Garden of Love

Director - Olaf Ittenbach (The Burning Moon. Black Past)

Starring - Natacza Boon (Beyond the Limits, School of Silence), James Matthew-Pyecka (Legend of Hell, Chain Reaction), and Daryl Jackson (Dard Divorce, Gorky Zero: Beyond Horror)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Welcome to the communion of the dead"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     German splatter is a term I used to hear all the fucking time when I was a regular on the Upcoming Horror Movies (UHM) message boards back in the day.  Only one name was ever mentioned and that was Olaf Ittenbach.  It was during this time that I was fortunate enough to watch the films The Burning Moon, Black Past, and Premutos: The Fallen Angel.  The movies were unforgettable and the effects were amazing.  Over the years his films have slowly trickled out on blu with the most recent offering being his 2003 film Garden of Love, which was released as The Haunting of Rebecca Verlaine and possibly as Born Undead at one time.  I want to thank my friends over at Unearthed Films for sending this release over for review!

     The film follows a young woman who starts to suffer from voices that she cannot figure out.  However, as the film progresses she soon learns that her family was brutally murdered and she was the only one to survive while voices are actually her late family instructing her to find the killer so they can finally rest.  

     Garden of Love is one of those films I had never heard of until a boutique label got their hands on them.  Olaf Ittenbach and his amazing effects have made a name for themselves among horror fans so I was genuinely excited to finally check it out.  While the story was lacking, the film still found a way to entertain.  The acting in this one was solid for most of the movie but a few scenes had me laughing my fucking ass off.  This one scene in particular involves a meeting between the young lady, here adoptive parents, and someone that knew about the murders before his daughter interrupted them.  This whole scene is awkward but the man behind the desk is so bad and awkward to watch.  There is another scene later in the film with a similar performance.  These scenes do interrupt the flow of the film and ruins what pacing the film does have.  The story for this one is an interesting idea on paper but does not work too well on film.  I loved the idea of a group of brutally murdered ghosts helping their living relative find their killers.  The way they look undead really made me think of American Werewolf in London.  However, the film struggles to find any real momentum.  The scenes are painfully dull, for the most part, and a lot of the characters are extremely flat and one dimensional.  With that being said, I could really see this story taking hold on genre fans if it focused more on the victims instead of the lone survivor.  Finally, this film has exceptional effects.  I knew Ittenbach wouldn't let me down and this film fucking delivered on the gore.  We have some seriously impressive practical effects and a few scenes that will truly stick with you for sometime after watching this bloodbath.  Overall, Garden of Love is not my favorite film from Ittenbach but god damn was it bloody in all the right ways.  The story may come up short but it's still a fun one just for the gore.  Check it out now on blu from Unearthed Films.  

Evilenko

Director - David Grieco (The Ploy, Borgata America)

Starring - Malcolm McDowell (Halloween, A Clockwork Orange), Marton Csokas (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings, Cuckoo), and Ronald Pickup (Doctor Who, Dark Floors)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The chilling story of the Soviet Union's most notorious serial killer"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Unearthed Films has really impressed me with their releases over the years but it seems they have stepped it up in notch of quality the last year or so.  Unearthed made a name for themselves releasing extreme and underground films.  Movies like 100 Tears, Hate Crime, La Petit Mort, and the Vomit Gore trilogy.  Now, they still release some of the most extreme indie films around, but they are dabbling in more popular titles like The Guyver, Homework, Calamity of Snakes, The Grand Tour, and several more I'm sure I'm forgetting.  I was a bit shocked when I received the press release for the UHD release of the 2003 true crime drama/horror film Evilenko starring the legendary Malcolm McDowell.  This is a film I was very familiar with but never actually seen it.  In fact, I had owned the DVD release for sometime but never took the time to open it and watch it.  Not long after I received the press release for the Unearthed release I received a copy of the film for review.  This was the perfect opportunity to finally check it out.  Like always, I want to thank Unearthed for sending this one over!

     The film follows a former school teacher that is harboring a dark secret.  The devout communist has been going all over the country killing and raping children and young women.  A special task force is established to catch him but they are unable to do so for years until one victim is able to escape.  Once convicted they learn that he possesses some sort of psychic ability but is sentenced to death regardless due to the nature of his crimes.  

