Monday, May 31, 2010

New York Under Rumble in Disaster Zone: Volcano in New York

Echo Bridge Entertainment is following up Absolute Zero with Disaster Zone: Volcano in New York June 1st on DVD. A trailer for the film shows an entire city consumed by ash, lava and debris as a geothermal experiment goes very, very wrong. Expect Costas Mandylor (Beowulf), the iconic, Canadian actor Michael Ironside (Terminator Salvation) and Alexandra Paul (Love Thy Neighbor) to star in this natural catastrophe styled thriller. The fun begins tomorrow, June 1st, for those with a taste for the fantastical and possibly even the bizarre.

A synopsis for Disaster Zone: Volcano in New York:

"A volcano beneath New York City seems unlikely…yet nothing else can explain the bizarre tremors and terrifying explosions wreaking havoc on the city. Tunnel digger Matt MacLachlan (Costas Mandylor) and his team of "Sandhogs" have witnessed lava seeping into the city's aqueduct system and know the unimaginable truth. A scientist's (Michael Ironside) secret, geo-thermal experiment has triggered the volcanic activity; and now Matt, his geologist ex-wife (Alexandra Paul), and a team of unlikely heroes have only a few sticks of dynamite and a prayer to rescue the city from volcanic apocalypse" (Echo).

Release Date: June 1st (DVD).

Director: Robert Lee.

Writer: Sarah Watson.

Cast: Costas Mandylor, Alexandra Paul, Michael Boisvert, Eric Breker, Ron Selmour, Pascale Hutton, Zak Santiago, Robert Moloney, and Michael Ironside.

A somewhat grainy trailer for the film below and a higher quality look can be found at the Echo Bridge website found also below:



Disaster Zone at Echo Bridge:

DZVINY at Echo

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After.Life Tests Viewers on DVD/Blu-Ray August 3rd

Anchor Bay will be releasing After.Life, starring Christina Ricci, Justin Long and Liam Neeson, August 3rd. The film, recently, had a limited theatrical showing April 9th and now the available special features are available for the film. Included in both the DVD and Blu-Ray formats are a making of featurette "Delving Into The After.Life: The Art of Making a Thriller," director commentaries and the original theatrical trailer. In this film Anna takes on a funeral director in a conflicted test of reality and sanity. Have a look at all the available details in this stand-out feature before the release August 3rd.

The synopsis for After.Life here:

"In After.Life, Anna’s (Christina Ricci) quest for love and happiness takes a macabre turn when, after a car accident, she wakes up to find the local funeral director Eliot Deacon (Liam Neeson) preparing her body. He calmly tells her she’s dead. Her funeral is in three days time. As Anna is forced to face her deepest fears and accept her death, her boyfriend Paul (Justin Long) begins to suspect Eliot may not be who he appears to be. Does Eliot truly have the gift to talk to the dead and help them transition to the afterlife? Or is he concealing a more sinister secret" (Horror)?

Release Date: August 3rd (DVD).

Directed by Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo

Writer: Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo and Paul Vosloo.

The full theatrical trailer for After.Life courtesy of Trailer Addict here:




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Purchase now:



*Special features:

The After.Life DVD and Blu-ray™ bonus features include audio commentary with Co-Writer/Director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo, Delving Into The After.Life: The Art of Making a Thriller, and the theatrical trailer (Horror).

The After.Life homepage:

The After.Life Official Site

After.Life on Facebook:

After.Life on FB

Sources:

After.Life on Horror Movies

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Echo Bridge to Release Apocalyptic Absolute Zero June 1st

Echo Bridge Entertainment will be bringing the world's temperature to -459.67° with Absolute Zero, a straight-to-DVD release June 1st. A weather thriller where the magnetic poles shift, Absolute Zero will star Erika Eleniak (Under Siege) and Jeff Fahey (Planet Terror). Have a look at a preview of the film before the film's official release tomorrow.

The synopsis for Absolute Zero here:

"Inter Sci climatologist David Koch (Jeff Fahey) has evidence that a shift in the Earth's polarity triggered the last Ice Age…in a single day. Now, it's happening again, and there's no time to escape. As the temperature plummets, Miami is blasted with snow and ice. Evacuation routes are jammed. The only chance David, his old flame Bryn (Erika Eleniak), and a few other hopeful survivors have is to hole themselves up in a special chamber at INTER SCI. A desperate race for survival is ignited as nature's fury rages and the temperature plunges toward -459.67° F…Absolute Zero!" (Echo).

Release Date: June 1st (DVD).

Director: Robert Lee.

Writer: Sarah Watson.

Producers: Harvey Kahn, and Robert Lee.

Cast: Jeff Fahey, Erika Eleniak, Bill Dow, Jessica Amlee, Michael Ryan, Britt Irvin, Fred Ewanuik, and Matthew Walker.

The trailer for Absolute Zero here:



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Purchasable:



Sources:

Absolute Zero at Echo Bridge

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Poe's Casting Couch is Deadly in this Clip

The first trailer and poster for Francis Xavier's Poe has been released by Metropolis Pictures Entertainment. In the trailer for Poe a mutilated, nude, female corpse is investigated by detectives as a serial killer named "The Chef" turns aspiring actresses into chuck. A slight nod to famous American writer Edgar Allan Poe is provided by Xavier and fans with an interest in the film need to be eighteen or older to step inside, as Poe sets the standard for Red Band trailers.

