Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Director - Johannes Roberts (Hellbreeder, Forest of the Damned)

Starring - Kaya Scodelario (Crawl, Clash of the Titans), Avan Jogia (Zombieland: Double Tap, Ted 2), and Tom Hopper (Game of Thrones, The Umbrella Academy)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror/Sci-fi

Tagline - "Witness the beginning of evil"

Format - Streaming (Amazon Prime)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm a pretty avid gamer.  I grew up on the Sega Genesis cutting my teeth on games like Mortal Kombat, Rocket Knight Adventures, Eternal Champions, and Zero Tolerance.  I always looked toward to the weekends and gaming with my older brother who would visit and bring in some new games to play together.  I grew out of the Genesis and moved on to the original Playstation.  When I say original Playstation I mean the old big grey block and not the slim and white PSOne.  A lot of my friends were fans of Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, and so on but I found myself not really enjoying them.  The clunky controls and horrible camera angles made them a miserable experience.  However, when I was in high school it was announced that Resident Evil was getting a live action adaptation.  This really intrigued me and opening night I convinced my dad to let me go check it out.  I've loved every installment of that series and I'm a huge fan of the three CG films as well.  When I heard that a new Resident Evil reboot was in the works I was excited for it as well.  I may not be much of a fan of the games but the movies are so much fun.  Sadly, I missed Welcome to Raccoon City in theater because of the pandemic but was able to watch it at home over my Christmas break.  It did not disappoint.

     The film takes place in Raccoon City which is just a shell of it's former self.  When Umbrella was based in Raccoon City it was thriving but since then the town has fell to ruins as the only a skeleton crew is left to close the Umbrella facility.  However, something else is taking over the city as the residents start to mutate into something sinister.  The local police department, along with Claire Redfield (Scodelario), are trapped in a city that is trying to kill them and, to make matter even worse, if they don't escape before 6 a.m. then they will perish as Umbrella plans on bombing the entire city to stop the spread of the virus.

     I love the big budget sci-fi horror fare that is the original Resident Evil film series.  There is nothing wrong with a mindless big budget sci-fi/horror hybrid like RE and other series like Underworld.  However, Welcome to Raccoon City doesn't feel like those.  It's a gritty and grounded horror film that relies on atmosphere and story to hit the viewer instead of long, drawn out action sequences.  Honestly, it's a great tribute to the game and really pays homage to the look and claustrophobic locations that makes the games enjoyed by so many.  The acting in this one is great.  The cast did a fantastic job at bringing so many iconic characters to life in a much better sense than the first live action franchise.  Kaya Scodelario doesn't necessarily looks like the game version of Leon S. Kennedy which has drawn criticism from fans.  However, I think he did a great job as the rookie who shows that he has what it takes to survive but is still green around the gills.  Avon Jogia is solid as Claire and Tom Hooper is fantastic in his performance with his character showing so many different personality traits.  It was also cool seeing Donal Logue as well.  I wasn't expecting to see him and he never disappoints.  The supporting cast is fantastic as well but the characters just don't stand out like the main cast of characters.  The story for this one seems to follow closely to the first game but I'm not one to know 100 percent.  We follow a dying town who finds itself at the middle of a plague of infected residents with an evil pharmaceutical company behind the outbreak.  As the local police department and some locals try to uncover who or what is behind it they soon uncover they are on a time crunch as a nuke will strike by a specific time.  I actually enjoyed the story for what it is but it does drag it's feet at times and I'm sure that it's a bit predictable especially if you've played the games.  Finally, the film makes great use of practical and visual effects.  The practical and make-up effects look good but the visual effects are the highlight of the film.  Most of the CGI looks surprisingly well done.  There is a few scenes where the visuals look off but it mostly look great and really makes the film even more enjoyable.  Overall, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City was exactly as it should have been.  It was dark, suspenseful, and I loved the visual effects.  I seriously look forward to the next installment.  Fans of Resident Evil and horror fans alike will enjoy this one.  

Death Ride to Osaka

Director - Jonathan Kaplan (Night Call Nurses, In Cold Blood)

Starring - Jennifer Jason Leigh (Single White Female, Twin Peaks), Ann Jillian (The Twilight Zone, Killer in the Mirror), and Thomas Byrd (Twilight Zone: The Movie, Young Guns II)

Release Date - 1983

Genre - Crime/Drama

Tagline - "Enter the frightening reality of the Japanese mafia and the white slave trade"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I knew the Primetime Panic set from Fun City Editions was going to be fun but I never expected to love these films as much as I did.  Freedom was a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyable but Dreams Don't Die was absolutely fantastic.  I could see myself revisiting that one again very soon and never tiring of it.  I was curious about the third film in the set and assumed that it would be the weakest link in the set after seeing how much fun the first two films were.  I was dead fucking wrong.  Death Ride to Osaka, aka Girls of the White Orchid, was a fantastic film and probably my favorite of the set.  Fun City Editions did an amazing job and fucking slayed this release.  

     The film follows the young and gullible Carol (Leigh) who is an aspiring musician living in LA and working at a small diner.  She responds to an ad from an agent searching for talent and finds herself heading to Japan to perform several times a night in an upscale club.  However, when she notices that many of the other ladies are sleeping with the rich business men that frequent the club she tries to leave.  She soon learns that her passport has been stolen and the money she is promised is used to cover her room and board.  Broke, and distraught, she turns to the American embassy who refuses to help her and when she turns to the police she finds herself on the wrong side of the law.  Cornered, with nowhere to go, her former boyfriend arrives and tries to help her leave but the Yakuza has other plans for her.  

