Fermat's Room Available in United Kingdom

Author/Michael Allen

Available in many cinemas beginning May 29th "Fermat's Room," will be shown at many United Kingdom cineplexes until July 31. Involving a mysterious man only known as Fermat locking four brilliant mathematicians in a small room the tension mounts as the walls move in together when puzzles are not solved correctly. The premise, from first time directors Luis Piedrahita and Rodrigo Sopena, is interesting and in the vein as the "Saw," series. Only the Spanish language with English subtitles might distract from the puzzle solving fun as this group of strangers bands together to solve "Fermat's Room." Have a look at the difficult situation these four people find themselves in with the first theatrical trailer.

The synopsis for "Fermat's Room," here...

Four strangers, who are all mathematicians, are invited to spend a weekend together where they will be challenged to solve a great enigma. Their mysterious host is only known to them by a pseudonym: Fermat. But the room in which they find themselves turns out to be a death-trap that will crush them if they do not discover in time what connects them all and why someone might wish to murder them (Trailer...).

Directors/writers: Luis Piedrahita and Rodrigo Sopena.

Cast: Lluis Homar, Alejo Sauras, Elena Ballesteros, Santi Millan, and Federico Luppi.

A trailer for "Fermat's Room..."



The "Fermat's Room," homepage here...

Fermat's Room UK Homepage

Sources:

Fermat's Room at Trailer Addict

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The Devil's Ground on DVD

Author/Michael Allen

Once know as "The Cycle," and now "The Devil's Ground," this horror film is available on DVD at the Industry Works homepage. Released on May 19 the film starring Daryl Hannah was shot in various locations throughout the Czech Republic, now the flick is back on North American shores. Shot in forested woods the film showcases five friends who uncover the body of a local missing woman. Have a look at some of the gorier details inside from the films homepage.

A synopsis for "The Devil's Ground," here...

"The Devil's Ground," previously titled "The Cycle," stars Hannah as a woman who, while driving through the Maine woods, encounters an injured and terrified college student named Amy. She picks Amy up, and the young woman recounts the horrific events that befell her and her classmates when they went on a field trip to an ancient Indian burial site—attacked by a deadly presence that isn’t finished yet (Fangoria).

Release Date: May 19, 2009.

Director: Michael Bafaro.

Writer: Michael Bafaro.

Cast: Daryl Hannah, Jeb Beach, Oliver Blaha, Luke Camilleri, John Comer, and Leah Gibson.

To watch the trailer visit "The Devil's Ground," homepage here...

The Devils Ground Homepage

Sources:

The Devils Ground at Fangoria

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The Red Room: Interview with Mikos Zavros

Author/Michael Allen

Theatre actor, screenwriter, and character actor Mikos Zavros stops in to chat about his film career including appearances in "The Red Room," "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus," and the upcoming "The I Scream Man." Appearing in many thrillers Mikos also finds time to manage a production company with partner JT Mollner. NoRemake Pictures is the producer of "The Red Room," which is a fifteen minute horror short already reviewed here. Have a look at some of the highlights from Mikos Zavros' recent work and the status of upcoming projects as Zavros' talks to us from the heart of Los Angeles.

(Michael Allen) Thanks for being here Mikos. What was your earliest memory of film?

(Mikos Zavros) "Black and white movies were really my favorites, since I was five or so. 'The Thin Man,' 'Bringing Up Baby,' 'Dracula,' and all the monster movies. The Airbase (AAFES) theater would show the old Harryhausen movies, which I loved. The larger than life feeling I got from mythical monsters fighting Sinbad was transforming and fed my daydreams."

(Michael Allen) Mikos, you have many roles in film and an obvious passion for movie making how did you fall in love with filmmaking?

(Mikos Zavros) "My first movie was with Anthem Films. A short about gangsters taking out a little snitch. I had wrote scenes for the stage before, but I knew I wanted something on film. I felt right at home onset and in front of the camera. Guitar was the only other outlet that made me feel as though I 'belonged,' somewhere. I was sold that day forward."

(Michael Allen) In "The Red Room," you play Nicholas Rowe a shady business man with a mysterious past. How did you prepare for this role? Was there anyone from film on which you based your character?

