Gangland Thriller Exit 67 to Premiere in Canada April Fools' Day (No Joke)

Author/Michael Allen

Canadian action thriller Exit 67 is coming to theatres, across Canada, April 1st. But, this is no joke and neither are the themes in Jephté Bastien first film. Exit 67 shows the complications of gang life, which is just as addicting as the drugs therein. Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver will be hosting premieres of this film, but keep in mind that this is a French language, or bi-lingual showing. The trailer and synopsis are below.

The synopsis for Exit 67 is here:

"Young Ronald’s life is turned upside down after his mother’s brutal murder — he has no family and nowhere to turn. Alone on the violent streets, Ronald has no choice but to join the ranks of a dangerous gang to survive.

Now a hardened criminal with money and power, Ronald is sickened by the man he has become. With his life spiraling out of control, he decides to take hold of his destiny and walk away from the only family he has ever known. But the gang has other ideas. Ronald must now fight for his life and his freedom, or forever remain a gangster" (Exit 67).

Release Date: April 1st, 2011 (Limited Run).

Director/writer: Jephté Bastien.

Cast: Henri Pardo, Natacha Noël, Benz Antoine, Jacquy Bidjeck

The trailer is here and the clip is for mature audiences aka 18+ (violence, sexuality, drug use).



*winner of the Claude Jutra Award 2011 for outstanding achievement by a first-time feature filmmaker (Academy of Canadian Film & Television).

More info' on the premiere can be found at the Event Page, on Facebook

Exit 67 Canadian Premiere

Gangster life is often immortalized in film, but with the rise comes the inevitable fall:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Short Zombie Film "Axed" to Rot on Screens at the A Night of Horror Film Festival April 6th

Author/Michael Allen

The short zombie themed film "Axed" will show at the A Night of Horror Film Festival in Ozzieland aka Australia. This festival has begun today (March 31st) in Sydney, Australia and "Axed" will show April 6th, along with several other undead films.

"Axed" involves hordes of the undead, running zombies, piles of victims and one man fighting against a "rag tag army militia" (IMDB). Have a look at the trailer for this feature below and see Axed, along with "The Zombie Monologues," "Zombie Actually," "House 51," and many others, in Sydney (28DLA is not providing airfare).

The synopsis for "Axed" is here:

"'Axed' is an Australian backyard zombie short, that throws back to the grit of the late 1970's. Alone with his Axe, Bruce must slip and slide through the blood, the guts, the infected and a rag tag army militia that are hell bent on cleansing the town of all life. Then the dead start coming back to life!" (IMDB).

Showing Date: April 6th (Limited Theatrical).

Director/writer: Joshua Long.

Cast: Kazuya Wright.

The trailer for "Axed" is here and be forewarned, this is an adult themed reel (gore, violence):



Get "Axed" on Facebook

"Axed" on FB (Fan Page)

Sources:

"Axed" at A Night of Horror's Webpage

Even more undead madness, on Amazon:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

A Second Trailer for Alien Invasion Series "Falling Skies" is Here

Author/Michael Allen

The remade alien invasion series "V" debuted in 2009 on ABC and now, a similarly themed television series will show on the TNT network this June. This latest serial is titled "Falling Skies" and this is a production from the guru of science fiction, Steven Spielberg.

Noah Wyle ("ER") and Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation) will star and while there are no reptiles removing their skin during the premiere, "Falling Skies" will bring hostile forces to Earth's dwindling atmosphere, via mystery and mayhem. Have a look at the second trailer for this series below, courtesy of Quiet Earth.

The synopsis for Falling Skies is here:

"Falling Skies opens in the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. The few remaining survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin the difficult task of fighting back. Each day is a test of survival as citizen soldiers engage in an insurgency campaign against the occupying alien force, whose nature and purpose remains a mystery.

Falling Skies is a tale of endurance, commitment and courage in which everyday people are called upon to become heroes. The survivors may be outmatched, outnumbered and outgunned, but nothing can beat the human spirit. The series combines stunning visual effects and personal human stories about triumph and survival in the most devastating circumstances" (Quiet Earth).

Release Date: June, 2011 (Television).

Creator: Robert Rodat.

Cast: Maxim Knight, Colin Cunningham, Mpho Koaho, Sarah Carter, Connor Jessup, Bruce Gray, Dale Dye, Drew Roy, Seychelle Gabriel, and Peter Shinkoda.

The second trailer for "Falling Skies" is here:



*the first season will include 10 episodes.

