Tarnation

Director - Daniel Armstrong (SheBorg, From Parts Unknown)
Starring - Daisy Masterman (SheBorg, MurderDrome), Sean McIntyre (The Legend of Ben Hall, Sacrifice), and Emma-Louise Wilson (Nova Star, From Parts Unknown)
Release Date - 2017
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "It wants your soul"
Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Over the years I've reviewed a few of the Daniel Armstrong releases.  They are always entertaining and give viewers something different than the typical trends that we often see with indie horror.  A few years back he released the poster for his newest film Tarnation.  The poster was designed by The Dude Designs and it really caught my attention.  Then, seemingly over night, I didn't hear anything else about it.  Skip forward a few years and Wild Eye Releasing sends over a few movies for me to review and their film Creature Cabin catches my eye.  The artwork put me in mind of Cabin in the Wood which just happens to be one of my all time favorite horror flicks.  When I tossed it in I was pleasantly surprised to see if was Armstrong's Tarnation rebranded.  Thanks Wild Eye for sending this one over!
     The film follows newly single and unemployed Oscar (Masterman) who decides to go with her friend and fiance to a cabin deep in the woods.  However, this will not be a relaxing trip away from home because something sinister has awakened in the woods and can possess all her friends.  She is, in fact, the chosen one and the only one capable of stopping the evil.

     Armstrong is a filmmaker that I strongly believe could create something truly unforgettable if he was granted a bigger budget.  He is able to craft some seriously fun films with relatively smaller budgets.  Tarnation is probably my favorite film by him by far.  I loved the setting and scenery.  The scenes looked fantastic and really paid tribute to the classic Evil Dead films.  The acting in this one is great.  I really loved the characters and how they intertwined with the story.  The film did not have any unneeded characters and the character really had fun with their roles.  Their personalities and interactions were funny while moving the story along.  The story for this one is Evil Dead meets CarousHELL.  It has a great deal of humor mixed with a similar story found in Evil Dead and Evil Dead II.  We don't get a lot of original material but the characters' interactions and dialogue makes it fun.  Finally, the film has plenty of blood and gore.  The practical effects are great but the visuals are a little rough.  I really loved the practical effect and how they were incorporated into the scenes.  Overall, Creature Cabin aka Tarnation, is a highly entertaining horror comedy that fans of films like Evil Dead and Tucker and Dale will truly appreciate it.  The budget does render it in certain aspects but the film prevails to come out as an entertaining slice of indie cinema.  Check it out.  

Ebola Rex

Director - Dustin Ferguson (5G Zombies, Angry Asian Murder Hornets)
Starring - Erik Anthony Russo (Axegrinder 2, Meathook Massacre Part VI: Bloodline), Mike Ferguson (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Moon of the Blood Beast), and Mel Novak (RoboWoman, Force of Darkness)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "You can't escape this disease"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     This year has been shitty for many.  Covid-19 has devastated families and the forced quarantine has not been good to some.  However, this quarantine time hasn't been bad for everyone.  Some people has turned this negative time into a productive time.  Case in point, filmmaker Dustin Ferguson has turned the pandemic into a series of films starting with 5G Zombies and Angry Asian Murder Hornets followed by Ebola Rex and Arachnado, and ending with Ebola Rex versus Angry Asian Murder Hornets.  Ferguson spoke with me about Ebola Rex and fitting it into the first issue of a new horror mag, Horrific Magazine, that I was asked to contribute for.  It was only fitting that I check it out and review it for Horror Society as well.  Thanks Dustin!

     The film follows a medical testing facility working on a cure for ebola that has been using dinosaurs as the test subjects.  In true b-movie fashion, a protester sneaks into the facility and sets loose a t-rex that has been infected with the ebola virus and it makes it's way through LA killing everyone that it crosses paths with.