     Death Ride to Osaka was just sleazy enough and crime filled to completely pull me in.  I found myself completely mesmerized by the story and the cast.  Honestly, I feel like this could have easily been a VS release but it fits in perfectly in the Primetime Panic set.  The acting in this one is great and probably my favorite in the film.  I know that a lot of cinema fans love Jennifer Jason Leigh but this was the first film I've seen her in that I actually enjoyed.  She fucking delivered on the character and it was a fantastic experience to watch each and every scene with her.  The same can be said about Ann Jillian.  I'm not too familiar with her myself but she was seductive and fucking killed in every scene she was in.  The supporting cast was solid but these two ladies stole the show and mesmerized the viewer.  The story for this one is a bit different than the other three films.  It's not a coming of age teenage drama.  It's centered for adults and features nudity, prostitution, and a forced sex trade.  I like how it mixed with Japanese mafia and wasn't that predictable.  Sure, you know exactly where the film is going but it takes a different path to the destination you suspected.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and could see this same story get a more modern adaptation and still be just as fun.  Finally, the film has a little blood and some decent make-up effects but don't expect a bloody flick.  It's focuses more on the character and story aspect over a body count.  Overall, Death Ride to Osaka was fucking fantastic and a highlight of the set.  I highly recommend Primetime Panic just for this film alone.  Check it out.  

Dreams Don't Die

Director - Roger Young (Rome, Alfred Hitchcock Presents)

Starring - Ike Eisenmann (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn, Escape to Witch Mountain), Trini Alvarado (ABC Afterschool Specials, The Frighteners), and Israel Juarbe (Angels in the Outfield, The Night Before)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Crime/Drama

Tagline - "She's trapped on a street going nowhere. He's young, deadly, beyond the reach of the law.  Using other kids to do his dirty work.  And he's promising her a way out.  But his price could be her innocence...or her life"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm seriously impressed by the films that are being brought to light by the ever growing partner labels from Vinegar Syndrome.  I've added some seriously fun films to my collection thanks to this.  When Vin Syn's partner label Fun City Editions announced the release of the Primetime Panic box set I was all about it.  I quickly ordered it but couldn't make time for it until now.  After watching the film in the set, Freedom, I quickly jumped on the second film which was the 1984 crime drama Dreams Don't Die starring Trini Alvarado who many of you may recognize from Peter Jackson's The Frighteners.  

     The film follows graffiti artist Danny (Eisenmann) and his girlfriend Teresa (Alvarado) who struggle to agree on their futures.  Teresa wants to leave the city for a better life but Danny wants to stay because of the respect and admiration his pieces give him.  Teresa is approached by the underage drug pusher Kirk (Juarbe) who propositions her to help him distribute drugs before she turns 16 because she can't be prosecuted as an adult.  She agrees in hopes of saving enough money to move.  However, Danny spots her with him and tries to warn her of the dangers she is facing.  She refuses to listen and Danny goes back to painting trains before he is busted by a cop.  The officer wants to help Danny and tries to encourage him to go to art school.  Around this time that same officer busts Teresa and Kirk with a small amount of pot.  He tries to scare Teresa straight and succeeds for the most part but Kirk has it in for the officer and soon hires someone to kill him.  Heartbroken, Danny and Teresa set out to help the police bust Kirk.

     While I really enjoyed Freedom I found myself in love with Dreams Don't Die.  It's not horror but as a fan of gangster crime films I found myself pulled into this one.  It could have used a little more of the gangster/drug pushing angle but it was still brilliant as is.  The acting in this one is great.  Eisenmann and Alvarado are great together but the star of the show for me was Juarbe.  His portrayal of the young drug pusher was so much fun.  He brought so much energy to his role and the character is unforgettable.  I also enjoyed the small role from Paul Winfield.  He never disappoints and really liked his take on the passionate police officer.  The story for this one is a teenage coming of age drama set against inner city struggles and the constant rise in teenage drug trades.  I really enjoyed the drama and harsh realities city life brings but I would have loved a little more depth into the crime aspect of the story.  It was fun but a little tweaking would have made the film feel completely different but just as fun.  Finally, the film, much like the other films in the set, are character driven with no real body counts or bloody practical effects.  Overall, Dreams Don't Die is a must see if you are a fan of 80s cinema.  It has some seriously fun performances and the story is great.  This is another great entry in the Primetime Panic set from Fun City Editions.  

Freedom

Director - Joseph Sargent (Jaws: The Revenge, Nightmares)

Starring - Mare Winningham (Torchwood, Six Feet Under), Jennifer Warren (Slap Shot, Mutant), and Peter Horton (Children of the Corn, Children of the Dark)

Release Date -  1981

Genre - Drama

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Earlier last year, If I'm remembering correctly, Vinegar Syndrome announced the partnership with a new label.  The label, Fun City Editions, started with a bang and since then has released some seriously underrated and almost forgotten films ranging the romantic drama Jeremy about underage love, to an early 80s gangster film, and even a western comedy starring Jeff Bridges.  They may not focus on the genre that brings all of us together but they are still a label that I look forward to.  When Vin Syn announced the release of FCE's Primetime Panic I was fucking hooked.  Sometime back Vin Syn announced a made for television box set and it was one hell of a good time so I couldn't wait to see what FCE had in store for us.  As soon as I could pre-order it I did and decided that now was the best time to check it out.  The first film in the set in the 1981 drama Freedom starring Mare Winningham and Peter Horton.  

     The film follows the teenaged Libby (Winningham) who resents her wealthy upbringing.  She wants to explore life while her parents, long since divorced, struggle with how to raise her.  Her mother, who is about to remarry, wants her to remain in her home and be a model daughter and teenager while her father has nothing to do with her until she is in trouble wants her to live life as he did during his teenage years.  Eventually, she is emancipated and hits the road before joining a traveling carnival.  Life seems fine for a short time but she soon learns that free love is not for her and begins to regret leaving her mother and little sister.  