One of several fan made pages on Facebook is provided here:

Falling Skies on FB

Sources:

Falling Skies at Quiet Earth

This is a similarly styled series, which is receiving solid reviews ("V"):



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

The Undead Themed Humans Versus Zombies Debuts the First Film Poster

Author/Michael Allen

The first Humans Versus Zombies film poster has arrived and it is a doozy! Break out your best club Babe Ruth and start swinging, because the zombie hordes are in town. The graphic also plays with a tagline, which states: "Game On." The Humans Versus Zombies' logo is below and thriller fans are encouraged to click on the poster, for a better look. Previously posted details, on this film e.g. trailers have been provided below.

The film's synopsis is here:

"Students on summer break are exposed to a deadly virus, a neuroinvasive organism that is spread rapidly through direct human contact. The infected are enslaved by the invading swarm intelligence and they are driven by an insatiable appetite to consume human flesh. Returning home, the students spread the infection to their fellow classmates and other unsuspecting townspeople. One by one, more students fall victim to the plague, triggering an epidemic that spawns a horde of ravenous zombies" (Humans).

Release Date: 2011.

Director: Brian T Jaynes.

Writers: Devan Sagliani, and Brian Jaynes.

Producers: Bruce Kahn, Brian Jaynes, and Niko Foster.

Cast: Madison Burge, Melissa Carnell, Frederic Doss, Chip Joslin, Jonah Priour, Jesse Ferraro, Rheagan Wallace, and Christine Quinn.

The first trailer for the film has been published here:

Humans Versus Zombies' First Trailer

The second trailer for Humans Versus Zombies has previously been posted here:

Humans Versus Zombies' Second Trailer

The Humans Versus Zombies' official website is below:

Humans Versus Zombies Website

Humans Versus Zombies on Facebook (fan page):

Humans Versus Zombies on FB

More quality zombie indies are below:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" Releases Issue #83 in Comic Book Form March 30th ("No Way Out")

Author/Michael Allen

Issue #83 of artist Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" releases today, in comic book form. This latest graphic novel is part four of a five part series ("No Way Out"), and this comic relates directly to the television through characters.

Rick Grimes is strategizing a way out of a zombie horde, in this issue. As well, characters Jessie, Michonne, Morgan, Maggie and Sophia make their feelings known, in these difficult and dangerous times. Read a brief overview of the plot for this latest issue below, which finds Rick looking for supplies, in an unsettling zombie apocalypse.

The tagline for the issue:

"What is left but surrender?" (Image).

The plotline here is provided by "The Walking Dead" Wiki, as a general overview:

"Rick has said that he is not going to go looking for other peoples' children. He says he doesn't want to be sensitive, and says if he have to choose between his child or other peoples' children, that he will choose his own, every single time. Rick is being honest and Jessie asks: "are they going to help others when they get out?" Rick answers sarcastically: "yes." He recommends they gather up supplies and that they go while they can.

Meanwhile, upstairs Michonne is talking to Morgan. She apologizes to Morgan about being nasty. She values that Morgan keeps trying to survive, although his family is dead. Michonne says that she does not want to be mean: "it is just my way." She asks Morgan if he can forgive her. Michonne realizes that Morgan has not moved for a while and she starts to shed tears.

Maggie tells Rick that she and Sophia are not going to go with him. She says that she isn't good runner, and that the zombies will get them sooner or later. Suddenly, Rick gets an idea! He quickly drags a roamer to the house. He is about to use the technique that he used with Glenn, in earlier episodes, by rubbing zombie guts on their bodies, to smell like a zombie. He says that he's done this before and tells Maggie she should take Sophia to another room..." (Wiki).

Release Date: March 30th, 2011 (Comic).

Writers: Robert Kirkman.

Artwork: Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn.

Characters: Rick Grimes, Michonne, Morgan Jones, Jessie, Ron, Maggie Greene, Sophia Peletier, and Denise Cloyd.

*this issue consists of 32 Pgs, in B & W.

"The Walking Dead" Issue #83, at "The Walking Dead" Wiki:

Issue #83 at The Walking Dead Wiki

Several panels from the comic can be viewed at Image Comics, below:

Issue #83 at Image Comics w/Preview

This issue is now available at local comic book stores, or by order through Amazon below:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Indie Thriller Alert: Ontario Shot Killer God to Complete Production May, 2011

Author/Michael Allen

The winters of Canada are horror enough, but director Stasch Radwanski has combined snowy elements with a Balinese killing god. The results are a thrilling independent feature called Killer God, that lets loose several mythical beings into the surrounding snowy landscape.

