Interview with Cynthia Preston : Starring in Carrie 2013

I had the pleasure of recently talking to Cynthia Preston who is playing Elanor Snell in the new Carrie that is due out in Oct 2013.  Cynthia is no stranger to the horror genre having starred in Prom Night 3: The Last Kiss and was on a couple episodes of Friday the 13th The Series as well. 

TC: How did you get the role of Mrs. Snell on the new Carrie?

CP:   I just went in and auditioned and they told me they wanted the part played really naturally, and I said well that's good because I work naturally.  The casting director gave me some notes and told me what to do and usually they tweak it.  I did it and he said "no change that was perfect!"  I found out just the day before shooting that I got the part.  I had just driven from Toronto and found out that I got the part, so I had to turn right back around and drive back to Toronto because they were shooting the next day.


TC: Is there anything new that you feel you brought to the character?

CP: I have not seen the first one since I was a kid.  I didn't want to watch it again because I didn't want someone else's version in my head.  If I have someone else's portrayal of the character in my head then I don't want to be going for that, or trying to avoid that.  I want to be able to go completely from instinct and listen to the director.  So after I see our version of this movie I will revisit the original.


TC: How was your experience on the movie?

CP: It was really incredible.  I am a really big fan of the director Kimberly Peirce and I loved working with her and seeing her work with the other actors.  It was absolutely fascinating to see how the other big stars work.  It's very interesting to see how other people interact with the director and the rest of the crew.


TC: Are you a fan of the horror genre?

CP: I cannot say that I am because I get really, really engrossed into whatever I'm watching and I get really scared.  I think it was The Ring that was one of the first horror movies that I really loved and my ex husband at the time said it did not count because I had my eyes covered for part of the movie.  I actually went out for Halloween as the girl from The Ring.  I got this hospital gown and the hair and makeup and little kids walked past me and burst out crying because I looked so scary.  So the next night when we were giving out candy I wore my costume but I did not put the facial makeup back on.  I auditioned for the Saw movies and told them "I will bleed for you.  I will cut off appendages for you, but I will not watch these movies."


TC: How long did it take to film?

CP: It took 2 months to film.  Now with the digital age it is much shorter but back then it was 2 months for a feature and 6 weeks for a TV Movie.  When they started making movies in 28 days I was horrified.  I have even done a film in 15 days.  You really don't even get a chance to get to know the crew anymore.  Before you were on the film for 2 months these people became like almost family and now you just don't even have the time.


TC: Who do you most remember working with on PN3?

CP: Jeremy Ratchford who played Leonard the geek.  He is always the person who is cast as the popular guy or the star quarterback type of character.  I remember ruining all of Jeremy's takes by laughing because he was playing it so well and playing such a dork.  I had to keep apologizing to him because I could not stop laughing during his takes he was being so funny.  I dont know if it translated on film but he was absolutely hystarical.

TC: Is there anything else that you remember about filming PN3?

CP:  I remember that it was my first film back after I had a really bad car accident.  I had been in the hospital for 3 months and I had been out of acting for over a year.  They had a running double and a walking double for me.  I have pictures of me and my double and they were really good.  They had her hair matched mine and the picture is us sitting there reading the script together.  I had trouble moving so they were very conscientious of that and when I did have to run they had me on this rig with people pushing me and I'm moving my arms trying to make it look like I'm running.

Be sure to check out Cynthia on her website at: www.Cynthiapreston.com

Psycho IV : The Beginning 1990 - REVIEW

I have had this movie sitting on my shelf for the better part of 6 years and have never given it a viewing.  I got it part of a triple pack with parts 2 and 3.  I do love all of the Psycho movies and while nothing will top the original classic I really have a special place in my heart for the 3rd one.  Making it into almost a modern day slasher flick.  After reading the synopsis of part 4 and that it was mostly a flashback movie and really did not have a whole lot of Anthony Perkins in it I was none too excited.  It is a made for TV movie, but really not as awful as I thought it was going to be.

A late night radio talk show host (CCH Pounder) is doing a show about people who kill their mother.  One of the experts tells the story of his first patient ever.  A man who killed his Mother that ran a motel and even dressed up like her and imitated her voice.  A called calls in to give his story by the name of Ed .  He tells them that years ago he killed his Mother along with a number of other women and men and the fact that he is going to kill again soon.  It soon becomes apparent that the man named Ed they are talking to is none other than Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) who is again out of the hospital and living in a normal home in the suburbs with his wife.  Norman tells the entire story of his life with his Mother (Olivia Hussey) who physically and mentally abused Norman.  Most of the time for no reason at all except the fact that she had no one else to take her anger out on.  The talk show host is intent on getting the whole story out and convincing Norman not to kill again.

