Friday, July 30, 2010

Nightmares in Red, White and Blue and Insights: A Movie Review

Director: Andrew Monument.

Writer: Joseph Maddrey.

Narrrator: Lance Henriksen.

Nightmares in Red, White and Blue will be released on DVD September 28th of this year and recently Gravitas Ventures has made this film available on VOD (formats below). This documentary on horror filmmaking highlights the icons in the genre like Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw 2), John Carpenter (Halloween), Larry Cohen (Maniac Cop), George A. Romero (Land of the Dead) and many more. As well, horror films in American media are covered over the span of a hundred years, with insight from each decade's political influences. The film is enjoyable for director Andrew Monument's introduction of psychological concepts like in-group/out-groups, the universality of fear, and the influence of imagination in the success of horror filmmaking.

The film is set up in an interview fashion with directors offering their personal takes on specific films e.g. Psycho, The Exorcist. Each decade in the 1900s are looked at plus the filmmakers tackle the influence of European horror in the genre during this decade. Roger Corman, Joe Dante, and Mick Garris talk about the love and peace generation of the '60s and the political corruption of the '70s and '80s. Each of these topics are related to specific films like Cat People or They Live starring Roddy Piper. The film, due to time limits, covers these films as a general overview.

There is a lot of information in Nightmares in Red, White and Blue, so viewers, or horror cinephiles may need to watch the film twice to soak everything in. However, the film does focus well on horror's ability to reduce the fear of death through catharsis, or seeing and creating what makes one afraid. As well, the film shows how man is still living in a tribe mentality, which makes one fear or see others who are different as threats. This is knowledge that is used to turn the viewer's fears in up on itself to horrify the viewer through his or her own imagination. Not showing a threat, but making one see one's own fear is a device that is discussed by the many personalities in the film.

This Monument production is available now through Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Charter, Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, iTunes and Amazon VOD and this reviewer recommends that you check out this film if you are a devoted horror film lover. For adult audiences, Nightmares can be enjoyed because the film focuses on the best in the business, while giving insight in to the devices that have made horror so long lasting and appealing.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (-1 for shortness, -1 for no Eli Roth, -1 for not focusing more deeply on one or two films).

More details on the film at the Nightmares in Red, White and Blue here:

The Film's Homepage

A review of the film at Quiet Earth:

Nightmares Reviewed at Quiet Earth

Pre-orders:



Available on VOD:



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A Judy Escapes Clip for All About Evil

All About Evil will have a showing at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival on the 17th of August. In celebration, the film has released a movie clip for the film entitled "Judy Escapes?" Does she really? Judy, played by Ariel Hart, makes a quick run for the door, as other characters brandish knives. Have a look at the film inside.

A synopsis for All About Evil here:

"The evil begins when Deborah, a mousy librarian, inherits her father's beloved but failing old movie house, the Victoria. In order to save the family business, she discovers her inner serial killer-- and starts turning out a series of grisly short films" (All About Evil).

Release Date: August 17th (Limited Run).

Director/writer: Joshua Grannell.

Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Dekker, Cassandra Peterson, Mink Stole, Noah Segan, Jack Donner, Jade Ramsey, Nikita Ramsey, Ariel Hart, Ashley Fink, and Anthony Fitzgerald.

A clip for the film here:



A trailer for the film here:

All About Evil's Trailer Here at 28DLA

The film's website:

The All About Evil Homesite

All About Evil at Toronto After Dark:

All About Evil at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival

Sources:

All About Evil at Shock Till You Drop

Another film in which actress Natasha Lyonne starred:



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A Retro' Poster Review for Australian Horror Primal

IFC Films has picked up the Ozzie horror flick Primal for release September 21st. Primal turns a normal group of friends into something hideous when ancient art is found in a mysterious cave. The new poster, seen left, is very retro' with one blade holding back death. Re-watch the trailer for Primal inside.

The synopsis for the film here:

"Anja and four friends join anthropology student Dace on a journey to study a remote, ancient rock painting. Their excitement vanishes when Mel becomes delirious after skinny-dipping in the waterhole. Feverish, bleeding, confused, she physically and mentally regresses to a vicious predatory state. Mel has gone primal.

