10/31 Part 3

Director(s) - Michael Ballif (They Live Inside Us, The Witching Season), Jed Brian (13 Slay Till Xmas, Unlisted Owner), Jonathan Patrick Hughes (Tales from the Grave, Bad Hare Day), Jacob Perrett (Weird Fiction, Spine Chiller), Brad Twigg (Killer Campout, Wrestlemaniac), Zane Hershberger (Force to Fear, 10/31), and Jennifer Nangle (Theatre of the Deranged III, 60 Seconds to Di3)

Starring - James Morris (He Never Left, Curse of Crom: The Legend of Halloween), Emily Ashby (American Murderer, Count Spookula's Horrorthon), and Vickie Becker 

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Some of my favorite horror titles are anthologies. I grew up on Creepshow, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, Twilight Zone: The Movie, From a Whisper to a Scream, and Two Evil Eyes. I’m always up for a new horror anthology so when I saw some social media friends share news on the indie horror anthology 10/31 several years back I knew I had to see it. It was a great indie horror anthology that not only spawned a sequel but it spawned two. I really enjoyed 10/31 and 10/31 Part II so when I had the opportunity to order Part 3 I jumped on it. I added it to my Scream Team Releasing marathon as part my annual October horror binge. 

      The film once again follows horror hostess Malvolia who once again brings us a collection of shorts that will chill you to the bone. The first tale follows a recently divorced man who wants to turn his home into a haunted house attraction. He finds the perfect decoration in the form of a mummy at a local shop but this Is more than just a mummy prop. The second tale follows a couple that move into their new home and realize they are not the only ones there. The third tale follows a group of twenty-somethings who decide to break into the home of a former teacher only to discover that he has a dark secret hidden in his basement. The fourth and final story follows an evil Jack in the box. 

      I went into this one really excited and it did not disappoint. I absolutely love horror anthologies especially when they have a solid wrap around segment that ties everything together nicely. While I did enjoy this one I think I prefer the first two films to this one. It deserves an occasional revisit but I don’t see myself trying to add it to my annual October horror binge. The acting in this one is very well done and consistent with the other films. We have a lot of fun characters that may be cliched but are still very enjoyable. The segments have great energy, some great dialogue, and the cast does not hold back. The stories for this one is a bit hit or miss with me. Once again, I find myself not caring for the wraparound segment. I like the idea of a horror host showing viewers some horror tales but we only see her at the beginning of the film and at the end. She doesn’t appear between each segment to deliver horror puns or entertain the viewer. I feel like that is a big missed opportunity. The first segment from Michael Ballif really set the tone for the film. It was a lot of fun and really fits the October feel that this anthology series is known for. The second story from Jacob Perrett is a parody/tribute to Italian giallo. This is probably my favorite short in the film. It doesn’t really represent the time of year but it was a lot of fun and something I can see genre fans enjoying. The third story is probably the weakest in the film. This one is from filmmaker Brad Twigg who I am a big fan of. I was looking forward to this particular segment but it was the weakest of the film. While it does bring us back to the Halloween setting we are given characters we don’t care for with a story that was ridiculous. Who breaks into someone’s home through the front door to take pictures of the homeowner getting busy? The final tale is from Force to Fear director Zane Hershberger. This story was a loving tribute to the killer doll sub-genre and was very well done. It doesn’t fit the Halloween aspect of the film but I thoroughly enjoy it. Finally, the film has plenty of awesome practical effects along with some fairly decent make-up and visual effects. Some of the segments are a little bloodier than others but they are very consistent in the quality of effects even though they were done by different crews. It’s not the bloodiest entry in the trilogy but there is enough blood to satisfy those of you with a taste of the red stuff. Overall, 10/31 Part 3 is a solid entry in a very popular Halloween horror anthology series. It’s not my favorite of the three but it was enjoyable for a first time watch. Check it out.

The Barn Part II

Director - Justin M. Seaman (10/31, Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories)

Starring - Lexi Dripps (The Barn, Supah Ninjas), Sable Griedel (Tales from the Grave, Force to Fear), and Mitchell Musolino (The Men Who Built America, The Barn)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "This Halloween no one can stop the harvest"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It wouldn’t be the Halloween season without a new film from Scream Team Releasing. Over the last handful of years I’ve been lucky enough to watch several of their releases and it’s not often that I find one I don’t like. Several years ago director Justin Seaman directed what would be one of the more popular slashers of the last ten years. The film, The Barn, was released through his label Scream Team Releasing and would be one that I try to watch every Halloween season along with a few more of their releases. A year or so back Justin started working on the anticipated sequel and brought in several genre icons to appear in the film. He was able to bring back Linnea Quigley along with Joe Bob Briggs, Diana Prince, Doug Bradley, and Lloyd Kaufman. I was really looking forward to checking this one out and snagged the blu when it was released. I wasn’t able to watch it when it arrived but I knew it would fit in perfectly during my October horror binge. 

      The film takes place several years after the first film. Halloween was banned after the disappearance of several teens but the ban was recently reversed. Now a local sorority is planning a fundraiser and decide to hold a haunted barn and maze in honor of the missing teens. However, Halloween traditions and superstitions once again come into play when they knock on the barn unleashing the evil spirits trapped in a well. Now the monsters are back to wreak havoc on those looking to have a little Halloween fun. 