For being a prequel and a ton of flashback material I think this movie is actually pretty good.  Not near as good as the other sequels.  I really like what they did with the flashbacks of young Norman.  Showing a few of the other people he killed before he even gave the poison to his Mother.  It was well directed and casted to perfection.  I thought the best performance of the film was from one of the original scream queens herself, Olivia Hussey.  Her presence on screen as Normans abusive Mother is not soon to be forgotten.

I wish they could have made another slasher-like film like the 3rd one was, but in 1990 slasher films had officially run out of steam and it was time for Psycho to take a new turn.  Besides Anthony Perkins at this point was getting older and was sick with HIV and probably not able to put together the performance he once was able too.  It was only 2 years after this movie was made that Anthony passed away.  If you are a Psycho fan I do recommend seeing this to get the whole story on old Normie.  I am glad that I finally gave this a chance.  Even though I like the movie and it's not totally terrible, I think it would have been better to stop after the 3rd one.  Stay twisted everyone!

Fatality Fear Fest Now Accepting Entries

Fatality Fear Fest is now accepting entries into our first annual competition as a part of Fatality Fest horror convention, June 7th-9th, 2013 in West Palm Beach, FL!

Competitors with short films, less than 20 minutes in length, are invited to submit their project online. All official rules and submission requirements can be found on the official website:

www.fatalityfest.com/film-festival.html

Entries are accepted through April 20th. Five finalists will be chosen by Scott Spiegel to have their films showcased on Sunday, June 9th at the convention. The winner will be chosen by the attending audience.

The Second Teaser Trailer is released for "Bloody Night" - PRESS RELEASE

Bloody Night


“Are you ready for a Bloody Weekend?”

Budapest, Hungary - Director Hakan Yildiz has released the second teaser trailer for the slasher film Bloody Night. Bloody Night was shot in Budapest, Hungary and the film features several rising stars and starlettes. As well, the latest teaser trailer for the film shows flashes of a mysterious killer, who is intent on stalking four friends on holiday.

The trailer shows primary cast members on the wrong side of a knife. Actress Anna Rust (The Brothers Grimm) appears prominently in one of Budapest’s empty streets. Her character is chased in back alleys and a park by an unknown attacker. As well, actor Pau Masó (Haunted Poland) is shown as he provides safe refuge for the distressed Anna. And, even the killer makes an appearance with a sharp blade. Horror fans can view this deadly cat and mouse exchange in the clip provided below!

Bloody Night is also set to tour over 20 horror film festivals. Festival runs will take place both in North America and Europe, with specific dates to be announced shortly.

The film’s synopsis: “4 University students travel to Budapest during the winter break holiday, but they find their lives endangered. Now, these four friends will have to fight for their lives, to escape a masked madman and killer (Sweet Dreams Productions).“

Release Date: Q2 2013.

Director: Hakan Yildiz.

Producers: Burcak Ozder, Deniz Sahin and Hakan Yildiz.

Executive Producers: Hakan Yildiz and Csanad Darvas.

Cast: Hakan Yildiz, Pau Masó, Anna Rust, Zsolt Der and Christoph Fortmann.

The film’s homepage is here: http://www.bloodynightmovie.com

The film’s fan page is listed here: http://www.facebook.com/bloodynightfilm

And here: http://www.twitter.com/bloodynightfilm

The second teaser trailer for the film is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fbsFYpjOuu8

Dream Seekers Film "Little Reaper" is now in Post Production - PRESS RELEASE

The up and coming film from Dream Seekers Productions entitled Little Reaper is now in Post Production.  Little Reaper is a horror/comedy about the Grim Reapers's troublesome teenage daughter.  It stars Athena Baumeister and John Paul Ouvrier, with John Michael Herndon, Katharine Stapleton, Allison Ashley Arm, Katy Townsend and Sorsha Morava.  Little Reaper is also directed and produced by Peter Dukes.


Website: www.dreamseekersprods.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dreamseekersproductions
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dreamseekerfans

F 2010 (AKA The Expelled) - REVIEW

There are those times when I run across an ad for a film or read an article somewhere that declares it "a must see" that in turn makes me WANT to see it. You'd think I would've learned by now not to seek out films without doing a fair amount of research first. You'd think....

Robert Anderson (David Schofield) is not having a very good year. After being assaulted by a student he is forced to take an extended leave to avoid any repercussion by the parents of the boy. You see, even though he was the one who was punched in the nose, the incident was deemed his fault because "giving students an 'F' has long been against national guidelines" and is "nothing but humiliating for the child" therefore he provoked the student by belittling him in front of the entire class. Got it?? Good. So, it's no wonder that after a few months pass by and he is allowed back, he is a shadow of his former self... an emotionally drained, alcoholic who has separated from his wife (Juliet Aubrey) and losing control of his teenage daughter (Eliza Bennett). At odds with the principal (Ruth Gemmell) and scared to death of his own students, he's labeled paranoid and delusional by his fellow teachers and the rest of the staff. His delusions turn out to be justified when some "hoodies" break into the school after hours one night and intent on terrorizing those unlucky enough to be pulling double duty. Anderson must face his greatest fear while trying to save his daughter and make it out alive.