Mel's lover and friends realize they are the prey as she savagely hunts them down. Before they can escape another one of them starts to regress, posing a hideous choice; kill their friends or be killed by them. Their only hope of survival is through a cave, where Anja learns too late the meaning of the ancient rock art they came to study" (Bloody).

Release Date: September 23 (VOD).

Director: Josh Reed.

Writers: Nigel Christensen, and Josh Reed.

Cast: Krew Boylan, Lindsay Farris, Rebekah Foord, Damian Freelagus, Stephen Shanahan, Wil Travel and Zoe Tuckwell-Smith.

The trailer for the film is available here:

Primal Trailer on 28DLA

Or here:

The Primal Trailer on the Film's Homepage

Sources:

Primal at Horror Movies

Please visit 28DLA's sponsors Deadly Playthings:

The Deadly Playthings Collectibles

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The Chicago Horror Film Festival Announces Five in Attendance for 2010

The Chicago Horror Film Festival has announced five films to attend this years event. Death Stop Holocaust, The Sacred, Devil's Creek, Alice Jacobs is Dead, and Necronimicon will be in appearance and this film festival is still accepting film entries. The Devil's Creek is a thriller with a twist, as a would-be rescuer turns in to a sadistic killer. The blood unfolds on the big screen September 24th, with more details on the other entries at the Chicago Horror Film Festival website.

The synopsis for The Devil's Creek here:

"When a small town preacher is saved from a near death experience by a park ranger, he soon finds that his rescuer quickly becomes his captor" (Chicago)

Release Date: September 24th (Limited Run).

Director/writer: Mohit Ramchandani.

Cast: Adrian Alita, Benhamin Mathes, Christa Mathis, Richard Brestoff, and Peter David Parasiliti.

The trailer for the Devil's Creek here:



The Chicago Horror Film Festival on Facebook:

The Chicago Horror Film Festival on Facebook

The Chicago Horror Film Festival homepage:

The Chicago Horror Film Festival Official Website

One of Mohit Ramchandani previous films:



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The Dead Matter Releases Today on DVD and Stars Tom Savini

A special edition of The Dead Matter, a supernatural thriller, is being released today (July 30th). The film stars Tom Savini (Machete) as a vampire lord, who squares off against Andrew Divoff's (Knight Club) character Vellich. Worlds collide as both parties hope to atain an ancient artifact (The Dead Matter). The film comes with two additional CDs and an assortment of special features, which are listed below. Have a look at this film that has been described as "an ambitious effort for a first-time filmmaker" (Fearnet).

The synopsis for The Dead Matter here:

"The film tells the story of a guilt-ridden young woman (Sean Serino) desperate to contact her deceased brother who 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 and Tom Savini) each with his own sinister plans for the artifact and a vampire hunter (Jason Carter) who will stop at nothing to destroy it. Itis 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" (The Dead Matter).

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 trailer for the film here:



Available here:



DVD extras include:

-two Midnight Syndicate music videos
-the music video to Eternal Legacy’s song, The Dead Matter
-three of the finalists from Midnight Syndicate’s 13th Anniversary Video Contest
-audio commentary with the producers
-gag reels
-a feature-length behind-the-scenes production entitled Maximum Dead Matter (produced by Frank Purtiman of Smudgeline Studios, Maximum Dead Matter allows viewers to watch the film in one area of the screen while behind the scenes footage, interviews, location information, and concept art comparisons related to that scene play in other areas of the screen)

The Dead Matter motion picture:

The Dead Matter Homepage

Sources:

The Dead Matter at Fearnet

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Thursday, July 29, 2010

2001 Maniacs: Field of Dreams and The South Will Rise Again: A Movie Review

Director/writer: Tim Sullivan.

2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams is a follow-up to director Tim Sullivan's previous film, 2001 Maniacs, which was released in 2005. This second film is being distributed by First Look Studios on DVD and the film stars Bill Moseley (Babysitter Wanted), Lin Shaye (Dark Moon Rising) and Chrisa Campbell (Day of the Dead). The film clocks in at a short eight-six minutes and the film is really a silly, send-up of characters and cliches from the South. More comedy than horror, 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams is a mostly fun film experience, with gratuitous nudity and gore the tools Sullivan uses to entertain.

