Saturday 9 November 2024

BayView release SCARECROWS OF THE THIRD REICH - Available Digitally.

BayView Entertainment have released the horror/sci-fi SCARECROWS OF THE THIRD REICH on Digital Platforms including to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video worldwide.

SCARECROWS OF THE THIRD REICH will arrive on AVOD Digital Platforms worldwide from 26th November 2024.

At the end of WWII, Hitler ordered Operation Scarecrow to a small SS outpost in the Seelow Heights of Germany. Nobody knew of the existence of this clandestine operation until 70 years later when FBI agent John Fox runs across a vigilante known as the Red Wolf. 

After killing the Red Wolf, Agent Fox learned the shocking secret of Operation Scarecrow. Fox then travels to Germany and meets Pastor Gabriel who unites Fox with a group of outlaws stuck on an SS outpost fighting the remnant Scarecrows of the Third Reich. 

Only they can save the world from this new evil that if undefeated could bring about a 4th Reich.

View the Trailer on YouTube

 


 

Period horror FRIGHT - Available Digitally on Prime.

FRIGHT, written and directed by rising indie filmmaker Dudley Warren, is a deftly crafted, intensely riveting period horror shot in black and white. 
 
Dealing with the issue of chronic agoraphobia faced by an isolated young woman in thirties Britain, FRIGHT received its World Premiere at FrightFest 2024 to universal critical acclaim, being compared to THE HAUNTING and THE INNOCENTS. It is distributed worldwide by Indie Rights and is now available to stream on Prime in the UK and the US.

Synopsis: 1937: Young Emily (Gwyneth Evans) is trapped in a nightmare, chronic agoraphobia and a strange, domineering mother (Jill Priest) have turned their sprawling gothic mansion into a prison. 

On the brink of madness, Emily is haunted by lurking malevolent forces, her only hope, the desperate belief her missing father (Daniel Tuite) could save her from this living hell. But as she longs for his return Emily is tormented by visions of a sinister, gnarled black hand—a spectre haunting her earliest memories.

Warren, who made his name in 2012 adapting Dave Roberts’ football memoir THE BROMLEY BOYS, is noted as being a strong advocate for independent filmmaking, and FRIGHT, through his production company Sixty6Films, continues his philosophy of creating commercially viable, high-end looking genre feature films on very small budgets. 

His prolific output includes found-footage horror THE CUTTING ROOM (2015), claustrophobic thriller CAGE (2016), SEASIDE TOWN (2018), a 6-part football comedy and SIX YEAR’S GONE (2022), which received numerous awards including the London Independent Film Festival’s Audience Award. Warren is also a noted author.

Stream FRIGHT on Amazon.co.uk

Stream FRIGHT on Amazon.com

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Visit the Fright Website https://www.fright-movie.com/  

 


 

Elizabeth Sankey’s Documentary WITCHES - Streaming on MUBI

MUBI, the global distributor, streaming service and production company, has announced the global streaming release date for Elizabeth Sankey’s (Boobs, Romantic Comedy) latest documentary film, WITCHES. The film had its World Premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and had its UK Premiere at the 2024 London Film Festival, and will stream exclusively on MUBI globally from 22 November 2024.

WITCHES has received two nominations at the British Independent Film Awards 2024, for the Raindance Maverick Award and Best Feature Documentary.

The film is a profound exploration of the unexpected yet compelling connections between postpartum mental health and the history and portrayal of witches in western society and popular culture.

Following on from her critically acclaimed feature Romantic Comedy, released by MUBI in 2019, Sankey now uses her trademark video essay style to turn the camera inward, focusing on her own experiences with postpartum anxiety and depression. 

Using her own experience of being admitted to a psychiatric ward after the birth of her son, Sankey intertwines personal narrative with historical and cinematic footage. The film features interviews with medical professionals, historians, and fellow sufferers, offering a multifaceted perspective on how women with mental health issues have been stigmatised and misunderstood over time, while creating her own coven of women to reclaim their stories.

WITCHES is produced by Manon Ardisson, Chiara Ventura and Jeremy Warmsley - Executive produced by Efe Cakarel, Jason Ropell, Bobby Allen, Thomas C. Hoegh. Cinematography is by ChloĆ« Thomson and the score is composed by Jeremy Warmsley. 

WITCHES will stream exclusively on MUBI globally from 22nd November.

Watch the Trailer on YouTube.

 

 

Indie Horror FEAR MP2V - Released on Digital from VIPCO and BayView

VIPCO & BayView Entertainment have released the horror, mystery, thriller Fear MP2V, which is now available on Digital Platforms worldwide including to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video.

Fear MP2V will arrive on AVOD Digital Platforms worldwide on 24th December 2024.

Synopsis: MP2V – a rare on-line video format designed for streaming terror. Follow a day in the life of two sociopaths as they travel through small town America on a road trip of terror. 

Watch as they document and film their heinous acts and create a psychotic road diary at every unnerving turn. MP2V will take you on a journey unlike any other conventional film, this is a film about serial killers made by the killers themselves.

A technology-based horror in the age of streaming that’s sure to keep you guessing.

Fear MP2V was Directed by Rob Medaska. The film stars Thomas Brigman, Jackie DeNieff and Jules Graciolett.

View the Trailer on YouTube

 


Danish horror SPEAK NO EVIL (2022) - On UK Disc and Digital.

HAILED AS ‘Sundance’s most shocking feature’ by Dread Central and as ‘the most amazing thing I have seen in I don’t know how long... It’s crazy and it’s crazy good’ by The Guardian; the original SPEAK NO EVIL garnered praise and awards galore on its release in 2022, and now this unnerving, dread-inducing and unrelentingly gripping social satire of a chiller gets its home release this winter.