     Making movies is difficult without a global pandemic so I couldn't imagine the struggles a filmmaker would face during a time like this.  Ferguson has proven that even though things are not like they once were you can still make movies while practicing social distancing and.  Ebola Rex is a fun premise that just didn't hit its mark for me.  I love these indie creature flicks from companies like Wild Eye and Brain Damage films so I was excited to give this one a spin.  The acting in this one is...different to say the least.  Most of the scenes is one actor saying his dialogue while recording himself.  This is obviously because of the pandemic but it makes it feel like the movie has multiple stories going at once.  It feels choppy and the cast filming this way is very awkward.  The story for this one is simple enough but the filming regulations made this simple story take on many layers.  It's because of this that I found the story very ineffective.  Have the one person in each scene doing their thing and then cutting it together to try and make a coherent film didn't work for me.  Honestly, I think the film would have been way more entertaining if it just consisted of Erik Anthony Russo and Mike Ferguson's characters rather than having the different segments spliced in.  It would be like a b-movie The Caller.  Finally, there is some blood but the visual effects are far from perfect.  The CGI blood and t-rex does bring some laughs to the film but not enough to make it better than what it is.  Overall, Ebola Rex is not something I would want to watch again but I have to give credit where credit is do.  Ferguson and company took a time where people are panicking and turned it into a way to express himself.  I would have chose a different approach but at least he spent his time making movies and not bitching about politics on the internet.  

Redwood Massacre: Annihilation

Director - David Ryan Keith (Ghosts of Darkness, The Redwood Massacre)
Starring - Danielle Harris (Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Stake Land), Damien Puckler (Grimm, The Butchers), and Gary Kasper (Supergirl, Bad Ass 2: Bad Asses)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Evil has many faces"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Writing for Horror Society is a dream come true for a movie fan.  I've loved movies for as long as I could remember and the horror bug bit me when I was in the fourth grade.  Horror Society has opened the door to meet so many amazing filmmakers over the years.  Some of these filmmakers I'm lucky enough to call my friends.  Several years ago, 2015 to be precise, I met director David Ryan Keith.  He was kind enough to let me review his film Attack of the Herbals and The Redwood Massacre.  AotH was a funny horror treat but I was really impressed by Keith's slasher The Redwood Massacre.  Apparently, I wasn't the only one and before long he announced a sequel.  Fast forward a few years and Keith has scored horror icon Danielle Harris to star in the film and has asked me to review it.  Thanks David for allowing Horror Society and myself the opportunity to check this one out. 
     The film follows a man obsessed with the murders and disappearances that took place around the redwoods area.  While searching the area he finds the killers burlap sack mask and uses it to convince the family of the missing campers to help him search for who is responsible.  However, they have no clue that this man is just as deranged as the killer and has already murdered several people.  They go deep into the woods looking for answers when they come across a hidden bunker housing more questions than answers.
     I really enjoyed the first Redwood Massacre film.  Keith did a fantastic job creating a modern slasher that could become a new horror franchise so it was just a matter of time before fans was given a follow up.  I was not expecting him to go the route he did and this pleasant surprise really kept me on my toes.  The acting in this is the best I've seen this year but it wasn't without it's own flaws.  The film gave us some amazing performances and unforgettable characters.  Damien Puckler, Gary Kasper, and Jon Campling are absolutely amazing in their roles.  Kasper steals every scene he is in and his character needs to be in any subsequent sequels.  With all that being said, Harris delivers a solid performance but in some of her scenes her dialogue does feel a little forced.  I'm a huge fan of Harris'.  I grew up with her appearances in the Halloween series but my first introduction to her was Eerie, Indiana.  I do enjoy her work but some of her scenes are a little bit underwhelming.  The story for this one abandons the slasher approach but still delivers the horror.  The hidden bunker, secret killer, and government cover up sounds goofy but Keith does a fantastic job mixing it together well.  It doesn't come across as something you would find on Sy-Fy or as bad as Death House.  It was well written and the scenes never become stale like most horror movies with this length.  Finally, this film is full of blood and gore.  The kills are brutal and the practical effects are top notch.  The kills may not be that original but they work for the film and will stick with you for days to come.  Overall, Redwood Massacre: Annihilation is a must watch for horror fans.  Keith is a director that always delivers and RMA is no exception.  The film holds nothing back and delivers the goods horror fans are looking for.  Check this one out if you get the chance.  

