Bakemono

Director - Doug Roos (Hunted, Betrayed)

Starring - Takashi Irie (Dragon Black, Planet of Amoebas), Yukina Takase (Reapers, Legion), and Yurika Natsume

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "It feeds on more than just fears"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Unearthed Films has made a name for themselves releasing some of the most brutal and violent horror films around.  Some of the most controversial genre releases are from Unearthed Films and owner Stephen Biro.  While I may not always like what they release, I respect the hell out of Stephen Biro and company for their dedication to depravity on film.  Sometime back I received a press release for the 2023 horror film Bakemono making it's blu debut from Unearthed Films.  I had never heard of this one before but the artwork really made my imagination work overtime.  I couldn't wait to see it and a few days later I received the blu release in the mail from my friends over at MVD.  I would like to thank Unearthed Films and MVD for sending this one over for review!

     The film follows an apartment, or airbnb, in Tokyo where several different people rent it looking for a cheap place to stay only to become victim to a horrible monster residing there.  

     I went into this one completely blind with my mind racing about everything that the poster had to offer and found myself a bit underwhelmed.  Don't get me wrong, it's a solid movie with some seriously insane practical effects but the story was lacking.  The acting in this one is solid but the characters don't really stand out.  The film doesn't give the cast a lot to work with in regards to creating characters.  The people we see are just fuel for the fire so to speak.  Everyone is meant to die so we don't have any characters that have memorable personalities.  I would have loved to see what the cast could really do instead of blending into the background.  The story for this one is is pretty fucking clever and makes good use of a modern trend but it does date itself by doing so.  A monster living in an apartment, or airbnb, and eating those that enter it reminded me a lot of the film Barbarian but this was made a few years before it.  I do like the idea and can appreciate the use of social media and technology in a horror film.  However, the movie is a bit repetitive and could easily be a short.  Finally, the film has some great effects.  The beast is the thing of nightmare and every death outdoes the last one.  The film really is a vehicle to get as much blood and gore out to the viewer and it succeeds here.  Overall, Bakemono is decent for a first time watch.  The kills really stand out but everything else is very underwhelming.  Fans of Unearthed and underground cinema will dig it but the everyday horror fan may become bored with this one.  

Death O' Lantern 4: Summer Slaughter

Director - Chris Seaver (Mulva: Demon Ass Kicker, The Weirdsies)

Starring - Billy Garberina (Deathbone, Johnny Z), Marcus Robertson, and Mae Weeks

Release Date - 2026

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "The fourth ghoulish movie in the neo-sexual trilogy"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

    I love having a new Chris Seaver film ready to watch during my October horror binge.  I've been a fan of his for sometime now and I try to sneak in a few of his films during my annual binge but it's not often that I have a new one to watching during my Halloween season.  A few months back he announced that he was selling copies of his newest film, Death O' Lantern 4: Summer Slaughter, on blu.  I reached out to him and he was kind enough to send over a link for me to review it.  I knew Halloween was fast approaching and decided to hold on until now.  I want to thank Chris for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows the descendant of Stingy Jack who accidentally ingests pumpkin spice.  She is highly allergic and violently shits in the yard before returning home to rest.  This pumpkin infused shit resurrects Stingy and he once again goes on a murderous rampage.  

     I went into this one knowing what to expect from a Seaver flick and was given exactly just that.  Fans of Seaver know that his films feature dialogue all their own while delivering crude humor and horror cliches.  I absolutely fucking love his movies and while DOL 4 was really fun, it doesn't stand out some of his other films.  The acting in this one is exactly what I expected from Seaver and his usually suspects.  The cast uses humor to cover inexperience and it works.  It's a lot of fun to watch especially with all the chemistry and fun they have on screen with each other.  The fun dialogue and energy makes these films so memorable in my opinion.  The story for this one is pretty much the same as the previous films.  However, I laughed for far too long at how Stingy Jack was resurrected.  I love Seaver's sense of humor which does cover up the fact we are getting the same story again.  Finally, the film features a killer in a cheap rubber mask and some fake blood.  The kills are not that memorable but they fit the film and offer up some more cheap laughs.  Overall, Death O' Lantern 4: Summer Slaughter doesn't really bring anything knew to the series but it still scratches that itch for a new Seavage flick.  I enjoyed it and highly recommend it to other fans of Seaver.  Check it out.  