     The Barn Part 2 was the sequel I was hoping for. It is a solid follow up while still giving slasher fans something to watch during the Halloween season. There was some aspects of the film that I did not like but the overall film was very enjoyable. I loved the atmosphere, locations, and the effects but some of the story and casting did leave me a bit confused. What I’m trying to say is that I liked the film but it is far from perfect. The acting in this one was enjoyable. We get several returning cast members who do a fantastic job reprising their roles. I like a lot of the characters but the casting did make me laugh. I was born in the mid-80s and I know I’m getting up there in age but some of these college students or teenagers were portrayed by people older than me. A lot of films do this and it has become a bit of a joke among genre fans but The Barn Part 2 took it to a whole new level. Aside from this, I really liked the cast along with the Scream Team Releasing filmmakers making cameos along with the horror legends that make appearances as well. The story for this one expands on what was introduced in the first film while giving fans something else to latch on to it. The film is more than just a sequel to a slasher. It expands the mythos created in the first film and introduces new horror elements to the series that was absent from the first film. I liked the introduction of zombies along with the new monsters. When you combine that with the backstory to the monsters you have something that could truly span several films. Finally, the film has a lot of great practical effects and some very noticeable visual effects. While I didn’t care for the visual effects I did like the practical. The deaths look fantastic and they fit the film very well. While I was expecting the film to be a bit more gorier it was still bloody and violent. Overall, The Barn Part 2 is a worthy sequel to one of the most popular indie slashers in the last 10 years. I really enjoyed where the story took us and along with the new elements introduced here. I sincerely hope we get a third film. I highly recommend it.

HeBGB TV

Director(s) - Eric Griffin (1-888-5-Blue-You), Adam Lenhart (1-888-5-Blue-You), and Jake Mcclellan (Dead in 5 Heartbeats)

Starring - Andrew Bowser (Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls, The Green Shit), Zenobia Decoteau, and Josh Dorsheimer (Never Too Late, Hacktress)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy/Sci-Fi

Tagline - "Don't touch that dial"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      I love how unique and strange indie cinema can be. Some filmmakers have so many ideas and a strong sense of humor resulting in films that will stick with you for days or even weeks after watching them. A few weeks back I was ordering a few movies from Scream Team Releasing to add to my October horror binge when I came across HeBGB TV. I remembered sharing a few press releases for this one sometime back but it had completely skipped my mind when I moved on to the next post. I quickly watched the trailer for the film and promptly tossed it in my cart. I had to have it and I couldn’t wait to see it. Fast Forward to now when I decided to have a Scream Team Releasing marathon with HeBGB TV being the first film. 

      The film follows two children who receive a mysterious package. When they open it they are surprised to find a television receiver titled HeBGB TV. When they plug it in they are introduced to someone who wants to show them all the programs the device has for them. We then enter a world full of dancing candy corn, stoners and pesticide, phone sex operators, Frankenstein’s monster and hot dog wieners, Onyx the Fortuitous, and much more. 

      HeBGB TV is not going to be for everyone. It’s a wild and colorful ride with a lot of horror puns and memorable characters but those of you looking for something along the lines of August Underground or Terrifier will be very disappointed. However, if Shit & Champagne mixed with a little bit of Hee-Haw and WNUF Halloween Special sounds fun for you then I highly recommend snagging this one. The acting in this one is a lot of fun. The characters are all over the top and very enjoyable. Some of the cast portrays different characters but they all stand out and have their own distinct personalities. The fact that they were able to keep track of all the characters they brought to life and not just recycle them over and over is seriously impressive to me. The stories for this one are a lot of fun but some clearly had more thought and work put into them than others. I loved the sense of humor, the delightful horror and Halloween puns, and the energy each segment brought to the film. While I loved the format and lay out of the film I would love to see this team tackle a straight forward anthology. Finally, the film is full of DIY effects that I absolutely loved. We have some fun puppets, campy late night visual effects, blood, and lots of make up effects. This film offers a lot for those of you with an eye for effects but understand films on a budget can’t compete with major motion pictures. Overall, HeBGB TV is everything I hoped it was and then some. It’s funny, bloody, and very entertaining. I don’t know if I will add this to my Halloween list but I can see this one quickly becoming a comfort film for me. I highly recommend this no budget treat.

Suitable Flesh

Director - Joe Lynch (Chillerama, Mayem)

Starring - Heather Graham (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, The Stand), Judah Lewis (Summer of '84, The Babysitter), and Barbara Crampton (From Beyond, Re-Animator)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Who do you think you are!"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I was talked into watching the web-series Holliston. The series starred filmmakers Adam Green and Joe Lynch. Both filmmakers have made serious contributions to horror over the years but one seems to overshadow the other. When I mention Holliston to genre fans they often praise Green and his Hatchet franchise. He’s an amazing filmmaker but I always found the Hatchet series to be a bit underwhelming while I greatly enjoy Lynch’s films. Not only did he direct Strapping Young Lad’s Love, which is one of the best tributes to Evil Dead II, he also directed a segment in Chillerama, Wrong Turn 2, Knights of Badassdom, Mayhem, and an episode of Creepshow. His filmography is fantastic and I’m always excited to check out something he is attached to. A few weeks back I was sent a press release for his newest film Suitable Flesh. The film starred horror legend Barbara Crampton and Heather Graham. I reached out to RLJE Films and Shudder and they were kind enough to send a screener link my way. I really want to thank both of them for sending it over because I absolutely loved this movie! 

      The film follows a psychiatrist who has an unexpected patient barge into her life. He seems to be suffering from multiple personalities but she soon learns the truth. The boy is host to something very sinister and very old that is able to transfer itself from host to host after it comes in contact with someone and chants an ancient prayer. 

