Now open for promos:

I'm (relatively) caught up on review items, so I'm opening up for review items for horror-related goodness. Whether it be books, movies, comics, games, or even horror-ific music, I'm up for reviewing it and getting the word out to readers. Be warned, however - as part of the Union of Independent Horror Bloggers, screeners will not get a free pass for a great review.

If you're interested, please contact me via comment below or email at: rb9589 AT mcla DOT edu. Thanks for your time!

Movie Review - Manhater

Manhater

The audio review:

 

From writer Philip R. Calderone and director Anthony Doublin comes the story of an abused woman who unwittingly seeks out revenge on the perpetrators of the violent acts with the help of Enyo, the Greek goddess of war. Manhater focuses on the protagonist Vonda (played by Emelle of AMC's Mad Men), who gleans help from a spiritual woman (Alessandra Assaf) in forgetting the men who have tortured her in her past. But the woman is no Wiccan saint, as she tries to harness the power of Enyo for herself by tricking Vonda into drinking the magic potion. As Enyo begins killing off all of Vonda's old beaus, Vonda tries to take control of the man-hating entity.

Calderone's script is nicely focused and progresses fairly rapidly. It's well-written, and the lines are delivered well by the actors - this might seem like pointless praise as it's an actor's job to be good at reading lines, but it's not always so in indie films like Manhater.

The film makes its entrance with a grand slam scene of abuse as Vonda's new boyfriend, Bruce (John Henry), attempts to cut Vonda up in the throes of passion. The gritty home-video quality of the film makes the scene all the more realistic, and Henry gives a stunning performance as a sadistic yet reserved villain. It's such a surprise at the opening that it's already a great introduction to Vonda's hazardous life.

Manhater then introduces Enyo (played by bondage porn star Ariel X), a bushy-haired, thong-wearing, pasty-skinned demon who loves to claw men to shreds after she seduces them into her good graces. She can also, it seems, transform into a beautiful woman, and though it's not fully explained, it seems as though her powers are not limited to charming young men or having sharp nails.

So the audience gets a good look at the killer Enyo while she stalks her prey, but on the other side of the coin we have a bewildered Vonda trying to escape from the police after she's a suspect in the murders. It's a nice complication, one that moves the plot along and enunciates the idea that Manhater is not the stereotypical revenge story like I Spit On Your Grave, but one where the abused actually sympathizes with her abusers in the face of the murderous Enyo. In a way, it does stay true to the filmmaker's opinion that we've never seen something like this before: it seems like a typical revenge story, but with a few additions that create something new from the formula.

Blood and gore flies as Enyo tears ex-boyfriends apart, and though we can pity Vonda for her latest encounter in sexual abuse, the film lacks a depth in backstory to drive the point home. Manhater presents five ex-boyfriends who come to their demise because of their womanizing ways, but the audience is never able to share in the terror that they put Vonda through. I'm not suggesting we should see the abuse explicitly, but it would have been more effective to take the time to divulge some backstory here. Manhater still appeals to the viewer, but increasing the scope from one boyfriend to five could have made it that much more visceral.

There's also the theme to contend with, which represents men in a harsh light, as most of the cast aren't what you'd call "classy." While Calderone's script deals with the violent antics of these five individuals in a relatively upstanding fashion (considering the choice of the horror medium), the incorporation of gratuitous nudity seems to perpetuate the male stereotype. Of course, goddesses are commonly depicted as nude, which corresponds with Enyo's physical persona, but the boob shots along the way detract from Manhater's message.

All in all, the film's done some good ground-breaking on the plot with the budget they had. The special effects are a little unnecessary, but the film's score is great and the acting above-par. Though the run-around gets a little tiresome toward the middle, the fascinating character of Vonda will keep the audience watching because her character is easy to relate to. Manhater's a fun 90 minute revenge story that has a good message, even if it is muddled with excess nudity.

Horror Horizon - June 29

Notable DVD releases for my birthday, June 29! Films are also subject to Blu-Ray release.

Warehouse 13: Season One

"After saving the life of the President, two top Secret Service agents find themselves abruptly transferred to Warehouse 13 — a massive, top-secret storage facility in the badlands of South Dakota that houses every strange artifact, mysterious relic, fantastical object and supernatural souvenir ever collected by the U.S. government. Now the pair — off-the-cuff Agent Pete Lattimer and by-the-book Agent Myka Bering — must chase down reports of supernatural and paranormal activity in search of new objects for their eccentric new boss, Artie Nielsen, to safeguard at the Warehouse. It’s a wildly entertaining adventure full of inventive gadgetry and thrilling action, and with all twelve Warehouse 13: Season One episodes cataloged and archived in this collectible three-disc set, now’s your chance to snag it, bag it and tag it!"

The Crazies

"In this terrifying glimpse into the “American Dream” gone wrong, an unexplainable phenomenon has taken over the citizens of Ogden Marsh. One by one the townsfolk are falling victim to an unknown toxin and are turning sadistically violent. People who days ago lived quiet, unremarkable lives are now depraved, blood-thirsty killers. While Sheriff Dutton (Timothy Olyphant) and his pregnant wife, Judy (Radha Mitchell), try to make sense of the escalating violence, the government uses deadly force to close off all access and won’t let anyone in or out – even those uninfected. In this film that Pat Jankiewicz of Fangoria calls “disturbing,” an ordinary night becomes a horrifying struggle for the few remaining survivors as they do their best to get out of town alive."

Review here

The Eclipse

"Michael Farr (Ciarán Hinds), a teacher raising his two kids alone since his wife died two years earlier, has been seeing and hearing strange things late at night. He isn't sure if he is having nightmares, or if he's experiencing a haunting. Working as a volunteer for an international literary festival, he is assigned to Lena Morelle (Iben Hjejle), an author of books about ghosts and the supernatural. Establishing a rapport with one another, Michael opens up and shares his terrifying experiences with her. However, Lena's attention is distracted by another novelist, Nicholas Holden (Aidan Quinn), with whom she had a brief affair. The trajectories of these three people lead them into a life-altering collision where the challenges of love, fear of the unknown, and release from the burden of grief are explored."

Suicide Girls Must Die!