Killer God has finished shooting in Canada, while post-production promises a wrap on the film for May, 2011. A 2010 trailer is posted below, which will show viewers how waking a killing god from its hibernation is rarely a good idea.

Tagline:

"Revenge is a dish best served in the cold."

The synopsis for Killer God is here:

"Set in the wilds of a Canadian winter Killer God eerily follows the quest to find three antique Balinese statues that have been cleverly hidden by professor Rufus Elkin, an expert in Indonesian folklore. His fascination for the Balinese occult has caused some concern at the university in Toronto where he teaches and when he dies mysteriously on his isolated snow-covered island, the police are called in to investigate.

With the help of Charlize Elkin, the professor’s granddaughter, the local authorities uncover a mysterious world of revenge and retribution where certain Balinese statues come to life and roam the desolate island to seek revenge against those who have interfered with the sacred, mystical balance of the demon world of Bali" (Killer).

Completion Date: May, 2011.

Director: Stasch Radwanski Jr.

Cast: Frank J. Zupancic, and Virginia Leigh.

An older (2010) trailer, for this feature is hosted here (an updated version shortly):



*run time eighty-five minutes.

**shot in Ontario, Canada.

The Killer God official website is below:

Details on Killer God at the Film's Homepage

Other excellent Canadian shot films are listed below. Pontypool is a must see for zombie sub-genre fans:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

The First Movie Still from Zombie Thriller Outpost: Black Sun

Author/Michael Allen

Outpost: Black Sun is the sequel to the 2008 sleeper hit Outpost, starring Ray Stevenson (Rome). This latest version is also set during the closing of World War II, but Stevenson will not star. Other changes include setting the film in present day and the first photo for the film is seen left.

Currently, the film has completed 3/4 of production and the the still, left, shows one of the members of an undead Nazi horde. The photo shows rotting flesh and a shadowy figure in the foreground. As production completes, expect more darkly themed material from this horror thriller. Available details on Outpost: Black Sun are below.

The synopsis for Outpost: Black Sun is here:

"The year is 1945, the closing stages of WW2, and a German scientist by the name of Klausener is working on a frightening new technology the power to create an immortal Nazi army.

Flash forward to present day, and a NATO task force is hurriedly deployed to Eastern Europe, where a sinister enemy appears to be mercilessly killing everything in its path. But this is no ordinary foe.

Only Lena, a gutsy investigator on the trail of notorious war-criminal Klausener, accepts the reality of what they are facing a battalion of Nazi Storm-Troopers, a veritable zombie army on the march.

With the help of Wallace, a man who's been chasing Nazi secrets for years, the two of them team up with a Special Forces Unit to venture deep behind enemy lines. Their mission is to fight their way back to the source of this evil army and prevent the seemingly inevitable rise of the 4th Reich" (Outpost).

Director: Steve Barker.

Writers: Steve Barker and Rae Brunton.

Cast: Richard Coyle, Nick Nevern, Clive Russell, Catherine Steadman, Daniel Caltagirone, Paul Birchard, Gary McDonald, Martin Bell, Ali Craig, and Philip Rosch.

*potential budget is $3 million, plus or minus a million.

**a trailer is coming soon.

Become a fan of this zombie thriller, for future updates:

Outpost: Black Sun on Facebook

The film's official website is here:

Outpost: Black Sun's Official Site on the Interwebs

Source:

Outpost: Black Sun at the Film Catalogue

The original is a worthwhile watch:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

March Madness Brings Four Horror Titles to Blu-Ray and DVD March 29th

Author/Michael Allen

There are four notable horror features releasing Tuesday, March 29th on DVD or Blu-Ray. The After Dark Originals are hosting two of the films, including Husk and Prowl. Another is from Canadian director Ryan Nicholson (Gutterballs), while the final entry is the second film in thirty years from production company Hammer Films - The Resident.

If you are a Blu-Ray fan, then you will be disappointed with this weeks horror selections, as only The Resident, starring Hilary Swank, is available in high definition digital. As well, the majority of the special features for these discs will be on The After Dark entries, Husk and Prowl. Have a look at the release details for each one of these horror titles inside.

The synopsis for Prowl:

"Amber dreams of escaping her small town and persuades her friends to accompany her apartment-hunting in the big city. When their transportation breaks down, Amber and friends gratefully accept a ride in the back of a semi. But when the driver refuses to stop and they discover the cargo is cartons of blood, they panic. Soon, panic turns to terror when the truck disgorges into a dark, abandoned warehouse where blood-thirsty creatures learn to hunt human prey, which the friends realize is what they have now become" (Bloody).