A partial synopsis for Poe here:

"Poe tells the story of brilliant and wealthy Dr. Andrew Casey (David Fine; Rent, The Red Door) who is a serial killer known by the name of The Chef. His need for notoriety causes Dr. Andrew Casey to seek out writer Johnathan Poe (Stelio Savante), a descendant of the famed writer Edgar Allan Poe and a brilliant writer in his own right, with an offer to write his biography. Poe is intrigued and agrees to the assignment. Dr. Casey along with his butler Mr. Peeples (Mike Iorio) lures women to his home under the alias of film director Jack Conway with the pretense of meeting to discuss a well-paying role. Once the women arrive, they are tied up, drugged and eventually sliced up to be used for meat to feed the homeless at the Help Feeding Foundation soup kitchen. Once at the house, Poe is forced to witness all manner of horrors without the ability to either escape or help the women who have been captured" (Bloody).

Release Date: 2010.

Director/writer: Francis Xavier.

Cast: Serena Lorien, David Fine, Felissa Rose, Kristen De Luca, Greg Travis, Stelio Savante, Sal Landi, Jamie McCall and Azure Parsons.

A very graphic trailer for Poe here - you have been warned:



More on Poe at the film's website

Poe Homepage

Sources:

Poe at Bloody Disgusting

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A Gun to the Head at the North by North East Film Festival June 14th

The North by North-East Film Festival begins June 14th and runs until the 20th with several multi-genred films gracing the festivities. The schedule is below and one of the highlights from the festival is director Blaine Thurier's A Gun to the Head, which manages to bring together comedy and a few chills. The film also shows the difficulties of reforming a criminal life with several romantic gags along the way. Preview the film's trailer inside and prepare for NXNE 2010 in Toronto, Ontario in a couple weeks!

The synopsis for A Gun to the Head here:

"A reformed criminal escapes his wife’s dinner party for a quick beer with his cousin and former partner in crime. Over the course of one wild night, he is dragged back into a world of drugs , women, guns and gangsters, endangering the lives of those he loves the most" (A Gun).

Releae Date: June 14th (Limited Showing)

Director/writer: Blaine Thurier.

Producers: Oliver Linsley, Katherine Hazen, and Greg Milton.

Cast: Tygh Runyan, Paul Anthony, Marnie Robinson, Sarah Lind, Benjamin Ayres, Ben Cotton, Sarah Edmonson, Ali Leibert, Craig Anderson and Hrothgar Mathews.

The trailer for A Gun to the Head:



The film's website:

A Gun to the Head Homepage

On Facebook:

A Gun to the Head on FB

At the NXNE Film Festival:

A Gun to the Head at the NXNE

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Hoboken Hosts The Quiet Ones June 6th

SaintSinner Entertainment is brining The Quiet Ones to the Hoboken International Film Festival June 6th (Bloody). The film quickly delves into one character's abuse and his subsequent madness that arouses inner demons. A psychological thriller for sure, The Quiet Ones will also show at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival June 23 to the 27th. More details on this project are at the homepage below.

The synopsis for The Quiet Ones here:

"A young man's rapid descent into madness, fueled by memories of a distant past of painful family experiences. A disturbed young man named Michael (Ciesielski) believes a normal relationship in the form of a blossoming new love interest named Isabel (Bee) may save him from his own demons, only to find that recurring nightmares and memories of the past that center around his abusive father (Gains) are too strong for any one love to quiet" (Bloody).

Release Date: June 6th (Limited Release).

Director/writer: Amel J. Figueroa

Courtney Gains, Bill Allen, Reggie Bannister, Adam Ciesielski, Brea Bee, Clayton Myers, Dennis Ronin, Jessica Browne-White, Nina Fluke, Vanessa Liu, Jeremy Zelig, Jennifer Butler, Laura Lynn Cottrel, Mark Lassise, and Warren Hemenway all star.

The trailer for for the film here:



More details on The Quiet Ones at the film's website:

The Quiet Ones Homepage

The Quiet Ones on Facebook:

The Quiet Ones on Facebook

The Hoboken Film Festival here:

The Hoboken Film Festival

Sources:

The Quiet Ones at Bloody Disgusting

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Sunday, May 30, 2010

The Shadow Within and Visits from the Afterlife: A Movie Review

Director: Silvana Zincolo.

Writers: Pascal Francaix, and Silvana Zincolo.

The distribution company MTI Home Video moved the period piece The Shadow Within to DVD May 25th in North America. This film is based on the novel “Les Meres Noires” by Pascal Francaix and takes a supernatural look at two identical brothers: one who dies at birth and another who lives with the remnants of his brother's spirit within himself. This film is sparse on scares or intensity until the finale where one mother's abusive behaviour is returned in a violent matter. Not a film from the usual Hollywood mold, The Shadow Within offers a slow burning story with lots of mystery, interesting costumes and an excellent performance from Kate Winslet's little sister, Beth Winslet (Nicked), and the young protege Laurence Belcher.