The entire film rests solely on the shoulders of Schofield who does a remarkable job at carrying it to the end. It's just too bad that nothing was done to give his character any sort of likeability. Yes, he's a tortured soul. Yes, he's just about lost everything good in his life. He's the perfect horror hero, but without seeing the transition from phenomenal teacher and father of the year to burned out drunk, there's nothing to really care about. He just comes off as a craggy teacher who's tired of dealing with spoiled brats all day. Aside from Bennett and Gemmell, no one else really has much screen time. There are a lot of faces that revolve in and out so often that without going back to the IMDb page, I couldn't even remember their names.

Solid films are built on top of a solid script that is built on top of a solid idea. What writer/director Johannes Roberts had here was definitely a great idea. The first twenty minutes of lead in were very strong but it all just seems to fall apart once the "hoodies" show up and everything becomes trite and contrived. This is also one of the few horror films I've seen in a while that doesn't have a single on screen death. And while there is plenty of gore in the aftermath, it hardly makes up for some of the other inconsistencies the film is bombarded with. For example, the "hoodies" cut the phone lines to the school but never lock it down so the likelihood that someone could escape is rather high. I could go on with this assessment but I'd be giving away too much of the plot and spoilers are something we don't do here. In the end, I left the film feeling a little cheated and insulted by the ending. If you're into films that are heavy handed with the jump scares but light on suspense, this is probably one that would get you. I'm a HUGE fan of British horror but I think this is one I'll pass on to my teenagers to watch during a sleep over... on a stormy night.

Excision 2012 - REVIEW

I saw this film a couple of months ago and really am just reviewing it now only because I was not as impressed with it as I thought I was going to be.  I really did not know much about it except for the description from Amazon.com and the fact the Traci Lords was in it.  Up front I am going to say I do not consider this to be a full fledged horror movie.  In my opinion it had a dark tone but really the only thing related to horror that happened was not until the end of the film.  Draw your own conclusions.

Pauline (AnnaLynne McCord) is a very odd girl almost what you would consider and introvert.  She is not very popular among her peers and really does not have any friends except for her sister Grace (Ariel Winter) who suffers from cystic fibrosis.  They have a controlling Mother (Traci Lords) who favors Grace a little more than Pauline.  Mainly because of Pauline's always strange behavior.  Pauline is an aspiring surgeon and is almost to the point of obsession.  She has delusions frequently that are sick and show how disturbed she really is.  One night she takes matters into her own hands.  You will be shocked to say the least.

The film itself is pretty strange all the way around.  Mostly revolving around the character of Pauline and her relationship with her bitch of a Mother.  Traci Lords is really what I consider to be the brightest part of this film.  Her performance was outstanding and she really showed the audience that she still is a star and steals the screen whenever she is on it.    Not to mention that she is still as gorgeous as ever.  I really did not like Pauline's character nor did I like AnnaLynne McCord as her.  I guess she played the part I just really am not a fan or her performance.

The story itself I thought has alot of potential that really just did not deliver.  There are some humorous parts to this movie, and some scary moments when you say "what the fuck!"  Most of all too much time was spent on how odd and strange Pauline was rather than just letting her loose and just fuck some shit up.  Don't get me wrong I do not totally all out hate this film, but I was very disappointed   I thought the description of the movie tagged it more of a horror movie when it really needed to be described as a dark drama.  Stay twisted everyone!

Severin Films Releases The Manson Family

LOS ANGELES, CA, February 21st, 2013 – Severin Films today announced the May 7th Blu-ray debut of Jim VanBebber’s legendary, award-winning indie THE MANSON FAMILY on the 10th anniversary of its original release. US theatrical dates in 20 major cities are scheduled through March and April and new poster artwork has been created by artist Stephen Romano for the occasion. VanBebber’s highly anticipated new short GATOR GREEN will accompany many of the screenings and will also be included in the extras-packed Special Edition Blu-Ray release.

The theatrical run launches at Landmark Theatres locations in Denver and San Francisco on March 22nd and will continue through April taking in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Boston and many more (see below for a partial list of engagements, with more to be announced in the coming weeks).

THE MANSON FAMILY delivers an uncompromising, brutal vision of the collapse of the “Love Generation.” On a ranch outside of LA the hippie dream is perverting into something evil. What was once an oasis of free love and acid trips has become ground zero for a madman’s paranoid visions. An average group of kids, the "Family", become engulfed in a delusional world where torment and slaughter is considered the path to righteousness. The Manson Family is a dizzying, rapid-fire vision of the sex and violence that unifies the misguided group, and at the direction of their leader, ends in a brutal spree leaving seven people dead in 48 hours. Now re-mastered in stunning HD for the first time ever in America. Extras include an all-new Director’s commentary, the brand new short GATOR GREEN, the uncut version of the previously censored, feature length documentary THE VANBEBBER FAMILY on the film’s near-mythic production, and much more.


