celebrate we have a copy of each on standard Blu-ray to give away. Synopsis:  It Follows Lauded by critics and audiences alike as a modern horror classic, IT FOLLOWS, now looking better than ever, is about to creep up on you and shock you again. For 19-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she is plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. With this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. Buy from Amazon at -  https://amzn.to/46eYG1Z Synopsis:  Crimes of the Future In the near future, a couple of performance artists push the boundaries of taste and decency with daring shows of mutilation and organ mutation. All the while a shadowy government agency is closing in on a terrorist group ...

COMPETITION: Win It Follows & Crimes Of The Future on Blu-ray

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It Follows & Crimes Of The Future are both out now on Blu-ray And to celebrate we have a copy of each on standard Blu-ray to give away. Synopsis:  It Follows Lauded by critics and audiences alike as a modern horror classic, IT FOLLOWS, now looking better than ever, is about to creep up on you and shock you again. For 19-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she is plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. With this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. Buy from Amazon at -  https://amzn.to/46eYG1Z Synopsis:  Crimes of the Future In the near future, a couple of performance artists push the boundaries of taste and decency with daring shows of mutilation and organ mutation. All the while a shadowy government agency is closing in on a terrorist group ...

REVIEW: The Boogeyman (2023) Starring Sophie Thatcher

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  "The Boogeyman," directed by Rob Savage and inspired by Stephen King's 1973 short story of the same name, offers a spine-tingling narrative of familial trauma and supernatural horror. While the film may not fully plumb the depths of its source material, it effectively conjures an eerie atmosphere and boasts commendable performances from its ensemble cast. The story orbits the Harper family, with a particular focus on the two sisters, Sadie (Sophie Thatcher) and Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair), as well as their therapist father, Will (Chris Messina). Grieving the sudden loss of their mother, their world takes a darker turn when a disturbed individual named Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian) enters their lives. This encounter sparks a series of unsettling events as the family finds themselves ensnared in the malevolent clutches of an entity known as "The Boogeyman." The film adeptly crafts an atmosphere teeming with foreboding. Its visual style is indelible, marked...

REVIEW: Minore (2023) - Directed by Konstantinos Koutsoliotas

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  "Minore," helmed by the renowned director and visual effects virtuoso Konstantinos Koutsoliotas, stands as a true marvel within the realm of horror cinema. Drawing upon his extensive experience from collaborations on iconic films such as "Cabinet of Curiosities," "1917," and "Guardians of The Galaxy," Koutsoliotas masterfully crafts an authentically Greek masterpiece that seamlessly interlaces terror, folklore, and spectacular visual effects into a nightmarish tapestry. This endorsement carries the weight of authenticity, as I am Greek, thus offering a trustworthy perspective. The film introduces us to sailor William, impeccably portrayed by the talented Davide Tucci, who arrives on the shores of Greece with a mysterious purpose. Amidst the lively tavernas and vibrant locals, he forms a connection with Aliki (Daphne Alexander), a trained dancer reluctantly working as a waitress in the bustling town. Their pursuit of Teacher, whose real name is ...

REVIEW: Cobweb (2023) - Starring Lizzy Caplan

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  "Cobweb," directed by Samuel Bodin in his directorial debut and written by Chris Thomas Devlin, is a chilling and eerie American horror film from 2023. It explores the unsettling world of a tormented young boy with a standout cast and a captivating plot that seamlessly blends psychological horror and supernatural elements to keep viewers on edge. Lizzy Caplan delivers a compelling performance as Carol, a mother grappling with her son's disturbing experiences. Antony Starr's portrayal of Mark, the emotionally distant and potentially abusive father, adds depth to the family dynamics. Cleopatra Coleman as Miss Devine and Woody Norman as the tormented young boy Peter round out the cast with exceptional performances that anchor the story in an atmosphere of unease. The story revolves around Peter, a socially isolated 12-year-old who endures bullying at school and parental neglect at home. Peter's life takes a haunting turn when he becomes entangled with an enigmatic ...