The Killer from Butchered Looms Darkly

Author/Michael Allen

Upcoming Horror Movies is announcing that Butchered, from Eleven Bravo Productions, will hit DVD shelves on February 9th. The film involves college students on vacation and an escaped serial killer. Things get bloody quickly! Have a look at this thrilling trailer for Butchered, which briefly shows the villain under a darkened street light.

A plot summary for Butchered below:

"A group of teens take a small charter boat to an isolated island for one last party and to say their goodbyes before college. They have no idea that a convicted serial killer has escaped from the Maximum Security Prisons Death Row, taking cover on the very same island. With no working cell phones, no weapons and no way off the island, they must fight to survive as the Butcher picks them off one by one (UHM)."

Director: Charles Stewart Jr., and Sheila Brothers.

Writers: Roxanne Marchand, and Sheila Brothers.

Cast: Melissa Lukon, Cari Moskow, Patt Noday, and Jaime Moffett.

The trailer for Butchered:



Sources:

February Horror Releases at UHM

Support independent filmmaking and creativity by digging into your wallet:



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The Roommate and Obsession

Author/Michael Allen

Sony Pictures is producing The Roommate through Screen Gems. Moving forward with a September 17, 2010 release date the film will star Cam Gigandet (Twilight), Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl), Minka Kelly (The Kingdom) and Daneel Harris (One Tree Hill). The Roommate tackles obsession and the difficulties of college life. Have a look at the short synopsis below and two stills from production.

The short synopsis follows:

"The Sonny Mallhi scripted psychological thriller centers on a deranged college freshman who becomes obsessed with her new roommate. Gigandet will play the boyfriend of Meester's character (RealMovie)."

Director: Christian E. Christiansen.

Writer: Sonny Malhi.

Cast: Matt Lanter, Alyson Michalka, Katerina Graham, Frances Fisher, and Tomas Arana.

A second image for The Roommate from the set:



Sources:

The Roommate at RealMovies

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Start the New Year Right with this Huge List of Upcoming Horror Films!

Author/Michael Allen

Now that the New Year is here fans can have a look at all the horror and thriller films that are slated for release in 2010 and beyond. While not an exhaustive list, there are two dozen films here. From independent features to wide releases all that is bloody, shocking, and horrifying in cinema can be found here. Enjoy, and happy New Year's Eve from 28DLA.com

Daybreakers Jan 8, 2010.

Status: Complete.

"Two-time Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke plays Ed, a researcher in the year 2017, in which an unknown plague has transformed the world's population into vampires. As the human population nears extinction, vampires must capture and farm every remaining human, or find a blood substitute before time runs out (Horror-Movies)"

Legion Jan 22, 2010.

Status: Complete.

"Scripted by Stewart and Peter Schink, the thriller casts Bettany as the archangel Michael, the only one standing between mankind and an apocalypse, after God loses faith in humanity. Man's lone hope rests with a group of strangers who must deliver a baby they realize is Christ in his second coming (Horror-Movies)."

Homecoming Dec' 2009 - Jan' 2010

"When Mike (Matt Long) returns to his hometown with his new girlfriend Elizabeth (Jessica Stroup), they are welcomed with open arms from everyone, except for Shelby (Mischa Barton) who still thinks she's Mike's true love. When Shelby tries to make a move on Mike, and finds out Mike has another girlfriend - she cracks. Shelby hits Elizabeth with a car one night, and holds her hostage in her home, as Mike looks for his girlfriend and tries to stop his ex from doing the unthinkable to her (IMDB)."

Night of the Demons Feb 10, 2010.

Status: Complete.

"Night of the Demons, inspired by the 80's cult classic of the same name, and featuring makeup by the Academy Award® winning Drac Studios (Bram Stoker's Dracula, Mrs. Doubtfire) began principle photography on Friday, October 3. Maddie Curtis and her friends Lilly and Suzanne are ready for a showdown with the undead (Horror-Movies)."

Continues...

The Crazies Feb' 26, 2010.

Status: Complete.

"Imagine living in a small town where everything is safe and happy…until suddenly it isn’t. Imagine your friends and neighbors going quickly and horrifically insane. In a terrifying tale of the “American Dream” gone horribly wrong, four friends find themselves trapped in their own hometown by crazed locals (Horror-Movies).'

Season of the Witch Mar' 19, 2010.

Status: Complete.

"In the supernatural thriller Season of the Witch, Nicolas Cage stars as a 14th century Crusader who returns with his comrade (Ron Perlman) to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. A beleaguered church, deeming sorcery the culprit of the plague, commands the two knights to transport an accused witch to a local criminal court (Horror-Movies)."

Piranha 3-D April 16, 2010.

Status: Post-production.

"They’re back! Every year the population of sleepy Lake Havasu explodes from 5,000 to 50,000 for a single, wild weekend - the 4th of July, a riot of sun, drunken fun and sex-crazed mayhem. But this year, there's something more to worry about than hangovers and complaints from local old legends (Horror-Movies)!"

A Nightmare on Elm Street April 30, 2010

Status: Post-production.

"A group of suburban teenagers share one common bond: they are all being stalked by Freddy Krueger, a horribly disfigured killer who hunts them in their dreams. As long as they stay awake, they can protect one another…but when they sleep, there is no escape (Horror-Movies)."

The Roommate September 17 2010.

Status: Unknown.

"Sara a new college student gets a new room mate named Rebecca who starts off friendly but soon turns out to be quite deadly (Horror-Movies)"

Priest Oct' 01, 2010.

Status: Production.

"The vampire Western concerns a warrior priest who disobeys church law by teaming with a young sheriff and a priestess to track down a band of renegade vampires who have kidnapped his niece (Horror-Movies)."