Severin Films was formed in 2006 with offices in Los Angeles and London. The company produced the acclaimed 2012 horror anthology THE THEATRE BIZARRE and their previous releases include Richard Stanley’s restored HARDWARE, the all-star War classic THE WILD GEESE, the unrated Director’s Cut of Just Jaeckin’s GWENDOLINE, Enzo Castellari’s original action classic INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, Oscar®-nominee Patrice Leconte’s THE HAIRDRESSER’S HUSBAND, the midnight movie sensation BIRDEMIC – SHOCK & TERROR, Eugenio Martin’s restored HORROR EXPRESS, and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s incomparable masterpiece SANTA SANGRE.

THE MANSON FAMILY

2013 Theatrical Bookings

March 22 & 23 – Clay Theatre, San Francisco
March 22 & 23 – Esquire Theatre, Denver
March 27 – Boston Underground Film Festival - Brattle Theatre, Cambridge MA
March 29 & 30 – Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema, New York City
March 29 & 30 – Alamo Drafthouse Vintage Park, Houston
March 29 – Plaza Theatre, Atlanta
April 3 – Granoff Center for the Arts, Providence RI
April 5 – Ritz Bourse, Philadelphia
April 5 & 6 – Egyptian Theatre, Seattle
April 12 – Logan Theatre, Chicago
April 12 & 13 – Hi-Pointe Theatre, St. Louis
April 13 – Cedar Lee Theatre, Cleveland
April 19 & 20 – E Street Theatre, Washington DC
April 19 & 20 – Inwood Theatre, Dallas
April 21 – Screenland Crossroads, Kansas City MO
April 23 – New Beverly Cinema, Los Angeles

Interview with Marianne Porter from the movie True Nature

I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Marianne Porter who had the lead role of Marianne Pascal in the Indie film True Nature.  Hope you enjoy, it really was a pleasure to speak with such a talented actress.


TC: How did you come to get the part of Marianne for True Nature

MP: I had been friends with Patrick Steele the producer of the movie for a long time and he was set to have me star in the movie.  We both went to Wright State for college and started talking about doing the movie back in 2004.



TC: How long did it take to film the movie?

MP: It took a total of 3 months to film, but it was 3 months spread out over a year period.  Patrick wanted my character to be physically different from the before I disappeared to when I came back.  I lost weight for the first part of shooting in 2007 then in 2008 we shot the pre disappearance scenes.


TC: How was it working with a veteran actress like Carolyn McCormick?

MP: I was really very cool.  I was completely in awe that we were able to get her to be in the movie in the first place.  She was so easy to work with and always fun to be around.  She was always giving me advice and little tips here and there.  For most of the movie I had to be in a really dark place and it was alot harder for me to get in that place and Carolyn was just able to turn it on an off like a switch.


TC: How was your overall experience with the film?

MP: Overall, it was a blast.  I am extremely lucky to play the part.  I had a tough time for 4 years in Los Angeles and I got this great part in a movie right in my hometown in Ohio.  It was really just so surreal to be the lead in such a great movie.  There were tense days, but we all took care of each other.


TC: Are there any projects you are working on at the present time?

MP: Not right now.  I have chosen not to pursue acting and go with something a little more stable.  I was raised by a single mother and having something stable is something I am more accustomed to.


TC: How many films have you been in up to now?

MP: I have been apart of a number of projects , but really only acted in about a handful of movies.  I was in Apparition and played an FBI agent.  Apparition has not been completed yet but I believe they are working on finishing it right now.  I was in a student film that appears in IMDB called Coffee and Water, and of course True Nature.


TC: Have you been to any conventions or film festivals to promote True Nature?

MP: I have been to a couple premieres in Ohio and I did do one of the conventions in Washington DC.  Patrick and Ann are really the ones that have been to the film festivals and screenings for True Nature.  I really would like to go to more of the screenings though.

The Slasher "Dark Cove" gets it's First Trailer - PRESS RELEASE

Dark Cove

“Sex, drugs, murder…wanna go camping?

Victoria, British Columbia - Dark Cove is an independently shot horror feature from writer, director and actor Rob Willey. Willey is also the frontman for the high-energy rock group Jell and is an award winning music video director. His work on Jell’s “Out of Your Head” won music video of the year 2012 at the Vancouver Island Music Awards. And now, Willey has set his sights on completing one of the most brutal horror films this year. Dark Cove promises that some killers are closer than they seem!

