Reflections on the Living Dead

Director - Thomas Brown (Maximum Impact)

Starring - George A. Romero (Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, John A. Russo (My Uncle John is a Zombie!, The Majorettes), and Russell Streiner (There's Always Vanilla, Night of the Living Dead)

Release Date - 1993

Genre - Documentary/Horror

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     Tom Savini's Night of the Living Dead is the movie that opened me up to horror.  I remember watching it for the first time at my grandmother's house.  It scared the living shit out of me.  The opening with the tree with the title song playing really set the mood and for the remainder of the film I was sitting on the floor in front of her chair with my foot against her completely glued to the screen.  I had to keep my foot against hers to make sure she was there.  The movie left it's bloody mark on me and when it was over my grandmother instructed me to go to her movie shelf.  She told me that what we watched was a remake and she had the original on tape.  She blew my mind.  I couldn't fathom what a remake was but when we watched the original I became obsessed.  Both films tell the same story but the original hit me hard.  To this day it is still my favorite horror film.  When I started collecting movies I went out of my way to nab every release of  Night of the Living, documentary, fan film, and so on for my collection.  In 1993 Thomas Brown made a documentary for the 25th anniversary of the original film.  This look back at the classic movie that forever changed the zombie sub-genre was retitled to Reflections on the Living Dead and received a blu release from Tempe Digital.  I needed this in my life and grabbed a copy.

     The film follows several of the remaining key members of the original Night of the Living Dead production as they look back at how the film was made.  We get a glimpse at some of the struggles, on the fly changes, fund raising, and scoring of this groundbreaking film and what brought them all together.  

     I've collected a few Night of the Living Dead and Dead series documentary over the years.  I'm almost certain I have this film under the original title on DVD somewhere in totes in storage but I had never taken the time to watch it.  If I was to compare it to the others I've seen I would say it was decent but some of the others goes to great length to demonstrate the impact it had on horror and pop culture alike.  However, what this documentary does differently is that it gets several members of the production together to actually reminisce about filming.  Sadly, several of them are no longer with us so it was nice to see them sitting around talking about their time on set and behind the scenes.  The interviews we get in this one is more like a roundtable discussion.  They do jump from topic to topic but it's still fun listening to them talk about their experience on the film.  The information we are given is very informative.  Most horror fans know about a lot of the rumors and lore behind Night of the Living Dead but it means so much more hearing Romero, Russo, and others talk about it first hand.   Finally, the editing on this one is smooth for the most part but because of the way in which the group jumps from topic to topic makes editing a little jumpy.  Overall, Reflections on the Living Dead is a rather insightful look into one of the most influential horror films of all time.  The documentary does get a little dull but is still a very entertaining watch. This release looks great on blu and is a must for any Romero or Night of the Living Dead Fan.  Get it now from Tempe Digital.  

Friday the 13th

Director - Sean S. Cunningham (The New Kids, Spring Break)

Starring - Betsy Palmer (Penny Dreadful, Friday the 13th: Part II), Adrienne King (Saturday Night Fever, Psychic Experiment), and Jeannine Taylor (The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana)

Release Date - 1980

Genre - Horror

Tagline -"They were warned...they are doomed...and on Friday the 13th, nothing will save them"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     It's weird to sit here and type a review for a film as iconic as Friday the 13th but here I am.  Like many horror fans, I grew up watching the Friday the 13th films.  My introduction into the slasher franchise was Jason Goes to Hell when my uncle gave my mother the movie on tape along with Conan the Destroyer.  When I was in middle school I would finish watching the rest of the films in the series with my grandmother and uncle.  I still have an appreciate for JGtH that most horror fans do not but, as I've said before, my taste in movies is very different than the normal horror fan.  A few weeks ago I was sent the 40th Anniversary Steelbook for the first Friday the 13th for review.  Honestly, I wasn't expecting it but I can never pass up another reason to watch the film that started it all.  