The writing begins with the death of Jacques Dumont in childbirth and moves into a small Italian village where mother, Marie Dumont (Hayley J. Williams) copes with the loss through anger. The second brother, Maurice is humiliated with beatings from Marie, while channeling his brother's spirit during stressful times. The local women of the village who have also lost children early seek solace through Maurice's supernatural connection, but find an early grave instead. Cue the showdown between mother and both sons.

This is Italian director Silvana Zancolo's fourth film and already he has won an award for this production at the Salerno International Film Festival (Festival Trophy). The reason for the positive reception is in the believable set design that shows a World War II era with dark costume designs that while somber draw the viewer in to the period. English accents distract from a 1940s Italy; yet, the large open houses and small city feel will bring one back into the film.

The musical direction from composer Paulo Marzocchi brings to life what could be dull moments with chilling compositions and the slow, early pacing of the film is triumphed by the film's performances. The Shadow Within seems like a play with the focus on one primary set, Marie Dumont's house, and sparse intensity in the first half of the film is building the suspense for Jacques return from the afterlife. The horror DVD review site Movie Room Reviews says of the eerie score which frames the film "we realize just how much the eerie music...adds to this film, as is often the case with supernatural thrillers" (MovieRoom). As well, Beth Winslet, who is the spitting image of her sister plays a caring protagonist and Belcher's characterization is simply natural and brilliant.

The only elements that detract from a viewing of The Shadow Within are the slow build in the film and the lack of interesting action early. This film requires patience. As well, European direction, as a generalization, is more character driven with a focus on story and told in a laid back fashion, which is different from the many Hollywood features that will use action and conflict to drive viewers to theatres. This is not your typical thriller and nor should it be, as The Shadow Within shows what imagination and excellent writing can drive a film to a climactic, entertaining conclusion. Movie Room sums up the film in much the same manner "an excellent film with surprising parts" (MovieRoom).

Photograpny/composition/camera techniques: 6 (the visual sphere is kept simple probably due to budget).
Director/control of scenes: 6 (primarily shot within one set, few outdoor shots).
Symbolism/types/meanings: 6.75 (one of the few films that actually uses any - bravo).

Overall: 6.25 out of 10 (break up some of the earlier scenes with a few surprises or attempts at thrills and chills)

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The Shadow Within
at MTI Home Video:

The Shadow Within at the Film's Distributors

A second review of the film"

A The Shadow Within Reviewed at Movie Room Reviews

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Jennifer Chambers Lynch shows Venom in these Hisss Film Posters


Jennifer Chambers Lynch is the daughter of the notable David Lynch and Hisss is Jennifer's latest production after the very chilling cop drama Surveillance, in which she won Best Director at the New York City Horror Film Festival. In Hisss a mythical creature transforms into a human body in order to track down her missing lover. A teaser for Lynch's Hisss shows the creature in both forms while also displaying some of the bloodier kills from the film. Keep your eyes partially closed then visit the teaser and two new movie posters for the film here.

The film’s tagline:

“She’s sexy… venomous… and she’ll swallow you whole…”

The synopsis for Hisss here:

"The story of Hisss follows a ruthless American who, fascinated by the ancient folklore of the Nagin, travels to India to find out the truth. In the jungles of India, he captures the mate of the Nagin for the magical powers of its Nagmani, a mythical gem embedded in its hood. The Nagin transforms into a femme fatale and comes to the modern world to track down her lover. She wreaks revenge on those who stand in the way of their reunion and also on her mate’s captors.

Her desperate search and subsequent quest for revenge results in a breakneck chase with a trail of bodies and narrow escapes" (Hisss).


Release Date: 2010.

Director/writer: Jessica Chambers Lynch.

Cast: Mallika Sherawat, Irrfan Khan, Jeff Doucette, and Divya Dutta.

A teaser trailer for Hisss can be found here

The Hisss Teaser

Sources:

Hisss on Horror Society

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Saturday, May 29, 2010

Say Aaah! Zombies! in this First Clip

Aaah! Zombies! is a Level 33 Entertainment production that rightfully blends horror with zombie and a little romance. The film will release September 28th and this trailer shows a group of friends turning into "super soldiers" by way of a toxic spill. The laughs unfold as four friends become very strange by accident while seeing life through rose coloured lenses. Plus, have a watch as two zombie characters make out, grotesquely, in this award winning feature (Screamfest Audience Award Winner).

The synopsis for Aaah! Zombies! here:

"Turning the zombie film on its head, "Aaah! Zombies!!" is an oddball comedy from the perspective of the brain munching monsters themselves" (Aaah!).

Release Date: September 28, 2010.

Director: Matthew Kohnen.

Writers: Matthew Kohnen and Sean Kohnen

Cast: Matthew Davis, Betsy Beutler, Colby French, Julianna Robinson, and Joel McCrary.

The trailer for the film here:



Aaah! Zombies! on Facebook:

Zombies! on FB

Sources:

Zombies! on Fearnet

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Metamorphosis to Transform Vampires to Dust August 10th

Christopher Lambert (Highlander) will star in Metamorphosis, which will release on DVD through MTI Home Video on August 10th. The film hosts an assortment of vampires and "supernatural forces" as a group of backpackers travels the Carpathian Mountains (Romania). Expect Lambert to break out the trusty blades as Constantine in this Austrian shot film.

