Blood & Breakfast

Director - Mark Byrne (Bigfoot!, Remnants)

Starring - Nancy Anne Ridder (Scream, The Only Ones), Beatrice Boepple (A Nightmare on Elm St.: The Dream Child, Quarantine), and Jim Krut (Dawn of the Dead, Bottom Creek)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm always looking forward to the next indie horror film to review.  I never know what movie is going to be sent my way for review and it's damn near impossible to keep up with all the indie projects I receive press releases for.  For sometime now I've been seeing posts for the indie slasher Blood and & Breakfast on social median and it catches my eye every time I see one.  I'm a big fan of Morrigan Thompson-Milam so seeing her appear in a film with one of the most recognizable zombies from Dawn of the Dead, portrayed by Jim Krut, really intrigued me.  A few weeks back I was contacted by actor Matt Burns to check it out and I quickly agreed to it.  I wasn't able to get to it right away but I was able to work it into my schedule.  I want to thank Matt for sending this one my way!

     The film follows a bed and breakfast who just happens to be in a town where a serial killer is active.  One of the guests is a bit odd and matches the description the police has released of the suspect which causes the other guests to suspect that it's him.  They form a mob to investigate his room when they discover him dead and their group starts falling prey to the real killer one by one.

     I went into Blood & Breakfast very excited.  I was really looking forward to seeing the film especially after I saw that Morrigan and Jim was in it.  However, the movie wasn't for me.  There was some things that I liked about it but it wasn't something that I particularly enjoyed.  The acting in this one is very inconsistent.  The film has a big list so I would be here all day praising and picking apart performances.  With that being said, some of the performances were much better than others.  These performances came from those with some on camera experience while those without made several of the scenes awkward to watch.  The story for this one held my attention very well.  It's more of a murder mystery than a slasher but that is something I enjoy.  I prefer slashers over this kind of films but I still like them.  The killer's identity is not easily predictable and I like the twist with the angry mob convinced someone else is the killer.  I really liked the way that played out and how the real killer is revealed.  It was the build up to these that I struggled with.  Most of the film consists of dialogue heavy scenes that were extremely dull.  I found myself watching the clock more than the film during these scenes.  It almost feels like a day time soap opera than a horror film.  A lot of the fat, so to speak, could be trimmed and it would improve the films pacing.  Finally, the film has several deaths.  We get a lot of blood and some fun practical effects.  In fact, the deaths were the most impressive aspect of the film.  They are not the most original but they are fun and fit the film perfectly.  Overall, Blood & Breakfast wasn't one that I enjoyed.  I can look over the cast's inconsistency but the film's pacing is all wrong.  The long, drawn out scenes ruins any sense of tension the film tries to establish.  I wanted to like it but I couldn't.  

The Revenge of Shitters

Director - Jarno Mahlberg (The Haunted Movie Collection Chapter II, October Rust)

Starring - Jamie Deetz (Ho-Gun Ass-As In: The Salmon of Death, Ex Coffee), Charles Pinion (Debbie Does Damnation, Red Spirit Lake), and Dave Neabore (Zig and Zag's Dirty Deeds)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "The shit just got real"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     

 I've always been a sucker for little monster movies.  I remember snagging the Puppet Master flicks along with Leprechaun, Ghoulies, and any other random tape I could find at my local video store.  I fucking love these kind of movies so when I come across one in the wild I have to check it out.  Several years ago I was browsing social media when I came across a few posts for the shorts Shitters and Return of the Shitters.  Both were great films that I wished had more to them instead of being just shorts.  Fast forward a few years and director Jarno Mahlberg has released yet another short in the Shitters saga titled Revenge of Shitters.  He was kind enough to send a link to the film my way and I would like to take a moment to thank him for that!

     The film takes place several years in the future.  The world is a wasteland and a group of survivors are scavenging for supplies while the shitters, and their giant shit leader, works together to round up the surviving humans so they can force them to poop so they increase their numbers.

     The Revenge of Shitters is not the direction I was expecting the series to go but I am here for it.  I don't want to compare it to Mad Max because that is the go to apocalyptic film that everything get's compared to but this is Ghoulies meets Mad Max in every good way possible.  The acting in this one fits the film very well.  The cast is extremely small and everyone works well together but the short is not long enough for the viewer to really see what the cast is truly made of in that regard.  The story for this one picks up many years after the first two films and doesn't really have the humor those films had.  Instead, it makes up for the lack of humor with story development and bleak settings to fit the wasteland motif.  It's still extremely short and doesn't overstay it's welcome but it also doesn't last long enough to give the viewers something to latch onto.  Finally, the film has a lot of campy visual effects that fits the film like you would expect and lack the carnage most would want to see from a killer poop movie.  With that being said, I love the look of the shitters puppets and hope that one day we get a feature length film for them.  Overall, The Revenge of Shitters is a different direction than the previous two films.  While it is completely different, it still delivers on the little turds.  I highly recommend checking it out!