     Evilenko is a film that finds its well deserved home at Unearthed Films along with all the other sick and depraved films.  The story, which is based around the real life serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, made me feel uneasy several times but fell short of being as effective as it could have been.  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it but it stepped on it's own toes several times.  The acting in this one is great.  McDowell is one of the best to ever step in front of the camera and he is no exception here.  His portrayal as the deranged Evilenko makes the film what it is.  His line delivery is fantastic and seeing him in character gave me chills during certain scenes.  I was also impressed by Marton Csokas' performance.  His character was a great contrast to McDowell's and is probably my favorite performance from him to date.  The supporting cast is hit or miss.  Some have some great performances while a few scenes are a bit tough to watch.  It feels like the cast was in a rush to get through their dialogue and move on.  The story for this one is where the film struggles.  The film is based on the murders committed by Chikatilo which spanned years.  I understand it would be hard to put all that into a film without skipping years but the way it was done leaves out so much.  It's a bit difficult to follow and could have been done better.  In fact, I would rather had stuff omitted from the film rather than cramming everything in and having the story bounce from year to year.  Aside from pacing issues, there is moments in the film that really got under my skin which is saying something.  I don't know if it's the father in me or what but some of the scenes with the children really bothered me.  It's been a long time since I've felt that chill down my spine and I somewhat missed it.  Finally, the film has a few bloody moments but those looking for gore will be very disappointed.  The film uses the story and discussion of the gruesome acts to get a rise out of the viewer without showering them in gore.  Overall, Evilenko is a great film that does bounce around in the story but still delivers.  It has an amazing performance from Malcolm McDowell and Marton Csokas along with a few truly unnerving moments.  I highly recommend checking this one out especially the Unearthed Films release.  

Don't Wake Daddy

Director - Allison Marie Rogers

Starring - Kaza Jobalia (Street Sweeper), John Bibby (Between Mercy and Me, America's Prayer), and Ava Inman (The United States of Horror: Chapter 3, The Calling of Lizzy McBride)

Release Date - 2023

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     

     I love digging into indie horror films.  Seeing someone's idea come to life before me is something that makes indie cinema so enjoyable.  Hell, even if I don't like the movie I still find myself enjoying the experience.  I know how much work goes into a film and I hate when something is sent over to review that I don't get into.  I respect the hell out of them but not every movie is for me.  A few weeks back my friend Richard Russell asked me to review a short that a friend of his made.  The film, Don't Wake Daddy, was directed by Allison Marie Rogers and starred Kaza Jobalia, John Bibby, and Ava Inman.  I want to thank Richard for reaching out to me and Allison for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check it out.

     The film follows a loving father and husband who works to provide for his family and doesn't ask for anything in return.  However, his daughter sees something behind him every time she looks at him.  It's a creature that she has named the Red Man.  However, as his sleep becomes inconsistent and difficult for him, the Red Man takes over killing his wife and prompting his daughter to protect herself.  

     I went into this knowing nothing about the short but I did have that damn catchphrase from the board game of the same name stuck in my head the entire fucking time.  The short has a lot of promise and I could see myself getting behind the story if there was more to it.  I absolutely adore horror shorts because they pack so much into a short run time.  However, Don't Wake Daddy doesn't give the viewer enough to latch on to.  The acting in this one is very well done.  The cast is small and their imdb pages are just as small but they do a wonderful job in front of the camera.  The characters they bring to life is very convincing.  The viewer gets a sense that they area real family.  That's something a lot of films fail to do but this short nails that aspect.  The cast is wonderful and I could see them appearing in other genre efforts.  The story for this one has a very interesting premise but it doesn't explore or explain itself fully.  I liked the idea of the dad losing possession of his body while he sleeps and the "red man" takes over but why is he there?  Or is he really not there and the daughter is just deranged?  We have a very interesting idea but it's not fully explored or brought to the screen.  Finally, the film has two deaths with a little blood and some make-up effects.  It's nothing memorable but it does fit the film very well.  Overall, Don't Wake Daddy is an interesting idea but there has to be a bit more meat on the bone for viewers to enjoy it.  I really enjoyed the cast and I liked what was trying to be done but a little more time set on backstory or family history would have went a long way.  

Blood of the Chupacabras

Director - Jonathan Mumm (Revenge of the Chupacabras)

Starring - Dan Leis (Narc, Nail in my Coffin), Rachel Sense (Scratch), and Loran Taylor (A Bullet Over Fives, Revenge of the Chupacabras)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The legend is true"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I’ve always been a fan of cinema. I grew up in the video store renting movies like Space Jam, Heavyweights, Puppet Master, and any other VHS that caught my eye. When the 90s were ending and the 2000s were starting I reluctantly made the jump to DVD. I remember the first movies I ever bought on DVD were Sam Raimi’s Spider-man, Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, Bruce Campbell vs The Army of Darkness, and Little Nicky. This was the turning point for me where I found myself favoring horror films over any other genre. This was also the time where I began finding indie horror flicks in big box stores. I snagged several films from companies like Brain Damage Films and Pendulum Pictures. It was around this time that I saw some posts in a horror forum I often frequented talking about the indie horror film Bloodthirst: Legend of the Chupacabra. I never had the chance to see it, but it did peak my interest. Fast forward many years and news breaks that Wild Eye’s Visual Vengeance label was releasing the film under the title Blood of the Chupacabras on blu. I was quick to message them, and they were kind enough to send a copy over my way for review. Like always, I want to thank Wild Eye for supporting Horror Society and myself! 