With the 2024 remake currently thrilling and chilling in UK cinemas, Acorn Media International is pleased to announce that the release of the original Danish horror from Christian Tafdrup is set for its DVD and digital release on 2 December.

The story follows a reserved Danish family – Bjorn (Morten Burian), Louise (Sidsel Siem Koch) and daughter, Agnes (Liva Forsberg) – who are on holiday in Tuscany. When they meet a fun-loving Dutch family, Patrick (Fedja van Huet), Karin (Karina Smulders) and their son, Abel (Marius Damslev), the two families hit it off immediately.

Back home the Danes receive an unexpected invitation to come and stay with their new Dutch friends. After a lengthy trip they arrive at at the remote house and are welcomed with open arms. But what starts as friendly hospitality soon takes a terrifyingly dark turn, leaving the family trapped in a sinister game of manners and menace...

As the tension mounts, they realise that they’re in deadly danger and their polite restraint could cost them
everything

Silence is deadly... dare you SPEAK NO EVIL? A movie that will leave you speechless with fear.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Wednesday 6 November 2024

MEMBERS CLUB - A Review

Four middle aged male strippers, long past their prime, are preparing to pack things up, following a string of disastrous performances, resulting in a lack of bookings.

However, when they get an invited to do a very special performance at a decrepit social club out in the countryside, offering them four times the going rate, things seem too good to be true.

But upon arrival, they discover gig was just a ruse to lure them there. And the coven of witches within, want their bodies for something far more diabolical than just dancing.

Not overly keen on being offered up as sacrifices to some ancient old witch, the group have to try and find a way to escape with all their parts intact. But the witches aren't playing “ball”...

A very silly, not to mention very British comedy horror, filled with slapstick gore and some hilariously inappropriate humour, that comes across as a bizarre cross between “The Full Monty” and “Black Sunday” (and yes, the film is that weird in places).

The film was obviously very low budget, but makes up for it with its sheer raucousness. I was also surprised to see cult genre regular Steve Oram (Sightseers) and character actor Alan Ford (Lock Stock, Cockneys Vs Zombies) appearing in guest roles, not to mention singer Peter Andre, in what is undoubtedly his most outrageous role to date.

So, if you like low budget, British comedy-horrors, you should definitely give this one a watch.

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

MEMBERS CLUB is available now on Digital Download.
 
Download the film from Amazon.co.uk
 
 
 
 

Saturday 2 November 2024

80s Adventure MONSTER SUMMER - Coming to Digital Outlets

Signature Entertainment is proud to present the upcoming 80s adventure MONSTER SUMMER, releasing on Digital Platforms 25 November.

When a great evil threatens a group of teens’ never-ending summer, they must band together with a grizzly detective in this 80s adventure throwback. 

When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their big summer fun, Noah and his friends team up with a retired police detective to embark on a monstrous adventure to save their island. 

Starring Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos), Mel Gibson (Braveheart), Mason Thames (The Black Phone), Kevin James (Paul Blart: Mall Cop), Nora Zehetner (The Right Stuff) and Abby James Witherspoon (Hot Pursuit), Monster Summer is written by Bryan Schulz & Cornelius Uliano (The Peanuts Movie) and directed by David Henrie (This Is this Year).  

MONSTER SUMMER is available on Digital Platforms 25 November. Distributed by Signature Entertainment.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Hammer Horror CAPTAIN KRONOS - On 4K UHD/BD

Hammer Films invites horror fans to experience an unparalleled celebration of the studio’s legendary legacy. The highly anticipated 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray release of a brand-new 4K restoration of CAPTAIN KRONOS VAMPIRE HUNTER, available for pre-order from Thursday 31st October, marking the cult classic’s 50th anniversary.

Hammer Films brings cult classic Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter back to life as the first stunning 4K restoration from the new Hammer team, under John Gore’s leadership. Written and directed by the legendary Brian Clemens (The Avengers, The Professionals) and originally released in 1974, this swashbuckling horror film has been meticulously restored from the original film negatives. 

It will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with a limited collector’s edition 5-disc set (2x UHD discs and 3x Blu-ray) enclosed within a high-end, leather-feel slipcase with debossed red foil titling. Available for pre-order on 31st October, the limited collector’s edition features:

- Three presentations of the film: UK Theatrical, US Theatrical and As-Filmed Versions
- Brand-new documentary on Brian Clemens’ life and work by Chris Chapman, featuring interviews with Brian’s colleagues, friends and family
- Brand-new introductions and commentary by Hammer icon and star Caroline Munro and Brian Clemens’ sons, Sam and George
- Previously unseen interviews with Brian Clemens and star Horst Janson
- Brand new artwork by world-renowned artist Graham Humphreys
- High-end collectible packaging featuring the 5 discs, a double-sided poster, art cards, new booklet on the making of this cult classic and 100-page comic featuring a reprint of the Kronos strips from the legendary 1970s magazine The House of Hammer

A film that has only grown in significance since its 1974 release, it mixes swashbuckling action with horror; a bold and innovative departure for Hammer and one that continues to inspire filmmakers today.

This release not only revives a Hammer classic but reaffirms the studio’s commitment to restoring its cinematic treasures for today’s horror enthusiasts and dedicated collectors worldwide.

It is the first 4K restoration from John Gore’s Hammer team and an essential collector’s edition that offers a deep dive into the film’s creation and legacy. With extensive bonus materials, including new rare interviews and archival commentaries, it offers fans an unprecedented look behind the scenes of one of Hammer’s most innovative films.