Release Date: March 29th (DVD).

Director: Patrik Syversen.

Writer: Tim Tori.

Cast: Ruta Gedmintas, Joshua Bowman, Courtney Hope, Bruce Payne, Jamie Blackley, and George Oliver.

Special features for Prowl include:

-Director, writer & cast commentary
-Making-of featurette

Husk

The synopsis for Husk is here:

"When a murder of crows smash into the windshield causing their car to crash, the group of young friends, inside, are forced to abandon the vehicle. Stranded beside a desolate cornfield, they see a light on in a window and decide to go in search of help. They head into the fields but instead of finding sanctuary they discover something evil and unnatural lurking in the corn" (After Dark).

Release Date: March 29th (DVD).

Director/writer: Brett Simmons.

Special features for Husk include all that is below:

-After Dark Films presents "The Making of Husk"
-Audio commentary with director Brett Simmons and actors Wes Chatham, Devon Graye & C.J. Thomason
-Sketches and storyboard
-Photo gallery
-Theatrical trailer

Husk has been previously reviewed on 28DLA:

Husk and Getting Lost in Cursed Cornfields: A Movie Review

The Bleading Lady

The synopsis for The Bleading Lady is here:

"Don is a chauffeur and a movie buff who takes his job seriously — very seriously. When his latest assignment takes him to the set of a low-budget horror film, he’s overjoyed to learn he’ll be driving Riversa Red – his favorite B-movie 'Scream Queen.' While escorting his beloved idol, Don assumes the role of bodyguard and turns fiercely protective, especially after learning that Riversa has a stalker. Hell-bent on protecting his queen and fueled by paranoid fantasies, Don’s usual temper tantrums go to fatal extremes. Soon he proves to be not only Riversa’s biggest fan, but her worst nightmare as well" (Breaking Glass).

Release Date: March 29th, 2011 (DVD).

Director/writer: Ryan Nicholson.

Cast: Dan Ellis, Sindy Faraguna, Nathan Durec, Nick Windebank, and Mike Li.

The special features for the film include:

-Audio commentary by director Ryan Nicholson and actor Dan Ellis
-"Behind the Wheel: The Making of Bleading Lady" featurette
-"Left Coast TV Presents "On The Set Of Bleading Lady" featurette
-8 Deleted scenes
-Alternate opening
-A "Bleading Lady" trailer
-Vicious Circle trailers
-Sexy gory stills gallery (UHM)

The Bleading Lady has been reviewed below, on 28DLA;

The Bleading Lady and Dying For Scream Time: A Movie Review

The Resident

The synopsis for The Resident is here:

"The story tells of Juliet Dermer (Hilary Swank), a doctor who moves into the attic of an apartment block and begins to suspect that someone is watching her, only to discover that her landlord, Max, (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), has developed an unhealthy obsession with her" (UHM).

Release Date: March 29th, 2011 (DVD, Blu-Ray).

Director: Antti Jokinen.

Writers: Antti J. Jokinen, Robert Orr, and Erin Cressida Wilson.

Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan,Hilary Swank, Christopher Lee, Lee Pace Michael Massee, Kisha Sierra, Penny Balfour, Michael Showers, Alexandria Morrow, Peggy Miley, and Cliff Gravel.

*The Resident has been reviewed here:

The Resident and Looking Through a Looking Glass: A Movie Review

Source:

Horror Film Releases for March 29th at Upcoming Horror Movies

These films are available through Amazon, now:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Scream of the Banshee and Curiousity Claims More Victims in Horror: A Movie Review

Author/Michael Allen

Director: Steven C. Miller.

Writer: Anthony C. Ferrante and Jacob Hair.

Scream of the Banshee made its premiere on the SyFy Network March 26th and the film is from director Steven C. Miller (Automaton Transfusion), along with writer Jacob Hair (2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams); Anthony C. Ferrante (Headless Horseman) also has a credit. The SyFy Network does not have great reputation for debuting quality films, or stories. However, Miller's latest has an interesting back story, with the use of dual antagonists suitable for a thrilling climax. The results are above average, but the material will not challenge viewers too much, after the final credits roll.

There is a nice reversal in time periods, to the 12th Century AD, from present day. The action begins early, with a horse chase through some unknown woods. Here, a witch uses her powers to send two one-dimensional characters to the abyss, while a third captures the sorceress in a metallic ornately crafted box. Move ahead 32 centuries and you find several anthropological researchers (Lauren Holly, Leanne Cochran) anxious to re-open this recently found contraption. This is not a good idea.

