An Adrenalin Rush from Underground

Very little early info' is available on horror thriller Underground, which releases in 2010. However, the first trailer speaks for itself. Over two minutes long this first trailer shows off Underground's use of set design and make-up to build intensity. If that is not enough turn up the speakers to full volume to get the full Underground adrenalin experience. Check out the full trailer and synopsis until the website launches tomorrow (December 1st, 2009).

The first trailer for Underground here:

"A group of friends fight for their lives against lethal and ravenous creatures lurking underground. The group will find themselves at the mercy of creatures genetically engineered by the military to be expendable in battle. They are stronger and faster than humans and can destroy their enemies with their bare hands and teeth. These creatures survive in the dark, eating whatever flesh wanders into their lair. Though they fought countless battles in Iraq, Matt and Storm never knew real fear until they went underground.

Release Date: 2010.

Director/writer: Unknown.

The first trailer for Underground here:



Check out the website beginning December 1st, 2010:

Step into Hell (Underground)

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The Freeway Killer and Realism: An Early Movie Review

Director: John Murlowski.

Writer: David Birke.

The Freeway Killer is a film developed by Bleiberg Entertainment for a February 16, 2010 DVD release via Image Entertainment. A film that chronicles the real life murder spree of serial killer William Bonin, the Freeway Killer is brilliantly portrayed by Scott Leet (Dark Reel). Also, a film that also covers rape, kidnapping, and the early sexual abuse of William Bonin the Freeway Killer asks a question of the viewers - why?

The Freeway Killer begins with Bonin (Scott Leet) in jail recalling his past murderous exploits to the mother of one of the victims. Unfolding in storied flashbacks the film graphically displays some of the murders that took place in Orange County and Los Angeles between the years 1979-80. This real life horror film ironically does not portray some of the more graphic instances of rape, murders and torture in an attempt to focus on the entertainment value of the story rather than the horrifying informative aspects of this real life homicide case.

One of the first aspects of the film that will blow viewers away is the neurotic portrayal of William Bonin by Scott Leet. Unbeknownst to some Scott Leet has been in at least fifteen televised productions and this actor portrays the paranoia of Bonin like a talented magician. Displaying several tricks of the acting trade Leet confidently switches from controlling manipulator to vulnerable loneliness sometimes within seconds. While honourable mentions go to Michael Rooker (Penance) as Detective St. John and Dusty Sorg as Vernon Butts, Leet really steals the show!

A film that tackles the real life dirty deeds of Bonin unfortunately the film does not explore the motivations of this serial killer. In an attempt to keep the Freeway Killer more in black and whites the film does not explore the past of Bonin. Bonin was sexually molested as a child by his own grandfather and an object of neglect to his alcoholic mother. Deeply troubled this tortured soul's past is given all but thirty seconds of attention in an attempt to distance the viewer from killer and to tie up the ending nicely. Sadly, life is not so black and white as those who are sexually abused rarely receive treatment or adjust to the social norms of the population (minor sidetrack here).

The Freeway Killer is an eighty-five minute dramatic portrayal of the life of William Bonin between the years '79 to '80. Balancing itself nicely on the catwalk between being an entertainment piece and being informative the film does not explore the darkest parts of Bonin's unresolved sexual conflicts in order to respect the viewer. An enjoyable watch from beginning to end, viewers need to pay attention to future performances of Scott Leet. Check out the show in February, 2010.

For you information hounds read a full account of William Bonin's real life torture and murder spree here:

William Bonin Criminal History

Plot/story/writing/adaptation: 8.
Acting/believability/evenness of portrayal: 8.5.
Conclusion/denouement/logical development:6.5.

Overall: 7.75 nightmares out of 10.
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Saiko Saikik's Witchy Preview

An early teaser trailer is now available for Chad Freeman's (Super Undead Doctor Roach) Saiko Saikik: Witch Bitch. Also from Polly Staffe films this first trailer looks colourful, and purposely B-movie-ish in a Grindhouse style. From Freeman himself Saiko Saikik is: "a dark and ugly story that I hope to turn into a beautiful film that is part arthouse and part grindhouse." Currently looking for financing the trailer and other details can be found below.