     Freedom is the kind of film I would have never went out of my way to see.  That's why I'm really digging these Vinegar Syndrome partner labels so much.  They are bringing films that I would normally skip over to my attention and I'm really digging these non-horror titles.  I had a lot of fun with Freedom and I think that many of you horror fans would like it as well.  The acting in this one is great.  Winningham was brilliant in the film and carried the entire production on her shoulders.  That doesn't mean the supporting cast wasn't great, because they are, but Winningham is the star of the show and for good reason.  I also enjoyed seeing Horton in a non-genre flick.  I grew up on Children of the Corn but Horton appeared in several made for television movies in the 80s and 90s that I enjoyed growing up.  The story for this one is a coming of age tale from the standpoint of a young and privileged girl who is often rebellious and ungrateful before going out into the world to learn some life lessons.  The romantic drama, broken family, and life on the road aspects delivers a lot of character development and works very well.  I found myself fully invested in the story and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Finally, the film doesn't have any blood or gore which should be obvious at this point.  It has awesome locations that fit the story and focuses more on character and story progression over effects.  Overall, Freedom was a very enjoyable experience and one that would have slipped under my radar had Vin Syn's partner label Fun City Editions had not released it.  I loved this release and this is a great addition to the Primetime Panic set.   

13 Slays Till X-Mas

Director(s) - Brittany Blanton (Breaking Vera, Ambrosia), Sean Blevins (Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories, A Brush with Death), Jed Brian (Unlisted Owner, Trick Not Treat), Shawn Burkett (Don't Fuck in the Woods, Bludgeon), Williams Capps (Hazard, After the Slasher), and Alexander Clark, Carlos Omar De Leon (They Return, KAL: The Clown), John Hale III (10/31 Part II, The Conduit), Blair Hoyle (Happy Endings are a Rarity, Feed), Eric Huskisson, Robert Kern III, Drew Marvick (Scared to Death, Pool Party Massacre), John Mason (Truth or Dare, Sleep Tight), P.J. Starks (Volumes of Blood, The Preylude), and Julie Streble 

Starring - Jeffrey Reddick (Day of the Dead, Deathcember), Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort, Blood Feast), and Jessica Anderson (Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park, Bettor Days)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Prey Christmas doesn't come early"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Many years ago I befriended filmmaker and producer P.J. Starks on Facebook when I reviewed his horror anthology Volumes of Blood and the sequel.  That friendship lead me to befriending Justin Seaman who directed The Barn before creating the indie distribution label Scream Team Releasing.  I've been a major fan of this label and I've collected every release regardless of the film.  Over the years Starks' Volumes of Blood has been releases along with another anthology film that he produced and directed a segment for called 13 Slays Till X-Mas.  I purchased the film when it was made available sometime back but I never got to watch it until this holiday seasons.

     The film follows a group of undesirables who meet in the local bar during Christmas.  They start telling horror stories to one another, paying tribute to an old tradition, with no idea as to why they are there but soon an unknown woman appears revealing the horrible reason they find themselves there.  

     I was really looking forward to this holiday treat especially considering I'm a fan of several of the filmmakers involved.  Shawn Burkett, Brittany Blanton, John Hale, Drew Marvick, and P.J. Starks are all filmmakers that I am very familiar with and respect.  However, I'm not too familiar with the other filmmakers with the film and it seems that this anthology just wasn't as fun and consistent as I had hoped for.  The acting in this one is the only aspect that is consistent throughout.  Every segment featured a strong cast overflowing with memorable performances and fantastic acting.  This is one of the reasons I love indie horror films.  Everyone involved is passionate about the project and brings a lot of energy and dedication to their roles.  The stories for this one is hit or miss with me.  Some were bloody good fun with a lot of originality while others felt rushed and out of place.  The wraparound segment works as a way to hold the segments together.  Following a group of people as they tell horror story to one another fits the Christmas motif especially when you connect it to the long lost tradition of telling ghost stories during the holidays.  However, the anthology doesn't really start on the right foot with the first segment being very underwhelming.  The following tale, about a father and daughter grieving through the holiday has some great atmosphere and tension but the story is lacking.  In fact, I found the film to be underwhelming until the Blanton directed segment following a radio host who suspects he is being replaced by the much younger host.  From this point forward we have tales of killer caribou, Krampus inspired Christmas party, before concluding the wraparound segment.  I really enjoyed the last few segments in the film but, to me, they were not enough to actually save it.  Most of the first segments had interesting plots but just didn't give themselves enough time to fully explore what they had to offer.  Finally, the film has some seriously bloody moments and great practical effects.  We have some fun creature effects, most notably Killer Caribou, along with some gory moments scattered throughout.  I really enjoyed the creativity and artistry that was applied to these segments and that even goes for the ones that I didn't care for.  Overall, 13 Slays Till X-Mas has some entertaining moments and plenty of blood but the slow start turned me off.  I respect each and everyone that was associated with the film but this is one indie horror holiday film that I will not be adding to my annual Christmas viewing.  

Krampus

Director - Michael Dougherty (Trick r' Treat, Godzilla: King of the Monsters)

Starring - Adam Scott (Step Brothers, The Twilight Zone), Toni Collette (Hereditary, Nightmare Alley), and David Koechner (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse)

Release Date- 2015

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "...is coming to town"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Michael Dougherty doesn't have many films under his name as director but the few he has helmed are fantastic.  In his filmmaking career he has created one of the most iconic Halloween anthologies of the last 30 years with Trick r' Treat.  The creation of little Sam has went on to become a pop culture icon that can be found everywhere during the Halloween season.  He then brought in the second Godzilla film in the new Legendary series with Godzilla: King of the Monsters.  In 2015 he directed the horror comedy Krampus which has went on to become a holiday horror classic among fans.  I wanted to see this one when it was originally released but work and life got away from me resulting in a missed opportunity.  Since then I've snagged the blu release but never got around to checking it out.  That changed when Scream Factory announced the UHD release of the film.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks Scream Factory!