The trailer for Metamorphosis here:

"While researching the legend of the Blood Countess, in the wilds of the Carpathian Mountains, three young Americans pick up an attractive stranger who will take them on the journey of their lives. From a mountain fortress, they must outwit and elude the Vampire and supernatural forces closing in on them. As the fast-paced, horrifying action accelerates, the pieces of an ancient puzzle begin to fall into place" (MTI).

Release Date: August 10th (DVD).

Director:Jenö Hodi

Writers: Tibor Fonyodi, and Jeno Hodi.

Cast: Christopher Lambert, Corey Sevier, Charlie Holloway and Irena A. Hoffman.

A low quality trailer for the film here:



Metamorphosis on MTI:

Metamorphosis at MTI

The film's website:

The metamorphosis Homepage

*Special Features: 16:9 Widescreen Format, 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, Making of "Metamorphosis", Interactive Menus, Scene Selection, Trailers and Optional Spanish Subtitles.

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Jason Horton's Trap Now Available on DVD

Trap is a film from director Jason Horton (Edges of Darkness) that is one part psychological thriller, another part crime drama and a final part that is a twisted romance. The film has moved to DVD today on Amazon and those who like suspense, drama and tales of kidnapping need to check out Horton's latest. One of the first reviews for Trap can be found (here) on 28DLA.

The synopsis for Trap here:

"A routine kidnapping goes bad when the middle aged kidnapper falls in love with his teenaged captive. Walter, a middle-aged ex-con fresh out of jail, has been consumed by guilt over his leaving his family behind when he went to prison. Out now, he tries to re-establish a relation with his only living relative, his meth-addicted daughter Tori.

Tori wants nothing to do with Walter and to get rid of him hooks him up with a kidnapping scheme, headlined by the volatile Franklin. Franklin appears nervous and unstable, but there’s more than meets the eye there. Franklin and Walter take delivery of Tennessee, the 15-year-old, and hold her until the ransom is paid. This plan goes to hell, when Walter falls in love with Tennessee.

Does she love him as well, or is she just using him to escape Franklin?"

Release Date: May 29th, 2010 (DVD).

Director: Jason Horton.

Writer: Jason Horton.

Cast: Ashton Blanchard, Alonzo F. Jones, Robert Kitchen, Allen Perada, AnneMarie Pazmino, and Reggie Jernigan.

The feature length trailer for Trap here:



Purchasable:



The Trap homepage (orders available here as well):

Trap Homepage

Trapon Facebook (fan page):

Trap on FB

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Friday, May 28, 2010

Creature of Darkness and Unbelievable Characters: A Movie Review

Director/writer: Mark Stouffer.

MTI Home Video is a company based in Miami, Florida that has released over a hundred titles in the last few years with a twenty-five year record of promoting film in the distribution business. MTI releases slightly under the radar, independent films like Warrior Angels, 13th Child and many, many more. One of this distribution company's latest releases is Creature of Darkness from Emmy Award nominee Mark Stouffer (Dog Gone), which was released on DVD April 13th, 2010. This science fiction geared production puts an eight foot tall alien human collector up against several annoying and unlikeable twenty-something adults in a climactic battle for supremacy of the campground! This film's many flaws are sometimes overlooked if one is able to laugh at human suffering and stupid choices.

Creature of Darkness can be summed up quite quickly; an alien creature dresses up as a fishmonger to capture unintelligent lifeforms, known as humans, via a vertebrate entangling weapon. This is the plot in a nutshell and while the film sets up a sequel, here is one vote that proper funding is acquired for the next.

The first thirty minutes of the film seem rushed with many, many errors unfolding early. A quick parsed down list of flaws include: continuity errors, sound editing problems, broken up pacing, unexplained character actions, unlikeable - often constantly screaming characters, and, honestly, the list goes on and on. However, if one sits back and lets the bizarre story unfold a subtle charm comes through as observed by the independent film review site Horror Society "[Creature of Darkness] is filled with both romantic and ‘gung-ho, we’re gonna get ‘em' dialogue of the toxic variety and some very bad CGI work...nonetheless proves charming" (Horror). As well, the cast is not very hard on the eyes and a few lines of dialogue late in the picture lighten a film that in no way should be taken seriously.

This B-movie, and that is what this is, is jammed packed with villainous protagonists who would rather fight each other than come up with a plan to combat the disappearance of 5+ friends. The soulful girl, bitchy - annoying she-devil, self-destructive gangbanger, conflicted hero, easy-go-lucky student, carefree daredevil and a few more hackneyed characters show a pattern of such dysfunction that viewers will soon be rooting for the alien to kill every last character! The film site Jo Blo sums up the characterizations nicely "each one of these characters is a complete moron (and/or) asshole" (Joblo). This point is repeated for effect. Constant screaming, bickering, and annoying dialogue will make one want to reach in to the screen for vengeance!

