American Mary (2012) - REVIEW

I first heard of American Mary only a few months ago through Facebook and Twitter.  I had no clue who the  Soska Sisters were and I started seeing the reviews of this movie coming in.  Most of the reviews I read were pretty favorable but I stayed away from the synopsis of it because this movie really intrigued me and I really wanted to go into watching it for myself with an open mind and just not really knowing what to expect.

Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle) is a med student studying to be a surgeon, hit by financial trouble and a teacher that rides her in class (not literally).  Needing a job to make some quick cash Mary answers an add on a classified's internet site.  She goes for an interview at a strip club with the owner Billy Barker (Antonio Cuppo).  He has her do the normal stripper stuff, strutting, gets a look at her body and even has her give a massage.  He is pulled away by his bodyguard to handle a problem.  Billy saw on her resume that she was a med student and offers her 5,000 to do a favor for him.  She accepts and takes her to a room with a badly beaten man that she must suture up and take care of.  The next day she receives a few strange phone calls from a lady asking for a Dr Mason.  She repeatedly hangs up on the caller.  Later in the evening she has someone at her apt door claiming to have a package for her, she sends them up but while Mary is getting ready to go get the package a lady runs into her apartment.  She is a stripper from the club named Beatress (Tristan Risk).  Beatress offers Mary 10,000 to perform a procedure on her friend to alter her appearance.  She reluctantly agrees but she was in no position to turn down the money.  This operation is going to open a whole new door for Mary but once that door is opened there is no going back!

People always say save the best for last but in this case I am going to tell everyone upfront what the best thing about this movie is: The story.  If you are looking for something original that is as intriguing as it is gory then you have found the right movie.  The Soska Sisters really out did themselves with American Mary.  I read an interview with Katherine Isabelle and she said that the script was extremely long because they write every single scene out in great detail.  You can really tell as you watch the movie.  It is very deliberate, detailed, and a bloody mess.  The acting for the most part was really stellar especially for the lead of Mary played by Katherine Isabelle.  She was fantastic in this role and honestly to me this is by far her best performance.

I had a blast watching this, especially at 1 in the morning.  It got into my head a bit and I would be lying if I said I did not have a few fucked up dreams because of this movie.  Usually when I review a movie even if I like it there are still a few area's that I hit on that are flawed.  This one however I have nothing to point out that was flawed or I didn't like.  I would definitely rate this one 9 stars and point out that this is a must see for any hardcore straight up horror fan.  Stay twisted everyone!

Ditch Day Massacre gets A New Trailer - PRESS RELEASE

Water Tree Media, helmed by producer Megan Waters, has released the full length trailer for the much anticipated teen slasher film Ditch Day Massacre! This film stars horror icon Bill Oberst Jr. (Children of Sorrow, Scary or Die) and Lynn Lowry (Cat People, The Crazies). First time director Joe Hendrick’s collaborative efforts with horror screenwriter/author Daniel P. Coughlin (Lake Dead, Farmhouse) and sibling actor/writer Ryan Coughlin (Back Slash, “Jericho”) promise to keep us begging for more twisted story, practical gore and scantily clad scenery.

The film also stars ambitious up and coming talents Katy Foley (Disdain) and Zach Silverman (A Broken Code). Tara Gerard (Lake Dead), Mad Brad Potts (Puppet Master X, “Glee”) and martial arts star Morgan Benoit (The Forbidden Kingdom) fill in the blood dripping tale with elements of mystery and a well-developed plotline. Kyle Morris (Chillerama), Gabe De Santi (Blood Shed) Samantha Dawn (Premonition) and Suicide Girl Pandie seduce and charm us with an attractive dynamic. Parental figures Suzanne Gutierrez (The Colombian Connection) and Greg Depetro (“General Hospital”) tie the film together with their small, but intricate performances.

And, rumor has it there is a production journal that will be released in book form near the film’s release date, which promises to bare all. And, it will tell the tale of a group of underdog filmmakers putting everything they got, literally to make this fun and explosive horror film.

The Ditch Day Massacre official synopsis:

"Jenny Bilson, a high school senior, is the perfect student, and a wonderful daughter to a veteran police detective. But a figure from her past has come knocking. And, throwing a high school 'ditch party,' will end up being one HELL of a mistake!“

Release Date: 2013. Director: Joe Hendrick. Writers: Daniel P. Coughlin and Ryan Coughlin.

Cast: Bill Oberst Jr., Katy Foley, Zach Silverman, Lynn Lowry and Morgan Benoit.

The latest trailer for Ditch Day Massacre is here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0N8eTigFAA

For more information on the film visit us at: http://thefilmditch.com/

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An American Ghost Story Coming to DVD August 20th - PRESS RELEASE

Derek Cole's Acclaimed Horror Film

An American Ghost Story
Coming to DVD August 20th

Breaking Glass Pictures and Vicious Circle Films are excited to announce the August 20th DVD release of An American Ghost Story, the critically acclaimed horror film from director Derek Cole. Written by star Stephen Twardokus, An American Ghost Story was hailed as "very well-crafted" by Fangoria Magazine and a "favorite of the year" by Horror News.