     The film follows a young boy who is not enjoying the holiday season like he used to.  His older sister is spending more time with her boyfriend than him and his cousins are mean to him.  He writes Santa a letter asking for a return to the way Christmas used to be.  That night a storm blows in and sub-zero temperatures resulting in a power outage.  When his sister goes to her boyfriend's and fails to return home his father and uncle go looking for him when they are attacked by something in the snow.  When they return home they soon learn that the old myth of Krampus is real and he's going from house to house adding to his body count.

     Krampus is one of the most popular modern Christmas horror films and for good reason.  It's not on the same level of fun and iconic imagery as Trick r' Treat but Dougherty's eye for creating legendary holiday horror films is damn near unmatched.  I really liked Krampus and can see this one joining my yearly holiday horror flicks like the original Black Christmas and Silent Night, Deadly Night.  My biggest disappointment with the film is that I waited so long to watch it.  The acting in this one is a lot of fun.  I'm a huge fan of David Koechner so it was cool to see him appear in another horror comedy.  He was underutilized here but the serious tone and grounded characters did make the actual humor stand out.  I also liked Adam Scott as well.  His character fit the film very well and he did a fantastic job in the role.  With that being said, I'm not really a fan of Toni Collette.  She always looks confused in every film I've seen her in.  Here she does show a little more of an emotional range but she is still the weakest point in the film in my opinion.  The story for this one takes the Krampus legend and turns it into a campy horror comedy that completely absorbs itself in the holiday spirit.  I loved the creatures Dougherty introduced in the film along with the winter storm setting.  I also loved the claustrophobic vibe of the film mixed with the offbeat humor.  With that being said, I sincerely hope that this is just the first installment in a series of film set up with this storyline and creatures.  Finally, the film has some amazing creatures that mixes practical effects and visuals.  The visuals do stand out but the practical effects look absolutely fantastic.  I loved the clown puppets when it opened it's mouth as well as a few of the other creatures.  It's not the bloodiest or goriest horror flick I've seen but the practical and visual effects are very imaginative.  Overall, Krampus is a fun holiday horror film with a lot of creativity and Christmas charm.  I wasn't feeling Christmas this year but this movie helped get my head in the right place.  I highly recommend snagging this release from Scream Factory.  You will not be disappointed.  

Crash!

Director - Charles Band (Prehysteria!, Parasite)

Starring - Jose Ferrer (Dune, The Magical World of Disney), Sue Lyon (The Night of the Iguana, End of the World), and John Ericson (Airwolf, Knight Rider)

Release Date - 1976

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "An occult object takes possession of a driverless car and causes one spectacular crash after another until fifty cars are pounded into a mass of twisted metal"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was introduced to Full Moon, Empire, and Moonbeam Entertainment at a young age so I thought I had a grip on the films of Charles Band.  However, Full Moon recently caught me off guard when they announced the release of the 1976 Charles Band directed horror film Crash! on blu.  When I saw the blu artwork and the tagline I knew this was going to be a wild one so I quickly reached out to them and they were kind enough to send over a review copy.  I want to once again thank Full Moon for hooking me up with this copy to check out.

     The film follows the young and beautiful wife of an old man who had his mobility taken from him during a car crash.  She finds an old relic on a road side stand and decides to buy it for her husband.  However, the bitter old man is mean to her and eventually kicks her out of his home.  She takes his new gift with her and as she is driving down the road she is attacked by his dog and wrecks her car.  She is taken to the hospital gripping the talisman and is recovering while her car continues to drive around killing anyone it meets.  The man, aware of the power in the relic now, tries to get it back from her without her actually seeing him.

     Crash! looked extremely fun and campy but it struggled actually finding it's footing.  I know it was one of Band's earliest films and it looks like he took a lot away from the experience but it wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped.  The acting in this one is fairly solid.  The characters are generic but fit the story very well and the cast shows a lot of talent in front of the camera but you find yourself focused more on where the story is actually going instead of the cast that is carrying you there.  The story for this one has a fun occult angle and a possessed car but The Wraith like story is not full explored or capitalized on.  It was a seriously underutilized concept that should have been the main focus of the film instead of the connection to the "professor" and the artifact that was found with his wife that is suffering from amnesia.  It could have been so much more enjoyable than what it is.  Finally, the film has a lot of car crashes that are not as exciting as they sound and lacks any blood and gore you would expect from Band.  The car crashes are, honestly, not that fun and almost feel out of place when compared with the remainder of the story.  Overall, Crash! wasn't for me.  It's cool to see some of Band's earlier films but it's nowhere near as fun as the films he would be associate with in the next decade.  Collectors may want this one but fans of Band and Full Moon may want to skip over it.  