Pre-order the limited edition Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray from the 31st October at www.hammerfilms.com

Dark, dastardly horror #AMFAD: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD - On Digital, November

From acclaimed director Marcus Dunstan (Saw IV, V, VI, 3D) and starring social media star JoJo Siwa, #AMFAD: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD is a wickedly knowing gore-fest that brings the much-loved slashers of the ‘90s bang up to date with a group of social media obsessed students fighting for survival.  

Following its lauded world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, the hair-raising horror is set to slay with its UK debut on digital from 18 November courtesy of 101 Films. 

It’s blood, guts, gore and more in this wickedly fun slasher with a tasty twist from Saw writer Marcus Dunstan. Sarah (Jade Pettyjohn) and her aspiring influencer friends spend the night in a holiday rental on their way to a music festival, but unbeknownst to them they’re being watched on hidden cameras

Their weekend of partying suddenly takes a disturbingly gruesome turn when an uninvited guest arrives with one mission in mind… to make these sinners pay for their wrongdoings.

One by one, they are hunted down. Alone and afraid, with no followers to save them, they are brutally bumped off at the hands of a masked murderer.

When a former friend’s (Jojo Siwa) dark past comes to light, can Sarah and her few remaining friends stop the crazed killer before they too meet their bloody demise? 

Make a date with your mates for sassy slasher #AMFAD: ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD – but beware of any unwanted guests!

Jade Pettyjohn (Little Fires Everywhere, Destroyer), JoJo Siwa (Dance Moms), Jennifer Ens (Chapelwaite), Justin Derickson (Monster High, The Midnight Club), Ali Fumiko Whitney (Find Me Falling) and Julian Haig (Riverdale) star. 

On Digital 18 November 2024

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Comedy-Horror IT'S JOHN - Available on YouTube

"IT'S JOHN", a found-footage comedy-horror film from writer-director Victor Hampson, is to be released online on the 31st October following a successful festival run. The core cast is made up of UK comedians and comedy performers Victor Hampson, Dillon Harris, Rebecca Tromans (Netflix) and Christian Jegard (BBC 3).

This no-budget indie movie follows a group of hapless amateur filmmakers who are trying to shoot their own fantasy movie. However, while filming overnight in a deserted forest, they discover an old illustrated children's book in the roots of a tree. It contains a strange warning about one of the characters within it: "Once you've seen John, he can see you. And he's coming to get you." The team soon realise that after seeing John’s picture in the book, he can come out of it…

“There have been a lot of horror films about ghosts or zombies, but not many where the villain is a watercolour illustration of an adult man dressed as a 1960s schoolboy. He wears little shorts which show off his knobbly knees, and you can’t say that about Ghostface or the Woman in Black. So, I hope people will watch this film based on the promise that there will at least be some villainous leg on show, if nothing else.” – Victor Hampson

“It’s John” has been included in a total of 16 film festivals so far (such as London's Funny Life Film Festival, America’s Fright Night Film Fest and Canada’s Couch Film Festival), and has won awards including Best Comedy, Best Writing, and Best Scare. The film has been praised for its effective mix of horror and humour, with genuine scares balanced with laugh-out-loud comedy.

The film is expected to be released on streaming services in early 2025, but will first be made available on YouTube so that anyone can see it for free. 
"IT'S JOHN" and the 20-minute spin-off "IT WAS JOHN" (starring Amber Doig-Thorne from “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey”) will both drop on the Oxar Productions YouTube channel on 31st October.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

View the full film "IT'S JOHN" on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

Bloody Thriller FORGIVE ME FATHER - Coming to Digital Outlets

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has announced the forthcoming release of the creepy crime thriller FORGIVE ME FATHER. Starring Tim Faraday, Bradley Turner, and Cindy Humphrey, the film will be available to own on digital from 4th November.

City Detective Taylor (Cindy Humphrey) is thrown into a race against time when a series of mutilated bodies are discovered in a quiet countryside mansion. 

Haunted by her own personal trauma, and with the clock ticking until the killer strikes again, Taylor must use all of her skills to uncover the motive behind the murders and save an innocent life. But delving deeper into the case, she discovers secrets that may lead to deadly consequences.
 
Written and directed by Fredi "Kruga" Nwaka, 
FORGIVE ME FATHER is a thrill ride dealing with religion, forgiveness, and cold, calculated murder.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 








Thursday 31 October 2024

HAMMER: HEROES, LEGENDS AND MONSTERS Documentary on Sky Arts

Fans can immerse themselves in the history of Hammer Films this Halloween with the premiere of the highly anticipated documentary HAMMER: HEROES, LEGENDS AND MONSTERS on Sky Arts on Thursday 31st October at 9pm.


Produced by Deep Fusion Films in association with Hammer Films and narrated by celebrated actor Charles Dance OBE, the documentary offers exclusive insight into the figures who brought Hammer’s unique vision to life. With contributions from cinematic heavyweights Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and John Logan, alongside Hammer’s own beloved stars and experts, Hammer: Heroes, Legends and Monsters provides an unprecedented look into the world of Hammer.

John Gore, CEO and Chairman of Hammer Films, shares: “Hammer Films has always represented a unique family of talent both on screen and off and our mission today is to honour that legacy while looking to the future with new stories and cutting-edge restorations. This documentary celebrates the visionaries who made Hammer what it was, while recognising the passionate fans who have kept the brand alive. I’m thrilled to lead Hammer into its next chapter.”

HAMMER: HEROES, LEGENDS AND MONSTERS tracks Hammer Films’ journey from humble beginnings in London’s Regent Street to its iconic status in the horror genre, where its core legacy of gothic horror and psychological tension continues to inspire and entertain to this day.