Saw VII October 22, 2010 (Wide Release).

Status: Pre-production.

"Detective Hoffman is the last man standing, Jigsaws work is now complete. That is until an old Detective returns to the case and closes in on Jigsaws accomplice. However one last game is already in motion and will truly reveal the fate of John Kramer's master plan (IMDB)."

Scream 4 2010.

Status: Pre-production.

"The Ghostface Killer returns in this fourth installment to the popular horror series (IMDB)."

Rec 2 2010.

Status: Complete.

"The action continues from [Rec], with the medical officer and a SWAT team outfitted with video cameras are sent into the sealed off apartment to control the situation (IMDB)."

Grace 2010.

Status: Looking for distribution.

"Madeline Matheson is eight months pregnant and determined to deliver her unborn child, Grace, naturally. When an accident leaves Grace dead inside her, Madeline insists on carrying the baby's corpse to term. Weeks later, when Madeline delivers, the baby miraculously returns to life... With an appetite (IMDB)."

Hisss 2010.

Status: Unknown.

"Based on the Far Eastern myth of the snake woman who is able to take on human form (IMDB)."

Hostel 3 2010 (DVD Release).

Status: Pre-production.

The Descent 2 2010 (Wide Release).

Status: Complete.

"Distraught, confused, and half-wild with fear, Sarah Carter emerges alone from the Appalachian cave system where she encountered unspeakable terrors. Unable to plausibly explain to the authorities what happened - or why she's covered in her friends' blood - Sarah is forced back to the subterranean depths to help locate her five missing companions. As the rescue party drives deeper into uncharted caverns, nightmarish visions of the recent past begin to haunt Sarah and she starts to realize the full horror and futility of the mission. Subjected to the suspicion and mistrust of the group and confronted once more by the inbred, feral and savagely ruthless Crawlers, Sarah must draw on all her inner reserves of strength and courage in a desperate final struggle for deliverance and redemption (IMDB)."

Resident Evil 4 2011

Status: Production.

"In a world ravaged by a virus infection, turning its victims into the Undead, Alice continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. Her deadly battle with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend (Horror-Movies)."

Jeepers Creepers 3 2011.

Status: Pre-production.

The Ring 3 2011.

Status: Pre-production.

"Set 30 years before the original, The Ring Three sees a young Samara Morgan cast away to a psychotic unit, thrust away from normality. Mentally unstable and in-animate, Samra vows to get revenge on her tormentors before she is tragically killed and dispersed down a well, however, unbeknown to her twisted parents and local pretty-girl Mary-Elizabeth Winstead, a curse is about to be born, a curse which will later claim many lives, as the vengeful spirit of Samara is born (IMDB)."

Poltergeist 2011.

Status: Unknown.

The Blob 2011.

Status: Unknown.

Silent Hill 2 2011.

Status: Pre-production.

"She will lead us to Paradise . . . with blood stained hands (IMDB)."

For more info' on any of these titles visit the two sites below. Cheers and again Happy New Years!

Sources:

Upcoming Horror Films from Horror-Movies.ca

Scream 4 at IMDB

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A Dark Prophecy from Downstream

Author/Michael Allen

Sometimes what is horrifying is not what happens to people, but what can happen to all of us in the future. Downstream is an an independent production that completed in 2008 and now an official movie poster is available along with the synopsis, which does not portray tomorrow as something to look forward to. In Downstream's future: "the food supply has been wiped out, and cancer rates for women have skyrocketed, depleting the female population." If that is not horrifying enough visit Quiet Earth to see the latest trailer that shows a world rampant in violence where central Wes Keller can only dream of hope and a better tomorrow.

A synopsis for Downstream here:

"Wes Keller is a young man living in a world where oil has collapsed, the food supply has been wiped out, and cancer rates for women have skyrocketed, depleting the female population. In a barbaric environment where bio fuel, batteries, bullets and people are currency and marauders roam free, Wes tries to escape to a mythical world run on cold fusion Plutopia, a place that may only exist in the mind. THE BILL IS DUE. Downstream is a view of the not so distant future. We follow a young man (everyone's son) as he pays the price for society's decadence."

Release Date: Unknown.

Director: Simone Bartesaghi, and Philip Kim.

Writer: Philip Kim.

Cast: Jonathon Trent, Elizabeth Roberts, Jonno Roberts, Lenny von Dohlen, and Mickey Jones.

A second trailer for Downstream can be found at Quiet Earth here:

Downstream on Quiet Earth

More info' on this project at the film's homepage:

Downstream Official Webpage

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Necrosis Moves Full Steam Ahead: A Movie Review

Author/Michael Allen

Director: Jason Robert Stephens.

Writer: Robert Michael Ryan, and Jason Robert Stephens.

Necrosis is a Brink DVD release that stars James Kyson Lee (Heroes), George Stults (7th Heaven), Tiffany, Penny Drake, and Danielle De Luca (Naked Fear). Already close to an April 20th, 2010 DVD and cable release Necrosis utilizes pacing effectively in this indie thriller. Action abounds in the film, which only mildly stumbles in the sound department.

The film attaches itself the the legend of the Donner party who were a group of 1800s travellers that were westward bound. Unfortunately, the Donner party became trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and fed upon each other in a bloody orgy of cannibalism. Many of the characters in Necrosis do not fare much better as character Jerry becomes possessed by either the ghosts of the Donner party or by his paranoid schizophrenia. Either way few come out of this picture alive!

Unknown Productions Inc. casts efficiently. James Kyson Lee, George Stults, and Danielle De Luca display believability in their characterizations with Lee showing a knack for the delusional. Even horror legend Michael Berryman delivers some class acting in this few scenes. But what about the action, you say?

