Posts

Showing posts from January, 2024

NEWS & TRAILER: Underground (2024 Film) Directed by Lars Janssen

Image
Prepare for a descent into darkness as "Underground" unleashes a night of terror like no other in this spine-chilling British thriller, set to debut on UK digital screens on 26 February 2024, courtesy of Miracle Media. Directed by Lars Janssen and co-written and co-produced by Charlotte Dawn Potter, "Underground" takes audiences on a harrowing journey into the depths of fear. What starts as a carefree hen-do quickly spirals into a nightmare as a group of girlfriends find themselves trapped underground after taking a wrong turn. As the night unfolds, their celebrations morph into a chilling battle for survival, with each passing moment bringing fresh horrors and escalating tension. Will they escape the darkness unscathed, or will they become victims of the twisted forces lurking below? With an ensemble cast delivering standout performances and pulse-pounding suspense around every corner, "Underground" promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats fr

Get Ready for a Frightful February on NYX UK

Image
  Starting February 7th, NYX UK invites viewers into the dark and captivating world of "Elvira’s Movie Macabre," resurrecting the beloved horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, portrayed by Cassandra Peterson. Prepare for a thrilling journey through a myriad of classic and cult horror films, as each episode showcases Elvira's unique perspective on everything from low-budget slashers to monstrous flicks, promising entertainment that transcends the screen. But the terror doesn't end there! Throughout the month, prepare to be immersed in the realm of horror royalty. Chris Alexander, former Fangoria editor, takes center stage on Monday nights with "The Original NYX TV Series," offering a deep exploration into Canadian horror cinema. From the chilling depths of SHIVERS to the unnerving intrigue of TERROR TRAIN, Alexander's curated selection promises to captivate and terrify. Meanwhile, Saturday nights belong to Alan Jones and "FrightFest Saturday S

COMPETITION: Win Inside on Blu-ray

Image
Dare you go Inside Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo’s ‘brutally affecting’ and deeply disturbing French feature?  The film is set to strike stomach-wrenching fear into audiences once more, 15 years after its original release in 2007 as Second Sight Films announced a brand-new Inside Limited Edition Blu-ray Box set release on 5 February 2024 complete with a host of fantastic new special features. And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies of Inside on Standard Blu-ray to give away. Synopsis Following a car accident that leaves her husband dead, expectant mother Sarah (Alysson Paradis – The Childhood of Icarus) is left to prepare for her impending birth alone while grieving her terrible loss. But when a stranger (Béatrice Dalle – Betty Blue, Night on Earth) turns up at her house on Christmas Eve, things take a terrifying, unimaginably twisted turn… as the deranged intruder will stop at nothing to take her unborn baby. The Inside Limited Edition box set (Which you can pr

REVIEW: Night Swim (2024 Film) - Starring Wyatt Russell

Image
In his directorial debut, Bryce McGuire plunges audiences into the chilling waters of supernatural horror with "Night Swim," featuring an intriguing premise and a suspenseful atmosphere. While the film successfully generates genuinely eerie moments and boasts commendable performances from its cast, it grapples with the confines of a linear and somewhat predictable plot. Set in 1992, the narrative unfolds as a young girl's innocent quest to retrieve a toy boat from her family's pool takes a terrifying turn. Fast-forward to the present day, and the Waller family—portrayed convincingly by Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, and Gavin Warren—finds itself ensnared in a nightmarish web. Forced into early retirement due to a degenerative illness, ex-baseball player Ray Waller relocates with his family to a new home, hopeful that the backyard swimming pool will offer recreation for the kids and therapeutic benefits for himself. However, Ray's optimism crumbles w

REVIEW: There's Something in the Barn (2023 Film) - Starring Martin Starr

Image
Out now at Apple TV - https://apple.co/48lzms4 Amazon Prime - https://amzn.to/3RrXIcJ Directed by Magnus Martens and written by Aleksander Kirkwood Brown, "There's Something in the Barn" delivers an enchanting fusion of horror and comedy against the picturesque backdrop of Norway. With Martin Starr, Amrita Acharia, and Kiran Shah leading the cast, the film follows the Nordheim family's relocation to a remote Norwegian cabin, where they unwittingly encounter murderous elves residing in their barn. Drawing inspiration from classics like Gremlins, Krampus, National Lampoon's, and Home Alone, the movie crafts a unique and entertaining horror comedy experience. The storyline unfolds as the Nordheim family settles into their new abode, with young Lucas (Townes Bunner) stumbling upon the presence of elves in their barn. Ignoring the local legend of "Barn Elf Rules" has dire consequences for the family as the narrative progresses. The film introduces a diverse a

