Mayhem Film Festival Report 2018 - Day 3

Saturday, which marked the third day of the festival was a bit of a mixed bag (though that's true of most days) featuring a number of zombie, sci-fi, supernatural fillms and thrillers, as well as the traditional "scary shorts" showcase.

 ONE CUT OF THE DEAD

The fun kicked off at midday with what is arguably the most innovative zombie film I've seen all year, with a screening of the Japanese zombie film "One Cut of the Dead". In which a film crew, shooting a zombie film in an abandoned factory, find themselves battling real life zombies when an outbreak of the undead invades the set, all done during a single 38min take.

However, all is not as it seems, as following the end of the film within a film. We then get to see what REALLY happened behind the scenes, in a hilarious and very clever twist. Although the opening scene just looks like a typical, dumb, badly acted zombie movie, you need to stick with it to get all the jokes as it moves into its third act.

Wish I could tell you more about this, but that would ruin the plot. You really need to check this one out. It should be on UK disc by the end of the year, so be sure to pick it up and remember. 

Don't be put off by the slow start, it's all part of the set up. The audience loved it and were clapping and cheering througout the entire third act

Visit the official Twitter page

View the Theatrical Trailer on YouTube

PROSPECT

Next up was the sci-fi film "Prospect" from writer/director duo Chris Caldwell and Zeek Earl, in which a father and his daughter head on down to a remote planet to look for some sort of organic compound, which commands a high selling price.

Unfortunately, their pod crash lands way off course and are forced to hike to their destination. Hoping they can get there in time to do the job and get back to repair their ship, before the freighter they're travelling on leaves orbit and they miss their ride. 

Kind of like a western, but set in outer space, in which they encounter other prospectors  looking to strike it rich, and do each other in at the same time. Whilst the film was well made, I personally found it rather boring and seemed to lack any real point.

My main problem was trying to work out what they were actually up to, as nothing is really explained, plus there didn't seem to be any point to it all. This was apparently based on a short film they made back in 2014, though I haven't seen that to comment. But in any case, I can only really reccomend this to people who like dramas set in outer space.

Visit the official Facebook page.

View the trailer on YouTube. 

NUMBER 37

Another one of my favourite films of the day was the South African thriller "Number 37". In which a small time theif named Randall, who is now confined to a wheelchair, witnesses a murder by a local drug dealer, who resides in the apartment complex opposite his.

Being unable to work due to his injury and heavily in debt to a lone shark, he comes up with a plan to get his hands on some of the dealers money to pay him back. But things predictably go awry.

Putting it's own spin on Alfred Hitchcok's "Rear Window", there's not many films that have me holding my breath, but this was certainly one of them. As Randall's predicament, being sandwiched between a drug dealer, loneshark and a bunch of corrupt cops, just spirals out of control and things come to a head during a very heated climax.

The film is in Afrikaans with English subs, but don't let that deter you from seeing it. This is seriously gripping stuff.

Visit the official Facebook page.

Visit the official Twitter page.

View the Theatrical Trailer on YouTube.

After "Number 37" was the Mayhem "SHORT FILM SHOWCASE", which in the interests of brevity I shall be reviewing seperately.

THE DEVILS DOORWAY.

Aislinn Clarke's supernatural thriller "The Devil's Doorway", which marked our fourth feature film of the day, was a film I wasn't initially sure I was going to enjoy, being a "found footage" style film, which is a sub-genre I'm usually not too keen on. BUT, I'm pleased to say, turned out to be a surprisingly enjoyable, creepy little film.

Set in Ireland in the early 1960s, 2 priests are sent to investigate reports of a statue of the Virgin Mary crying blood at a Magdalene asylum (essentially "workhouses" run by the Catholic church, Google it). Unfortunatly, what they discover is far more sinister than just the brutal treatment the Nuns dole out to the young women there.

Sinister forces are at work and the longer the priests stay and investigate, the more they become convinced the strange incidents captured on their cine camera are not the work of tricksters. As strange noises can be heard in the corridors at night and something is very wrong with one of the girls who resides in the old psychiatric section.

Filmed on actual 16mm film stock for genuine authenticity and presented in its original filmed 4:3 aspect ratio. It would be unfair to simply dismiss this as a cross between "Blair Witch" and "The Exorcist", even though parralels between these can be seen. This really is an effective little chiller and a great film to watch on Halloween.