      The film follows a local reporter who finds herself investigating the mutilation of goats owned by a family nearby. She’s tired of doing these puff pieces and asks for something more important which she is granted. When a man is murdered outside a bar she is sent to report on it. Soon she uncovers the Latin legend of the Chupacabra, also known as the Mexican goat sucker, and how it has a deep history in the area that can be traced back to a nearby cave and a former professor who put a stop to a string of similar murders several decades before. 

      Blood of the Chupacabras is one of those films that is genuinely bad, but I had so much fucking fun with it. I loved the characters, the story that was all over the place, and CGI creature, and the horrible effects. It’s a low-quality film that has no business being as enjoyable as it is and I’m not ashamed at all to say I liked it. I know the horror hipsters that beat off to August Underground and A Serbian Film will comment that I was paid off with this review, but I wasn’t. I just like indie horror and this one was fun regardless of it’s short comings. The acting in this one is surprisingly well done. There were a few scenes where the cast was a little too stiff and awkward but most of the movie was very relaxed and genuine. Everyone, for the most part, worked very well together which made the story a little easier to swallow. Honestly, I really liked the cast and it’s a bit a shame that I never saw them in anything else. The story for this one has that mid-90s Sci-Fi Channel (before they rebranded) feel which is something I didn’t realize I liked. Most of the film follows a reporter trying to uncover the mystery behind a string of animal attacks and a handful of murders. We then have a cool angle featuring a professor hunting the beast and vampires. That’s right, a film about the Mexican Goat Sucker has fucking vampires. The movie is wild if you can look passed the no budget made for television look of the film. Finally, the film has some make-up and practical effects that does match the films budget but the highlight of the film is the CGI Chupacabra. The film knew it’s limits and full embraced it. I fucking loved this shitty looking creature. Overall, Blood of the Chupacabras is a lot of fun and one I can’t wait to revisit with some edible and beer. This is the kind of movies I look forward to reviewing and I want to thank Visual Vengeance for giving this the love it deserves.

Necro Files 2

Director(s) - Ron Carlo (Necro Files 2: Behind the Screams), Matt Jaissle (The Necro Files, Necro Files 3000), and Greg Lewis (Necro Files 2: Behind the Screams)

Starring - Isaac Cooper (Anti-Hero, Midnight Movie Madness), Steve Sheppard (The Necro Files, Anti-Hero), and Gary Browning (The Necro Files, Necro Files 2: Behind the Screams)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Lust never dies"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I befriended director Matt Jaissle on Facebook when he was promoting his newest indie horror film Necro Files 3000.  I was unfamiliar with his previous work but he was kind enough to send over his films The Necro Files and Necro Files 3000 for review.  Both films, though polar opposites, were extremely fun for different reasons.  I soon realized that The Necro Files has a bit of a cult following.  Recently, my friends over at Wild Eye Releasing put out the original Necro Files on blu and was kind enough to send a copy my way for review.  I was looking forward to revisiting this one and when I was browsing imdb while watching the film I realized that Jaissle co-directed a sequel in 2003 simply titled Necro Files 2.  I was quick to find a copy to check it out after revisiting the first film on blu.

     The film picks up some years after the first with the two detectives still working together to stop crime.  One has obviously picked up some bad habits after stopping the undead rapist in the first film but he is still quick to act when a new series of murders and rapes grip the city.  They soon start tailing his brother who they suspect is filling his dead brother's shoes and soon discover what is really going on.  