(Mikos Zavros) "As far as preparation, I outlined the character's past, political alignment and his relationship with Althea. It is important for me to know where the character came from and the timeline preceding the films events. I did not refer to anyone from film. I just knew that he was broken and desperate, which would change any man and affect him the way Nick was. I decided to play a regular guy caught up in this dark circle, ultimately grasping for some kind of closure."

(Michael Allen) "The Red Room," has an intensity throughout that builds the excitement and for me the film has a comedic punch line. What is your
interpretation of this horror short?

(Mikos Zavros) "That is an interesting interpretation. Laughter is often a reaction to an outrageous or unacceptable circumstance. To me, it is simply a love story."

(Michael Allen) That is quite a twisted love story based on the ending, which will not be given a way here. How have audiences reacted to the ending of "The Red Room?"

(Mikos Zavros) "Mostly a 'wow,' factor then a comment on the sick nature of writer JT Mollner, LOL!

(Michael Allen) More recently you starred in "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus," as a sub navigator. What kind of preparation did you take part in for the role?

(Mikos Zavros) "I researched the duties of a navigator, say vs a sonar tech, who I lost some of my lines to!"

(Michael Allen) What experience stands out the most for you on the shoot for "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus?"

(Mikos Zavros) "The Star Trek like cues to act like the sub just got hit. It was really hard not to laugh after seeing so many of the SNL skits and whatnot that depict a whole crew lurching without any movement from the set."

(Mikos Zavros) Are there any other projects that you are currently working on and can share, with fans, at this time?

"'Henry John and the Little Bug,' is a western genre bender that we are currently in ADR for (dubbing some of the actor's lines that we did not get clearly onset). We are also working on rewrites for the feature horror film 'The I Scream Man,' produced by Chris Eberts and Capitol Films starring Crispin Glover. I will be playing Skizzy, a local druggie and wild man.

On a side note, we are going to be judging a cook-off to giveaway Tolleys restaurant in Oakland, Oregon this summer. We enjoy food and it should be a welcome getaway from the Los Angeles hassles."
-MIKOS

For more information on Mikos Zavros visit his personal website here...

Mikos Zavros Homepage

or the NoRemake Pictures fansite here...

NoRemake Pictures on Facebook

Sources:

Mikos Zavros. Interview. 30 May 2009.

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The Disappeared United Kingdom Premier

Author/Michael Allen

"The Disappeared," from writer and director Johnny Kevorkian, will make an early showing at the Institute of Contemporary Arts beginning June 17 and ending on the 28 of June. At its heart "The Disappeared," is a ghost story involving the possible abduction of young Tom Felton. Already picked up by IFC Films for North American distribution all the characters from "The Disappeared," can be seen in the United Kingdom starting in the summer while a North American wide release is forthcoming. Have a look at a mysterious trailer for the film inside and prepare for a roller coaster ride through the dark alleys of the imagination.

A partial synopsis for "The Disappeared," here...

Matthew Ryan's (Harry Treadaway) life is devastated after the disappearance of his younger brother, Tom. Matthew's father had left him to look after Tom and now Matthew feels responsible. His father is trying to hold back the anger and the blame but the cracks are beginning to show. One day Matthew is looking through a box of press clippings and video tapes about Tom's disappearance. Suddenly he hears a ghostly voice on one of the video tapes telling him "you never came for me!". It's the voice of his missing brother (IMDB)!

Director: Johnny Kevorkian.

Writers: Johnny Kevorkian, and Neil Murphy.

Cast: Harry Treadaway, Greg Wise, Alex Jennings, Tom Felton, and Finlay Robertson.

An extended trailer for "The Disappeared," here...



For exact dates and times for "The Disappeared," at the Institute of Contemporary Arts visit the companys website below...

The Disappeared at ICA

Sources:

The Disappeared at IMDB

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The Crypt Release Date

Author/Michael Allen

Gutter Films feature "The Crypt," will be available for fans this June 25. Filmed in Scottsdale, Arizona the film showcases the talents of Hollywood Yates (American Gladiators) and Michael Ranallo (Hotel Paradise) who explore the depths of a pre-Depression era burial chamber. The first trailer for "The Crypt," shows some very sinister looking villains who would like nothing better than adding the characters to their maze-like chamber forever! Check out the fun inside.

A synopsis for "The Crypt," here...

