100 Tears (Revisited)

Director - Marcus Koch (Bad Blood, Rot)

Starring - Georgia Chris (The Punisher, Vampire Biker Babes), Joe Davison (Stranger Things, Sorority of the Damned), and Raine Brown (Psycho Street, Plasterhead)

Release Date - 2007

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Everyone loathes a clown"

Format - Blu (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Many years ago I reviewed the indie clown slasher 100 Tears from effects artist/director Marcus Koch.  I remember thinking that the film was amazing but wasn't a fan of the music and how loud it was compared to the rest of the film.  I remember watching the film several times that week while I prepared my review and couldn't get passed the ridiculously loud music that was very distracting.  Fast forward several years and Unearthed Films is putting the film out on blu and they were kind enough to send me a copy.  Like always, I want to thank MVD and Unearthed Films for sending this one over!

     The film follows two journalists who are investigating the murders committed by a prolific killer.  However, their investigation has lead them straight into the path of the clown killer Gurdy (Jack Amos) who is leaving a pile of bodies in his wake.  

     Horror has always been masked slashers, vampires, zombies, and werewolves to me and I know most genre fans feel the same way.  However, clowns have always had a chokehold on the genre with films like It, S.I.C.K., Camp Blood, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Killjoy, Blood Harvest, and many more.  In recent years the clown sub-genre has been flipped on it's head with the release of the Terrifier trilogy.  The first film caused a stir when released but the second and third films went on to catapult Art the clown to pop icon status.  With that being said, I was never a fan of Art and the Terrifier films though I have yet to see the third installment.  The films have tremendous gore but the story is so fucking weak.  Even the second installment, which is overflowing with story, tries too hard to be something it's not.  However, 100 Tears was Terrifier before Terrifier was a thing.  It's a killer clown film with amazing gore but it does something the first film could not and that delivers a decent story.  The acting in this one is a bit inconsistent.  It's not what I would call bad but some of the scenes is a bit stiff while others are better acted.  I don't know if it's inexperience or the rushing of scenes but they are not consistent from scene to scene.  Also, what happened to Raine Brown?  I loved to watching her when I started my writing career and haven't seen her name appear in anything in years.  Her imdb shows her most recent film credit is 2017.  I'd love to see her make a come back to the indie horror community.  The story for this one is pretty basic but it works and is just enough to get us from kill to kill without boring us to tears.  Not to compare this one to Terrifier, but that is my biggest complaint with the film.  It has very little story, unlikable characters, and amazing gore while being released a few years after 100 Tears.  100 Tears does delivers what most horror fans are looking for.  It's a coherent story with somewhat likable characters and crazy deaths.  The pacing is a bit on the slow side when people are not dying but we have a death scenes frequently to offset that.  Finally, this film has some of the most brutal and graphic deaths I've seen.  I reviewed this film in 2012 for the first time and I can probably count on one hand the amount of films that has surpassed it in regards to carnage.  The effects are top tier and these deaths set the standard for the films I've reviewed since my initial viewing.  Overall, 100 Tears isn't as polished as most films with the quality of kills that this one is.  While the music is still distracting, the film is a must see for genre fans.  I highly recommend this blu release from Unearthed Films.  

10/31 Part IV

Director(s) - Dustin Ferguson (Hell of the Screaming Undead, Cocaine Cougar), Matthew McManus (Slash-O-Lantern, Slash-O-Lantern Part II), Taylor McManus (SlashFM, Slash-O-Lantern), Dylan R. Nix (Sharp Candy, The Demon of Serling), and Ryan Sheets (The Pumpkin Man, The Letters of Wailing Creek)

Starring - Jennifer Moriarty (Big Bad CGI Monsters, Beyond the Gates of Hell), Sayeed Bensalama (SlashFM, Slash-O-Lantern), and Cody J. Briscoe (VHS Violence: Bootlegged, Spider Baby)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     The 10/31 horror anthology series is one of the more popular Halloween horror films of recent years.  You can easily find hundreds, if not thousands, of posts on various social media platforms for the film series as October approaches.  Honestly, I enjoyed the first three 10/31 films and when the fourth film was announced I had to add it to my collection.  My goal was to watch it during my annual Halloween horror binge but I forgot to place the order in time and it didn't arrive until after October.  Just like with the Out There Halloween Mega Tape, I added it to my review list so I could still see it even though Halloween was behind us.

     The film once again follows Malvolia (this time in animated form) as she spins four tales of terror.  The first tale, Ejectdead, follows a group of friends as they prepare for a night of horror movies on Halloween.  What they don't know is that one of the tapes they are about to watch is actually cursed and the masked killer inside is about to make their night a living hell.  The second, Haig's Heart, follows a candy factory owner who never got over the accidental poisoning of his daughter.  The third tale, The Witch's Curse, follows a group of as they visit a supposedly haunted house to film a reality show only to find their deaths.  The final tale, Moonlight Massacre, follows a haunted attraction employee who may have bitten off more than they can chew.