Maniac Killer

Director - Andrea Bianchi (Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror, Strip Nude For Your Killer)

Starring - Bo Svenson (Curse II: The Bite, Kill Bill: Vol. 2), Chuck Connors (Tourist Trap, Werewolf), and Robert Ginty (The Exterminator, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man)

Release Date - 1987

Genre - Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school a friend of mine bought Andrea Bianchi's Burial Ground: The Nights of Terror on VHS so we could have a Italian horror marathon with Zombi, Cemetery Man, and Deep Red.  All of them were first time watches for me and they all would go on to become some of my favorite films.  Nostalgia aside, I really enjoyed them all and for various reasons.  Burial Ground mixes great atmosphere and locations with a solid zombie story and some great "what the fuck" moments.  Sadly, that was the only Bianchi film that I had seen for some time until I was sent Strip Nude for Your Killer a couple years back for review.  Until now, these were the only two of Bianchi's films I had seen until I saw the post from Full Moon announcing the release of the 1987 horror film Maniac Killer which they were releasing under the title Mania Killer.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send over a review copy.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows a scientist who stays to himself and conducts studies on various animals brought to him by the mentally stunted Matthieu.  When a string of women go missing the locals suspect that he is responsible for their disappearances.  However, the real culprits is a cult of extreme Christians who are killing these women due to their loose morals in hopes of "saving their souls."

     I was really looking forward to Mania Killer especially after how much I enjoy Andrea Bianchi's Burial Ground and Strip Nude For Your Killer.  However, this movie was a real chore to finish.  The movie felt like it was a mess of idea that were thrown onto paper with no real direction or reason.  I didn't mind the acting and I actually liked some aspects of the story but the overall execution of the film is a big miss for me.  The acting in this one is fairly well done.  We get some well written characters that stand out against the story along with a cast that does not hold back in each and every scene.  I really enjoyed the casting in this one with some underrated names tackling characters I would never associate with them.  I enjoyed the acting and the way the characters were written.  The story for this one pulls together several different aspects.  I really enjoyed the religious cult that was Christian fanatics killing sex-workers.  I wish the film was focused more on this aspect of this instead of the scientist using computers to speak with a man who is mentally ill.  It would have been a cool moment in a heart-warming drama but in the middle of a horror film it feels out of place.  Also, the pacing is all wrong.  On the scenes that we get some fun tension and atmosphere, the pacing is just too fast.  These scenes feel rushed and not fully appreciated while the dialogue heavy scenes are slowed down.  Inconsistent pacing and uneven story made this one one seriously tough film to finish.  Finally, the film has some pretty cool occult scenes with dark, cave like settings and wardrobes but if you are looking for a seriously bloody and gory film you will be very disappointed.  It doesn't have those iconic gory scenes or what the fuck moments like Burial Ground does.  Overall, Mania Killer was not the wild ride I was expecting.  Hell, it was nothing like I was expecting and I fill like that's how most of the cast and crew feels about the film as well.  The blu looks good but the film is not going to have a big fan base.  Collectors may want to snag it but, sadly, I can't recommend it.  

Put Your Devil into My Hell

Director - Bitto Albertini (Black Emanuelle, Escape from Galaxy 3)

Starring - Antonio Cantafora (Supersonic Man, Demons 2), Melinda Pillon, and Margaret Rose Keil (The Police are Blundering in the Dark, Curse of the Red Butterfly)

Release Date - 1973

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "Sex and laughter... Italian style"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Italian filmmakers often get praised for their entries into the horror genre but it's not often that a non-horror title makes it's rounds through the movie groups that I'm a member of on social media.  A couple weeks ago I saw several horror-minded people posting about the Full Moon release of Bitto Albertini's Put Your Devil into My Hell.  Albertini is mostly known for his films Black Emanuelle and Black Emanuelle 2 which peaked my curiosity.  I knew this wasn't a horror film but hearing some of the comments about the film made me want to see it.  I rushed to my email and hit up Full Moon and MVD and they were kind enough to send a review copy my way.  

     The film follows a womanizing artist who is trying to sleep with the mayor's wife.  However, the mayor is constantly commissioning him for various paintings.  When the pope announces that the town's visited by members of the Vatican will be monetarily compensated.  The mayor enlists the painter to help him destroy some local bridges so the holy travelers are forced to go through their village.  He agrees in hopes that he and his friends can use this time to sneak in finally sleep with the women of their dreams.

     The only thing I knew about Put Your Devil into My Hell was that it wasn't a horror film.  The post I found in one of the groups was talking about how sleazy and funny it was which is not a combination that I often get in a film that I review.  However, after finally watching it I have to say that I was not disappointed.  The acting in this one is fun.  Some of the characters are grounded and realistic while others are more Monty-Python like.  The cast really goes all in with their performances but I tended to enjoy the cast-members that portrayed the overly-dramatic characters that had lots of energy and voices that didn't match their bodies.  The story for this one doesn't really work if you are looking for a film with a fun plot.  However, if you want nudity with a healthy dose of fun characters then I highly recommend this one.  The plot does stretch itself too thin and some of the later scenes are underwhelming but the overall film is sexy and funny.  Finally, this is not a bloody one.  We get some fun costumes, nice sets and locations, and gorgeous women fully nude.  Overall, Put Your Devil into My Hell is a funny sex comedy that I didn't know I needed in my life.  Honestly, I enjoyed it and fans of lighter sexploitation will enjoy this one as well.  Full Moon did a fantastic job with this release but the lack of special features is a bit of a bummer.  

Don't Let Her In

Director - Ted Nicolaou (Subspecies, TerrorVision)

Starring - Kelly Curran (Murderers: A Family Film, Purgatory), Lorin Doctor (Lucky Bastard, American Crime Story), and Cole Pendery (Criminal Minds, Famous)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "A new shocker from the director of Subspecies"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Ted Nicolaou's contributions to Full Moon and Empire is legendary.  Many of us genre fans grew up on his films Subspecies, Vampire Journals, TerrorVision, Dragonworld, and so many more.  His work helped shape the taste for many of us and his films are still in heavy rotation in many of our homes.  Several months back I started seeing artwork for the film Don't Let Her In with the tagline "A new shocker from the director of Subspecies."  That is one hell of a tagline if you ask me.  When Full Moon announced the blu release of the film I was quick to rush to MVD to request a copy.  I'm glad I did because this was one of the better Full Moon releases of recent years.  