In summary, 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams follows a group of Southern rebels and patriots who are looking for revenge after their countrymen have been killed, or mutilated in The Revolutionary War. So, this travelling group of hillbillies and rednecks tour the lower states in search of Northern victims, who they eat upon capture. A spoof of Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie's "The Simple Life" is thrown in and performed by the much prettier and talented actresses Katy Marie Johnson (Nightfall), and Asa Hope, as Rome and Tina Sheraton.

In this sequel there are a few changes. The part of Mayor Buckman, previously played by Robert Englund, is now played by Bill Moseley. Also, the more lifelike sheep from the first film have been replaced by a more stuffed version in this second film (Killer Reviews). Finally, in the first film this travelling Southern circus was comprised of ghosts, but now they have a more physical quality (Movie Cynics). However, the racism from the first film has been amplified, with the Southerners hate for the North still stable.

In a nutshell, the film has some funny moments and director Sullivan shows that he is not afraid to take on politically incorrect subject matter. Lines like: "are you looking for the underground railroad," which are directed at black characters can be funny, if only for their ugly take on uncomfortable subject matter. Not many directors would go to these darker comedic places. As well, some jokes take on the homosexuality from Brokeback Mountain and add in a bloodier layer, with a broken back for one of the characters the end result.

The film also does not shy away from showing many of the actresses topless for visual appeal. Actresses Andrea Leon, Christa Campbell and others disrobe at various times throughout the movie before slicing and dicing, or electrocuting the Northeners. Even actress Shaye gets in on the act with a steamy version of Fame. The nudity is not overdone, but Sullivan seems to be targeting male audiences more than female in these frequent displays.

2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams is for fans of horror who also like comedy and can handle political incorrectness. The film offers a few spoofs along the way and the film is recommendable as long as you are not expecting a lot plotwise nor in the area of character development. This is simply some shallow fun, which can be enjoyed for some of the cringe-worthy humour.

Acting/believability/consistency: 6.75 (nothing too exceptional nor poor here).
Directing/control of overall production: 6.5 (the story seems to jump around a lot).
Plot/story/writing: 7 (not many stories cover the South anymore).

Overall: 6.75 out of 10.

A review of the film at Movie Cynics:

2001 Maniacs at Movie Cynics

A review of the film at Brutal Shell:

2001 Maniacs at Brutal Shell

The film reviewed at Killer Reviews:

2001 Maniacs Reviewed at Killer Reviews

The film on Facebook:

2001 Maniacs on FB

Available since July 20th through First Look Studios:



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Zombie Office and Bellyaches: A Short Movie Review


Director/writer: Johan A. Kruger.

The horror short "Zombie Office" is, in this opinion, the best feature in the latest and last Horror Vault anthology. The Horror Vault 3 has five stories in total, which include "A Christmas Haunting," "Undone," "Unchangeable," "The Psychomanteum," and the title, which will be reviewed here, "Zombie Office." This undead short is director Johan A. Kruger's second production at the helm and the feature offers enough comedy to make the film interesting and fun. This film stands out from the others by offering not only comedy, but a likable protagonist, who goes through the film stapling the many deadheads in the film.

The film begins with Jacob (Jonathan Baker) returning to the office only to find that a new boss has stepped in. This new head honcho has a flair for being a dominatrix and for testing her employee's resolve. In fact, Jacob spends most of his time being chased by the "Dominatrix Boss" (Sara Dee), or by her less communicative zombie cohorts. The ending is tragic and the finale pokes fun at the millions of office drones who go to work each day in a zombie-like trance.

"Zombie Office" is low budget, but the film is well-written and offers enough humourous moments to make the film re-watchable. Jacob does his best John Rambo by wearing a red bandanna and his use of the stapler as a deadly weapon is second to none. The use of comedy and a plotline involving the repetitiveness of work makes this film important amongst the four other films in The Horror Vault 3 film anthology.

This film and the ones mentioned above have been available on DVD since July 13th. The other shorts are entertaining and sometimes horrific, but none outshines Kruger's "Zombie Office." Check out this film and the others if you are in the mood for a film which offers a few light-hearted laughs along the way.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (-1 for the quality of film or digital, -1 for shortness, -.5 for a slightly unsatisfying ending, been seen before).