     Necro Files 2 is not the film the original is and doesn't offer up the comical mayhem Necro Files 3000 does.  It's not a bad film but it's obvious that there was more going on behind the camera than in front of it.  It scratched an itch I didn't know I had but it's nowhere near as enjoyable as the original film.  Competitionists or hardcore fans of the original may be interested in it but if the original is something you are on the fence about then this one is not for you.  The acting in this one is more of the same as the original film.  The cast goes all in but inexperience is obvious.  I liked the characters and how the cast approached them but in some scenes they use volume as a way to show emotion which is a bit awkward.  I'm not much for films where the cast has an issue with volume control and that's what happens here.  The story for this one is a pick up from the first one but it doesn't really have anywhere to go.  I liked it for the most part but I was hoping for something a little more than a similar story to the original film.  It's a solid follow up to the first but the lack of progression makes it one that will be easily forgotten.  Finally, this one is just as wild when it comes to no budget effects as the first.  It's bloody and gory with plenty of imagination to overcome the film's lack of budget.  A lot of fun for those of you with a taste for blood.  Overall, Necro Files 2 is not the polished and entertaining film as its predecessor but there were moments to enjoy.  I liked it for the most part but I don't see myself checking it out again.

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.  

Undead

Director(s) - Michael Spierig (Winchester, Daybreakers) and Peter Spierig (Jigsaw, Predestination)

Starring - Felicity Mason (Mortified, A Predator's Obsession), Mungo McKay (BeastMaster, Inspector Gadget 2), and Rob Jenkins (Australiens, Sharkmen)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "Crazy has come to town for a visit"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I was a very active member of the Upcoming Horror Movies forum.  I discovered so many great films during those years because of the snobby, yet well versed, horror fans that were quick to either bash or praise a horror release.  I tended to gravitate toward the films that often caught heat from the horror hipsters because my tastes in horror is a bit different.  When I saw posts about the Australian horror comedy Undead I couldn't wait to see it.  I pre-ordered a copy of the film on DVD and fucking loved it.  In the years following I was able to snag another copy of the film on DVD featuring different artwork than my original copy from a Hollywood Video that was going out of business.  I don't mind to double dip with the price is only $1.  Sadly, after college I started my reviews for Horror Society and a lot of the films that I often revisited took the back seat to movies that I was sent for review.  When Umbrella Entertainment announced that Undead would be gracing their Beyond Genres line I was excited.  Odd that it wasn't part of their Ozploitation Classics but that doesn't matter much.  I couldn't wait to upgrade to blu and give this one the revisit that it rightly deserved.  I reached out to them and they were once again kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows a small Australian town that descends into darkness when the living become the flesh eating undead.  Some survivors band together but attitudes and poor decisions tear them apart before the undead can.  When things look the darkest and they are at their end they face an intervention from someone outside of their town...and this world.  

     I remember when Undead was released and several members on UHM hated the film but there was a handful that actually liked it.  Honestly, it was cheap but a lot of fun.  The humor doesn't really find it's mark but the story and characters more than make up for it.  I can see why some of the more picky horror fans dislike the film but if you are open to horror comedies and the odd side of cinema then you will enjoy this one.  The acting in this one has plenty of room for improvement but not the worst I've seen.  Some of the characters are written to be funny while others are meant to be more serious to help carry the story along.  The cast has some experience but it's clear that they didn't have enough to make their performances stand out.  As fun as the film is the characters are rather forgettable.  The story for this one starts out like your typical zombie flick with a small town under siege from the undead but as the film progresses we find the survivors dealing with something much more than just a zombie outbreak.  The characters may not be as memorable as other films like it but they did fit in well with the story.  My biggest gripe with the film is the untimely humor and how flat it is.  I love a good zombie comedy but this one is very inconsistent and uneven.  Finally, the film has some fun practical and make-up effects and some seriously horrible visual effects.  The practical effects look great and really do make this film as enjoyable as it is.  I love the kills in the film and how they use classic practical effects to pull them off.  However, the visual effects are horrible and something that always turned me off back when this was a regular watch.  Overall, Undead isn't perfect.  It suffers from a low budget and fairly inexperienced cast but it finds a way to work.  It's enjoyable and one I would highly recommend watching with friends.  The blu from Umbrella is leagues above the DVD release and one I would consider a must own for zombie fans.  Check it out.  

HorrorTales.666

Director(s) - Phil Herman (Tales for the Midnight Hour, Burglar from Hell) and Michael Hoffman Jr. (Scary Tales, Sigma Die)

Starring - Joel D. Wynkoop (Ouija Mummy, Make Them Die Sleazy!), Julie Strain (Repossessed, Psycho Cop Returns), and Phil Herman

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Format - DVD (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I started following The Sleaze Box some years ago I reviewed their first film Amerikan Holokaust and wasn't a fan.  I respected the story and amount of gore but the overall film was not something that I enjoyed.  However, their subsequent films were extremely fun and enjoyable.  With that being said, not all of their distributed films were my cup of tea.  Some are fun but a good bit of them just miss the mark.  After watching the Homicidal Maniac double feature along the horror documentary Blood, Guts, and Sunshine I decided to keep the Sleaze Box marathon going with HorrorTales.666.  I recently watched Mail Order Murder: The Story of W.A.V.E. Productions and was excited to check this one out after seeing that WAVE had a segment involved with this anthology.  