Yet, a few more positives grace the film including some good make-up effects, a loose story about facing your fears, and did this reviewer mention there is a vertebrate weapon (this is a first). But that about ends the pluses, with the film getting an A for effort and a C to a D for impact and execution. Joblo concludes the film well with "the title and the story seemed filled with promise." However, one too many stupid behaviours acted out by the characters and an apparently drunk film editor makes Creature of Darkness seem like a film set amongst a group of pyromaniacal mentally challenged kids, rather than a group of fun, or heroic adults.

Writing/story/plot: 4 (what there is a story?).
Action/interaction/characters: 4 (lines like: "I know this terrain. Let's be ingenious!" are completely laughable).
Editing/continuity/pacing: 3.4 (some big problems here in the first 30 minutes, some of the film is like watching a dubbed martial arts film).

Overall: 3.75 (Stouffer has taken camp to new levels while trying to make a somewhat serious B-Movie).

A review of Creature of Darkness at Horror Society:

Creature at Horror Society

At Joblo (funny review here):

Creature at Joblo

At your own risk. If you purchase this film, undoubtedly, you will experience a burst appendix:



Have a look at Creature of Darkness at MTI Home Video, which has one of the largest catalogues in the distribution business:

Creature at MTI Video

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Film Friday Goes back to 2009 for Zombie Short Sleepwalkers

Sleepwalkers, from Ryan Lightbourn, is a grindhouse style horror short that envisions a world gone amok and a world where friend will turn on friend rather than face infection. Clocking in at five minutes, Sleepwakers is the winner of "Best Overall" at the 2nd annual Zombie Film Festival held in Orlando, Fl. and another great addition to Film Friday. While the material is mature the film is simply a lot of fun; have a look at the full short inside.


Release Date: 2009.

Director/writer: Ryan Lightbourn.

*Featured in indymogul.com 's "The Best Short Films in the World Episode - 12"

Sleepwalkers (2nd Annual Zombie Film Festival Winner) from Ryan Lightbourn on Vimeo.


A few more details on the film here:

Sleepwalkers at Vimeo

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A Nude Nuns with Big Guns Set Visit and Exclusive Stills

Nude Nuns with Big Guns continues to gather momentum and support while distribution for North America moves ahead with talks. A set report shows the ladies of the habit unloading shotgun shells and menacing others with .357 Magnums in these exclusive stills. Not to be outdone are several bikers shown below who would like nothing more than to shut central character Sarah's trail of revenge down. Get acquainted with gorgeous nuns, some dirty bikers and a whole slew of grindhouse funsploitation in these most recent movie stills.

The synopsis for Nude Nuns with Big Guns here:

"Nude Nuns with Big Guns follows the revenge of Sister Sarah after she is raped, drugged, and abused by a sinister clergy sect and a rogue motorcycle gang. She unleashes her own unique brand of forgiveness as she shows them that hell hath no fury like a Nude Nun with a Big Gun!" (Bill Oberst).

One of several bikers representing Los Muertos (The Dead):



Asun Ortega as Sister Sarah preparing for gun fire in the confessional booth.


Director: Joseph Guzman.

Writer: Joseph Guzman, and Robert James Hayes II.

Producer: Joseph Guzman, Robert James Hayes II, Maysam Mortazavi

Cast: Asun Ortega, Monica Ramon, Tomas Boykin, Jessica Elder, Bill Oberst Jr. Devanny Pinn, Ivet Corvea, Tiffany Cache, Maxie J. Santillan Jr. and Tawny Amber Young.

The Nude Nuns Homepage:

NNWBG Homepage

Nude Nuns on Facebook - become a fan (dozens more photos here - some nudity)!

NNWBG on FB

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[Rec] 2 Red Band Trailer is Bloodier than Ever!

Magnolia Pictures is releasing a Red Band Trailer for [Rec] 2 which highlights some of the film's bloodier more action-packed moments. Available below, [Rec] 2 picks up where the first movie left off plus fifteen minutes and the virus in a small apartment complex continues to spread. If you are nineteen or older enjoy the clip inside.

The synopsis for [Rec] 2 here:

"The highly anticipated sequel to one of the scariest films of all time, [REC] 2 picks up 15 minutes from where we left off, taking us back into the quarantined apartment building where a terrifying virus has run rampant, turning the occupants into mindlessly violent, raging beasts. A heavily armed SWAT team and a mysterious government official are sent in to assess and attempt to neutralize the situation. What they find inside lies beyond the scope of medical science—a demonic nightmare of biblical proportions more terrifying than they could have possibly imagined. Above all it must be contained, before it escapes to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting world outside" (Magnet).

Release: June 4th (VOD) July 9, 2010 (Theatrical).

Director/writer: Jaume Balagueró.

Cast: Manuela Velasco, Leticia Dolera, and Ferran Terraza.

The Red Band trailer here:



The official website for the film:

[Rec] 2 Homepage

Become a fan of [Rec] 2:

[Rec] 2 on Facebook

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Seance Debuts on 28DLA for Film Friday

Seance is a horror short from the heart of the Czech Republic and this nineteen minute feature is a stellar addition for Film Friday. This is Robin Kasparik's second film and Seance is a story about two devious characters after money. Except in this film the one who owes money is long since dead. Have a look at a feature that has screened at twenty plus film festivals and won several awards, below.