The first concept trailer shows Willey’s dark vision for this feature. In the film, five friends: Ian (Eliot Bayne), Quinn (Rob Willey), Jen (Montanna McNalley), Joey (Rob Abbate), and Donnie (Cameron Crosby) go on a camping adventure that quickly turns into a disaster. After meeting two Australian surfers: Dean (James Anderson) and Chase (Rodney Woods) who are not who they appear to be, a night of hallucinogenic drug trips alter reality and create paranoia. Soon, friends are turning up dead and the survivors have to find a way out of their isolated and dangerous locale.

Shot on location on Vancouver Island, Dark Cove is nearing completion. This title will finish shooting in 2013 as Tall Grass Films finalizes further financing. For now fans can enjoy the film’s first trailer and look forward to seeing its impressive cinematography on a bigger screen.

Release Date: TBA 2013.

Director: Rob Willey.

Writers: Rob Willey, Dennis Willey.

Cast: Eliot Bayne, Rob Willey, Montanna McNalley, Rodney Woods, James Anderson, Camerson Crosby, Rob Abbate and Alexandra Brown.

The first trailer for Dark Cove can be viewed here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxhpX7Zhiwg&feature=youtu.be

The film’s fan page is here: https://www.facebook.com/DarkCove

Dark Cove can be supported through their IndieGogo page, found here:

http://www.indiegogo.com/darkcove/

The Perfect House 2011 - REVIEW

Stop me if you've heard this one... a newlywed couple is looking for the perfect house to spend the rest of their lives in... blah, blah, blah, things go wrong and everyone dies. There's always some schmuck that ends up buying or renting a house with a haunted history. OR, or... a serial killer escapes from prison and goes home to find his Mommy was run out of town by an angry mob and a whole new family has planted roots. There are so many regurgitated tales of home buying gone wrong to choose from that it's becoming really hard to find one with any worth.

Newlyweds, Mike (William A. Robertson) and Marisol (Andrea Vahl), are given the tour of their potential dream home by a perky real estate Agent (Monique Parent). As they progress from one room to another, the history of the house is told in anthology type tales. "The Storm" is a Hitchcock inspired, dark shadow filled tale of an abusive family taking shelter in their basement from a violent, fast approaching storm. Soon we learn that the weather isn't the only thing threatening to tear this family apart. "Chic-ken" is the tale of a serial killer who rapes and tortures his victims in the basement of his home. "Dinner Guest" is a disturbing look at what can happen if you fail to return gardening tools to your creepy, hermit neighbor.

With a cast composed of film stars from the 80's and 90's, The Perfect House is likely to be a horror's fan wet dream. Jonathan Tiersten and Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) and John Philbin (Return of the Living Dead) are clearly the headliners here, and they do a great job, but it's the brother and sister duo (Alex Markousis and Michael Wagner) from the first segment "The Storm" that steal the show. Or maybe it's just the creepiness of that particular story that caught my attention... who knows. Overall, the acting is hit and miss to varying degrees. It occasionally gets a little over the top and at times a bit cheesy but I think that had more to do with the dialogue they were given than with their acting abilities.

I have to admit at first, I had no idea what was going on with this film. I got a little lost in between the first couple of flashbacks and it took me a minute to realize exactly what was happening. Okay, okay I'm a little slow. I freely admit it. That said, looking at the stories individually, I'd have to say that "The Storm" was my personal favorite. It had the right amount of uncomfortable eeriness to it that is maintained through out that whole segment. That coupled with the impending storm outside and the intensity of the conflict inside makes for a pretty strong story. "Chic-ken" came off a little too Hostel'ish for me. I do dig the blood and guts type film but I'm a little burned out on the torture porn aspect of movies. Not to mention the scripting in this one was a little on the bizarre side. There is no circumstance where I would see a serial killer's hostage say and act the way this one does. Yes, I'm fully aware of Stockholm Syndrome but I don't see it happening in this case, again because of some of the dialogue. This in turn, made me wonder if Kris Hulbert's intentions were for this segment to be more of a dark comedy. It's still kind of unclear for me. "Dinner Guest" was the hardest one for me to get through as it contained a lot of physical and psychological child abuse and that's not really my cup of tea.

As I said before, I didn't hate The Perfect House. I like that they tried to shake things up and make it not your normal "evil house" type film. The effects are well done and it's well shot. It's definitely worth a watch AND for the entire month of February, when you rent or buy The Perfect House a donation will be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. That right there should be enough to make even NON-horror fans watch!

True Nature 2010 - REVIEW

I could not even imagine what it would be like for someone that I know or a family member to go missing.  Little less go missing and returning after a long period of time.  What would be the first thing you would say? Would you actually ask "were where you?"  I do like a good slasher but I also like a movie that will make you think beyond the normal realm.

