The Block Island Sound

Director(s) - Kevin McManus (Funeral Kings, My Brother's Treasure) and Matthew McManus (Front Page, The 30 Bones of Unfortunate Joey Jones

Starring - Chris Sheffield (The Maze Runner, CSI: Miami), Michaela McManus (The Vampire Diaries, The Orville), and Neville Archambault (The Wolf of Snow Hollow, History of the World: Part II)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror/Sci-Fi

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I get a lot of strange films in to review.  These range from re-releases of classics to lost S.O.V. flicks and a good chunk of indie releases.  However, I sometimes get a film in that really peaks my curiosity especially if it's one I had never heard of before.  A few weeks back Synapse Films sent over the 2020 mystery horror film The Block Island Sound.  The artwork didn't really do anything for me but the title and synopsis on the back really pulled me in.  I want to thank Synapse for taking the time to send this one over!

     The film follows a young man who begins to hallucinate after the death of his father.  He was lost at sea and when his body washes up on the shore strange things begin to happen to him.  He finally tells his sister and she finds another man who suffered from the same ailment.  She discovers that they both are pawns of something more sinister who is using them to bring living creatures to a specific spot in the ocean so it can take them.

     The Block Island Sound is a film that has phenomenal atmosphere and tension but fails to deliver on the compelling story.  Hell, even the jump scares fails to find their marks.  I seriously wanted to like this one but the story just didn't pull me in.  The acting in this one is very well done.  I've said that a lot lately but this film really impressed me with it's casting.  A lot of these names are fairly new to me but they delivered some great performances.  They do one hell job bring the characters to life and the film wouldn't be half as enjoyable as it is if it wasn't for them.  The story for this one is very interesting on paper but the execution left much to be desired.  I loved the idea of a supernatural presence in the ocean driving people insane and forcing them to sacrifice living things to them.  Sadly, that's about the extent of the story that held my attention.  The family dynamic continuously throws itself in your face.  Instead of just one or two scenes establishing the family is at odds with itself, it has to throw it into each scene to the point it becomes a running joke that delivers some unintentional laughs.  Also, the "tributes" brought to the sea should sucked into the sky is the goofiest thing I've seen in a movie.  So many more menacing ways to take them could have been used instead of this.  Finally, the film tries to deliver on some jump scares but is unable to do so.  They are extremely slow and feel cheap rather than effective.  The film doesn't have a body count but we do get some solid looking make-up effects.  Overall, The Block Island Sound had so much promise but couldn't pull it all together into something memorable.  I seriously wanted to like it but it just wasn't for me.  

Bottle Monster

Director - Marjorie DeHey (Goldenrod, The Same Conversation)

Starring - Willie Aames (Bibleman, Dungeons and Dragons), Billie Proffitt (Killer Pad, The Dead Undead), and Ryker Overacker (Goldenrod)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror/Drama

Tagline - "The next evolution of horror"

Format - Streaming (Tubi)

Rating (out of 5):

      Last month I was asked to review several films that flirted with horror but wasn’t quiet horror films themselves. These movies has horror elements or darker tones but were actually dramas that flirted with the line of horror or thriller. Recently I’ve watched Spin the Wheel and The Other Side of Darkness and was very surprised by how much I enjoyed these dark dramas. Spin the Wheel was exactly what I thought it would be but The Other Side of Darkness completely caught me off guard. It was nothing like I expected but was still a fun watch. A few days after I was asked to review this two non-horror titles I was sent another dark drama that borrows from horror. The film, Bottle Monster, was streaming on Tubi for free and the team behind it was asking that I check it out to draw in some buzz for the release. I agreed and here we are. I want to thank them for bringing this one to my attention. 

      The film follows a mother and her young son who move into an old house in hopes of a new beginning. She’s a recovering alcoholic and believes a change in scenery will help her kick the habit and re-establish the relationship she once had with her son. As she struggles with her own demons she is confronted by something sinister living in the home and is putting her own child in danger

      I was really looking forward to this one. The synopsis and title really peaked my interested and I couldn’t wait to see another monster movie centered around an alcoholic mother and her young son. However, what I actually watched was a depressing drama with some jump scares and a “monster in the old house” side story that never fully expands into what it should have. I wanted to like this one but it wasn’t for me. In fact, I have no idea who it was intended for but those with a taste for horror or dark dramas will be disappointed. The acting in this one is not the worst I’ve seen but there was some moments that made me roll my eyes or ask why the scene wasn’t reshot. Most of these scenes involved the son which could be chalked up to his age and inexperience but I’ve seen films with much smaller budgets with younger actors able to pull it off. With that being said, I really did enjoy Billie Proffitt’s performance. I liked her character and she did a fantastic job in the role. The story for this one was not what I was expecting and was a bit disappointed in it. The film tries to use the metaphor or a drunk mother battling demons while she is in a home with a literal monster. The film needed to focus on the mother’s struggles or moving into a home that is inhabited by something sinister. Having the film split it’s time between the two does both story arch’s injustice while creating a film that tries the viewer’s patience. Finally, the film doesn’t really hit you with some blood and gore. We get a few little glimpses here or there of the rat in the basement and the “thing” in the house but that’s really about it if you want to ignore the horrible visual effects. If you are looking for memorable deaths or a monster movie in tune with The Gate or Ghoulies then you will be very disappointed. Overall, Bottle Monster had an interested idea with poor execution. It feels like two ideas clashing together resulting in a messy film that is not as enjoyable as it could have been. I wanted to like it but I’d be lying if I said I did. Skip it.