Six young criminals break into hidden catacombs underneath their town and attempt to steal jewelry buried from the Great Depression ... only to find inhabitants guarding the precious belongings. After being trapped in this dark maze of crypts, the group tries to escape alive (Myspace...).

Release Date : June 25th, 2009.

Director: Craig McMahon.

Writer: Craig McMahon

Cast: Sarah Oh, Cristen Irene, Joanna Ke, Delaina Stevens, R. Keith Wilson, Savanah McMahon, and Hollywood Yates.

A trailer for "The Crypt," here...



For more information on the film visit "The Crypts," myspace page here...

The Crypt Myspace Page

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Staff List at 28DLA

Author/Michael Allen

28DLA is a multi-faceted website that draws news from both the eastcoast of North America and the westcoast. Stories are focused on the entertainment industry with a presence in this area of three years. Stories range from interviews, and film reviews, to news articles and analysis of the best in the industry.

Staff Contributor #1 (Editor in Chief, Reporter)

Michael R. Allen is a third year English and Psychology student based in British Columbia who covers genres from thrillers to action oriented horror films while interviewing the most relevant in these genres. Michael has written over a thousand articles for websites, media, and private organizations like Associated Content and the respected English journal "The Warren". Michael continues to grow and contribute high quality works in a business where content matters.

Staff Contributor #2 (Reporter)

Steffan Postaer is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest advertising businesses in North America, Euro RSCG Chicago. Steffan garnered a degree and honours in film and creative marketing at the University of Wisconsin where upon his graduation he was accepted to the prestigious Leo Burnett advertising company. Steffan continues to write in entertainment on his website Godsofadvertising.Wordpress.Com while narrating the novels "Sweet by Design" and "The Happy Soul Industry." He is a scoop reporter with a nose for the cutting edge and a welcomed staff member at 28DLA.

Staff Contributor #3 (Reporter)

Zacery Nova is a high school graduate, horror afficionado, and talented youth with a penchant for writing film reviews and interviews from central Canada where the focus is on what is entertaining and exciting. Zacery is a welcomed addition to a site where youthful insights refresh the horror/thriller genre which requires creativity and skilled interpretation.

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Bong of the Dead Production Stills

Author/Michael Allen

Director Thomas Newman is near completion on "Bong of the Dead," a zombie styled action adventure involving two friends out to score some weed. Likely to release in October the film will premiere at the American Film Festival. From the films website the current status of the project is post-production, but some early "Bong of the Dead," production stills can be seen now in the style of promotional movie posters. Have a look at three of the most stylish and gruesome stills inside and once distribution is found for "Bong of the Dead," the details will be reported here.

A synopsis for "Bong of the Dead," here...

Edwin and Tommy are two stoner buddies who are lone survivors of a mass zombie outbreak caused by meteorites. One day they discover a great zombie fertilizer that helps grow super potent pot. The problem is since the government has cleared out many of the major cities, there are no longer any zombies where they live. In order for them to get more zombies for fertilizer, they must go on a road trip to the dreaded and deadly Danger Zone (Bong...).

Director/writer: Thomas Newman.






Possibly one of the scariest production photos ever taken with one female looking like she stepped out of the bowels of hell.
















A German themed anti-hero.


















For more information on Newman's project including a more in-depth synopsis and trailer visit the "Bong of the Dead," website found here...

Bong of the Dead Homepage

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2:13 Production Update

Author/Michael Allen

Full length feature film "2:13," from writer and actor Mark Thompson, is now in the post-production phase according to Anthem Pictures and with distribution already in place film executives will likely announce a release date shortly. For now have a look at the full cast and partial crew information for this film that pays homage to the films before it including "Seven," and the "Saw," franchise. Also, for fans looking for something more in-depth on the feature several making of featurettes are available to be seen at the "2:13," website below.

The synopsis for "2:13," from Anthem Pictures...

A police profiler (Mark Thompson) has just returned from psychiatric leave only to find that he is caught up in a serial killer's rampage. Fighting to keep buried the trauma of his childhood, he must confront the all too-familiar flesh masks that the killer leaves on the faces of his victims. He must face his own demons along with the killer to save his small eroding existence (Anthem).

Director: Charles Adelman.

Writer: Mark Thompson.