Director: Chad Freeman.

Writer: Chad Freeman.

An early trailer for Saiko Saikik: Witch Bitch here:

Parabella Nigel: Saiko Saikik Witch Bitch teaser/pitch from Chad Clinton Freeman on Vimeo.

More details on the project can be found here:

http://www.myspace.com/pollystaffle

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Splice First Movie Clip

No North American distribution date is available for science fiction thriller Splice yet the picture continues to be shown throughout Europe. Starring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley the film has some horrifying undertones as an animal experiment takes on a live of its own. Have a first look at the film below in this movie clip and synopsis.

A short synopsis for Splice here:

"Clive and Elsa are young, brilliant and ambitious. The new animal species they engineered have made them rebel superstars of the scientific world. In secret, they introduce human DNA into the experiment. The result is something that is greater than the sum of its parts: a female animal-human hybrid that may be a step up on the evolutionary ladder. They think they may have created the perfect organisim, until she makes a final shocking metamorphosis that could destroy them ... and the rest of humanity (IMDB)."

Release Date: Unknown.

Director: Vincenzo Natali.

Writers: Vincenzo Natali, and Antoinette Terry Bryant.

Cast: Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley, David Hewlett, Abigail Chu and Delphine Chaneac.

A movie clip for Splice can be seen here:

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Cabin Fever 2 on DVD February 16th

Cabin Fever 2 from director Ti West will hit DVD and Blu-Ray formats beginning February 16th, 2010. The film will have a gag real, director's commentary, and making of featurette. Not to be missed, Cabin Fever 2 will start right where the previous film ended. Unfortunately for some high school students "a killer virus" will ruin a prom or making it a lot more bloody interesting at the very least. A trailer is currently unavailable, but a synopsis is.

A synopsis for Cabin Fever 2 here:

"Cabin Fever delivered terror in the flesh but your flesh will crawl with Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever, the bloodcurdling sequel to hit horror film. Days after a killer virus consumed his friends; Paul emerges from a ditch by a river. Though his body has been ravaged by the virus, he is determined to survive and to warn others of the danger. However, a water bottling plant has already distributed contaminated water to the local high school.

Continues...

The school’s students are excitedly preparing for the prom, unaware they’re about to have a grisly date with death. The DVD contains thrilling bonus materials including audio commentary, a “Making of” feature and gag reel. An Official Selection of Screamfest L.A., Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever will be available in rated and unrated versions on February 16, 2009, coinciding with the Blu-ray debut of the original (FeatNet)."

Release Date: February 16th, 2010 (DVD).

Director: Ti West.

Writer: Joshua Malkin, and Randy Pearlstein.

Cast: Rider Strong, Noah Segan, Alexaner Isaiah Thomas, Giuseppe Andrews and Alexi Wasser.

Hopefully a screener for review will head this way soon.

A little more info' on Cabin Fever 2 can be found through Fearnet.com as seem here:


Cabin Fever 2 at Fearnet.com

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Slaughtered and the Bizarre: A Movie Review

Director: Kate Glover.

Writer: Kate Glover.

Known as Schooner of Blood in Australia and Slaughtered in North America, this first film from Kate Glover goes for the jugular right from the top. But the film poses a serious question: is it appropriate to keep serving beers when you have seen most of your friends murdered? Unbelievable in parts Kate Glover's first step in to the horror genre is a step mostly in the right direction.

Recently shown at the American Film Market for buyers Slaughtered's story involves a killer on the run in a small isolated pub. Characters Ryan (Christopher Tomkinson), Ash (James Kerley), and Luke (Tudor Vasille) are ripened for the slaughter while barkeep Jamie (Chloe Boreham) struggles to unmask the unknown villain. Few survive until the end and Slaughtered will likely remain a stand alone film.