Echoes from the Void

Director - Robert W. Filion (Psychic Brats, Athena)

Starring - Jaysen P. Buterin (The Devil's Lettuce, Bombshell Bloodbath), Amie Henry (Dead Men and Devil's, Coloring Girl), and John R. Sexton (Grave Talk, Fish Out of Water)

Release Date - 2026

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Some stories pull you in"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Anthologies really excited me.  I grew up with what I would consider some of the best horror anthologies to ever exist.  Films like Creepshow, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, From a Whisper to a Scream, And Twilight Zone: The Movie.  These are fantastic films with strong segments that do a phenomenal job bookending the film.  Several weeks ago I was asked to review the indie horror anthology Echoes from the Void from director Robert W. Filion.  Like I said, I love horror anthologies and quickly added this one to my October horror binge.  I want to thank Robert for sending this one over.

     The film follows a doctor who is sent to interview a prisoner.  He tells her that he is a self-proclaimed master storyteller but doesn't tell his stories to just anyone.  After a round of introductions he clarifies that they are now friends and can spin his craft for her.  The first story follows a young woman struggling mentally and kills several therapists before she is able to wrestle her demons.  The second story follows two men.  One is obsessed with a woman who was struck down sometime ago by a drunk driver.  The other is a man trying to reclaim his life after a drunk driving incident.  A little black magic brings the woman back where she kills the man who resurrected her because his obsession is the reason she was hit by the drunk driver.  The third tale is about an old man who is hiring a young woman to rob his elderly ex-wife but he doesn't reveal everything to her before she visits her home.  The final story is about two siblings on a getaway when their parents disappear.  Alone and low on supplies, they try to find out what happened to their parents but it's too late.

     I'm a bit more critical of horror anthologies than I am other sub-genres because they have so many chances to deliver between the wraparound segments and the shorts included.  Typically, if an indie horror anthology has a weak wraparound segment then it's a weak anthology but that's not always the case.  Echoes from the Void doesn't really deliver on the wraparound segment but still has some fun scattered throughout.  The acting in this one is great.  I really enjoyed the acting in the wraparound segment.  Jaysen Buterin and Amie Henry's performances are top notch.  They work so damn well together and I loved how their characters clashed on screen.  The other segments are solid for the most part but there was a few instances where the dialogue was a bit flat with little to no conviction behind the delivery.  The stories for this one are a bit inconsistent but I did enjoy some of them.  The wraparound segment may be the best acted segment but it's not that enjoyable from an anthology point of view.  An inmate telling stories is nothing new.  In fact, the telling stories angle has been done so many times before now with some of the classics like From a Whisper to a Scream, Tales from the Crypt, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, and many more using it as a way to tie everything together.  As for the segments themselves, the first and last story are the weakest in the film with the second and third tale being phenomenal.  These two shorts made the film for me.  I don't want to go too deep into without giving stuff away but these two segments are absolutely phenomenal.  Finally, the film has a little blood and some light make-up effects but that is about the end of it.  We don't have the most graphic deaths and practical effects to enjoy.  The film clearly has a small budget and it looks like very little went into the kills.  Overall, Echoes from the Void may not be for everyone.  I stuck with it and found myself really enjoying it but there was a few moments where I questioned my decision.  Check it out if you dig anthologies and imaginative deaths are not your thing.  

Hellcat

Director - Brock Bodell (Grief)

Starring - Todd Terry (The Jurassic Games: Extinction, The Winchesters), Dakota Gorman (Teen Wolf, The Wake), and Liz Atwater (Shed, The Legend of Lake Hollow)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I try to save some of the more interesting horror films sent to me for review during my annual October horror binge.  During the month I try to review all things horror and Halloween while trying not to review every movie I watch.  Some Octobers in the past I've been able to squeeze in close to 100 films and reviewing all these films is not feasible.  However, I try to work in some movies that I'm really looking forward to watching along with those that fit the Halloween aesthetics.  Back during the tail end of summer I was sent the 2025 horror thriller Hellcat for review.  This was a Shudder original release and I absolutely loved the artwork for it.  I knew it was getting released near that date but decided to hold off on the review until now.  Holy fuck, what a movie.