Cruel: The Cross Village Encounter

Director - Victor Gabriel (Blood Gorge)

Starring - Victor Gabriel, Ali Issa (Blood Gorge), and Reyes Laura 

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "This isn't real... it can't be"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     I always feel the need to start all my found footage reviews with a disclaimer that I am not a fan of the sub-genre.  There has been a few films pop up here and there that I did enjoy but the bad far out weighs the good.  I'm sent a bunch of these films throughout the year for review and I always feel bad for the amount of negative found footage reviews I've posted during my tenure at Horror Society.  When I ordered the Blood Gorge/ Cruel: The Cross Village Encounter from Future Video I had no idea that the second film in the set was a found footage flick.  I enjoyed the first film and decided to give it a go regardless.

      The film takes place one year after an aspiring filmmaker and his girlfriend head deep into the woods in hopes to film a documentary on the elusive Dogman.  However, he is murdered and she is badly disfigured.  On the one year anniversary a group of friends set out to make a documentary on their late friend in hopes to shed some light on his passing.  However, what they uncover is something far more sinister with a small town covering up their violent ways.

     I'll be completely honest here.  I was ready to turn Cruel: The Cross Village Encounter off at around the 20 minute mark.  However, I stuck with it and found myself really digging the ending but it was not enough to make up for the rest of the film.  I wanted to like it but the things that make found footage films so believable makes them damn near unwatchable to me.  The acting in this one is what you would expect from a found footage film.  The cast is delivering their dialogue in an interview type setting while someone behind the camera records them.  It's not acting in a traditional sense but fans of found footage will understand what I mean.  With that being said, this is one of my biggest problems with found footage.  The mindless banter and characters "being real" is extremely boring and awkward to watch.  The story for this one doesn't really take hold until the very end.  At least 90% of the film is the group talking about what happened to their friend and his girlfriend before actually going to the area.  Once in the woods the film does pick up slightly but it mostly them yelling profanities at each other and unconvincingly acting like they are lost.  Then, without warning, the best part of the story starts unfolding before the film abruptly ends.  Finally, the film has some blood and solid make-up with one great scene with solid practical effects.  I would have liked to see more deaths on screen but I understand not everything can be on film when trying to make an authentic found footage flick.  Overall, Cruel: The Cross Village Encounter is not for me.  I'm not the target audience but that doesn't mean it's a film that you won't enjoy.  If movies like The Blair Witch Project or August Underground are films you enjoy then this one is right up your alley.  With that being said, I seriously hope we get a sequel that follows the story from where this one ends.  That's the movie I need in my life.  

Blood Gorge

Director - Victor Gabriel (Cruel: The Cross Village Encounter)

Starring - Kait Brayden (Kecksburg), Victor Gabriel, and Tina Galindo 

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "If this film doesn't make you vomit... You have NO soul!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm a huge fan of slashers and if you have been a follower of mine for any amount of time then you will often see how passionate I am about the sub-genre.  I was born in the mid 80s and grew up during the tail end of the video store era.  I spent many evenings browsing the shelves of my local video store, Dewey's, looking at the artwork as I try to make my mind up about which films I wanted to rent.  Horror had always caught my eye and the man working the counter, owner Dewey's father Luther, would often let me rent them because he knew my dad.  It was here that my love for slashers took hold.  I found so many amazing films that stuck with me and a love for the sub-genre that has never wavered.  Sometime back, I was browsing hash tags on Instagram when I came across a post for Future Video's release of the slasher Blood Gorge from director Victor Gabriel.  I quickly snagged a copy and worked it into my review schedule as soon as I could.

     The film follows a group of twenty-somethings who decide to head out into the woods for a little partying.  However, someone in a mask is stalking them and killing them one by one.  As their numbers dwindle, one of them discovers who the killer is and why they are brutally murdering all of his friends.

     I've loved this sub-genre for as long as I can remember and when I found my home in the indie horror community I quickly started searching slashers out.  The problem with that is that there is countless indie slashers out there.  As much as I love them, they are overdone especially in the indie setting.  You don't really need a budget to make a slasher.  All you need to do is convince some of your hot goth friends to go bare chested for a few minutes while being chased by someone wearing a discount mask and throwing crimson dyed corn syrup on them.  My point being, there is so many indie slashers out there and it's not often that I come across one that is actually enjoyable.  Blood Gorge just happens to be one of the few that I actually liked.  The acting in this one is easily the film's weakest link.  The cast is inexperienced but they really do try their best.  They bring a lot of energy and charisma to their roles but the inexperience is evident.  The dialogue feels forced and their performances is a bit stiff.  The story for this one is one is nothing we haven't seen before.  Back in the early 2000s genre fans may remember snagging movies from labels like Brain Damage Films who would collaborate with companies like Pendulum Pictures to release box sets of no budget flicks.  A lot of those box sets included slashers with very similar stories.  Group of teens/young adults head out into the woods only to get picked off by a masked murderer only to discover it was someone close to them.  It's nothing we haven't seen before but it's very well done which goes a long way.  It might not be the most original slasher but it's still enjoyable for a first time viewing.  Finally, the film doesn't have the budget for the gory deaths.  Instead, they fit the style of early slashers with most taking place off screen and covering the victim in blood.  They fit the movie and fans of traditional slashers will appreciate them but those of you looking for memorable death scenes will be very disappointed.  Overall, Blood Gorge isn't the slasher to reinvent the sub-genre but it does a fantastic job contributing to it's long history.  I highly recommend checking it out.  