     The 10/31 series has been pretty consistent up to this point and hasn't let me down and Part IV is no exception.  While it is the weakest of the series, it still offers up at least two stories that I really enjoyed.  With that being said, the stories were not consistent and I don't see myself revisiting this one anytime soon.  I might revisit one of the shorts sometime in the future but not the film as a whole.  The acting in this one is very inconsistent, like almost every aspect of the film.  Some of the stories have a fantastic cast that really get into their roles while others feel almost as if they told to get the scene over as quick as possible.  I don't expect consistent segments when you have an anthology with shorts from different filmmakers and this is the clear reason why.  The stories for this one really try to get in to the Halloween spirit.  Ejectdead is my favorite of the anthology with a simple and straight slasher story that blends The Ring and The Video Dead with any masked slasher to come out of the early 80s.  It's short, sweet, and straight to the point.  The second story is from one of my favorite indie filmmakers, Dylan R. Nix.  Some of you may remember him from another one of my favorite Halloween films, Baron von Laugho's Halloween Spook-O-Thon.  I was really looking forward to this one but it was, sadly, the middle of the road in my opinion.  It has a lot of nods to Halloween III: Season of the Witch ranging from the iconic theme song to the commercial used to trigger the masks. While I did like the tribute to this underrated Halloween classic, the short itself wasn't something I enjoyed.  It has potential to be extremely powerful especially if you are a parent but the Creepshow "Something to Tide You Over" ending missed it's mark in my opinion.  The third segment is from controversial filmmaker Dustin Ferguson who has helmed some of the lowest rated horror films on imdb and Rotten Tomatoes.  His segment was the one I was looking forward to the most.  Not because he was behind the camera but because I absolutely love horror movies centered around witches.  Sadly, this was another dud with absolutely no heart or imagination.  Just a paint by number piece used to take up space.  The final segment really caught me off guard.  I was expecting another segment that would miss it's mark with me but was very surprised.  It did have some room to grow but for a no to low budget indie short I enjoyed it for the most part.  I'm not necessarily a fan of horror films taking place at a haunted attraction but this one didn't make it's entire identity the attraction.  Finally, the film doesn't shy away from blood but it's not as gruesome as I would have liked.  We do get a few small shots of computer generated effects but most of the film consists of practical effects.  The deaths fit the films but they are nothing memorable or that would stand out to the viewer.  I would have loved to see some imaginative kills in this one but that wasn't in the cards.  Overall, 10/31 Part IV is a solid enough watch with the first and final segment being the highlight of the film.  I really wanted to like Nix's segment, and while I respect him as a filmmaker, that segment wasn't for me.  I recommend checking it out if you dig the franchise but if you are looking for something new to watch during your Halloween season then I would suggest the first three films in the series.  

1 Star Review

Director - John Ferrer (Trial 22, The Milk Situation)

Starring - Judah Abraham-Silas, Charlie Clee (The Private, World's Most Evil Killers), and Peter Dombi (The Flowerman, The Queue)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I may have bit off more than I can chew with my month long horror binge.  Right as the month began I was approached by Dark Red Film Fest to review their current selection of films for their film fest.  I was reluctant at first but decided to add them to my watch list.  I was expecting a few films but I had no idea there would be as many as they actually had.  After watching a few films it was time to dig into a few of their official selections.  The first one on the chopping block was 1 Star Review.  While the title did not stir up any excitement, the short itself really packed a punch.  I want to thank Dark Red for reaching out to me to check this one out.  

     The film follows a chef who invited a woman to his restaurant late at night to try one of his dishes.  Unbeknownst to her, he holds a grudge against those that give him poor reviews and she had given him one sometime ago.  

     1 Star Review is one of the few films that really embodies it's title.  Not that it deserves a 1 star, because it doesn't, but because the premise of this short is summed up perfectly by it.  Honestly, I can't believe we haven't seen a thriller or horror film in this modern era of Yelp, Google Reviews, and so on.  It's a great idea and works so well as a short.  The acting in this one is fantastic.  The entire cast shines regardless if you are the chef killing people with poor taste or a helpless victim.  It's a great cast and everyone pulls their weight, so to speak.  The story for this one is a lot of fun and works so well as a short.  The film runs for less than 10 minutes but in that time we get some character development and a body count.  While it does make great use of it's time, it would not be as effective as it is if the run time was to be extended.  Finally, the film has some blood and a few deaths require you to use your imagination but it all works together to create an effective horror short.  While I would have loved some gore, it doesn't necessarily need it to be good.  Overall, 1 Star Review is a well made short that really scratches an itch I didn't know I had.  While most shorts could easily be expanded upon and turned into a feature, this one is damn near perfect as a short and would be spread too thin if stretched to a feature run time.  Check it out.  