Post Mortem

Director - Peter Bergendy (The Exam, The Attic)

Starring - Viktor Klem (Ransom, The Whiskey Bandit), Fruzsina Hais (Berlin Station, Cask Szinhas es mas Semmi), and Judit Schell (No Man's Island, Vagabond)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "You only know if you've been to the other side"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Scream Factory has brought genre fans some fantastic films to blu and UHD.  Every month collectors scramble to snag whatever movies they've pumped out on disc.  While they have brought classic films from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s that drive fans crazy, they also released some fantastic modern flicks that would fly under most fans' radar.  Recently, I received the press release for the Hungarian paranormal horror film Post Mortem.  The trailer looked really interesting so I reached out to Scream Factory and they were kind enough to send over a review copy.  With October fully under way I decided it was the perfect time to check it out.

     The film takes place some time after the first world war when a former soldier visits a small village to perform mourning photos for families that lost someone.  The village was hit hard by the flu and due to the severe weather in the region they are unable to bury the dead.  This has resulted in the town becoming haunted with the spirits of the deceased that he has vowed to rid the town of.

     Post Mortem is a film that has a lot going for it.  It has a tremendous atmosphere and tension.  When you combine that with eerie images and a story that really works you get something that really helps you get in the Halloween spirit.  The movie is far from perfect and there were a few moments that made me watch the clock instead of the film but it was effective once the story picked up.  The acting in this one is so well rounded.  It's difficult to feel an emotional connection with a film when you are reading subtitles the entire time but this one works.  You can feel raw emotions with the look in their eyes and their mannerisms.  The cast really does carry the film on their backs and their performances are fantastic.  Their characters are well written and they do a fantastic job bringing them to life.  The story for this one is much bigger than the film we get and what it could have been really hangs over the film.  The idea of using mourning photos as the basis of a horror film has been done before.  The popular theatrical flick The Others was the first film to bring this to my attention but films were done way before it.  Anyway, mourning photos is extremely eerie and unnerving especially for generations of individuals after they became outdated.  I really enjoyed how they were used here.  I also loved that it was a period piece that took place after World War 1.  With that being said, it does lag during the middle portion of the film and doesn't really pick up until it's last leg.  It's atmospheric and tension works when it finally finds it's stride.  Finally, this one has some seriously creepy make-up effects and scenes that really captures the paranormal aspect of the film.  It's not a movie that relies heavily on bloodshed but it works.  Overall, Post Mortem is a highly effective film with a great cast and decent story.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it for those of you wanting something spooky this October.  

The Boys Season 2

Creator - Eric Kripke (Supernatural, Haunted)

Starring - Karl Urban (Ghost Ship, Doom), Jack Quaid (Rampage, Smallfoot), and Antony Starr (Banshee, Terror Peak)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Action/Crime

Tagline - "Heroes aren't born.  They're made"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I knew that The Boys would be a show that I instantly fell in love with but I was not expecting to love it as much as I did.  I'm a huge fan of super hero flicks but having a grounded and corrupt super hero show following conspiracies, deaths, and capitalism really makes The Boys stand out from other films and shows like it.  Sure, The Watchmen mini-series does give the viewer a gritty and brutal spin on caped-crusaders but The Boys dials it up to 11.  As soon as I finished the first season I immediately tossed in the second season.  It did not disappoint.

     This season follows Butcher who discovered that his wife is alive and gave birth to Homelander's super son.  Caught in the middle is the remaining members of the 7 and The Boys who are still attempting to bring notice to the destruction the supes are causing and how they were all created by Vought when they were injected as babies.

     Season 2 of the boys is a fantastic follow up to the first season.  It not only builds upon the first season but still gives fans what they were wanting from the existing cast.  It's a lot of fun and for those of you that like to binge shows like I do you will find yourself having one hell of a time.  The acting in this one is fucking amazing.  The cast is phenomenal and every character is enjoyable.  Even the smaller roles are still a fun watch.  I know that season 3 is in full swing and I sincerely hope that we have many more to come.  The story for this one does a fantastic job building upon the first season.  We have even more character development and answers to questions that were asked in the first season.  However, the introduction of new questions leaves the viewer waiting for season 3.  I enjoyed every episode and how far the series goes.  Finally, this is just as bloody and violent as the first season.  We get so many fantastic gore shots that utilize practical and visual effects to create something that will stick with you for weeks after watching.  Overall, The Boys season two was just as good, if not better, than the first season.  I seriously beg anyone that hasn't seen this one yet to check it out.  It's one of the wildest shows in television history.