Disfigured Perception

Director - SamHel

Starring - Shelby Smallz, Ruby Reynolds, and Kaiia Eve

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror/Erotic

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been reviewing indie films for over a decade now and during that time I've been fortunate enough to meet some amazing filmmakers.  Several years ago I befriended SamHel when he was releasing films under a different moniker.  I don't know if he wants to keep that behind him or changed it to protect his family so I will not be mentioning the name.  However, over the years I've been lucky enough to review several of his horror/fetish films.  He's a filmmaker that I've always respected and look forward to his next project.  A few weeks back he reached out to me to review his newest film Disfigured Perception.  It has been awhile since I've reviewed one of his films and was really looking forward to it.  Like always, I want to thank SamHel for sending this one over for review!

     The film follows two women.  One of them suffers a head injury of some kind and slowly descends into a pleasure seeking madness.  Her friend, after witnessing all the blood and self-gratification, goes down the same path.

     The films of SamHel and A Baroque House are unique when compared to the films I typically review.  They do have horror elements or themes but are more on the fetish/erotic side of cinema.  However, I'm not complaining.  The films always have a beautiful cast that bares it all and a story that is just provocative enough to hold your attention.  Disfigured Perception is no exception.  The acting in this one fits the film but is not what you would expect from a standard horror film.  The cast is very attractive and fully dedicated to their roles.  While the film doesn't give them a lot of room to show of their acting chops, they are still able to carrying the entire film on their shoulders with their sex appeal and performances.  The story for this one is simple and straight forward.  While it's not a thought provoking tale that is going to leave the viewer teary eyed, it does just enough to hold the viewers attention.  It's clearly written as a vehicle to show the cast off and, honestly, I'm all for it.  Finally, the film has a lot of blood...and I mean a lot of it and it's used in a sexual manner.  Pop horror fans may not be accustomed to seeing such acts.  It's also clear that this film is not intended for them.  It's a movie for the degenerates who have a kink for alt. women who are not afraid to get their hands dirty.  Overall, Disfigured Perception is the late night sleaze you are looking for.  If sex and blood are what you are looking for then look no further.  I highly recommend it.  

Street Trash

Director - Ryan Kruger (Fried Barry, Alien Dick)

Starring - Sean Cameron Michael (The Mummy, Blood Drive), Donna Cormack-Thomson (Monster Island, FDR), and Joe Vaz (Resident Evil, The Watch)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Melt the rich"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I snagged a copy of J. Michael Muro's 1987 cult classic Street Trash on VHS from the local video store that was going out of business.  I was able to get it with a few dozen other horror titles I had never seen before.  I was excited for this one as I had heard about it several times in the message boards at UHM and a few people had images from it in their signatures.  The movie would turn out to be a personal favorite of mine and one I've collected on several formats since then along with several shirts.  A few weeks back I received a press release stating that the film had received a reboot/loose sequel from South African filmmaker Ryan Kruger who brought us Fried Barry sometime back.  I was really looking forward to this one so I quickly reached out for a review link.  I'm glad I did because this one was a lot of fun.

     The film is set in the future where South Africa is split into three groups.  The first is the wealthy who control all major resources.  The second is those that work for the wealthy and the government who are able to afford basic amenities.  Then you have the third group which is the homeless.  The friction between the three groups.  The wealthy want to completely eradicate the homeless and the towns mayor has used his resources to come up with a serum that turns the homeless population into puddles of goo that can be cleaned off the streets.  The homeless are forces to band together and fight back against the government or face death.

     I was caught off guard by the news of a new Street Trash flick.  However, I'm not one of those genre fans that become upset when they hear a movie is getting a reboot/remake/sequel.  Honestly, I kind of look forward to these films.  It gives me something else to enjoy if they are done right.  I went into this one with an open mind and I was pleasantly surprised by what I was greeted with.  It's a great reimaging of the classic and if it doesn't sit well with you then you still have the original to revisit.  The acting in this one is a lot of fun.  You can tell a lot of time went the characters which gave the cast a lot to work with.  They all do a fantastic job bringing them to life on screen and every scene is well acted.  I loved the cast and the characters they portrayed.  The story for this one is a mixture of Taeter City and the original Street Trash film.  We have a class war in the future where the rich want to remove the poor from their city.  The government use a special serum called "v" to melt them.  While it's not Viper alcohol like the original film, it still works especially when you add it to the dystopian future.  I would have like to see a bit more of the original brought into this story but I understand the need to update it and make it more modern.  Finally, this film is an ooey gooey mess from start to finish.  The original is known for it's amazing effects and imaginative deaths so it had some pretty big shoes to fill... which it does.  The deaths in this one are just as wild and messy as the original with fantastic practical effects that sends it over the top.  Fans of the red stuff will truly appreciate this one.  Overall, Street Trash is worthy of it's name.  While it is a big change over the original it still follows the same premise with homeless people melting.  It's a messy film that a lot of gorehounds will truly appreciate.  I highly recommend it.    