Paul Anderson (Twardokus) and his girlfriend Stella (Liesel Kopp) move into a house that is well known for being haunted. Paul, a struggling writer plans to write his first novel about his experiences with the paranormal. What starts out as a fun and exciting adventure, soon takes a very dangerous turn. They quickly realize some things are better left alone.

An American Ghost Story was a favorite on the festival circuit, playing the Living Dead Festival and Shriekfest Film Festival. At the Buffalo Screams Festival, the film took home the award for Best Editing, while Stephen Twardokus won Best Screenplay. Cole was nominated for Best Director and Best Cinematography.

The DVD release (SRP $24.99) will include deleted scenes and a commentary with director Derek Cole and actors/producers Stephen Twardokus and Jon Gale.

The First Screen Grab for "Pain"

From the director of Tell-Tale Heart (Patrick Flueger, Rose McGowan, and Peter Bogdanovich) comes Pain, a new fantasy, horror thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world starring Jake McLaughlin (Believe, Savages, Warrior, In the Valley of Elah) and Sean Huze (The Next Three Days, Green Zone, In the Valley of Elah). Jake is an Inquisitor, a devout follower of the Order of Zion. He is their most effective weapon against apostates who dare resist the Order's decrees

Produced by Jack Fayard (Angel's Wings). The film is presently in post-production with screenings planned in Los Angeles, CA November 6-13 during AFM. More details will be released Monday, July 1st.

The Controversial Desperate Dolls - PRESS RELEASE

The Controversial Desperate Dolls

 Independently financing a motion picture is always a tricky business. The total sum can come from production companies, private investors, friends, family, crowdsourcing, overseas, and many other channels. In the case of Desperate Dolls – a female-driven retro horror film written and directed by Darren Callahan (BBC, SyFy) – financing a project that’s commercially minded, yet controversial can have its own unique challenges. “Basically, people don’t know how far we’re going to take the sex and violence,” admits Callahan. “It’s been a combination of wanting the movie to be the right level of lurid, but not wanting to turn anyone off by veering into porn or bad taste.”

Desperate Dolls is the story of three young actresses auditioning in1968 Hollywood. Spotted by an exploitation film producer, the three women grab at the brass ring, only to be led astray by another character – a mysterious talent agent named “Captain.” Though the film will feature chills and thrills, it is how far the production will take the sexual scenarios and tragic violence that’s been turning heads.

The film’s crowdfunding campaign posters feature close-ups of beautiful, half-dressed women and blood splatter. Teaser trailers speak of rape, murder, drowning, and all have a dreamlike, snuff film vibe. This is potentially disconcerting material for would-be investors.

“It’s a horror film,” explains co-producer Stephanie Leigh Rose, who also stars in the film. “There’s a certain expectation that we’ll have sex and violence. That’s the market, but it’s also the story. But it’s also a story where the women are the heroes. They’re not victims – not in a traditional, physical way – though they certainly are taken advantage of.”

Callahan equates the women’s journey more to being swept up in a natural event. “These women are lost in a storm at sea and are looking for lights on shore. It’s true that they bought their own ticket for the ride, but they were also very misled by this duplicitous Captain character.”

With a plot full of surprises, it has been tough for the campaign to tease without giving away too much, or without blatantly stating the level of nudity and gore they intend to film. For example, Sony has been working with the production team over the placement of a particular 1960s pop song. How can such a sunny number be juxtaposed with horrific content? “We’ve been basically just confirming that we’re professionals and that, though elements are controversial, that we’re going to handle things in a professional way,” says Callahan. “All the actors are well-known on stage and screen – they do Shakespeare, they win awards, they have careers. The content may make certain people uncomfortable, but everything will be handled in a classic way. This is to be an artful, well-intentioned, well-made film that has its heart in the right place – on telling a powerful story of three doomed women. Though the marketing pulls from exploitable elements, we don’t intend to make trash.”

With his previous projects, Callahan has enjoyed shocking his audiences, but always with a purpose. “Ultimately, I like to entertain. I want people to enjoy my work. I may be a bit confrontational or abstract, or both, but in the end it’s about providing an experience that people enjoy and want to revisit.”


* * * * *

Darren Callahan, Desperate Dolls, and Doll Films can be found on Facebook, Twitter, IMDb (Internet Movie Database), Vimeo and YouTube, as well as these exclusive domains: desperatedollsmovie.com, desperatedolls2013.com, and darrencallahan.com.

On May 15, 2013, a full Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign launched to raise a portion of the production budget.

Please visit desperatedolls2013.com for specifics. Featuring exclusive teaser videos, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, posters, and special backer prizes, there is a host of things that will interest film fans and those who like to be included in the early start of such a venture.