"Twelve sexy, edgy, beautiful women from the famed SuicideGirls website (SuicideGirls.com) shoot a pin-up calendar while staying at a remote cabin in Maine. One by one, the girls start disappearing, leaving the others scared and running for their lives. Seen through the eyes of both hidden and the girls' own cameras, this unscripted story captures the ladies -- all non-actors and unaware their every move is being recorded -- in the first reality horror movie of its kind."

We'll see if they can act...

The Brotherhood VI: Initiation

"When a group of pledges arrive at a secluded cabin for their fraternity initiation, they’re met by a blood-thirsty lumberjack, who won’t stop until every one of them is dead. Directed by David DeCoteau."

Don McKay

"In this edgy thriller, Don McKay (Thomas Haden Church, Sideways) flees his hometown after a horrendous tragedy and vows never to return. But 25 years later he comes back to find a dark menace looming over the town. As he attempts to rekindle his romance with an old high school girlfriend (Elisabeth Shue, Leaving Las Vegas), Don is pulled into a malevolent world from which he may never escape."

Bonnie's Kids

"Get ready for one of the true lost classics of 70s exploitation cinema: Tiffany Bolling (THE CENTERFOLD GIRLS) and Robin Mattson (ALL MY CHILDREN) deliver eye-popping performances as small town sisters who murder their pervert stepfather and flee to the big city, where they ll tangle with horny private eyes, predatory lesbians, $400,000 in stolen mob money, and a bantering pair of black and white hitmen (Alex Rocco of THE GODFATHER and Timothy Brown of NASHVILLE) that historians cite as a key inspiration for PULP FICTION. Steve Sandor (THE NINTH CONFIGURATION), famed tough-guy actor Scott Brady (JOHNNY GUITAR) and Sharon Gless (in her film debut) co-star in this notorious drive-in noir from writer/director Arthur Marks (DETROIT 9000, BUCKTOWN), now fully restored in HD from the original 35mm negative with an all-new featurette for the first time ever on DVD."

It might have the best tagline ever with, "Thank God she only had two!"

Paranormal Cops: The Complete Season One

"PARANORMAL COPS follows a group of larger-than-life cops who walk one beat during the day as real-life Chicago-area police officers and another at night when they apply their forensic and investigative expertise to paranormal casework.

Responding to the pleas of people who are victimized by distressing and inexplicable activities in their homes and workplaces, these cops bring their no-nonsense approach to hunting ghosts, and their real-life police skills to separating fact from fiction and often happen upon results much scarier than the paranormal."

It Came From Kuchar

"Long before YouTube, there were the brilliantly insane, no-budget movies of underground, filmmaking twins George and Mike Kuchar. Ceating stars out of their friends and family with just consumer-grade cameras, the teenage Kuchar brothers went from the 1960's New York City underground film scene of Andy Warhol and Kenneth Anger to become the twin maestros of B-movie glamour and sleaze. In a mesmerizing stream-of-consciousness style, IT CAME FROM KUCHAR effortlessly interweaves nostalgic footage of 1950's New York, a "greatest hits" collection of Kuchar clips and present day interviews of an all-star lineup of fans including John Waters, Buck Henry, Atom Egoyan, Wayne Wang, Bill Griffith, Gerard Malanga, B. Ruby Rich and Guy Maddin. Both outrageous and lovable, George and Mike will inspire you to pick up a camera and start making movies. IT CAME FROM KUCHAR is a must see for lovers of film everywhere. This exclusive DVD contains over 45 minutes of Behind-the-Scenes footage packed with interviews, video clips and secrets of the fascinating and bizarre world of the Kuchar Brothers!"

Temptation

"After a heavy night out with the girls, Isabel, and attractive young professional woman catches an illegal mini-cab home. Things take a turn for the worse when the cabbie pulls her into an ally and violently forces himself onto her, taking her life. From high above on the rooftop, an ancient female Vampire notices. Taken in by Isabel's beauty and innocence, she dispatches the Cabbie and feeds Isabel a drop of her immortal blood. Isabel awakes with 48 hours to decide whether to embrace immortality, or kill herself before she becomes undead."

A Nocturne: Night of the Vampire

"From the Australian undeground comes a dynamic gothic original. Z and X are vampires bound by love and driven by their lust for blood. Together they stalk their unsuspecting prey in the dark streets and back alleys of Melbourne, but tonight they aren't the only killers lurking in the shadows. A moody and atmospheric thriller, A NOCTURNE: NIGHT OF THE VAMPIRE is a sophisticated reworking of the vampire genre with film noir stylistics."

The Devil Within

"A night of sex, drugs and partying in the Hollywood Hill’s is the perfect setting for Serina’s 18th birthday - until this high school pool party goes horribly wrong when an uninvited guest begins killing everyone."

Wicked Lake Director's Cut

"Four beautiful but mysterious girls embark on a road trip for a relaxing weekend getaway in the woods. Unbeknownst to them, two clans of deranged male misfits follow them to their secluded and picturesque lakeside cabin in the mountains. The girls appear to be easy prey for the predatory perverts until the fateful stroke of midnight when all hell, literally, breaks loose and the tables are turned. Original score and on-screen cameo appearance by Grammy-nominated Alien Jourgensen, founder of the band Ministry (Robocop and AI)."

Inbred Redneck Vampires (NO IMDB)

"Sexy vampire Catherine and her familiar Lendel are on the run from a ruthless vampire hunter. They hide out in the small redneck town of Backwash, where Catherine hatches a plan to turn the backwoods folk into an army of her vampire slaves. Cultures further clash when Ma Poissier wins a free room redecoration by fruity Frenchman Jean-Claude Les Eaux, who tries his best to fit in with crazy hillbillies like Lil' Junior and his buddy Cletus. Beer drinking, bean eating, tripe cooking, shower peeping, competitive farting, strip poker playing and all manner of insanity follow, all leading up to the town's annual Tripe Days Festival. Combine the gross-out and physical comedy of Animal House and American Pie with the country humor of Hee Haw, toss in some vampires and you've got the riotous romp Inbred Redneck Vampires!"

Blood on the Highway

"On their way to a rock concert, Carrie, her boyfriend Sam, and Bone, her thug ex-boyfriend, get lost and wind up in Fate, Texas – a town populated by bloodthirsty, dimwitted vampires. Featuring genre favorites Nicholas Brendon and Tom Towles."

Predator (Ultimate Hunter Edition)

"A team of commandos, on a mission in a Central American jungle, find themselves hunted by an extra-terrestrial warrior."