The film's trailer is here:

The Horror Vault 3 Trailer

The film's website:

The Official Website for THV3

Available now:



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Dragon Con Goes Live with a List of Short and Feature Films

The Dragon Con Independent Film Festival has announced a full list of short and features films for the event. One of the largest film festivals in America, Dragon Con takes place in Atlanta, Georgia beginning September 3rd. This years feature highlights involve a zombie apocalypse taking place at a prom in As Good As Dead, two students trying to save the world from terrorists in Horrible Turn, and a prequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's story The Lord of the Rings in Born of Hope. This is only a brief intro' and fans of independent film and creativity can check out the schedule for the film festival below, or at the Dragon Con website.

The full synopsis for Born of Hope:

"A scattered people, the descendants of storied sea kings of the ancient West, struggle to survive in a lonely wilderness as a dark force relentlessly bends its will toward their destruction. Yet amidst these valiant, desperate people, hope remains. A royal house endures unbroken from father to son.

This hour long original drama is set in the time before the War of the Ring and tells the story of the Dúnedain, the Rangers of the North, before the return of the King. Inspired by only a couple of paragraphs written by Tolkien in the appendices of the Lord of the Rings we follow Arathorn and Gilraen, the parents of Aragorn, from their first meeting through a turbulent time in their people's history" (Born of Hope).


The short film selections include:

2095 by Troy Romeo – USA

8 Butterflies by Nick Narciso – USA

Aces and Eights by Matt Allen – USA

Aidan 5 by John Jackson – USA

Alice Jacobs is Dead by Alex Horwitz – USA

Alternative Dragon by Takehito WADA – Japan

ATTACKAZOIDS! by Brian Lonano – USA

Bad Mistake by Xavier Hibon – Belgium

Bottles by Jon Stout – USA

By Her Hand, She Draws You Down
by Anthony G. Sumner – USA

Chase Thompson, a film by Chase Thompson by Vincent Lin – USA

Conventional Wisdom by Kenney Broadway – USA

Desert of the Real by Tal Shamir – USA

Elusive Man by Mark Sanders, Marc Roussel – Canada

Every 28 Days by Kenny Chow – Canada

Frank DanCoolo: Paranormal Drug Dealer by Andrew Jones – USA

Hands Off! by Patrick Bosworth – USA

Happy Face by Franklin P. Laviola – USA

Heartless by Brandon McCormick – USA

Infinite by Afsaneh Zamani – Iran

It’s A Dog’s Life by Harley Hay – Canada

Jesus Comes To Town by Kamal John Iskander – USA

League of S.T.E.A.M. “The Fright Before Christmas” by Scott Folsom, Gail Folsom – USA

Leave Me by Dustin Ballard – USA

Leftovers by Paul Moore – USA

Lorelei by Steffan Schulz – USA

Merlot by Eduardo Munoz – USA

Mister Green by Greg Pak – USA

Mnemosyne Rising by Miguel Alvarez – USA

Necromance by Matt Munson – USA

Nickel Children by Kevin Eslinger – USA

Night of the Punks by Dan Riesser – USA

Nothin’ Noble by Derek Underwood – Panama

One Night by Laura Jean Cronin – USA

Qing Lou Nu by Bryan Hopkins – USA

Quartered at Dawn by Norbert Keil – Germany

Self-Inflicted by Davey Sherwinter – USA

Singularity by Stephen Griffin – USA

Solatrium by Chris Bower – USA

Strike by Jonas Klinkenbijl – Netherlands

Sunday Punch by Dennis Hauck – USA

Taylors Trophy by Jason Mcdonald – United Kingdom

The 3rd Letter by Grzegorz Jonkajtys – USA

The Devil’s Toy by Alex Lugones – USA

The Duty of Living by Brandon Hunt – USA

The Hatter’s Apprentice by Derek Meyer – USA

The Horseman by Ben Bays – USA

The Midge by Rory Lowe – United Kingdom

The Necronomicon by Joseph Nanni – Canada

The Pledge by Scott Wurth – Australia

The Tea Master by Aaron Au – Canada

The Tedious Existence of Terrell B. Howell by David Silverman – USA

Therapy by Kelley Slagle – USA

This Side Up by Eric Blue – USA

Trick of Light by J.A. Forbes – USA

Tub by Bobby Miller – USA

Whaling and the Inherent Dangers Therein by Joseph Sliker – USA

Written By by Karni Baghdikian – USA

Zombie Team Building by Nathan Blackwell – USA


The feature films selections include:

As Good as Dead
by Douglas Raymond – USA

Born of Hope by Kate Madison – United Kingdom

The film's website is found here:

The Born of Hope Website

Doctor ‘S’ Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies: The Movie by Bryan Ortiz – USA

Horrible Turn
by Chance McClain, Kevin Ryan – USA

Pushin’ Up Daisies by Patrick Franklin – USA

More info' on the Dragon Con Film Festival here w/a list of animations, as well:

Dragon Con Film Festival Lineup

Dragon Con on Facebook:

Dragon Con on Facebook

Please visit 28DLA's sponsors Deadly Playthings:

The Deadly Playthings Collectibles

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Eyes Beyond and Coded Messages: A Movie Review

Director/writer: Daniel Reininghaus.

Eyes Beyond is a Canadian horror short from director Daniel Reininghaus, which tackles the very large topic of mental illness, in a strange way. Viewers get to see a bi-polar episode on screen, as character Gabriel Morales (Reininghaus) forgets to take his medication. The film also stars Robert Nolan (Worm), Danielle Barker (Night Nurse) and Evan Eisenstadt. Eyes Beyond is a disturbing film to watch, but one that can also be confusing. As well, the film's message seems tacked on and could have been introduced earlier to clarify the film's premise.

In short, the Rogers family comes over to their neighbour's home, with a house warming gift. Soon, the Rogers find themselves tied up, after drinking a drug-laced drink. Now the Rogers undergo torture and humiliation, which is comparable to a Russian pogrom from the '30s. There is rape, there are amputations and there are knifings. However, this is all part of bi-polar, or schizophrenic episode and one character takes pain and suffering to a heavenly level.

This is one of the few films that has managed to disturb this viewer. The rape scene, torture and male homo-erotic scenes are difficult to enjoy and others will likely feel the same way. As well, the film seems to take place in reverse order, which works if well done e.g. Memento. Yet, this structure confuses the plot and left this movie watcher dumbfounded, until producer Elizabeth Rizzuto added in a few clues. This is not a luxury others will have.

The final message about suicide, in relation to mental illness, gives the film a social message, but this message really needed to come up earlier. Without becoming a public service announcement, the initial titles could have introduced a statistic or too. Instead, the film waits until the end to share such info'. Finally, relating suicide to mental illness even in an entertaining format is not a good service to those who are mentally ill and vulnerable. Suicide or suicidal ideation is a mental illness in and of itself and can be triggered by instances of suicide in media e.g. Kurt Cobain. So, while the film and director Reininghaus are attempting to create a film with a message there are better, more sensitive ways to go about this goal.

Eyes Beyond will have an appearance at the Fright Night Film Festival in Louisville, Kentucky beginning July 30th. For those who wish to push their comfort zone this film will please you, but the film might also confuse you as well. One final thought, while the film has flaws this is a good first outing for director Daniel Reininghaus and this reviewer knows that Reininghaus will be around, with more films, in the immediate future. More details on the film below.

Overall: 6.5 out of 10 (-1 for no intro' on the message, -1 for not explaining the film in the middle, -1 for overly disturbing images - leave some to the imagination -.5 for the subject matter and relating mental illness to suicide).

The film's homepage where the film is being sold:

The Official Website

Eyes Beyond on Facebook:

Eyes Beyond on FB

The film schedule for the Fright Night Film Fest:

Fright Night Film Fest'

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Cillian Murphy to Star with Thandie Newton in The Retreat

Cillian Murphy will star in an upcoming sci-fi thriller entitled The Retreat. Murphy will also star with Thandie Newton and the picture is about a virulent airborne virus, which infects the local population. However, a husband and wife survive the initial spread of the disease while vacationing on an isolated beach. This thriller will begin shooting in Wales this September and already distribution rights for the United Kingdom have been sold to Sony Pictures. Some further cast and crew details are below.

The synopsis for The Retreat here:

"A husband and wife rent a remote island cottage while trying to repair their marriage. One day they find a biohazard-suited soldier washed up on the beach, who warns them that everybody on the mainland has been killed by an airborne virus" (Deadline).

Director/writer: Carl Tibbetts.

Producer Gary Sinyor.

Executive Producer: David Frost.

Cast: Cillian Murphy and Thandie Newton.