Acort International Acquires “Axeman At Cutter’s Creek" - PRESS RELEASE

*Acort International Acquires “Axeman At Cutter’s Creek” **For Worldwide
Distribution*

Acort International, one of the top distributors of independent films in
the global marketplace, has recently acquired horror/slasher film “*Axeman
at Cutter’s Creek*” for world-wide distribution. Distribution plans are
currently in consideration which will include a North American DVD on the
indie-horror label Midnight Releasing and cable/satellite/internet VOD run
as well as being showcased at this year’s 2013 American Film Market.

*About The Film:*

*Axeman at Cutter’s Creek* is a vacation to dismember when nine vacationing
twenty-somethings are hunted by an axe-wielding local legend in true 80’s
style slasher fashion. The film features scream queens Tiffany Sheppis,
Elissa Dowling and Brinke Stevens. The ominous killer is played by NBA
superstar Scot Pollard.

More information on the official release date in the United States is yet
to be announced. Official artwork and more news coming soon!

Official Teaser <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gek8LgnN-g>

All American Zombie Drugs is Now Available ON Demand

All American Zombie Drugs, Midnight Releasing’s recently released dark comedy is now available almost everywhere On Demand. Fans can access the film via iN Demand – Comcast, Cox, Time Warner, Brighthouse and on the internet at iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Google Play and Sony Entertainment Network.

Synopsis:
Vinny and Sebastion, two burnouts going nowhere in small town suburbia and still riding the high of their high school days, start a business doing the only thing they have ever excelled at... Drugs. With the help of a jealous girlfriend and a rich goth chick, Vinny and Sebastion take on angry, geeky frat-boys, dangerous businessmen, zombies and more in search of the perfect high.

More information and availability
http://midnightreleasing.com/all-american-zombie-drugs

Private Room "Some Travel Spots are Bloodier than Others" - PRESS RELEASE

Turkish born director Hakan Yildiz (Bloody Night) continues his film career with another thriller, “Private Room.” This short film, of thirty minutes, will begin lensing in Istanbul, Turkey throughout the Summer of 2013 (August). Yildiz will again step behind the camera, with Austrian actress Denise Teipel set to co-star.

“Private Room” is a film about strangers. Kristian (Yildiz) and his sister, Leise (Teipel), travel to Istanbul, to tour the city. They have rented an apartment in the heart of the city. They are there to see the many wonderous sites the city has to offer. But, their apartment is shared with other travellers. And soon, strange events begin to occur. Other tourists begin to disappear and one of the other residents starts to act violently. Now, Kristian and Leise will have to escape Istanbul to save their lives!

“Private Room” is already in pre-production and the film is being developed by Sweet Dreams Production. This title will prospectively play at the British Horror Film Festival, the Chicago Horror Film Festival, the NY City Horror Film Festival, Screamfest and Shriekfest, throughout 2013. Sweet Dreams Productions will also partially self-distribute “Private Room” later this year. Horror fans can expect to see this exciting horror title at Createspace and on IndieFlix, with a trailer coming soon.

Release Date: Q4, 2013.

The official synopsis:
“A young traveler visits Istanbul and he rents a shared apartment with several other tourists. He has no idea of what is waiting for him there!”

Director/writer: Hakan Yildiz.

Producers: Burcak Ozder, Deniz Sahin and Hakan Yildiz.

Cast: Hakan Yildiz, Cela Yildiz, Gulistan Sarbas and Yasemen Koc.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrivateRoomMovie

Official Website: http://privateroomthemovie.webs.com/

*other shooting locations include: Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Istanbul.

Sharknado Hits SyFy Juy 11th - Press Release

Up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s a…shark! A supersized storm sucks sharks from the ocean and hurls them onto land in the new Syfy Original Movie Sharknado, premiering Thursday, July 11 at 9PM (ET/PT).

In the movie, regulars of a beachside bar including owner Fin (Ian Ziering/Beverly Hills 90210), bartender Nova (Casie Scerbo/Make It Or Break It) and local drunk George (John Heard/Home Alone) team up with Fin’s ex-wife April (Tara Reid/Scrubs) to investigate the ecological nightmare that has sharks swimming through the streets of Los Angeles and falling from the skies. Sharknado is a production of The Asylum.

Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) and Barry Bostwick (Rocky Horror Picture Show) star in the Original Movie Blast Vegas, premiering Thursday, July 18 at 9PM. A group of wild frat bros and their nerdy tag-along Nelson (Muniz) head to Las Vegas for the spring break of a lifetime. When one of them steals an Egyptian relic from a casino, an ancient curse is unleashed on the fabled strip. Blast Vegas is a production of Brainstorm Media.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.(Syfy. Imagine greater.)

The Purge 2013 - REVIEW

Since The Gore Whore will not go see home invasion type movies I had to be the one to go see this, I would have anyway.  There was a ton of build up for this before it came out but then it seemed to deflate pretty quickly.  Getting a few good reviews here and there and a lot of not so good reviews.  I went in with pretty low expectations not knowing what really to expect: A movie I was going to enjoy or another waste of 10 bucks.