The writing of the story seems to falter in places as characters deny their survival instincts in favour of becoming just another victim. After several bodies are found within the film the strategy for character Ryan and others seems to be business as usual. Written by Kate Glover the film shows some possible irrationality, but Kate's passion for writing shows through in the central heroine, Jamie, who is the antithesis of a female victim.

A predictable formula makes Slaughtered slightly unoriginal in the robust slasher horror genre, but something about the well developed characters makes the film worthy of a watch. Laughable at times possibly by mistake, Slaughtered aka Schooner of Blood is worth a watch and will hit North American shores at a later date. A film that gets many more things right than wrong, Slaughtered will not be the last time Kate Glover's name is seen in credits.

6 open mouths out of 10 (like your worst nite at the bar x 10).

A still of the killer here:












For more info' on Slaughtered check out the FB site here:

Slaughtered on Facebook

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Skjult (Hidden): Official Horrorfest Poster

Available since October 21st on Blu-Ray and DVD in Europe, a second movie poster courtesy of the After Dark Horrorfest is available for Skjult aka Hidden. Only available through Europe on DVD fans can get a chance to watch the film in theatres beginning January 29th. Other details are sure to follow, but for now have a look at this dark and foreboding movie poster that apparently leaves one of the characters struggling for air. Check out the After Dark website for more info'.

A synopsis for Skjult (Hidden) here:

"Kai Koss, upon the death of his cruel mother, unwillingly returns to the small town he ran away from 19 years ago. He is left in charge of the family home and the dark secrets that come with it. Kai soon finds himself tangled up in a series of murderous events that are beyond anyone’s control and his troubles begin to overwhelm him. He has spent the past two decades trying to forget a tortured past only to find that there are some things you just can't run from."

Release Date: January 29th, 2010 (theatrical).

Director: Pal Oie.

Writer: Pal Oie.

Cast: Cast: Kristoffer Joner, Cecilie Mosli, Anders Danielsen Lie, Bjarte Hjelmeland and Karin Park.

More details here:

http://www.horrorfestonline.com/

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Nightbeasts: Wes Sullivan on SciFiTalk

Director of Nightbeasts Wes Sullivan will be talking about the details of his film on Scifitalk.com. Tony Tellado will host a full segment on Nightbeasts this Wednesday, December 2nd. To talk of indigenous legends, the supernatural, and ancient myths Wes will be answer any questions science fiction and horror fans might have on the film. If you have a question for Wes contact Tony at Scifitalk.com as listed below. And for anyone not familiar with Nightbeasts a full synopsis and second trailer are below.

A synopsis for Nightbeasts here:

"Charles Thomas is a man desperately in need of a second act. Once upon a time, he had a successful lighting company that manufactured low voltage neon. Unfortunately, the company went out of business because of its inability to compete in a new global marketplace. Bankruptcy follows and a drinking problem hounds Charles soon thereafter. More upsets occur when Charles loses his wife Patricia (Holly Wilson) due to the financial strains of the bankruptcy. The loss of primary custody of Tim, his only son, is another devastating blow.

Continues...

Now, Charles has been sober for several months and he has a great desire to reunite with his estranged son and to piece together the fragments of his life. Charles decides to take Tim, this suburban youth, on a weekend hunting trip in the mountains, just like the trips his father used to take him on. Charles hopes that this will be a bonding experience and that the hike will repair some of the damage inflicted on their relationship. What neither Charles, nor Tim realizes is that there are horrors of another kind waiting for them in the nearby woods. In the mountain community that Charles has decided to camp in, an ancient horror lurks! The legend of the Sasquatch surfaces from the darkness of the woods and both Charles and Tim must fight for their lives or become two more victims to a horrific native curse (Nightbeasts)."

Release Date: Forthcoming.

Director: Wes Sullivan.

Writer: Wes Sullivan.

Cast: Zach Galligan, Robert Miano, Chad Trager, and Holly Wilson.

A new trailer for Nightbeasts:



Wes can be found here next Wednesday so have your questions ready:

Tony Tellado's SciFiTalk

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