Director Aislinn Clarke was in attendance to introduce the film and field questions from the audience. Footage of which will appear on my YouTube channel shortly

Visit the Director's official Twitter page. 

View the Theatrical Trailer on YouTube.

DEMONS

The day's events drew to a close with a screening of Lamberto Bava's cult 1985 horror pic "Demons". In which a group of cinema patrons, attending a special screening of a new horror film, find themselves trapped inside the building whilst members of the audience start transforming into hideous demonic creatures, like the ones in the film they were watching.

Produced by Dario Argento and featuring fellow director Michael Soavi as a creepy guy in a mask. This is a film that all fans of cult 80s horror should be familiar with (and if not, why not?), a faced paced and gory action film, which puts a whole new spin on zombie lore, with people being transformed into demons, rather than the undead.

This film has been a firm favourite of mine ever since I saw it on VHS back in the 80s and has certainly lost none of its charm over the years. So it was a terrific treat seeing this on the big screen

Here's the Theatrical trailer on YouTube

And that concluded Day 3

The Mayhem festival runs each October, at the Broadway Cinema - Nottingham.

For more info visit:

http://www.mayhemfilmfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/mayhemfilmfestival/
https://twitter.com/mayhem_festival

Mayhem Film Festival Report 2018 - Day 2

Day 2 of this years Mayhem Film Festival started a little earlier than previous years, as the organisers decided to squeeze in an additional film to the days programme.

THE WHITE REINDEER

Things kicked off just after 2pm with a special screening of the 1952 Finnish fantasy/horror pic "The White Reindeer".  The plot of which revolves around a young woman, who is bored being at home by herself in her remote village, whilst her husband is out farming reindeer.

Obtaining a "love potion" she is told will make her irresistable to other reindeer farmers, she finds the potion does what it says on the bottle. But not in the way she envisaged. 

Soonafter numerous people in the village start dieing in mysterious ways, after spotting a mysterious rare White Reindeer in the area (their fault for following it into a place called "The Evil Valley", the clue is in the title guys).

Considered something of a lost classic by fans of early European horror, its very much a slow burner and is really a film for lovers of vintage horror cinema, or arty sort of films. Its in B&W (obviously) and in it's original Finnish language with English subs.  

Not my cup of tea, but if you're curious, Eureka Entertainment will be releasing it on disc in the UK later this year.

View the trailer on YouTube.

PIERCING

Next up was the extremely bizarre "Piercing" by Nicholas Pesce (The Eyes of My Mother). In which a would-be serial killer, who has spent weeks planning the perfect crime, finds that the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. When the call girl he selects as his first victim proves to be extremely unpredictable and a comedy of errors ensues.

The late afternoon slot on Day 2 of the Mayhem Festival is usually reserved for bizarre films and this was certainly no exception, as the would be killer finds his potential victim may be just a psychotic as he is and her bizarre antics had the audience wondering just what the hell was going on.

Really didn't know what to make of this one, it was obviously meant as a dark comedy, but the plot never really went anywhere. As for wether its any good, all I can suggest is checking it out for yourself and seeing what you make of it.

Interesting use of music from various Dario Argento films though.

Visit Director Nick Pesce's page on Twitter.

NIGHTSHOOTERS

Marc Price's "Nightshooters" proved to be one of my favourite films of the day, in which the cast and crew of a low budget zombie film, working late in a derilict office block, witness a gangland hit in the building opposite.

Realising they've been spotted, the gangsters storm the building looking to take out any witnesses. But fortunately the film crew, armed with props from the film, manage to fight back and a series of hilarious bloody battles ensues.

Really loved this one, there were some great action scenes. Particularly where the special effects girl rigs up a bunch of charges to take out the gangsters. 

Though undoubtedly the best scenes are where the film's stuntman (Jean-Paul Ly, who is a real life stuntman) takes the gangsters on using martial arts, in a series of fast paced fights, and effectively stealing the show in the process.

The film was certainly well received by the audience, who clapped and cheered throughout the gorier moments and would definitely reccomend seeing this one when its released.

Director Marc Price (who also directed the cult zombie short film "Colin") was also in attendance to introduce the film and do a Q&A session with the audience afterwards. Footage of which will be on my YouTube channel shortly

For more info visit the films Facebook page. 