     The film follows a young couple who bring in a new roommate who is a bit usual.  She is an artist that makes pieces for clients using crystals and essential oils.  The young couple is reluctant at first but when she pays for several months up front they let her stay.  Soon their fortune turns as he is signed to an indie rock label and she starts getting gigs for art shows.  However, things are not as they seem as their new roommate seduces them one by one and when he is out of town touring with his band she discovers she is pregnant.  Torn with what to do, she soon discovers that their new roommate is much more than just an eccentric artist.

     Don't Let Her In marks the return of Full Moon from the gimmick filled little creature monster movies that they've seemed to perfect to the moody and story driven horror tales that Nicolaou is known for.  The film has great atmosphere, an effective story, and the characters are very well written.  The acting in this one is solid.  The cast was given some great characters to bring to life and they do a fantastic job with that.  The film has a fairly small cast and everyone compliments each other perfectly on screen while delivering characters that mesh so well with the story.  It's so common for indie productions to have characters that blend into the background but the cast here does a fantastic job with their roles.  I seriously hope to see this cast return in a follow up.  The story for this one is simple and right at home with the Full Moon films from the mid-90s.  Nicolaou replaces the gothic settings and locations with gothic fashion and storylines which works for a modern horror film.  The small cast and simple story works for a production filmed during the pandemic.  I liked the demon possession angle and the film sets itself up for so many possibilities in the future.  Finally, the film has some fun make-up effects for the most part but the demon's face does change from scene to scene.  It's not very consistent.  Also, there is some questionable visual effects that just didn't fit the film.  They felt rushed and extremely out of place.  Overall, Don't Let Her In is one of the better Full Moon releases of the last 5 years.  I thoroughly enjoyed it but there is some room for improvements.  Fans of Full Moon and Nicolaou will want to see this.  

The Resonator: Miskatonic U

Director - William Butler (Baby Oopsie, Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver)

Starring - Austin Woods (American Horror Story, Sneakerheads), Amanda Wyss (A Ngithmare on Elm Street, Highlander), and Michael Pare (Village of the Damned, The Virgin Suicides)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "Evil...from beyond"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm not above giving credit where credit is due.  A huge part of my childhood and teenage years was spent with films that starred William Butler.  Savini's Night of the Living Dead remake was the film that got me into horror.  You can't forget his roles in Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Ghoulies II, and Spellcaster.  Since these roles Butler has moved on to other positions behind the camera like directing, editing, and writing with a lot of his work being for Disney and Full Moon.  He has written and directed several films for Full Moon over the years and recently helmed their newest dive into Lovecraftian lore with The Resonator: Miskatonic U.  I had heard a lot of good things about this one when it aired on Full Moon's streaming service but I never found the time to check it out until Full Moon and MVD sent a review copy of the blu release for review.  

     The film follows a group of students are Miskatonic U who are the brightest minds on campus.  One of them, Crawford Tillinghast (Dane Oliver), is trying to finish his late father's work.  He was working on a resonator that could bridge the gap between this work and another plain of existence with hopes of curing mental illness and help answer the question where psychics and mediums get their powers from.  However, every time he turns on the resonator and beings from the other plain crosses over and madness ensues.  While debating on destroying the machine or not he is interrupted by a college professor who worked with his father.  He wants to use the machine for evil and forces him to turn it on to disastrous effects.  

      I was interested in The Resonator when it was first announced and the positive reviews from some of my horror friends made me even more interested in it but hearing that William Butler made it a must see for me.  The movie did not disappoint but I felt that it was a bit of a missed opportunity to expand From Beyond which was an Empire International Pictures release which was also founded by Charles Band.  However, it was great as a fresh new start.  The acting in this one was decent but no one really stands out.  The characters are fairly generic and one dimensional but everyone really does give it their all.  They dive into their roles and try to bring unforgettable characters to life.  Sadly, the flat characters and their lack of personalities made their performances feel underwhelming.  The story for this one is meant to be an episodic series based around the same story as From Beyond but was released on blu edited as a film.  I thoroughly enjoyed the way Butler approached the story and I loved the build up.  With that being said, the abrupt ending doesn't really fit well and I seriously hope we get a follow up soon.  Finally, the film has some fun practical effects and some very inconsistent visual effects.  The practical effects we get look great while the visuals are hit and miss.  Some of the visuals, like the creatures from the resonator, all look fantastic while a few of the one off visuals here and there looked horrible.  The worst of this is the gunshot wound on Crawford's arm.  Overall, The Resonator: Miskatonic U is a must see for Full Moon and Lovecraft fans.  It's a fantastic rendition and a great beginning to what could be an unforgettable series.  I highly recommend it.  

Blithe Spirit

Director - Edward Hall (Downtown Abbey, Kingdom)

Starring - Dan Stevens (Colossal, Dracula), Isla Fisher (Burke and Hare, Hot Rod), and Leslie Mann (ParaNorman, The Cable Guy)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "True love never dies"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     

     A few months ago I received the press release for some upcoming IFC and Shout Factory collaborative releases.  While looking through the three or four releases only one caught my eye.  I noticed that it starred Leslie Mann and Isla Fisher so I was very curious about it.  I knew Blithe Spirit wasn't going to be a horror flick but I thought it would be fun to review a supernatural comedy so I reached out to my friends over at Shout Factory and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows struggling writer Charles (Stevens) who lost his first wife Elvira (Mann) seven years ago when she had an accident on a horse.  He remarried five years ago to Ruth (Fisher) who is the daughter of a prominent movie producer.  Her connections lands him a job writing a big screenplay but he is unable to write.  In fact, he has not written anything since his first wife's death.  He hears about a famous medium doing a stage show new them and convinces her to hold a séance in his home in hopes of drawing inspiration.  However, something else happens and she opens a door allowing Elvira to walk through.  Now, Charles is torn between his muse and his new wife.