VHS Massacre Too

Director - Thomas Edward Seymour (VHS Massacre, Attack of the Show!)

Starring - Zac Amico (Dolphinman Battles the Sex Lobsters, Shakespeare's Shitstorm), Joe Bob Briggs (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre II, The Stand), and J.R. Bookwalter (Her Name Was Christa, The Dead Next Door)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Documentary/Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago there was a handful of documentaries pop up that centered around VHS with a lot of emphasis on the collecting aspect.  During that time I was lucky enough to review Rewind This!, Adjust Your Tracking, Video Nasties, and Troma's VHS Massacre.  Rewind This! and Adjust Your Tracking was the best of these releases but the others were not that bad.  If anything, the others were still entertaining but a little one sided.  With Troma backing VHS Massacre it would go on to become a popular doc which would inspire a follow up.  When I heard that Troma was releasing VHS Massacre Too I quickly requested a copy from my friends over at MVD.  I was very curious how a sequel to a VHS doc was going to turn out.  Like always I want to thank MVD and Troma for hooking me up with a copy!

     The doc follows indie filmmakers, producers, distributors, and actors as they discuss the struggles indie cinema faces along with major corporation censoring and the popularity of exploitation cinema.

     VHS Massacre Too was not what I was expecting.  It's not a bad doc because I actually enjoyed MOST of the interviews but the VHS Massacre Too title is a little misleading.  The film could have easily been given a more appropriate title that fit the doc itself instead of using the title to cash in on fans of the first film.  Regardless, I liked it but it's not what you think it is.  The interviews for this one were very interesting.  Most of the interviews were very insightful and informative.  However, there were a few people interviewed that seemed like they didn't want to be there.  Their stories are rather dull and I'm confused as to why they were even asked to speak in the film to begin with.  It was great seeing movie legends like Lloyd Kaufman, Joe Bob Briggs, Debbie Rochon, and J.R. Bookwalter.  However, the addition of random YouTubers (James Rolfe excluded) and random producers makes it awkward and questionable at times.  The topics discussed are connected very well and the noteworthy guests do a fantastic job at delivering their own experiences with them.  I liked hearing about the exploitation sub-genres and the stories many of the indie filmmakers had to tell about distribution deals gone wrong and raising funds for their films.  With that being said, these topics do not really fit in with the VHS theme.  The movie would have been more enjoyable if it focused more on the indie aspect and dropped the VHS moniker early on.  Finally, the editing and transitions in this one are pretty solid.  It's a great looking doc that has great pacing and transitions between interviews and topics.  Overall, VHS Massacre Too is a solid documentary with some decent interviews.  However, it's not another VHS doc which is very misleading and some of the guests are out of place when you consider the other film legends they are sharing the screen with.  It's a lot of fun but know exactly what you are getting yourself into when you hit play.  

Friend of the World

Director - Brian Patrick Butler (Hatred, The Phantom Hour)

Starring - Nick Young (The Vagrant, The Case of: Dakota Moore), Alexandra Slade (5150, Luminous Flux), and Michael C. Burgess (South of 8, Hacksaw)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Comedy/Sci-Fi/Horror

Tagline - "You have been saved.  This does not mean you are safe"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     What I love about horror is that the possibilities are truly endless.  You can have a serious horror film baked in the horrors of the real world that showcase just how sick and depraved mankind truly is.  On the other hand, you can explore the horrors that go bump in the night and explore the deepest and darkest reached of our imagination.  Personally, I love the weirder and unusual side of the genre.  Films that are trashy, odd, and from filmmakers who are not afraid to take a risk are the type of movies I love the most.  A few weeks ago I received a press release for the horror comedy Friend of the World from director Brian Patrick Butler.  The film was acquired by Troma and most of you know my obsession with them.  A few days back Brian reached out to me to review the film and I quickly said yes.  It was not what I was expecting but I really enjoyed it.  Thanks Brian for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check this one out.  

     The film takes place after a great war.  A young filmmaker awakens underground among the dead and dying.  As she makes her way through the unusually large bunker she crosses paths with general who takes her in.  However, she is far from safe as other survivors are changing.  They are mutating into something else and the generals vaccine to cure it causes severe hallucinations.  To make matters worse, the general has an ideology different than her own and often looks down on her.  