It explores the influential figures - both on screen and behind the scenes - who formed a unique family within the studio and made Hammer a defining force in cinema, including stars like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. Through a series of fateful turns, the film reveals how Hammer’s distinct visual style and storytelling continue to shape modern horror and inspire filmmakers around the world.

HAMMER: HEROES, LEGENDS AND MONSTERS will air on Sky Arts, Freeview Channel 36 and streaming service NOW on 31 October. 

 

Saturday 26 October 2024

Horror titles from Arrow Video, arriving January.

New horror titles from Arrow Video coming January 2025

INCUBUS - On Ltd Ed 4K UHD and Ltd Ed BD

Arrow deliver the extraordinary in January, with the release of a once-thought-lost cult classic, Leslie Stevens’ unique monochrome marvel Incubus, beautifully restored on Limited Edition 4K UHD and Limited Edition Blu-ray. 

Starring a pre-Star Trek William Shatner as a soldier encountering demonic seductresses, this is an eerie and unforgettable American folk horror from the creator of The Outer Limits. 

Scripted in the obscure Esperanto language, and stylishly filmed in Big Sur and other California locations by cinematographer (and future Academy Award winner) Conrad L. Hall, Incubus is a film unlike any other, now accompanied by hours of bonus features delving into the mysteries of this esoteric gem, and comes with a reversible sleeve and illustrated collector’s booklet.

 Now restored from the last known surviving 35mm print, this eerie and unforgettable American folk horror from the creator of The Outer Limits survives to chill a new generation as never seen before. 

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY CONTENTS

• 4K restoration from the last surviving 35mm print by Le Chat Qui Fume
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Original lossless Esperanto mono audio
• Optional English subtitles
• Optional Esperanto subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• New audio commentary by writer and genre historian David J. Schow, author of The Outer Limits: The Official Companion
• Archive audio commentary by star William Shatner
• Archive audio commentary by producer Anthony Taylor, cinematographer Conrad L. Hall and camera operator William Fraker
• Alternate 1.37:1 presentation of the film
• Words and Worlds: Incubus and Esperanto in Cinema, a newly filmed interview with genre historian Stephen Bissette
• Internacia Lingvo: A History of Esperanto, a newly filmed interview with Esther Schor, author of Bridge of Words: Esperanto and the Dream of a Universal Language
• An Interview with the Makers of Incubus, an archive interview by Schow with Taylor, Hall and Fraker
• Video trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Richard Wells
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Frank Collins and Jason Kruppa


THE CELL - On Ltd Ed 4K UHD and Ltd Ed BD

Also in January, Tarsem Singh’s sublime, grotesque and visually sublime The Cell on Limited Edition 4K UHD and Limited Edition Blu-ray

Singh’s debut feature starring Vincent D’Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket) and Jennifer Lopez (Out of Sight) delivers on the extraordinary artistry of his work in music videos and commercials as it takes the audience on a journey through the bizarre worlds inside the mind of a killer. 

With a script by Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend), and a supporting cast that includes Vince Vaughn (Brawl in Cell Block 99) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (In Fabric), 

The Cell is a gripping, edge-of-the-seat thriller, filled with jaw-dropping imagery that will entrance and unsettle in equal measure. 

The 2-disc UHD release includes brand new 4K restorations of both the 107-minute Theatrical Cut and the 109-minute Director’s Cut, new commentaries, archive commentaries, visual essays, and a bonus disc containing a previously unseen version of the film, and comes with an illustrated collector’s book, limited edition packaging, and a reversible sleeve.

 2-DISC 4K ULTRA HD LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Brand new 4K restorations of both the 107-minute Theatrical Cut and the 109-minute Director’s Cut by Arrow Films, approved by director Tarsem Singh
• Includes bonus disc containing a previously unseen version of the film with alternate aspect ratio and alternate grading created by director of photography Paul Laufer
• Original lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Illustrated collector’s book containing new writing on the film by critics Heather Drain, Marc Edward Heuck, Josh Hurtado, and Virat Nehru
• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Savieri

DISC 1 - FEATURE & EXTRAS (4K ULTRA HD)

• 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ (2160p) presentation of both the Theatrical and Director’s cuts of the film in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Brand new audio commentary with film scholars Josh Nelson & Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
• Brand new audio commentary with screenwriter Mark Protosevich & film critic Kay Lynch
• Archive audio commentary with director Tarsem Singh
• Archive audio commentary with director of photography Paul Laufer, production designer Tom Foden, makeup supervisor MichĆØle Burke, costume designer April Napier, visual effects supervisor Kevin Tod Haug, and composer Howard Shore
• Projection of the Mind’s Eye, a new feature-length interview with director Tarsem Singh
• Between Two Worlds, a new in-depth interview with director of photography Paul Laufer

DISC 2 - ALTERNATE VERSION & EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)

• Previously unseen version of the Theatrical Cut of the film, presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio with alternate grading, from a 2K master created by director of photography Paul Laufer
• High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation
• Paul Laufer Illuminates, a new interview about the alternate master of The Cell presented on this disc
• Art is Where You Find It, a new visual essay by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
• The Costuming Auteur, a new visual essay by film critic Abby Bender
• Style as Substance: Reflections on Tarsem, an archive featurette
• Eight deleted/extended scenes with optional audio commentary by director Tarsem Singh
• Six multi-angle archive visual effects vignettes
• Theatrical trailers
• Image gallery


THE GIFT - On Ltd Ed 4K UHD and Ltd Ed BD

Finally in January The Gift, where director Sam Raimi combined the spooky underpinnings of his early work with his newly proven talent for handling powerful drama in a supernatural thriller, coaxing nuanced performances from a star-studded cast to bring a gripping script by Billy Bob Thornton & Tom Epperson (One False Move) to life. 