6 Songs

Director(s) - Irene Baruffetti (Vore Gore), Corey DeAn Cowly (Patient 4, XXX Darknet: Red Lips), Domiziano Cristopharo (Scorecard Killer, Unburied Tales), Joseph Russio (Beyond Dark Dreams, Devil's Lettuce) Slade Wilson (XXX Darknet: Red Lips), and Peter Lankston

Starring - Cory DeAn Cowley, Madeline Deering (Spirit Animal, Gore Orphanage), and Carley Sonafelt (Bathtub Shark Attack, Air Fryer Slaughter)

Release Date - 2024

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     By this point it should be no surprise as to how much I love anthology films.  I grew up with classics like Creepshow, Twilight Zone: The Movie, Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, From a Whisper to a Scream, and so on.  So it's safe to say that when I'm approached to review an anthology that I will gladly say yes to the request.  Several weeks back I was asked by filmmaker Joseph Russio to review the extreme horror anthology 6 Songs.  Russio surprised me a few years ago with his film Beyond Dark Dreams so I was already interested in it but once I heard it was an anthology I quickly agreed to it.  I want to take a moment to thank Joseph for sending this one my way for review!

     The film begins with a sinister priest telling the viewer several graphic tales that involves a song.

     I knew absolutely nothing about 6 Songs prior to watching it and I have to say that it was easily the most visually appealing film I have ever seen.  While some of the segments are better than others, the overall film was absolutely beautiful through and through.  The acting in this one is a bit uneven which makes sense considering each segment was made by a different filmmaker.  I'm not saying that the acting is bad, because it wasn't, but some segments are a bit more grounded in regards to characters and acting.  The stories for this one vary, as to be expected, in quality but they work for the most part.  Without giving too much away, the film focuses on the grotesque and extreme violence while focusing on the music aspect.  While I found it to be interesting at times, I did struggle to finish a few of the segments.  These focused more on the beautiful cinematography and the music itself over the story.  Finally, the film doesn't shy away from the blood and has some fantastic make-up effects but it's not as gory as I was expecting.  The effects we get work for the story and looks fairly well done but I was honestly expecting a lot more gore than we did get.  Overall, 6 Songs is a beautiful film but I don't see myself revisiting it anytime soon.  The wrap around segment needed it's own film but is still fun as is.  It's well worth a watch so check it out.  

     

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.

2LDK

Director - Yukihiko Tsutsumi (First Love, The Mourner)

Starring - Maho Nonami (Negative Happy Chainsaw Edge, Bitter Blood), Eiko Koike (Hell's Garden, Black Gospel), and Yoriko Kamimura (Kamen Rider W, Kamen Rider Zero-One)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Drama/Horror

Tagline - "Envious roommates in a duel to the death"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Unearthed Films has released some of the most brutal and shocking genre pieces over the years from their in house produced American Guinea Pig films to their distributed works.  When it comes to extreme horror very few companies do it better.  However, Unearthed has been known to release some standard horror fair.  Not too long ago Unearthed announced the release of the 2003 Japanese dramatic horror film 2LDK.  I was very curious about this one.  The artwork didn't look brutal or graphic which made me very curious about the flick.  I was quick to reach out to my friends over at MVD and they were kind enough to send over a review copy.  Like always I want to thank MVD and Unearthed for hooking me up!

     The film follows two aspiring actresses who just happen to live together.  To applied for the same role which as created hostility between them.  Soon, tensions come to a boil and things turn deadly.

     Honestly, I had no idea what 2LDK was about but in my mind it was sure as hell a lot more interesting.  I loved the idea behind the film but the execution just bored the living shit out of me.  I wanted to love it and I hate writing a negative review for my friends over at Unearthed but this film just wasn't for me.  The acting for this one is decent enough.  The cast is small and the characters have great on screen chemistry but the two main characters are so much alike that the film does become confusing at times.  The cast does a decent enough job in their performances but their lack of distinguishing personalities does make it a bit dull of a watch.  The story for this one is a very interesting spin on a roommate drama that turns deadly in the final moments.  I liked the concept but the way in which the film is done makes for an extremely dull film where we watch two unlikable characters become petty with each other.  Finally, this film is pretty dry until the final moments and then the blood hits.  It's only one quick scene but the effects are great with plenty of blood.  Overall, 2LDK wasn't for me.  It was a pretty cool idea but the long dialogue heavy scenes and lack of progressing story makes it a difficult one for me to finish.  I love Unearth but this release is not for me.  

6:45

Director - Craig Singer (Dark Ride, Perkins 14)

Starring - Augie Duke (Necropolis: Legion, Hell's Kitty), Michael Reed (The Disco Exorcist, Brides of Satan), and Armen Garo (The Wolf of Wall Street, Gotham)

Release Date - 2021

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "A dream vacation with some time to kill"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I know I've bitched and moaned about the pandemic but it really has left a lasting impact on the movie industry.  It's not often that I get in new movies for review because of all the new mandates put in place due to Covid-19.  However, I look forward to any film I get in for review that was filmed over the last two years.  Several weeks ago I received the press release for Craig Singer's 6:45.  Singer is the director behind some seriously underrated horror titles like Dark Ride and Perkins 14.  I was even more intrigued about the film when I saw that it starred the Disco Exorcist himself, Michael Reed.  I reached out to my friends over at Well Go USA and they were kind enough to send over a review copy for me to check out.  Like always, I want to thank Well Go for hooking me up with a review copy.