     Friend of the World is a film that will exceed expectations and surprise many of it's viewers.  It's a film that blends many genres along with some satire into something that not only horror fans but movie goers in general can appreciate.  The acting in this one is great.  There is no weak links in this film.  Young and Slade are fantastic together.  They contrast so well and fit in the story perfectly.  Young's performance is my favorite of the film.  He can be intense at times and his dialogue was damn near perfect.  His portrayal is great and one of the memorable performances in the film.  Slade's performance is down to Earth and just enjoyable.  Her character doesn't have the same robust personality as Young but she knocks it out of the park as well.  The supporting cast is great as well but the lack of screen time does make it difficult for viewers to appreciate.  The story for this one is a wild blend of horror, sci-fi, and comedy.   We get some unexpected humor, a Cronenberg take on the infected, and a politically charged post-apocalyptic film that doesn't over-complicate things.  The infected portion of the film wasn't explored as much as I would have liked but the character driven scenes were fantastic to watch.  Finally, the film has some great make-up effects and some visuals that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Shooting the film in black and white gave the movie a little leeway with the effects.  I enjoyed them and they fit the film very well.  Overall, Friend of the World may not look like a film many genre fans will enjoy but I assure you that this is one you will not want to miss.   I highly recommend this odd and strange spin on the post-apocalyptic sub-genre.  

The Show

Director - Mitch Jenkins (Act of Faith, Show Pieces)

Starring - Tom Burke (The Crown, Extinction), Ellie Bamber (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Serpent), and Siobhan Hewlett (Dread, Torchwood)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Drama/Fantasy/Mystery

Tagline - "Enter a town where fantasy is reality"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I'm starting a new chapter in my life and that new chapter has granted me a vacation that I was not expecting.  With all these new changes and some free time on my hands I decided to finally check out the Watchmen miniseries.  I'm a huge fan of Zack Snyder's Watchmen adaptation but never found the time to check out the miniseries.  However, once I did I decided to keep the Alan Moore marathon rolling where I finally was able to check out The Show.  Shout Factory sent this one over a few months back but I was unable to check it out until now.  It seemed like the perfect movie to follow up Watchmen with.  Like always, I want to thank Shout Factory for hooking me up.

     The film follows the mysterious Fletcher (Burke) who arrives in the sleepy town of Northampton in search of an old necklace that was said to be stolen from his client.  However, his investigation leads him through a dark underworld and he discovers the real truth about the necklace and the inhabitants of the town.

     I had very little knowledge about this film prior to my initial viewing.  Hell, the only thing I really knew about it was that it was written by Alan Moore and that was about it.  It doesn't hit as hard as some of Moore's other work but it still has it's place in cinema even if I found it to be a little weak at times.  The acting in this one is nothing that stands out.  The characters are what you would expect from a film written by Alan Moore but the cast doesn't do that great of a job bringing them to life.  The cast is great but they lacked the energy you would expect from a film with characters so colorfully written and detailed.  The story for this one has a lot going on.  Moore has a knack for writing stories with beautifully written characters, amazing scenarios, and an almost trademark noir flair.  The Show has a lot going on but most of it is for show.  Most of the discoveries and wild additions to the story could be removed and the story would still be the same.  It's fun at times but all it does it extend the film's run time.  If anything, it leaves the viewer wishing the film would have explored these further.  It seriously needs to be edited and trimmed down further to make it flow better and adjust the pacing.  Finally, don't expect a blood bath.  We do have a little make-up effects and some light blood but that's the extent of it.  The film is a fantasy film at heart and the effects follows that genre.  Overall, The Show is a sold fantasy mystery that tries to capture that noir look and feel with a supernatural twist.  It works but it does have some noticeable flaws.  Check it out but don't expect a film that will stick with you. 

Shit & Champagne

Director - D'Arcy Drollinger

Starring - D'Arcy Drollinger, Matthew Martin (I Want to Get Married, The Fairy Tale), and Seton Brown (The Tragedy of Sal, Charley V)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Comedy/Crime

Tagline - "She'll make you scream and shout for more..."

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     The Vinegar Syndrome partner label releases has brought some seriously underrated heat to our attention.  Movies that I had never heard of before are now getting thrown into the spotlight for horror and exploitation fans.  Several months ago I saw that one of the partner label releases was the comedy Shit and Champagne.  My John Waters and To Wong Foo loving ass was ready for this one.  I quickly added it to my cart with the other releases I needed but I was unable to spin it right away.  After watching AGFA's Boardinghouse and Sally and Jess I decided it was time to check it out.  I'm glad I did because I fucking loved it.  

     The film follows Champagne (Drollinger) who finds herself in the middle of a corporate conspiracy when her "fiance" and sister are murdered by goons of Dixie Stampede (Martin) who owns Mall Wart. Through Mall Wart she uses her top employees as prostitutes to the rich and famous.  It's up to Champagne and Detective Hammer (Brown) to stop them before more innocent people fall prey to Dixie's prostitution ring.