      Suitable Flesh is probably one of Lynch’s best films. Everything from the cast to the set locations are phenomenal and the story is fucking brilliant. The film is not just mindless blood and guts but it doesn’t shy away from the red stuff either. It’s very story driven and the amazing performances makes it a must see film for genre fans. The acting in this one is amazing. While I want to spend most of my time talking about my horror crush Barbara Crampton, I would be doing Heather Graham an injustice. Graham makes the film what it is. She brings her character to life and her performance is nothing short of brilliant. The film has some great performances from the supporting cast as well including Crampton but I will be here all day if I mention everyone by name and talk about the amazing performances. The story for this one is inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s The Thing on the Door Step. I read this one years ago but I don’t remember shit about it so I can’t speak on hos close to the course material it is. However, from a film standpoint, the story hits hard. It’s not overly complicated and confusing. We do have some body jumping but it’s done in a straight forward fashion which is easy for the viewer to follow. The pacing is perfect, the characters are very well written, and the scenes are not stretched out to make up for run time. With that being said, the twist ending is cliched and very predictable. It was the only time during the film that I rolled my eyes. If you have seen any films over the last 60 years that features a similar story then you know exactly what the ending consists of. Finally, the film is extremely bloody and violent. Not every scene has death and blood but the few times it does they more than make up for it with fantastic practical effects and buckets of blood. I highly recommend alone just for the effects and death scenes that we get. Overall, Suitable Flesh is one of the better Lovecraft adaptations and easily the best film in Lynch’s filmography. I highly recommend it especially if you are looking for something to add to your next Re-Animator and From Beyond marathon.

Unquiet Death

UNQUIET DEATH promo trailer from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.

Director(s) - Ferid Boughedir (Sweet Smell of Spring, Villa Jasmine) and Claude d'Anna (Salome, Foursome)

Starring - Aly Ben Ayed (Tunis Top Secret, Play Dirty), Ursule Pauly (The Nude Vampire, The Rape of the Vampire), and Sophie Vaillant (Number 96, Nanou)

Release Date - 1970

Genre - Crime/Drama/Mystery

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      We just passed the halfway mark to Halloween a few days ago and I'm still trying to watch as many horror titles as possible before the month ends. However, that has been a bit of a challenge this year with the handful of dark dramas and mysteries that have been sent over for review. I don't mind these types of films but I primarily watch and review horror for the month of October. A few weeks ago Mondo Macabro sent over the Broken Mirror and Unquiet Death double feature for review. I was under the impression that these were genre titles but after I finished Broken Mirror I quickly learned that it was not. Regardless, I still enjoyed these films and I want to thank Mondo Macabro for hooking me up with these two fantastic dramas for review! 

      The film follows three sisters who visit their late uncle's estate. While there they are forced to deal with his former servant, which brings about uncomfortable interactions between him and the three. He eventually snaps and starts ordering the women around as if he is the owner of the lavish estate and they are his slaves. It doesn't take long before the three of them have enough and stand up to him. 

      Unquiet Death is another beautifully shot international drama that did not disappoint. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, it's another film like Broken Mirror that I will never revisit. It's a fantastic first time watch but once you know exactly what is going to happen it loses it's thrill. The acting in this one is great. The three female leads are fantastic together. They have amazing chemistry and go above and beyond to make the scene work. While the cast is fairly small, they are all firing on the same cylinder. Everyone carries their weight so to speak but these three lovely ladies make the film for me. The story for this one is a solid drama that bills itself as a mystery. While I don't see the mystery aspect of the film I still thoroughly enjoyed it as a drama. It was unexpected and something you never saw coming. It has smooth pacing, wonderful dialogue, and well written characters. Finally, this is another one that is not a bloody flick. This is character focused but it works. Overall, Unquiet Death is not what I was expecting but I still enjoyed it. It's a drama that does get dark at times. I highly recommend it. 

The Broken Mirror

THE BROKEN MIRROR promo trailer from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.

Director - Claude d'Anna (Macbeth, Foursome)

Starring - Max von Sydow (Flash Gordon, Game of Thrones), Micheline Presle (Call Me Victor, The Blood of Others), and Francois Arnal (Pentimento)

Release Date - 1975

Genre - Drama/Mystery

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Every year for as long as I remember I've spent the entire month of October binging as many horror titles as possible. Most of the time I'm able to at least watch one movie a day but there have been some Octobers in the past that I was able to watch almost 90 films. Sadly, this year I may not hit my normal 31 films for the month due to the fact that I've watched a few non-genre titles expecting them to be horror releases. This time around it was another Mondo Macabro release that I still really enjoyed. A few weeks back Mondo Macabro sent over the Broken Mirror and Unquiet Death double feature for review. I was unfamiliar with both of these films and couldn't wait to check them out. I started with Broken Mirror and while it wasn't horror, I still enjoyed it. I wan't to thank Mondo Macabro for sending these over! 

      The film follows Anne who restores classic paintings. When she becomes pregnant and has a visit from her mother, she starts to remember a strange painting she had in her possession some time ago but doesn't remember what happened to it. As she starts to uncover the truth about the painting and the mystery around it she finds herself being followed by a stranger. 

      Broken Mirror is one of those films that you really appreciate as your watching it but once the dust has settled and you look back to reflect on it you find yourself impressed with the film but don't see yourself revisiting it. I really enjoyed the film and will recommend it to anyone who likes international films or mysteries. It's a beautifully shot and acted film but it doesn't have the replay value I often look for in a film. The acting in this one is great. The entire cast does a phenomenal job but Maire-France Bonin is the star of the show as the pregnant artist who restores old paintings. She carries the entire film on her back. She delivers an emotionally draining performance that really hits hard with the viewer. You put that in a mystery, and you have yourself a film that really pulls the viewer in. The story for this one is not as predictable as most other mysteries. While I did enjoy the premise and the overall film I do have an issue with the film's pacing. The scenes are extremely uneven, and a lot spend too much time on cinematography and random shots of the sets over the actual story. Don't get me wrong, the film is beautifully shot but this does take away from the story. Finally, this is not a bloody film. The main focus of this one is the protagonist and the mystery surrounding the strange painting. Overall, Broken Mirror is a beautiful film that has a great cast and a solid story. It could be trimmed down sum but isn't that bad of an experience as is. I highly recommend it 

The Night of the Executioner

NIGHT OF THE EXECUTIONER promo trailer from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.