     The film follows young couple Jules (Duke) and Bobby (Reed) who are on their vacation.  They are in a secluded town that is only reachable by ferry but this particular week the ferry is not running in remembrance of a terrible murder that happened some years ago.  Their first morning their they awaken at 6:45 and begin their day like most would on vacation with some sight seeing, eating at local places, and some drinking.  However, that night they fall victim to a killer using the same method on them that happened to those that died all those years before.  The following day Bobby awakens at 6:45 remembering everything that happened the day before while Jules does not.  He quickly finds himself in a loop of awakening at 6:45, going about his day, and then dying.  After many, many, many repeats he decides to confess his infidelity to her to see what would happen and finds himself rid of the curse but something more sinister has happened... something so dark that he has completely wiped it from his mind.  

     Honestly, I was looking forward to 6:45.  Singer really impressed me with Dark Ride and Perkins 14.  I remember that I wasn't alone with Perkins 14 hit store shelves.  I was an active member of the UHM message boards and it was a common to see conversations about this one pop up for weeks after the film's release.  I was hoping that 6:45 would deliver the brutality that his previous films did while utilizing the fantastic actor that Michael Reed is.  Sadly, the film missed it's mark with me but there was some enjoyable aspects of it.  The acting in this one is absolutely fantastic.  Duke and Reed are phenomenal together.  I went through their filmography to see if this was their first time working together and as far as I can tell it is.  However, they have some seriously impressive on screen chemistry.  They were very comfortable with each other and their dialogue exchange feels very genuine.  I know I've praised Reed in the past for his performances and he continues to impress me.  With that being said, Duke is just as enjoyable in her role. The supporting cast is impressive as well but Reed and Duke's characters are the center of the story.  The story for this one is one of several horror films that borrowed the premise from the classic comedy Groundhog's Day.  I fucking loved Happy Death Day and it's sequel so this type of premise can be very effective in a horror film.  However, this one just doesn't set up an intriguing premise like some of the other films that use this same plot device.  I could really get behind a young couple getting murdered and murdered again as they try to uncover the reason for their continuing murder but the way 6:45 approaches the story makes it more focused on how the character of Bobby handles being stuck on repeat with the horror taking the back seat.  If it was more focused on the murders and who caused the original while tying it to them then it would have been a lot more entertaining than the psychological twist it goes.  I found it to be very underwhelming.  Finally, the film doesn't shy away from the blood which is what I expected from Singer.  We get some seriously bloody death but they are mostly the same over and over again.  We get some great practical effects for the kill but the repetitiveness of it takes the impact away from the viewer.  Overall, 6:45 could have been another great horror release from filmmaker Craig Singer but it struggles to find it's own footing.  It falls victim to it's own premise where the repeating storyline becomes repetitive.  It has a great cast and solid deaths but it's one I can't recommend.  

Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters

Director - Kimiyoshi Yasuda (Ghost Story: Depth of Kasane, Sleepy Eyes of Death: In the Spider's Lair)

Starring - Shinobu Araki (Satan's Sword 3: The Final Chapter, The Temple of Wild Geese), Saburo Date (Song of the Devil, Wolf Guy), and Jun Fujimaki (Demon Spies, Daimajin)

Release Date - 1968

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "A fantastic world unlike anything you have ever seen!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several months ago Arrow Video announced the release of the Yokai Monsters box set.  The artwork really caught my attention so I quickly looked into the movies to see what they were like.  After checking out a few trailers I knew I would fucking love them.  I reached out to MVD, who was handling the American releases for Arrow, to see about reviewing it.  When the standard edition was gearing up for release they were kind enough to send the box set my way for review.  After watching Mondo Macabro's Hiruko the Goblin I figured now was as good enough time as any to finally check them out.  I want to thank MVD and Arrow Video for sending this amazing set my way.  

     The film follows a small village who are moving out of their traditional values into a more modern lifestyle.  A local business owner wants to tear down an ancient shrine in order to build a brothel but refuses to surrender to local legends.  He listens to a village elder tell the story of the 100 monsters but still doesn't believe it.  Soon the village is overrun by the 100 monsters from lore.

     I knew 100 Monsters was going a bit different but I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.  I loved the look of the film and the light humor does find it's mark without taking away from the story and pacing.  It is a very enjoyable film especially if you don't take it so seriously.  The acting in this one is so much fun.  The film is full of colorful characters and energetic performances.  I loved the characters and the cast does a fantastic job bringing them to life.  As fun as the story is, it's the characters that makes the film as enjoyable as it is.  The story for this one is a lot of fun.  It's not a horror film per'se but it is a fun fantasy comedy with monsters.  The monsters are not scary or bone chilling but I really enjoyed the lore behind them and how they were used in the story.  I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing, use of humor to break up the scene, and the backstory they delivered.  Character development is put in the bac burner here but it's not something that completely ruin the experience.  Finally, the film has some great make-up effects and puppets along with some classic camera tricks to make the gag effective.  I liked most of the monsters and their look but the lack of blood was a bit disappointing.  Overall, 100 Monsters was not the movie I was expecting but I had so much fucking fun with it.  Horror hipsters may bitch about it but for those of you that are looking for something fun to watch will appreciate this late 60s flick.  I recommend it.  