Indecent Exposure

Director - Gary Graver (Angel Eyes, Love Ghost)
Starring - Veronica Hart (Highway Home, Camgirl), Jesie St. James (Matinee Idol, Her Wicked Ways), and Robert Kerman (Cannibal Holocaust, Eaten Alive!)
Release Date - 1981
Genre - Comedy
Tagline - "Some women pose for profit.  Others do it for pleasure"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I know, I know.  I promised it would be sometime before I return to my sleazy ways but I'm really trying to knock out the August releases from Vinegar Syndrome.  I spent some time last week with Jess Franco and several of his films from Severin Films and Blue Underground.  I had originally planned on sticking to horror for a few weeks but a random Vin Syn movie from July distracted me and now the Vin Syn releases from the last week of August hit me again with another sleazy classic.  I want to thank Vin Syn for sending over the 1981 Gary Graver sexploitation flick Indecent Exposure for review.  

     The film follows a greasy photographer, his assistant, and their stage hand who has scheduled a string of gigs across the country with different aspiring models.  His best friend recently found himself divorced from a traditional marriage full of boring sex.  The photographer offers to invite him along to take his mind off his divorce and he quickly finds himself experiencing a sexual awakening.

      You don't toss in a sleazy flick like Indecent Exposure for enlightenment.  You watch a movie like this for cheap entertainment and Indecent Exposure is just that.  The movie offers up a pretty fun story, plenty of skin and steamy scenes, and a small bit of laughs.  The acting in this one is actually pretty solid.  The cast does a solid job and bring to life characters that fit the story nicely.  They are not easily forgettable and make the film as fun as it is.  The story for this one is simple enough.  We follow a sex crazed group across country as they find different people with different kinks.  It works for a sexploitation flick and the scenes are rarely boring.  The cast is entertaining enough to hold your attention and the sex scenes are spaced out enough that if you don't want to watch them you can fast forward through them and still keep the movie intact.  Finally, this is not a bloody flick.  However, if you want kinky sex and plenty of puns then this one is for you.  Overall, Indecent Exposure is one of the more entertain skin flicks that come out of Vinegar Syndrome.  The blu looks amazing and I highly recommend adding this one to your collection.  

The Caller

Director - Arthur Allan Seidelman (Trapped in Space, Hercules in New York)
Starring - Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Halloween) and Madolyn Smith Osborne (Urban Cowboy, Funny Farm)
Release Date - 1987
Genre - Sci-Fi/Thriller
Tagline - "A strange visitor.  A mysterious woman. A surprise ending"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been an Empire Pictures and Full Moon fan for sometime now.  Over the years I thought I had at least heard of all the Empire/Full Moon flicks but I learn something new every day.  Back when Vinegar Syndrome announced their July releases I noticed the Malcolm McDowell flick The Calling was listed among those releases.  After looking into it I saw that it was an Empire Studio's release which really caught my interest.  Once I got it in I had to make time to check this one out and I'm glad I did.  This unusual film is one of those you have to see to truly believe.  Thank you Vin Syn for sending this one my way.
     The film follows a woman (Smith) who lives alone in the woods miles away from anyone when she receives a visitor late one evening claiming to have car trouble.  What seems like an innocent interaction turns frightening when ill intentions from both sides comes to light and neither one of them seems to be telling the truth.  The viewer is then tossed into an unknown game where the participants are known but the rules are not clearly written.
     I was curious how this one would play out and I was definitely caught off guard by the film especially the ending.  The movie doesn't really fit the title but I can't think of an actual title that would fit the movie itself.  It really is different and hard to explain.  I can see why horror and sci-fi fans didn't take to it upon it's original release but that doesn't make it a bad movie.  I really enjoyed the uniqueness and acting.  The acting in this one is absolutely fantastic.  The film consists of two actors and they are perfect.  McDowell is a screen legend and I would lying if I said this wasn't my favorite performance from him.  He is thrilling at times and sensitive at others.  Here he shows why he has had a career for as long as he has.  Also, Smith is great as well.  She gives an emotional performance that throws just as many twists to the story as McDowell's character.  The story for this one is very fun, especially the ending, but is a bit of a confusing one.  I don't want to give too much away but the lack of a back story or development does make some of the scenes feel lost in the translation.  Finally, this is not a bloody film.  We do get one death scene and I use the term death loosely.  The scene is pretty fucking cool and the practical effects we get are absolutely amazing from effects legend John Carl Buechler.  It's not a bloody mess like most of you would like but it fits the film and offers up something drastically different that you will not see coming.  Overall, The Calling will not sit well for others but for those of you with an open mind looking for something different will truly enjoy this odd piece of Empire history.  The blu from Vin Syn is absolutely pristine with a gorgeous transfer.  Check this one out whenever you get the chance.  