With a cast including Cate Blanchett, Greg Kinnear, Katie Holmes, Keanu Reeves and Hilary Swank, and made right before a certain web-slinger finally catapulted Raimi from the cult fringes onto Hollywood’s A-list, The Gift is an underappreciated but vital entry in his filmography that is ripe for reappraisal with this brand new 4K remaster. 

With new commentaries and interviews, it comes with an illustrated collector’s booklet, a reversible sleeve, and a double-sided poster, and is available on Limited Edition 4K UHD and Limited Edition Blu-ray.

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY CONTENTS


• New 4K remaster from the 35mm interpositive by Arrow Films and Shout! Factory
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
• Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio and optional lossless stereo audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Brand new audio commentary by critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
• Brand new audio commentary by critic Meagan Navarro
• Isolated music and effects track
• Haunting Visions, a newly filmed interview with actor Chelcie Ross
• Savage Waters, a newly filmed interview with editors Bob Murawski and Arthur Coburn
• Southern Gothic, a newly filmed interview with composer Christopher Young
• Four archive featurettes: The Gift: A Look Inside, The Making of The Gift, The Cast on Sam Raimi and Sam Raimi on The Cast
• Promotional interviews with Sam Raimi, Cate Blanchett, Keanu Reeves and Giovanni Ribisi
• Footage from the film’s world premiere
• Music video for “Furnace Room Lullaby” by Neko Case
• Theatrical trailer, TV spots and radio spots
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Thinh Dinh
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Bilge Ebiri, original production notes and an excerpt from the book The Unseen Force: The Films of Sam Raimi by John Kenneth Muir

 


 


Romantic-comedy-horror YOUR MONSTER - In UK and Ireland cinemas, Nov

Melissa Barrera (Scream, In the Heights, Abigail) stars in Caroline Lindy’s hilarious and charming romantic-comedy-horror YOUR MONSTER, a modern day fairytale, set in the world of musical theatre.

 
 
After battling an illness and being dumped by the love of her life, struggling actress Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera) returns to her childhood home to recover. But to her horror, she discovers a monster (Tommy Dewey) living in her bedroom closet. Turns out he's quite the charmer.
 
Over time, they forge an unlikely connection as Monster helps Laura stand up to her narcissistic ex and fight for the lead role in his show that was promised to her. Laura and Monster's relationship slowly grows into something more as she rediscovers her power and learns to unleash her long-suppressed rage.
 
Directed by Caroline Lindy, Your Monster stars Melissa Barrera, Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus), Tommy Dewey (Saturday Night), Edmund Donovan (Civil War) and Kayla Foster (Call Jane). 

YOUR MONSTER is in UK and Ireland cinemas 29 November from Vertigo Releasing

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

THE SUBSTANCE - Available to stream from Mubi

MUBI, the global film distributor, streaming service and production company, is delighted to announce that Coralie Fargeat’s electrifying body-horror, THE SUBSTANCE, will be available to stream exclusively on MUBI from 31 October 2024 - no tricks - just a Halloween treat…

THE SUBSTANCE, a Working Title Films production, is written, directed, co-produced and co-edited by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge), and stars Demi Moore (G.I. Jane, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal), Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Maid, Kinds of Kindness, Fosse Verdon), and Dennis Quaid (Far from Heaven, The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow).

Demi Moore gives a career-best performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister past her prime and suddenly fired from her fitness TV show by repellent studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid).

She is then drawn to the opportunity presented by a mysterious new drug: THE SUBSTANCE. All it takes is one injection and she is reborn – temporarily – as the gorgeous, twenty-something Sue (Margaret Qualley).

The only rule? Time needs to be split: exactly one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. A perfect balance. What could go wrong?

Coralie Fargeat’s Cannes award-winning sensation turns toxic beauty culture inside out with a be-careful-what-you-wish-for fable for the ages. Explosive, provocative and twisted, The Substance is one of the most talked-about, thought-provoking and shocking films of the year - an absolute must-see.

THE SUBSTANCE, will be available to stream exclusively on MUBI from 31 October 2024 - no tricks - just a Halloween treat…

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

Friday 25 October 2024

Mayhem Film Festival – Day 4 Reviews

And so the fourth and final day of the Mayhem Film Festival was upon us...


THE PARAGON (2023) Dir - Michael Duignan

The final day of films got off to a cracking start with the offbeat, New Zealand sci-fi/paranormal comedy THE PARAGON. In which a former professional tennis player, who was injured during a hit and run accident, enlists the help of a psychic medium, Lara, to help him track down the driver of the car who knocked him over and ruined his career.

In return, Lara asks that he help her to locate a mysterious crystal called “The Paragon”, which her brother is also after, as she fears he will use it for evil. Leading to a series of extremely ridiculous,not to mention highly amusing and improbable incidents.

A really fun film, full of deadpan humour, which although has a rather silly premise, also looks at the issues of self sacrifice, redemption and that there are always 2 sides to every story. Which also had a strange “feelgood” quality to it.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Whilst the film isn't “quite” a horror, its definitely one that fans of horror-comedies should seek out.

 

DARK MATCH (2024) Dir – Lowell Dean

The second film of the day, DARK MATCH, proved to be an equally enjoyable watch. Set in the 1980s, a group of wrestlers are hired to put on a special match in a remote, backwoods town for the locals.

Unfortunately, they find that the event is actually being run by a strange religious cult, who require 5 sacrifices for their god and now the group are literally fighting for their lives. Kind of a bizarre cross between “The Wicker Man” and the “WWE”, this was bloody good fun and was another hit with the audience.