Marianne Pascal (Marianne Porter) is a normal college student that is on winter break from school.  She is being pressured by her mother (Carolyn McCormick) to take a family vacation to Aspen were it has just freshly snowed.  Marianne is not wanting to spend her break that way.  Marianne storms from the dinner table and goes out for some fresh air.  A little later to clear her head she goes out for a run.  Stopping in the street to check her injured leg, a car suddenly comes at her.  Marianne goes missing and there are no signs as to where she is.  A year after her disappearance she returns home covered in mud.  She is taken to the hospital and has no recollection of were she was and seems very out of it.  Her Parents are happy she is back, but something is not quite right.  Marianne is not herself anymore, looking disheveled all the time, having horrible nightmares and flashbacks.  The truth about her disappearance is uncovered little by little.  You will not believe what really happened!  It's even more evil and sadistic than you can imagine.

True Nature is not your traditional horror movie.  More of a drama/thriller than anything with some supernatural aspects as well.  The story is brilliantly written with plenty of mystery and a few added twists and turns along the way.  Character development is the key for this film.  It seems the actors and actresses were picked perfectly for their roles.  Marianne Porter is outstanding as the lead Marianne Pascal.  Her performance is worthy of an Oscar, not really, but pretty damn close. The part of Marianne's Mother was also steller.  Really was the character that you loved to hate.  Just constantly pushing her daughter not caring about Marianne's feelings as all just herself and what everyone else thought.  Those kind of people really piss me off and I am glad Marianne was such a bitch to her.  She really deserved it.

I did really enjoy watching this movie.  From the title and the description on IMDb I really did not know what to expect.  It was a very pleasant surprise, being hooked on my computer screen for 92 minutes while I watched this film uninterrupted   I would most definitely recommend a viewing or two.  You can easily find it on Amazon.com for purchase.  Seems to be a little expensive though at the moment, may want to wait for the price to come down a bit. On the other hand  I think it's worth the 22.00 they are asking for it, but that's just me. Stay twisted everyone!

Tooth and Nail - BOOK REVIEW

The world has been ravaged by the Hong Kong Lyssa virus. So many are infected that hospitals have become overrun and require military assistance to control the crowds. Schools and churches have been converted into impromptu clinics to handle the overflow. Labs rush to search for a cure or even a treatment for this mortifying disease as thousands, maybe millions, founder and die. If that is not bad enough, some cases of the virus enter the brain, causing severe fluctuations in behavior. These cases cause the infected to become basically rabid prior to their imminent demise. They attack those they love and anyone else with which they come in contact. Soon, it is realized that the Mad Dogs, as they become familiarly known, begin to spread a highly virulent strain of disease through their bite. In mere hours, infection sets in and more Mad Dogs are created.

Soldiers sent to assist the hospitals soon find themselves alone in a world they don't understand and cut off from the military, even the country. They must fight to survive, and with any luck find and deliver a cure before there is no one left to cure.

I have become a big fan of Craig DiLouie. I love his work. His stories grab your attention quickly and hold it fast. That being said, while I did enjoy the descriptive way in which he described the events occurring around this group of soldiers, I have to say that I was less enthusiastic about the character development in this one. I had a hard time differentiating the characters. The majority of them were soldiers and many of them had very similar traits. It became difficult to distinguish them at times.

Also, while any book about soldiers should contain words and abbreviations that soldiers use, I must admit that on occasion trying to remember all the meanings slowed down my reading a little.

In the end, though, the story itself was worth the time. And, I am sure many people would not find the military terms as daunting as I did. Actually, I ended up reading the book twice, just to make sure I gave it a fair shake, and honestly, the second time through I got a lot more out of it than I did the first time. Craig DiLouie is definitely an author worth the time, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

Reviewed by: Malinda McAteer

Bride of Chucky 1998 - REVIEW

Back in 1998  Ronny Yu took the job of adding another chapter to the Child's Play series.  Chucky had been dead since part 3 in 1993, but to some fans he was surely not forgotten.  The series definitely needed a refresher and a new start.  With part 3 it got rather stale, which is probably why they waited so long to put out another sequel.  Unlike most Friday The 13th movies this was not going to be a guaranteed hit.  Do you think they pulled it off?

It's been 10 years since Chucky had died in the toy store and transferring his soul into a doll.  The dolls remains are being held at a police station in an evidence locker.  A cop is seen grabbing the bag that holds his remains and puts it in his car.  He meets up with Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly) and they have a deal to exchange Chucky's remains for some cash.  Tiffany decides to do away with the cop and kill him.  She gets a sick fascination from killing people.  She takes Chucky back home and stitches him up and preforms a Voodoo incantation on him to bring him back to life.  It seems to not work at first but Chucky does return back to life and we find out that Tiffany was Chucky's girlfriend before he died years ago.  Her plan for them to marry is laughed off by Chucky and Tiffany is angered and locks him in a crib.  While she is taking a bath Chucky pops in and knocks a tv in the bathtub.  He then transfers her soul of a girl doll, now they are both made of rubber.  They need to get to New Jersey to Chucky's human grave to get the amulet they need, and in the process Tiffany dupes her neighbor Jessie (Nick Stabile) in taking the dolls to New Jersey for five hundred bucks and five hundred when he gets there.  He picks up his girlfriend Jade (Katherine Heigl) to escape her controlling Uncle in the process.  Chucky and Tiffany are sure to leave a few bodies along the way!