REVIEW: Leave the World Behind (2023 Film) - Starring Ethan Hawke

Image
The 2023 American apocalyptic psychological thriller film, "Leave the World Behind," proves to be a disappointing endeavor that falls short of its potential. Despite promising elements, the movie is hindered by a lackluster plot, numerous flaws, and an inconsistent focus that leaves viewers wanting more. It plays more like a government propaganda / predictive programming type film, then a real Hollywood movie. (Is there a difference?) Following the story of Amanda Sanford (played by Julia Roberts), a misanthrope, and her family on an unplanned vacation to Long Island, the film takes a dark turn with a series of unsettling events, including a blackout, mysterious strangers, and the breakdown of technology. As chaos ensues, the family grapples with the realization that a political coup may be unfolding. While Julia Roberts delivers a strong performance as Amanda Sanford, her efforts are overshadowed by the film's political overtones. Mahershala Ali's performance as G.H.

Interview with Alan Jones

Image
In anticipation of the upcoming FRIGHTFEST SATURDAY SCARES WITH ALAN JONES premiere on the Fast TV channel NYX on January 20, Alan Jones reflects on his journey to journalistic success. He shares anecdotes ranging from pilfering horror movie posters and socializing with ABBA to experiencing disagreements with filmmakers and detailing his forthcoming autobiography. Did you know from a young age that you wanted to be a journalist? Alan: No, I loved horror and fantasy movies from the age of ten, or rather the idea of them because obviously I couldn’t go to the cinema and see anything of that nature. I read horror novels nonstop, stole shocker posters pasted up on the billboards at the end of my street, cut out all the wonderfully lurid adverts from newspapers and pasted them into scrapbooks. I was literally waiting for the moment I could pass for sixteen so I could get into X films and start watching all the movies I was desperate to catch up on.  Can you describe how you got your “big br

Interview with Robert Ager - By David Kempf

Image
When did you first become interested in writing reviews? And how did you get involved in film analysis? 2006/7 I had no interest in becoming a reviewer until I began studying my favourite movies in detail to improve my own writing, directing and editing skills. While studying the fine details of Psycho, Alien and The Shining I came across embedded elements communicating themes I didn’t expect. For example, in Psycho many parallels exist between Marion Crane’s fractured reality (she was the shower murder victim) and the fractured reality of Norman Bates. Both characters hear voices, have trouble with romantic attachments that are considered forbidden, and have committed crimes, etc. I came to realize that these deeply embedded themes play on the viewer subconsciously, yet I’d never read about or heard about these themes anywhere in film discussion or literature. I found it all so interesting I just had to share it in a “film analysis” form. It actually ended up pulling me away from maki

FULL MOVIE - Sweet Taste of Souls (2020 Film) Starring Honey Lauren, John Salandria, Mark Valeriano, Amber Gaston, Sarah J. Bartholomew

Image
"Sweet Taste of Souls" (2020) is a fantasy horror film directed by Terry Ross and written by F. Scott Mudgett. The story follows a group of band members who, after stopping at a roadside cafe for a slice of pie, find themselves trapped in the eccentric owner's surreal art collection. Now, they must confront a menacing force that has a hunger for souls. The film features a cast including Honey Lauren as Ellinore, John Salandria as Nate, Mark Valeriano as Kyle, Amber Gaston as Wendy, and Thom Michael Mulligan as Barney, among others.

COMPETITION: Win High Tension Blu-ray

Image
Prepare for some pulse-racing, heart-pounding High Tension. The fantastic French horror from Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes (2006), Piranha 3D) gets a brand-new Limited Edition 4K/Blu-ray Dual Edition Box set release from masters in the field Second Sight Films 22 January 2024 And to celebrate we have a great competition and a copy on standard blu-ray to give away. Synopsis A new entry to the French extremity movement on its release in 2003, this fearsomely violent slasher stars Cécile de France (The French Dispatch, Around the World in 80 Days) and Maïwenn (One Deadly Summer, The Fifth Element), as two best friends whose sleepover goes shockingly awry. This  brutally violent, fear-fuelled cult classic arrives in the Limited Edition and Standard Edition 4K and Blu-ray versions, on 22 January 2024. Alex (Maïwenn) and Marie’s (Cécile de France) study-weekend takes a savage turn, when a murderous maniac (Philippe Nahon – Irreversible), turns up on their doorstep. As Alex’s family