Sources:

The Retreat at Deadlines

The Retreat at Shock Till You Drop

Another Cillian Murphy production that you may have heard of:



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The Titanic II to Sink Again August 24th on DVD

Titanic II from The Aylum will sink again on DVD August 24th and the first trailer is available for the film. In the clip Brooke Burns ("Baywatch") and Bruce Davison (X-Men) fight to stay off the bottom of the ocean, as a rogue wave intercepts a gianormous ocean liner. Keep the expectations low; then, step inside Titanic II's fateful voyage.

The synopsis for Titanic II here:

"On the 100th anniversary of the original voyage, a modern luxury liner christened "Titanic 2" follows the path of its namesake. But when a tsunami hurls an ice berg into the new ship's path, the passengers and crew must fight to avoid a similar fate" (The Asylum).

Release Date: August 24th, 2010 (DVD).

Director/writer: Shane Van Dyke.

Producers: David Michael Latt, David Rimawi, and Paul Bales.

Cast: Bruce Davison, Brooke Burns, Shane Van Dyke, and Marie Westbrook.

Aboard matey, the trailer for Titanic II here:



Titanic II
at The Asylum:

Titanic II at The Asylum

Sources:

Titanic II at Worst Previews

Available for pre-orders:



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Winner of Fangoria's Frightfest: Dark House to Premiere in Two Days!

Dark House, from director Darrin Scott, has been chosen by fans to receive a theatrical showing later this month. This film beat out seven other films in an online contest supported by Fangoria magazine. Now, Dark House will be shown in at least three cities including: New York, Dallas, and San Francisco. The film will premiere July 30th and continue until August 5th. The film itself is a haunted house styled film, where a group of actors become trapped within the confines of a possessed attraction. The film is laden with effects and Dark House will surely stop some hearts with the tale of a "children's massacre" (Fangoria). Have a look at all the premiere locations inside, along with the film's trailer.

A synopsis for Dark House below...

"Traumatized by an terrifying event in her youth, Claire Thompson tries to exorcise her demons by revisiting the old house where a terrible children's massacre took place. Now a haunted house attraction set up by impressario Walston Rey, the former foster home run by the evil Miss Darrode is set to open for the press and Walston recruits Claire and several of her fellow acting class students to perform as part of the show. Unfortunately, a series of horrible murders happen at the haunted house, generating from the malevolent spirit of the departed Miss Darrode" (28DLA).

Release Date: July 30th (Limited Theatrical).

Director: Darin Scott.

Writer: Karry Douglas Dye, and Darin Scott.

Cast: Meghan Ory, Jeffrey Combs, Diane Salinger, Matt Cohen, Bevin Prince, Shelly Cole, Ryan Melander, and Danso Gordon.

The trailer for Dark House below:



*Premiere locations:

Cinema Village - 22 East 12th Street - New York City, NY - Phone: (212) 924-3364

The Cinema Village Website

Landmark Theatres’ The Magnolia - West Village - 2699 McKinney Avenue - Dallas, TX Phone: (214) 764-9106

Ticket Info'

Landmark Theatres’ Opera Plaza Cinema - 601 Van Ness Avenue - San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 267-4893

Ticket Info'

Sources:

Fangoria's Frightfest Winner - Dark House

This reviewer's choice for Frightfest:



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Night of the Demons with a Confirmed Release Date and New DVD Art

The original release date for the new Night of the Demons was October, 2009 and then February, 2010 and now October, 2010. So, the film has had a bit of a struggle making its way to DVD, but now the official DVD artwork is here. As well, a new and improved synopsis is below. The film was filmed and takes place in New Orleans, where a Halloweeen party leads to a disturbing discovery. Get set for Angela (Shannon Elizabeth), Maddie (Monica Keena), Lily (Diora Baird), Suzanne (Bobbi Sue Luther), Colin (Edward Furlong), Dex (Michael Copon) and Jason (John F. Beach) to fight for their souls as the damned look to take possession. More details on the film inside.

The synopsis for Night of the Demons here:

"Angela Feld is throwing the Halloween party to end all Halloween parties at the infamous Broussard Mansion in New Orleans, where dark events transpired almost a century ago. But when the packed party gets busted by the police, Angela and her friends Maddie, Lily, Suzanne, Colin, Dex and Jason are the only ones left behind. Soon Colin and Angela make a grisly discovery in the basement and inexplicable events start to take place. With the mansion gates mysteriously locked, the seven find themselves trapped for the night...and soon they're fighting ancient demons for their very souls" (UHM)

Release Date: October 19, 2010 (DVD).