This ninety minute film blows by very quickly as each scene delivers something necessary to keep this horror train moving (plot). Necrosis chugs along at a decent clip with only a few continuity errors obstructing the tracks. Almost every scene is either action oriented or character driven as this locomotive reaches a final destination in record time. Only one or two flaws take away from an exciting and entertaining experience.

In a few hazy spots automated dialogue replacement is used to tighten up some of the poorly recorded vocals. The syncing of the adr to the action on screen is almost unnoticeable, but does take the viewer out of the viewing experience in a couple early spots. If not for the dubbing Necrosis would be on a top ten pick for 2009.

Shot in Big Bear, San Bernadino, Dead of Winter aka Blood Snow aka Necrosis is a shuttle ride through the back woods of one writer's twisted mind. The blood flow, and terror spill across the screen in this excellently produced DVD/Blu-ray venture. Check this one out in the spring of 2010!

More info' on Necrosis (Blood Snow) here:

Necrosis Official Webpage

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Brittany Murphy Gets Tough in Abandoned

Author/Michael Allen

The talented Brittany Murphy was involved with several film projects at the time of her death. Abandoned is one of two independent features that she was involved with prior to her passing on December 20th. Brittany stars with Dean Cain in this first trailer for Abandoned and in the clip, despite looking tired in one or two scenes, she looks fully cognicant or aware. Have a look at Brittany Murphy and co-stars Mimi Rogers with Tim Thomeson in this first trailer for Abandoned, which releases in 2010.

A synopsis for Abandoned here:

Mary Walsh (Brittany Murphy) delivers boyfriend Kevin (Dean Cain) to a hospital for routine outpatient surgery. But when Mary returns to take him home, he’s mysteriously vanished. An administrator (Mimi Rogers) can find no record of him, and a police search turns up nothing. Increasingly frantic, Mary’s taken to staff psychiatrist Dr. Bensley (Peter Bogdanovich), who pronounces her unstable. Now she must not only find her missing boyfriend, but prove her own sanity as well. When a stranger informs her he knows Kevin’s whereabouts and demands a $10 billion ransom, she has one hour to comply... and her boyfriend’s life hangs in the balance.

Forced to embezzle the money from the bank where she works, Mary soon discovers the shocking truth behind the disappearance. Now time is running out and she must take matters into her own hands to save herself.

Release Date: 2010 (Unknown format)

Director: Michael Feifer.

Writer: Jeffrey Schenck.

Cast: Brittany Murphy, Dean Cain, Mimi Rogers, and Tim Thomerson.

A grainy trailer for the Abandoned here:



Sources:

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/adandoned/trailer

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Traumatized and Dark Souls: An Overview

Author/Michael Allen

Author: Alexander S. Brown.

Traumatized is a book by Alexander S. Brown that was released in October of 2008. The novel is a collection of over a dozen tales that explore voodoo, witchcraft, and the lives of serial killers. The terse writing is flawed by the lack of development in characters and plots as the stories "Bloodlines," "The End of Summer," and "Althea's Last Dance" struggle to form a social message.

"Bloodlines" is the best of the three short stories reviewed here as four distant cousins search greedily for long lost treasure. Enter character Draven the secretive antagonist who has pulled each of the three characters together for a midnight romp through a haunted mansion. Cue one whiny character named Dustin, some detective work, and "Bloodlines" unravels succinctly with some initial slow pacing creating minor stumbling blocks in the first few pages.

Writing/story/development: 8.
Characters/believability: 7.5.
Denouement/unravelling/message: 7.

Overall: 7.5.

Continues...

"The End of Summer" is a shorty story of thirty-one pages that involves voodoo, infidelity, and murder. The southern flavour comes through stronger in this story, but the sparseness of pages means that lovers Summer and Eddie are not fleshed out fully. The character shift of Eddie from loving boyfriend to cold-blooded killer is too quick, which leaves the ending more shocking than truly horrifying.

Writing/story/development: 6.5.
Characters/believability: 7.
Denouement/unravelling/message: 5.5.

Overall: 6.5.

The poorest of the three short stories reviewed here was "Althea's Last Dance." This brief look at the life of serial killer, who is identified as Mr. Henry Grievel, does not create enough substance in character or plot as one murderer is killed with no chance of redemption or understanding. The ending is like meeting a brick wall at 80 km/hr that appears out of nowhere.

Writing/story/development: 6.
Characters/believability: 6.
Denouement/unravelling/message: 5.

Overall: 5.6.

Traumatized, despite a few poorly structured stories, is an easy recommend for two reasons. Firstly, all the writing from Alexander S. Brown is concise with each word serving a purpose. For seconds, if a reader does not like one story then there are fourteen more to choose from. Available now for purchase through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.ca, Traumatized is a good book to sit down to when time is limited and one has a desire for the darker side of life.

Have a look at a Book trailer for Traumatized here:



Have a look at the official Traumatized website:

Traumatized Souls

Or at Alexander S. Brown's website:

Alexander at Damned Souls

And then purchase for yourself:



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Diagnosis Death and New Zealand Charm

Author/Michael Allen

Diagnosis Death is one of several horror titles that will released on DVD this week, but only Diagnosis Death offers New Zealand charm and comedy in this Affordable Films production. The plot involves several patients who undergo an experimental drug treatment for cancer. A serious storyline is unfolded by the bumblings of Raybon Kan (Andre Chang) and Juliet Reid (Jessica Grace Smith). Have a look at the DVD cover artwork and trailer, as this film moves towards a December 29 release date.

A plotline for Diagnosis Death:

"It's the irreverent tale of two people undergoing a radical treatment for cancer. Locked in a medical facility over a weekend as guinea pigs for a drug trial, they discover the clinic may pose more harm than they could have imagined. The drugs cause hallucinations. Or are they seeing ghosts for real? Struggling with their senses, they must team up to solve a haunting secret (Bloody-Disgusting)."

Release Date: December 29, 2009.

Director: Jason Stutter.

Writer: Jason Stutter.

Cast: Bret McKenzie, Rhys Darby, Jermaine Clement, Suze Tye, and Bryce Campbell.

A full theatrical trailer for Diagnosis Death here:



Sources:

Diagnosis Death at Traileraddict

Diagnosis Death at Bloody-Disgusting

For more info' on Diagnosis Death visit the homepage of the film:

Diagnosis Death UK Homepage

Or more directly:



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No Right Turn But Stopping To Show-off Some Artwork

Author/Michael Allen

Now that No Right Turn has been released on DVD, as of December 1st through Lono Entertainment, the DVD artwork is available. The DVD will have the essential director's commentary, but also the uncut version of the film, a making of documentary called "Twists and Turns," rehearsals, bloopers and several more. Not to be missed No Right Turn has been reviewed here
(No Right Turn Review on 28DLA) and the film focuses on the characters while offering a twisting criminal element in the backstreets of Europe. This is a film to see for 2010. Check out all the extras, cast, crew, and artwork here.

A synopsis for No Right Turn here:

"Nina is the voluptuously alluring girlfriend of Johnny, a charming but delusional crook.
To escape from her life with Johnny she casually sleeps with an old friend, Teddy. One night after an argument with Johnny, she storms home where she is abducted by a pair of thugs but is rescued by a beautiful and timid girl, Monella. Together Nina and Monella begin an erotic and passionate relationship that leads to a plot to steal Johnny's drug stash hidden in a safety deposit box. But nothing goes as planned and the two beautiful women get caught up in a lethally twisted tale of revenge and betrayal that send all four characters to their dark destiny...(No Right Turn)"

Release Date: December 1st, 2009 (DVD - North America)

Director/writer: David Noel Burke.

Cast: Sira Stampe, Laura Bache, and Tao Hildebrand.

As already reported, the DVD has all of the following extras:

1)Full uncut/unrated theatrical release of movie
2)CPH:PIX film festival Q&A
3)Director's Audio Commentary
4)Making of Documentary "Twists & Turns"
5)Composer and Director sessions
6)Auditions reels
7)Rehearsels
8)Deleted scenes
9)Trailers
10)Slide show
11)Teasers
12)Bloopers

Visit the Facebook fanpage for the film:

No Right Turn on FB

Or the official website:

Last Exit Productions

Before ordering a copy for yourself:



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The Living and Undead Collide in Jonah Hex

Author/Michael Allen

Jonah Hex will be released by Warner Bros in the summer of 2010 and now an official one-sheet is available for the film. As well, fans of Megan Fox, horror, or both can check out a synopsis for the film below and a second movie still showing Jonah Hex in shadows. For those interested in this wide release a fan site has been set-up along with an official website. Both items are listed below.

A full synopsis for Jonah Hex:

"Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) is a scarred drifter and bounty hunter of last resort, a tough and stoic gunslinger who can track down anyone and anything. Having survived death, Jonah's violent history is steeped in myth and legend, and has left him with one foot in the natural world and one on the other side. His only human connection is with Leila (Megan Fox), whose life in a brothel has left her with scars of her own. But Jonah's past is about to catch up with him when the U.S. military makes him an offer he cannot refuse. In exchange for his freedom, from the warrants on his head, he must track down and stop the dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich). But Turnbull, who is gathering an army and preparing to unleash Hell, is also Jonah's oldest enemy and will stop at nothing until Jonah is dead (Warner Bros)."

Release Date: June 18, 2010.

Director: Jimmy Hayward.

Writers: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor.

Cast: Will Arnett, Michael Fassbender, Michael Shannon, David Patrick Kelly, Brandi Coleman, and David Jensen.

A movie still of Josh Brolin as Jonah Hex here.



Join the fanpage for Jonah Hex on Facebook:

Jonah Hex on Facebook

Or visit the official website:

Jonah Hex Homepage

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Solomon Kane: An Evil Overlord Darkens the Screen in this Movie Clip

Author/Michael Allen

Another film clip is available for Solomon Kane with the title "The Final Assault on the Castle." Already released in France Solomon Kane will be distributed through Rogue Pictures in North America. A film adaption of Robert E. Howard's character, Solomon Kane was once a thief who now finds solace for his sins in non-violent actions; however, things change when a new evil lurks on the horizon. Have a look at this exciting film clip that shows James Purefoy as Solomon Kane who battles the minions of a darker overlord. All the fun is below plus a French movie poster for the film is left.

Release: 2010.

Director/writer: Michael J. Bassett.

Cast: James Purefoy, Max von Sydow, MacKenzie Crook, Max von Sydow, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Hurd-Wood, and Alice Krige.

A movie clip for Solomon Kane here:



More info' to follow including a set North American release date.

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The Book of Eli Excites all the Senses

Author/Michael Allen

The musicians who collaborated on The Book of Eli soundtrack have been announced as the film's main tracks become available to fans January 15th. Highlights from the soundtrack include Panoramic, Outland, The Journey, Amen and several more. Composed by Atticus Rose and an eighty piece orchestra the soundtrack offers "a unique hybrid of electronic and organic elements." Along with an official movie poster here, synopsis below, a full list of the tracks on The Book of Eli soundtrack are available inside.

A synopsis for The Book of Eli here:

"The Book of Eli, stars Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis and Gary Oldman in a post-apocalyptic tale in which a lone man, Eli (Washington), fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind (Warner Bros)."

Release Date: January 15, 2010 (Soundtrack).

Tracks: Panoramic, Outland, The Journey, Amen, The Convoy, Solara Violated, Safe
Human, Meant to be Shared, The Passenger, Den of Vice, Gattling, Blind Faith, Convoy Destruct, Movement, Carnegie's Demise, and The Purpose.

The soundtrack will be available through Reprise Records and Amazon.com:



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Scream Queen Campfire Brings a Sexy Cast to Horror

Author/Michael Allen

An anthology of horror stories will be told by the gorgeous ladies of horror beginning next Halloween entitled Scream Queen Campfire (2010). The series will be shot in ten different web episodes with horror stories to be told by sexiest vixens of horror. Jackey Hall (Van Wilder: Freshman Year), Rachel Grubb, Matt Francis and Angelina Leigh (Slime City Massacre) have already been announced as part of the cast. Jonathan Moody and Terry Jernigan are the writers behind the project and right now an early concept poster for the webseries is available with a second still inside. Check out all the announced cast until more news comes down the wire on Scream Queen Campfire closer to the DVD release date.

Release Date: October 31, 2010 (Webseries, DVD)

Director: Terry Jernigan.

Writers: Jonathan Moody, and Terry Jernigan.

Cast: Devanny Pinn, Brittany Daniels, Rachel Grubb, and Matt Francis.

A shot from the Closet, which has already completed production:



More info' on this project can be found here:

Scream Queen Campfire FB Page

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Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead Bites at Slamdance 2010

Author/Michael Allen

What if someone blended Shakespeare with vampires? Well then, there would be more blood and less theatrical acting, but Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead does have an interesting and sexier take on Hamlet. Have a look at the trailer for Rosencrantz below as the film moves closer to a January 19th release date at Slamdance (8:30pm). Also, a synopsis for the film is below.

A synopsis for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead:

"Julian Marsh (Hoffman) is an out of work ladies man who lands a job directing a bizarre adaption of Hamlet. After casting his best friend (Lemche) and his ex-girlfriend (Aoki) in the show, Julian finds himself in the middle of a two thousand year old conspiracy that explains the connection between Shakespeare, the Holy Grail and some seriously sexy vampires. It turns out that the play was actually written by a master vampire named Theo Horace (Ventimiglia) and it is up to Julian to recover the Grail in order to reverse the vampire's curse... If only being undead wasn't so much God-damned fun!"

Release Date: January 19, 2010 (Limited Theatrical - film festival)

Director/writer: Jordan Galland.

Cast: Jake Hoffman, Devon Aoki, Kris Lemche, Geneva Carr, Joey Kern, and Ralph Macchio.

A trailer for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead here:



More info' on Rosencrantz at the website of the film:

Rosencrantz Homepage

Showtimes for Rosencrantz at Slamdance:

Rosencrantz at Slamdance

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Portrait of a Zombie and the Bonds of Irish Families

Author/Michael Allen

There have been zombies in England and the undead in America, but have there been flesh-eaters in Ireland? No, there has not, and now a documentary crew goes on the prowl in Dublin for these menaces of the streets. Shot shaky cam style, Portrait of a Zombie will take a first person point of view to the looming zombie apocalypse. Have a look at a teaser for this film below with a first poster available as seen left.

The synopsis for Portrait of a Zombie:

"Zombies roam the streets of Dublin. An American Documentary crew come to Ireland to make a documentary about the Murphy Family, whose eldest son Billy has turned, but the family still choose to care for hims. The documentary crew soon become enthralled in the proceedings as Billy's story unfolds...(Traileraddict)"

Release: 2010.

Director/writer: Bing Bailey.

Cast: Patrick Murphy, Geraldine McAlinden, Gerry Shanahan and Rory Mullen.

A teaser trailer for Portrait of a Zombie here:



Sources:

Portrait of a Zombie at Traileraddict.com

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The Book of Eli Reveals Secrets

Author/Michael Allen

The Book of Eli releases in just under three weeks and a behind the scenes featurettete, which will likely be on the DVD, is available for fans leading up to the January 15 theatrical release. This featurette shows Denzel as Eli training, prepping, and co-ordinating his own stunts on set and during shoots. A lot of footage from the actual movie, that has not been shown in trailers, is available in this two to three minute clip. Check out the dark scenes of Armageddon and the blood-thirsty natives of the future in this sneak peek below.

A tagline for The Book of Eli:

"Some will kill to have it. He will kill to protect it (Warner)."

Release: January 15, 2010.

Director: Allen Hughes.

Writer: Gary Whitta.

Cast: Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, Jennifer Beals, Joe Pingue, and Michael Gambon.

A trailer for The Book of Eli here:



More info' on Book of Eli here:

Book of Eli at Warner Brothers

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Repo Men Steal Your Heart, Your Liver...

Author/Michael Allen

Universal Pictures is releasing Repo Men April 2, 2010 and the film stars Forest Whitaker, and Jude Law. Taking place in the future Repo Men envisions a world where artificial organs create multi-million dollar debts for those that need them to live. Unfortunately, those who cannot pay meet men like Jake Freivald and Remy who must repossess their hear, liver etc. This full length trailer below is for a mature audience only, as there is nudity, graphic violence, and coarse language. No one younger than fourteen below please.

A synopsis for Repo Men here:

"In the futuristic action-thriller Repo Men, humans have extended and improved our lives through highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical organs created by a company called The Union. The dark side of these medical breakthroughs is that if you don’t pay your bill, The Union sends its highly skilled repo men to take back its property…with no concern for your comfort or survival (Traileraddict)."

Release: April 2, 2010.

Director: Miguel Sapochnik.

Writer: Eric Garcia.

Cast: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, Alice Braga, Liza Lapira, Carice van Houten, and RZA.

A trailer for Repo Men here:



Sources:

Repo Men at Traileraddict

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Shattered Lives: When Clowns Attack!

Author/Michael Allen

*Stop now if you have a fear of clowns* Shattered Lives was released on DVD as of December 22nd by Lionsgate and some promotional material can be found here. The story involves a young girl who deals poorly with family stress and how ones' distorted reality can lead to murder. Still searching for international distribution the first trailer for Shattered Lives can be found here. But for those of you with coulrophobia be forewarned the trailer has many scenes of scary looking clowns baring vicious looking teeth!

A synopsis for Shattered Lives:

"When Rachel, a seemingly innocent little girl, is unable to cope with everyday situations, her fears manifest into an altered state of reality. Rachel's warped world results in her two favorite dolls, Melo and Lelo, coming to life. Rachel loves her dolls dearly and seeks their advice; they plant the seed of death early and suggest that the only way out is to kill her mother. Even as she grows, the violence continues. It is likely that she'll be left all alone, with nothing but her fractured conscience and amidst a pile of dead bodies."

Release Date: December 22nd, 2009.

Director/writer: Carl Lindbergh

Cast: Lindsey Leino, Skyler Caleb, Ellyse Deanna and Gary Kohn.

A movie trailer for Shattered Lives here:



Sources:

http://www.upcominghorrormovies.com/news/horror-dvdblu-ray-releases-december-22nd

If you have no fear of clowns then don't stop now, buy the DVD:

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Necrosis Brings the Dead back to Life April 20

Author/Michael Allen

Brink DVD is announcing that they have picked up director Jason Stephen's Necrosis for distribution, which means a release date has also been announced. The film launches to various formats April 20th and the film stars James Kyson Lee (Heroes), Tiffany (1980’s Pop Star), George Stults (7th Heaven), Penny Drake (Zombie Strippers), Danielle De Luca (Naked Fear) and Robert Michael Ryan (How I Met Your Mother). This horror film, that takes place in an brutal snowstorm, will offer lots of extras including a behind the scenes featurette and a director's commentary. A review for Necrosis will be posted here in a couple weeks, but have a look at a trailer for the film and one of the more scary shots from the film, seen left.

A synopsis for Necrosis here:

"Necrosis follows six friends as they arrive at an isolated cabin to enjoy a long weekend in the snow. An epic snowstorm interrupts their vacation, trapping them on the mountain and resurrecting the haunting ghosts of the Cannibalistic Donner Party. But are they true 'entities' or is it simply 'cabin fever' that brings out their fears and darkness? Friends to turn against each other as reality deteriorates around them."


A trailer for Necrosis here:



More info' on Necrosis can be found here:

The Crazies on Traileraddict

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Tis the Season to be Thankful: A Contest

Author/Michael Allen

Here at 28DLA.com, I wanted to say thank-you to all the fans, readers, and supporters of independent horror filmmaking. Christmas is a time to be thankful for those we love and to spread the love let us celebrate with a horror contest. The contest has two questions, and one task. Some of the questions relate to the personalities who have graced the pages here at 28DLA.com and some have to do with horror filmmaking in general. First prize is your choice of the Feast III Unleashed on DVD from 2009, or an older title The Breed (2005) also on DVD. The legalese is as follows "any damage to the DVDs included in this contest that occurs in travel or by the manufacturer is not the responsibility of this site or those associated with this site." So here are the questions:

1) Travis Milloy was interviewed on this site September 3 about his film Pandorum. Where does Travis generally like to write his screenplays?

2) I Can See You is an independent horror title directed by Graham Reznick. Name one other title that has been reviewed here, that was produced in 3-D, and directed by Graham.

3) Create a Twitter account and leave a message on the Nightbeasts Twitter page stating: "I love creature features (leave your name)!"

When you have answered these two questions and completed the task leave a comment on this article. The winner will be selected January 15 with greater attention placed on comments left earlier rather than later. There you go; this is my thanks to you, the reader, and stay tuned for a future contest for Dreamkillers, which will be announced next week.

Sources (artwork):

http://dholl.deviantart.com/art/Santa-Claws-is-Coming-to-Town-71767409?moodonly=24

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The Crazies Create Chaos in this Second Trailer

Author/Michael Allen

Overture Films has released a second trailer for The Crazies and a third poster for the film can be seen left. In the trailer, one townsperson burns down his house with wife and child inside. In another scene the dead rise and bring anarchy into a quiet American mid-west town. Murder and mayhem are triumphant in these latest promotional materials. Have a look a bigger and better synopsis for The Crazies below and the trailer inside.

A full summary of The Crazies here:

"David Dutten is sheriff of Ogden Marsh, a picture-perfect American town with happy, law-abiding citizens. But one night, one of them comes to a school baseball game with a loaded shotgun, ready to kill. Another man burns down his own house-after locking his wife and young son in a closet inside. Within days, the town has transformed into a sickening asylum; people who days ago lived quiet, unremarkable lives have now become depraved, blood-thirsty killers, hiding in the darkness with guns and knives. Sheriff Dutten tries to make sense of what's happening as the horrific, nonsensical violence escalates. Something is infecting the citizens of Ogden Marsh with insanity.

Now complete anarchy reigns as one by one the townsfolk succumb to an unknown toxin and turn sadistically violent. In an effort to keep the madness contained, the government uses deadly force to close off all access and won't let anyone in or out - even those uninfected. The few still sane find themselves trapped Sheriff Dutten his pregnant wife, Judy, - Becca, an assistant at the medical center and Russell, Dutten's deputy, and right-hand man. Forced to band together, an ordinary night becomes a horrifying struggle for survival, as they do their best to get out of town alive (Trailer)."

Release: February 26, 2010 (Theatrical).

Director: Breck Eisner.

Writer: Ray Wright.

Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Danielle Panabaker, Joe Anderson, Christie Lynn Smith, Brett Rickaby, Preston Bailey, and John Aylward.

A second trailer for The Crazies here:



More info' on The Crazies can be found at the official website:

The Crazies Homepage

Sources:

The Crazies on Traileraddict

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Frozen Chills the Heart in this First Trailer

Author/Michael Allen

Anchor Bay has released a full trailer for the horror film Frozen, which will have a world premiere at Sundance next year. In the trailer three abandoned skiers are left on ski lift in the darkness of some chilly slopes. Help seems to be a long way off as characters Lynch (Shawn Ashmore), Parker (Emma Bell), and Dan (Kevin Zegers) fight the elements, wolves, and even each other in a battle of survival. Have a look at the trailer and synopsis for Frozen below.

A synopsis for Frozen here:

"A typical day on the slopes turns into a chilling nightmare for three snowboarders when they get stranded on the chairlift before their last run. As the ski patrol switches off the night lights, they realize with growing panic that they've been left behind dangling high off the ground with no way down."

Release: February 5, 2010.

Director: Adam Green.

Writer: Adam Green.

Cast: Kevin Zegers, Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, Ed Ackerman, Rileah Vanderbilt, Adam Johnson, Chris York, Kane Hodder, and Peder Melhuse.

The first trailer for Frozen here:



More info' on Frozen at Sundance here:

Frozen at Sundance


Sources:

Frozen on Traileraddict

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DJ Perry and Karma: An Exclusive Interview

Author/Michael Allen

DJ Perry is a prolific actor who has starred in over fourty movies. He is also the producer of several other films including the upcoming Renovation, Timberwolf and State of Hate. Here, DJ talks not only of the horror film Renovation, but of Karma, Sherwood Horror, Blood Ties and others in this exclusive interview with 28DLA.com.

(Michael Allen) Hi Perry, thanks for being here and taking part in this interview. The first time I saw you in film was in the picture Blood Ties directed by Nathaniel Nose. In the film you were the central hero in the film. What were some of the highlights in working with Nathaniel on the set of this fairly bloody horror film?

(DJ Perry) Really? Blood Ties was your first? Maybe you will get a chance to explore some other titles. I am sailing here and there in the great sea of films. We tell a story and sail on. Okay, what exactly does that mean? Sometimes I read my own interviews after the fact and wonder, what? Now I am reading after I write. It is like thinking before speaking maybe. Anyway,s I am happy that you had a chance to see Blood Ties. The film released on Oct. 20th, 2009. That was the same day as An Ordinary Killer, a true story crime thriller I starred in, came out. So it was a good and busy time.

Nathaniel Nose was directing his first SAG feature with producer Jeff Burton. I got a call on a weekend from Nathaniel who said what he was doing and that he would love if I would play this character Jake the Snake Stickland. Okay, sounds like Big Time Wrasslin. I asked for the script and he threw a cherry on top saying I could sleep in my own bed because it was filming around central Michigan. The script was a cool violent, drug and nudity filled. A real Scooby Doo deal - mixing in a dose of humor. The long and short is I signed onto play Jake and I had some good fun. Jason Carter (Babylon 5) was a nice guy to chat with and I enjoy him in this film. Nathaniel really has good command of the camera and in part I think that is because he is an actor and editor also. All that plays together and so I would say keep a look out for Mr. Nose’s future work. Obviously he was working on a limited budget but that is where everyone starts.

(MA) I really enjoyed the film too. Nothing beats a well acted and directed crime thriller. Recently you finished principal photography on Renovation, which was shot in Yuma, Arizona. Can you give fans, who do not know the film, a little background on Renovation?

(DJ) Renovation is really a cool fricken movie. The film has several textured levels of action, manipulation and it features a great cast of characters. Renovation is about a bank robbery and hidden money. It is about several people who are willing to be very ruthless in order to get the money. I joked that this film is like Clue going to eleven (old Spinal Tap). I think the film has some tried and true clichés mixed in with some very innovative story telling. I feel I did some of my most intense work here. I actually almost lost my voice after day one, that started with some of my most intense scenes. I have never had that happen, so that is what they told me. Damn, we just turned this one to eleven!

(MA) I have written a couple articles on Renovation and I am looking forward to this thrilling release. Now you are in a picture called Sherwood Horror that re-envisions the Robin Hood legend. What is John Regan's take on this legend and who is your character in the picture?

(DJ) John has taken two major icons, vampires & Robin Hood, and mixed them in a comic what if fashion. The gothic element is replaced with a southern gothic and the Sherwood tale is updated to now. A few years ago I read an excellent King Arthur vs Dracula deal and this had that feel. Everyone will want to see a match up and yes I even knocked the idea with John that I would enjoy a traditional era film but he really pointed out that television and films like Russell Crowe’s version will give audiences a good dose of the traditional. The characters will be fun despite the dark elements in the film, so I am proud to say that I see a little Dukes of Hazzard in the kinfolk closeness that truly exists in the deep south. When the Confederacy fans said, “the South Will Rise Again” I am not sure they understood it would be from vampires! Fear not, good ol' boy Rob Locksley and my merry good ol' boys will be ready to open some cans of whoop ass on these blood thirsty invaders.

(MA) A blend of vampires and Robin Hood is definitely a unique and interesting take on this legend of old, which really could use an update other than Ridley Scott's version. Also, I hear that your film Karma was at a film festival in India. What is your film Karma about?

(DJ) Actually, Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation has played and won festival awards in Greece, China, Brazil, France, Spain and Belgium. It played wide in theaters across India in June of this year (2009). It also just had the first American showing at the MIAAC Film Festival in NYC this past November. It is funny that my first big theatrical showing was in another country. They are looking to work the right deal for the US and so I do hope fans here get to see it. It is a beautiful film with a completely different edge.

(MA) And what is in the future for DJ Perry, film-wise?

As for what is new with me film-wise, I am doing promotions for Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith, which is a biblical film done old school style with Judges director Stephen Walker. I have a contract in front of me as we speak to star in a major motion picture that would be my first major theatrical release in the USA. I am also involved in a cool WW2, POW film called Algona being shot by director Larry Webster. In additional to that I have a few westerns moving down the development line and a sequel to An Ordinary Killer entitled A State of Hate, which I am excited about.

(MA) Wow, I see you are staying busy and although this is a brief interview I want to say thanks for stopping by and updating me on all your latest films. I am really looking forward to Sherwood Horror, but I will check out Renovation too, when the film comes out. Thanks again and stay in touch.

(DJ) I am extremely excited about 2010 and I want to thank you so much Mike for the opportunity to get the word out on a few of my latest projects. I will let you know about all my upcoming projects. Adios, and thanks again.

Fans can check out State of Hate at:

Algona Homepage

An article here on 28DLA.com on Renovation is here:

Renovation Article

An early look at Sherwood Horror can be found here:

Sherwood Horror Cast Details

And an article on Blood Ties here:

Blood Ties here at 28DLA

Or if An Ordinary Killer is to your liking:

An Ordinary Killer Release Date

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Zombies of Mass Destruction in the USA January 29th!

Author/Michael Allen

Zombies of Mass Destruction is one of six other films that have been officially announced as participating in the 8 Films to Die for Film Festival. In celebration of the announcement ZMD now has a sleeker more political look in this second one-sheet. Slyly political and horrific in one bite, ZMD will be available to fans across America beginning January 29th, which begs the question when is Horrorfest coming to Canada? The answer to this question requires further debate, but for now check out the latest promo' material for Zombies of Mass Destruction right here.

A synopsis for Zombies of Mass Destruction:

"An idyllic island town is under attack the that most invasive of pests: zombies! Port Gamble is being overrun with braineaters and the people seem powerless to stave them off. But wait, a rag tag band of rebels is trying to turn the tide and push the invading hoards of undead back. It sounds familiar, sure, but this time stereotypes are on parade (and parody) in a retake on the zombie thriller.

Continues...

We have the full compliment of cinematic shorthand, including the closeted small town boy who has gone to the city and returns with his pushy boyfriend in tow. Enter the zombies. Gore abounds and the current events-based hits keep coming in this send up of zombie movie cliches where no subculture escapes unscathed (ZMD)."

Release Date: January 29th, 2010 (Limited Theatrical).

Director: Kevin Hamedani.

Writer: Kevin Hamedani, and Ramon Isao.

Cast: Janette Armand, Doug Fahl, Cooper Hopkins, Bill Johns, Russell Hodgkinson, and Ali Hamedani.

A trailer for Zombies of Mass Destruction:



More info' on ZMD at the official homepage:

ZMD Homepage

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Plaguers and WTF: A Movie Review

Author/Michael Allen

Director/writer: Brad Sykes.

Plaguers was recently released on DVD through Image Entertainment and the film successfully blends other science-fiction films into one, but what else does Plaguers accomplish? The answer is not much. Yes, the camera and lights stay on during the production, while the sound department figures out that dubbing is a poor option, yet, Plaguers is best described as "just a hodge podge of stuff we've all seen before" (DigitallyObsessed).

The bare bones plot follows the spaceship Pandora and a small crew, who encounter several stranded space stewardesses on a derelict craft (no, seriously). These purple out-fitted sirens of the future attempt to hijack Pandora and in the ensuing chaos a power supply, known as Thanatos, breaks open killing or infecting one of the stewardesses. Now there are zombies in space, which basically sums up Brad Sykes' plot.

Plaguers gets a passing grade for accomplishing the basics of filmmaking i.e. lights, camera, action (no dubbing). However, the film offers zero character development, social message, or creativity. As well, the film borrows heavily from Aliens. Alexis Zibolis plays the Ripley a la Aliens in the film and Steve Railsback as Tarver plays Bishop from the same film. Bishop or Tarver re-enacts the scene from Aliens where Bishop crawls through miles of duct to reset a satelite. Except this time Bishop or Tarver fails in his attempt to keep the plot moving forward. Other films are re-enacted on screen, but mostly Plaguers is an unsubtle homage to Aliens.

The film offers some interesting cat-fights and some curious make-up effects via the Resident Evil franchise. Two melees between different female characters take place and viewers, while briefly captivated, will ask why? Why was this film made? And why are the stewardesses now coughing up black phlegmy hairballs? The appearance of Nemesis in the final act is not enough to save the film (see Resident Evil III VG').

Often in low-budget horror, or science-fiction cinema there is a jewel in the heart of the film that gives hope to the viewer. Sadly, Plaguers does not have much hope, not even for a sequel. What Plaguers does have is comedy, whether intentional or otherwise. Keep trying Brad Sykes this funny bone thanks you.

Acting/believability/consistency: 5 (Alexis Zibolis is no Sigourney Weaver).
Photography/composition/lighting: 5.5 (all the cameras are turned on, check).
Plot/story/treatment/attitude: 5.25 (a lot more attention here Brad, wink, wink).

Overall: 5.25 out of 10 (Damn, zombies in space was such a good idea)!

In case you did not read the review and would like to order the film:



For more info on Plaguers:

Plaguers Homepage

Sources:

Plaguer Review on Digitally Obsessed

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