     The film follows a young woman who wakes up in a pull behind camper moving down the road when the driver tells her through the speakers that she was bitten by something and is infected.  She doesn't believe him and suspects that he is some sort of serial killer taking her to her final resting place.  We soon learn that she does show signs of being infected by something.  The driver is a conspiracy theorist who believes in the supernatural and thinks he knows of someone that help.  However, the radio show he put his faith in turns out to be a hoax forcing him to reconsider his plan.

     I went into Hellcat completely blind.  I knew this had nothing to do with Dodge or their cars but the title made me giggle a bit thinking about it.  Anyway, I went into this one completely blind and found myself fucking loving it.  It did take a little time to get going but once it does it delivers.  The acting in this one is great.  The cast is small but the performances are not.  Dakota Gorman carries the film.  She's solo for most of the film and does a wonderful job.  She goes through a wide range of emotions and everyone is genuine.  Todd Terry does a great job as well but he is only seen for a short time.  He does a great job at conveying emotion with just his voice and when he does make an appearance he nails it.  The supporting cast is great as well but these two do an amazing job.  The story for this one is not one that I saw coming and I love how the whole "twist" is literally handed to you on a silver platter at the beginning of the film.  The whole werewolf thing is nowhere to be found on the poster and unless Hellcat is another name for lycanthropy that I'm unfamiliar with, then this movie does a fantastic job at hiding it.  However, the movie itself is quick to tell you about it pretty early on but it is done is such a way that the viewer doesn't believe.  It even ends on a what if angle.  It's a brilliantly written movie that may just rub some horror hipsters the wrong way.  Finally, the film has some blood and some decent make-up effects but those wanting insane gore and memorable deaths will be very disappointed.  Overall, Hellcat is one of those films that I'm thinking about days later.  I don't think it would have the same impact on me if I revisited it anytime soon but I would love to revisit this one in a year or so.  I loved it and highly recommend it.  

Video Vixen

Director - Victor Bonacore (Thrust, Amityville Aliens)

Starring - Erin Brown (Screaming Dead, Vampire Vixens), Allison Egan (Spookie Dookie, R.I.P.: Rest in Pieces), and Scott Gabbey (Gator Green, American Guinea Pigs: Bouquet of Guts and Gore)

Release Date - 2026

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "It's New Year's Eve in a small, influencer town... and everyone's 10 seconds of fame are up!"

Format - Streaming (Tubi)

Rating (Out of 5):

     I've been a fan of Victor Bonacore for sometime now and I've been really excited for his films after he started paring with indie film legend Erin Brown who made a name for herself under the moniker Misty Mundae.  I collected as many of her films as I could in my high school and college years and seeing her appear in these indie horror flicks in recent years has really made me appreciate her acting skills.  Several weeks ago I received a press release for his newest film Video Vixen and how it was premiering on Tubi.  I quickly added that my watch list to save for my annual October horror binge.

    The film follows content creator Kitty Video (Brown) who is known for making faux-snuff style fetish videos.  She lives in a small town that has recently seen an influx in content creators trying to make their mark on the internet.  Instead of getting lost in the sea of influencers, Kitty decides to start killing the competition and filming it for her sick audience.  