     Shit and Champagne was everything I hoped it would be and then some.  It's funny, the story is solid and easy to follow, and the characters are absolutely fantastic.  I had a lot of fun with it and can see myself revisiting it several more times and never tiring of it.  The acting in this one is so much fun.  Director and star Drollinger carries the film as the ass-kicking clueless dancer taking on a multi-million dollar business after her family is caught in the middle of their underground prostitution ring.  I can see her in so many other mis-adventures and Drollinger did a fantastic job.  The supporting cast is just as much fun.  Hell, anyone could have a standalone film under their name.  The characters are beautifully written and the cast does one hell of a job bringing them all to life.  The story for this one is pretty much a parody of the action crime films of the 80s with a drag twist.  It's colorful, comical, and a lot of fun.  The dialogue is the highlight of this film and the humor finds it's mark almost every time.  It's To Wong Foo and Trashology meets films like The Miami Connection and New York Ninja and I'm all for it.  It's such a fun ride that is not as predictable as you would think it would be.  Finally, don't expect a blood bath.  It's a hilarious parody of action films with some cheesy visuals but no blood and gore for those of you here with a taste for the red stuff.  Overall, Shit and Champagne is a must see for fans of cult cinema and drag culture.  It's a lot of fun and one that I can't recommend enough.  Do yourself a favor and check it out.  

The Last Matinee

Director - Maximiliano Contenti (Neptunia, Fruit Stars)

Starring - Ricardo Islas (Zombie Farm, Night Fangs), Luciana Grasso (Harpoon, Terror 5), and Franco Duran (Lov3)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "No talking.  No texting.  No breathing"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several months ago I started receiving press releases for the slasher film The Last Matinee that starred indie filmmaker Ricardo Islas as the film's killer.  I was familiar with Islas' films prior to this so I was very curious to see him star in a slasher.  As the weeks passed I honestly forgot about the film until Vinegar Syndrome announced the release from one of their partner labels.  I loved the look of the trailer and the poster honestly sold me on it so I was quick to order a copy.  After watching Saturn's Core release of Shatter Dead I decided to go ahead and throw this one in.

     The film follows a group of movie goers who visit an old theater for a late night viewing of a horror film.  However, the theater is being stalked by a madman who with a knack for collecting his victims eyes.

     I was really looking forward to The Last Matinee especially after seeing so many genre fans praising it.  I liked it but it was very much a mediocre slasher void of story and filled with fantastic kills and effects.  The acting in this is very well done.  We get a bunch of characters with personalities that stand out and the cast does a fantastic in their role.  I loved the characters and how some added some much needed laughs to the film during the more slower scenes.  The characters were better written than the story which gives the cast something to work with.  I enjoyed the cast and now I'm seriously looking into other genre films that they have appeared in.  With that being said, I was seriously impressed by Ricardo Islas as the film's slasher.  If his character had a distinguishable look about him I could see it becoming another horror icon.  However, the fact that his character reminded viewers of the killer from I Know What You Said Last Summer.  Maybe having a killer with a memorable look would have went a long way especially considering how strong the performance was here.  The story for this one is pretty much non-existent but it has just enough to get the viewer through to the death scenes.  The film's premise is people in a theater as a killer stalks them for their eyes.  Nothing more simpler or straight to the point.  However, it would have been far more enjoyable if it was a short instead of a feature length film.  I've seen more mediocre slashers in the last five years and this is one of them.  It's not a bad experience but it has no replay value and the actual lack of story makes it dull at times.  The characters do pick up some slack but they can't carry the film on it's back the entire time.  Finally, the film has some seriously amazing practical effects.  The deaths are great and the gory deaths make the film what it is.  I was seriously impressed by this and one of the few reasons I would recommend this film.  Overall, The Last Matinee is a middle of the road slasher with a great cast and amazing effects but the lack of story does make it easily forgettable.  It's worth at least one watch but don't expect a slasher that will stick with you.  

     

Death of Nintendo

Director - Raya Martin (The Great Cinema Party, Smaller and Smaller Circles)

Starring - Noel Comia Jr. (Rainbow's Sunset, Parasite Island), Agot Isidro (Magikland, Love at First Stream), and Moi Marcampo (Since I Found You, Moon of Desire)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Comedy

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     The Vinegar Syndrome partner labels has caused a stir among genre fans and collectors.  Vin Syn's monthly releases does add up quickly and when you add the ever growing partner labels to them you find yourself in financial turmoil.  However, I love that they are bringing films to our attention that we would often overlook.  Case in point, 2020's Death of Nintendo from Altered Innocence.  This comedy from the Philippines is one I would have looked over if Vin Syn had not brought it to our attention.  As soon as I could pre-order it I did.  

     The film follows a group of boys who are all raised by their mothers in early 90s Philippines.  They like competing in video games, sports, and any other aspect they can.  However, they also have to deal with bullies, peer pressure, and growing up.

       Death of Nintendo had a lot of promise but it was one that I didn't care for at all.  I have a soft spot for coming of age dramas and comedies but DoN just couldn't pull it all together for me.  I liked the idea behind the film but the film the way it is just wasn't for me.  The acting in this one is fairly well done.  The young cast shows experience well beyond their years and the supporting cast is fantastic as well.  With that being said, the characters are painfully generic which didn't give the cast much to work with.  They are not given personalities that stand out which is one of my biggest complaints about the film.  The characters are so painfully generic that you find yourself often confused as to who is who.  This is not necessarily the cast's fault but the acting is so grounded and straight forward that you often struggle to comprehend who is portraying which character.  The story for this one is so uneventful.  Following a group of juveniles in the early 90s as they struggle to find themselves without fathers during the same time-frame that I actually grew up sounded like a film made just for me.  Sadly, the film is overflowing with small talk, cringy dialogue, dry scenes that do very little to forward the barely existing stories.  I do enjoy coming of age films but this one is lacking the anecdotes.  It seems like most of the writing went into making the film feel authentically 90s instead of story.  Finally, no blood or gore in this one.  We have some light humor that does find it's mark but a good deal of the laughs fall flat.  Overall, Death of Nintendo doesn't really fulfill it's goal of becoming a nostalgia filled coming of age comedy that it set out to be.  The story is lacking and most of the humor doesn't really work.  I love the premise but the execution just doesn't work.  This is one I would skip.

Monster SeaFood Wars

Director - Minoru Kawasaki (Earth Defense Widow, Planet Prince)

Starring - Yuya Asato (Magical Girl Site, Blood-Club Dolls 1), Ayano Yoshida Christie, and Hide Fukumoto (Earth Defense Widow, The Monster X Strikes Back: Attack the G8 Summit)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Comedy/Sci-Fi

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's not everyday that you are given the opportunity to review a comedic kaiju film.  When that opportunity does arise you can bet your sweet ass and half a tit that I'm going to take it.  Sometime back SRS Cinema announced the limited run of the 2020 sci-fi comedy Monster SeaFood Wars on blu.  I missed this release but when I saw that the film was getting a standard DVD release I knew I had to see it.  I reached out to MVD, who was handling the DVD release, and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  I couldn't wait to see what this one had in store for me.  Thanks again guys!

     The film follows a young man who is taking several pieces of seafood back to his place of work when he is stopped by a friend.  While talking he drops his bike and the food sneaks out and into the river.   Later, a giant crab, squid, and octopus attacks Tokyo forcing them to create a new department, the Seafood Monster Attack Squad in a last ditch effort to same the city from these sea titans.

      I wasn't expecting a lot from Monster SeaFood Wars when I tossed it in.  I knew it was going to be cheap but I love indie movies with fun stories and some laughs.  Sadly, the film has a good sense of humor but struggles to pull it's story together.  The acting in this one is fun.  The characters all stood out and delivered some comedic performances for the most part.  A lot of the film is based on the characters and their interactions with one another is what makes up 90 percent of the film.  The movie wouldn't be nowhere near as entertaining as it is if the cast didn't deliver.  The story for this one is a comedic take on the classic kaiju stories that a lot of us grew up with.  However, the movie is mostly character interactions with dialogue heavy scenes before we get into the monster mayhem that many of us are looking for.  I had hopes that the film would give us more kaiju mayhem than most of the other indie kaiju films seem to skip on.  The extensive scenes with little to no action makes this one difficult to watch.  I loved the idea behind it but the fact that I have to watch the characters talk about what needs done instead of doing it makes for a dull film.  Finally, the film has some seriously impressive rubber suits.  I loved the look of the kaijus and the box buildings were fantastic.  Fans of classic kaiju will appreciate this.  Also, I loved the sets and scenery used in .the film as well.  It works perfectly with the story and the backdrop of the film.  Overall, Monster SeaFood Wars is a very middle of the road sci-fi comedy with kaijus as the supporting cast.  Sadly, they are mentioned more than they are seen which is not as fun as it could be.  I wanted to love it but I couldn't.  It was decent for a first time watch but don't expect to find something that you will love.  

The Unhealer

Director - Martin Guigui (Cattle Call, Swing)

Starring - Elijah Nelson (The Sasquatch Gang, Colony), Natasha Henstridge (Ghosts of Mars, Species), and Kayla Carlson (Why Women Kill, CSI: NY)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Drama/Horror

Tagline - "With great power comes great pain"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I just spent a week working through seven films from Florida filmmaker William Grefe along with a documentary about his life and career.  It was fun watching these classic late 60s and 70s horror and exploitation classics and the documentary but I've spent a little too much time in decades passed.  I wanted to watching something a little newer so I turned to a new Scream Factory release.  The Unhealer is a dark drama starring Elijah Nelson and Natasha Henstridge.  I was curious about this one when I saw that Lance Henriksen was in it but the poster was turning me off. Regardless, I went into this one with an open mind and enjoyed it to some degree.

     The film follows the shy and timid teenager Kelly (Nelson) who has an eating disorder and is often bullied by the other kids in his high school.  His body is malnourished because he only eats foam and pencil erasers so his mother turns to a religious healer (Henriksen) to cure her son.  However, he dies during the process and bestows an ancient Native American power that reverses trauma from him and applies it back to those that tries to hurt him.  He uses his new powers to get revenge on those that bully him.  However, they retaliate and accidentally kill Kelly's mother Bernice (Henstridge).  This sends Kelly over the edge and he goes on a killing spree murdering anyone that was associated with the his mother's death.

     I knew from the poster and title that this was going to be goofy but I still enjoyed it.  It was a solid film over all but I did find myself rolling my eyes from time to time.  It's an interesting idea but it felt like it was written by a teenager or someone that was hoping to sell it to a distribution company that deals exclusively with mockbusters.  The acting in this one is very uneven and not the level of commitment that you would expect from the cast.  Henriksen is only in the film for around 10 minutes or so and his performance at that time is very underwhelming.  I like his character and the set up for the story that they laid before him but his short appearance and lack of screen time really is disappointing when you consider how much his name is plastered all over the promotion items for the film.  I did like Henstridge's performance.  Her character was very likable and she did a fantastic job as the mother.  You really believe that she loved Kelly.  As for the film's lead.  Elijah Nelson was great as Kelly but some of the later scenes where he is becoming power hungry and violent he doesn't feel genuine.  His performance is awkward to watch and it's difficult to take him seriously.  It's almost as if he was being directed to act that way by someone who has never seen an actual movie.  The story for this one has some very interesting aspects along with some out of place portions that are a little cringy and goofy.  The eating disorder angle is very grounded and serious which does add some depth to the film.  However, having him eat trash was pushing something serious to the point it was almost comedic.  Watching him eat foam takes away from the actual impact of that part of the story.  I did love the Native American lore that was mixed into the story but I feel like it was not explored to it's fullest potential.  Finally, the film does have some bloody moments with some impressive make-up effects and the viewer gets to enjoy them full.  We don't get a quick shot of it before it moves away.  Instead, it's the main focus of the scene and we get to appreciate the make-up effects.  Overall, The Unhealer is a film that could be the butt of viewer's jokes but I liked it.  I don't see myself revisiting it again but as a first time watch it was entertaining.  Check it out with an open mind and maybe a few beers.  

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.  

Blithe Spirit

Director - Edward Hall (Downtown Abbey, Kingdom)

Starring - Dan Stevens (Colossal, Dracula), Isla Fisher (Burke and Hare, Hot Rod), and Leslie Mann (ParaNorman, The Cable Guy)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "True love never dies"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     

     A few months ago I received the press release for some upcoming IFC and Shout Factory collaborative releases.  While looking through the three or four releases only one caught my eye.  I noticed that it starred Leslie Mann and Isla Fisher so I was very curious about it.  I knew Blithe Spirit wasn't going to be a horror flick but I thought it would be fun to review a supernatural comedy so I reached out to my friends over at Shout Factory and they were kind enough to send a copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows struggling writer Charles (Stevens) who lost his first wife Elvira (Mann) seven years ago when she had an accident on a horse.  He remarried five years ago to Ruth (Fisher) who is the daughter of a prominent movie producer.  Her connections lands him a job writing a big screenplay but he is unable to write.  In fact, he has not written anything since his first wife's death.  He hears about a famous medium doing a stage show new them and convinces her to hold a séance in his home in hopes of drawing inspiration.  However, something else happens and she opens a door allowing Elvira to walk through.  Now, Charles is torn between his muse and his new wife.

     I knew Blithe Spirit wouldn't be the type of film I would review but the idea behind it reminded me so much of Burying the Ex and seeing Leslie Mann casted made it damn near irresistible to me.  Sadly, it wasn't what I was hoping for but I will give the film the benefit of the doubt considering I was not the target audience for the film.  The acting in this one was extremely fun.  Dan Stevens was fantastic as the love torn author struggling to find inspiration.  I really enjoyed the character and what part of the movie that I actually did enjoyed involved him.  Isla Fisher and Leslie Mann did an amazing job as well.  Their characters fit them perfectly almost as if these roles were written for them.  The story for this one is a romantic drama with some humor scattered throughout.  The characters are very high energy and fun while fitting in the film very well.  However, the love triangle drama and constant reminder that he is lacking original ideas becomes a nuisance as the film progresses.  I almost wish that Mann's character would have came back as a murderous spirit from the very beginning.  Its fun for a first time watch but it's not a movie that will leave a lasting impression.  The humor misses it's mark and the drawn out scenes makes for a difficult watch.  Finally, no blood or gory deaths here.  We do get some visual effects that look solid but that's the extent of it.  Overall, Blithe Spirit isn't what I was hoping for but it's not a bad film.  Inconsistent but the amazing cast and characters make it an enjoyable experience.  