I really have mixed emotions about this movie.  I really do not downright not like it but it really is not my favorite in the series.  As far as refreshing the series goes I really think they did a good job with the story.  Just not so much with the delivery.  Bride of Chucky I thought really focused on the comedy instead of more of the horror.  This really could have been a lot darker than what it was, instead many people see it as just being down right cheesy.  In horror cheesy is fine, especially with a slasher but this one was not as amusing as most are.

The main cast did a fantastic job with Brad Dourif returning as the voice of Chucky.  The always sexy Jennifer Tilly and a controlling and sadistic cop played by John Ritter.  Out of all the cast John Ritter was really my favorite.  I think it was because I really had never seen him play such a dark character that the audience just loved to hate.  A very young Katherine Heigl is worth mentioning as well.  While her performance really was not that great in my opinion, she was unknown at the time and still had a lot to learn.

There is a lot about this film I like and a lot I really don't like.  I'm about 50/50 on it.  It is not one of the movies I like to watch a whole lot but every now an then I will pop it in.  I have grown to like it more and more over the years.  When Bride first came out I really hated it.  The more I saw it I became more attached.  I did not like the sequel after this Seed of Chucky at all, but I am excited to see Chucky return to the big screen this year with Curse of Chucky due out in the last part of the year.  Stay twisted everyone!

The Dark Carnival International Film Festival - PRESS RELEASE

THE DARK CARNIVAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
NEW VENUE AND CALL FOR ENTRIES

Columbus, IN - Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - join us
AUGUST 30-31, 2013 in COLUMBUS, INDIANA for the Greatest Show Unearthed!

Founded more than seven years ago, the Dark Carnival International
Film Festival strives to be the premier event for screening the best
independent horror, sci-fi, and dark fantasy films. Our mission is to
put fans and filmmakers first and present fantastic films from the four
corners of the globe. Many of the movies at Dark Carnival have been
picked up for distribution by major players in the industry, and our
event has provided numerous networking opportunities for visiting
filmmakers who have traveled from as far as Spain, the UK, Toronto, New
York and LA. 

Since 2007, Dark Carnival has screened nearly 200 films
from more than a dozen countries all over the world, and from almost
every state in the US. In the past seven years we have gained a
reputation as a festival that values indie filmmakers and that loves
genre films as something much more than a business niche.

As a result, we've gained the attention of some of the most highly regarded
publications, film distributors, and sponsors including Avid, R2
Entertainment, Diabolique Magazine, HorrorHound Magazine, GeekTyrant,
and Final Draft. The festival has also been featured multiple times in
MovieMaker Magazine, which recognized Dark Carnival as one of the "13
Horror Film Fests to Die For" (Fall 2011) and one of the top "25 Film
Fests Worth the Entry Fee" (Fall 2009)

NEW VENUE

While other similar
film festivals often screen their movies in hotel conference rooms, from
the very beginning we've been proud to showcase festival films in some
amazing theater venues. During our first six years, Dark Carnival was
held at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, a restored, 1930s era movie-house.

For 2013, we're excited to move to our new location - the historic
CRUMP THEATER in downtown Columbus, Indiana. Originally opened in 1889,
the Crump is the oldest theater in the state - and is also recognized as
one of the most haunted places in the midwest.

The Crump began its own
restoration project in 2001, and since then has hosted a variety of
shows and events, including benefits for the victims of Hurricane
Katrina and the tsunami in Japan, as well a live performance by John
Mellencamp.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Dark Carnival International Film
Festival is currently accepting submissions for 2013 and festival
organizers are looking for original, cutting edge independent films in
the horror, fantasy and sci-fi genres. Both short and feature-length
films are accepted, as well as documentaries, animation, experimental,
music videos, and trailers. The early-bird deadline for submission is
June 30, 2013. (Filmmakers should visit www.darkcarnivalfilmfest.com [1]
for more information.)

THE DARK CARNIVAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
is a different show every year. Screenings showcase a mix of 25-30 short
and feature films. Events have included outdoor drive-in film
screenings, filmmaking seminars, panel discussions, VIP award banquets,
and filmmaker Q&A. The festival has also offered a variety of after-hour
events, including costume contests, dance parties, carnival sideshows,
horror hosts, burlesque dancers, live fire shows and more!

2013
promises to be a special year for the event. THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL THEME
WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CRUMP THEATER’S SPOOKY REPUTATION AS A
FAVORITE LOCATION FOR GHOST HUNTERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY, and
festival organizers are hard at work planning our best show yet!


Festival passes go on sale spring 2013, and a limited number of vendor
tables are available.

Visit www.DarkCarnivalFilmFest.com for more
details.