Director Lowell Dean previously directed the Wolf Cop films and this even features some of the cast from those (most notably, Leo Fafard, who plays one of the wrestlers). So if you've seen those, you sort of know what to expect. Although it's Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead, Snowpiercer) and WWE wrestler Chris Jericho (Terrifier 2 & 3) who steal the show.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

If you liked Wolf Cop, you should love this equally funny and violent horror.

 

Short Film Showcase #2

This year the Mayhem Festival had 2 sections of short films, rather than just 1. Again, I'm not going to review them all, but the ones that stood out for me were...

Pocketman - Dir. Ericka Clevenger, US, 2m
A wedding is terrorised by a supernatural being who can steal things from pockets. Things escalate when the wedding party tries to get their stolen ring back. Good fun, with a comic twist.

Triptychn- Dir. Sophia Ray, UK, 14m29
A provocative artist, Margaux Kasser plans to destroy a Bosch masterpiece, claiming it's performance art. But it seems she has an ulterior motive for doing so and Margaux is in a fight to escape her fate. A dark twisted tale.

Reel - Dir. Rodrigue Huart, France, 4m12, with English subtitles
Set in1857 rural France, two young farm girls come across a smartphone in their field and mayhem ensues as they fight over who should keep it. A kind of humorous stab at commercialism, but done in a very abstract style.

 

LAST STOP ROCAFORT STATION (2024) Dir - Luis Prieto

Penultimate film of the festival was this Spanish language, supernatural horror from the Director of the original "Pusher" (2012). The plot essentially revolves around a new employee at a remote Metro station in Barcelona, Laura (Natalia Azahara) who has just started on the night shift at Rocafort Station

Having witnessed a suicide at work one evening, after one of her fellow workers jumps in front of a train. She is alarmed when she subsequently starts seeing strange ghostly visions of other victims at the station.

Discovering that Rocafort has a higher percentage of suicides than any other station on the network, she hires a former cop , Roman (Javier Gutierrez – Assassins Creed), who himself witnessed something there years earlier, to help her look into what's going on.

Somewhat reminiscent of "Sinister", this was an effective ghostly chiller, crossed with a detective drama and was certainly well received by the audience. I personally enjoyed it, if you like supernatural films, its definitely worth seeking out.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

The ending sets itself up for a sequel, so if one gets made, I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for it. Director Luis Prieto was in attendance to introduce the film and take questions from the audience afterwards, which was a surprise as he wasn't originally scheduled to attend. But as he was in the country, managed to swing by.

 

SLINGSHOT (2024) Dir - Mikael Hafstrom

The festival closed with a screening of the new sci-fi thriller SLINGSHOT, which was a last minute addition to the line up, after the organisers had problems with the film they'd originally wanted to show.

Casey Afleck plays an astronaut on a deep space mission to the moon of Titan, around Saturn. But to get there, they have to do a gravitational slingshot around Jupiter (if you don't know what a slingshot involves, watch Star Trek 4).

Millions of miles from Earth with only his 2 crew mates for company, played by Laurence Fishburn and Tomer Capone (TV's - The Boys), and most of the time spent in hibernation. The strain of isolation begins to take its toll, which is not helped by the fact the drugs used for hibernation are having increasingly adverse effects every time they have to do a sleep cycle.

But when an asteroid collides with the ship, damaging long range communications, and other problems arise that threaten the mission, a rift forms between the crew as to whether they should press on, or turn back. To make matters worse, they all start showing signs of mental instability, hearing voices and seeing things that aren't there. As paranoia sets in, accusations of sabotage abound, and it becomes unclear as to what's real or not, even if the ship is still capable of making the slingshot, will the crew be in any state to complete the mission?.

A very warped thriller, that will keep you guessing as to whats really going on until the very end. Whilst the film was well received by the audience, it was a bit too grim for my liking, as it deals (albeit in the abstract) with issues of isolation and loneliness, which doesn't make for “uplifting” viewing.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

And that concluded the Mayhem Film Festival for another year. Thanks, as always, to the organisers, Chris Cook, Steven Sheils and Melissa Gueneau for the event, and of course, the entire staff of the Broadway Cinema in Nottingham for hosting it.

For more information on the festival and other special events throughout the year, visit the Official Website at: https://www.mayhemfilmfestival.com/

Also visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Also checkout http://www.broadway.org.uk/

 

Wednesday 23 October 2024

Mayhem Film Festival – Day 3 Reviews

Day 3 of Mayhem was another mixed bag, which went as follows...

THE LAST VIDEO STORE (2023) Dir – Cody Kennedy & Tim Rutherford.

First up, was this fun filled homage to the glory days of VHS. Set in the present day, a young girl comes to return some video tapes that her father had rented out from Canada's last remaining video store.

Amongst them though is a very bizarre tape, that the proprietor doesn't recognise. But upon playing it, discovers it is in fact the “Video-Nomicon”. A VHS version of the Necronomicon, which has the power to bring the characters from the films in his shop to life (you can see where this is leading).

Trapped inside the store, they subsequently find themselves having to battle space aliens, masked killers and even action movie characters from the films in the video shop. And only the proprietors in depth knowledge of cheesy B-movies will give them any chance of surviving.

Extremely silly, the film rips on numerous old B-movies, along with the likes of the Friday the 13th films and action stars like Stallone and Schwarzenegger, which were all huge draws on home video in the 80s and 90s.

Personally I loved it and the audience certainly enjoyed it too, which itself plays like a cheesy B-movie and was terrific fun.