The Evil Ad #5

In honor of my 21st birthday coming up this Tuesday, I thought this Bud Light commercial would be a good way to kick things off. There's a lot to love here - for starters, it's great to see the narrative following the Headless Horseman as a point-of-view, giving him a reason for why he's so mad. I would be too! Plus, there's the great attention to detail within the house. It's wooden, dark, and creaky, the kind of place I'd expect someone like the Horseman to live in.

Movie Review - Basket Case

Basket Case

The audio review:



Basket Case has received quite the following in the thirty years since its debut, becoming a cult classic for its charming display of "it's-so-bad-it's-good" comedy thanks to Frank Henenlotter. The story, too, is enough to hook an unsuspecting victim, taking the evil twin formula to the next level with previously conjoined twins who set out on a rampage against the two doctors that separated them.

The public is right - Basket Case is very, very bad. For starters, the beginning of the film has such a slow, awkward start that it feels like things will never progress to the bloody revenge that is promised. Tiring characters abound, stereotypical goofs who over- or under-act any chance they're shown on-screen. Even Kevin Van Hentenryck, main star of the film as brother Duane, has a tough time with his acting chops, making it funnier to experience the dialogue through the poor delivery than to relate to the struggles of the brothers.

The story is poorly focused; at first, it seems as though the brothers are set on revenge, but after psychological troubles leave the basket case Belial upset, the story loses track of that revenge arc to follow... well, Belial getting angry at things. In the meantime, Duane finds a romantic interest in a secretary who works for one of the doctors that he and Belial want to kill, and you can imagine how that works out: not well, especially in light of the fact that the on-screen chemistry is all but nil for the two lovebirds.

Along with this is the cheesy plastic toy that is Belial, who chomps down on burgers and hot dogs like nobody's business. He's more cute and cuddly than scary, and this is one thing that Basket Case really has going for it - the film generates feelings of sorrow for the two brothers, who just wanted to be left alone as Siamese twins.


So outlined above is a film that's not too skilled at what it does. But there's that whole idea of comedic horror yet to be dealt with, as Basket Case is represented more as a funny Z-grade film than a true horror movie. Some would argue that the strengths of Basket Case reside in its goofy qualities, like the switch to claymation at certain points in the film or the awkward pauses of characters as they forget their lines. Yet most of Basket Case's humor doesn't seem intentionally funny; instead, it feels like the audience is laughing at the errors of the filmmakers more than they are at the comedy infused within the film. This is the biggest flaw in Henenlotter's film, because for all intents and purposes, Basket Case comes off as a genuinely flawed film that moviegoers have hyped. There aren't many sequences that feel purposefully funny, as if Basket Case was meant all along to be an intentionally terrible film. It's the lack of intention that kept me from enjoying the experience.

All in all, with the exception of the laughs I gleaned from others' mistakes, Basket Case falls flat as a film that seems confused in what it's trying to achieve. With terrible dialogue, a vast majority of continuity errors, and a plot that shows some promise but loses its path in a jumble of schizophrenic ideas, it probably is the perfect film to watch with a bunch of friends on a Saturday night alcohol binge, because it's a movie that everyone can make fun of. But there's nothing memorable or worthwhile enough to seek the film out; in other words, don't be swayed by its "cult" status.

Basket Case on Rotten Tomatoes

Book Review - Wrecked by Carol Higgins Clark

Wrecked

The audio review:



Carol Higgins Clark returns with her crime-solving femme Regan Reilly in her newest novel Wrecked, a light-hearted, pulpy beach read that skimps on actual detective work for an emphasis on polite suspense and comedic undertones. It's nothing new from Clark, as fans of Reilly will find, but newcomers can easily pick up on the character quirks quickly through chapters full of character detail.

But Clark suffers from too long of a character roster, packing Wrecked with numerous chapters told from points of view of secondary characters who either aren't very important or don't pop up again in the novel. Clark shows her chops at writing backstory; each character gets a quick summary of some aspect of their life, mostly job- or family-related, and then the reader's brought back to the crime at hand. But there are just too many characters to keep track of, especially when the stories Clark spins about their pasts don't move the plot forward. It seems like a wasted effort to remember character POVs when its evident their lives won't make much of an impact on the story.

Clark's plot moves quickly, though, and most of the novel's plot arc is structured well. It's a bit predictable, but it's also a lot of fun, especially because of the comedy subtext. Wrecked isn't suspenseful, nor does it seem it is meant to be. Rather, it's a mystery meant for those who enjoy the lighter side to crime dramas.

Unfortunately, the intense optimism expressed throughout is a tad much. Everyone's happy-go-lucky, and even the criminals seem to be good-natured in their evil-ness. I'm always one for looking on the bright side, but the realism of Wrecked is limited when every character acts like a 24/7 do-gooder. It would bode well for the Reilly series to face a more sinister foe, at least for one novel.

The wrap-up here isn't the best, and as stated earlier, there's not much detective work done. The real solving of the crime is helped along by blind luck, and Regan Reilly seems less active than her husband Jack in the conclusion. It doesn't help that the tip-off to the apparent murder comes about by a bit of dialogue that could be construed as a sarcastic remark.

Yet for all its problems, Wrecked remains an enjoyable read, and perhaps it's due in part to the host of characters that inhabit the Reilly universe - they may blend together a little, but the number of people to latch onto feels like the book's opening its arms in welcome.

Silent Hill 8 planned for 2011

Are we really up to number 8 already? Seems like yesterday that the first Silent Hill released for the original Playstation.

But just recently at E3, Konami announced plans to release a new installment of Silent Hill for XBOX 360 and Playstation 3. A trailer was unveiled, and Gamespot has the scoop on the plot of the game:

"Gamers will play as ex-inmate Murphy Pendleton, a man who suffers from lucid visions when he sleeps."

Silent Hill games generally have a unique and disturbing storyline, and hopefully the eighth title in the franchise will remain as compelling. Check out the trailer above for some great footage!

Death Metal Debauchery #3: Grave - Burial Ground

This awesome cover comes from the Swedish death metal outfit Grave, who have been actively releasing albums since 1988 - a long time for any type of band, no less death metal. Burial Ground is Grave's newest release, channeling classic death metal from the late '80s through the '90s.