View the films Trailer on YouTube

PUPPET MASTER : THE LITTLEST REICH

The new Puppet Master film also proved to be one of my favourite films of the day. However, I was surprised to learn that this is not a continuation of the existing Puppet Master films, but rather a reboot.

For this new re-imaging of the popular series, a convention surrounding  notorious serial killer, Andre Toulon (yes he's a killer in this version), known as the "Puppet Master" as he made a living selling grotesque puppets to collectors, is being held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Police raid that killed him.

But problems arise when several of guests discover their original Toulon puppets, they had brought to auction off at the convention, have been "stolen". But then when the police show up, convention goers start dieing in exceptionally grotesque ways from unseen assailants.

Extremely politically incorrect, as the puppets start targetting Jewish, Blacks and anyone that sounds like they might be a Gypsy, this one really ramped up the bad taste humour to 11 (the scene with the Baby Hitler puppet had the audience in hysterics).

If you liked the other Puppet Master films (or even if you didn't) you should love this and it was good to see horror veterans Udo Kier (Iron Sky) in a brief role as the murderous Toulon, and Barbara Crampton (who was also in the original Puppet Master) as a security guard.
 

Interestingly, although this is a reboot they are apparently still going to be making sequals to the original films as well as the new franchise, which will be interesting.

View the film's Trailer on YouTube.

MANDY

Last film of the night is a film that I would ordinarily not bothered with, basically because it stars Nicholas Cage, who is a person I cannot abide and avoid his films wherever possible. However, as the Mayhem Festival had provided me with a free Press Pass. felt obliged to endure it.

Oh boy, what a mistake that was. No amount of free festival passes could ever justify the 2 hours of pointless trippy visuals, hammy acting and mind numbing boredome I had to sit through. Despite downing a few beers before going in, I was nowhere near drunk enough to put up with the levels of weirdness, and sheer pretenciousness of this art film.

Set in 1983, A couple living in a remote woodland cabin (Nic Cage and Andrea Riseborough, who plays the eponymous "Mandy") are attacked by a bizarre religious cult.

When Cage's wife is taken from him, he sets out to hunt them down, armed with a crossbow and something that resembles a Klingon Batleth (clearly the Police don't exist in this film then?). Battling demonic bikers and other weird folk that inhabit this strange world where everything is bathed in a red fog.

If David Lynch got high on acid and tried to direct a Vangelis music video, it would probably look something like this. The plot, which at its core is your basic revenge thriller, is secondary to the weird arty, farty visuals that dragged out the run time to just over 2 hours. Not even the chainsaw duel at the end could alleviate how utterly shambolic this film was to me (Texas Chainsaw Massacre did it better).

Whilst its true the audience were in hysterics in parts, they were laughing at it for all the wrong reasons. I know they say "there's always some pleasure to be derived from a bad movie". But the only pleasure I could possibly derive from this, would be to force someone I didn't like to watch it.

I hadn't watched a Nic Cage film since around 2002 (the "Gone in 60s" remake, just to see how it compared to the original). After this, I doubt I will ever be watching another one again.

The film is apparently out now in the UK, being given a limited cinema run, then being released to disc at the end of October, in case their are any massochists who wish to enflict this on themselves (or buy a copy for someone they don't like).

View the trailer on YouTube.

And that concluded Day 2.

The Mayhem festival runs each October, at the Broadway Cinema - Nottingham.

For more info visit

http://www.mayhemfilmfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/mayhemfilmfestival/
https://twitter.com/mayhem_festival

Mayhem Film Festival Report 2018 - Day 1

It's mid October and I'm at the Broadway Arts Cinema in Nottingham, surrounded by fellow horror fans, which can only mean one thing.

It's time for the annual Mayhem Film Festival for another 4 days of Horror, Sci-Fi, Exploitation and just downright bizarre movies.

ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE

This years festival kicked off with the extremely bizarre ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE. A romantic teenage comedy musical, set at Christmas time, but against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse (yes you read that right).

Probably best described as a cross between High School Musical and Shaun of the Dead, this unusal mash up of opposing genres stars Ella Hunt (Robot Overlords) as the films titular heroine. Whose dreams of travelling the world and going to university after finishing school are subsequently dashed, when a full scale zombie outbreak grips her home town (although its several songs before she realises what's going on around her).