     The film follows a burglar who breaks into the home of an author.  He uncovers a hidden file on his computer and starts reading a horror anthology series that he has written.  He makes his way through each story that features murder, envy, and more murder before he is confronted by the deranged author looking for his next story.

     I was very excited to spin HorrorTales.666 when I saw that not only Julie Strain was attached but a segment came from the wild folks over at W.A.V.E. Productions.  Sadly, I was not a fan of this one and my favorite segment ended up with the biggest plot holes I have ever seen.  The acting in this one had me laughing.  The cast delivers unintentionally funny performances and a few of the scenes were awkward.  When I review anthologies I typically see some segments that are acted better than others but this one is fairly consistent throughout.  The stories for this one is very consistent but not entertaining.  The wraparound segment worked for an anthology and reminded me a lot of From A Whisper to a Scream but with a burglar reading stories instead of Vincent Price.  This wraparound worked but it's content of the other segments that makes this one tough to watch.  I did enjoy the segment with the two friends with the being envious of the other about how easily he can attract women.  With that being said, that segment has the biggest plot hole I have ever seen.  For someone that states several times that they had been friends since they were little he seemingly forgot that he had a sister?  The other segments were very forgettable and offered up nothing entertaining.  Finally, this one has some blood here and there but the kills are quick and offer up no fun practical effects.  In fact, even after watching the movie I don't remember a single one of them.  Overall, HorrorTales.666 is not a movie I would recommend and if you are like me and tossed it in your Halloween horror binge you will find yourself very disappointed in your choices.  This is one I would skip.  

Freddy vs. Jason

Director - Ronny Yu (Bride of Chucky, Fear Itself)

Starring - Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm. St, Supernatural), Ken Kirzinger (Stan Helsing, The X-Files), and Monica Keena (Aftermath, Night of the Demons)

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Place your bets"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I was already fully obsessed with horror.  Movies like Thir13en Ghosts, Idle Hands, Jason X, and so on were movies that were hitting store shelves during these years.  When I was a sophmore or junior in high school the battle all horror fans wanted, Freddy Vs. Jason, was finally getting the big screen treatment.  This was something that had been hinted at a decade earlier during the end scene of Jason Goes to Hell.  Fans wanted to see these two slasher titans face off and the movie was finally here.  I went to theaters with my brother to watch it and then rushed out to pick it up after school when it got a physical release.  I loved it...but it did not age well and now I feel stupid that I actually enjoyed it all those years ago.

      The film follows the kids of Elm street who is being hunted down by the Crystal Lake slasher Jason.  Freddy scoured Hell looking for someone to help him the kids of Elm street remember him so he can regain his powers.  Jason's rampage works and the kids on Elm street start dreaming about Freddy but Jason doesn't stop forcing the two to face off over who has the right to slaughter the teens.  

     I can remember watching Freddy vs. Jason several times in high school and once or twice when I was in college.  I enjoyed it at the time which is why I watched it so many time.  However, it did not fucking age well and it was rough to finish especially if you marathon all the films like I did.  It almost works as A Nightmare on Elm St. movie but even then it comes up short.  The acting in this one is a little better than Jason X but not by much.  Robert Englund delivers another amazing performance as the iconic Freddy.  This character's personality is unforgettable and at this point Englund is the only one that can do it right.  The others characters are ok but we only want to see them die.  I know that's an asshole thing to say but in a Freddy vs. Jason film we want to watch them both hack and slash through teens.  The story for this one is, once again, on the goofy side.  It doesn't feel like a very good continuation of the Friday the 13th film but you can almost see if as another ANOES.  The film uses an interesting idea to bring the two together BUT there could have been so many other ways to get these to face off.  With that being said, a lot of the scenarios the "teens" find themselves in and how they handle it just feels rushed and not thought out.  I feel like the film was brought together in a brainstorming session with not rewriting or polishing done to it.  Finally, the film has several death scenes and does not shy away from the blood.  Some of these use practical effects but most use some form of dated visual effects that really takes away from the kill.  Some of the more entertaining death scenes features some of the most laughable visual effects.  Overall, Freddy vs Jason was a huge part of my high school experience but after revisiting it 17 years later I have to admit that it's a read dud.  This one accompanies Jason X as being the worst installments in the franchise.  