     The film follows an old camp that is being remodeled by a group of camp counselors for the upcoming summer camp.  The camp was once home to a long running summer camp but the counselor's neglect results in the death of a little boy.  Now years later someone is picking these would be camp counselors off one by one.  

     Friday the 13th is a huge part of horror history and a defining film of the slasher sub-genre.  Honestly, I would be more pressed to find someone who hasn't seen the film over someone who just doesn't like it.   Regardless, it's a huge part of horror history which is why I'm still shocked I was ask to review the 40th Anniversary Steelbook release.  The acting in Friday the 13th is what I often compare other slashers to.  I sincerely love the cast of characters that we get.  Sure, they are generic for a slasher but in 1980 there wasn't THAT many to compare to.  Not like the sudden wave to follow the summer after.  The cast hams it up at times but knows when to bring the right emotion for what the scene calls for.  The story for this one is what I consider to be a slasher in it's purest form.  The early days of slashers followed a simple formula.  We get a character that was wronged and then jump forward several years, or even decades, and then people die as a result.  I absolutely fucking love this type of story.  We get a hack and slasher film that feels like a whodunit type of flick.  The twist is now iconic but first time viewers will never see the reveal coming.  Sure, that does take the fun out of subsequent views but it is still a damn fine slasher to revisit.  Finally, the death scenes in this film are legendary.  A few do take place off camera leaving it up to the viewer's imagination but the ones we do get are memorable.  Effects were handled by the legendary Tom Savini so they insanely fun.  Overall, Friday the 13th is a damn near perfect but you are not here because you haven't seen the film but curious about the 40th Anniversary release.  The blu looks great.  In fact, it's leagues better than my DVD release of the film.  The steelbook is simple enough in design but nothing that stands out.  The black background with blood splatter is kind of cool but not cool enough to double dip.  

Ozone

Director - J. R. Bookwalter (The Dead Next Door, Robot Ninja)

Starring - James Black (Godzilla, The PJs), Tom Hoover (Polymorph, Galaxy of the Dinosaurs), and Bill Morrison (Robot Ninja, Skinned Alive)

Release Date - 1995

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "There's a new drugs on the streets..."

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I started collecting Anchor Bay releases.  I had acquired a few prior to actually committing to collecting them.  I had previously bought the three Evil Dead films on DVD and after buying Dead and Breakfast I decided to continue down the Anchor Bay rabbit hole.  Around this time AB released the J. R. Bookwalter zombie film The Dead Next Door on DVD.  That release turned me into a Tempe Video fan.  It was around that time that I became friends with another horror minded guy at my high school and he would show me another Tempe Video release.  Skinned Alive was my second introduction into this indie horror world and I was hooked.  Not long after this I won a VHS lot on eBay and among the tapes was Bookwalter's Ozone.  Honestly, I had no idea this was his film at the time and was not the reason I placed bids on the lot.  I eventually watched and realized what I had and held on to it until I upgraded to DVD several years later.  When Tempe announced a new blu release of the film I used it as an excuse to upgrade my DVD and revisit the film that I last watched some 10 years ago.

     The film follows two detectives that are trying to track down the source of a new drug on the streets called Ozone.  One of them is kidnapped forcing the other to go to great lengths to free his partner while fighting for his life against the undead and disfigured that are addicted to the new drug.  