View the Trailer on YouTube

It's worth noting that the chap who plays the proprietor, Kevin Martin, actually owns a DVD store in Canada and the film is based on an earlier short film in which he also starred.

If you're below a certain age, you might not get all the jokes or nostalgic references. But if you love cheesy old B-movies, definitely check this one out.

 

STEPPENWOLF (2024) Dir - Adilkhan Yerzhanov

The second film of the day was a radical shift in tone from the previous film, being what was arguably the bleakest of the entire festival. Set in a remote region of Kazakhstan, a civil war has erupted between the locals and the corrupt authorities, who are in the pocket of the local crime lord.

With the local police headquarters just having been wiped out, a young woman with learning difficulties stumbles into the chaos, wanting to report that her son has gone missing. A sole survivor of the Police Station massacre, a corrupt detective named Brayuk, agrees to help her, believing her son was abducted by child traffickers.

Travelling through the war torn countryside, his methods of extracting information from local criminals are brutal, but effective. However, as the film progresses, we get the impression that he has his own reasons for wanting to find this crime boss and rescuing her son is the least of them.

A very, very bleak film, extremely violent and not for those of a sensitive nature. This sort of film isn't exactly my cup of tea, being far too grim even for me, but it certainly captivated my attention and was well received by the audience.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

The director has also made a number of other films about the gritty side of life in the remote areas of his home country, so if you have a penchant for that sort of thing, you may wish to check them out too.

 

SHORT FILM SHOWCASE #1

Mayhem had their annual short films section next, but unfortunately wasn't present for all of these. However, I will give a mention to some of the more memorable ones I did see.

We Joined A Cult - Dir. Chris McInroy, US, 4m10
A comic story about two friends who just wanted to play kickball, but end up signing up with weird religious sect who can kill people telepathically (its as weird as it sounds and bloody funny).

Transylvanie - Dir. Rodrigue Huart, France, 15m, with English subtitles
A 10-year-old girl living in a block of flats in a quiet town is shunned by the other kids, for being odd, as she's convinced she's a vampire. But could there actually be something in her belief? An interesting French language film with a surprise twist.

Make Me a Pizza - Dir. Talia Shea Levin, US, 12m25
A parody of 70s porn films, in which a bored housewife offers herself to the delivery guy in exchange for free pizza. But he's not having any of it. He just wants paying his $29.99. A hilarious spoof that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “food porn”

These were just my favourites of the shorts that I managed to see, for the full list of short films that screened click HERE.

 

INTERSTATE (2024) Dir - Jean Luc Herbulot

There definitely seemed to be a theme with gritty crime-thrillers this year (and indeed, French language films) as the next feature film of the day was the French/Belgian thriller Interstate.

A hitman (played by the aptly cast French rapper and actor JoeyStarr) decides to quit the mob, following the death of his previous boss, and start a new life with his girlfriend (played by Asia Argento).

However, on his way he picks up a hitch hiker, a young student named Virgil (Joaquim Fossi) who is stuck out in the middle of nowhere. But as their journey continues, it seems this young lad isn't who he appears to be and his former boss and the police are going to be the least of his worries.

A very engaging supernatural horror-thriller, that plays like a cross between The Hitcher and A History of Violence. Boasting some great action scenes and some truly gripping moments, as he tries to stay one step ahead of the authorities and his former associates, as this character constantly toys with him

View the trailer on YouTube

 If you enjoyed The Hitcher, you should love this.

 

THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS (1991) Dir – Wes Craven

The days screenings concluded with the 1991 Wes Craven shocker “The People Under the Stairs”. For those who are unfamiliar, a 12 year old black lad, nicknamed “Fool”, gets involved with a couple of criminals that are attempting to burgle their wealthy landlords, in retaliation for evicting them.

Unfortunately, when the occupants arrive home early, young fool finds himself trapped alone inside the house at the mercy of the psychotic couple, who proceed to set their pet Rottweiler on him and chase him round with a Desert Eagle handgun.

Retreating inside the house's labyrinth of crawlspaces and wall cavities, he makes a shocking discovery. Not only do they have a young “daughter” kept as a virtual prisoner inside the house, but there's something very nasty in the cellar.

The film kind of plays like a psychotic version of “Home Alone”, except the burglar is trying to fight off the home owners. As young Fool has to dodge booby traps, killer dogs and the shotgun toting “father”, who likes running around in full bondage gear.

A really fun film, full of slapstick violence. I remember actually seeing this at the cinema when it was first released, and finding it hilariously funny. Needless to say, the Mayhem audience found it similarly hilarious and it's certainly lost none of its charm over the years.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

If you haven't seen this post “Elm Street” horror from Wes Craven, you really should check it out. Even if only for seeing a young Ving Rhames in an early role, who plays one of the gang members.

 

And that concluded the days viewings, so with that it was back to the hotel again to prepare for Day 4.

For more information on the festival and other special events throughout the year, visit the Official Website at: https://www.mayhemfilmfestival.com/

Also visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Also checkout http://www.broadway.org.uk/

 

 

 

Tuesday 22 October 2024

Mayhem Film Festival - Day 2 Reviews

Day 2 of the Mayhem Film Festival presented another eclectic bunch of films, which I have reviewed as follows...


CONFESSION (2022) Dir - Jong-seok Yoon

First film of Day 2 was the South Korean “Confession” from Director Jong-seok Yoon, which appears to be only his second full feature film to date. In this, a wealthy businessman is being charged with murder, after being found unconscious in a locked hotel room, next to the dead body of his mistress.

Maintaining his innocence, he hires a high ranking defence lawyer, who he hopes will get him off the hook. To which he relates his story to and we get to see, through a series of flashbacks.