Cast: Mark Thompson, Mark Pellegrino, Teri Polo, Kevin Pollak, Dwight Yoakam, Jere Burns, and Ken Howard.

A trailer for "2:13," here...



The "2:13," homepage here...

2:13 Homepage

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Dances With Films 2009 Horror and Thriller Highlights

Author/Michael Allen

"Dances With Films: 2009," is set to premiere several thriller and horror films this year beginning June 5th and continuing through to until the 11th. This years festival will highlight a psychological thriller "The Commune," and murder mystery "Cryptic." Not to be outdone are the supernatural "Finale," and Andy Thompson's "The Scar Crow." Focusing on up and coming filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters "Dances With Films," provides opportunities for filmmakers, without big studio deals, to live their dream of showcasing their films in front of fans. Currently in its twelfth year DWF will bring together distributors, filmmakers, actors, and actresses in West Hollywood throughout the month of June. Have a look at the scariest from the festival with more information to follow.

The Commune

Director/writer: Elisabeth Fie.

"Haunting imagery and symbolism underscore the horror of entrapment and familial dysfunction as virginal teen Jenny finds herself isolated on a sinister commne with adults gone mad. Can she confront the evil agenda of her guru father and his followers with the help of the gorgeous Puck (DWF)?"

The show begins Friday June 5th at 11:45pm.

Cryptic

Directors/writers: Danny Kuchuck, John Weiner.

"When an unhappy teenager, Jessie finds an old cellphone, she begins to call her younger self. Can the cellphone really allow her to speak with her younger self...[follow] Jessie trying to unravel a dark family secret...(DWF)."

Begins showing Saturday June 6th at 7:15pm.

Finale

Director/writer: John Michael Elfers.

A partial synopsis...

"A small town family that descends into a vortex of denial and paranoia after the death of the eldest son. Though labeled a suicide, the bizarre circumstances lead the mother to believe there are darker, supernatural forces at work (DWF)."

"Finale," begins Saturday June 6 at 11:45pm.

The Scar Crow

Writers/directors: Andy Thompson, Pete Benson.

"With his dying words [a] father curses his daughters to live in limbo on the farm neither living nor dead, until the year 2009 when the chance to free themselves from a living hell is realized in the form of four guys lost in the depths of the English countryside (DWF)."

First showing for "The Scar Crow," on Wednesday June 10th at 9:30pm.

For a full listing of "Dances With Films: 2009," films, showtimes, and locations visit the films website found here...

Dances With Films Listings

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Last of the Living Production Stills

Author/Michael Allen

Zombie genre film "Last of the Living," was filmed in New Zealand for a reasonable budget and has already been released in the United Kingdom and Germany with a North American release forthcoming. Blending both comedy and horror in an urban backdrop the film is expected to announce distribution in Canada and the United States shortly. For now have a look at a few production stills from the films shooting including shots of one of the vehicles from the set.

Director: Logan McMillian.

Writer: Logan McMillian.






A camera filming a tight action shot at a convenience store




















An armoured and suped up vehicle on set for "Last of the Living."





For a two minute video clip from the film visit the fan page, on Facebook of "Last of the Living," found here...

Last of the Living on Facebook
For more information on the project visit the myspace page found here...

Last of the Living Myspace Page

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The Wild Man of the Navidad on DVD this Summer

Author/Michael Allen

Currently available at IFC Films grindhouse creature feature "The Wild Man of Navidad," will be available, on DVD, for fans this August. Looking more deeply at this animal terror that has been seen since the mid 1800s, in Texas "The Wild Man of Navidad," will relive some of the most stark sightings in a full feature length film. Often comedic the first trailer for the film, looking like an homage to 70s exploitation films of the past, can be seen here for fans of horror. This Greeks film production is a must have for those with a funny bone or gorehounds looking for something unseen, six feet tall, and bloodthirsty. Have a look at the full length theatrical trailer inside.

A plot summary for the film here...

"The Wild Man of the Navidad," is an unsettling brew of dark comedy, suspense and terror, adapted from real-life journals kept in the early 1970’s by Dale S. Rogers while living in Sublime, a town in a sparsely populated part of Texas about 100 miles north of where the movie was lensed. Mr. Rogers lived with his invalid wife, Jean, and hired hand, Mario, in a quaint ranch house on a plantation that can be traced back through at least five generations of his family. It was in this region, in the mid 1800s, that the legend of the wild man was born, a story many believe to be the first documented sightings of a Sasquatch-like being in South Texas. This vintage horror tale debunks history books to tell the veracious, harrowing story of a rural community whose residents were terrified for years by a mysterious creature inhabiting the nearby woods (Trailer...).

Director: Duane Graves, and Justin Meeks.

Writers: Duane Graves, and Justin Meeks.

Cast: Jacob Bargsley, James Bargsley, Kevin Bensmiller, Joyce Benton, Oscar Benton and Nicole Biggers.

A full trailer for "The Wild Man of Navidad," here...



Have a longer look at the myth of The Wild Man and production stills from the films website found here...

The Wild Man of Navidad Homepage

Sources:

The Wild Man of Navidad at Traileraddict

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Pontypool Sample Movie Clip

Author/Michael Allen

A new movie clip entitled "Sample," and a darker one-sheet are available for showing from "Pontypool," as the film moves towards a May 29, 2009 release date. From director Bruce Macdonald the film revolves around a shock-jock in the midst of a pandemic that moves from person to person via sound, or spoken word. Based on Tony Burgess' novel "Pontypool Changes Everything," the interesting premise is sure to draw fans out for the limited release. Also, described as original, from early reviews a little snippet can be seen from "Pontypool," past the break and in the video clip the effects of the disease can be seen overtaking an off camera actor. Have a look inside at "Sample," inside along with the location of an early review.

Release Date: May 29, 2009.

Director: Bruce Macdonald.

Writer: Tony Burgess.

Cast: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, and Hrant Alianak.

The "Sample," movie clip can be seen here...



For an early review of the film visit here...

Pontypool Review at Buzzfocus

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MindFlesh Now Available for Download

Author/Michael Allen

"MindFlesh," from director Robert Pratten, is now available for download from the companys website found below and several productions stills can be seen here. Involving an extraterrestrial force reviews are stating that "MindFlesh," is very Cronenberg-esque and a psychological journey through central character Chris Jackson's altered perspective. Also, on the companys website is the full trailer, that cannot be shown here, and several more productions stills. Have a look at some of the most bloody stills from the feature here including a full view of the alien antagonist.

The synopsis for "MindFlesh," here...

"Chris Jackson is a gateway for obsessions to pass from the ind to the physical world. To close the gateway he must face his childhood trauma before everyone he knows is killed by extraterrestrials (Mind-Flesh)."

Director: Robert Pratten.

Writers: Robert Pratten, and William Scheinman.

Cast: Peter Bramhill, Carole Derrien, Christopher Fairbank, Roy Borrett, Steven Burrell, Cordelia Bugeja, Isabella Jade Fane, and Lucy Liemann.


































One extraterrestrial dispatching a character with appendages, very grisly.

The "Mind-Flesh," homepage, with trailer, can be found here...

MindFlesh Homepage

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The Dead Outside Movie Stills

Author/Michael Allen

Trieste Film Festival Best Feature Film winner "The Dead Outside," has several movie stills available some of which can be seen here. An independent film from Scotland "The Dead Outside," has taken part in several film festivals including The Night of Horror Festival in Sydney, Australia, The Comic Con in Italy and will participate, as previously reported, in the San Francisco Indiefest Film Festival. Have a look at some of the vicious and bloody stills from a film that also managed to be nominated for Best New Talent in the directing category.










Sandra Louise Douglas seen here in the farmhouse shotgun in hand.









Alton Milne as Daniel warding of the infection.









An enraged Douglas looking leering off camera.


For more information on this fear inducing feature have a look at "The Dead Outside," myspace page found here...

The Dead Outside Myspace Page

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Surrogates First Movie Still

Author/Michael Allen

To alleviate the distress at hearing that an unnamed futuristic, robotic feature is mediocre, at best, this horror/thriller enthusiast is posting a small article on a similar film, which from previews makes the premise sounds a lot more interesting and is known as "Surrogates." Starring Bruce Willis, Ving Rhames, Michael O'Toole and Rosamund Pike this futuristic cop drama looks Matrix-esque as the inhabitants of a metropolis spend most of their time in a virtual world. When a murder happens after fifteen years of peace people begin to wonder who they can trust, man or machine? Have a look at the first movie still from "Surrogates," here and the first trailer for the film below.