13 Slays Till X-Mas

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

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

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Prey Christmas doesn't come early"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

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

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

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

Lotus Eyes

Director - Joshua Land (Ape Canyon, The American Dream)

Starring - Mitch Holson (V/H/S/ 2, Wonder Woman 1984), Anna Fagan (Ape Canyon, The Visitation), Shannon Lanier (The Dark Knight Rises, Signals 2)

Release Date - 2016

Genre - Drama

Tagline - "Who can you trust when the world ends?"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I have a soft spot for post-apocalyptic movies.  Not every filmmaker can pull off a Mad Max inspired feature but there has been some very clever no-budget post-apocalyptic films to be released over the years.  A few of those has found a home with Wild Eye.  A few weeks ago Wild Eye sent me the 2016 post-apocalyptic drama 2020: Fallen Earth which was originally titled Lotus Eyes.  I can see why the title was changed but I do find it a little funny that a 2016 film was retitled 2020: Fallen Earth.  Regardless, I want to thank Wild Eye for sending this one over.  I absolutely loved it.

     The film follows teenager Simon (Holson) who has decided to leave the care of his mother to live with his uncle on a farm.  The economy has tanked due to an oil crisis leaving many in poverty and barely able to eat.  The journey to his uncle's starts out innocently enough and soon he befriends two others looking for a better opportunity.  However, inner turmoil's and unable to trust newcomers forcing them to separate until he reaches his uncles.  He soon learns that the grass is not always greener on the other side when he learns that his uncle only keeps able bodied workers on the farm and those that are sick or ill are forced out to starve.

     When I tossed this one in I assumed it was a horror tale but I was wrong.  However, I was not disappointed.  In fact, I found myself thinking about this long after it was over.  I absolutely loved it and recommended it to several genre fans after I watched it.  Wild Eye has released several of my favorite movies on DVD over the years and this releases adds another to the list.  The acting in this one is great.  The characters are not that well written and can easily blend into the backdrop but the cast does a phenomenal job in their performances.  The cast is extremely young and inexperienced but they show so much promise in front of the camera.  It's been a few years and the cast has appeared in a few more films but nothing really genre specific which is a bit disappointing.  The story for this one is not a horror tale.  In fact, it's not really suspenseful either.  The film is a drama set against a decaying civilization with the characters choosing one of two options.  They can either help one another or they can look out for themselves.  The movie does a fantastic job showing how easy it is to become selfish in difficult times but it also shows how someone can help others without putting people at risk.  Having these types of characters clash works in this post-apocalyptic setting.  With that being said, there is some pretty dry scenes that really pushes the viewer's patience.  These scenes are few and far in between but they are there and it breaks the pacing up.  Finally, the film is not a bloody one.  In fact, it's not really that gruesome at all.  There is some scenes with a few dead bodies but they do not show blood or gore.  Remember, this is a drama and not an extreme horror flick.  Overall, 2020: Fallen Earth is not what I was expecting but I fucking loved it.  If you are looking for a Mad Max style film you will be very disappointed but if you are a fan of the CBS show Jericho then you will really enjoy this one.  I highly recommend it.  

100 Acres of Hell

Director - Hank Leigh Hump

Starring - Gene Snisky (Morning Star, The Adventures of Turkey Dude), Jeff Swanton (By the River Rye, Law and Order), and Jim Roof (Zombie Strippers!, Deathchair: The Chair that Eats)

Release Date - 2019

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several weeks ago I made a post in a few indie horror groups on Facebook looking for news, crowd funding links, and so on to post to the site.  My email is always open but new filmmakers and people I haven't been in contact with before don't know how to contact me for posts on the site.  A few people reached out with news but a handful of people asked me to check out their films.  One of those films was 2019's 100 Acres of Hell from first time director Hank Leigh Hump.  It looks like something I could really get behind so I jumped on it.

       The film follows a former professional wrestler and a group of friends who go out to an old preserve that has been abandoned for some time.  There is a local legend about the preserve but they disregard it and go camping anyway.  Soon they find themselves face to face with the disfigured maniac and his family of inbred women.  