Burial Ground's art was done by artist Costin Chioreanu. It's a complicated piece where the zombie head in the middle also takes on a rooted cemetery hill, all replete with inverted-cross gravestones and demonic faces in the background. Chioreanu has done a fantastic job of blending everything together into two distinct ideas - the burial ground of Grave's title, and the undead housed within.

Book Review - Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Pirate Latitudes

The audio review:



Pirate Latitudes is Michael Crichton's last novel (or so it would seem, although in this age of ghost writers and "secret manuscripts," anything seems possible), released posthumously after the manuscript was found finished on Crichton's computer. The novel is unexpected from Crichton, whose past works were generally rooted in the technological dilemmas found in our increasingly computerized world. Prey and Next, his most recent output, had dealt in the realms of science and the threats that it poses, but Pirate Latitudes takes a step back into the past (the 1600s, to be exact), channeling a time where ships were looted and towns plundered.

The first thing to stand out about Crichton's work is his research. The adherence to dialect, vocabulary, and social practice of the 1600s is very well done, and the novel is written in the same type of tone. Crichton doesn't waver from this practice, and it's evident that effort was spent to create verisimilitude throughout. For me, being rather ignorant of the time period, the prose was believable enough where I didn't question the factual basis of the writing. Whether it stays true to authentic speech and grammar will be left for historians to decide, but for the average reader, it is an impressive display.

Though it does feel Crichton relies a bit too much on the factual consistency - there's some passages which serve only to fill the reader in on historical detail, and it slows Crichton's fast-paced narrative down a couple pegs. It's not a bad thing that Crichton fills his story with detail, but when it hinders the plot, there's a bit of a problem with the editing of the novel.

And for the most part, the novel's structure is spot-on. Pirate Latitudes can be summed up as the trials of a really unlucky privateering raid led by the antihero Hunter. As Hunter sets out on a government-controlled expedition to capture treasure from a Spanish galleon anchored in heavily-secured Spanish territory, he encounters a number of trying problems (man-made and nature-related) that test his ability as captain. Crichton doesn't skimp on the action; there are fairly epic nautical battles, sword and musket fights, and ship piloting passages that will cater to those looking for adventure on the high seas. There's also a great amount of detail Crichton infuses, especially with Hunter, who at first seems easy to hate and then becomes the guy the reader loves to cheer for. This creates an effective twist at the end that turns the reader against characters, and Crichton's in top form there. He does jump around a bit with characters, however, and unfortunately begins the narrative with a different character. It's not too much of a problem, but it does serve to throw the reader off as Crichton slowly makes his way to main character Hunter.

Yet Pirate Latitudes, for all its stunning adventure and detail, lacks much of a punch when it comes to theme. Unlike Crichton's prior novels, Latitudes seems like light pulp - there's no deeper message other than that the pirate life is dangerous and the lily-livered should steer clear. I kept searching for some grand idea to punctuate the writing, but nothing struck a gold vein here.

What's clear is that Crichton still retains his penchant for writing thrilling narratives in his last novel. Though it lacks scope, the plot is driving, and though it has a slow start, Latitudes is a fast read as the story picks up speed. It's not exactly the most glorious end to Crichton's illustrious career, but it's certainly a great read to remember the beloved and multi-talented author.

Horror Horizon - June 22

Notable DVD releases for this Tuesday. All releases subject to DVD and Blu-Ray. Now updated with IMDB links to each film.

Riverworld

"Matt, an American journalist, and his fiancee, Jessie, are killed in an explosion, but reawaken in this unusual afterlife. Everyone who has ever lived on Earth has been resurrected simultaneously in this strange new world. Determined to find Jessie, Matt joins forces with an intrepid crew, including a 13th century female warrior and riverboat captain Mark Twain. As they embark upriver, their adventure begins, all the while tracked by the watchful eye of a mysterious alien force."

Death Race 2000 (Roger Corman's Cult Classics)

"Welcome to the year 2000, now a place plagued by a lack of morals and political unrest. The only thing that society looks forward to is the three-day Transcontinental Death Race, a high-speed competition that is won by the driver who collects the most points by killing spectators and pedestrians. But this year the drivers have something to worry about other than getting killed by rival contestants: there is a group of anti-race activists trying to stop the race for good. The games all-time champion, Frankenstein (David Carradine), takes on such colorful characters as Machine Gun Joe Viterbo (Sylvester Stallone), Calamity Jane (Mary Woronov), Nero The Hero (Martin Kove) and Matilda The Hun (Roberta Collins) in this dark comedy-science fiction classic directed by Paul Bartel ( Eating Raoul)."

Bluebeard

"Based on Charles Perrault s grisly fairytale, Bluebeard tells the story of young Marie Catherine, child bride to an aristocratic ogre with a reputation for murdering his wives. Controversial director Catherine Breillat (The Last Mistress, Fat Girl, Romance) brings her personal touch to this classic tale, a favorite of good little French girls since the 1950s. Princess Marie Catherine must employ all her cunning to outwit her husband and escape the most unpleasant of fates."

Wolf Moon (No IMDB)

"Amy (Ginny Weirick), a small-town girl meets and falls in love with Dan (Chris Divecchio), a mysterious drifter. Amy learns that Dan possesses a family curse and the unimaginable horror that was passed on to him by his father, Bender (Max Ryan). Dan and Amy’s love is put to the test when town locals (Billy Drago, Maria Conchita Alonso, Chris Mulkey) unite in the ultimate showdown with Bender to eliminate the terror he has brought to their town."

Thirst

"Following their devastating car crash, Noelle’s group is left marooned with little water, no shelter and no cell phone reception. Forced to ration their supplies, tensions rise as quickly as the dry desert heat. Dehydrated, lost and hopeless, one by one the group begins to fall victim to the relentless elements. Miles away from civilization, suffering from delirium and dying of thirst, will anyone make it out alive?"

Fireball

"In this red hot action-adventure... Former football star turned convict, Tyler "The Fuse" Draven, discovers in jail that he has the ability to create fire by mere thought alone! Now he's going to use his new- found power to wreak havoc and get revenge on everyone that's ever done him wrong... which seems to be the entire world! His deadly skill and fiery temper has Draven bent on a mission of total destruction unless the authorities find a way to stop him!"

Not too much for this week.