Soon, the banshee is out of her box/prison and the first character to die in present time is an African American. Yes viewers, we are re-trying some tried and true cliches. Soon, young couples are being terrorized in bed, by a heavily masked stunt double. Later, dream sequences are used to create red herrings, while a mythology is developed for the banshee. Some of the tried and true formulas are re-worked into this supernatural piece a la tongue-in-cheek.

Skipping ahead, the main rule for the film: do not scream in the presence of the banshee! But, characters forget this rule, scream and keep on living. Others cover their mouths, while this reviewer felt puzzled at the contradictions. Does a person scream in the presence of a banshee, or not? This is information this reviewer desperately needs to know!

An interesting element in the piece is the use of two villains. Of course, the aforementioned screaming witch is an antagonist, but so is a Col. Kurtz (Apocalypse Now) like character, named Broderick Duncan (Lance Henriksen). Mannequin parts litter Duncan's abode and one might be reminded of another 1979 Heart of Darkness styled feature, which also had more body parts littering a remote camp. Duncan is also just as loony as Kurtz, who was superbly played by Marlon Brando many years ago. The use of two villains makes the climax a little more complex and tense. Unfortunately, the conclusion and the film will not leave you thinking too hard, once the final blood splatter drips off screen.

This film was enjoyed by this reviewer, as a one-time watch. However, others might find the film a little too formulaic, or full of too many cliches. The story's conclusion is also somewhat predictable.

SyFy will re-show this title May 6th and this would be a good opportunity to watch the film and learn of Irish mythology, or learn about the mixed messages often found in horror titles.

*produced as part of the After Dark Originals' film program.

Directing techniques/coaching/staging: 7 (some interesting shots include close-ups, use of darkness, a shot or two from the POV of the banshee).
Writing/plot/story: 6.5 (no real twists, a pretty standard supernatural story, some interesting use of timelines early, a sub-plot of a recently deceased husband is brought up once and then never again, strange).
Acting/believability/interpretation: 6.5 (no melodrama, no one stands out except Henriksen near the end).

Overall: 6.66 (seems appropriate with the material).

Scream of the Banshee at SyFy;

Scream of the Banshee Showings on SyFy

A second review of this film is at Horror Society, by MGD Squan:

Scream of the Banshee Reviewed at Horror Society

No word on a DVD/Blu-Ray release, but these After Dark Originals are available now or shortly:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Winds of Change and Skipping Your Bible Study: A Book Review

Author/Michael Allen

*Full disclosure: an e-book of this novella was provided by Permuted Press.

**Some spoilers be here.

Author: Jason Brannon.

You have seen them on early morning television shows preaching the word of God and now, you can read about Biblical prophecies in Jason Brannon's Winds of Change. This novella was released in a Kindle format by Permuted Press March 4th and this short novella of fourty-six pages is much like a Christian parable. Can this reviewer get a hallelujah? An amen? If you are not religious, you may enjoy the thoughtful characterizations and concise writing, but Winds of Change was a little too heavy on the Christian philosophies for this book reviewer.

The novella begins with what seems like a biological attack, in a small town within the United States. Bodies turn to ash, when exposed to a blustery wind and soon, you are reminded of the stories of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this earlier Biblical tale, characters were turned into pillars of salt, just for looking at a flaming city full of sinners. In Brannon's book, the character's instead turn into dust. The end is similar to watching Scott Charles Stewart's Legion, with two angels battling it out, for mankind's future. The result is a too preachy and a little disappointing.

Brannon has a knack for writing interesting characters and for creating an intriguing group dynamic. Descriptions are not overly wordy and the story develops at a quick pace. However, the ending and the reason for an apocalypse occurring in the middle of the US is a little off.

Before ending, certain characters reveal themselves to be slightly more divine, while the more sinful find themselves the subject of God's wrath. You see, mankind has been very bad and they require punishment. If you have sinned (and who has not), then your chances of making it out of this story alive are slim. Redemption comes through divine intervention. But, what fun is it waiting around for God's, usually harsh, judgment, anyways?

Fourty pages in and soon you, the reader, will begin to feel like you are at a Sunday Prayer meeting. If you do not feel this way, then you need to convert! Now, turn to Psalm 22. But seriously, the Christian messages are overdone and the conclusion of the novella is too spiritual and not supernatural enough. Although, spirituality and the supernatural are in the same hemisphere, this novella simply needed more believable horror. Skip this cleverly disguised parable for other more noteworthy Permuted Press releases (listed below).