     Ozone, like many indie horror productions, is love it or leave it.  I rarely meet someone who is in between.  Some of my horror friends absolutely love the film while others really hate it.  Personally, I love it.  It's not The Dead Next Door or Robot Ninja but it's still a damn good flick.  The acting in this one is solid.  The film has several generic but memorable characters that move the film along and over the top.  I really liked the cast and though they mostly have little to no experience they still deliver solid performances.  The story for this one is one we had seen several times before even for a film from 1995.  With that being said, this is done Bookwalter style.  Drugs that kill people or turn them into mindless drones/zombies is nothing new, especially by the mid-90s, but once you throw in the Tempe Video style you get an oozing mess of sci-fi horror that genre fans of the video store age will truly appreciate.  Finally, if you want some great make-up effects and bloody kills then you turned to the right spot.  Bookwalter is a genre fan himself so he knows exactly what his fans want.  The kills are solid and the practical effects work for what they were intended for.  Sure, there is a few times where the film's budget shows but it's not enough to turn the viewer off.  Overall, Ozone is not for everyone.  I'll be completely honest about that.  However, if you have a liking to films like The Dead Next Door, The Toxic Avenger, and other no budget indie productions then you will really enjoy yourself with this one.  The blu looks great and Tempe Digital did a fantastic job giving fans an improved blu over the DVD.  Check it out!

VFW

Director - Joe Begos (Bliss, The Mind's Eye)

Starring - Stephen Lang (Don't Breathe, Tombstone), William Sadler (Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight), and Fred Williamson (From Dusk till Dawn, Hammer)

Release Date - 2019

Genre - Action/Horror

Tagline - "It's gonna get bloody"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Late last year or earlier in this year I had several friends talk about Joe Begos' Bliss and how it was their favorite horror film of the year so far.  I had yet to see it but sometime later Umbrella Entertainment announced their release of the film.  I was excited to check it out but walked away from it feeling disappointed.  It was a solid horror film but nowhere near the caliber of horror I was lead to believe.  Fast forward a few weeks and the trailer for Begos' newest film VFW drops.  I was all over that fucking thing.  I had to see it.  I was unable to get it in for review but the second it was available in stores I made a (masked) Wal-Mart run to snag a copy.  I had to sit on it for awhile until I could make time for it but the second I could I tossed it in.

     The film follows a group of Vietnam, Korean, and currently enlisted veterans drinking at the local VFW when they are interrupted by a young punk that had just stole drugs from a drug kingpin.  He tracks the thief to the VFW and sends in his drug addled punks to kill everyone and get his drugs back.  What he doesn't count on is that these old war vets refuse to die easily and a war between the street punks and tired veterans wages on in the parking lot of the VFW.  

     I was really looking forward to this one.  The trailer painted a bloody picture for the film and I have to say that it lived up to it.  Sure, it was a little full of itself and seemed a little high on it's own farts but it was still a highly entertaining film.  The acting in this one is fucking perfect.  Stephen Lang is a fucking legend and he absolutely slays in his role as the veteran turned bartender.  He's always has this look about him like he utters the phrase "fucking do it" several times a day.  His supporting cast is just as stellar.  George Wendt, Fred Williamson, William Sadler, and so on are fantastic.  I loved all the characters and I find myself thinking about some of the scenes several days later.  The story for this one is satire mixed with classic street justice action films from the 80s.  I know most of you are friends with older people who claim millennials and gen y are all druggies who don't work.  I see them all the time and look forward to their horrible memes while I'm pooping.  VFW feels like someone made that mentality a reality where we follow these bad ass older war vets as they battle the hordes of drugged out punks.  Honestly, I found it funny and it fucking works.  The cast is 100 percent dedicated to their roles and the story really holds your attention very well.  The slower segments even out very well with story development and progression.  The director really uses every minute of the film to tell the story instead of wasting the viewer's time.  Finally, this film is very fucking bloody with some of the most entertaining kills I've seen in recent years.  Begos really brought the carnage with this film.  The effects for these kills are top fucking notch and really sell the scene for horror fans.  Overall, VFW is a little high on it's own brand but the film really is worth your time.  Honestly, I really enjoyed this bloody mess and can see myself tossing it in again real soon.  Check it out!