     I'm not a wrestling fan.  I grew up during the Monday Night Wars and was a huge WCW fan but once that was over I found myself slipping away from it all.  I had no idea that Gene Snisky, the actor who played Buck in the film, was actually a professional wrestler that has worked for some of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world.  This really shocked me because he was the best actor in the film.  The acting in this one is extremely uneven and the best performance comes from the professional wrestler.  The supporting cast is a bit annoying and not really enjoyable.  I think they were written that way so the cast may have been doing what they were told to do but it made the scenes extremely difficult to sit through.  With that being said, Gene Snisky really did a fantastic job carrying the film on his shoulders.  As I stated earlier, I'm not a wrestling fan anymore so I had no idea who he was prior to this film.  In fact, I was thinking he looked a lot like David Denman which really confused me.  The story for this one is like so many other horror films before it.  It borrows heavily from films like Friday the 13th, Wrong Turn, and Hatchet.  We follow a group going to an abandoned area only to find themselves hunted down by a disfigured man.  This is literally the same premise as the films I mentioned before plus several others that's been released over the years.  Honestly, I don't mind this type of story with a slasher but the way this one was executed made for a bit of a dull watch.  The scenes are too drawn out and the unlikable characters makes a drawn out scene feel even longer.  Finally, this one has plenty of blood but the kills are pretty unforgettable.  I've been watching slashers for most of my life and the death scenes are what makes them so much fun.  Sadly, this one just doesn't deliver the fun kills that slasher fans are looking for.  Overall, 100 Acres of Hell is an interesting premise but it's unable to put a new spin on an old story.  The cast makes it a little difficult to follow and the fun deaths we are looking for just don't show up.  Honestly, this is one I cannot recommend.  Skip it.  

Deadly Games: Dial Code Santa Clause

Director - Rene Manzor (Deadly Nightmares, Highlander)

Starring - Brigitte Fossey (The Last Butterfly, The Party), Louis Ducreux (The Night Affair, The Double Life of Veronique), and Patrick Floersheim (Elephant Tales, Skyland)

Release Date - 1989

Genre - Horror/Action

Format - 4K Ultra HD

Rating (Out of 5):

     Over the years I've searched for as many Christmas themed horror movies as I could find.  This search has put me in touch with some true holiday classics but some of these Christmas treats are a little harder than others to track down.  Many moons ago I was browsing my old stomping ground, UHM, when I came across an older post for Christmas horror movies.  The movie Code Pere Noel was mentioned along with a few screen shots from the movie.  It looked fun so I inquired about it.  Many on the message board claimed that it was ripped off by Home Alone the year after it was released.  I tried to grab a copy of this one but it was a little difficult to track down and then, like so many movies I've looked for, I forgot about it when I came across a few dead ends.  However, sometime back Vinegar Syndrome announced that Code Per Noel, aka Deadly Games: Dial Code Santa Clause, as part of their 4K line.  I jumped on it and couldn't wait to spin it this December.  

     The film follows a wealthy boy who is extremely clever.  His mother is a very successful business owner and they live with his elderly grandpa.  With Christmas approaching he has set in motion a plan to catch Santa in the act.  However, with his mom out of the house for the evening, he finds his home invaded by a maniac dressed as Santa.  Armed with his wit and all the finer things money can buy, he must protect his grandfather from the evil intruder.

     Vin Syn's October releases had a few that I was looking forward to checking out.  Necromancer was at the top of my list but Deadly Games was easily second.  I absolutely love holiday themed horror movies.  I grew up on Silent Night Deadly Night and Black Christmas but I'm always up for checking out something I've never seen before that will make it's way into my annual viewing.  Deadly Games was fun and I can see why so many fans claim Home Alone ripped it off.  It's hard to build a case against it when you watch the film and realize it was released one year before Home Alone.   The acting in this one is my least favorite aspect of the film.  I always find it hard to judge international films because every country has their own style.  However, I didn't care for the cast or the acting in this one.  The acting was underwhelming at times and during the more action oriented scenes I found that the cast was overacting.  It went from one extreme to another.  The story for this one is a little uneven but I enjoyed it.  The first portion of the film establishes the characters where the last 20 or 30 minutes follows the kid trapping the evil Santa.  I like how the film approached the story but the portion that most of us want to see is only during the last leg of the film.  Finally, the film has a little blood but if you are looking for a good gory horror flick this one is not for you.  The film relies heavily on character development and story instead of blood and guts.  Overall, Deadly Games is a painfully underrated Christmas gem that deserved the Vinegar Syndrome treatment.  It's not the most gruesome Christmas horror tale I've seen but it's fun and really captures that late 80s charm that a lot of us grew up with.  The 4K from Vin Syn is absolutely top notch.  The audio and video looks great, the artwork from The Dude Designs is absolutely insane, and the special features are worth the price.  Be sure to add this one to your collection.  

#Alive

Director - Il Cho (Jin)

Starring - Ah-In Yoo (Punch, Six Flying Dragons), Shin-Hye Park (Call, My Annoying Brother), and Bae-soo Jeon (The Wailing, Night of 7 Years)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "You must survive"

Format - Streaming (Netflix)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was feeling a little down.  I've been binging horror movies over the course of the month and many of them have been huge disappointments.  I recently had my heart broken when I tossed in the Australian horror film Cult Girls.  I had a few more I needed to review but I decided to take a break from movies that was sent my way for review to watch a few new releases on Netflix.  I know so many new releases hit Netflix this month but I decided to go with one that was released a few months back and that was #Alive.  