     I knew Blithe Spirit wouldn't be the type of film I would review but the idea behind it reminded me so much of Burying the Ex and seeing Leslie Mann casted made it damn near irresistible to me.  Sadly, it wasn't what I was hoping for but I will give the film the benefit of the doubt considering I was not the target audience for the film.  The acting in this one was extremely fun.  Dan Stevens was fantastic as the love torn author struggling to find inspiration.  I really enjoyed the character and what part of the movie that I actually did enjoyed involved him.  Isla Fisher and Leslie Mann did an amazing job as well.  Their characters fit them perfectly almost as if these roles were written for them.  The story for this one is a romantic drama with some humor scattered throughout.  The characters are very high energy and fun while fitting in the film very well.  However, the love triangle drama and constant reminder that he is lacking original ideas becomes a nuisance as the film progresses.  I almost wish that Mann's character would have came back as a murderous spirit from the very beginning.  Its fun for a first time watch but it's not a movie that will leave a lasting impression.  The humor misses it's mark and the drawn out scenes makes for a difficult watch.  Finally, no blood or gory deaths here.  We do get some visual effects that look solid but that's the extent of it.  Overall, Blithe Spirit isn't what I was hoping for but it's not a bad film.  Inconsistent but the amazing cast and characters make it an enjoyable experience.  

Death Screams

Director - David Nelson (Last Plane Out, Childish Things)

Starring - Susan Kiger (The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood, Hot Nasties), Martin Tucker (Maximum Overdrive, Traxx), and William T. Hicks (A Day of Judgement, The Midnight Man)

Release Date - 1982

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The last scream you hear...is your own"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     If I was able to travel to different moments in film history I would be torn between the mid-70s drive-in craze and the early 80s slasher boom.  The drive-in double features of the 70s looked like an absolutely blast to attend while the early 80s slasher boom was one of the defining moments for the genre.  There was so many slasher getting produced that a good bit of them flew under the radar while titans like Friday the 13th, Halloween, and A Nightmare on Elm Street took all the glory.  I love when a boutique label like Vinegar Syndrome, Arrow Video, Severin Films, and so on releases some of the more unknown or obscure film on blu.  Several months back Arrow Video announced the release of the 1982 slasher Death Screams on blu.  Coincidentally, this is one of the few Arrow releases that I had seen prior to their announcement.  I had actually watched this one during my high school years.  I remembered that it wasn't a bad movie.  In fact, it was enjoyable but it was very forgettable.  I was looking forward to revisiting it so I reached out to MVD who was handling the release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way for review.  

     The film follows a small town who is bustling with excitement as the carnival rolls into town.  Many of the locals are turning it into a major event but what they don't know is that nearby some of their own was murdered by a machete wielding maniac and now that same maniac is walking the fairgrounds looking for their next victim.  A group decides to go down by the river to hand out during the night and the killer seizes the opportunity to add to their body count.

     Death Scream is like one of the hundreds of slashers that was released in the early 80s that isn't necessarily a bad film but it is painfully generic and easily forgettable.  Like I said, it's not a bad film and I do enjoy it but everything from the acting to the story and deaths are all the generic with nothing that really stands out to the viewer.  The acting in this one isn't bad.  The cast really does go all into their roles.  However, the characters are not that well written and extremely cliched but the cast does the best with what they had before them.  Other slashers have some characters with memorable or fun personalities along with a killer that makes the film fun but Death Scream does not take that approach.  The story for this one is a lot of the standard slasher tropes without the flair.  I love a slasher with a memorable killer with some sort of backstory.  Death Screams completely skips that and focuses more on the carnival setting and the deaths.  Ironically, the deaths lack imagination as well.  The movie and the story just plays out without anything to actually stick to your teeth.  I've heard the term "faceless slasher" before and that is exactly what this is.  Finally, the deaths are bloody and very fitting for a slasher but they lacked practical and make-up effects and didn't really pack a punch.  They fit the film but if you are looking for gore and memorable deaths you will be very disappointed.  Overall, Death Screams may not be the most iconic slasher but it's not one that should be slept on.  I enjoyed it but it is one that I'm still struggling to remember even though I just watched it.  It's one I would recommend if you are looking for a late night slasher while you down some light beer.  The Arrow release is fantastic as well and collectors will want to snag this one for their collection.  

On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky

Director - Seth Breedlove (On the Trail of Bigfoot, Terror in the Skies)

Starring - Seth Breedlove and Shannon Legro (On the Trail of Bigfoot, On the Trail of UFOs)

Release Date  - 2021

Genre - Sci-Fi/Documentary

Tagline - "Unearth the pattern"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     All good things must come to an end.  I recently started a Small Town Monsters' marathon with Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou, On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Journey, and On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Discovery and finally finishing with On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky.  The first On the Trail of UFOs is probably one of my favorite films from Small Town Monsters so I was really looking forward to the follow up that was released earlier in the year.  I saved what I assumed would be the best for last and after making my way through the first three docs I finished with Dark Sky.

     The film follows cryptid documentarian Seth Breedlove and investigator Shannon Legro as they venture to West Virginia to investigate their legacy of UFO sightings and the legacy the mountain state has with visitors not from this world.  The two take a look into some iconic sightings such as the  The Braxton County Monster, Mothman, and the rumors surrounding the observatory in Pocahontas County.  