It's the year 2022 and America's crime and murder is down drastically.  The reason being is once day a year from 7PM to 7AM the citizens of the U.S. are able to Purge.  That is no police or fire dept for 12 hours to do anything you want.  Designed to be able to take out all your hate and aggression in one risk free night.  The homeless and the poverty stricken are the ones that get the brunt of the beatings and murders because they do not have the means to defend themselves.  James Sandin (Ethan Hawke) sells top of the line security systems with steel doors to keep out the unwanted purge parties.  As the Sandin's eat their dinner they get up to go into lockdown mode and get ready for the purge.  They have security camera's so they can see the whole neighborhood.  As they look to have a relaxing and peaceful evening Charlie Sandin (Max Burkholder) notices a beaten man running down the street screaming for help.  Charlie disarms the security system to raise the steel doors and let this stranger into their house.  This does not make the group of multiple purgers happy in the least.  They give the Sandin's a proposition to bring the homeless guy out by the time they get the equiptment to break in their house and kill everyone in it.  The power to the house is now cut off and finding the stranger in the house that ran as soon as he got in will be tough.  They do not have much time to find him and get him outside before they become the purged themselves.

I said this when I reviewed Sinister so I'll say it again, I am not an Ethan Hawke fan at all.  For some reason though he seems to be in the movies I really want to see.  He was O.K. in this one not being a fan of his I am never going to give his level of acting a very favorable review.  Being O.K is about the nicest thing I can really say about his performance.  This really wasn't about good acting though it was about the suspense and making the audience jump from time to time much like The Strangers did.  I definitely recommend seeing this in a movie theater if you plan on seeing it just for the sound effects.  It seems to make a few scenes more intense than they would be if you watched it at home.

Ultimately I really did enjoy this movie.  One of the big reasons was because I thought it was well written as well as original.  With all of the regurgitation that Hollywood tends to feed us.  The Purge was a nice change of pace.  You could argue that it is similar to some films that have come out in the past couple years but the story is at least good.  I did enjoy the creepiness of the main villain in the film as well.  Just has one of those faces that kind of gives you chills when he looks at you.  This movie is definitely worth a watch although if you are expecting pure horror you will be let down.  This is more of a Thriller that might give you a few twitches.  I would give this one 6.5 out of 10 stars which is a little more favorable than some of the other reviews I have seen but I enjoyed this one.  Stay twisted everyone!

Concept Poster and Stills Released for The Dooms Chapel Horror

The Dooms Chapel Horror has completed much of the film’s production. This found footage style feature was shot in both Kentucky and Tennessee, through A Good Size Productions. The film notably stars Bill Oberst Jr., Shaun Gerardo (X-Men: First Class), Wendy Keeling (Revelation Trail) and Joshua Mark Robinson (Clock Out). With shooting continuing, the creative team behind the picture has released several exclusive stills from the film and a concept poster.

The story from The Dooms Chapel Horror is partially captured in these photos. The film follows Kyle (Austin Manning) as he returns to his hometown of Kaler Mills. This rural setting is home to some of Kyle’s worst memories. Now, Kyle is back to settle an old score and his revenge will know no bounds.

Two of the stills for The Dooms Chapel Horror feature actor Oberst Jr. Oberst Jr. plays Jordan, one of the members of a secretive commune. That commune and some of its members can be seen here for the first time! Actors Wendy Keeling, Abby Murphy and Austin Manning are seen as characters Katie Cole, Mandy, and Kyle Cole, in the photos.

And, actor Oberst Jr. has summed up the film succinctly as being “a monster movie with heart.” Actor Gerardo said of the setting: “it is a different world out there in the friendly south and it was great to see some of that excitement for our film.” That world will be revealed early in 2014!

 The official synopsis:

“Kyle Cole returns home to Kaler Mills to film a documentary about the characters in his less-than-perfect childhood. He discovers that his small, southern hometown has not changed much. Many remember the tragic accident that pushed Kyle to move away, but not many know about the plan for revenge that was put into motion the second he stepped back into town.”

Release Date: 2014.

Director: John Holt. Writer: Jason Turner. Producer: Christopher Bower.

Cast: Bill Oberst Jr., Shaun Gerardo, Austin Madding, Abby Murphy, Wendy Keeling, Joshua Mark Robinson, Josh Cornelius, Steve Crowley, and Allan Walters.

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

And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedchmovie

Trivia: Dooms Chapel Lane is an actual road in Graves County of State of Kentucky.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master 1988 - REVIEW

Some might find this weird but I can remember the actual date that I saw this movie: September 17th, 1988.  Well I guess it is not so weird considering it was my 8th birthday and there were only a selected number of people I wanted to spend it with.  A couple of friends, my parents and Freddy Krueger.  Actually I would have had more friends come but their parents did not approve of my movie selection.  What did they know?  I guess I could have gone to see License to Drive which was in the theater at the same time but nah, an evening with Freddy is all I wanted.