Red band Centurion trailer on Hulu

Set in AD 117, this Neil Marshall film follows Quintus as he and his Ninth Legion battle the Pict people in a bloody story "set against a background of conquest and invasion".

Centurion hits XBOX, VOD, and Amazon July 23; catch it in theaters August 27. Check the film's site for further information.

Nate Yapp of Classic-Horror posts tribute to Psycho

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, Nate Yapp over at Classic-Horror has posted a mash-up video of Psycho homages. Titled "50 Years of the Psycho Shower Scene", Yapp has compiled a three minute film full of shower scene renditions that highlights the influences of the famous film. You can check it out at Yapp's website, or view it embedded below.

Please, leave appreciation for Yapp's work!

Happy 50th birthday, Psycho!

It seems like only yesterday you began murdering hapless motel-goers.

Vampire Mob series hits web June 30th

A new web comedy premieres June 30th on the series' website. Titled Vampire Mob, the series follows a hitman vampire who

"just found out his mother-in-law is moving in, for eternity.   Don became a vampire because 'it was a good fit' for is nocturnal life of crime.   He never planned on biting his wife, Annie, and making her immortal, 'but then I got hungry.   Annie felt bad that her mom would die one day and bit her, never discussing it with Don, and now mom needs a place to stay and blood to drink.   With Don’s hit business slowing down, the last thing he needs is more 'grocery shopping' to do."

 The comedy stars Marcia Wallace of The Simpsons, Chris Mulkey of Boardwalk Empire, Kirsten Vangsness of Criminal Minds, and John Colella of CSI: New York as the lead hitman.

Catch the debut on Vampire Mob's website on June 30!

The Evil Ad #4

Count Chocula and Boo Berry - two horror icons that have had commercial success for decades (this commercial is from 1984) with their tasty, marshmallow-y cereals. Notably, Franken Berry is absent from this ad - it seems that Count Chocula appears in Boo Berry and Franken Berry commercials as a means of promoting the lesser cereal, because chocolate is a more stimulating treat than blueberry or strawberry flavoring.

I'm surprised at how much the cereal pieces have changed. They almost look bland in the commercial compared to today's chemically-engineered Styrofoam.

Comic Review - iZombie #1 & 2

iZombie

The audio review:



iZombie is a new series created by writer Chris Roberson and artist Michael Allred. It made its debut in the House of Mystery Halloween special way back in October, capturing the hearts of many readers with its swift pace and quirky host of characters. Now the series is back to expand on that first chapter, starting a story arc where our resident zombie solves a murder mystery.

Issue one serves as a lead-in to the series, and a very effective one at that. Roberson first introduces Gwen, our narrator and main character, who quickly proceeds to give us the down-and-dirty: she's a zombie gravedigger living in a cemetery, eating people's brains. She makes it clear she doesn't like it, and I think that this lack of fulfilling the zombie "stereotypes" on Roberson's part creates a more enjoyable read in itself. Gwen's a multi-faceted character, and Roberson is smart not to divulge the secrets of her zombie-ness until later in the story. As of now, Gwen is steeped in mystery, and it adds to the sense of noir in the narrative that I'll explain shortly.

We also meet a few recurring characters in the first issue - a were-terrier, a ghost that Gwen lives with, some vamps, and some monster hunters that are on their trail. It's done in a skillful way where it doesn't feel as though the writer is presenting the characters conveyor-belt style; instead, they're all introduced in logical progressions, and even that is just a quick glimpse, again leaving secrets to uncover throughout the series.

We also learn something new about the human-like zombie that is Gwen - when she eats a brain, she sees that person's memories. In this case, she sees that the cadaver was murdered, and, being the caring person she is, Gwen sets out to solve the mystery. This is where issue two picks up, expanding the evidence while continuing the vampire sub-plot started in the first issue. It's great to see these two plots working together in one issue, and though it's evident that the two will somehow join, there's still a building anticipation of just how it will work out.

That aspect of noir that I discussed earlier really comes into play with Gwen's narration, and a lot of credit is due to Roberson's writing here because it channels a lot of romans noirs. But it's not all the writing that captures this homage; Allred has a fantastic collage toward the end of issue one showing the dead man's black-and-white memories, a visual feast of noir-y images. His style of art, too, is reminiscent of both the mystery suspense comics of the pulp comic era, plus an addition of the Archie comics for the comedy inherent within the plot. Suffice it to say that the art of iZombie is perfectly rendered for the writing.

When I ended the second issue, I was not only left wanting more, I was also truly saddened by the fact that I have no more right now! The plot and narration are fast-paced and enrapturing, not to mention the eye-ogling I was doing of the art, which brought me back to reading old comics in the attic of my aunt's house when I was young. It'll be a hard wait for the next issue, but I'm really interested to see the interactions between the vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and zombies of iZombie, and how they're accepted in society.

Horror Horizon - June 15

Notable DVD releases for the upcoming Tuesday. Subject to both DVD and Blu-Ray.

Communion

"Christopher Walken stars as novelist Whitley Strieber in this tense alien abduction thriller. Vacationing at his family's home in the woods, Whitley is awakened one night by bright lights outside his window. The next morning he believes he dreamed of being taken by aliens to a spaceship. As the frequency of these "dreams" increase he wonders: are these encounters just hallucinations, or is this really happening? In desperation he seeks out a therapist who believes hypnosis may expose the truth. Based on Strieber's own experiences, this eerie precursor to the "X-Files" delivers some genuine chills and adds fuel to the debate about whether we are alone in the universe. Special Features Include: Audio Commentary by Philippe Mora and William J. Birnes (Publisher of UFO Magazine), Outtakes, Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Stills Gallery, Storyboards, Excerpt from "According to Occam's Razor" (Actual videotape footage of an alien implant removal)! , Theatrical Trailers, Plus New Audio Commentary by Director Philippe Mora (Recorded in 2010). In Color, 101 Minutes, Rated R, Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) Enhanced for 16x9 TVs."

Animals

"Syd has spent years wasting away in a washed-up hick town, but after meeting Nora his life will never be the same. Easily seduced by her charms, Syd is pulled into her dark world and an unforgettable night of passion. But in the light of day Syd begins to realize that his reckless night with Nora has filled him with a growing animal instinct to fight. This is only the beginning to Syd s journey into the unknown world of the ANIMALS lurking amidst us all."