     I knew absolutely nothing about this one outside of the fact that it was directed by Bonacore and starred Brown.  The movie itself was not what I was expecting but I enjoyed it for a first time watch.  The acting in this one is every uneven.  Brown does a great job as the film's lead and so does the small role from director Bonacore.  They both deliver solid performances and carry the film for most of it's run time.  I also enjoyed Allison Egan's performance.  I think she's a phenomenal actor and hate that she's not appearing is as many films as he used to.  She's fantastic here and I really loved her character.  With that being said, a lot of the supporting cast is inexperienced and extremely stiff.  The dialogue is very flat with no emotion behind it whatsoever.  The story for this one is a fun idea that I could really get behind but it's a bit too repetitive to be a feature length film.  Maybe making it a short or switching it up and having the killer be unknown to the viewer would have made this one a bit more enjoyable.  Don't get me wrong, I really dig the idea of a fetish content creator killing influencers for views but after the second death I was ready to move on.  Finally, the film has several kills with some blood.  The deaths are quick and the effects work great for the kill but they are not that fun.  They don't really stick out or are that imaginative.  Some memorable deaths would have taken this one to the next level.  Overall, Video Vixen feels like it was possibly a rushed film from Bonacore and Brown.  His previous films are modern classics that deserve to be seen.  While I did enjoy this one, it just doesn't kick as hard as his previous films.  If this sounds like something you would want to see, be sure to check it out on Tubi.   

Confessions of a Lunar Werewolf

Director - Alexis Ramirez (Hybrid Hazards, Fury Blade)

Starring - Courtney Jacoby (Evil Lives Here, Canvas of Death)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (YouTube)

Rating (out of 5):

     Honestly, I never know what is going to be sent my way for review but I'm always grateful for anything sent my way.  Several weeks ago I was sent an email about checking out the short Confessions of a Lunar Werewolf.  I love a werewolf flick and quickly agreed to check it out.  I couldn't get to it right away and decided to add it to my annual October horror binge where I watch as many horror movies as possible.  I want to thank Alexis Ramirez for reaching out!

    The film follows a young woman who undergoes a self-inflicted werewolf transformation.

     I went into this one expecting a little bit of werewolf mayhem and was not greeted with that at all.  The film runs for around 3 minutes so there is not a lot of time to get anything established and, sadly, has no real meat on the bone so to speak.  I seriously wanted to like it but it's over before anything happens.  The acting in this one is a bit stiff.  It's a one woman show with Courtney Jacoby looking extremely comfortable in front of the camera but her performance as a young woman undergoing a transformation is a but underwhelming.  The story for this one is very straight to the point and done effectively would have made great use of the 3 minute run time.  However, just watching a woman snarl with yellow eyes and fangs for 2 minutes is not that enjoyable.  Finally, the short doesn't have the best effects.  As I stated earlier, we get some yellow contacts and plastic teeth and that is the extent of it.  Anyone looking for a fun transformation will be a bit disappointed.  Overall, Confessions of a Lunar Werewolf is not something I could recommend.  It's not much of a confession and the werewolf doesn't show itself.  It's a cool idea but budget and ingenuity keep it from reaching it's potential.  Skip it.  

The Art of Killing

Director - Jacob Ennis (Red River, The Town Without Halloween)

Starring - Jason Crowe (The Devil You Know, Gush), Kayla Perkins (Mr. Buzzkill, They See You), and Dixie Gers (Crazy Fat Ethel, Curse of the Weredeer)

Release Date - 2025

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "His first stroke will be your last"

Format - Streaming (Tubi)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been a fan of Dixie Gers and Jason Crowe for years now.  Both are fantastic in front of the camera and I seriously look forward to any film they are attached to.  Sometime last year I saw that the two were cast in the horror comedy The Art of Killing from director Jacob Ennis.  I was familiar with Ennis after watching his Halloween flick on Tubi, The Town Without Halloween.  I really liked it and kept an eye on this film until I could see it.  Not too long ago I received an email about the film hitting Tubi as well.  I decided to hold off on watching it then and added it to my October horror binge.  It was difficult to hold off that long but I knew it was going to be a fun one to watch.  

     The film follows painter Leland Moss (Crowe) who hosts a semi-popular show on public access.  However, Mr. Moss has a very dark secret.  When not painting or hosting his show, he is cruising town looking for someone to butcher.  An avid fan and her family win a trip to see the show live and are unaware that they might be his next victims.