The Girl in the Crawlspace

Director - John Oak Dalton (Scarecrow County)

Starring - Tom Cherry (Grove Lake, Scarecrow County), Joni Durian (Ouija Room, Applecart), and Erin R. Ryan (Slaughterhouse Slumber Party, Alone in the Ghost House)

Release Date - 2018

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Some memories of inescapable"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Director, producer, and occasional actor Henrique Couto is a man I've followed for some time.  He's directed some of my favorite indie films and a few I didn't care for.  He is also known to produce some extraordinary films as well.  Sometime back I was contacted by John Oak Dalton to review his debut film The Girl in the Crawlspace.  My home internet is trash and I was unable to review from the screening link provided.  Some time passed and ITN released the film with Mill Creek Entertainment on DVD.  Mill Creek sent it over for me to review.  I was skeptical at first because I was not a fan of Dalton's follow up film Scarecrow County but I still tossed it in and was surprised by how much I liked this film over the other.  

     The film follows Jill (Ryan) who was kidnapped and locked in the crawlspace of a serial killer for several years.  She finally escapes and, after some time, tries to get reacclimated back into society.  The town's sheriff takes her to visit a psychologist to help her on her way but her struggling marriage is interfering with Jill's progress.  However, this is not the only obstacle in Jill's path.  She still has the serial killer that kidnapped her lurking in the shadows and he's closer than she thinks.  

     I'll be completely honest and admit that I didn't expect much from this one.  I did not care for Scarecrow County at all and I went into that one expecting to love it.  However, I was very surprised by GitCS.  It did need some fine tuning in the story department but the overall film was a fun one.  The acting in this one is solid.  You can never go wrong with Erin Ryan.  She's gorgeous, talented, and always dedicates herself to her role.  The same can be said for Joni Durian.  I always look forward to any movie I see these two talented ladies in.  Tm Cherry was hit or miss in SC but I really enjoyed his performance in this one.  He feels a little more grounded and genuine which worked.  The story for this one has a few holes but nothing devastating to the overall film.  I liked following the survivor of a serial killer abduction trying to get her life turned around but the real killer and his reveal was very lackluster.  Once he was revealed it made you think back throughout the film where the character was acting and it made no sense.  The side story following the married couple and table top role playing was solid.  It worked for what it was but I feel like it was never fully explored.  Finally, this is not a bloody mess of a movie like most of you are accompanied to.  Instead, this one focuses more on character development and story progression over the red stuff.  Overall, The Girl in the Crawlspace is not for everyone.  I get that, but I enjoyed it for what it was.  The cast was great and the story has some moments.  Check it out.  

Restricted Area

Director - Christopher M. Don (Witch Trails)

Starring - Paige Lindsay Betts (The Graduation Party, Restroom), Phillip Andre Botello (CollegeHumor Originals, Mermaid Down), and Ross Britz (Ozark Sharks, The Monkey's Paw)

Release Date - 2019

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "This is a dead end"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I really have fun watching and reviewing indie horror flicks.  Even if I dislike the movie I just saw I still had fun checking it out.  Seeing all the hard work and time put into a film is always evident even if I find myself disliking the final product.  Several months back I got in a few movies from ITN and Mill Creek to review.  Among them were two indie horror releases.  One was produced by my friend Henrique Couto and another was a horror in the woods flick I had never heard of prior to titled Restricted Area. Once I shared my mail on Instagram a few friends that review movies as well told me to avoid Restricted Area because it was a rough watch.  I laughed at them because I typically like what they hate.  I hate to admit it but they were right.  

     The film follows a group of dudes that just lost their jobs and decides to spend the last little bit of their income on beer to go camping in the woods.  However, they just happened to pick the woods where a religious cult is killing anyone that wonders into their wooded haven.  