Director: Adam Gierasch

Director/writer: Adam Gierasch and Jace Anderson

Cast: Diora Baird, Shannon Elizabeth, Monica Keena, Edward Furlong, Monnica Keena, Bobbi Sue Luther, John F. Beach, and Michael Copon.

The film's trailer has been posted here:

Night of the Demons Trailer

Sources:

Night of the Demons on Upcoming Horror Movies

Night of the Demons on DVD and Blu-Ray:



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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Can Shambling Zombies Bring About the End of the Living in this Clip and Poster?

Dead Genesis is a zombie flavoured film, which has been flying under the radar for some time now. The film has had a premiere back in April and now the film has a new promotional poster, which shows some of the characters for the film. The film's one-sheet shows a war between the living and the dead, but how easy would fighting shamblers, or slow moving zombies really be?

In the trailer below for the film, the age-old, Romero inspired zombies are used, which could only really capture a seventy year old woman and not anyone who could move faster than 2-3 km an hour. This argument has been made before. However, using shamblers to take over the land of the living is, simply, unbelievable. Take inspiration from Danny Boyle in 28 Days Later, or even Romero's later zombies in the Land of Dead who have intelligence and attack en masse for realism. Fast moving zombies, or intelligent deadheads are basically more threatening and only they have the potential to infect others; shamblers do not have this ability.

The synopsis here:

"Seven months have passed since the dead took over. Many cities and states have been abandoned and left to die. Several self sufficient hunting groups have been established to take on the threat in a war aptly referred to as the "War on Dead." Jillian Hurst, a former news writer and amateur documentarian, has set out to make a pro-war propaganda film to support the W.O.D. She joins up with a pack of renegade hunters known infamously to North America as the deadheads. The moral dynamics and hardships of fighting in a war against the undead are told from several different perspectives" (Dead Genesis).

Release Date: August 12th (One Night Only, More Details Below).

Director and writer: Reese Eveneshen.

Cast: Emily Alatalo, Lionel Boodlal, Colin Paradine, Erin Stuart, Tom Parkinson, Alex Mallari Jr., and Paige Albrecht.

The trailer for Dead Genesis here:



*Special screening:

The Original Princess Cinema
6 Princess Street West, Waterloo, Ontario

Screening @ 9pm on ,August 12th!!


Dead Genesis on Facebook:

Dead Genesis on Facebook

The Dead Genesis Homesite:

The Official Dead Genesis Website

Please visit 28DLA's sponsors Deadly Playthings:

The Deadly Playthings Collectibles

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Mirrors 2 DVD Artwork and Special Features

The DVD and Blu-Ray extras have been announced for the horror feature Mirrors 2. The DVD disc with have a making of featurette and the original Korean film which inspired Mirrors 2 called Into the Mirror. Both the DVD and Blu-Ray will have deleted scenes and the Blu-Ray will have an extra feature, which allows viewers to watch Mirrors 2 with the "Woman in the Mirror." Have a look at the new DVD artwork left and all the special features, for both formats, below.

The synopsis for Mirrors 2:

"After losing his fiancee in a car crash, for which he blames himself, suicidal Max Matheson (Nick Stahl) reluctantly takes a job as a night watchman at his father's Mayflower Department Store. When his co-workers are killed off in gruesome and horrible ways and Max begins to see a mysterious young woman in all the store's mirrors, desperate to communicate with him, he fears he's losing his mind, or that he may be the next victim" (28DLA).

Release Date: October 19, 2010 (DVD).

Director: Victor Garcia.

Writer: Matt Venne.

Cast: Nick Stahl, William Katt, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Lawrence Turner, Stephanie Honore, Christy Charlson Romano, Jon Michael Davis, Evan Jones, Wayne Pere, Lance E. Nichols, Ann McKenzie, Jennifer Sipes.

The trailer for Mirrors 2 here:


Mirrors 2 - Trailer
Uploaded by . -

Single-Disc DVD Contents:
Side One
• Bonus Features
- The Other Side: Making Mirrors 2
- Keeping it Real: The Visual and Special Effects of Mirrors 2
- Deleted Scenes
Side Two
• Into the Mirror (Original Korean Film)
Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Contents: (Bloody).