     The film follows streamer Oh (Yoo) who awakes one day to find that people are becoming infected and turned into flesh eating monsters.  Unable to leave his apartment he soon finds himself dehydrated and starving.  He tries to kill himself but is stopped by another survivor in the complex across from his.  They begin a friendship and try to meet up in order to survive the zombie apocalypse.

     I recently found myself rejuvenated with zombie films after watching Train to Busan and it's follow up Peninsula.  The Walking Dead has ruined the sub-genre for me but watching Train and it's sequel made me want some more.  #Alive really filled that void that I was looking for.  It was a great zombie flick that I seriously hope gets a physical release later.  The acting in this one is solid.  The roles are almost personal due to how the film was shot.  The cast is isolated and has to carry the scene by themselves for most of the film.  They do a fantastic job while creating character identity and emotion.  The story for this one is nothing we haven't seen before but incorporating the modern touches does make a little more appealing to a different demographic.  Having a video game streamer isolated and fighting to survive is, honestly, a brilliant and simple addition to a sub-genre that is so oversaturated that it's damn near impossible to find something unique.  Though the scenes mostly revolve around one person it does a great job at holding your attention and not feel boring.  Finally, the film is full of impressive make-up effects and plenty of blood.  The zombies look great and leave a lasting impression while the blood and carnage needs to be seen to truly appreciate.  Overall, #Alive is a fantastic horror film.  If you have Netflix I highly suggest you give this one a go.  You will not regret it.  

The Eleventh Commandment

Director - Paul Leder (Murder by Numbers, The Baby Doll Murders)
Starring - Bernard White (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Magical World of Disney), Marilyn Hassett (Deadly Nightmares, Rock-A-Die Baby), and Dick Sargent (Teen Witch, Bewitched)
Release Date - 1986
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Thou shall not rape, steal or murder"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Every month I rush to my mail box in hopes that today is the day that I get Vinegar Syndrome's monthly releases in.  This company quickly became one of my favorites and you never know what they are going to announce next.  Their monthly releases are usually equal parts exploitation and horror.  Sometimes the exploitation is sleazier than most but they are always consistent with their releases.  Back in July Vin Syn released the sexploitation period piece The Naughty Victorians along with the 1986 religious thriller The Eleventh Commandment and the often ignored Larry Cohen film Perfect Strangers.  After giving The Naughty Victorians a spin it only made sense to follow it up with The Eleventh Commandment.  Thanks again Vin Syn for sending this one over.

     The film follows Robert (White).  Robert is the son of a wealthy business owner who was murdered by his own brother.  To make matters worse, Robert watched his uncle kill his father before raping his mother.  Now, years later, Robert is locked up in a mental hospital where he has turned to Christianity as a way to cope.  His wealthy uncle is trying to convince Robert to sign over his father's business to him and is using the doctor at the mental asylum to get this done.  However, a weakness in the nursing staff allows Robert a chance to escape and begin his killing spree.  He will stop at nothing to get his uncle back for killing his parents and locking him away for all those years.
     Vinegar Syndrome is a great company for finding movies that you would never hear about other wise.  Most companies focus on popular films to re-release because they know they can make their money back on these titles.  I love The Evil Dead and Phantasm but I can only buy the same movie so many times before enough is enough.  A lot of times with Vin Syn their blu releases are the film's first release since VHS.  The Eleventh Commandment is one of the many films they've released over the years that I had never heard of until their press release was sent around.  With that being said, I enjoyed it for what it is but it wasn't without it's own flaws.  The acting in this one is the high point of the film.  Aside from a stellar performance from Dick Sargent and Lauren Woodland, I really enjoyed Bernard White's performance as the gentle killer.  He is unlike most madmen you would find in a horror film and he really pulls the viewer in.  You feel for him and want him to kill those that wronged him.  Such an amazing performance from a virtually unknown actor.  The story for this one has slasher elements but plays out more like a religious thriller.  The slasher elements follows a man that was wronged (Robert) who then seeks to kill those responsible for wronging him.  This is similar to slasher stories found in Prom Night and Friday the 13th.  However, the style in which it was done flows more like a made for television religious thriller.  It works if you are wanting something different but I don't see much in the way of replay value.  Finally, the film has several on screen kills but they lack originality.  Most of the kills follows Robert as he stabs people in the gut.  We get some bright red blood but nothing out of the ordinary.  With that being said, we do get two kills from gun shots that was exceptional.  Not that original but they were very well done.  Overall, The Eleventh Commandment is one you don't hear people talk about but it does deserve at least one viewing.  The story works well but it will not be making anyone's top ten lists.  The blu from Vin Syn has a great transfer with clear images and consistent audio.  I highly suggest checking it out.     