Limbo

Director - Tina Krause (Tina Krause Captured)
Starring - Barron (Trick or Treats), Suze Daufler, and Sean Farrell
Release Date - 1999
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Last year I realized that I had accumulated several of the American Genre Film Archives releases on blu.  I decided it was time to give the ma spin and quickly found myself falling in love with their releases.  Not only were the image and sound quality of these once forgotten films top notch but the movies were extremely fun... for the most part.  Their collaborative efforts with Something Weird and Bleeding Skull has resulted in some of my favorite releases in my collection.  When Vinegar Syndrome announced the special edition slipcover release of AGFA and Bleeding Skull's Limbo from actress Tina Krause I jumped on it.  When it arrived I quickly worked it into my schedule for review.  Sadly, the film was a tough sit for me and I found myself struggling to finish it.  

     The story, or lack there of, follows a woman who picks up some strange at the local bar.  She accidentally kills him and over the next few days she struggles with the people around her, a supernatural presence, and a trip to her own Hell.

     I dived into this one very excited to see what crazy film AGFA and Bleeding Skull has brought me but I was soon greeted with a film that struggles with pacing and story telling.  It took me almost three days to finish this 55 minute film.  I try to be open minded about everything I review and granted this was an AGFA release I knew it would be far from perfect but this one just didn't flow that well.  Hell, maybe it's so perfect that only a true genius can enjoy it and it's over my head.  Regardless, this film was not a fun experience for me.  The acting in this one left much to be desired.  The cast had little to no experience.  In fact, Krause herself is the only person I could find in the film with more than one credit to her name with most of the cast having only this film as their only credit.  The characters just feel uncomfortable in their roles and don't give their scenes the dedication they deserve.  It almost feels like they were asked to be in it as a favor to Krause.  The story for this one does not flow like your typical horror film.  It's almost like an arthouse fever dream that is difficult to follow.  I see it compared to David Lynch meets a Nine Inch Nails music video.  I can see why they would compare it to those but I feel like that is giving this one a little too much credit.  At least a David Lynch film has a consistent story throughout.  The way the story is told here makes it extremely difficult to follow.  Finally, gorehounds will be very disappointed in this one.  The film focuses more on story than it does blood.  We get just a little blood but nothing to notice.  Overall, Limbo was a painful watch to me.  I always try to be respectful when I review a movie but I'm struggling to find anything nice to say about this one.  I know this was an S.O.V. release initially but the blu release is very dark at times.  So dark that I had lighten my screen up during these scenes.  AGFA and Bleeding Skull has released some real gems.  Sadly. Limbo is not one of them.  

#Shakespeare's Shitstorm

Director - Lloyd Kaufman (The Toxic Avenger, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead)
Starring - Lloyd Kaufman, Erin Patrick Miller (The Jungle of Accounting, Cash Only), and Abraham Sparrow (I Am Legend, My Super Ex Girlfriend)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Vinegar Syndrome, Wild Eye Releasing, Full Moon Pictures, Blue Underground and so are just a few of the companies that I love.  I want to own all their releases and spend most of my time watching their films.  However, as much as I love these companies they are nothing compared to Troma.  Troma was my first movie love and I can credit Lloyd Kaufman for shaping my tastes in movies.  When Kaufman and Troma announced filming for #Shakespeare's Shitstorm I couldn't wait.  Troma could do no wrong with me and I waited patiently until recently.  I was speaking with director Brandan Brassham about his upcoming Slashening sequel when he sent over a link to check out SS.  Thanks Brandon and Troma for allowing me the opportunity to check out this unforgettable film.  

     The film follows a brilliant but oblivious scientist that has spent his life dedicated to helping those in need.  However, his greedy sister and business partner cut him out of their business when he finds a cure for addiction.  Now, many years later, he has built a secret lab in New Jersey and plans on seeking revenge on those that shunned him.

     

     Lloyd doesn't make movies for everyone.  He makes movies for people that enjoy to have fun and laugh at the movie, as well as, with it.  He views all movies as art and understands that sometimes movie goers wants to have fun.  SS is a testament that Uncle Lloyd knows how to give weirdo movie fans what they want.  #Shakespeare's Shitstorm is messy, funny, and just when you think you've seen it all he throws something else at you.  This is a movie unlike anything you have seen before.  The acting in this one is far from perfect but that's what makes a Troma production so much fun.  The characters are energetic, exciting, and so much fun to watch.  They are unforgettable and, even though Lloyd can be demanding on set, it looks like the cast really had fun with their roles.  We get some great performances from some fresh faces, as well as, some returning Troma alumni.  From my understanding this one is loosely inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest.  I elected out of Shakespeare's work in high school so I don't know shit about his stories or plays.  However, I do know that Troma delivered one of the most outlandish and oddball stories I've seen in recent years.  The film is overflowing with Troma's crude and offensive humor while being a satirical comedy that holds nothing back.  No topic is off limits and some will find the film offensive.  If you are one of these people then you clearly missed the point of the film.  The musical portions of the film is evenly spaced out as to not over do it and the story itself unfolds very smoothly.  Finally, the film has plenty of practical effects for classic horror fans and fans of Troma alike.  We get some great blood and gore effects along with so many amazing looking puppets that, once again, brand the Troma humor.  The make-up effects look great and are in the running for best of the year.  Overall, #Shakespeare's Shitstorm is like no other.  The film is everything a Troma fan could ask for.  Lloyd once again shows why Troma has a dedicated following and #Shakespeare's Shitstorm is the best film of 2020.  DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS FILM.  Every second is entertaining.  

Perfect Strangers

Director - Larry Cohen (It's Alive, The Stuff)
Starring - Anne Carlisle (Crocodile Dundee, Liquid Sky), Brad Rijn (A Return to Salem's Lot, Special Effects), and John Woehrle (Deadly Illusion, The Dead Pool)
Release Date - 1984
Genre - Crime/Thriller
Tagline - "When they get you where they want you they can lead you...anywhere!"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I bought Larry Cohen's It's Alive on VHS at the local video store when it was going out of business.  I loved the film.  So much so that a friend of mine bought me the DVD set with all three for my birthday a few years later.  These movies opened me up to other films from Larry Cohen like Q, The Stuff, and so on.  He's a phenomenal filmmaker but one movie of his I never really had an interest in was his 1984 crime thriller Perfect Strangers.  I actually owned this movie on DVD for some years but never brought myself to watch it.  That changed when Vin Syn sent over the film on blu to review.  I still wasn't expecting much but I went into it open minded.  Thanks Vin Syn for sending this one my way.

     The film follows hit man Johnny (Rijn) who took out a man in a dark alley way.  No one saw him commit the crime except a two year old little boy.  He tells his boss and he is instructed to take out the kid before he is able to talk.  He reluctantly agrees and starts a relationship with the boy's mother.  He plans on getting close to her and then when she least expects it an "accident" will befall the youth.  When he get's his chance he kidnaps the kid but can't bring himself to go through it.  He takes him back to his mother who is waiting for him...with a knife.  