Disc One (Blu-ray)
• Bonus Features
- The Other Side: Making Mirrors 2
- Keeping it Real: The Visual and Special Effects of Mirrors 2
- Deleted Scenes
- Blu-ray Exclusive: Picture in Picture; Watch Mirrors 2 with the Woman in the Mirror (Bloody).
Disc Two (DVD)
Side One
• Bonus Features
- The Other Side: Making Mirrors 2
- Keeping it Real: The Visual and Special Effects of Mirrors 2
- Deleted Scenes
Side Two
• Into the Mirror (Original Korean Film)
DVD 2-Pack Contents:
Disc One
• Mirrors feature film
• Bonus features include:
- Extended Unrated cut of the film
- Reflections: The Making of Mirrors featurette
- Behind The Mirror featurette
- Deleted Scenes (with optional commentary by director Alexandre Aja)
- Inside The Mirror Alternate Ending
Disc Two
Side One
• Bonus Features
- The Other Side: Making Mirrors 2
- Keeping it Real: The Visual and Special Effects of Mirrors 2
- Deleted Scenes
Side Two
• Into the Mirror (Original Korean Film, Bloody)

More Mirrors 2 details at the film's blog:

Mirrors 2 Blog

Sources:

Mirrors 2 at Bloody Disgusting

The first film w/Keifer Sutherland:



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Monday, July 26, 2010

The Sucker Punch Trailer Shows Character Baby Doll Confronting Her Demons

Warner Bros Pictures will be distributing Zack Snyder's latest project, Sucker Punch. The trailer for the feature below is heavily laden with CGI as the character Baby Doll escapes her reality through imagination. Set in the '50s, Sucker Punch blends genres and bends reality in this short clip for the film below. Have a watch and then get set for one of North America's best directors to stun in theatres March 25, 2011.

The synopsis for Sucker Punch here:

"Set in the 1950s, Sucker Punch follows Babydoll (Emily Browning) who is confined to a mental institution by her stepfather, who intends to have her lobotomized in five days. While there, she imagines an alternative reality to hide her from the pain, and in that world, she begins planning her escape, needing to steal five objects to help get her out before she is deflowered by a vile man" (Trailer).


Release: March 25, 2011.

Director: Zack Snyder.

Writer: Steve Shibuya and Zack Snyder.

Cast: Jon Hamm, Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Jammie Chung, Carla Gugino, Jena Malone, Abbie Cornish, Scott Glenn and Oscar Isaac.

The first trailer for Sucker Punch here:



Sources:

Sucker Punch at Trailer Addict

Zack Snyder's previous film the Watchmen:




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Romain Gavras' First Film Redheads to Rock and Shock with Violence and Rage

Director Romain Gavras' first film was once titled Notre Jour Viendra (Our Day Will Come) and now, simply Redheads (Twitch). Gavras is the same director who shot the video for MIA's "Born Free," which also had a strange, similar red-headed theme. The trailer below for Redheads shows a lost young man with his older mentor and part-time psychologist on a journey of violence. The film describes itself as "a search for an ideal, gradually escalates into a rampage of hate, violence and self-destruction" (Bloody). Have a watch of the surreal, but immerse yourself first with the film's synopsis to make sense of the film's French narration.

The synopsis for Redheads here:

"What do you do when you're a red-haired teenage loser with no friends except for an older guy, your shrink? When everyone hates you, especially your family? When all your peers make fun of you and kick you around? The answer: you and your loser buddy blow all the cash you can get your hands on to buy a sportscar, you dress smart and you head for the land of redheads, Ireland. But what starts off as a search for an ideal, gradually escalates into a rampage of hate, violence and self-destruction" (Bloody).

Release Date: September 15th (France Only).

Director: Romain Gavras.

Cast: Vincent Cassel, Olivier Barthelemy, Justine Lerooy, Vanessa Decat, Boris Gamthety, and Rodolphe Blanchet.

The trailer for Redheads here:


Notre Jour Viendra (Redheads) trailer
Uploaded by blankytwo. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.

Sources:

Redheads at Twitch Films

Redheads at Bloody Disgusting

A recent release from actor Vincent Cassel called Eastern Promises:




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