Director - Paul Naschy (The Night of the Werewolf, Howl of the Devil)

Starring - Paul Naschy, Manuel Zarzo (My Dear Killer, The Two Faces of Fear), and Paloma Cela (A Town Called Hell, A Witch Without a Broom)

Release Date - 1992

Genre - Horror/Thriller

Tagline - ""O God, to whom revenge belongs, thy vengeance now disclose" - Psalms 94"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I hit a few speed bumps in my October horror binge when I reviewed two films that I thought were horror when they were actually dramas. While they were not the films I was expecting I still enjoyed them. I just finished The Fear blu that was recently released by Mondo Macabro. I thought that it was a horror release but I was wrong. I actually enjoyed the film but it was not something I wanted in my October horror binge. I decided to take a second to make sure another Mondo Macabro release on my list for this month was in fact a horror film. That film was 1992’s Night of the Executioner. I had never seen this one before but I am a big fan of legendary Spanish director and actor Paul Naschy and when I saw that it was a horror title I knew I had to follow up the Fear with it. Once again I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for Horror Society and myself to check out. 

      The film follows a doctor (Naschy) who returns home with his wife and daughter after a day of shopping. What they don’t know is that a gang of thugs followed them. They break in and beat the doctor before raping and murdering his wife and daughter. He survives but the attack leaves him unable to speak. He vows revenge against the group and after working out and training with various weapons, he sets out to take them out one by one for taking everyone he loved away from him. 

      If you take the time to actually read my reviews then you may have noticed that the story description may sound like Death Wish and you would be right. This movie is a lot like the meme “can we get blank? No, we have blank at home.” With that being said, I enjoyed this one a lot. While it wasn’t that originally and features a mostly silent Naschy it was still able to entertain and that’s all I’m looking for. The acting in this one is a bit different than your typical Naschy film. Naschy is no stranger to playing monsters, nobles, royalty, and so on. He’s a very versatile actor with a lot of range. However, playing a silent killer is something I’ve never seen him tackle and I kind of liked it. He’s not that menacing but his character is very ruthless and calculating which fits Naschy very well. The supporting cast is fantastic as well but it’s Naschy that is center stage in this one and he does a wonderful job carrying the film. The story for this one is just a Spanish clone of Death Wish but it is still enjoyable. I don’t mind Bronson but I would much rather see Naschy in these roles and would have loved for him to take on multiple sequels to this one. The film is a bit of a slow burn but some of the scenes have brilliant tension before things come to a boil. It could use a bit of a small trim to help with pacing but nothing that would drastically change the overall film. Finally, the film has several deaths with a slight bit of blood with kills similar to Death Wish. We mostly get gun deaths and some stabbings. The effects are minimal and the deaths are easily forgettable. Overall, Night of the Executioner is the Spanish answer to Death Wish and I love it. While the deaths are not that enjoyable the remainder of the film is. I highly recommend it.

My Best Friend is a Vampire

Director - Jimmy Huston (Final Exam, Death Driver)

Starring - Robert Sean Leonard (House, The Manhattan Project), Evan Mirand (Se7en, Fight Club), and LeeAnn Locken (Carter High, Broken Vessels)

Release Date - 1987

Genre - Comedy/Horror

Tagline - "Vampires and teenagers are a lot alike.  They're just misunderstood"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     I started my horror journey as a fan of zombie films when I was introduced to Tom Savini’s remake of Night of the Living Dead. I was hooked from that moment on. I was snagging any and every zombie movie I could find but a late night viewing of Fright Night II sent me down the path of vampires. From then on I was hunting for any 80s and early 90s vampire films I could find. This was my favorite time for vampire flicks and there was several worth mentioning like Fright Night, The Lost Boys, Vamp, Children of the Night, Once Bitten, and 1987’s My Best Friend is a Vampire. My Best Friend is a Vampire, or I Was a Teenage Vampire, is one of several films I snagged on VHS when my local video store was going out of business. It’s a fantastic film that I never saw get the DVD aside from those multi-film releases where each movie is compressed to hell to put more titles on each disc. That changed recently when Vestron Video released the film on blu. I love this campy late 80s vampire flick so it was a no-brainer when I saw it on store shelves. I couldn’t wait to revisit this one and even though I wasn’t sent this one for review I still wanted to check it as part of my October horror binge. 

      The film follows high schooler Jeremy who finds himself on the run from a vampire slayer and his minion after a late night date with a mysterious woman. She bit him before they were interrupted and in the mean time he has noticed his body is changing. To make matters worse, the vampire slayer and his goon is hunting his best friend because they believe he is the vampire. While adjusting to his new life, he befriends another vampire who takes him under his wing and uses his new powers to get the girl of his dreams. Things start to look up for him but the vampire hunter and his persistence has to be stopped before his best friend and girl friend is killed by them. 