A synopsis for "Surrogates," here...

FBI agents (Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell) investigate the mysterious murder of a college student linked to the man who helped create a high-tech surrogate phenomenon that allows people to purchase unflawed robotic versions of themselves. Fit, good-looking, and remotely controlled these machines ultimately assume their host's roles. And when a series of murders occurs a quest for answers begins with the central question posed: in a world of masks, who is real and who can you trust (Trailer...)?

Release Date: September 25, 2009.

Director: Jonathan Mostow.

Writers: Michael Ferris, and John D. Brancato.

A trailer for "Surrogates," here...



Sources:

Surrogates at QuietEarth

Surrogates at Trailer

Surrogates at IMDB

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Necromentia New DVD Artwork and Distribution

Author/Michael Allen

Some of the DVD artwork for "Necromentia," along with an update on international distribution has come this way. The film will be distributed throughout the United Kingdom with the support of G2 Pictures; as well, further distribution in Greece and the Middle-East will be handled by Village Roadshow and Eagle Films respectively. Some further artwork will likely come this way and word on United States distribution, but in the meantime have a look at some movie stills from a previous post on this sinister looking film from director and creator Pearry Teo (The Gene Generation).

Director: Pearry Reginald Teo.

Writer: Stephanie Joyce.

Cast: Layton Matthews, Chad Grimes, Santiago Craig, Zelieann Rivera, Cole Braxton, Zach Cumer, and Crow Garrett.














For several dark, and imaginative movie stills from the production visit the page found here...

Necromentia Movie Stills Here at 28DLA

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The Dead Outside North American Premiere

Author/Michael Allen

"The Dead Outside," from Mothcather Films is premiering in San Francisco at the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival this June 7th, 2009. Filmed in Scotland this apocalyptic toned film will first be shown at the Roxie Cinema on Valencia for horror film fans. For those unable to make the festival "The Dead Outside," can be seen by purchasing the DVD through the films homepage listed below. Have a look at the trailer for this mysterious and chilling film from first time director Kerry Anne Mullaney inside.

A plot summary for "The Dead Outside," here...

Following the outbreak of a terrifying, brain-disease inducing virus, a botched anti-viral program designed to stop mass panic turned millions into carriers, leading to a catastrophic collapse of the population. The dying victims wander desperate, confused, violent, or scared; always in the dark… until now (Dead).

With the cause of the outbreak and the fate of the wider world largely unknown to him, Daniel, a man desperate and recently bereaved, finds refuge in a crudely fortified but once-working farm in the Scottish countryside. In the face of evidence of recent life, and recent killings in the form of a mass grave, something is not quite right with Braehead Farm (Dead).

Unexpected company arrives in the form of a mysterious young girl, who claims the farm as her own. As Daniel struggles to come to terms with his new life, and keep a grip on his own fragile sanity, the mysteries surrounding the farm and its young inhabitant are revealed to run far deeper than he first thought. In a desperate world, true evil lurks in the most unexpected of places (Dead).

Director: Kerry Anne Mullaney.

Writers: Kris R. Bird, and Kerry Anne Mullaney.

Cast: Sandra Louise Douglas, Alton Milne, Sharon Osdin, Vivienne Harvey, John Erskine, Phylis Douglas, Robin Morris, and Max Adair.

A trailer for "The Dead Outside," can be seen right here..

The Dead Outside Official Trailer #1 from Kris Bird on Vimeo.

For more information including some grainy stills check out the films homepage found here...

The Dead Outside Homepage

Sources:

The Dead Outside at Horrorsociety.com

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Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus In Stores Now

Author/Michael Allen

This review is from Zacery Nova a sixteen year old website designer and writer protege who received a screener copy of "Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus." To coincide with todays release of "Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus," Zacery shares some of his experiences from the screening, which stars Mikos Zavros, Lorenzo Lamas, and Sean Lawlor. Please note some of the original text has been edited. For a full unedited edition of the review and a look at Zacery Nova's horror blog visit the link after the review. For now enjoy the highlights of this creature feature review that finds similarities with the hit show "CSI: Miami," and talks of the reappearance of Debbie Gibson on screen in her role as Emma MacNeil.