     I was pleasantly surprised to see that this installment of the On the Trail of UFOs takes place in the mountain state.  As a West Virginia native I'm extremely happy that someone outside the state has taken an interest in the rich stories, legends, and myths.  Often, the state is  in the news for the wrong reasons it's nice to have something interesting be said about the state and not in a negative light.  The interviews in this one is very interesting.  We several people from within that state that have a deep interest in UFO sightings along with eye witnesses and investigators/enthusiasts.  Many offer up a great deal of insight into the subject with some showing a great deal of passion.  With that being said, there is a couple people that was interviewed that felt out of place or was not that believable.  The topics discussed range from some of the more popular sightings, the connection with coal mining, and some of the rumors about the observatory.  It was a lot of interesting information, theories, and discussions.  They work their way from several decades ago before slowly making their way up to modern theories and witnesses.  Finally, the film is beautifully shot, edited, and pieced together.  I loved the aesthetic of this series and I really enjoy the darker look of this release.  Overall, Dark Sky is another fantastic entry in the On the Trail of UFOs series.  Fans of STM and On the Trail films should really check this one out.  

     

On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Discovery

Director - Seth Breedlove (Momo: The Missouri Monster, Terror in the Skies)

Starring - Seth Breedlove, David Ellis, and Derek Randels (Jaws Underground, Sasquatch Among Wildmen)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Documentary

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm continuing on with my Small Town Monsters' marathon.  So far I've been able to watch Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou and On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Journey.  Both were fantastic films that once again demonstrates why director Seth Breedlove and his STM crew is so well known in cryptid and paranormal circles.  After watching The Journey it only made sense to follow it up with the follow up film and their latest effort On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Discovery.  This one arrived just a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to dig into it.

     The film follows the Small Town Monsters' crew as they venture deep into the mountain ranges of Washington state to continue their search for bigfoot with a group of dedicated investigators that has been combing the area for years.  The group uncovers several "nests" that consists of 6 or more in a circle consisting or brush, limbs, and other foliage which leads them to believe that it was several sasquatch are traveling through the area and using the area as a place to rest and possible nurse their young.  

     The Discovery was not what I was expecting.  I had seen the articles, press releases, and other news that Seth had been sharing about the film on social media and avoided them so it wouldn't spoil it for me.  However, I was expecting more than the "nests" or bed as the discovery.  I knew it wasn't going to be like definitive proof but maybe something like unidentifiable fur or a big cluster of footprints.  With that being said, it's still a very entertaining doc about the investigations taking place in the Washington rain forest.  The interviews in this one is much like the last film consisting of investigators, hikers, enthusiasts, and witnesses.  Most of the people interviewed either have detailed encounters with the creature or has spent a good portion of their life investigating it.  It brings a lot of insight as to what is going on there and how significant these beds are to researchers.  The topics discussed are more on the work being done in Washington along with new sightings and speculation.  I did like the scientific inside like the huckleberries for nursing and so forth.  I would have liked a little more of a look into the historic sightings and local legends about the creature similar to the way Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou did.  Finally, this one is just as polished as the other STM releases.  The editing and transitions are smooth, the topics discussed follows the flow of the film perfectly and the graphics are sharp.  Overall, The Discovery is not exactly what I was thinking considering this installment is titled The Discovery but it was still great.  Fans of STM will want to snag this one and add it to your collection.

     

On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Journey

Director - Seth Breedlove (The Flatwoods Monster: A Legacy of Fear, On the Trail of UFOs)

Starring - Seth Breedlove, Steve Kulls (Monsterquest, Paranormal Survivors), and Adam Reid (Momo: The Missouri Monster, On the Trail of UFOs)

Release Date - 2021

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I set out to watch the three or four documentaries from Small Town Monsters before the year was up.  I had recently received On the Trail of Bigfoot: The Discovery and wanted to get caught up on their releases before the new year began and they had a new slate of films for me to discover.  After digging through Skinwalker: The Howl of the Rougarou I decided to check out the two latest installments of the On the Trail of Bigfoot series.  The second film in the series is The Journey which was released earlier this year.  Time got away and I never had the chance to see it but with the year almost over I decided to make time for it.  

     The documentary follows Small Town Monsters' Seth Breedlove who is becoming restless during the grip of the pandemic and sets out to venture to the Adirondack in upstate New York in search of bigfoot.  Partnering with several researchers and avid hunters, Seth makes his way through the mountains in hopes if discovering the now iconic creatures.

     In 2019 Small Town Monsters released the first installment of their On the Trail of Bigfoot and I enjoyed it.  It was a great mix of history and folklore mixed with investigation and witness interviews.  The Journey follows that same formula but changes the location to the Adirondack which is often forgotten by many investigators.  It was a great follow up if you are into crypto and paranormal documentaries. The interviews in this one range from investigators, trappers, witnesses, and enthusiasts who all have a passion in the creature.  The interviews are a little uneven with some being far more entertaining than others.  In fact, a few of the people interviewed feel out of place and a little awkward.  Their passion is not in question but they do struggle some with their interviews. The topics discussed follows a similar formula to the other STM docs where we begin with a look into the history of sightings in the region along with local folklore on the subject.  We then move into the interviews with witnesses along with enthusiasts and investigators looking to uncover proof that bigfoot exists.  I like this approach to cryptid documentaries because I have a huge interest in the history and origin of local legends and folklore.  It doesn't go as in depth as the first film on the legend aspect but it does go into a little more in depth on the investigation and witness accounts.  Finally, the film has great pacing and the transitioning and editing is extremely smooth.  Small Town Monster's doc are always professional and never disappoint with The Journey being no different.  It looks great and works great.  Overall, The Journey is another fantastic documentary from the now iconic Small Town Monsters.  Bigfoot enthusiasts and fans of documentaries should really give this one a spin.