Overall: 5.75 out of 10 (good writing, good characters, the use of Christian themes is overdone and the ending is ridiculous, skip).

Not all of Jason Brannon's novels are this religiously themed:

Jason Brannon's Official Website w/Bibliography

Winds of Change at the Permuted Press:

Winds of Change at Permuted

More memorable stories from publishers Permuted Press:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Permuted Press to Re-Release Tony Faville's Kings of the Dead: Cover Art

Author/Michael Allen

Publishers Permuted Press have set in motion a re-release of Tony Faville's novel Kings of the Dead. This latest edition will include over 22K extra words, with a release date looming. For now, the book cover art is available, with an updated synopsis.

Kings of the Dead follows several survivors of an H1N1 mutation, that leaves many shambling and moaning, for more braaaaiiiinnnnsss! Government misdealings promise a complication, in an already chaotic world.

Enjoy the preview of this upcoming zombie thriller, with a few more details on the release below.

The synopsis for Kings of the Dead is here:

"When the H1N1 'Swine Flu' virus mutates it begins to not only kill those who have received the vaccination, but also bring on the unthinkable: the dead reanimate!

My name is Cole...

Cole Helman and his friends are not only survival experts, they have spent hours discussing and preparing for just this event and quickly head to the hills before the cities become clogged with looting and riots. But the group knows all too well that the living dead are just the beginning of their problems, and they all eventually have to deal with the worst qualities of the living - desperation, greed, selfishness, and cruelty - in this new post apocalyptic world. And a chance encounter at a secret military installation may reveal a conspiracy bigger than any of them had imagined.

I am a zombie hunter.

Straight out of the apocalypse comes the chronicle of one small group and their experiences with life and death, survival and loss. In a world of the living dead, is one man capable of maintaining not only his community, but his own sanity?" (Permuted).

Author: Tony Faville.

*The original was published November 30, 2009.

**Tony Faville will be attending ZomBCon in Seattle, October 21-23. So, get yourself over there, for a signed copy.

Tony Faville's website is here:

Tony Faville's Official Website

Become a friend of Permuted Press on Facebook, for updates on this title and others:

Permuted Press on FB

Other novels from Permuted Press are located below:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Plague Apocalypse Pre Wrath and Fighting the Devil on Somalia's Shores: A Book Review

Author/Michael Allen

*Full disclosure: an electronic book format of this novel was provided by Sinister Press.

Author: M. Joseph Schuhler Jr.

Plague Apocalypse Pre Wrath is a prequel to Joseph Schuhler's 2010 novel Plague Apocalypse. This novella was released March 10th, 2011 in Kindle formats, with paper back versions available at the Sinister Press website. The novel hints at Christian iconography, while a rising plague is strangely sourced to a Somali island in the Arabian Sea. This novella has all the elements of a solid zombie apocalyptic thriller and few of the constraints of in-depth characterizations.

The plot breaks down as follows. A ten man US Navy Seal unit is unloaded off a nearby ship, to investigate the source of a series of pirate attacks. Once there, they find the entire island inhabited by the walking dead. A portal to Hell has unleashed ghouls to seek out snacks in unwary Navy personnel and the unprepared local populace.

The result is a fast paced read, with Plague Apocalypse Pre Wrath also a short 92 pages. There is no need to delve too deeply into the characters, because shortly they are taken down by the undead hordes. The action is constant and the excitement builds fast. There are no stop signs in this novel; it is all: go, go, go!

However, one element kept surfacing for this reader and that was the setting. Why was the novel and the source of an evil, devilish plague located in Somalia? Previous authors like William Shakespeare have dealt with issues of race and ostracization in plays like Othello. Here, a Moor is believed to use Black Magic to possess the hearts of white women. As well, Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness dealt with misconceptions of Africans e.g. cannialism. But, associating Somali pirates with the Devil seems a little too convenient and possibly even sinister. While offering death to wayward sailors on this anarchic coastline, pirates are without a doubt murderous and therefore evil, according to most moral codes. But, equating the Somali pirates with the bowels of Hell seems to be heaping too much responsibility on the shoulders of these desperately poor people.

Yet, this novel is one of fiction and likely Schuhler's use of Somali pirates as the source of evil is addressing implicit race issues culturally, in an interesting read; this novella is recommended, by this book reviewer. While not overly long, nor shedding too much light on the motivations of the characters, Plague Apocalypse Pre Wrath is a nice distraction from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (some Christian religious themes, not overdone, fast paced, few errors in the writing and exciting).