      My Best Friend is a Vampire is not something that I would call traditional horror. It’s more of a coming of age comedy that just happens to be centered around a vampire. I know many fans of this film are going to attack me when I say this but The Twilight Saga is more horror than this movie. With that being said, I fucking love it. It’s one of my favorite 80s films and I’m so fucking stoked to have it on blu. The acting in this one is great for the film but the cliched characters and the paint by numbers story doesn’t leave a lot of room for memorable performances. I like the cast but if you’ve seen any comedy centered around high schoolers or a vampire film of the time then you have seen characters exactly like this. I liked the cast and their performances but the characters are not as memorable as other films. The story for this one is a heavy mix of so many films from the early to mid-80s. We have the awkward high school kid who has a crush on someone with the rather loud and outspoken friend that is the source of humor for the film. Can be easily compared to Teen Wolf in that regard. We then throw in the vampire aspect with the mentor and vampire slaying which is a bit of a reversal from Fright Night. I love the story but I’m also not blind to how it was tossed together for a quick buck. Finally, the film isn’t really that bloody or violent. We do have “blood” products in the film but you don’t really see the red stuff. The film is more focused on the comedy aspect over the blood and violence. Overall, My Best Friend is a Vampire may piss off some horror purists but I fucking love it. It’s a fantastically 80s film that I’ve paired several times with films like Vamp and Fright Night. I highly recommend snagging this blu from Vestron Video

The Fear

Director - Kostas Manoussakis (Prodosia, Love in the Sand Dunes)

Starring - Elli Fotiou (One-Penny Youth, The Seventh Day of Creation), Anestis Vlahos (Raw Trip, Death Steps in the Dark), and Spyros Fokas (Rambo III, The Serpent of Death)

Release Date - 1966

Genre - Crime/Drama

Tagline - "For the most mature of audiences - the most realistic of motion pictures"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My annual October horror binge is in full swing. I typically try to watch at least one movie a day throughout the year but during October I try to at least double or triple those numbers with all horror titles. While most of the year is horror mixed with sci-fi and exploitation, my October watches are always horror unless they are Halloween centered. While I was planning my month long list of films to watch I tossed in the 1966 Greek film The Fear that was recently released on blu by Mondo Macabro. The title, along with the quote at the top of the release, painted the film as a horror release. After I finished the first season of The Last of Us and an indie short I decided it was time to toss this one in. I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending it over. 

      The film follows the beautiful Anna who is returning home from Athens. The picturesque countryside that she left is not longer visible. In it’s place is a bleak and bitter place with everyone in low spirits. Her parents are drifting apart and no longer in love. Her half brother is extremely angry and hostile towards everyone. When a friend goes missing she suspects that her brother is the one responsible. As she starts to look into her disappearance she becomes worried that her brother is on to her which makes her fear for her life. She turns to an older man in the village for protection and eventually the two fall in love. 

      I went into this one thinking it was going to be a wild 1960’s horror film. Instead, I was given a beautifully shot drama that may have a little touch of suspense but not enough to truly stand out. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed The Fear but it was not a title I was wanting to watch and review during my October horror binge. The title and quote used on the blu release was very misleading. The acting in this one was very well done. The characters have a lot of personality and they are very bold with their emotions. I loved their mannerisms, expressions, and how they hold themselves in front of the camera. When you mix that with the characters and the dialogue you get some great performances from the entire cast. The story for this one is actually a beautifully put together and shot drama that does a great job at holding your attention. The film doesn’t really have an overarching story but more like a series of events and we watch as it unfolds. Honestly, I didn’t mind it and I could see myself revisiting it if I was looking for something out of the horror genre. It has great pacing blended with beautiful shots of the countryside which gives the viewer a lot to enjoy. Finally, this is not a bloody flick so those of you looking for something with a body count will be very disappointed. Instead, the film’s focus is on the protagonist and how life has changed so much for her family while she was away and how she handles these changes. Overall, The Fear was not what I was expecting but I can see why the title is fitting. It’s an enjoyable family drama with some of the best cinematography I’ve seen. I highly recommend this release from Mondo Macabro.

Resident Evil: Death Island (Review)

Director - Eiichiro Hasumi (Mozu the Movie, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness)

Starring - Matthew Mercer (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match), Nicole Tompkins (Antrum: The Deadliest Film Ever Made, American Horror Story), and Kevin Dorman (Resident Evil: Vendetta, Avatar: The Way of Water)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      I’m an avid gamer and that’s a part of my personal life that I rarely get to talk about on Horror Society. When I’m not at work or watching horror flicks I’m in front of my PC hacking away at whatever game I’m obsessed with at the time. I’ve been gaming for decades by this point and while I hate to admit to my age I still find it impressive that I’ve been gaming for so long. I remember playing the original few Resident Evil games on PlayStation but I was never really a huge fan of the games. I did enjoy the fourth installment but I wouldn’t call it one of my favorite games. However, I fucking loved the first film adaptation and didn’t mind the sequels that much. I also adore Welcome to Raccoon City. While I may be in the minority here I know I’m not alone. When it comes to the animated films I find myself on the fence for most of them. They are the middle of the road in terms of entertainment. When I received the press release for Resident Evil: Death Island I almost skipped on it. I thought about it for a few days and decided to continue watching the series even though they have been a bit underwhelming to me. I’m glad I didn’t sleep on it. It was surprisingly decent and one of the better films in the animated series. 

      The film follows Leon who finds himself in San Francisco searching for a missing scientist while Claire is also in the city investigating something that is attacking orcas. When Jill and Chris show up battling a new form of zombies that are turning without being bit they realize that something is happening in San Fran and a new T-Virus may have been released. 

       The first live action adaptation of Resident Evil was something that I watched continuously when I was in high school. I’m not a fan of Marilyn Manson but his score for that film was spectacular. I liked the sequels but they were nowhere near as good as the first film. I know hardcore fans of the games didn’t care for Welcome to Raccoon City but I loved it almost as much as the first RE film. When it comes to the animated films I find them to be films you turn on when you want some background noise. They don’t really do anything for me but that seems to be changing. Death Island held my attention and I found myself really enjoying it. I don’t care for this political and terrorist centered story lines these newer animated films have but it’s not something that completely turns me off from the film. The voice acting is great which has never really been a complaint I’ve had for these films. There was a few instances where it feels like the cast was just reading from a script with no emotion behind their voice but it’s not consistent or enough to drag the film down. I liked the voice casting and really enjoyed most of the scenes. The story for this one doesn’t really feel like the original Resident Evil games that I remember playing and I think that is why I’m a bit reluctant to this series. It’s a film series full of bioterrorism, espionage, Mission Impossible style action along with dashes of Resident Evil lore. It’s not a bad mix but this is the first film in the series that I was fully behind. With that being said, the pacing in this one is off. Some scenes are long winded and not very enjoyable while others are more fast paced and action oriented. The slower scenes go on for far too long which does strain the viewer’s patience. Finally, I liked the animation style. It looks good and on par with the other films. We also get some bloody moments and I loved the looks of the mutations. Overall, Resident Evil: Death Island doesn’t really scratch that itch that I may have for a new Resident Evil film but it is one of the better animated films in the series. Fans of the other films will enjoy where the story is taking them but more traditional Resident Evil fans may dislike this approach to the franchise. Regardless, I liked it and would recommend it to genre fans.

Ravishing Dany

RAVISHING DANY original English trailer from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.

Director - Willy Rozier (Sin and Desire, The Girl in the Binkini)

Starring - Sandra Julien (House of Cruel Dolls, Nada), Jurgen Drews (Short Night of Glass Dolls, Night of the Flowers), and Michael Paulin (The Masters of Time, The Man Without a Face)

Release Date - 1972

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "The story of a girls adventure on the road"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I love pairing movies and have marathons or double features when I can finally sit down to enjoy one. That’s why I love the boutique labels like Mondo Macabro, Vinegar Syndrome, Severin Films, and so many more. Sometimes they pair like minded films or works from the same filmmakers together to give genre fans and collectors more bang for their buck. Mondo Macabro has released several double features over the years and recently put out Ravishing Dany that had a bonus second film titled The Girl Can’t Stop. While I did watch The Girl Can’t Stop first I decided to go ahead and follow it up with the second film. While I did enjoy The Girl Can’t Stop, Ravishing Dany is the prize of this set. Like always, I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over for review. 

      The film follows an aspiring model named Dany that hitchhikes to the various destinations that she needs to visit. This results in some random nudity and awkward situations as the various patrons that pick her up reveal their true intentions with the beautiful young lady. 

      I went into Ravishing Dany after watching The Girl Can’t Stop and was pleasantly surprised to find that the film was nothing like the bonus film included on the disc. With that being said, I fucking loved it. The humor doesn’t always find it’s mark but I laughed more at this one than I have any sleazy comedy in the past. The acting in this one is decent but it does get awkward at times. The cast is having a lot of fun with the film which shows but the acting is very loose here. It doesn’t take away from the film but it does lack from memorable characters aside from Dany herself. The story for this one is simple and the perfect set up for a sexploitation film. While it’s not as exploitative as most sexploitation films it does have plenty of humor. In fact, I was very surprised by how funny it is. It is a bit too long but it doesn’t over stay it’s welcome. It would greatly benefit from some clever editing to remove some of the more pointless scenes. Finally, don’t expect blood or gore here. We have humor and skin so if that is your thing then you are in luck. Overall, Ravishing Dany is one of the more entertaining films released by Mondo Macabro. This release will go mostly unnoticed by genre fans but if you dig exploitation or foreign film then I highly recommend it. It’s a lot of fun.

The Girl Can't Stop

THE GIRL CAN'T STOP promo trailer from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.

Director - Willy Rozier (Beside Murder, Sin and Desire)

Starring - Xenia Kalogeropoulou (The Storyteller, The Prodigal Son), Georges Riviere (Castle of Blood, Horror Castle), and Jean Sobieski (Plucked, Playgirl 70)

Release Date - 1965

Genre - Crime/Drama

Tagline - "The shocking story of the far side of love... and the men and women with twisted desires who play there!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     My month long horror binge is well under way. So far this month I’ve watched slashers, films about the occult, demon slaying, murder mysteries, and a film adaptation of a children’s book that was a childhood favorite of mine. My annual October horror movie binge is something I look forward to each and every year. However, sometimes I get non-horror films in for review and try to sneak them in from time to time. A couple weeks back Mondo Macabro sent over a few releases of theirs to check out. I wanted to review them before my October binge but I never could find the time. After watching a few horror titles I decided it was time to check out one of these releases. The first was a double feature with the first film in the set being The Girl Can’t Stop from 1965. This French title was a new one to me and I couldn’t wait to check it out. I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one my way. 

      The film follows a failing business man who just lost his last bit of money gambling. A sleazy friend of his convinces him to have his wife sleep with a wealthy banker so he will feel obligated to loan him money. He reluctantly agrees and soon convinces his wife to go along with their seedy plan. She eventually falls in love with the banker but the grass is not always greener on the other side. She discovers that he is a sadistic man who enjoys when his servant tortures women. 

      This one looked like it would be a fun sexploitation with some twisted moments. Sadly, that was not the case. It’s a drama that worked that ended with a little perversion that may have been considered taboo in the mid-60s but to a generation that grew up with South Park and G-String Divas it was relatively mild. The acting in this one was very well done for the most part. I really liked the characters and the lengths the cast went to keep them grounded and believable. However, a few scenes did feel rushed and it looked as if the cast was just going through the motions to finish. This was only in a few scenes but the inconsistent performances are very noticeable. The story for this one is very predictable but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The man convincing his wife to sleep with a banker so he can secure a loan only for her to fall in love with him is something the viewer can spot a mile away. The perversion part is a bit unexpected but it’s not that wild when you consider most have read or at least watched the film adaptation of 50 Shades of Gray. Honestly, I liked the film but I was expecting more of a sexploitation than a drama. Finally, this is not a film with any bloodshed or gore. It’s a character driven piece that is enjoyable but not something you would want to toss in during your Halloween viewing. Overall, The Girl Cant Stop was very enjoyable. I really enjoyed it but I do wish it was a little more sleazy. With that being said, I highly recommend grabbing a copy.