Director: Jack Perez

Writer: Jack Perez.

"Imagine, if you will, that the people behind "CSI: Miami," decided to film a low-budget creature feature in the style of old. Except this time they are pitting two creatures against one another. I ask you to think about this because The Asylums “Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus,” was just like that, as it was an episode of "CSI: Miami." There were weird flashes on screen, a few of those shots where they speed up time as well as numerous montages and not only that, but just like "CSI: Miami," there were lingering scenes on sunsets, animals, buildings and nice scenery.

The characters that inhabit this film are also very "CSI: Miami," like, they are all quite pretty with amusing quirks. The lead actress as Emma MacNeil is an 80s teen icon, and her real name is Deborah Gibson. She was actually very proficient in this film. I do not know what it was about her, but she seemed to be channeling a sort of Sandra Bullock styled adorable screw-up. She just kept reminding me of Gracie Lou Freebush in "Miss Congeniality."

The film is mainly supposed to be a ‘geek show’ and it works as that, which is fine. But, I have read a couple of reviews that complained about the use of stock footage, repeated CGI shots and repetitive sets. What we all need to realize is that this is not a multi-million-dollar movie. It is a relatively entertaining straight-to-DVD creature feature with a couple of groovy scenes, some amusing characters and a marginally interesting story. On top of that, there was a scene involving the carcass of a creature that looked so realistic! It was only when I watched the behind-the-scenes feature, which is entertainment in itself, that I realized how they did it. I really liked the scene when the octopus attacked the oil thingamajig too.

I would say "Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus," is definitely worth a rental. Find some friends, drink some beer, eat some popcorn, laugh when you are supposed to and mock gasp when you are meant to. The Asylum was never going to produce Shakespearean theatre, unless that is their next venture, but it is worth a watch. If this was made in the ‘80s, you would all eat it up."

Visit Zacery Nova and his horror blog below...

Zacery Nova's Website

Sources:

Mega Shark Movie Stills at Roberthood

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2084: An Interview With Maurice Kelly

Author/Michael Allen

Maurice Kelly a Regina native, scriptwriter, and producer takes some time to share his thoughts on sci-fi thriller "2084." Talking about the influences of George Orwell's "1984," on the film and the current influence of government in the lives of its people Kelly adds further insight in this project along with a few laughs. Have a look at this four question interview from Kelly Blumetti Entertainment Group partner and filmmaker below.

(Michael Allen) Does "2084," pay homage to George Orwell's novel "1984," or is the film a reworking of the novel on some level?

(Maurice Kelly) "The idea was not to rework or redo "1984." In the Orwell story, the driving force was overtly political in nature and dealt with the government causing a dystopian world for its own power hungry reasons; whereas, for us in "2084," an uncontrollable global pandemic causes a dystopian world and the government simply reacts out of necessity using far reaching legal powers to try and cope. But as we see, the government is useless to compete and far from successfully wielding control, the society slowly falls apart.

The choice of the date was partly because when you hear a date ending in **84, you know things are not going to go well."

(Michael Allen) Government and society play a large part in "2084s," premise; how does the film approach the future role of government in society?

(Maurice Kelly) "When George came up with the short story several years ago that “2084,” is based on, he was always into exploring the problems that would invariably unfold if a global virus were to sweep the planet (that is just him). We both knew that between the media, the medical world and the government, things would get really bad before they got better should there be a truly fast moving virus. The way the government would react was something we considered a lot based on the way at least the US government has dealt with the various crises so far. The story also deals peripherally with how other world governments deal with the crisis as well. As we see the people in charge try their best, but that is not always enough.

The crazy thing is that after we had wrapped shooting a month ago all of a sudden there is a global viral pandemic and lines of dialogue we had written for the newscasters to say are actually being reported by the media."

(Michael Allen) "2084," was magically made for a budget of $55,000, which is almost unheard of in Hollywood. What were some of the ways you were able to stretch your budget in order to make the film?