     Honestly, I get excited when someone tells me a movie sucks.  That usually means that I will like it.  My tastes in movies are different than others but I tend to like the movies that are hated by the masses.  However, they were right about Restricted Area.  The film was too long, uneventful, and several things just didn't make sense.  I wanted to like it but this is one indie production I couldn't get behind.  The acting in this one is solid but the characters are hard to like.  They all lack distinctive personalities that make them stand out.  I can't blame the cast for this because they are doing the best with what they were given to work with but the characters are painfully bland and forgettable.  The story for this one has so much potential but is unable to deliver a film worth your time.  The idea of a death cult killing hikers in the woods has my name written all over it, however, it moves at a snails pace and what we got in a two hour long movie could have been cut into a much shorter run time.  The length is way too long and we get too many scenes that are rough to sit through.  If the film was more direct with the story it would have been leagues better but what we get is a slow moving film with dull characters and an ending that you can see coming from a mile away.  Also, what man loses his job and decides to go camping while his pregnant wife is at home?  Finally, the film has several deaths.  We get some blood and some decent enough effects but the viewer will be so tuned out by this point that they will not be able to truly enjoy them.  Overall, Restricted Area is a wasted attempt at an indie movie that could have been something unforgettable.  The story really does have some promise but the final product leaves a lot of room for improvement.  

Blade the Iron Cross

Director - John Lechago (Blood Gnome, Feast of Fear)

Starring - Tania Fox (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Puppet Master: Axis Termination), Vincent Cusimano (Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark, The Gruesome Death of Tommy Pistol), and Griffin Blazi (Only Children, Bear's Frolic)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Up to this point I've reviewed every Puppet Master released over the years.  A few years back I was lucky enough to get the trunk release with all the films on blu.  Last year I received the remake starring Reno 911's Thomas Lennon.  Most of the films were highly entertaining but a few of them were just quick cash grabs.  They lacked the fun and creativity that the others had which made them fall short.  When news of the Deadly Ten broke I was excited for most of the movies announced.  However, I was skeptical of Blade the Iron Cross.  However, that changed after reviewing Weedjies: Halloweed Night and Necropolis: Legion.  I was fully commited to Blade the Iron Cross.  Full Moon was kind enough to send a review copy my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film takes place in the early 1940s.  A journalist has secret psychic powers and uses them to get the scoop on unsolved murders.  However, she finds herself in the wrong place at the right time when she happens across several dead bodies with ties to Nazi sympathizers that are working on a way to crack Toulon's elixir.  She partners with a police detective and her puppet friend Blade to stop the Nazi's from creating a death ray.  

     I went into this one expecting a fun and cheesy entry in the Puppet Master series and was greeted with a period piece that was actually more focused on Nazi experimentation than it was the Puppet Master series.  I really enjoyed what it brought to the table but it's lack of PM did make it feel odd.  The acting in this one is solid.  Tania Fox returns as Elisa which was in Axis Termination.  We get a little more backstory on the character and she does a great job.  Her supporting cast is solid as well.  I want to take the time to mention everyone by name but I would be here forever.  They all do a great job and bring some memorable characters to life.  The story for this one was not what I was expecting but it works.  It doesn't feel like a Puppet Master film.  We do get Blade for some fo the last half of the film but the main focus of the film is Elisa and the Nazi scientists running experiments.  Don't get me wrong because I really liked the movie but it lacked that look and feel that made Puppet Master so much fun.  Honestly, I need a Puppet Master in a more modern setting because the Nazi saga is starting to run it's course.  Finally, the film has several kills.  We get some practical stabs with some solid effects but we also get some very cheesy visuals.  I really enjoyed the kills because they fit the film but the visuals were pretty bad.  Overall, Blade the Iron Cross is not the best entry in the Puppet Master series but it works for what it is.  Honestly, I could have been a little easier to swallow if it was just a spinoff based on Elisa and her powers but it works for what it is.  Don't go into this one expecting the original Puppet Master because you will be disappointed.  However, if you are open to the experience then you will enjoy it.  Check it out.  