Kristen Parker (Tuesday Knight) is obviously in a dream and walks up on a little girl in front of the familiar house were Freddy used to dwell till Kristen and her friends defeated him.  She asks the girl if Freddy is home but she informs her Freddy is not home.  Kristen goes in anyway and finds herself in the boiler room scared for her life.  She pulls in her friends Kincaid (Ken Sagoes) and Joey (Rodney Eastman).  They are a little agitated with her because they know Freddy does not exist anymore and want to move on with their lives.  The next day we see them all at school, even though Freddy is dead and gone Kristen still is having problem sleeping.  She finds comfort with her best friend Alice (Lisa Wilcox) and her boyfriend Rick (Andras Jones).  Things are starting to happen again and they all come to a head in one of Kincaids dreams. He is in a car junkyard with no one around but his dog.  His dog suddenly snaps at him and lifts his leg to pee but a stream of fire comes out cracking the ground.  As the ground opens up we see Freddy (Robert England) rising again.  The nightmare is back and worse than ever.

New Line turned to little known Finish director Renny Harlin.  I have to say I think Renny did fantastic following the awesome Part 3.  This film had to be great to even live up to everyone's expectations and Renny delivered that with flying colors.  Another change that was welcomed in my opinion was the role of Kristen being played by Tuesday Knight instead of Patricia Arquette.  As I mentioned in my review of Part 3 Patricia was unable to reprise her role due to pregnancy and even though I thought Patricia did a stand out job, Tuesday in my opinion filled the role a little better.  Some familiar faces were welcomed though, such as Ken Sagoes, Rodney Eastman and of course Robert England reprising his role of Freddy.  As for the rest of the cast well there is really nothing bad I can say about them.  This batch of young actors and new faces made a nice compliment to the returning cast.

Part 3 and 4 are both in close running as my favorite in the series and while Part 4 is my second favorite it is not by much.  On top of seeing this on my 8th birthday I ended up seeing this 3 times in the theaters.  I guess you could say I liked it a little.  The only thing I was disappointed in was that Nancy (Heather Lagenkamp) was really dead and they did not find a way to bring her back.  I know what your thinking but I was 8 and did not think logically yet.  The Dream Master will always be something I watch on a yearly basis and I do hope to be able to meet most the cast at a convention someday.  Stay twisted everyone!

Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors 1987 - REVIEW

Nightmare on Elm Street 3 is a movie that has a special place in my heart.  The reason being is this was the first horror movie that I ever saw and needless to say I was hooked.  Not only just hooked on Freddy but I wanted to see everything after viewing this (3 times the first night I watched it).  I will always remember this movie and watch it at least once a year if not more ever since 1987.  Needless to say that this is in my 700+ dvd collection, probably a few copies of it.

Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette) is in her room making a Popsicle stick house while trying to stay awake afraid to go to sleep.  Also worth mentioning she is  rocking out to Dokken.  Her mother (Brooke Bundy) comes home from a night out and makes her go to bed.  Kristen has a nightmare invaded by Freddy (Robert England), up to his old tricks again.  Freddy slices her wrists making it look like suicide.  Kristen's mother takes her to the psychiatric ward to have her evaluated.  This is were she meets the new intern Nancy Thompson (Heather Lagenkamp).  There is now a new batch of kids that are all having the same dream about our villain in the red and green sweater with a dirty brown hat and razors for fingers.  Nancy is their only hope for defeating Freddy once and for all.  Each onc of them learn they have a certain dream power that can help them.  Kristen is the key being able to pull others into her dreams.  Will it be enough to defeat Freddy once and for all

If you have seen this film then you know why it is the best in the series.  Thats not to say that there are not some stellar Nightmare sequels because there are but this one sits on top.  Freddy is more of a force to be reconed with and wittier than ever adding a little bit of dark comedy to the series.  Robert England really made this character his own and this is why he is one of the most popular horror actors around.  The original put him on the map, part 3 made him a superstar.  Not only was Robert awesome but the first look at Patricia Arquette was also a sight to see.  A phenominal performance that she was sadly unable to followup in Part 4 due to her being pregnant during the time they were filming.

Pictured above is probably my favorite scene/line in the whole movie.  "Welcome to prime time, Bitch!"  I can remember my Dad and I watching this and rewinding that scene and just laughing our asses off.  That is quality writing there (that was meant in a non sarcastic tone).  I just saw today the blu ray set of all the Nightmare films.  I was biting at the bit but I resisted all urges to buy it for a mear 50.00.  I think the DVD collection is enough for me.  Now only if I can resist buying the Blu Ray collection of Friday the 13th but that is a different story all together.  Stay twisted everyone!

Prince of the City Coming to DVD Next Week - PRESS RELEASE

Prince of the City Now Available Coming to DVD Next Week!