The Horseman

"When Christian's daughter dies so does any sense of remorse as he travels the Australian outback hungry for vengeance. Tracking down the men responsible one by one, he reaches a new level of brutality and discovers how far he has to go to settle the score. A shocking and merciless experience, THE HORSEMAN pushes the limits of gritty revenge tales."

Horror Hospital

"The Operation is a Success...When the Patient Dies
UNCUT, UNCENSORED & FULLY RESTORED

The ultimate 70s UK horror comedy is back like you ve never seen it before! Legendary British actor Michael Gough Alfred in the BATMAN movies stars as Dr. Storm, the depraved proprietor of a health hotel in the English countryside. But when a burned-out rocker (Robin Askwith of CONFESSIONS OF A WINDOW CLEANER fame) and his sexy new girlfriend arrive for a relaxing vacation, they ll instead become trapped in a nightmare of psycho bikers, cheeky dwarves, rampant decapitations, gratuitous nudity, lethal luxury sedans and a diabolical plan to create a slave army of lobotomized zombies. Skip Martin (VAMPIRE CIRCUS) and Dennis Price (THEATER OF BLOOD) co-star in this bloody/campy cult favorite from writer/director Antony Balch, now transferred in HD from the original 35mm camera negative and featuring a revealing new commentary with producer Richard Gordon."

Sleazy Sci-Fi of the 1970s

"2069: A Space Odyssey: Five sexy astronauts from the all-female planet Venus invade a town nestled at the foot of the Alps. Their mission: seduce enough Earth-men to continue their race for another 10,000 years! Invasion of the Bee Girls: While investigating a series of mysterious deaths, an agent for the US State Department discovers a secret facility designed to turn women into deadly “Bee Girls”! Dr. Dildo’s Secret: Obsessed with the desire to create a perfect woman, a mad scientist grows facsimiles in his basement – and breathes them into life through sex!"

Terror Inside

"When a young man returns to his small town sweetheart he finds that things have changed…for the worse. He expects to find the quaint shops and friendly townsfolk of his memories, but instead finds himself in the midst of tattoo parlors and shady sex shops. As he investigates he unearths a trail of bloody mutilation that leads him to a virus discovered by a local well driller."

The Roommate

"A paranormal thriller involving two young women who start off as roommates but become much more. These working ladies have such a wonderful time living together, sharing their new home. Their friendship gets deeper, until a bond of love forms between them. But soon their world is terrorized by an uninvited “guest” who possesses one of them. The demonic entity uses her like a puppet to murder innocent people, leaving her lover torn between protecting her roommate and unwillingly aiding the evil actions of the spirit. She soon must take a final stand."

Shades of Gray

"Gray Barker stood at the heart of America's UFO phenomenon almost from its inception. His investigations led to the publication of his best selling book, “They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers.” SHADES OF GRAY peels the layers away of one of the great American hoaxers of the twentieth century. Barker single-handedly created or perpetuated much of what is now the `gospel` of UFOs. This documentary strives to present a complete picture of a complicated, and ultimately influential, modern American myth-maker."

Banned in America Vol. 1

" Witness for the first time the dark underbelly of humanity as we take you on a thrill ride you'll never forget. See brutal acts of violence, graphic police chases, horrific accidents and bizarre human behavior. Uncensored - Uncut - With never before seen footage. All on... BANNED IN AMERICA."

The Shock-O-Rama Horror Collection

"Dripping with bone-chilling terror and unearthly monstrosities, this special edition SHOCK-O-RAMA HORROR COLLECTION includes four acclaimed films by veteran horror director, Brett Piper. Shock-O-Rama: Life imitates art when popular horror actress Rebecca Raven (Misty Mundae) battles a flesh-starved zombie hungry to bite off more than it can swallow. Bacterium: When a handful of friends stumble upon the abandoned building, they come face to face with a biological weapons experiment gone catastrophically wrong. Bite Me!: A crate of bio-engineered marijuana winds up at a strip joint after a drug deal gone bad, bringing with it a renegade DEA agent and a swarm of monstrous critters. Screaming Dead: A history of torture and unspeakable horrors await a sadistic photographer and his three beautiful models when they take up residence in an abandoned insane asylum."

Slaughter Island

"A group of ten children travel to an uninhabited island that many believe to be plagued by an ancient curse. One by one they are stalked and butchered by someone or something. As the mystery unravels, signs show that the killer may be something much more sinister. A shocking twist concludes this tale of terror."

Book Review - Blood Sins by Kay Hooper

Blood Sins

The audio review:



Blood Sins is a continuation of Kay Hooper's book series about a paranormal investigative society led by an agent named Bishop. Hooper works in trilogies, and Blood Sins is the second in her Blood trilogy, but all of her books are easy enough to pick up without having to worry about reading them in any order. Yet for a book series centering on Bishop, he's lacking a lot of characterization or personality to give him any kind of precedence over the other characters.

In fact, all of Hooper's characters feel very two-dimensional. Rarely does one character stand out from another, and perhaps this is due to Hooper's reliance on character-heavy plots. There's just not enough time to flesh them all out before they either wind up A) dead or B) the book ends. There's another reason, however, that the characters never spark an interest. Most of Blood Sins is dialogue, endless streams of conversation between Bishop and his crew over what's going down with the bad Reverend Samuel. I often complain about exposition dumps, but Hooper takes the cake here with monotonous chapters full of exposition delivered by the characters, who ask questions about the case and then deliver answers like intel agents. This is how the reader gets the gist of the plot, with straight-to-the-point info dumps, as though Hooper thought we wouldn't put two and two together unless she told us outright.

And that, my friends, is Blood Sins, a 250-page novel where not much happens except for dialogue between characters and a painfully-corny romance between the story's two main characters. Hooper's dialogue isn't fantastic to begin with, but when the romance kicks in, there's more corny one-liners than a bar on ladies' night. At one point, the love interest Sawyer says something to the effect that it's a really bad time to fall in love, and the reader can't help but agree - Sawyer and other main character Tessa are currently involved in the most dangerous mission of their careers, and yet they can't help but get caught up in each other's eyes. Gag reflex kicks in.

Now it's not all bad, as Hooper's plot is actually quite original. The paranormal side to the investigation is a good touch, one that Hooper is certainly excelling at with each book she writes. She's got the formalities and legalities down, and the realism is heightened because of it.