The synopsis for Seance here:

"Narrates the story of three people, who are trying to find the fortune of a deceased baroness through a spiritualistic séance. But things will go a bit differently than they planned" (IMDB).

Director: Robin Kasparik.

Writers: Robin Kasparik, and David Nedoma.

Cast: Marie Durnova, Klara Jandova, Zdenek Julina, and Pavel Novy.

The full feature for Seance:


Seance from Robin Kasparik on Vimeo.


More details on the film here:

Seance Homepage

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Survival of the Dead Contest and Premiere Locations

Survival of the Dead is releasing theatrically today across many cities today, with the Video-on-demand release last month (April 30th Xbox Live, Amazon, Playstation) and now Magnet Releasing is promoting the premiere with a contest here on 28DLA. Readers must answer two questions about the film below and submit their details to the link provided and winners will win one copy of either Donkey Punch or Toby Wilkins' Splinter. For those wanting to see Survival of the Dead in person all the theatre locations for the premiere are located below.

A recap of Survival of the Dead here:

"Off the coast of Delaware sits the cozy Plum Island where two families are locked in a struggle for power, as it has been for generations. The O'Flynn's, headed by patriarch Patrick O'Flynn (Kenneth Welsh) approach the zombie plague with a shoot-to-kill attitude. The Muldoons, headed by Shamus Muldoon (Richard Fitzpatrick), feel that the zombies should be quarantined and kept 'alive,' in hopes that a solution will someday be found.

The O'Flynn's, who are clearly outnumbered, are forced to exile Patrick by boat to the mainland, where he meets up with a band of soldiers, headed by Guardsman Sarge (Alan Van Sprang). They join forces and return to the island, to find that the zombie plague has fully gripped the divided community.

Continues...

As the battle between humans and zombies escalates, the master filmmaker continues to reinvent the modern horror genre with wicked humor and pointed social commentary"(Magnet).

Release: May 28, 2010 (Theatrical).

Director/writer: George A. Romero.

Cast: Alan Van Sprang, Kenneth Welsh, Joris Jarsky, Kathleen Munroe, Devon Bostick, Richard Fitzpatrick, Athena Karkanis, Stefano DiMatteo, Eric Woolfe, and Julian Richings.

Premiere Locations:

Atlanta, GA: Midtown Art Cinemas 8
Cambridge, MA: Kendall Square Cinema
Durham, NC: Carolina Theatre - Durham
Chicago, IL: Music Box
Austin, TX: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Denver, CO: Mayan Theatre
Santa Ana, CA: South Coast Village 3
San Diego, CA: Ken Cinema
West Los Angeles, CA: Nuart Theatre
Minneapolis, MN: Lagoon Cinema
New Haven, CT: Criterion Cinemas 7
Hartford, CT: Real Art Ways Cinema
New York, NY: Village East Cinemas
Philadelphia, PA: Ritz at the Bourse
Seattle, WA: Varsity Theatre
Santa Cruz, CA: Del Mar Theatre 4
San Francisco, CA: Lumiere Theatre 3
Berkeley, CA: Shattuck Cinemas 10
San Jose, CA: Camera 12
University City, MO: Tivoli Theatre
Washington, DC: E Street Cinema

Opening

6/4/2010
Hartford, CT: Real Art Ways Cinema

6/11/2010
Palm Desert, CA: Cinemas Palme D'Or 7
Dickson, IL: Midway Drive In

6/17/2010
Tempe, AZ: MADCAP Theaters 3

6/18/2010
Kansas City, MO: Screenland Crossroads Theatre
Asheville, NC: Carolina Asheville 14
Pittsburgh, PA: Harris Theatre

6/25/2010
Tucson, AZ: The Loft Cinema
Shreveport, LA: Robinson Film Center
Rochester, NY: Dryden Theatre

6/26/2010
Columbus, OH: Gateway 8

7/2/2010
Salem, MA: Cinema Salem 3

*Release and Indemnification for the Survival of the Dead contest:

By entering the sweepstakes, entrants release and hold harmless 28DLA and Magnet Releasing and each of its respective parents, divisions, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents and advertising agencies from and against any and all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the sweepstakes or participation in any sweepstakes - related activity (including without limitation the removal from the site of, or discontinuation of access to, any materials), or resulting directly or indirectly, from acceptance,possession, use, or misue of any prized awarded in connection with the sweepstakes, including without limitation personal injury, death, and /or property damage, as well as claims based on publicity rights, defamation, and/or invasion of privacy.

*Both of the answers to these questions can be answered here or at the film's website/Facebook Page:

1) Name the two feuding families in the film.

2) What was the VOD release date for Survival of the Dead?

*Send your answers and address details to 28dayslateranalysis[at]gmail.[com] (remove parenthesis and at to @) with Survival of the Dead Contest in the subject line. Good luck and see the film!

Have a look at the film's latest trailer at the Survival of the Dead homepage:

Survival of the Dead Homepage

Survival of the Dead on Facebook:

Survival of the Dead on Fb

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The Dead Matter with a Special Edition July 30th

Midnight Syndicate Films will be releasing a special edition of The Dead Matter starring Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead). This latest will be available July 30th and the DVD will include two additional soundtracks. The story for The Dead Matter follows a desperate young woman who wants to contact her recently deceased brother and instead finds an ancient artifact that can control the dead (Bloody). Have a look at a preview for this film until the July 30th showing draws near.