The Last of Us Season 1

Creator(s) - Neil Druckman and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, Scary Movie 3)

Starring - Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones, The Worst Witch), and Melanie Lynskey (The Frighteners, But I'm a Cheerleader)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "When you're lost in the darkness, look for the light"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Many of you know how much I love horror and exploitation. Horror, especially indie horror, along with the many sub-genres of exploitation are a big part of my life. However, another big part of my life that I rarely get to share with you is gaming. I grew up with the original Nintendo and Sega Genesis. As I got older I found myself migrating to the newest consoles of the time and after the PS2 I moved to Xbox, Xbox 360, and finally Xbox One before switching to PC. You may have noticed that I became an Xbox fan after the PS2 and a big reason for that was Halo and Gears of War. Sadly, I’ve missed a few PlayStation exclusives because of that. One of those is the critically acclaimed The Last of Us and it’s follow up game. I was able to add it recently to my Steam library but I haven’t made the time to play it. I was excited for the television adaptation but my original plan was to play the game first and then watch the show. However, when an opportunity to review the UHD release of the film presented itself I decided to go ahead and check it out. I’m glad I did because it was phenomenal. 

      The series follows Joel, a smuggler who is tasked with taking a teenager to a resistance outpost after the fall of civilization. A good deal of humanity was wiped out when a fungus mutated to the point it could grow inside of the human body. Now, those infected are controlled by the fungi and will stop at nothing to spread it to other survivors. The young girl, Ellie, that Joel is tasked with taking across the ravaged United States is immune to the disease and hope for a cure lies within her. 

      I’m going to go ahead and state the obvious before I get comments and messages from butt hurt horror fans. This review is strictly for the television adaptation and I will not be making notes of the differences between the game and the show. With that being said, this first season is fucking fantastic. I found myself wanting more as the credits on the last episode began rolling. I’m seriously looking forward to the next season and before the year is out I will at least play through the first game fully. The acting in this one is unforgettable. Pedro Pascal has become the internet’s daddy the last few years and is a fantastic actor. His chemistry with everyone on screen is perfect and he demonstrates a wild range of emotions. Honestly, he’s getting the recognition now that he truly deserves. Bella Ramsey is just as amazing as Ellie. In my mind she is this character and I couldn’t see anyone else portraying her. She does everything right and is a scene stealer. We also get some unforgettable performances from the likes of Nick Offerman, Anna Tory, Melanie Lynskey and many more. This show has a lot of great performances and memorable scenes that the cast goes above and beyond to bring to life. The story for this one feels like something done before but it’s the way this show goes about it that makes it feel different and have a different impact on the viewer. We’ve had several shows featuring a small group of survivors as they brave the new world after it is destroyed by a viral outbreak or something along those lines. We’ve seen them fight zombies, vampires, and so on while fending off other humans. There is nothing new here. Hell, if you watched The Mandalorian then you’ve seen Pedro Pascal portray the same character. He’s someone tasked with delivering a child safely to a destination but has a change of heart. What makes this show stand out to me was the random episodes where we get backstories to several characters. It brings the viewer into their lives and you build an emotion connection with them. I loved that this wasn’t just a straight forward adventure show. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that works. Finally, the film has some amazing practical effects. I loved the make-up designs for the infected. Each one looked completely different than the other and the make-up effects are fucking top tier. The show has some blood and a lot of set design but it’s not as gory as I was hoping for. With that being said, I was not disappointed with the effects. Overall, The Last of Us Season 1 is a fantastic show. While I can’t talk on the faithfulness to it’s source material, I can recommend it from a horror standpoint. It’s a show that I can’t recommend enough. Check it out.

A Family Matter

Director - Richard Russell (Thewlis, Mr. Darkness)

Starring - Heather Bayles (It'll Be Okay, Powerball), James L. Edwards (Bloodletting, Dwellers), and Keith Migra (The Hunting, Life After)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Crime/Drama

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I never know what kind of film is going to be sent my way for review. While I love horror and exploitation, I still find myself reviewing sci-fi, crime dramas, thrillers, and even a few romantic comedies. Most of the time these are films released by filmmakers that I’ve built a relationship with over the years and they are branching out to other genres. Filmmaking is story telling and I respect filmmakers who are open to trying other genres. A few weeks back director Richard Russell reached out to review his newest short A Family Matter. I agreed to check it out but I knew absolutely nothing about it. Like always, I want to thank Richard for sending this one over. 

      The film follows a father and his two sons who have a woman tied and beaten in their garage. We learn that she is the ex-girlfriend of one of the sons but said something negative about his late mother. The father, upon hearing of this, brings his boys together and beats her before placing her in a shallow grave that is big enough for two. 

      A Family Matter was not what I was expecting but it wasn’t a bad short at all. In fact, I really liked it. I was expecting something along the lines of a traditional horror film. Instead, A Family Matter is more of a dark drama but it works. It was something I was not expecting and it shows that Richard Russell is a versatile filmmaker able to tackle different genres once he applies himself to it. The acting in this one is solid. I really liked the casting and it was nice to see James L. Edwards take center stage. He’s a fantastic actor and he brings some intensity to the short. The rest of the cast is just as fantastic with absolutely no weak links to be seen here. The story for this one is a little predictable but not in a bad way. The film doesn’t hide the fact that we know what is going to happen to the young lady. However, the reason it’s happening is never revealed until the last leg of the film. While it is short the film is still able to draw you in and hold your attention without wasting your time. It’s very well written and executed. Finally, this is not a bloody flick. While we do get a little blood and light make-up effects that is the extent of it. Overall, A Family Matter may not be a new short you can add to your Halloween viewing but it is something I would highly recommend checking out once the season has passed. It was a fantastic film with an amazing cast. I highly recommend it.

Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls

Director - Andrew Bowser (Little Willy, The Mother of Invention)

Starring - Andrew Bowser, Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator, From Beyond), and Olivia Taylor Dudley (Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, She Dies Tomorrow)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "Demons.  Ghouls.  Tiny wines.  Onyx is in for one hell of a weekend"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I came across the YouTube channel Bowser Vids. Andrew Bowser is the genius behind the viral videos featuring his now iconic character Onyx the Fortuitous. Most of the videos are titled “Weird Arby’s Guy,” “Weird Gamer Guy,” or “Weird Anime Guy” depending on the video you are watching. I immediately started following him and learned that he had written and directed several films along with the various videos on his YouTube channel. Sometime back he started crowd funding for his newest feature Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls. I had kept an eye on him promoting the film but somewhere between the closing of the crowd funding campaign and filming he stopped posting about it for obvious reasons. Fast forward to a few weeks back when I started receiving press releases for the theatrical premier of the film. After sharing the news with you beautiful people I was sent a screener link that I couldn’t pass up. This movie was everything I hoped it was and more! 

      The film follows Onyx the Fortuitous who wins a contest to attend the home with a legendary occultist with some other contestants. Onyx hopes that this little getaway to his idles mansion will be an enlightening experience but what he doesn’t know is that his idle, Bartok the Great (Jeffrey Combs), has imprisoned a demon and is using the contestants to grant himself immortality. 

      Bowser’s Onyx character is one of my favorite internet characters so it was a no-brainer to watch this film and I’m so fucking glad I did. This is the type of horror film that I love especially as Halloween approaches. It’s funny, bloody, and full of nods to classic genre properties. This movie reminded me of other YouTube personalities that made films based around their online personas like Angry Video Game Nerd: The Movie and The Smosh Movie. I’m a sucker for these types of films and I can see myself watching this one over and over again without tiring of it. It’s that damn good! The acting in this one is fucking fantastic. We start with Bowser who is at home with his Onyx character. He made the film and I hope to any higher power that is willing to listen that we get a follow up film with the character. We also have an Empire Entertainment reunion with Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs appearing in the film. These two are well known for their roles in From Beyond and Re-Animator so it was cool to see them in the same film again. Sadly, they don’t share a scene but it was still cool to see them appearing in the same film. With that being said, Combs delivered a performance I was not expecting and I loved it. His character was just as enjoyable as Bowser’s. I could watch an entire movie about his backstory. The remainder of the cast deserves mention as well but I would be here all day giving them the praise they deserve. The story for this one is predictable but it is still a wild ride. You can see the film’s premise a mile away and most movie fans know exactly what to expect. However, the journey is what makes the film so much fun. We have a lot of Child’s Play references along with a tribute to Beetlejuice and a few others that I can’t remember off the top of my head. We have great pacing, lots of humor, and a very rich and detailed story that most movies fail to deliver. Finally, the film has a lot of effects to enjoy. We get some visual effects that don’t stick out like a sore thumb along with so many amazing practical effects. We have some seriously impressive make-up effects, prosthetics, and puppets. While the film is not that gory or bloody, it does satisfy that itch most of us horror fans have. Overall, Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls is the horror comedy that you’ve been waiting for. This is for those of you that love your horror with a little adventure and comedy. This is a movie that I will be adding to my annual October horror binge going forward and I highly recommend you check it out

Human Hibachi: The Beginning

Director - Mario Cerrito (Human Hibachi, Deadly Gamble)

Starring - Nicholas Ear, Ilana Lo, and Wataru Nishida (The Human Chair, The Porns)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Bamboo can penetrate concrete.  Imagine what it can do to a human body"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     A few years ago I was introduced to the indie found footage film Human Hibachi. The title was absolutely brilliant and I was very interested in the film but I was reluctant to watch it. I’m not a found footage fan. In fact, most of you know how I often avoid the sub-genre altogether. However, the first Human Hibachi and it’s sequel are solid found footage entries. I’ve seen them several times now by this point and highly recommend them to found footage enthusiasts. A few weeks back filmmaker Mario Cerrito reached out to review his newest entry in the series, Human Hibachi: The Beginning. This short film serves as a prequel to the first film and is now streaming on Troma Now. I want to thank Mario for sending this one over. 

      The film follows several people who have someone tied to a chair surrounded by sprouting bamboo. He refuses to cooperate with them so they leave him there for several hours with the bamboo still growing. When they return later they find his lifeless body with several bamboo sprouts protruding from it. 

      Human Hibachi: The Beginning does take the viewer back to before the first film but is it an effective prequel? Honestly, this is the weakest of the three films but it’s not a horrible movie. In fact, it’s a decent enough short but it does have some big shoes to fill. The acting in this one is solid. The cast, which appears to be local Japanese actors, do a great job but the interactions and dialogue is short lived and one sides. I can’t really go to in depth with this one due to the short run time and the action taking place doesn’t give me much room to judge character portrayals and so on but I did like what I saw. The story for this one is decent as a torture porn or a straight forward found footage/faux snuff film but as a prequel to Human Hibachi I feel like it falls short.  While we see the ending monologue connect this one to the first film that is all we have between the two.  It's not the same premise as the first film where this one seems to be a revenge killing with no cannibalism.  It just doesn't feel like a solid prequel but would be a bit more enjoyable if it was a stand alone film.  Finally, the film has some make-up effects that work for the film but they are rather classic gags that don't really stand out.  It's not a bloody film but the effects look good.  Overall, Human Hibachi: The Beginning doesn't surpass the previous films but it's still a solid enough entry.  I would have liked to see the short take a different approach to a prequel but it's still a decent enough horror short.  Check it out especially if you are a fan of found footage or the original Human Hibachi films.