Prince of the City, starring Michael Madsen and Julian Cheah will be available on DVD June 18th, 2013

About the Film
Prince Amara, the capable and reliable adopted son of Malaysian billionaire Jaggoi Sibuyan is the pride of the family, more so than his full-blooded son Putra Sibuyan. When the powerful patriarch of Dana Corporation dies, Prince inherits the successful company but the jealous Putra frames him for murder. Introducing a beautiful lady named Adele Hayes to Prince in a set up, Putra later has her killed and with Prince’s fingerprints on the gun frames him for the murder. Shamed and beaten, Prince is banished from the country and told that he will be killed if he returns to Malaysia. Entrepreneurial gangster Ben Carlton, who used to know Prince’s late father, meets Prince in France and offers to help get him back to Malaysia and back to power on condition that Prince continues to deal with him in business. Carlton is unhappy with Putra who unlike his father is leaving Carlton out of the picture in business dealings. Smuggling Prince back into Malaysia under a false identity, Carlton engages a bodyguard killer named Iskandar Yaakob to protect and handle all activities concerning Prince. When the killer of Adele is located, Prince and Iskandar follow him to an underground car park where Iskandar beats him to a fight and knocks him out. Getting information from the killer, Iskandar arranges for a blackout in Putra’s heavily guarded mansion, sneaks past bodyguards and attaches hidden cameras in there. Having knowledge now to Putra’s illegal business activities, Prince, Carlton and Iskandar ambush a drug deal and put Putra in trouble with the criminals with whom he is dealing. At the right time, Prince and Iskandar launch an attack on Putra and his men in the big mansion. Finally, the two brothers face each other in a final confrontation. Only one shall be Prince of the City.
Official Trailer

A Look at the Women of Desperate Dolls - PRESS RELEASE

The Women of Desperate Dolls

 There are many films that introduce the world to a beautiful ingénue. Sometimes, a film introduces two women, just to mix things up. But it’s rare that you get to discover three beautiful, talented women in a single movie. In writer/director Darren Callahan’s latest horror feature, Desperate Dolls, Emily Bennett, Alyssa Thordarson, and Stephanie Leigh Rose portray women who are doomed, but don’t know it yet. Even the characters’ names are unusual. The Vil. Matchbox. Pretty Sexy. So what brought this trio of women together for such as special project?

“Once I started reading the script,” says Bennett, who plays The Vil, “I couldn't put it down. I was completely engrossed in the story. I felt dizzy as I read. When I finished, I said out loud, ‘I have to be in this film.’”

The dark, mysterious world these women inhabit is Hollywood of 1968. It’s not the Hollywood of big musicals or overnight successes, nor is it the Hollywood of David Lynch, Sunset Boulevard, or any other familiar story of career crash and burn. It is a story about hypnosis and murder, love, auditions gone wrong, terror and bad choices.

“I'm a sucker for period pieces,” confesses Thordarson, who plays Matchbox. “So the fact that we're doing 1960s Hollywood noir gets my geek-gears whirring. And the dialogue is so strong and snappy. None of these girls are wilting flowers. I love that. As an actress, you don't often get film roles that put you in charge sexually and also make you sympathetic.”

Leigh Rose, as Pretty Sexy, agrees. “Darren writes incredibly strong, believable, and complex female roles, which is hard to find. The words matter. Too often film dialogue is thrown away. This is a nice blend of gripping dialog with the visually fantastic.”

Each actor comes to the role with a strong resume of unique experience. “I've played many characters with similar qualities, but none quite like The Vil. Maybe a bit of Ophelia from Hamlet,” considers Bennett.

“Pretty Sexy has the drive and the passion, but something is just not clicking. If she had met the right producer, she could have been Elizabeth Taylor,” says Leigh Rose of her character.

Callahan’s work is often known for high doses of sexiness and Desperate Dolls is no exception. Bennett explains, “I'm only comfortable with sexiness when it's based in a great script and within a well-rounded character. Sexiness for its own sake isn't really sexy to me. But when it's used to set a tone, to help characters get what they want (in this case, fame) I think it can be very powerful.”

“I don't feel, and never felt at any step in this process, that we are being objectified,” Thordarson explains. “Even if the script is pulpy, that's deliberate, and in almost every ‘sexy’ moment, it's the women who have the upper hand. I'm so grateful for that. It's a film called Desperate Dolls, though, so if it weren't sexy I'd be confused.”

Please visit desperatedolls2013.com for specifics. Featuring exclusive teaser videos, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, posters, and special backer prizes, there is a host of things that will interest film fans and those who like to be included in the early start of such a venture.

Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire - PRESS RELEASE

                                            Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire

                                                      “The End is Almost Nigh”


Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire is a film from production house Pure Flix Entertainment. Pure Flix focuses on Christian themed entertainment. Their latest feature is set in a post-apocalyptic world, during the Rapture. Here, bikers, looters, bandits and cannibals are taking over. Is there anyone who can stop them?