Phallacies

Director(s) - Cory DeAn Cowley (6 Songs, Patient 4), Domiziano Cristopharo (4 Halloween, Vore Gore), Adam Ford (Torment, XXX Dark Web), Peter Lankston (6 Songs), Jack Mulvanerty (Everything Decays, Split), Poison Rouge (Unburied Tales, A Taste of Phobia), David Stojan (Slave Dolls, Slave Dolls 2: Red Rooms), Jake Valentine (Callcall: Omega Violence), Slade Wilson (6 Songs, XXX Darknet: Red Lips), Brock Bones (Symbolicus Vol. 3), and Jon Devlin (Erecting a Monster, The Missing Left Sock)

Starring - Brock Bones, Cory DeAn Cowley, and Domiziano Cristipharo 

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "Everything you might imagine is shown in this motion picture!"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I absolutely love horror anthologies.  Many of you may have read my reviews for anthologies in the past and know how fond of them I am.  I grew up on films like Creepshow, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, From a Whisper to a Scream, and Twilight Zone: The Movie.  I love these films and watch them whenever I get the chance.  Anthologies, when done right, can be extremely powerful.  I especially love them when they have something to tie them all together.  A few weeks back I was contacted by director Jon Devlin to review the anthology Phallacies featuring segments from filmmakers all around the world.  Jon has never let me down before and I couldn't wait to dig into it.  Like always, I want to thank Jon for sending this one my way for review.  

     The film features stories ranging from a man mutilating his penis with needles to a man who faces his ever changing body and eventually ejaculates out of his mouth.

     This is a lengthy anthology that features 11 (I think) stories about penis in various degrees.  Like most anthologies featuring segments from various filmmakers, some are better than others.  This isn't the first horror film I've seen that was centered around wieners.  Films like One Eyed Monster, Pervert, The Voodoo Dick, and Killer Condom, all focus on male members but this is the first anthology I've seen that featured this many peckers.  With that being said, I really enjoyed this one and can see myself revisiting this one again with some friends and a few edibles.  The acting in this one is a bit uneven but still very enjoyable.  Some of the segments feature colorful characters with a lot of charisma and energy while some of them are straight to the point with the story which gives the cast very little time to "act."  The stories for this one varies from extreme acts of body mutilation to body horror and even some comedy tossed in.  I would be here all day if I took the time to discuss each segment.  While I did enjoy some of the stories, there were other stories that just wasn't for me.  The body mutilation segments were not my speed.  They were more for shock value and offered up very little in way of plot.  Also, I would have loved a segment to bookend the film and bring all the segments together.  I love anthologies and but those without a wraparound segment tend to fall short in my book.  Finally, the film has a lot of blood, some fun practical effects, and one short in particular shows real genital mutilation to some degree.  Like with the acting and stories, some feature better effects than the others but none of them are bad.  The effects look great and if you want some blood then you will not be disappointed.  Overall, Phallacies is a bold anthology that tries to de-sexualize the male anatomy but doesn't really pull it off.  It is a great horror anthology that is a lot of fun especially if you dig horror comedies.  I highly recommend checking this one out!

The Warrior and the Ninja

Director - H. Tjut Djalil (Dangerous Seductress, Lady Terminator)

Starring - Barry Prima (Get Married 3, Jakarta Undead), El Manik (Buffalo Boys, Hell Raiders), and Rita Zahara (The Ghostly Face, Jungle Virgin Force)

Release Date - 1985

Genre - Action/Comedy

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      It's hard to find a trilogy or franchise where all the films are consistently good.  Most series become rushed garbage by the time it reaches the third installment.  The companies want to cash in on the film's previous installments so they skip quality control and focus more on quantity.  Sure, there is several series or trilogies that have solid third entries but it's not something that happens often.  I was very excited when I was sent the Warrior trilogy from Mondo Macabro.  I had never seen the films before and was looking forward to some non-horror to check out.  However, in the back of my mind I was hesitant about tossing in the third film.  After watching the first two films it was time for the third one to be placed on the chopping block...and I loved it.  

     The film once again follows Jaka Sembung (Prima) who is still fighting against the Dutch military.  He seems to have finally met his match but things take a turn in his favor when he is saved by a female ninja who helps him fight the good fight against the oppressive regime.  

     The Warrior and the Ninja may not be as good as the original films but god damn was it just as fun.  It takes a story with a lot of elements from the previous film and gives us more martial arts and black magic action.  As I said, it's not as good as the previous two films but its a lot of fun.  The acting in this one is consistent with the other two films.  Barry Prima once again hams up the screen with his cheesy interpretation of a classic action star.  His emotionless expression and stiff dialogue is so much fun when you add in the intentional and unintentional humor along with the action.  The supporting cast is more of the same with a lot of campy performances and uneven dialogue.  The story for this one does borrow parts from The Warrior Against the Blind Swordsman.  We see Jaka Sembung partner with a female ninja to fight the Dutch army.  While that is the only similarities to the story itself it still features several amazing fight scenes, humor, and cartoon like characters.  Finally, this is another one that uses classic movie tricks along with extensive choreographed fight scenes.  They are fun to watch but those wanting blood may be disappointed.  Overall, The Warrior and the Ninja is one of the few instances where the trilogy ends on a high note and doesn't feature a quick cash grab.  It's a lot of fun and still has all the qualities that made the previous two films so much fun.  Check them out!

The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman

Director - Dasri Jacob (Angling Dharma, Rosita)

Starring - Barry Prima (Jaka Sembung, Hello Ghost), Advent Bangun (Without Mercy, Revenge of the Ninja), and Gudi Sintara (Escape from Hellhole, Golok Setan)

Release Date - 1983

Genre - Action/Comedy
Tagline - "The Warrior, the man with supernatural strength is back"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I spend the entire month of October binging horror movies sent to me for review from various filmmakers, distributors, producers, and so on.  A lot of times these spill over into November where I spent most of the month playing catch up.  I love horror and I could never turn my back on my beloved genre but sometimes I do need a little break.  Mondo Macabro's Warrior trilogy couldn't have came at a better time.  I needed something fun and a bit different to watch so I could recharge my batteries before diving into the Christmas themed horror that is quickly approaching.  After watching 1981's The Warrior, I quickly moved on to the sequel which was 1983's The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman.

     The Dutch army is unable to defeat Jaka Sembung (Prima) so they hold a tournament to find a champion capable of beating him.  A blind swordsman comes out as victor and using magic he is able to trick the Dutch army into thinking he actually defeated Jaka Sembung.  However, when they find out they try to kill him.  He inadvertently teams up with Jaka Sembung and the pair terrorize the army together.  

     I had no idea how a film could be a follow up to Jaka Sembung but The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman fucking did.  It was bigger, bolder, and the humor was still able to find it's mark.  Honestly, this sequel was more enjoyable than the first film which is really saying something.  The acting in this one is exactly what you would expect in a follow up film to Jaka Sembung.  The acting is very cheesy with even more colorful characters added to this follow up.  We get some fun performances from the cast as they bring some of the most animated characters in movie history to life.  The story for this one is a solid continuation from the first film with the addition of new characters.  We continue to have the inclusion of magic and the martial arts is still the main focus of the film.  Also, the film doesn't shy away from the humor.  In fact, this installment seems to include more humor than the first film which is one of the reasons I enjoy it more than the first.  Finally, we don't get a lot of the blood and gore that some of us likes but we do get some great old school camera tricks and amazing choreography.  The fight scenes are a lot of fun and the main reason to watch any of the films from this trilogy.  Overall, The Warrior and the Blind Swordsman is a must see for martial arts fans especially if you like The Warrior.  I couldn't look away from this one and I know you will too.  Check it out.  

The Warrior

Director - Sisworo Gautama Putra (Satan's Slave, Wolf)

Starring - Barry Prima (Hell Raiders, Revenge of the Ninja), W.D. Mochtar (Special Silencers, Mystics in Bali), and Dana Christina (Deadly Angels Strike Back, Five Deadly Angels)

Release Date - 1981

Genre - Action/Fantasy

Tagline - "No power on Earth - or in Hell - could stop him"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I started my writing career, over a decade ago now, I went into it with the goal of finding and reviewing long forgotten exploitation and action flicks.  While I had always loved horror, I grew up watching direct to video action flicks with my dad and cheap kung fu films and sci-fi fantasy movies with my grandma.  While my love for horror eventually took over, I still like to review old action and kung fu flicks from time to time.  A few weeks back my friends over at Mondo Macabro sent over the Indonesian Warrior trilogy.  I had never seen these films before and I couldn't wait to dig into them.  The first film in the trilogy, directed by Satan's Slave filmmaker Sisworo Gutama Putra, was released in 1981 as Jaka Sembung and retitled The Warrior.  I want to thank Mondo Macabro for sending this one over!

     Jaka Sembung (Prima) is an unstoppable fighter and leader of a rebel resistance fighting the Dutch government that has taken over his homeland.  When the armed forces are unable to stop him they turn to black magic to resurrect a former fighter to kill him.

     I had not seen this one prior to getting it in for review but I was familiar with the work the cast and the crew had done prior to or after filming this one.  Satan's Slave is one of my favorite horror films after my first time watching it a few years ago and I recently reviewed Special Silencers which featured W.D. Mochtar.  While I was familiar with some of their work, nothing could prepare me for this absurd mix of comedy, martial arts, and supernatural.  The acting in this one is extremely cheesy in the best way possible.  The cast, especially Barry Prima, ham up each and every scene and I absolutely dig it.  The characters are very cartoonish and their emotions are overdramatic but it works.  The story for this one is a lot of fun for a martial arts film.  While the martial arts aspect is at the front of the film, it combines a lot of different elements into something truly unique.  It has a lot of comedy scattered throughout it along with some horror elements.  It's not the first martial arts film to use horror but it is the first that I've seen that combines horror and comedy.  It works and doesn't overstay it's welcome.  Finally, the film has a lot of great choreographed fight scenes and the use of classic camera tricks but those looking for a lot of blood and gore will be disappointed.  Overall, The Warrior is a must see for fans of martial arts films and Indonesian cinema.  It's one of the wildest films I've seen and I couldn't imagine checking something like this out in the 80s when it was originally released.  I highly recommend it.  

Amityville Turkey Day

Director(s) - Will Collazo Jr. (Night of the Zombghouls, Theater of Horror) and Julie Anne Prescott (Bed and Rotting, Seeded)

Starring - Paul Faggione (Bloody Nun 2: The Curse, Empires of New York), Natalie Peri (The Corn's Children, Bloody Nun 3: The Beginning), and Mark C. Fullhardt (Paradise City, Turned Out)

Release Date - 2022

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "Get stuffed mother clucker"

Format - Streaming (Tubi)

Rating (out of 5):

     When it comes to horror properties, no franchise has as many unofficial "sequels" as the classic Amityville Horror.  The original film did spawn several sequels, a prequel, and a remake but since then filmmakers the world over has slapped Amityville on the title of a film they have just to make a few bucks.  I say this knowing damn well that films like Amityville Vibrator and Amityville Christmas Vacation exists and I love them both but we have to be real here.  Almost all of these Scamityville films suck.  The only reason people are watching them is to see just how bad they truly are.  Sometime back I was browsing Thanksgiving titles on Tubi when I came across Amityville Turkey Day.  I needed some more Thanksgiving horror in my life and decided to add it to my queue.  Wish I hadn't.

     The film follows an indie movie production that has set up in the home of a possible serial killer who is now on the run.  The director, who happens to be the main star of the film, is a junkie and is more worried about blow and bitches than the film itself.  As the crew arrives and makes themselves at home, they are picked off one by one by a turkey with the help of the properties caretaker. 

     Amityville Turkey Day was a complete blind buy so to speak.  While I didn't spend money on it, I went into it knowing nothing about it.  Sadly, it was a messy film and not in a good way.  What we have is a film where the cast doesn't have their heart in it and the story is all over the place.  I went into this one hoping for a few cheap laughs and some fun deaths and was greeted by neither.  The acting in this one is very uneven and a few scenes felt as if the cast were not that invested in the film.  The dialogue through most of the film feels forced and not very genuine.  I don't know what kind of shoot the film had but the final result feels rushed and flat.  The story for this one is clearly inspired by the no budget Thanksgiving cult classic Thankskilling.  We have a film crew in a serial killer's home filming a horror film only to be slaughtered by a turkey.  We get some not so funny one liners and a lot of drawn out scenes with stiff performances.  It's clearly heavily inspired by Thankskilling and set against the Amityville gimmick.  Honestly, it could have been a lot of fun if it just had some heart and the cast was passionate about the project.  Finally, the film has some unimaginable deaths.  The film could have incorporated so many Thanksgiving themed deaths but went the slasher route.  Sadly, they are all forgettable and offer up nothing enjoyable for the viewer.  Overall, Amityville Turkey Day was a huge miss.  How could a smart ass killer turkey movie be such a drag?  It's clear that they relied on the title to sell the film instead of the movie itself.  This is one you should skip.  

The Beast of Walton St.

Director - Dusty Austen (Grindsploitation, Grindhouse Massacre)

Starring - Mia Jones (Urban Cannibal Massacre, Dog Eat Dog), Athena Murzda (Fiber Burn), and Aimee-Lynn Chadwick (Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis, Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Run like HOWL"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Werewolf flicks are few and far in between especially if you are looking for indie titles.  I have a few scheduled for next month but it has been some time since my last werewolf review.  I believe it was Cocaine Werewolf at the end of September but that was just too long ago.  Luckily, I was sent over the 2023 werewolf film The Beast of Walton St. for review.  It was recently announced that the film would be released on blu by Scream Team Releasing which really caught my attention.  I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send over a screener link for me to check.

     The film follows two women who are struggling and barely getting by who find that their friends, many of them are homeless, are being torn apart with the city is doing nothing about it.  One strange encounter in an alley near their home has them convinced that a werewolf is responsible.

     I was really excited about The Beast of Walton St.  I fucking love werewolf films and I especially love indie films that represent the LGBTQ+ community.  However, the film really does struggle creating it's own identity.  It was a solid first time watch but I can recommend several other low to no budget werewolf flicks that are a bit more enjoyable than this one.  The acting in this one is great.  The entire cast is firing on all cylinders and deliver unforgettable performances.  The film's leads, Mia Jones and Athena Murzda, are exceptional together.  Their on screen chemistry makes the film for me and I can see both of them leading another genre effort in the near future.  The story for this one has a lot to say especially about the neglect and mistreatment of the homeless in major cities.  When you add a werewolf to the mix you get a very clever story that is not only scary but shows how little value human life has to politicians and corporations.  When you add in the great characters and the urban setting you have a truly unique werewolf film.  With that being said, we don't have a lot of werewolf action and the backstory for the beast/beasts is completely overshadowed by support characters and their back stories.  So much time is spent on their illnesses, orientation, and past mistakes.  I'm a big fan of character development and back stories but with Beast of Walton St. it takes center stage and overpowers the main story.  Finally, the film has a lot of blood and gore.  It wouldn't be a decent werewolf film if it didn't deliver on the red stuff.  We get a lot of gooey deaths with great practical effects.  I also liked the werewolf design even though it's not shown in the film as much as I would have liked.  Overall, The Beast of Walton St. is a solid werewolf flick if you are looking for something new with some decent gore.  However, it's far from perfect and struggles between being a dark drama and horror.  It's worth a watch but remember that it is flawed.  

Peopon

Director - Zach Schildwachter (Powerbomb, Deathcember)

Starring - Shannon Ahlstrand, Emilee Nichols, and Cameron Box

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     October is probably my busiest month in regards to content for the site.  I do my annual horror binge and review films I had never seen before.  On top of that, every production and distribution company releases their horror titles in October so I have films being sent to me for review and press releases to share on the site.  I love it but it does get a bit overwhelming at times.  On Halloween director and producer Zach Shildwachter shared his newest short Peopon with me on Facebook.  Sadly, by that point I did not have time to check it out and had to add it to my list.  I'm a bit bummed I wasn't able to check out this Halloween horror short on Halloween but I want to thank Zach for sending it over.  I may not have got to watch it on Halloween but I still enjoyed it!

     The film follows a young woman and her scumbag boyfriend as they visit her grandmother on Halloween.  Her grandmother has her carving a pumpkin before she goes to bed but she doesn't.  Instead, she stops before she finishes and tries to go see her boyfriend.  This would be her undoing as she does not obey Halloween traditions and brings about the end of their lives.

     Peopon is the kind of film I want to watch during the Halloween season.  Not only is it centered around Halloween but it looks like a Halloween film.  With that being said, it suffers from being too short just like Schildwachter's other short Frequencies.  These films have so much story to tell and a short run time doesn't do it justice.  The acting in this one is a lot of fun.  We have a small cast that works very well with each other.  The characters that we do get have great personalities that matches the film's story.  The story for this one left me with more questions than it had answers.  It's an enjoyable short but can you imagine a feature length film about this creature killing people not following Halloween traditions Trick r' Treat style?  It would be a must see for genre fans and Halloween fans alike.  As it is, it still works and has a lot of atmosphere and that Halloween aesthetic that many of us are looking for but you can't help but think what it could have been.  Finally, has a fun looking puppet but those of you wanting a bloodbath will be very disappointed.  The film focuses more on look and atmosphere than it does the death scenes.  Overall, Peopon is a solid short but could be an unforgettable feature.  I hope Zach finds the time and funds to make this happen!

Frequencies

Director - R, Zachary Shildwachter (Powerbomb, Deathcember) 

Starring - Cameron Box, Emilee Nichols, and Jonathan Box 

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Always say goodbye"

Format - Streaming (Vimeo)

Rating (out of 5):

     I made a post right before I started my annual October horror binge and several filmmakers reached out to me to include their films into my watchlist.  Sadly, I had an overwhelming amount of support on that post and was not able to work all the films sent to me into just one month.  One of the films that I couldn't get into my October binge is the 2023 horror short Frequencies from director Zach Schildwachter.  Zach is very active in the indie horror community and has worked on several well known projects in various capacities so I was a bit excited to finally check it out.  I want to thank Zach for sending this one over for review!

     The film follows a young man and his wife who move into their new home in the city.  While unpacking they find a strange box in the closet and come to the conclusion that it's a spirit box.  They decide to try it out and speak with what they think is an evil spirit.  However, what they have is something much different and they learn that their home was once owned by a serial killer who used the bodies of his victim for archaic rituals.  Now, they have accidentally unleashed something evil in their new home.

     Frequencies is one of those shorts that doesn't really work as a short.  Shorts are a great way to condense a story and cut out a bunch of filler scenes that does nothing for the plot.  However, there is times when the story has so much going on that it can't be a short.  Frequencies is one of those shorts.  It has a story that just can't be told in a matter of a few minutes.  The acting in this one is solid for the most part.  A few of the scenes does have some stiff performances and awkwardly delivered dialogue but is solid for the most part.  I really liked the characters and how the cast brought them to life.  The story for this one is too big to condense down to a short.  We have a "spirit box" that might be holding a demonic force which is speculated in the short but never fully confirmed.  Sure, something sinister is in the home but was it there before they found the box?  Also, why are we casually mentioning the guy that made the box when he should have been the main focus of the film.  There is just too much meat left on the bone for this to be a short.  Finally, the film has some solid make-up  and visual effects but those of you looking for the red stuff will be very disappointed.  Overall, Frequencies just didn't do it for me.  I feel like the story needs the feature length treatment where we see the creation of the box instead of it being a short focusing on the discovery of the box.  I wanted to like it but I couldn't.  

Devil's Knight

Director - Adam Werth (Bermuda Island, Rancher's Kin)

Starring - Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, Flight 704), Kevin Sorbo (The Potwins, Hercules: The Legendary Journey), and Angie Everhart (Last Action Hero, Bordello of Blood)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror/Fantasy

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Over the last few years I've been fortunate enough to share the news for several Mahal Empire productions.  They have released several genre titles over the years and their casts have all been very impressive.  Sadly, I've not been able to review a lot of these releases with Bermuda Island being the only one I've seen...until now.  A few weeks ago I was sent a review link for the horror fantasy film Devil's Knight which had Kevin Sorbo and Eric Roberts billed as the top cast in the film.  I really wanted to check it out so I agreed to review it.  I want to thank the fine folks over at Mahal for sending this one my way!

     The film follows a wondering warrior who befriends a group of thieves celebrating their spoils by a campy fire.  He then tells them a story about his youth when he was a member of a group that slayed monsters and how he received the disfiguring scares that he has.  

     I knew absolutely nothing about Devil's Knight before going into it aside from the fact that it had Eric Roberts and Kevin Sorbo.  Granted, Sorbo is a bit of a trash person but I wasn't going to let political views ruin what could be a decent film.  The acting in this one was fun but some of the cast was trying way too hard to get into their DnD character.  While a lot of the dialogue comes across as natural, there is several scenes where the "accents" and way the dialogue is delivered just felt awkward.  Honestly, the cast is phenomenal and I would have loved to see them all deliver their dialogue in their normal voices and dialect.  The story for this one is a lot of fun.  We get a lot of character development along with a story that doesn't just follow medieval tropes.  It's not a predictable film and it doesn't over do it with the character development.  We have just enough to make the story interesting without bombarding the viewer with senseless scenes.  Finally, the film has a lot of on screen deaths and fantastic looking creatures.  We do get some computer effects that look a bit poor but the practical and make up effects look great along with amazing creature designs.  Overall, Devil's Knight is great medley of horror and fantasy that works.  Honestly, I was curious about the film but a part of me thought it wouldn't be as fun as it could be.  I was wrong and this was a fantastic watch.  I highly recommend this one!

What Happens After the Massacre?

Director - Brandon Guiles (Peggy, Lower Spirits)

Starring - Ty French (Black Doorway), Carolyn Coffee (Lower Spirits, Peggy), and Jeramey Mosher (All My Friends Are Dead, Lower Spirits)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've met a lot of filmmakers over the years that truly impressed me.  They make the films they want to see without exploiting trends or fads that may pop in horror from time to time.  While I am an avid fan of exploitation, I still love original and off beat genre titles from time to time.  One filmmaker that continues to do his own thing while turning out impressive films is Brandon Guiles.  Over the years I had been fortunate enough to review his films All My Friends Are Dead and Peggy which are fantastic films that march to the beat of their own drum.  Recently, he announced a new film that would hopefully answer the age old question "What Happens After the Massacre?"  Brandon was kind enough to send the film my way for review and for that I want to thank him!

     The film follows a summer camp that is trying to reopen their doors the day after a maniac in a mask killed several people there.  Now, the counselors are tasked with getting the camp ready for the campers while the masked killer is still lurking in the woods.

     What Happens After the Massacre? is not what I was expecting at all and I think that may be why I liked it as much as I did.  I went into this one thinking I was about to watch a dark thriller or drama about a group of final girls or the like reminiscing about losing their friends to a slasher.  Instead, we get a pretty straight forward slasher that does somewhat fit the title but could have went in another direction with the naming of the film.  Regardless, I really liked it even if it wasn't the film I was expecting.  The acting in this one is very well done.  The film is not only directed by, but stars Guiles along with several familiar and fresh faces.  They deliver natural dialogue and all their characters are grounded for the most part.  A few of the scenes are a little stiff but it's nothing that takes aware from the overall film.  The story for this one is a bit of a stretch but still flows like a traditional slasher.  So we have two greedy camp owners who refuse to shut down after several people are murdered and the killer is never found.  It's very silly in that regard and anyone watching it knows the police would shut it down to investigate.  However, if you look passed that you will find a solid slasher that takes us back to the woods where it all began.  Finally, the film has some bloody moments but budget is clearly a factor here so the effects are minimal.  The crew did the best with what they had and they work for the film but gorehounds may be a bit disappointed.  Overall, What Happens After the Massacre? is a slasher for genre fans that grew up on made for television movies and shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark?.  It pays tribute to the golden age of the sub-genre but doesn't offer up the memorable kills that many slasher fans are looking for.  Regardless, I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.