August Underground's Mordum

Director(s) - Jerami Cruise (Murder Collection Vol. 1, Insomniac), Killjoy (Necrophagia: Sickcess), Michael Todd Schneider (His Devil's Night, Our Devil's Night), Fred Vogel (August Underground, The Final Interview), and Cristie Whiles 

Starring - Fred Vogel, Cristie Whiles (Murder-Set-Pieces, The Redsin Tower), and Michael Todd Schneider 

Release Date - 2003

Genre - Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I dislike writing negative reviews especially when they are the films from people I've met and have always done right by me.  I refuse to lie in a review but it's very difficult to write a negative review and not disrespect the person that made the film.  I've met and talked with filmmaker and effects artist Fred Vogel several times at Cinema Wasteland.  He was always extremely friendly and happy to speak with fans and other horror friends.  Sadly, his film series August Underground just didn't look like something I would like.  I decided this October to give them a shot and with Halloween approaching I figured now would be the perfect time to spin them.  The first one was something I had to force myself to finish.  Not because it was graphic or visceral, because it wasn't, but because I found myself bored.  I was hoping the sequel would be better.

     The film, once again, follows a pair who go around torturing, degrading, and killing people while they film it.  This time around they bring someone else in on the madness. 

     I love a lot of bad movies.  Cheap and absurd seems to be my wheelhouse but I do find a few of the more gruesome and extreme horror films to be entertaining as long as they have a story to tell.  With that being said, I can't find the appeal of this series aside from the practical effects and gore.  For movie that span the length of a feature film I struggle to watch it for more than 15 minutes.  Watching people get in each others face and scream, obnoxious laugh, and rough up someone tied up doesn't cut it for story for me.  I need something that pulls me in and Mordum, much like the first film, just didn't do that for me.  The acting for this one is more of the first film.  The characters try way too hard to be edgey and offensive.  They try to be people that have no regard for other human lives but you can tell the cast is forcing this really hard.  It's not genuine and a few of the scenes are very awkward to watch.  I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not.  The story for this one is literally the same as the first film with the additional of an extra headcount.  It works for 15 or 20 minutes but after that you will find yourself drifing off to sleep.  This simple and straight forward story is stretched so thin that it becomes a chore to finish.  Finally, the film once again showcases some of the most impressive practical effects I have ever seen.  The fact that this wasn't put into a traditional horror film is a fucking crime.  As much as I dislike this film I still have to recommend watching it just to see the effects.  Overall, Mordum is barely a movie in my opinion.  I know so many of you love this series but I can't find anything redeemable here besides the effects which isn't enough alone to carry the film.  Please, tell me what you love so much about these!

The Stranger Beside Me

Director - Paul Shapiro (The X-Files, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues)
Starring - Billy Campbell (Ghost Town, Lizzie Borden Took An Ax), Barbara Hershey (Insidious, The Entity), and Kevin Dunn (Transformers, Godzilla)
Release Date - 2003
Genre - Horror/Crime
Tagline - "The Ted Bundy story"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     With October in full swing I've decided to put the exploitation and sleazy behind me for the time being and focus mainly on the horror to get in the Halloween spirit.  I started the month with a little monster mayhem with Mothra and decided to follow it up with some true crime.  Several months back Mill Creek Entertainment sent me the 2003 made for TV movie The Stranger Beside Me flick about Ted Bundy.  True crime is something I was really interested in when I was younger but Bundy was one that I just never found interesting.  Regardless, the film was sent to me and I feel obligated to check it out.  I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it for what it was.
     The film follows former cop and true crime author Ann Rule (Hershey) who met a young Ted Bundy while working for a suicide prevention hotline.  When several women are found murdered she suspects that Ted may not be as innocent as he claims and over time it is revealed that he is in fact responsible for their deaths.  She is tasked with writing a book about the murders and he leverages that with her while trying to convince her that he is innocent.  As more and more evidence is piles against him he soon realizes that the hole he finds himself in is one he will never be able to climb out of.
     I went into this one not expecting much but was greeted by a well polished and written crime thriller that was more entertaining than it had the right to be.  I may not be interested in Ted Bundy but this film is one that I can highly recommend.  The acting in this one is the low point of the film.  I struggled with the casting in this and how the characters felt more like a Hallmark Christmas movie instead of a true crime thriller centered around one of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history.  Bundy was an evil and manipulative man that worked women over in more than one way while soaking in the limelight.  However, Campbell's performance here made him look ignorant and clumsy that is extremely awkward with people.  I just didn't care for the casting here.  The story for this one is extremely interesting and every scene holds the viewer's attention.  As I stated earlier, I'm not 100% on the facts surrounding Bundy but the film is extremely enjoyable.  The pacing is smooth but the film does jump around creating a bit of a murky story telling experience.  Finally, if you want blood and gore you wont find it here.  The kills do not take place on screen and we do not get to see the aftermath.  There is no effects to be seen.  Overall, The Stranger Beside Me is a very entertaining film.  Honestly, I didn't expect much from this one and it put me in my place.  Check it out now on blu from Mill Creek Entertainment.  