Midnight

Director - Gary Lee Vincent (Ted Bundy Had a Son, Strange Friends)

Starring - Brennan Bobish, Michelle Bowser (21st Century Demon Hunter, My Uncle John is a Zombie!), and Michael Ochotorena (Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back, Cool as Hell 2)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     A month or so ago I was browsing makeflix.com when I saw that they had had just posted the movie Midnight on blu.  I collect all their releases so I immediately clicked it to order it when I noticed that it was actually a remake of John Russo's Midnight from West Virginia actor and director Gary Lee Vincent.  I had no idea that a remake was in the works let alone by several names associated with the indie horror scene in my state.  I quickly snagged a copy and added it to my upcoming Midnight and Midnight 2 watch party.  

     The film follows Nancy (Bobish) who flees from her home when her drunk step-dad, who is an officer, tries to sexually assault her. She starts hitchhiking and is picked up by a young couple who have plans of camping in Virginia.  When they arrive they soon find themselves face to face with the backwoods Barnes family who are a group of murderous Satan worshipping psychos.  

    I'm not one that bashes remakes.  Hell, I'm always open to remakes, sequels, and prequels.  However, Midnight just didn't hit like the original film.  The original had some cliched and slightly goofy moments but this one dialed up the awkward and camp to 11.  The movie has potential to be fun if it would have embraced it's goofy side and tried to deliver a story that wasn't a direct remake of Midnight.  The acting in this one is solid but a good portion of the cast has little to no experience so it does get a bit awkward at times.  The cast is fully dedicated to their roles but the characters they portray and the story itself does not match well at all.  I loved the intensity that Michael Ochotorena brought to the film and if this was a horror comedy I would be all about his performance but here it feels out of place.  The same can be said about several other characters/performances but his is the one that stands out to me.  The story for this one is a pretty close to the original but it lacks the tone and atmosphere that the original delivered.  I love a horror movie centered around backwoods Satanists and Russo's original had a lot of aspects that I thoroughly enjoyed.  However, this remake doesn't feel like a serious horror film.  It's got a lot of unintentional humor that could have worked if the film would have embraced the comical side.  Instead, the attempt at seriousness and the unintentional humor clash making for an uneven film.  Honestly, I think this one would have been a lot more entertaining if it was a horror comedy.  Finally, the film has some bloody moments with some light gore.  The effects are not the best but I appreciate any indie horror film that tries to tackle practical effects.  What I didn't care for was the visual effects.  The green screen basement and other visuals were horrible.  I can't understand why anyone thought they looked good enough to pass in the final film.  Overall, Midnight tried to tackle the story made popular in what I would consider one of the most underrated early 80s horror films ever.  Sadly, it was unable to pull it all together like Russo did and created an extremely difficult film to finish.  

Star Trek: Discovery Season Three

Creator(s) - Bryan Fuller (Hannibal, Star Trek: Voyager) and Alex Kurtzman (Clarice, Tales from the Darkside)

Starring - Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead, Once Upon a Time..), David Ajala (Doctor Who, The Dark Knight), and Blu del Barrio (The Ready Room)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Sci-Fi/Adventure

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The last week or so I've been spending all my spare time watching Star Trek: Discovery.  As I stated in my season one review, I wasn't the most avid Star Trek fan but I do enjoy most of the series and films that I've seen with Picard rekindling that spark.  However, Discovery is a new obsession that I'm struggling to kick.  Hell, I even took personal time from work to watch season and three.  After binging the third season I have to admit that I'm still obsessed with the series but the third season is the weakest so far.  It's not bad but it's not as riveting and indulging as the first two seasons.

     This season begins with Michael (Martin-Green) and the crew of the Discovery 900 years into the future.  The Federation is just a fraction of it's former self after a catastrophic disaster where ships carrying dilithium crystals exploded killing millions.  Many planets under the Federation has left blaming them for the cause.  Now ships are struggling with space travel due to the lack of dilithium.  Michael and the rest of the Discovery crew set out to uncover the real cause of the event, known as The Burn, to clear the Federation's name in order to bring peace and preservation back to the galaxy.

     Discovery has some seriously dedicated fans along with Star Trek fans that dislike the show for trying to shoehorn itself into Star Trek mythos.  I understand where the second people are coming from but I fucking love this show.  This particular season doesn't really try to force itself into existing Star Trek mythology and creates it's own.  I liked it but it does struggle a bit.  The acting in this one is consistent with the other two seasons.  The characters are unforgettable and the cast dives deep into their roles.  It's hard to see where the acting ends and the character begins.  I love the casting and the new characters introduced has just as much personality as the existing characters.  A lot of great casting and writing went into this.  The story for this season does step away from the bright future and happy endings of the previous seasons to a more bleak and unpredictable future where the Federation and what it once stood for is now in question.  I did like this direction but it does take a long time for it to pick up.  In fact, it doesn't really pick up until the 10th or 11th episode.  While it does a great job at creating character and story development but the action doesn't really pick up until the later episodes.  Finally, the film is still as visually stunning as the first two seasons. We get fantastic make-up effects, amazing sets and wardrobe, and the visuals are outstanding.  Overall, season three is still an amazing season but it does lack that kick that the first two seasons had.  I highly recommend it.