She and her friends are subsequently forced to fight their way across town to reach their parents, who are stuck in the school, whilst emoting their plight through the medium of song,  accompanied by lots of gory zombie mayhem, which had the audience in hysterics. Although the show was arguably stolen by Paul Kaye (AKA Dennis Pennis) who puts in an absolutely outrageous performance as the Deputy Head Master, Mr Savage.

If you remember that episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" which was done as a musical, it's kind of like that, but with zombies instead of vampires.

Director John McPhail was in attendance to introduce the film and do an audience Q&A afterwards. Footage of which will appear on my YouTube channel shortly.

The film was very well received by the audience and is a damnsite more enteraining than watching The Sound of Music at Christmas. Lets hope it gets released soon!

For more info visit...

Official Website (UK)
Official Website (US)
Facebook Page
Twitter Page
Theatrical Trailer (You Tube)


NIGHTMARE CINEMA

The second and final film of the opening night was the anthology film NIGHTMARE CINEMA, in which several unsuspecting folk go, one-by-one, inside a dilapidated cinema. Only to find they are the main protagonists in the films being screened by the sinister projectionist who resides there (played with unholy relish by Mickey Rourke).

There are 5 stories, with each one revolving around one of the characters in the cinema, and each by a different director.

The first "The Thing in the Woods" (By Alejandro Brugués - Juan of the Dead) was a throwback to 80s slasher films, with 50s sci-fi B-movie twist, in which several teens staying at a remote cabin in the woods find themselves being stalked by a maniac in a welders mask.

"Mirare" (Joe Dante - Gremlins) is about a bride to be, who discovers first hand the perils of going overboard with plastic surgery, after deciding to have some work done on her face before her big day, with Richard Chamberlain as a sinister surgeon (I'll never watch Dr Kildare in the same light again, that's for sure)

"Mashit" (Ryûhei Kitamura - Midnight Meat Train) puts a new spin on the old demonic possession films, when a priest and nun at a catholic school are forced to battle an entire dormitory of possesed children in a battle scene that would make Peter Jackson proud.

"This Way to Egress" (David Slade - 30 Days of Night) was definitely the wierdest. Filmed in Black and White, a housewife goes to see a psychologist fearing she is losing her grip on reality as people she sees seem to change and take on demonic appearances. But which reality is she losing her grip on?

The final segment "Dead" (Mick Garris - Sleepwalkers) concenrns a young boy, who is the lone survivor of a botched car jacking, that finds he can now see the ghosts of dead people after being resusitated in the hospital. But that might not be his biggest problem when the carjacker decides he doesn't want any witnesses left behind.

Overall I enjoyed the film, which seemed to owe more than a passing nod to "Tales from the Crypt", but with Mickey Rourks as the Cryptkeeper (or projectionist in this case) and I would certainly reccomend giving it a watch.

However, where the film falls flat is it seemed to lack a point to it all? It was never explained how the films related to the characters watching them. Were they being punished for something they'd done? If so what?

Plus I thought Mickey Rourke was perhaps wrongly cast here, as for a film like this you would expect someone like Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Tony Todd, or even Brad Douriff, who are closely assosiated with horror, to play the creepy projectionist. Not Mickey Rourke, who is more closely assosiated with action films.

But, the audience seemed to like it, so I would reccomend it to you.

View the Theatrical Trailer (YouTube).

And then it was back to the hotel to prepare for Day 2

The Mayhem festival runs each October, at the Broadway Cinema - Nottingham.

For more info visit... 

http://www.mayhemfilmfestival.com
https://www.facebook.com/mayhemfilmfestival/
https://twitter.com/mayhem_festival

THE SECRET OF MARROWBONE - Out on UK DVD/Digital this November

From the writer of THE IMPOSSIBLE and THE ORPHANAGE, comes a unique and haunting psychological thriller set in 1960s rural America. 

THE SECRET OF MARROWBONE is a chilling new haunted house story featuring stand-out performances from the rising cast

After their mother's death, Jack (George McKay) and his siblings, have to learn to survive on their own, hiding from the world in the crumbling family house and with no other place to go. 

When their peaceful existence is threatened by a local lawyer wanting to repossess the house, their mother’s death is only the first of many secrets kept within the walls of the old Marrowbone House that will be revealed. As a menacing presence takes hold, Jack must fight against the demons to protect his siblings.