But the part that really distresses me about Blood Sins is Hooper's reliance on a deus ex machina to end the novel. Hooper paints a picture of a formidable (perhaps the most formidable) enemy ever faced, one that could bring about Armageddon if he succeeds. But the ending is so much less than climactic, a face-off between the enemy and Bishop's crew that resolves in the good guys gaining new powers from the energy field to conquer the baddy. To be fair, this is hinted at throughout the novel, but it bothers me that Hooper chose to end the book with an easy solution.

Unfortunately, part of this problem stems from Hooper's insistence on trilogies. At the end of Blood Sins, she's already scrounging around for bits and pieces for the next novel, focusing less on the conclusion of this book. This could possibly explain the weak narrative in Blood Sins; Hooper must find ways to extend a trilogy that could probably be told in one longer novel. Overall, Blood Sins just doesn't end up being an enjoyable read, a tedious journey because Hooper never lets us experience the story without her guidance.

Death Metal Debauchery #2: Putrid Pile - House of Dementia

House of Dementia is Putrid Pile's newest album, released last year on Sevared Records. The band was started by Shaun LaCanne in 1994, who continues to play most of the instruments as a one-man project. They play guttural brutal death metal, if you're interested in all of those tags for your music.

The art was done by Tony Koehl, and the cover is one of my favorite covers out of 2009. It truly captures that house of dementia feel, by having several panels depicting death, torture, and other hellish images to indicate the vile tendencies of humans sent to this house. Perhaps not the most inviting theme, but one that certainly corresponds with the violent lyrics and subtly grotesque band name.

Comic Review - American Vampire #2

American Vampire

The audio review:

The second installment of American Vampire, the comic collab from Scott Snyder, Stephen King, and artist Rafael Albuquerque, picks up right where the first left off. It continues the two-segment structure of the first issue, beginning with Snyder's chapter titled "Morning Star". His main character, Pearl, has just been attacked by vampires at a popular party, and after she's found drained of her blood and half-dead in the desert, she's taken to a hospital where she's pronounced untreatable.

But Skinner Sweet, a man who we've seen pop up in each segment of the series, visits her bed to explain his evolved vampire status, giving her the same gift and changing her into a stronger species of vampire with new abilities. Of course, the first thing Pearl wants to do is get revenge on those that took advantage of her in life, that being the actor who was the reason she turned vamp in the first place. No love story here; instead, there's a great shot of carnage as Snyder and Albuquerque reveal the physical structure of the evolved American vampire.

Then it's on to King's turf in "Deep Water", who is still working with his main character Will Bunting, author of a story about Skinner Sweet's life. In this segment, King gives us a little more backstory on Skinner Sweet while providing detail on just how the two parts of American Vampire combine. They're actually happening at the same time, with Will Bunting giving a reading and lecture on Skinner Sweet's life in 1880. In this issue, Sweet becomes a vampire after being bitten, and those government vampires who claimed his life are out to put him to rest by flooding the town of Sidewinder where his coffin is buried. But King divulges one giant fact - Sweet has evolved, and is now able to survive underwater.

Suffice it to say that American Vampire has been steadily packing some punch throughout these two issues, and what I'm loving about the series is its nuanced flow. One segment is generally filled with more plot and character development than the other, but then that second segment is action-packed and bloody. Whereas in the first issue King's chapter was a bit more interesting than Snyder's, this issue feels more equally balanced, where both chapters are cliffhangers that leave the reader wanting more. This comic is really evolving (to use a pun) into an original story, and Snyder and King are aware of how much detail they're letting the reader swallow. I'm still not sure where it's headed, but that's a good thing here.

Albuquerque's art shines through in this issue with a stunning flashback sequence with Pearl. Filled with dark reds and a fantastically vicious vamp daddy, Albuquerque is an amazing addition to an already solid story. With a strong beginning, here's hoping that the final four issues continue to suck the reader dry.

Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter released by Permuted Press

Brian P. Easton's new novel Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter is ready for its June release date - you can order it now here. The synopsis is below:

"Sylvester James knows what it is to be haunted. His mother died giving birth to him and his father never let him forget it; until the night he was butchered by a werewolf--the night a full moon ruined his life. Alone in the world, Sylvester is taken in by Michael Winterfox, a Cheyenne mystic. Winterfox, once a werewolf hunter, trains the boy to be a warrior--teaching him how to block out pain, stalk, fight, and kill. Bit by bit all that makes Sylvester human is sacrificed to the hunt. Now, Sylvester's hatred has become a monster all its own, robbing him of conscience and conviction as surely as the Beast's bite. As he follows his vendetta into the outlands of the occult, options become scarce. And he learns it takes more than silver bullets to kill a werewolf..."

Submit your horror screenplay to Brain Damage Films!

 
Brain Damage Films is running a screenplay contest and accepting your submissions now! Their mission statement and more information on the contest is as follows:

"The mission of the Horror Screenplay Contest is to further promote the horror genre in screenplay form. The contest is open to all writers, eighteen years and older. The contest is limited to the first 600 entries and the submission deadline is July 20, 2010."

If your screenplay is picked, you'll receive a cash prize, but even greater, your script will be submitted to Hollywood producers for review. Can't beat that! Get submitting - for more information, check out the contest website.

Horror Horizon - June 8

Notable DVD releases for the upcoming week. All DVDs listed are subject to Blu-Ray release as well and are just not noted.

Shutter Island

"Academy Award® winning director Martin Scorses once again teams up with Leonardo DiCaprio in this spine-chilling thriller that critics say “sizzles with so much suspense that it’s hot to the touch.”** When U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) arrives at the asylum for the criminally insane on Shutter Island, what starts as a routine investigation quickly takes a sinister turn. As the investigation unfolds and Teddy uncovers more shocking and terrifying truths about the island, he learns there are some places that never let you go. **Peter Travers, Rolling Stone"

Review here

Ghostwriter: Season One

"Jamal is just an ordinary kid in Brooklyn, playing on his computer, when he begins receiving strange and mysterious messages. Who or what is trying to communicate with him by manipulating letters and words? It must be a Ghostwriter! Luckily, Jamal is not alone. Lenni, Alex, Gabby, Tina and Rob can also see Ghostwriters messages! The teens team up to solve a rash of mysteries plaguing their neighborhood. What is a Thabto? Who burned down Mr. Brinkers store? Why is everyone at the community garden getting sick? Following the clues and solving these mysteries puts them closer to helping Ghostwriter figure out who he is.

Developed by the Childrens Television Workshop, the creative force behind Sesame Street, Ghostwriter aired on PBS between October 1992 and February 1995. Created to improve literacy and writing skills, the shows intelligent blend of thrilling adventure and friendship captured the imagination of a generation of readers."

About time!!

Peripheral Vision

" On the outskirts of a small town sits an abandoned psychiatric hospital. A constant visitor is Chet, a misunderstood artist whose obsession with the hospital is fueled by the memory of his mother, who died there years earlier. The isolation of Chet's existence starts to change when he is reunited with his boyhood friend, Ron, who reminds Chet of happier times despite the fact that Ron isn't quite the same guy he was when he originally left town. With renewed vigor, Chet decides to reach out to another misunderstood person, Cindy, an abused woman who is on the road to self-destruction. All of this causes unexpected repercussions, making Chet realize that people - and life itself - are rarely what they seem on the surface."

Long Pigs

"Long Pigs is a "documentary" by two desperate young filmmakers who stumble upon the ultimate Anthony McAllister, who agrees to let them document every aspect of his horrifically violent lifestyle. Initially terrified, the filmmakers get to know Anthony as a person, and even begin to identify with the ecological and philosophical justifications for his cannibalistic lifestyle. It's only when they investigate further that the filmmakers begin to doubt Anthony's accounts of his past. Tensions noticeably rise as the filmmakers confront Anthony about his conflicting stories and ever-changing philosophies. As the film reaches its conclusion, Anthony begins to become uncomfortably aware of the how much of his life he has revealed to the filmmakers. In the final interview with Anthony, a deadly confrontation erupts and all that remains is a broken camera...and this footage. DVD includes Feature, Director's Commentary, Special FX Featurettes "The Making of Lucy's Body" and "The Process of Simon's Corpse," Bonus Footage, Trailers, Coming Attractions. Special effects by Chris Bridges, known for 300, Max Payne, Dawn of the Dead, Blade II, and Silent Hill. Featured on the nationally syndicated TV show Macabre Theatre three weeks prior to DVD release. Host tells viewers where to buy the DVD. Interviewed on MocTalk TV and IP TV Showin Canada. Reviews in Fangoria, Cinesploitation, Horror Hound, Rue Morgue, and VideoScope. Personal appearances by filmmakers at HorrorHound Weekend of Terror to promote release. Feature in May issue of Rue Morgue."

Is It Real? Vampires

"National Geographic explores centuries of vampire lore and legend unearthing new science and insights on superstition and psychology.

For most of us, the vampire is a fictional count who became a horror movie icon. But is there more to the legend than fiction? Do the undead actually walk among us? From a self-proclaimed modern-day blood-drinking vampire, to a bishop who claims to have exorcized vampires and demons to experts in anthropology, forensics, folklore and vampirism, Is It Real? Vampires sheds light on why this archetypal image has haunted us for so long."

Women's Studies

"Women's Studies is the story of a pregnant grad student and her friends who are held captive at a women's academy that's actually a cult of feminists bent on the enslavement of men. A look at groupthink, women's issues, and how blind belief in a one-sided dogma can create a terrorist.
Packed with special features! DVD includes Feature, Director's Commentary, "Lady Killers" Featurette, "Duel of the Goddesses" Fight Featurette, Deleted Scenes, Blooper Reel, Full-Length Trailer, Introduction to Women's Studies with Helena: Hussy of Horror, and Coming Attractions."

The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer

"The deceitful criminal history of Jack Unterweger, the prisoner convicted of killing a woman who subsequently became a literary sensation and was considered to be a model of rehabilitation, is the true source and subject of the musical theatre piece for Baroque orchestra, two sopranos and an actor. This role is perfectly impersonated by John Malkovich. Observations at the rehearsals for this unusual and genre-leaping theatre evening are interwoven with historic background information."

Bloodlock

"A secret basement room, a solid titanium door, an intricate locking mechanism never meant to be unlocked An innocent, emotionally wounded wife, her husband in sexual deceit with her sister, an honest, helpful locksmith, an old couple greedy for immortality, an evil entity trapped behind the do."

Creek

"A group of friends on their way to a horror convention are lured into a roadside attraction promising them the opportunity to find gold. They discover that with the gold comes a curse and the ghosts who are haunting the creek are out for vengeance."

Cryptic

"The feature film Cryptic is a supernatural thriller that evokes the spirit of The Twilight Zone within an explosive family struggle. Shot on location in Los Angeles in the summer of 2007, it features a cast of veteran character actors and stunning debut performers, all portraying a darkly dysfunctional family in meltdown. It's a story of puzzles, ghosts, time-travel, brilliantly evil plots, and twists that fold back on themselves, defying your expectations and creating an unlikely hero. It's a film that gives deep significance, finally, to the phrase 'Be careful or you might put your eye out.'"

Fear the Forest

"Is it a legend, or a myth??? The one question has plagued mankind throughout the ages has always remained, but finally comes to unfold here in a new chilling Thriller. The Native American Indians thought it was fact... they respected, feared it and Believed to be a GOD. Ten Years ago, there was a "Ghost-like something" seen killing people in the dark unforgiving woods as people were culled away one by one and some never to be found. What really happened? This year reports have surfaced that it was all just a "HOAX"... But a local philanthropist believes different and puts a $2.5 Million Dollar Bounty on this "Beast" in the woods and a team of expert hunters go out looking for the "Silent Killer." But now years later it was never to be found and they dismissed it as an unsolved mystery! When BARBARA SANDERS and her free spirited college friends venture off into the deep woods of the Northeastern Valley Mountains to look for this so called legend and for a weekend retreat, their camping and canoing trip fun turns into FEAR in the FOREST and a dangerous roller coaster adventure ride when they each encounter the unspeakable terror! Now it's a serious struggle against Man Vs Beast in which there can only be one in the end. But just when you think you've figured it out and when you thought the nightmare was over, the real "HELL" begins... and now comes your worst nightmare into a reality... FEAR the FOREST - The Legend lives...."

Jack Says

"Jacks wakes up with amnesia in a bathroom next to a murdered body. Police on his tail and know memory, he must slowly piece together the crime while keeping his freedom."