2

Director - Josh Miller (Zero Intuitions)
Starring - Josh Miller and Kinsley Funari (Hell at Heathridge, Raw Focus)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror/Thriller
Tagline - "Do you have another...?"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's a weird fucking time to be alive right now.  Mother fuckers out here fighting over toilet paper while completely disregarding their safety and everyone else's by not staying indoors to prevent the spread of the virus.  We have businesses putting workers health on the line by remaining open while they should be closing their business doors.  While most people want to spend their time arguing with people during this pandemic I've decided to watch movies and focus on hobbies.  A few weeks back actress Kinsley Funari reached out to review a new short that she starred in and was directed by actor Josh Miller.  Thank you Kinsley for allowing Horror Society and myself to check this out.

     The film follows two friends getting together for a beer and talk about some artwork one of them recently did.  Her work showed everything in pairs and she doesn't understand her need to paint them.  Soon her friend begins acting weird and leaves.  Soon after his departure she learns the horrifying reasoning behind why he was acting strange.

     Director and actor Josh Miller has been subjected to several of my films due to his work with indie filmmakers Shawn Burkett, Ryan Stacy, and Henrique Couto.  He's an amazing actor and all his experience on indie film only makes him more than qualified to step behind the camera to direct his own films.  2 was a fun short that makes great use of it's time while showcasing how capable Miller is to step behind the camera.  The acting in this one is great.  Miller does a solid job as expected in his role.  His character fits the story very well.  Kinsley Funari also delivers a solid performance as well.  The short is just around 7 minutes so we don't get a lot of time with them but for the length of the film we get decent performances from both.  The story for this one is entertaining but leaves way more questions than answers.  I liked what we were given but the film could have been a hell of a lot longer with so much more substance.  Finally, the film has some blood with minimal practical effects but for those of you looking for a bloodbath may want to check out something else.  However, if you want a well crafted short with some great acting then this one is for you.  Overall, 2 may not be the most inspiring indie horror short I've seen but it is quality.  Josh and Kinsley work so well together and I can't wait to see what they bring us fans in the future.  If you get a chance to check this out I highly recommend you do.  It's well worth your time.  

The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires

Director(s) - Roy Ward Baker (Aslyum, The Monster Club) and Cheh Chang (Five Deadly Venoms, Kung Fu Invaders)
Starring - Peter Cushing (Horror of Dracula, The Satanic Rites of Dracula), David Chiang (A Slice of Death, The Revenge Ghost of the Tree), Julie Ege (The Mutations, The Magnificent Seven Deadly Sins)
Release Date - 1974
Genre - Action/Horror
Tagline - "Black belt vs. black magic"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's been a busy week with my reviews but I still have a few more left to post before the weekend strikes.  Over the course of this week I've reviewed Warner Brothers Archive Collection releases of Horror of Dracula and The Satanic Rites of Dracula along with Scream Factory releases of Dracula: Prince of Darkness and Scars of Dracula.  Next up is the Scream Release of the Hammer/Shaw Brothers production The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires aka The 7 Brothers Meet Dracula.  This is hands down my favorite Hammer Dracula film.  I love those 70s kung fu films and the mashing of the highly popular Hammer Dracula series really works for me.  I know many dislike this entry but I absolutely love it.
     The film follows Van Helsing (Cushing as his son) as he tours the Chinses country speaking about vampirism.  It also just happens to be the same time that Dracula, now once again resurrected, is seeking out the 7 golden vampires to do his bidding.  Van Helsing, his son, and a wealthy heiress is then persuaded to follow a group of brothers and their sister, all kung fu master, to their village before the 7 golden vampires can kill more innocent people.  Van Helsing agrees and they start their treacherous journey to the village to stop Dracula, his deadly vampires and the legion of the undead that follows them.
     I tend to enjoy the cheesier side of cinema.  I love horror but my taste usually takes me to the trashier and comedic side of the genre.  I guess I can blame my upbringing of 90s kids movies and exploitation cinema from the video store.  I know this is one of the weaker films in the series but I can't help but love it.  It's so fucking fun and one of the few films in the franchise that I can watch over and over.  The acting in this one is far from perfect but they do bring to life some pretty entertaining characters with some fun backstories.  I'm a sucker for characters with backstories and history.  The brothers and sister with their own skillset and different personalities was a very entertaining touch to the film along with the history behind the golden vampires.  Dracula is a bit of a downer in this one but when you combine everything together you get a real fun kung fu films with horror elements scattered throughout.  The story for this one is something I would have loved as a kid.  As I stated in my previous review for The Satanic Rites of Dracula, I was already familiar with this franchise but I had not seen them all before.  If I knew there would be a kung fu entry in the series at that time I would have broke my neck to find a copy.  I absolutely loved the mash up and the whole new lore given to fans of the films.  The kung fu works and the writing does a great job at bringing characters like Van Helsing into a film they normally wouldn't fit in.  Finally, this one has several deaths that are fun and fit with the film but the practical effects were very weak.  This series is not known for their amazing practical effects and this film is no better.  In fact, one of the gags near the end of the film is out right laughable.  Overall, The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires is such a fun movie.  Imperfections aside, it is highly entertaining and a breathe of fresh air in a series that has become stale.  I highly recommend checking out the blu from Scream.  It looks absolutely fantastic.