Visit the Sinister Press website to order yourself a copy, or to read the plotline in greater detail:

Plague Apocalypse Pre Wrath at Sinister

Follow the Sinister Press on Facebook for updates on this novel and others:

Sinister Press on FB

Available in Kindle formats for under $5:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Indie Zombie Apocalyptic Preview: The First Ten Minutes from Kantz's Project Purgatory Beijing are Here!

Author/Michael Allen

Modus Operandi Pictures is developing, arguably, one of the first zombie styled martial arts thrillers with Project Purgatory Beijing. This project is currently in development and director Kantz (Wasteland) has set this film in China. Here, a plague-like virus decimates most of civilization. The survivors prove to be a heady crew, consisting of various military personnel. Check out the first ten minutes on this feature below. And hopefully, Kantz's latest film finds a distributor and that this film doesnot live up to its title.

The synopsis for Project Purgatory Beijing:

"Martial arts mayhem, combined with gamer style action meets the zombie apocalypse in a full out war against the undead in Project Purgatory Beijing. China, a deadly designer virus has decimated the country leaving very few people alive. A side effect of the virus has turned the dead into raging, savage cannibals, and they are hungry. A handful of survivors led by Team Z; is a group of deadly mercenaries that have been elected to protect the last remaining citizens of the compound" (Kantz).

Director/writer/producer: Kantz.

Director of photography: Johnny Serrato.

Music: Sal Perales.

Stunts: EMC STunt Team.

Cast: Johnny Yang, Xin Wuku Sarith, Nate McGarity, Robbie Dill, Kim Estrada, Jasmine Ejan, Ken Garcia, Sydney Viengluang, Sam Pufeua, Sean Gordon, Jo Mani, Aoni Ma, and Cevin Middleton.

The first ten to eleven minutes of this zombie thriller are here:



*30 minutes of this production is complete.

Source:

Modus Operandi Pictures. Press Release. 25 March 2011.

Other films from director Kantz:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

The Tunnel DVD and Bitorrent Release Slated for May 19th: An Overview of the Launch

Author/Ed Sum

All eyes will be on an indie Australian thriller, The Tunnel, set to be released May 19th. Due to hit both Bittorrent and DVD scene at the same time, the challenge here is which product fans will choose to embrace, and if money can be made in this daring venture. It is tough to pass up a free product, but for the film-makers who have managed to raise sufficient funds, and the notice of rel="nofollow" target="_blank"Paramount Studios to distribute this film, the mantra of making it or breaking it will have a new meaning: what kind of record will be smashed since this film marks Hollywood's attempt at legalizing digital distribution?

"From day one we’ve maintained that The Tunnel is not supporting or condoning piracy, but instead trying to incorporate a legitimate use of peer-to-peer in our distribution strategy internationally," said producer/editor Enzo Tedeschi to Torrentfreak.

But not to forget about the days of old, where physical sales used to make a mark, with extra material to make a movie worth owning, the DVD version promises to feature bonus material for die-hard fan. There will be two hours of exclusive footage, an alternate ending and a making-of documentary to look at. If that isn't tantalizing enough, there will also be movie memorabilia that will be sold. But for those who simply just want to watch the film, the bare bones product should be just as equally satisfying.

For those people who want to support the film, they can invest in owning a piece of the gold by buying a frame or two. There is no celluloid to own, but rather the pleasure of knowing you are supporting the independent film industry.

"After spending years being frustrated by what we saw as the movie industry’s short-sighted and conventional outlook towards the online community, we decided it was time to try something different – The 135K Project was born," said Tedeschi.

At the time of writing, 31, 972 frames have been sold, and that's nearly 1/4 of the film. Ownership simply means bragging rights for now, but if this film ends up turning a profit, 1% of the money made from the movie will go back the people who have invested.

It's kind of like playing the stock exchange, but this time, one won't lose the shirts off their backs.

Visit the Facebook fan page for updates on The Tunnel:

The Tunnel on FB

The film's homepage is here:

The Tunnel's Official Website

The Tunnel was shot in Sydney, Australia and here are a few more horror titles from that territory:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

| | | | | |

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

Pagan Thriller Wake Wood Debuts in Theatres March 25th in Ireland and England

Author/Michael Allen

Wake Wood UK Quad Poster

Today is the day that David Keating's Wake Wood debuts in Irish and English theatres. This film was shot locally in these two territories and this film will let a set of parents revisit their dead daughter for three days only. But letting go of a child is no easy task, even when faced with the supernatural. The theatrical launch is March 25th for this film and showtimes, in Ireland, are below.