Variant

Director - Joe Meredith (South Mill District, Teratomorph)

Starring - Ceus Rob (Death Files, Slimoid), Cidney Meredith (South Mill District, Teratomorph), and Toby Johansen (Backyard Vampire, Hacksaw: Documentary of a Psycho Killer)

Release Date - 20202

Genre - Horror/Sci-Fi

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Sometime last year I started looking into the films of Joe Meredith.  I picked the name up from his connection to a few films from James Bell and was lucky enough to meet him and his wife Cidney at Cinema Wasteland.  His films are unique but deliver a very immersive horror experience.  His South Mill District and Teratomorph are oozy horror/sci-fi hybrids that I would highly recommend to indie horror and extreme horror fans alike.  The gore may be the centerpiece of the film but both films offer up a coherent story that most extreme horror films lack.  When Joe announced his newest film Variant, aka Zombie 8: Variant, I couldn't wait to check it out.  Sometime last week Joe reached out to me to check it out and I couldn't say yes fast enough.  Thanks Joe for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check it out.

     The film once again follows EonCorp who is secretly running experiments on aliens and alien bacteria when one of their embryos is stolen by a former solider with an even more sinister plan.

     Joe Meredith is a talented filmmaker.  His movies have a unique tone and setting that puts me in mid of the mid-90s S.O.V. horror mixed with the dark and surreal images that you can find in underground horror.  He puts a lot of time into his shots and it shows.  His films definitely stand out when you compare him to his counterparts.  Variant is another strange foray into the EonCorp saga and I can't wait for more of this!  The acting in this one is solid for the film.  The cast is dedicated and give the film their all but inexperience does show from time to time.  The characters are not ones that stand out or are that memorable but they fit the film and the cast does a decent job moving the story along.  The story for this one is bloody and fun.  It's nothing overly critical or requires that much attention but it works nicely to hold all the gory scenes together.  I typically avoid extreme horror films because they spend way too much time and energy on gore or torture scenes with no story.  I love gore just as much as the next horror fan but gore for gore's sake is rather boring.  Variant delivers a solid story that fits very well with the imagery Joe gives us.  Finally, if you want some blood and other disgusting images then this film is for you.  We get some great practical effects that look even better with that S.O.V. look that Joe was going for.  Fans of bloody horror will love what this film delivers.  Overall, Variant is another fantastic horror film from Joe.  Honestly, if you are a fan of indie horror then you need to be looking up Joe's work.  It's bloody and raw with no bullshit.  It gets straight to the point and delivers.  Variant is another hit from this talented young man so check it out!

Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge

Director - Ethan Spaulding (Avatar: The Last Airbender, Mike Tyson Mysteries)

Starring - Jennifer Carpenter (Dexter, Quarantine), Joel McHale (Community, The Happytime Murders), and Jordan Rodrigues (Lady Bird, Light as a Feather)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Action

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     I was born in the mid-80s but I grew up in the 90s.  I love absolutely everything from the 80s but I'd be lying if I said I didn't love my childhood.  I grew up with some awesome movies like Space Jam and Heavyweights, awesome shows like Are You Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps, and games like Mortal Kombat.  I was a huge MK fan growing up and would often spend my weekends playing it on Genesis with my older brother.  I grew up playing them all and enjoying the movies as well.  I know some people don't care for the latter but I liked 'em.  A few weeks back WB released a new animated Mortal Kombat film.  Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge looks awesome and I couldn't wait to check it out and review.  I'm glad I did because it was a fantastic addition to the Mortal Kombat line.

     The film is set against the backdrop of a tournament between Earthrealm and Outworld.  Outworld is about to win their 10th straight tournament and it's up to Raiden and his team to stop them.  However, there is vengeful grandmaster, Scorpion, who will stop at nothing to kill those responsible for slaughter his people.  