The synopsis for The Dead Matter here:

"A guilt-ridden young woman desperate to contact her deceased brother discovers a powerful ancient relic that controls the dead. Her dark obsession drags her into the tangled world of two warring vampire lords (Andrew Divoff of Lost, Wishmaster and Tom Savini of Friday the 13th, Dawn of the Dead) each with his own sinister plans for the artifact and a vampire hunter (Jason Carter of Babylon 5) who will stop at nothing to destroy it. This chilling gothic dark fantasy co-produced by Robert Kurtzman (creator of From Dusk Till Dawn, KNB FX) features a haunting score by Halloween musicians Midnight Syndicate. It's a mix of classic horror themes with modern twists and a touch of dark humor that will keep you on the edge of your seat" (Bloody Disgusting).

Release Date: July 30th (DVD).

Director: Edward Douglas.

Writers: Tony Demci, and Edward Douglas.

Cast: Andrew Divoff, Jason Carter, Tom Savini, Dick Dyszel and Chuck Schodowski.

The most recent trailer for The Dead Matter here:



The Dead Matter on Facebook:

The Dead Matter on FB

The Dead Matter Homepage:

The Dead Matter Official Website

Sources:

The Dead Matter at Bloody Disgusting

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Something Lurks in the Deep within Amphibious 3D

Amphibious 3D bills itself as "The First Dutch 3D Horror Movie" and Michael Pare (Kinky Killers), Jana Fassaert (Couples Retreat), and Monica Sayangbati are set to star in this Indonesian shot creature feature. The film was photographed in stereoscopic 3D and the film's story involves a biologist on the hunt for prehistoric life form samples (UHM). Be careful what you wish for. The film is still in production yet the full cast list is available along with a synopsis and official website below.

Tagline:

"Terror is About to Surface" (Amphibious).

The synopsis for Amphibious 3D:

"Marine biologist, Skylar Shane [Janna Fassaert], hires an expat charter boat captain, Jack Bowman [Michael Paré], to help her find prehistoric life form samples in the north Sumatran Sea. During the expedition, they run into some of Jack’s ‘friends’, a gang of smugglers headquartered on a fishing platform in the middle of the sea. Tamal, an orphan sold into servitude on the fishing platform by his uncle, a ‘Dukun’ [sorcerer and master of black magic] shaman, begs Skylar to take him away.

Continues...

She empathizes with the boy who reminds her of her lost daughter, Rebecca, and is determined to help him, not knowing what lurks beneath the dark inky water, waiting to surface. Ever since Tamal arrived, mysterious things begin to happen, until one by one the smugglers will be killed by the terrifying creature from the deep. In the middle of an eerie, violent storm, the animus inside Tamal grows stronger, calling for the ancient creature of his nightmares. Now Skylar and Jack must battle the terror – once locked deep in the abyss by an old civilization, as it is now about to resurface…" (UHM).

*Something very large this way comes.



Release Date: 2010-11.

Director: Brian Yuzna.

Writers: Brian Yuzna, John Penney, and S.P. Somtow.

Cast: Francis Magee, Verdi Solaiman, Francis Bosco, Mikael C. Jehian, Bambang B.S., Steven Baray, and Mohammad Aditya.

Visit the official website for this pic' below:

Amphibious 3D Homepage

Sources:

Amphibious 3D Stills at Upcoming Horror Movies

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Frog Brothers Reunite in this Lost Boys: The Thirst Trailer

Lost Boys: The Thirst has likely not even completed shooting in South Africa and already a teaser trailer is available courtesy of Hollywood Media Bridge. Have a look at the Frog brothers re-teaming up to take on some bloodsuckers. Thanks to Upcoming Horror Movies for the movie still seen left

The synopsis for Lost Boys: The Thirst:

"The thankless life of a vampire hunter has taken its toll on Edgar Frog. After losing best friend and fellow vamp fighter, Sam, he has started to let himself slide. He’s down to selling his prized comic book collection just to pay rent on a decrepit trailer when stunning vampire novelist Gwen approaches with an offer. She needs him to find her brother who has gone missing after getting sucked into a series of underground raves, called 'The Gathering,' held by an enigmatic spinner named DJ Dusk.

Continues...

In a last, frantic message he mentioned being given a new party drug known as The Thirst, which turned out to be a mixture of ecstasy and vampire blood. Gwen shows Edgar a vile of the The Thirst, explaining DJ Dusk must be a head vampire and he’s using his parties to raise an undead army. With the last rave, 'The Final Gathering,' only days away Edgar must assemble a vamp-hunting team worthy of crashing the party, and hopes to include his reclusive brother who’s dealing with his own dark past. Before the battle is over Edgar will discover there is a greater evil at work and must face his most haunting fear" (UHM).

Release Date: 2010 (DVD)

Director: Dario Piana.

Writer: Evan Charnov.