    This is the kind of film that you know you will enjoy when you hit play on it.  It doesn't take itself too seriously and delivers exactly what you expected from the title and poster.  This isn't going to be for everyone and the horror hipsters will immediately write it off for not being extreme enough but I seriously loved it.  The acting in this one is a lot of fun.  Jason Crowe is trying his damndest to be a Bob Ross clone but every time he talks all I hear is Nice Peter as Mr. Rogers on Epic Rap Battles of History.  It's a fun performance and fits the film very well but I can't help but hear it.  I also enjoyed Kayla Perkins' performance as well.  I didn't realize she was in the film until it started and she did a great job and she never disappoints.  With that being said, I feel like Dixie Gers was very underutilized.  She's a fantastic actress and I would have loved seeing her in a much bigger role or tackling a character that the viewer will actually enjoy.  The story for this one is so fucking simple and straight to the point.  It also answers a question that I didn't know existed.  What if one of the world's most wholesome painter was actually a serial killer?  Toss in a little bit of humor and that's exactly what the film is.  I had a lot of fun with the story and pacing but I kind of wish we had a bit more backstory to the Leland Moss character.  Finally, the kills fit the film and look solid but they don't really stand out.  The effects are not that complicated and the kills fit the theme of the film but are not as memorable as they could have been.  Overall, The Art of Killing is a movie that I can see myself revisiting several more times.  It's a brilliant idea and I'm glad I live in a world where this exists.  Check it out.

1978

Director(s) - Luciano Onetti (Deep Sleep, What the Waters Left Behind) and Nicolas Onetti (The 100 Candles Games, The Last Boy on Earth) 

Starring - Agustin Olcese (Blood Covenant, The Summoning of Baby Blue), Mario Alarcon (The Dollmaker, Pretenders), and Carlos Portaluppi (Sector VIP, The Extortion)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Torment is just the beginning"

Format - Streaming (Tubi)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years I was introduced to the horror films of the Onetti Brothers.  These two filmmakers have released some of the most brutal international horror films that I've been lucky enough to see.  I've been fortunate enough to review several of their films over the years and I always look forward to checking out their work whenever I get a chance.  A few weeks back I was lucky enough to receive a press release for the 2024 Onetti Brother's horror flick 1978.  The press release was announcing that the film was heading Tubi.  I made note of it and made sure to add it to my October horror binge this year.

     The film takes place in Argentina in 1978 as the World Cup takes place.  A group of men round up and kidnap those they suspect are secretly communists to torture and kill.  What they don't know is that some of them are in a cult and one of them is currently pregnant and the birth is about to unleash hell on Earth.

     I went into this one completely blind.  All I knew about this one was that it was a film by the Onetti Brothers.  I assumed the title was a reference to the year in which the film was set but I wasn't positive.  I get the title but there is so many more compelling titles they could have used with such an awesome story.  The acting in this one is phenomenal.  The film features a cast of a lot of characters all with varying personalities which they do a phenomenal job at bringing to life.  Some of the performances get lost in the differences in language as you are forced to look away from time to time to read the subtitles.  While it is easier to watch a dubbed film, there is something about watching a horror title in it's native language.  The story for this one made me second guess my choice for the first 20 minutes or so but once it gained traction I was fucking hooked.  It's a painfully dull start but it absolutely delivers during the film's last leg.  I don't want to give too much away but I was really impressed how the film was able to turn itself around.  Finally, the film does not shy away from the red stuff.  It starts out making the viewer think it is going to be another throw away torture flick but I redeems itself with the amount of blood and carnage we are given.  The effects look great and make the film as much fun as it is.  Overall, 1978 may push some viewers to turn it off prematurely but if you stick with it you will not be disappointed.  I fucking loved it and know many genre fans will too if they give it a chance.  Check it out.  

Tetsuo: The Bullet Man

Director - Shin'ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Tetsuo: Body Hammer)

Starring - Eric Bossick (Wasted Land, Equals), Akiko Mono (Lost in Translation, The Ramen Girl), and Yuko Nakamura (Ace Attorney, Strawberry Shortcakes)

Release Date - 2009

Genre - Horror/Action

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Sometime ago, a year or two now, I was lucky enough to review the sex Solid Metal Nightmares: The Films of Shin'ya Tsukamoto for Arrow Video.  This magnificent set included the first two Tetsuo films, The Iron Man and Body Hammer.  I had no idea that a third Tetsuo existed at the time as I continued my way through that phenomenal set.  Fast forward to a few weeks back when I received a press release for the release of Tetsuo: The Bullet Man from my friends over at Unearthed Films.  It was the first time that I was aware of a third film in the series and couldn't wait to check it out.  A few days later I was fortunate enough to receive a copy in the mail from my friends over at MVD.  I want to take a moment to thank Unearthed and MVD for sending this one over for review.

     The film follows a father who witnesses the intentional vehicular manslaughter of his son.  He is unable to cope with his son's death and is pushed to the brink of madness when he learns that the person responsible for his death has returned to the city. Angry and seeking revenge, he slowly starts to transform in a metal killing machine hellbent on killing the one responsible for taking his son. 

     I went into this one really fucking excited for it.  I really enjoyed the first two films, especially the first film but I found myself very underwhelmed.  The movie still has that cyber-punk edge that made the first film so much fun but the extremely violent tone of the film is replaced with what feels like a vigilante crime thriller vibe.  It had some moments and wasn't a bad watch but it's just another sequel that doesn't live up to the original film.  The acting in this one is very consistent and not too bad.  It's a bit more campy than the previous two films but I actually enjoyed it.  It added a little bit of humor that I can't really tell was intentional or not.  Regardless, I really liked the characters and the personalities the cast brought to life.  The story for this one is similar to the first two films but it does try to add a bit more emotion to it with the death of the son and the grieving father.  However, the son's death was comical.  I'm a father and was expecting to have my heart ripped out but the way it was shot made it extremely funny.  When you remove this aspect you are left with a similar story as the first without the gritty look and feel.  We follow someone slowly succumbing to metal who kill those that betrayed them.  Not that original and does very little to further the story along.  Finally, the film has some great make-up effects and prosthetics along with some bloody kills but the film is so fast that the viewer doesn't really get to appreciate them or let them soak in.  We do have some slight visuals in a few of the kills that are noticeable but they don't necessarily look bad.  Overall, Tetsuo: The Bullet Man is missing the gritty feel that made the original so much fun while just rehashing the same story.  It doesn't further the original story at all or give viewers anything new.  It does have some laughs but, as I stated earlier, I can't tell if they are intended or not.  Sadly, this is one I have to recommend skipping.  

Slaying Dragons

Starring - Michael S. Rodriguez (Realm of Shadows, Prey By Night), Manuel Ramirez, and Ronald Valenzuela

Genre - Crime/Thriller

Release Date - 2026

Rating (out of 5):

    I've reviewed a lot of film from director Michael S. Rodriguez over the years.  He's a very versatile filmmaker and his career spans several genres from sci-fi, to horror, and even some crime thrillers.  He's a fan of cinema but his eye for horror has always impressed me.  Anyway, a few weeks back he sent me the short Slaying Dragons to check and review.  This crime thriller was made by his sons if I'm not mistaken and actually stars Rodriguez himself.  It looked fun and I agreed to check it out.  However, I do want to apologize for taking so long to check it out.  

     The film follows a hit man who informs another in the same profession that he was accepting one more job before retiring from that line of work.  However, once he arrives at the home of his next job he learns that they were all murdered and his friend was tasked with taking him out before he was able to leave that life behind.

     I went into this one completely blind and found myself really enjoying it.  It is extremely short and predictable but it was still a fun watch.  It's not horror but it is a well put together crime thriller that scratched an itch I didn't know I had.  The acting in this one is solid all around.  I've seen Rodriguez in front of the camera before but I don't recall him being front and center through the entire project like he was here.  He does a great job and really impressed me.  The supporting cast is solid as well.  We have some great performances but the dialogue delivery is a bit flat in a few of the scenes.  It stands out but doesn't slow the film down.  The story for this one is a bit predictable but it's fun for what it is.  A hitman doing one last job only to learn that he was turned on can be seen a mile away but still delivers in this short format.  The characters are very well written and the short is extremely smooth from start to finish.  Finally, we get some blood and light make-up effects but that is the extent of it.  Those wanting a high body count and memorable deaths will be very disappointed here.  Overall, Slaying Dragons is a solid crime thriller short with a solid cast.  It's not the most memorable film but it's entertaining which is all you can ask for from a film.  Check it out.