Actor David A. R. White stars in this thriller as reluctant hero Josh McManus. McManus must face some of Hollywood’s toughest bad boys. Former NFL linebacker Brian Bosworth will lead the charge of villains as Hawg, the leader of a notorious biker gang. Past WCW wrestler Steve Borden AKA Sting plays Junkyard, a cruel member of Hawg’s biker gang. As well, creepy ex-con actor Dave Vescio will appear as a cannibalistic monster, laying in wait for White and his desperate friends. Actresses Logan White, Jen Lilley and Eliza Roberts round out this stellar cast.

The film’s story begins with the world’s final days. The Rapture, the return of the Messiah, begins and a small town lies in its wake. Strange events take place, with evil elements emerging from the desert. Looters and bandits litter the highways and a biker gang is terrorizing the small town of Independence. Only Josh is willing to stand up to the mayhem, along with Beth (Noell Coet). Together they fight against the impossible, in a desolate and murderous wasteland.

Shooting on Revelation Road 2 has completed. This title is currently in post-production. And, actor Vescio had something to say at the end of the shoot, of his fellow cast members: “for me, it was a privilege to act opposite of Brian “The Boz” Bosworth. I grew up watching him play NFL football in the late 1980s, so it was a blast to act opposite of him! And actor David A.R. White is great too! He’s the hero of the story. Plus, he’s a hero in real life as well.”

The official synopsis: “Revelation Road 2: The Sea of Glass and Fire continues the thrilling odyssey of Josh McManus to return home to his wife and daughter. Josh is chased at every turn by the brutal outlaw Hawg and his rolling gang of killers. On the day after the biblical Rapture, law and order have broken down and the highways have become a no-mans-land, full of bandits and looters. Josh's world has been shaken to the core and he must make a choice: embrace his past as a man of violence, or follow a new path and become a man of faith. Which will he choose?”

Release Date: September 10th, 2013 (DVD, Blu-ray).

Director: Gabriel Sabloff. Writers: Sean Paul Myrphy and Gabriel Sabloff.
Cast: Brian Bosworth, Eric Roberts Logan White, Dave Vescio, David A.R. White, Ray Wise, Steve Borden, Roberta Bassin, Noell Coet, and Jen Lilley.

The film’s first trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k2WHpslajK0

And fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Revelation-Road/412352098840338

Severin Films Unleashes The Manson Family on Blu-ray

LOS ANGELES, CA, June 10th, 2013 – Severin Films is proud to present the Blu-ray debut of Jim VanBebber’s legendary, award-winning indie THE MANSON FAMILY. In stores this Tuesday, June 11, this extras-packed Special Edition Blu-Ray of VanBebber’s underground classic includes his highly anticipated new short GATOR GREEN and an exclusive new interview with musician Philip Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual) created especially for this release.

To buy the Blu-ray, click this link: http://www.severin-films.com/2013/05/28/the-manson-family/

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.

Severin Films’ Blu-ray disc of THE MANSON FAMILY features:
Stunning HD remaster from the original camera negatives
5.1 Audio
Audio Commentary with Director Jim VanBebber
Gator Green - Exclusive First Release of VanBebber's latest short
Exclusive New Interview With Musician Philip Anselmo
The VanBebber Family - Uncut Version of 'Making Of' Documentary Featuring Interviews with Cast and Crew
In The Belly of The Beast - Documentary On the 1997 Fantasia Film Festival
Interview With Charles Manson
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailers

THE MANSON FAMILY will screen at the Housecore Horror Film Festival taking place October 24-27 in Austin, TX, with Jim VanBebber in attendance.

For more information, visit Severin Films online at www.severin-films.com

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.

Aftershock 2012 - REVIEW

I'll admit it, there are those certain "celebrities" that I just don't like. Those film makers who have just never managed to impress or delight me in any way. Really, it's nothing personal, I just haven't been able to connect with their work. Eli Roth is one of those celebrities. He's done some pretty major stuff in the horror world, I just haven't really liked any of it. I know, I know, Eli Roth is amazing... so sayeth the followers. His films just haven't done it for me. Shut up and get over it! Now that I have successfully alienated the majority of you, enjoy my review.

Aftershock starts off a little reminiscent of Roth's Hostel films. A group of travelers (Andrea Osvárt, Ariel Levy, Natasha Yarovenko, Nicolás Martínez, Lorenza Izzo) partying it up in a different country, Chile in this case, who meet up with another group of travelers and are quickly talked into going elsewhere in search of the ultimate party. In true horror movie form, they all skip off hand in hand to Never Never Land and end up at an underground night club. Everything is going fine, they're drinking up, smoking pot, dancing, Roth is hitting on Selena Gomez... wait, what? I totally didn't see THAT coming... then a massive earthquake hits trapping them underground. Getting out will be one thing but surviving what's on the surface will be the real challenge.

Ok, so back to my opening statement. I'm happy to say that Roth has finally impressed me. Aftershock has a pretty superb, well developed cast with different personalities that meshed in a way that you don't see too often. From the cat fights to the screaming to the I hate you's to the I need you's, the acting was believable and just fit. Usually in a film like this there is at least one character that I can't wait to see a giant rock fall on so I was pretty pleased that I found myself pulling for every one of them. And not just in a "oh I hope he makes it" kind of way either. There were times when I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting to see what perverse thing Roth came up with next. Yeah, that made me feel pretty dirty but I'm pretty sure it was suppose to.