Cast: Corey Feldman, Jamison Newlander, Tanit Phoenix, Sean Cameron Michael, Matthew Dylan Roberts, Joe Vaz, Felix Mosse, and Seb Castang.

More details on the film at Upcoming Horror Movies found here:

Lost Boys: The Thirst trailer here:



Sources:

Lost Boys: The Thirst at Shock Till You Drop

Lost Boys: The Thirst at Upcoming Horror Movies

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Author Steffan Postaer Talks Zombies and Social Media!

Steffan Postaer is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the advertising firm Euro RSCG based in Chicago. Steffan has a degree in film and creative writing from the University of Wisconsin and while having already written "Happy Soul Industry" this part-time author shares some thoughts on advertising, horror, and the addiction of social media. Have a read of one of this guest writer's finest articles where Steffan talks of "ravenous creatures...[who] must suck the essence of life out of other[s]...or die!" (Gods of Advertising).

"In the highly entertaining Tobe Hooper film, Life Force the human population are turned into ravenous creatures that must suck the essence of life out of other human beings every few minutes or die. Without going into plot (in this case alien invasion), the streets of London are quickly turned into a maelstrom of carnage. Half dead zombies grab onto the living, draining them. The drained then come back to 'life' looking for new victims to drain. And so on.

Typically, zombies do not dwell on one meal for long. Unthinking creatures, they rip into one victim after another, leaving the dead and dying in their relentless search for fresher meat. Of course, the bitten quickly “turn” and well you know the rest.

It’s pretty scary…the stuff of nightmares. Many observers have likened the popularity of zombies in our culture to not-so-latent fears about the economy or terrorism; that these ghouls symbolize a loss of control. It also has been suggested that we see ourselves in these mindless creatures, an even scarier thought -for how quickly our appetites run amok. Neither view is wrong. As one of the remaining mortals exclaims during George Romero’s remake of his own classic film, Night of the Living Dead: 'we are them.'

Perhaps sadly, it’s also a metaphor for the effect social media is having on more and more of us every day. Earlier, I wrote an essay calling us “content zombies.” No longer able to process information, we rip through new media biting and chewing and spitting out content, barely digesting any of it. Ravenously, we move on to the next. Indeed, barely chewed facts, items and stories pass through us onto the web like offal. Our constant tweets and updates are mere bits and pieces, carrying links like so many worms, each containing the shred of something devoured earlier. Or something like that.

I myself am turning. Last night I tried reading an article in a magazine. I found myself jumping over paragraphs, skipping entire chunks, gluttonous. Unsatisfied, I started another article. Then another. Within minutes I was in front of my laptop lapping up more, more and more!

Already an addictive personality, once I taste blood I cannot stop gorging. The more I feast the less I retain. A vicious cycle if ever there was one. God help me for I am a content zombie. I am legend."

Visit Steffan's website for more informative articles which blend horror and advertising, while often satirizing:

Steffan Postaer at Gods of Advertising

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The Asylum Outshows Prince of Persia with The 7 Adventures of Sinbad on DVD

The 7 Adventures of Sinbad is an Asylum production that bills itself as "the original Prince of Persia" (Asylum). Released on DVD yesterday, May 25th, Sinbad stars Patrick Muldoon (The Steam Experiment) as a hero who "must complete seven tasks in order to save the world from catastrophe" (Asylum). Have a look at a clip for the film that makes The 7 Adventures of Sinbad look like one of The Asulum's finest.

The plot summary for the film here:

"Sinbad, the original Prince of Persia, must complete seven task in order to save the world from catastrophe" (Asylum).

Release Date: May 25th.

Directors/writers: Adam Silver and Ben Hayflick.

Starring: Patrick Muldoon, and Bo Svenson.

The trailer for the flick here:



Purchase now:



The 7 Adventures
at The Asylum:

T7AOFS at The Asylum

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R Shakes Denmark's Prison System at LAFF June 18th

The prison thriller R, from Denmark, will have a North American premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival June 18th. The trailer and the picture show a tough prison underworld where each inmate must fight with the other to stay alive. Yet, friendships still manage to develop across racial boundaries in "Denmark's most notorious prison" (R). Have a watch of a trailer that will make most viewers rethink a criminal life.

The synopsis for R here:

"Shot on location in the oldest standing prison in Denmark, this powerful drama traces the intertwined fates of two newly incarcerated inmates. The R of the title stands for Rune—played in a courageous lead performance by up-and-coming Pilou Asbæk—a cocky, good-looking young inmate placed in a hardcore ward where the other cons are twice his size. R also stands for Rashid, a young Muslim prisoner who becomes Rune’s friend and accomplice, challenging the highly charged racial tension that runs through the prison’s population. Pungently physical, utterly unsentimental, R pulls no punches as it takes us deep inside the dank walls of Denmark’s most notorious prison" (R).

Release Date: June 18th (North American Premiere).

Director: Tobias Lindholm and Michael Noer.

Screenwriters: Tobias Lindholm, and Michael Noer.

Editor: Adam Nielsen.

Cast: Pilou Asbæk, Roland Møller, and Dulfi Al-Jabouri.

The trailer for R here:



R on Facebook:

R on FB (Danish Site)

R at LAFF 2010:

R at LAFF

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