     I really wanted to like this one but after 20 minutes I found myself watching the clock tick down rather than the film.  The movie does pick up in the last quarter but the first three quarters of film was painfully dull.  The acting in this one is difficult to discuss. Some scenes I really liked but other scenes were awkward to watch.  Rijn was a great pick to play the hitman with a soft spot.  However, Anne Carlisle just wasn't selling me on her character.  Her scenes were very underwhelming and her dialogue just doesn't sit well with me.  The supporting cast has it's moments but most of the scenes are hammed up by the cast.  The story for this one could have been a solid crime thriller in the same vain as The Godfather but the romantic angle really brings the story down.  It doesn't have the impact Cohen is looking for.  In fact, the slow burning romantic scenes really pulls the tone of the film down.  The last 20 minutes or so of the film was really entertaining but not enough to redeem the rest of the film.  Finally, the film has some blood but nothing most horror fans are looking for.  We get some stab wounds with plenty of blood but they are nothing memorable.  Overall, Perfect Strangers is a lackluster crime thriller that just doesn't flow well.  The romantic scenes does not flow well with the crime elements in the film.  The blu looks great and deserves to be on any collector's shelf but I can't recommend this one to people looking for something different to watch.  

Like Me Deadly

Director - Sean King (The Ghouligans! Super Show!, Chronicles of the Living Dead)
Starring - Skye Stracke (Zoolander 2, Paper Empire) and Dino Castelli (Zombie Hunters: City of the Dead, Worst Cooks in America)
Release Date - 2020
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Taryn Holmes has just gone viral, now people would KILL to meet her"
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several years ago I was at work when I heard my phone ding in my pocket.  I remember this day fondly.  A friend of mine in the horror community had tagged me in the trailer for one of the Ghouligans' episodes on Facebook.  I was amazed by what I saw and I couldn't get enough of it.  I eventually collected all their releases after I befriended director and creator Sean King.  A few days ago I was browsing Instagram when I came across a post from the indie horror short Like Me Deadly looking for reviewers.  The artwork, which was done by Sadist Art, pulled me in.  I contacted the page and was sent over a link to check it out.  It wasn't until I saw Sean's name that I realized it was his short.  Thanks Sean for allowing me the opportunity to review your new short!
     The film follows social media influencer Taryn (Stracke) who is trying to get to 10 million followers before her rival does.  She decides to do a live stream while doing a few unboxings when she opens a strange package that was filled with some sort of gas.  She is knocked out for a few minutes and awakens to the door behind her open.  Instead of calling the police she decides to live stream the hunt through the house for the mysterious intruder.
     I've seen some amazing shorts over the years writing for HS.  I tend to like the more outlandish but sometimes I come across some seriously well put together short that works.  I had no idea what Like Me Deadly was about but I'll watch anything with a poster from Sadist Art and at the end of the day the short delivered.  The acting in this one is great.  The film is a one man show so to speak.  Skye Stracke is the center of attention for the entire short.  Her character is meant to be unlikable.  She's superficial and Stracke does a great job at bringing that to life.  I'm not bashing Stracke just stating that her character is difficult to like and she did a fantastic job with her performance.  The story for this one works for a modern horror tale.  For some their appearance on social media is everything which really shows how toxic someone can be wanting to achieve fame.  I really liked how this person put her life on the line just to be the first person to reach 10 million followers.  It's almost like a satirical approach to the news stories where people die trying to take dangerous selfies.  It works but I don't see the story aging well.  I have a few slashers that are 10 years old centered around Myspace.  Technology advances rather quickly and so does films centered around social media.  What's relevant now is not in just a span of a few months.  Finally, the short just features one kill but King and company does a fantastic job with this one kill.  It's very well done and extremely bloody.  Gore hounds may be disappointed but pop horror fans will enjoy the death scene.  Overall, Like Me Deadly is a well shot and well acted horror short.  I could see this story  being turned into a feature length film.  Especially if he tackled modern trends like President Chump's tweets, live streaming suicides, and social media influencers that have turned to murder to gain followers.  If you get a chance to see Like Me Deadly I highly suggest you do so.  It was well worth the 10 minute running time.