FESTIVAL PHOTOS & INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
David E. Pruett,
Festival Director
Dark Carnival Film Festival
812.720.9185

info@darkcarnivalfilmfest.com
DarkCarnivalFilmFest.com


DAVID E. PRUETT
Festival Director
DARK CARNIVAL HORROR
FILM FESTIVAL
www.darkcarnivalfilmfest.com
_www.facebook.com/dcfest_

Lanark Records - PRESS RELEASE

There is a new record company in America and its name is Lanark Records. Lanark Records is a true Rock n’ Roll record label featuring some of the most endearing artists in the Rockabilly and Roots Rock and Blues scenes. Our musicians can really play their instruments; our studio produces rich and warm records without loops and synthesizers. You’ll never see a “programmer” credit on our record covers and our producers are real musicians. They are not DJ’s. The artists on Lanark Records are all pro musicians who tour the world. Lanark features young and veteran bands that play music with passion and tour relentlessly. They share the vision with Lanark Records of a world filled with great rock n’ roll played from the heart. Our studio session players are the best in the business including the Crosstown Horns who are the coolest horn section this side of Memphis.

Lanark Records’ goal is to bring new music to the fans of the types major labels and media ignore. This includes, but is not limited to, rockabilly, rock and roll, blues, old school country and western, sixties pop, British invasion, Stax’s soul, girl groups, surf music, Americana, folk and roots music.

A current list of our ever-expanding roster includes: the legendary singer Robert Gordon and the equally legendary rockabilly singer and guitar player, Charlie Gracie; Grammy Award winning guitar player from Nashville, Nick Kane; from London, the seminal neo-rockabilly band The Rockats; from Arizona The Devil’s Daughters; Pennsylvania’s own The Reach Around Rodeo Clowns and the super fun Gas House Gorillas! All of these artists will be touring behind new Lanark Record releases this year.

Lanark Entertainment is the parent company of Lanark Records and Lanark Entertainment BMI, (Our publishing division). In addition to signing and releasing artists, we are a full service record company that offers the following professional services: Recording- in our beautiful new studio, art,photography and graphic design for albums, posters, websites and more. Publishing and songwriting, Distribution- both electronic and retail, promotion and marketing.

Lanark Records is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania home of the most dynamic small town music scene in the U.S. 

To learn more, you can go to our website at www.lanarkrecords.net and friend us on .
For interviews and photos, please contact Rich Ruoff at 717-391-9722 or email at rich@lanarkrecords.net.

Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland 1989 - REVIEW

In the late 1980's Michael A Simpson took on making not one but two sequel's to 1983's Sleepaway Camp.  Filming the movies back to back, part 2 released in 1988 while part 3 was released in 1989 by Double Helix.  Both were direct to video and were not really hits at the time but over the years have gained quite a cult following.  I even think that parts 2 and 3 are better than the original and a whole lot more entertaining, but no one can top the originals surprise ending.  Part 3 expands on the murder spree of Angela Baker Camp New Horizons which was formerly Camp Rolling Hills were Angela was a counslor at.

Maria (Kashina Kessler) wakes up bright and early and gets ready to go wait for her ride to go to camp.  Just outside of her apartment in New York a garbage truck comes roaring down the street chasing her into and alley and runs her over.  It is revealed the driver was Angela Baker (Pamela Springsteen) and she looks surprisingly just like Maria.  She puts her in the back of the truck and assumes her identity and is picked up by the Camp New Horizon's van.  She is now a camper and ready to slash away at some more terrible kids.

Another fun, cheesy slasher movie from the 80's that came at the end of the era but really was one of the great ones.  It's true that the acting really wasn't that great and really did not have much to offer in way of a soundtrack, but it was effective none the less.  Pamela Springsteen returns to the big screen as the mentally unbalanced trans sexual killer Angela and is really one of the brightest spots of the film.  She is in no way a great actress but she plays a great corny serial killer.  There was even a small part for film veteran Michael J Pollard in this one.  He really did not last too long but his character was a lot of fun.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about this movie is the special effects.  The man in charge was none other than Bill "Splat" Johnson.  You really have to appreciate the use or really the non use of CGI that you see all too much these days.  It really was good old fashion slashing and blood splatter.  My favorite was the heavily edited death scene of Lily (Sandra Dorsey) getting her head run over with the lawn mower.  It really does not get any better than that.

I was only about 10 years old when I first saw this movie, and it was the first Sleepaway Camp movie that I had ever seen.  I was hooked after just one viewing.  VHS tapes from independent film company's were really hard to find on sale and not just for rent at the time.  I did not obtain a copy of this until the late 90's but that did not stop me from renting this endlessly from the local blockbuster video.  I cannot rate this as my favorite slasher movie of the time, but it is definitely in my top 10.  If you are a slasher fan and by some twist of fate you have not seen this movie, you need to right away.  Stay Twisted everyone!