REVIEW: It's a Wonderful Knife (2023 Film) - Starring Jane Widdop

Image
"It's a Wonderful Knife" presents a captivating deviation from the conventional Christmas film, interweaving horror, comedy, and holiday warmth with a thrilling and gore-infused twist. Directed by Tyler MacIntyre and written by Michael Kennedy, the movie adeptly navigates between chilling kills and heartfelt moments, offering a unique take on the cherished genre. The plot follows Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop), a year after thwarting a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve, who, upon wishing she had never been born, finds herself in an alternate reality. In this nightmarish parallel universe, she discovers the dire consequences of her absence as the killer returns to wreak havoc. Teaming up with the town misfit, played by Justin Long, Winnie strives to identify the murderer and return to her own reality. A notable feature of the film is its enthusiastic embrace of holiday-themed horror-comedy. "It's a Wonderful Knife" ingeniously twists traditional holiday movi

REVIEW: A Haunting in Venice (2023 Film) - Starring Kenneth Branagh

Image
Kenneth Branagh's 2023 film, "A Haunting in Venice," serves as a sophisticated directorial and production endeavor, where he reprises the role of Hercule Poirot following the 2022 release "Death on the Nile." Inspired loosely by Agatha Christie's "Hallowe'en Party," this installment ventures into unexplored territory, presenting a darker and spookier ambiance. Set against the backdrop of 1947, the narrative unfolds with Poirot in retirement in Venice. The aging detective becomes entangled in an enigmatic Halloween soirée at the lavish residence of opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly). The story weaves a complex tale intertwining wartime trauma, paranormal phenomena, and a perplexing murder that disrupts the Halloween festivities. Branagh leads an ensemble cast, including Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and others. While their performances contribute to the film's allure, some actors are unfortunately underutilized, o

REVIEW: The Puppetman (2023 Film) - Starring Alyson Gorske

Image
"The Puppetman," directed by Brandon Christensen, unfolds as a captivating 2023 horror film that seamlessly blends psychological thriller and supernatural horror elements. An undeniable strength of the film lies in its unique premise, centered around Michal (Alyson Gorske), the daughter of a notorious killer who claims to be under the control of an evil force. As mysterious deaths surround Michal, viewers embark on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth behind her father's assertions and the haunting curse of The Puppetman. The enigmatic nature of the protagonist's intentions adds a layer of curiosity, ensuring the audience remains captivated. The film excels as a horror experience, featuring intriguing concepts and well-crafted set pieces. As the horror intensifies, the audience is treated to two impressively shot, brutal kill sequences that inject vitality into the narrative. The third act, skillfully overcoming pacing issues, delivers a gripping and satisfying

REVIEW: Deliver Us (2023 Film) - Starring Lee Roy Kunz

Image
"Deliver Us," the 2023 religious horror film directed by Lee Roy Kunz and Cru Ennis, presents a chilling and atmospheric exploration of the timeless struggle between good and evil. Earning a solid score of 7.5 out of 10, the film adeptly combines moody cinematography, practical gore effects, and a captivating premise to craft an engaging viewing experience. Set in a Russian convent, Sister Yulia faces the unexpected revelation of an immaculate conception, leading to the prophecy of her twins embodying the Messiah and the Antichrist. In response to the threat from the Vox Dei sect, Father Fox and Cardinal Russo embark on a perilous journey to protect Yulia, eventually finding refuge in Estonia at the estate of Laura, the priest's fiancée. However, their sanctuary is disrupted by the malevolent twin's sinister actions. The film skillfully intertwines elements of religious horror, psychological tension, and supernatural occurrences, guiding Sister Yulia, Father Fox (Lee

REVIEW: The Killer (2023 film) - Starring Michael Fassbender

Image
In 'The Killer' by David Fincher, audiences are thrust into the compelling world of a seasoned assassin, brilliantly brought to life by the talented Michael Fassbender. The film skillfully weaves a narrative that captivates viewers with its calculated precision and high-stakes tension. Under Fincher's expert direction, the film maintains a top-tier quality, complemented by an exceptional cast that crafts a clever and engaging story. Fassbender's portrayal of the lead assassin adds depth, offering a chilling exploration into the psyche of a character navigating the perilous realm of his profession. The plot unfolds around a meticulously planned sniper job in a Parisian hotel gone awry, as the assassin mistakenly targets the wrong person. This misstep sets off a chain of perilous events, transforming the hunter into the hunted. In his quest for truth and revenge, the assassin confronts his handler, played by Charles Parnell, unraveling a web of betrayal. Navigating a haza