However, as the story unfolds and it seems that whilst he may indeed be innocent of this particular crime. We discover that he might actually be guilty of something far, far worse.

The film, which is apparently a remake of a 2016 Spanish film “The Invisible Guest”, is really more of a dark crime-thriller, as opposed to a horror, but proved a hit with the audience. I personally enjoyed it, and thought it was extremely well made, boasting more twists and turns than a Hitchcock film.

View the Trailer on YouTube

Not to be confused with the plethora of other films with the same title. As far as I'm aware, this has not been released in the UK to date. But if gritty crime-thrillers are your thing, you'd be advised to seek it out.


HOLLYWOOD 90028 (1973) Dir - Christina Hornisher

Second film of the Day was the seldom seen, sleezy, arthouse film "Hollywood 90028", which has recently been rediscovered and restored by Grindhouse films in the US.

The film revolves around a budding cameraman named Mark (Christopher Augustine – The Doll Squad), who's desperately trying to get into the movie industry as a cinematographer. But has been reduced to shooting and editing short adult films for the city's porn cinemas and peep shows, just to make ends meet.

But we soon discover that Mark has a darker side. Suffering from severe mental health problems, we see that he kills women that he randomly picks up. So when he starts dating a young porn actress named Michelle (Jeanette Dilger), we are left wondering if she will be next?

Bit of a slowie and a difficult film to categorise, which is probably why it struggled to find any sort of release back in the day. I was somewhat reminded of the film "Peeping Tom", though the film is extremely light on actual killings (I think 3 in total?) and is more of an arthouse film, albeit an exceptionally sleazy one, than anything.

The film has languished in obscurity since the 1970s, having never been released on home video and receiving only a limited theatrical run under different titles. However, Grindhouse releasing have since discovered it and released it onto disc in the US in its original full length form under its original title (the name apparently reffering to an area of Hollywood Boulevard, where the walk of fame is located).
 
View the Trailer on YouTube 

Whilst the film is well shot, it's a bit on the slow side and to be honest, is one that can only really be recommended to die hard cinema enthusiasts who have an interest in 70s cinema. But if you do wish to see it, Grindhouse have put out a very nice special edition Blu-Ray in the US.

 

DEAD MAIL (2024) Dir - Joe DeBoer & Kyle McConaghy

The third film of the day "Dead Mail", was a welcome change of pace, providing some much needed comic relief to the day.

Set in the early 1980s, the workers at a regional post office, tasked with redirecting mail that's got lost in the post, come across a blood stained note begging for help from an apparent kidnap victim. 

Whilst they initially dismiss it as a prank, when one of them, a seasoned investigator named Jasper (Thomas Boykin – 3 From Hell), takes an interest and tries to track down the address, it unleashes a whole series of deadly events.

An extremely bizarre, offbeat thriller, full of dark humour, which revolves around 80s synthesisers off all things. This was a really enjoyable retro romp, with a great cast. John Fleck (Velvet Buzzsaw) was brilliant as the films villain and Sterling Macer Jr. (Where the Crawdads Sing) was aptly cast as the unfortunate victim.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Bit of a weird one. If Monty Python ever made a thriller, I would imagine it would look something like this.

 

NIGHT CALL (2024) Dir - Michiel Blanchart

The fourth offering of the day was Belgian thriller "Night Call", in which a young locksmith, played by Jonathan Feltre, gets called out to a flat where a young girl has lost her keys.

Unfortunately, after managing to get her inside, he finds he's been duped and the apartment's real owner is none too happy to see him. Particularly after the young girl he helped has stolen something from him.

As a result, he finds himself forced to help a lot of rather unsavoury characters try and recover the missing goods, or he's going to be in a lot of serious trouble. But it seems not everyone in the gang is interested in getting the loot back, and so trying to survive the night is going to be one hell of an ordeal.

A gripping edge of your seat thriller, I really enjoyed this one. The ending to which certainly had the audience on the edge of their seats, as he tries to prevent them getting to the goods, whilst simultaneously dodging the police.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Being Belgian, the film was in French language with English subs, which might not appeal to all. But if you like gritty, edge of year seat, thrillers, this one comes highly recommended and was actually one of my favourite films of the festival.

 

DADDY'S HEAD (2024) – Dir Benjamin Barfoot.

Final film of the day was the surreal sci-fi (or was it supernatural?) horror "Daddy's Head". About a young boy, Rupert, and his stepmother Laura (Julia Brown – TV's Payback) coming to terms with the recent death of his father.

With his biological mother already dead, parenting duties fall on Laura, who didn't really want kids. But tries her best, despite Rupert not really taking to her.

But shortly after the funeral, strange things start to happen. Mysterious fires in the nearby forest, that have disappeared by the time the fire brigade turn up. Items going missing from the house. Strange noises at night. Plus the dog keeps barking at something. Then Rupert claims to have seen his dead father at night.

Whilst Rupert's claims are dismissed, it seems there might be something lurking in the forest that has taken a particular interest in them and it might not be friendly.

An interesting film, but it's never really explained what this thing is, or what it wanted from the family. Director Benjamin Barfoot was actually in attendance to introduce the film and take questions afterwards, but even he remained tight lipped about it. So, you'll just have to see it and try and figure it out for yourself.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

The film is currently available to stream on the Shudder network.

Director Benjamin Barfoot interviewed at Mayhem

And that concluded the days viewings, so with that it was back to the hotel to prepare for Day 3.

For more information on the festival and other special events throughout the year, visit the Official Website at: https://www.mayhemfilmfestival.com/

Also visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Also checkout http://www.broadway.org.uk/