     I recently watched Justice League Dark: Apokolips War and was really fucking impressed by what I saw.  The animated film really caught me off guard and I couldn't get enough of it.  I was expecting WB to give this Mortal Kombat animated movie the same treatment.  It didn't let me down and I really enjoyed it.  I really enjoyed the voice acting in this one.  I'm not a fan of Jennifer Carpenter but she did an awesome job voicing the iconic Sonya Blade while Joel McHale really threw me for a loop.  Was not expecting to see his name in the credits.  The voice casting in this one is spot on and the entire cast does a phenomenal job.  The story for this one is a retelling of the classic story that brings the iconic characters like Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, and so on but we get the highly anticipated origin story of MK's most popular character, Scorpion.  It works for what it is but I would have loved an entire origin story on Scorpion over having it mesh with the beginning of the saga that we already know.  This made the film feel like it was two separate ideas pushed together to hit run time.  Finally, the animation is solid and in the same style as the recent DC films which makes sense considering.  I liked the way the characters looked and the action was great.  We get some in-depth looks at some of the fatalities and gore which is another nod to the game franchise.  Overall, Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge is a great adult themed animated film that gives us some backstory on one of gaming's most played character.  Sure, it could have been more in-depth but it was entertaining for what it is.  I highly suggest checking this one out as soon as you can.  

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

Director(s) - Matt Peters (Lego DC Batman: Family Matters, Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown) and Christina Sotta (Harley Quinn)

Starring - Matt Ryan (Constantine, Legends of Tomorrow), Jerry O'Connell (Sliders, Joe's Apartment), and Tony Todd (Night of the Living Dead, Candyman)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Sci-Fi

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was never a DC fan growing up.  While most of my friends were going on and on about Batman and Superman, I found myself digging the entire Marvel Universe.  That changed when I was in high school.  I found a love for Green Lantern and Flash.  I can't tell you why but they are my favorite DC characters by far and I prefer them over any Marvel character.  In recent years I've found myself really enjoying the DC animated movies.  I absolutely love the ones that are aimed to their adult audience with the first Justice League Dark being by favorite.  That is until I got Justice League Dark: Apokolips War in for review.  I was not expecting such a brutal DC animated movie but I fucking loved it!

     The film follows the Justice League on a botched mission to stop Darkseid on his home planet.  He rips through most of the Justice League but a few members escape.  Superman has a kryptonite insignia engraved on his chest to stop him from using his powers, Constantine teleports back to Earth where he becomes an alcoholic and the ones rest that survive go into hiding or are captured by Darkseid and turned into his mindless slaves.  He uses them, with the reluctant help of Lex Luther, to harvest the Earth's core for his own evil needs.  Superman teams up with Raven to try to find Batman's son Damien so they can use his influence to reach Batman was is brainwashed by Darkseid.  With just a matter of time before Darkseid destroys the world they must band together, hero and villain, in order to stop the Earth from being destroyed.  

     The first Justice League Dark movie was fucking amazing but even knowing how dark that movie was could not have prepared me for the brutality of this one.  This is the DC universe intended for adults and I couldn't get enough.  The voice acting in this one is hit or miss.  To this day I'm still shocked at how great Jerry O'Connell is as the voice of Superman.  It took a few films to get accustomed to it but he really is a good choice in the role even though previous reviews show that I was too critical on him.  It's also great to see Matt Ryan return as Constantine.  He was the live action incarnation as Constantine and it's great to see DC give him life through Ryan.  The rest of the cast is solid as well but I just wasn't feeling horror legend Tony Todd as Darkseid.  He's a talented actor that many horror fans have grown up with but his voice just didn't fit the character.  The story for this one is bleak but enthralling.  I knew Justice League Dark would be a darker approach to the DC universe but I was not expecting the amount of carnage that we got.  I was glued to my screen and I couldn't look away.  You get the standard comic cheese at times but if you stick with it the payoff is well worth it.  The pacing is smooth and you will barely find yourself bored with the film.  Finally, the animation looks fantastic.  It that style and look that you would expect from the recent DC films but works with the blood and gore tossed in.  Overall, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is not a movie for the whole family.  It's bloody, gruesome, and completely throws characters your know and love into a woodchipper.  With that being said, it was so much fun and easily my favorite film of the year.  Check it out.