Secret Sins

 



Director - Allan Lee (Jessica's Place, Casino Sex)
Starring - Jacy Andrews (My First MILF, Tomb of the Werewolf), Gina Ryder (Heartbreakers, Les Vampyres 2), and Taylor St. Clair (Hellcats in High Heels 3, Necro Files 2)
Release Date - 2003
Genre - Erotic
Format - DVD (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

 

 

     I get sent a lot of stuff to review.  Most of which are horror and exploitation flicks but there is the occasional sexploitation or vintage porn that pops up in my mail box.  At first, I used to turn them away or request the senders to stop sending them to me but after one peaked my curiosity I decided to give them a chance.  Now I review everything sent to me because I never know what is going to be another film I'm proud to collect.  Sometime back Full Moon announced their new erotic streaming service that offered viewers plenty of softcore, sexploitation, and sleazy goodness.  When they made this announcement they also announced that they would be releasing the softcore porn flick Secret Sins on DVD.  I was curious about the release and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!
     The film follows sexually active Diane (Andrews) who finds the man of her dreams and settles down.  She cuts off her wild ways in hopes of living that picture perfect life but quickly discovers that her husbands best friend is a man she once fucked in the woods.  Things get even more hairy when she goes to a cabin with her man and some friends and sexual tensions come to a boil between the entire group.
     I've watched my fair share of sleazy and raunchy movies over the years and I've learned that some of these are actually pretty fucking entertaining.  Some go as far as to give the viewer an entertaining story with the sex scenes only working as filler to make the films longer.  Sadly, this is not the case.  The movie is a romance novel on film which is boring as fuck considering its softcore.  The acting in this one is extremely one sided.  Jacy Andrews was surprisingly great in her role.  She's sexy and extremely confident on screen.  Her performance was great and the sex appeal is unmatched on film.  Sadly, her co-stars did not put forth an effort.  We get amateur porn star acting that made almost every scene awkward to watch.  The story for this one is ripped straight from a middle-aged housewife's romance novel.  We get a free spirit who settles down with her dream man only to be thrust back into the wild world from which she came.  Sexual fantasies and love may work for a romance novel but for an exploitation fan it does not go the distance so to speak.  It was extremely boring which had me dozing several times.  Finally, no blood for those of you expecting it.  However, if you want some very unenthused dry humping then you are in the right place.  Overall, Secret Sins is sexy but a difficult watch.  The story just isn't there and the softcore scenes are not entertaining enough to hold the viewer's attention.  This is one I cannot recommend. 



House of 1000 Corpses

 



Director - Rob Zombie (31, Lords of Salem)
Starring - Sid Haig (Spider Baby, The Devil's Rejects), Sheri Moon Zombie (Halloween, Halloween II), and Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Evil Bong)
Release Date - 2003
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "The most shocking tale of carnage ever seen"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

 

     When I hit high school I was a full fledged horror fan.  I was obsessed with it and spent every cent of my allowance buying movies and comics.  This was the time where I was an avid Rob Zombie fan.  Like most metal and rocks fans of the time I was obsessed with him thanks to the Twisted Metal games which featured him on the soundtrack.  In 2003 I was a sophomore and he announced his first horror film House of 1000 Corpses.  I fucking shit my pants at the news.  Sadly, there was no theater near me at the time so I had to wait for a physical release.  When it was released on DVD I had to have it and I'm glad I bought it.  The DVD menu alone was worth the price.  To this date I have yet to find a DVD with a menu as fucking cool at that one.  I loved the movie and watched it so much I burned myself out with it.  With news of Zombie's third film in the series Umbrella has released the first two films House of 1000 Corpses and it's sequel The Devil's Rejects on blu and was kind enough to send a review copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows two couples who are on their way home after traveling the country and documenting roadside attractions.  They stop at Captain Spaulding's Museum of Monsters and Madmen where they hear about the legend of Dr. Satan.  They decide to investigate it further and meet a female hitchhiker named Baby (Sheri Moon Zombie) who takes them back to their house for a Halloween they will never forget. 
    
     I always loved this film.  As I said earlier, I pretty much watched this one non-stop for a few years before giving the DVD a retirement.  It's been about 10 years since my last viewing and I have to say that it did not hold up well.  Don't get me wrong, the movie is fantastic but some of the things that I didn't mind so much are actually working against the film.  It's still a fantastic modern horror film but it doesn't have it's faults.  The acting in this one is fucking fantastic.  Zombie wrote some unforgettable characters with this one and pulled together a cast that brought them to live.  These performances are unparalleled in horror and almost every character is one you will never forget.  Their actions hold the scenes and the lines will be quoted for decades.  Bill Moseley and Sid Haig were already genre icons before this film but they moved to pop icons with their performances here.  We also get some great performances from two other pop culture icons Rainn Wilson and Chris Hardwick who was relatively unknown at the time.  They all do fantastic jobs and make these characters larger than life.  The story for this one often gets compared to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  I can see why.  A farmhouse out in the country that is home to a family of serial killers.  I can see why people compare the two but there is more to the story here than TCM.  We get urban legends, medical oddities, a group of characters that you follow compared to TCM's one.  The story has a lot going on which is also it's biggest flaw.  The movie struggles to figure out what kind of movie it wants to be.  We have a road trip horror that leads to the TCM style set up that ends with the evil doctor and his medical experiments.  Its a solid movie but it just doesn't know it wants to be.  There is also these random inserts that will remind viewers of Rob Zombie's music videos.  They serve no purpose to the film but do extend the running time.  Finally, this one has some fantastic effects.  We only get a few deaths here and there that are mostly gun shots but we do get some insanely amazing effects later in the film.  We get some top notch practical and costume effects that are still amazing even by today's standards.  The film isn't as gory and as brutal as other horror films of the time but it very effective at creating atmosphere.  Overall, House of 1000 Corpses is a fantastic horror film.  It was very ambitious for the time but it did not age well.  The characters are now iconic and the effects are insane but there some things this young director should have done differently. 





Beyond Re-Animator



 



Director - Brian Yuzna (The Dentist, Faust)
Starring - Jeffrey Combs (The Attic Expeditions, House on Haunted Hill), Jason Barry (Sons of Anarchy, F.A.R.T. the Movie), and Elsa Pataky (Giallo, Snakes on a Plane)
Release Date - 2003
Tagline - "Inject life into the dead"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

 

     I'm one of the few horror fans that are always open minded about sequels, prequels, and remakes.  When I hear about a film I already like is getting the treatment I genuinely get excited.  I like how most take a story I already know and enjoy and take it in a new direction.  Sadly, a good portion of the time these films fall flat or fail to gain any steam.  One of my favorite horror films is Re-Animator and the sequel Bride of Re-Animator.  Both are outstanding in their own right and essential for any horror fan.  In 2003 director and producer Brian Yuzna turned the story of Herbert West into a trilogy with Beyond Re-Animator.  If memory serves, this film premiered on the Sy-Fy channel and then went on into obscurity until recently when Umbrella Entertainment released it on bluray with Bride of Re-Animator. 

     The film picks up several years after the events of the second film.  The dead broke free from the local morgue and killed several people.  Dan Cain rolled evidence on West putting him behind bars.  Before West was arrested he was found near the scene of the murder when a young woman was murdered by one of his experiments while her younger brother watched.  Now he has grown up and is a doctor who gets a job at the prison where West is held so he can work with West on his special serum. 
     I didn't know what to expect when I first watched Beyond Re-Animator.  I knew it wouldn't be the same as the first two films considering so much time had passes and Bruce Abbott was no longer part of the equation.  The movie wasn't bad but it just wasn't on the same level as the previous two installments.  It left some room for improvement and the story just didn't hold your attention like the other films.  The acting in this one is solid.  Jeffrey Combs once again shows why he was cast as West.  His portrayal of West is fucking phenomenal.  He is emotionless and calculated which reads very well on camera.  The supporting cast is solid as well but these characters are just not as fun as the characters from the previous films.  The story for this one would have worked well if it didn't pick up years after the first two films.  It does move slower than the first two films but it still delivers more of the West saga which is all we can ask for at this point.  Finally, the film still offers some pretty gruesome.  We get some fun death scenes and even more of the fantastic practical effects that we are accustomed to.  There is several segments where we see some very bad CGI effects.  Overall, Beyond Re-Animator may not  be on the same level as the previous films but it still delivers the fun we look for in a Herbert West film.  Check it out.