Starring George McKay (Captain Fantastic, Defiance), Mia Goth (Suspira, Everest) and Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) THE SECRET OF MARROWBONE is out to own on DVD and Download this November

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

 

UFO - UK DVD review.

A brilliant maths student unearths evidence of Alien visitations and a government cover up in Ryan Eslinger's UFO, which is out now on UK DVD.

When news reports come in of a UFO sighting over a busy airport in Cincinnati, maths student Derek (Alex Sharp) realises the so called eye-witness accounts, claiming it to be a drone, don't match with the video footage being circulated after doing some complex calculations regarding the objects height and distance.

Investigating further, it seems whatever it was transmitted some sort of binary code, which affected radio frequencies in the area, which may be a message as to where they're going to appear next and both Derek and Govt officials, lead by an FBI agent named Ahls (David Strathairn - TV's The Expanse, Sneakers), race to decrypt it.

Not exactly "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", this wasn't bad as far as sci-fi films go, though it did have a kind of made for TV feel to it though and was rather like watching an episode of The X Files. Which is ironic as Gillian Anderson has a supporting role in this as Derek's university lecturer, although she's almost unrecognisable here under the red wig she's wearing.

If you like sci-fi thrillers, you'll probably enjoy this. It's not an action film, but it held my attention for its duration so I'd say it's worth giving it a go.

The disc itself is a bare bones release, with just the usual basic menus and chapter selection pages, and does not contain any supplemental features.

UFO is out now on UK DVD from Sony Entertainment.

Buy the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

THE STRAIN COMPLETE SERIES: 1-4 arrives on UK DVD 22nd Oct

Get infected by a stylish and shocking horror drama this Halloween from Academy Award® winner Guillermo del Toro. With all 46 episodes telling the complete saga in one binge-worthy collection, when you’re not gripping the edge of your seat, you’ll be jumping off it!

Based on the novels by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, The Strain draws on fears modern and arcane alike with the horror auteur’s frightening new take on the bloody vampire mythos.

House of Cards alumni Corey Stoll brings a complex gravitas to his standout lead role as a researcher struggling to prevent the collapse of both New York under a vampire plague, and his marriage. Award-nominated performances from David Bradley, Richard Sammel and more help round out a strong supporting cast as well.

With a stylistic flair reminiscent of The Shape of Water and the fanboy spirit that birthed Pacific Rim, Guillermo del Toro’s fingerprints are all over The Strain, creating a gruesome mystery that will delight fellow genre fans, but be a nightmare for anyone with a weak stomach!
 

 

Series 1:
In The Beginning
A Novel Approach
Setrakian’s Lair 

Series 2:
Deleted Scenes
Meet the Crew of The Strain
The White Room
Audio Commentary on “Night Train” featuring Carlton Cuse Gag Reel
Beyond the Page
Sentient Strigoi 

Series 3:
The Strain: Under Siege Companion Series
Webisodes 1-10
Vamp Boom Music Video 

Series 4:
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Coping with The Strain: A Therapy Session
Inside Look 

THE STRAIN COMPLETE SERIES: 1-4 arrives on UK DVD October 22nd.

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

When Flies Strike by Philip J. Gould - out now in Paperback, Hardback and Kindle.

When Flies Strike is the latest release by horror novelist Philip J. Gould, which is available now from Amazon.

Residents of Fulbarton adore its idyllic setting and small-town charm.  Nothing ever happens to disturb their equilibrium.  That is, until an inexplicable death cloaked in a shroud of dead flies shakes them to their core.

Detective Inspector Baylem and Detective Sergeant McCardle are assigned to investigate an unexplained death.  The circumstances are unusual, but not alarming enough to cause concern… until the body count begins to rise and alarming similarities about the crime scenes lead them to believe they’re up against someone, or something far more dangerous than a serial killer.

As word of the troubling findings begins to circulate, panic sets in.  With the media and residents clamouring for answers, the detectives struggle to alleviate their fears and make sense of the dark force that is bent on destroying anyone or anything that gets in its way.

Do the seasoned detectives have what it takes to fend off another attack, or has the fate of the remaining townspeople – and the rest of the world – already been sealed?

When Flies Strike is out now in Paperback, Hardback and Kindle from Wildboar Publishing.

Buy online from Amazon.co.uk