(Maurice Kelly) "Lots of favours. The fact that the reason “2084,” got made in the first place was to help out troops in Iraq. They invested their danger pay to get this project happening. Our friend Tom Kim had joined the military as a medic and got his buddies there to pool their money to do something. George and I had already been working as writers and film makers for several years already both independently and for Paramount for the last ten years or so. Tom asked if we could do one of our scripts on the cheap and we made some calls. The fact that it was to help out troops goes a long way. It also helps to live in Los Angeles and be able pick up the phone and next thing you know you have lights, cameras and a soundstage for almost nothing because of friends. The response was amazing. Award nominated crew as well as a wonderful cast who all jumped on board based on the initial reason for the project. We also like to think the script had something to do with attracting such great talent as well. In the end no matter how much people want to help out, if the story sucks, you’re on your own with a camcorder in your backyard."

(Michael Allen) I wanted to ask a follow-up on the films premise of a government failing to solve the crisis of a viral pandemic. Do you think citizens, military need to be wary of government and their role in peoples' lives, or is the films premise primarily out to entertain?

(Maurice Kelly) "In the end we see that in an Orwellian way, as things get progressively worse due to the viral pandemic, the government exercises more and greater control over the information getting to the citizenry as a way to maintain calm and control. They never really bring themselves to tell the whole truth to the people and continue milking it for as long as they can. I guess it does not cast the government in the best light as our saviours, but as they say, the government ultimately is made up of us and we only deserve the government we elect. That said, the steps taken by the government in “2084,” in reaction to the pandemic, are not totally wrong or heavy-handed, on the contrary, they do try and play catch up after not taking things seriously for far too long. The moral of that aspect of the story is that it is just too little too late as it is with so many of the problems the government deals with. It is the lack of concrete solutions preemptively acted on that leave us wide open to getting our asses handed to us whenever a crisis develops.

And when you have quarantine, death, dwindling rations and delusional characters, it cannot help but be entertaining."

(Michael Allen) Sometimes on-set things develop romantically between cast members, or things do not go according to plan. What was the most fun you had on set while shooting?

(Maurice Kelly) "Probably watching Jaimi Paige and Matt Alan shove fistfuls of spam into their faces over and over. It doubled as our canned rations. This would also be where Jaimi and Matt answer that it was the worst thing they had to do in the film. It did not help that the entire crew were killing themselves laughing either."






A second production still of Maurice Kelly (upper-right) with business partner and director George Blumetti.








Have a look at "2084s," homepage until a trailer comes about:

2084 Homepage

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Gamer Production Stills

Author/Michael Allen

New film "Gamer," from Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment, is releasing some production stills from the film, which stars Gerard Butler and Michael C. Hall. Involving a future, unsurprisingly, gone awry with convicts becoming immersed in a virtual reality s and you have a world of fighting slaves. Where are all the utopian styled films? Hall with play the antagonist with Butler the protagonist who is fighting to be released from this virtual world and return to his family. Have a look at the second still from Lionsgate and a trailer for this sci-fi thriller; then check out this film throughout North America September 4, 2009.

A plot summary for "Gamer," here...

"'Gamer,' is a high-concept action thriller set in a near future when gaming and entertainment have evolved into a terrifying new hybrid. Humans control other humans in mass-scale, multi-player online games: people play people…for keeps. Mind-control technology is widespread, and at the heart of the controversial games is its creator, reclusive billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall). His latest brainchild, the first-person shooter game 'Slayers,' allows millions to act out their most savage fantasies online in front of a global audience, using real prisoners as avatars with whom they fight to the death (Sci-Fi).

Kable (300’s Gerard Butler) is the superstar and cult hero of the ultraviolent 'Slayers.' Kable is controlled by Simon, a young gamer with rock star status who continues to defy all odds by guiding Kable to victory each week. Taken from his family, imprisoned and forced to fight against his will, the modern day gladiator must survive long enough to escape the game to free his family, regain his identity and to save mankind from Castle’s ruthless technology (Sci-Fi)."

Director: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.

Writers: Mark Neveldine, and Brian Taylor.

Cast: Gerard Butler, Alison Lohman, Milo Ventimiglia, Michael C. Hall, John Leguizamo, Logan Lerman, Terry Crews, Keith David, and Kyra Sedgwick.
A trailer for "Gamer," here...



A second production still from "Gamer," here...










The "Gamer," homepage:

Gamer Homepage

Sources:

Gamer at Scificool.com

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