The synopsis for Wake Wood is here:

"Still grieving the death of their only child Alice at the jaws of a crazed dog, vet Patrick and pharmacist Louise relocate to the remote town of Wake Wood where a local pagan ritual gives them three more precious days with her... but what will they do when it's time for their new daughter to go back?" (Hammer Films).

Release dates: March 25, 2011 (UK - Theatrical), March 28, 2011 (UK - DVD).

Director: David Keating.

Writers: Brendan McCarthy, and David Keating.

Producers: Brendan McCarthy, John McDonnell, Magnus Paulsson, Simon Oakes, Marc Schipper, Ben Holden, Patrick Irwin, Allan Niblo, and Rupert Preston.

Cast: Aidan Gillen, Eva Birthistle, Timothy Spall, Ella Connolly, and Ruth McCabe.

The trailer for Wake Wood is here:



*Showtimes include (Bundoran, Ireland):

-Friday the 25th to Saturday the 26th @ 8:30 and 11:00

-Sunday the 26th to Thursday the 31st @ 8:30

Wake Wood at Hammer Films:

Wake Wood at Hammer

Visit the Eclipse Cinema Bundoran Facebook page for further showings:

Eclipse on Facebook

This title releases June 28th in North America:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!

The Resident and Looking Through a Looking Glass: A Movie Review

Author/Michael Allen

*Here be some minor spoilers.

Director/writer: Antti Jokinen.

United Kingdom distribution company Hammer Films is set to release its second film in thirty years, The Resident. Other films are to follow, including Wakewood and The Resident is to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray formats March 29th. The latest from Hammer Films stars Academy Award winner Hilary Swank (Insomnia) as Juliet Devereau, Christopher Lee (Season of the Witch) and Jeffery Dean Morgan (Watchmen), in a tightly wound thriller. The Resident is a study in voyeurism, as one landlord takes his privileges much too far. The result is one part mystery, a second part action thriller, and a third part horror. All of these elements come together in a mostly satisfying time, looking through the eyes of a very ill and deranged villain.

Juliet (Swank) moves into a relatively cheap apartment on the shore of the East River, in New York (apparently $3800/month is cheap in New York). Her new landlord is very charming, as Juliet recovers from the shock of a cheating boyfriend (Lee Pace). Soon, Juliet is waking up late for her work as an emergency room attendant, with several bad drug hangovers. Later, a hidden camera is installed on reasonable suspicions and the central protagonist sees horrors, the likes of which will not be repeated here.

Hammer Films has been in the filmmaking business since the 1930s and actor Christopher Lee's relationship with this film production and distribution company is going on 55 years. In this latest venture, Lee is mostly a sidebar, unlike some of his previous films. He is used early as a red herring to confuse the villain's identity, while later he offers some background on one very tormented caretaker.

The most disturbing and complex character is Max played by Morgan. Losing his family at an early age through inter-familial violence has left in its wake a shell of a man. Lonely, off-kilter and seeking female companionship, Max goes to great lengths to satisfy his social and sexual desires. Unfortunately, the object of his desire does not reciprocate his advancements; chaos ensues.

The climax of the film will be left to the reader's imaginations, but The Resident does follow some typical thriller formulas e.g. tension built through hidden identities. However, this film does offer one interesting concept for viewers, on the subject of voyeurism. When you are watching a man prepare to masturbate in another's bathtub, you begin to feel like a voyeur yourself. Director Antti Jokinen also uses camera angles that puts the movie watcher firmly in the perspective of the antagonist. So who is the voyeur? Or, who is the villain? Is it the landlord, who looks through peepholes, or the viewer, watching another act out sick perversions? The answer depends on the viewer.

This film was made for close to $20 million dollars and the prospects of Hammer Films making this investment back on The Resident are almost insurmountable. DVD and Blu-Ray sales are down through 2010-11 Yet, The Resident is a fascinating time, spent looking awkwardly through peepholes and into the mind of a immature antagonist. Just do not stare too long, or you might feel like a voyeur yourself.

Overall: 6.75 out of 10 (short runtime, good acting, some strange and confusing scenes at the midpoint).

*The Resident had a limited theatrical showing in the UK March 11th.

**Influenced by The Tenant (1976), from director Roman Polanski.

Visit Hammer Films for more info' on this and other film projects:

The Resident at Hammer Films

Become a fan of the film on Facebook:

The Resident on Facebook

A second review of this title at Sky, by Tim Evans:

The Resident Review at Sky

The Resident is available March 29th, through Amazon:



Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

 |  |  |  |  |  | 

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis by Email

Continue Reading!