Director and co-writer Nicolás López creates and captures some stunning visuals throughout the film. In fact, the devastation of the earthquake and chaos because of it, is one of the best parts of the film. It is very visually frightening. The set up drags a little but once the action picks up, it never slows down and definitely manages to hold your attention. Of course, as I'm watching the first hour of the film, I can't help but think "this isn't a horror film" because technically, it isn't, or maybe it is, but it's not. I'm so confused!! BUT, once the third act kicks in, the horror of it smacks you right in the face. It's not the slasher in the woods type horror or even zombie horror... it's scarier because it's human horror. There is nothing scarier than the ugliness of humans and this is usually the time you see it. There's no silver lining for this band of weary travelers. No triumph over tragedy. No knight in shining armor. There is only the death and destruction and impending doom and it is truly frightening what they go through.

The film is not without it's flaws however. There are some scenes that will leave some viewers uncomfortable. I've heard some people say the third act is more torture porn than anything but I didn't get that. Basically what we're given is the lowest form of humanity possible... times a thousand. It's difficult to get through but at least it's done in moderation. I didn't care for the ending either. The last five minutes of the film are predictable and unnecessary to bring the story to a close. It was disappointing but as a whole, the film is worth a watch. I'm glad that I was finally able watch something from Roth and say that I found it enjoyable. Aftershock is available on iTunes and Amazon instant so if you get a chance to watch it, I'd definitely recommend doing it.

The Twilight Zone Marathon to Air on Syfy July 4

NEW YORK – June 5, 2013 – Syfy will celebrate Independence Day by taking viewers into a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity when the channel presents its traditional The Twilight Zone marathon. The iconic series from mastermind Rod Serling will air Wednesday, July 4 from 8AM through 6AM on July 5th (ET/PT).

All the fan favorite episodes will air during prime time.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.(Syfy. Imagine greater.)

Midnight Releasing Teams with Fear Fete as Official Distribution Partner

Fear Fete, the country's premiere film festival for showcasing indie horror flicks, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with film distributor Midnight Releasing (http://midnightreleasing.com). The deal makes the company Fear Fete's exclusive Distribution Partner for feature film submissions.

With expansive work in North America, Midnight Releasing has promoted and released dozens of independent horror and thriller films into the DVD and VOD markets.

"We’re very pleased to announce this partnership. The involvement of Midnight Releasing with Fear Fete gives our indie filmmakers the opportunity to have their films acquired and distributed by an outstanding company that specializes in the horror genre," stated Fear Fete Executive Director Derek Morris.

The company's involvement with the festival means all feature length submissions will be reviewed for possible acquisition/distribution deals in at least the VOD format (Cable and Internet VOD). In addition to that, the winner of Fear Fete's Best Feature Film award will be entitled to a full-service distribution offer that includes a North American DVD and VOD release, along with International Sales.

"Midnight Releasing is excited to team up with Fear Fete and offer distribution consideration to the festival's top films. As a distributor we're always seeking quality films to release, and with this arrangement we get to see the best of the best from indie filmmakers who might not otherwise know about us or how to get their film distributed," stated Reese Lester, Media & Technology Director at Midnight Releasing. "We're also excited to help promote and grow Fear Fete to become a staple festival for horror filmmakers."

Just some of the films Midnight Releasing has worked with include The Afflicted (psychological thriller that won Best Feature Film at the 2012 Fear Fete Horror Film Festival), Alabama-based slasher Hayride, comedy/horror mashup All American Zombie Drugs and many more.

Now in its third year, the 2013 Fear Fete Horror Film Festival will be held October 18th through 20th in D'Iberville, Mississippi at The Grand 18 theatre. For more information, please visit: http://www.fearfete.com/

Trailer for Jessica Cameron's Truth or Dare Released

The Truth or Dare team have unleashed their 1st red band trailer for the film! Watch now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8J7qVONFmE 

The plot of the film revolves around 6 college kids who find internet stardom when they make “Truth or Dare” videos with a violent twist. It is all fun and games until their number one fan decides he wants to play. Nothing is what it seems, and everyone has something to hide...

The film, brought to you by Small Town Girl Productions, was produced by Buz Wallick, Jessica Cameron, and Jonathan Higgins. Jessica directed the feature and co-wrote it with Jonathan Higgins. The film stars the scream queen herself, along with Devanny Pinn, Heather Dorff, Ryan Kiser, Brandon Van Vliet, Shelby Stehlin, and Jesse Wilson.

The movie is completely done filming and is in post-production. They have less than a week left on their Indiegogo campaign which can be found here

Please be sure to contribute and/or share that link. Check out more updates from the film at the links below:

Website: www.truthordarethemovie.com
Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2762738/?ref_=fn_al_tt_5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthOrDareTheMovie?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilmTruthOrDare