VR REVIEW

A new virtual reality headset promises to offer Tom an escape from his painfully dull life, but how will he cope when a Japanese urban legend comes to haunt him?

Starring: Betty Waterhouse, Connor Knight, and Matt Beaumont

Directed and written by: Rob Ulitski

  “VR” introduces audiences to what happens when virtual reality meets horror. Tom just got a new virtual reality headset, and wastes little time trying it out. It seems to be working well, as he ventures to different realities. Then things start to get a little weird, and an alarm goes off saying there’s a virus in the network. He’s forced to take off the headset and take a break.

  During this break, the audience finds out that he’s apparently having issues with an ex-lover. Upset about this problem, he goes back to the headset. This time it doesn’t take long before he’s confronted by a strange asian woman again. Virtual reality and reality start to converge with his life very much in the balance. 

  Virtual reality is incorporated well in this short film, as it gives the audience good feel for what Tom is experiencing. It almost feels like found footage, but clearly it’s not. It’s nice that they add a reason why he’s trying to escape reality as opposed to just having some guy in his apartment messing with the headset. The woman haunting him has a great horrific face. Even with not knowing about this Japanese urban legend, it still fulfilled my horror needs at the end, so I give “VR” 2 pools of blood. 

  HorrO

*For more about "VR" please visit http://robulitski.com

KAL - THE CLOWN REVIEW

A young woman is terrorized by a mysterious puppet.

Starring: Noelle Hanson

Directed by: Carlos Omar de Leon

Written by: Carlos Omar de Leon and Vorasine Vince Phrommany

  "KAL- The Clown" starts with a young woman (Noelle Hanson) sitting on her couch trying to watch tv when the door bell rings. She goes to the door, and finds that she's received a package. She brings it inside, and opens it up to find a scary looking clown puppet. There's also a note saying that his name is KAL. She leaves it in the box, and resumes watching tv.

  Sometime later she realizes the clown is now on the floor so she picks it up and throws it in the garbage. She tries a couple of more times to get rid of the clown, but isn't very successful. After hearing the basement door open, she goes to investigate, and ends up falling down the stairs. Unfortunately for her she's now easy pickings for the puppet.

  This is another well done short horror film by Carlos Omar de Leon. It's shot extremely well, including a few good angles from the puppet's point of view. He creates an atmosphere around the young woman that's creepy enough just as the clown arrives. Noelle does a nice job of acting scared. The down side for the film is that besides the design of the puppet, the film is much like other puppet, or doll films. There's nothing new, and the audience will might grow frustrated with the woman’s inability to get rid of the puppet. I give “KAL- The Clown” 2 pools of blood.

  HorrO

* “KAL- The Clown” can be seen on Vimeo

KILLER DATE REVIEW

A popular online blogger thinks he's going on a routine blind date thanks to the new dating app he's been using. But his next date could be his last...

Starring: Jonnie Stapleton and Desire Jansen

Directed by: Carlos Omar De León

Written by: Vorasine Vince Phrommany and Carlos Omar De León

  “Killer Date” opens with Mike (Jonnie Stapleton) in a coffee shop waiting for his blind date. While waiting he’s posting his latest blog about how using a dating app has made it easy to meet women. On cue, his date, Abby (Desire Jansen), arrives and sits down with him. The two have that awkward exchange that sometimes happens when meeting someone for the first time. Too bad for Mike, it will get even more uncomfortable soon!

  The two end up at Abby’s house, and Mike starts making his move on her. However, she quickly puts him in his place before offering him a drink. The drink knocks him out, and he ends up strapped to table. With Mike struggling and trying to yell, Abby comes in to remind him that dating isn’t that easy after all.

  Overall, this isn’t a bad short film. However, it really could have been a scene in a larger film. The beginning is set up well in the coffee shop, and even getting back to the house. Too bad when the true horror is about to begin the film ends. It would’ve been nice to see at least a few more minutes. Also the room at the end is too similar to Dexter’s set up. Something a little more unique might have looked better. In the end, I give “Killer Date” 2 pools of blood.

  HorrO

*You can see “Killer Date” on Vimeo

FIRESIDE TALES REVIEW

A low-budget anthology film focuses on a young group of friends, gathered for a night of fun and drinks around a campfire. Every year they try to outdo themselves telling scary stories. Will they survive another round? One story showcasing 5 unique macabre tales to frighten audiences everywhere.

Starring: Donna Brown, Justin Celani, Tim Christie, and Zach Etter

Directed by: Ian Messenger

Written by: Justin Celani, and Ian Messenger

  From the title, "Fireside Tales," audiences might guess that this film involves some tales by a fire. A group of young adults are continuing their yearly tradition of telling some scary tales by a campfire. A couple of them try to top each other’s tales, as they continuously argue in between stories. Ultimately, it's up to the audience to decide which tale is the best.

  The first story is called “Undertow," which takes place in the desert. A couple and their friend are hanging out before they're attacked by a hulked up Freddy Krueger looking guy. As one of them mentions, this story has a "The Hills Have Eyes" feel to it. The killer makes a pretty cool entrance springing out of the water before beginning his reign of terror on them. 

  The second story is about "The Bad Man." It starts with a girl on a jog that runs into this bad man. She manages to do a little too much screaming, and not enough running to escape the ax welding bad man. Missing for some time, the girl's now distraught father goes out looking for her. At the same time, a couple heads out to take some pictures close to where the girl disappeared. The exciting part of this story comes when the bad man absolutely butchers one of them before coming face to face with the father.

  Story three, "The Tormentor," takes place as a few friends try to sit down and watch a horror movie.  The power goes out in a storm, and the killing begins. The tormentor makes short work of everyone in sight, and leaves a nice bloody mess behind. The fourth and probably best tale is the story about skinwalkers. A couple are hiking in a cave when they are confronted by a creature leaving only one of them to escape. The survivor goes for reinforcements, and they go back looking for the creature. While the other tales were about the slaughtering, this one comes with a good little twist.

  What works for this anthology is that even if the audience wants to complain about the tales, the friends around the fire already do it for them. They are quick to make fun of the stories, and point out potential flaws in it. One thing the audience might complain about is the acting. It’s up and down, but give some credit to the actors who play several different roles. Overall, this is a good anthology for those looking for some tales with not many survivors! I give "Fireside Tales" 2 pools of blood!

  HorrO

*Note- there’s a surprise tale that begins shortly after the credits roll 

*You can find "Fireside Tales" on Amazon

I WAS A TEENAGE WERESKUNK REVIEW

A comedy homage to the drive-in monster movies of the 50s.

Starring: Scott Monahan, Melanie Minichino, Shey Lyn Zanotti, and Charlie Farrell

Directed and written by: Neal McLaughlin

  A couple of years ago, the comedy horror “WolfCop” was a pleasant surprise combining a werewolf and cop. Now horror fans are in for another surprise hit “I Was a Teenage Wereskunk.” That’s right, a combination of a werewolf and skunk. After reading ‘Wereskunk’ in the title, audiences might think this is just another cheesy sci-fi type film. Well, it’s nothing like that at all. There’s a creative character driven story from beginning to end bringing fans back to the monster movies of the 50’s. 

  Curtis (Scott Monahan) is a teenager, who is just trying to fit in in his own awkward way. He’s close with a girl named Mary Beth (Shey Lyn Zanotti), who he eventually realizes he wants to go steady with. However, he has one big obstacle in his way…he becomes a wereskunk anytime he gets aroused! Being a teenager, he’s easily aroused, and victims start pilling up.

  Good thing Sheriff Albright (Charlie Farrell) is on the case. He has two trusty partners, Deputy Gary (Melanie Minichino) and Officer Maggie (Amy Heidt) by his side. Deputy Gary is an absolutely hilarious character, and there’s a nice little twist with Officer Maggie. This threesome is a good example of how the unique characters are a strength for this film. The wereskunk isn’t the only special character in this story.

  It’s great how the film never takes itself too seriously. There are times when Gary’s fake mustache is falling off, but they keep rolling on. There’s a scene where the wereskunk is ripping a woman apart, and they are clearly throwing fake body parts around. These things might be criticized in other films, but they just feel right for the way this film goes. Sticking to their characters, the actors always seem like their having a lot of fun. 

  Speaking of the actors, they do a simply superb job. Scott nails going from an awkward teenager to mean wereskunk. Charlie does well starting off as the manly father/sheriff, and later a coward in the face of danger. Special credit goes to Melanie for playing both Curtis’ mother, and the film’s most outrageous character Deputy Gary. She’s funny as the mother, but absolutely hysterical as Gary. 

  “I Was a Teenage Wereskunk” is a well written comedy horror film. Combing a werewolf and a skunk might seem weird, but they make it work with a clever old fashioned style story. The wereskunk is just one of many great characters that drive this film. None of this works without the fabulous acting performances from the entire cast. If you’re a horror fan looking for something a little different, than I have to recommend this film I’m giving 4 pools of blood to!

  HorrO

*Stay until the end for after credit scenes

*If you want to know where you can find the film, check out its promotion at PromoteHorror.com here!

FLESH OF MY FLESH REVIEW

Teenage girl finds out, through her dreams and hallucinations, that she has a rather violent and morbid past. She sets out to right the wrong but her journey will take her to hell and back.

Starring: Al Baker, Michael Balch, Michelina Houlihan, and Catherine Brundage

Directed and written by: Emir Skalonja

  The psychological horror film “Flesh of My Flesh” starts off in a weird, but important scene. There’s what looks to be a cult led by a crazy and creepy man (Al Baker). The audience gets to see him do many things including helping to deliver a baby that he appears to be really happy about. He shows the baby to all his followers and the world.

  Before the audience can figure out what’s happening, they’re introduced to Sarah (Michelina Houlihan), and her parents. Her mother is strict, while father tries acting more like her friend. Actually, he’s pretty funny trying to use teenage slang with his daughter looking at him like he’s nuts. They obviously care for their daughter, who’s going through some personal struggles. These struggles lead to some hallucinations and dreams of the creepy man the audience sees at the beginning. Without giving it away, the two eventually have to face each other. 

  The story is set up, and executed well from beginning to end. There’s a stretch early on that might feel a little slow, but it moves on from there. The audience is drawn into Sarah’s struggles, and will feel for what she eventually must do. The film is shot in black and white, which feels right for the story that’s being told.

  In what is probably her first time in a lead role, Michelina does a decent job. Actually the whole cast does pretty well except for a moment here and there. Al certainly makes the most out of making the cult leader really creepy. And as previously mentioned, Sean Patrick Saramak is naturally funny as the father. With that, I give “Flesh of My Flesh” 2 pools of blood.

  HorrO

BARRY BAKER: ASPIRING SERIAL KILLER EPISODE 1

After receiving his destiny from a fortune cookie, a lonely office worker, Barry Baker, has a hard time adjusting to his new found calling as a serial killer. Just because you are meant to do something… doesn’t mean you will be good at it.

Starring: Peter Konowicz, Nathan Jokela, Danae DeShazer, and Paul Saulo

Directed and written by: Tony Ahedo

  “Barry Baker: Aspiring Serial Killer” proves to be an effective mix of comedy and horror. The first episode begins heavy on the comedy, as the audience gets introduced to Barry (Peter Konowicz). Barry is definitely not a natural born serial killer. There’s no greater proof for that than the fact that he wets his bed at night. He isn’t drawn to killing because of hate, but seems to be more out of looking for meaning in his life. 

  While this episode has plenty of funny moments before Barry even gets the idea of being a serial killer, it’s when he gets the idea that things really get moving. It’s obvious he has no clue what he’s doing, and probably one of the most hilarious moments comes when he’s learning how to be a serial killer. He reads about it on the internet, watches some videos, practices wrestling of all things, but best of all, he tests Chloroform on himself. 

  Of course, when it comes time to actually kill someone the audience knows it’s not going to go well. It appears he thought this through with the Chloroform and all, but that’s not the case. Lets just say he has a few stumbles along the way. There’s a nice little twist that might help set up future episodes, and gives the audience something to look forward to besides more of Barry’s blunders. 

  Peter Konowicz does an excellent job in his portrayal of Barry. He nails all of the comedic moments, and clearly shows that Barry isn’t sure what he’s doing. This is only episode one, but there’s already plenty to like about where this is headed. Hopefully it will continue to hit on the comedic moments, and maybe just maybe Barry will manage to give the audience a good kill or two!

  HorrO

More information can be found in our promotion for the series at:

http://promotehorror.com/2016/10/26/barry-baker-aspiring-serial-killer/

THE DEVIL'S DOLLS REVIEW

In the aftermath of the hunt for a serial killer, an ancient curse consumes a city, causing a series of brutal murders and pitting a detective against the clock to save his daughter's life.

Starring: Christopher Wiehl, Kym Jackson, and Tina Lifford

Directed by: Padraig Reynolds

Written by: Danny Kolker and Christopher Wiehl

  “The Devil’s Dolls” starts off on a high note with a great opening scene. A serial killer hunts down a young girl in an abandoned building in the middle of nowhere. It’s a pretty intense chase that appears to lead the girl to the safety of a cop’s car. Too bad the killer is carrying a huge drill, and gives the girl a tremendous shower in the cop’s blood.

  This is the first of several good death scenes, which is one of the few strong suits for the movie. Most of the deaths are very brutal, and bloody. A young man flips out in a store, and makes quick work of the clerk. The fun continues in another scene involving a pissed off man, and some gardening scissors!

  All of the killers are pissed off because of the cursed dolls that fall into their possession. The dolls feed on a person’s worries and fears making them act out in rage. The person will channel their anger against whatever or whomever is bothering them. The lead detective, Matt (Christopher Wiehl) finds the dolls after stopping the serial killer in the opening scene, but they end up in the hands of his young daughter Chloe (Kennedy Brice). 

  She turns them into jewelry selling them to soon to be killers, as she begins to become extremely sick. Matt starts off trying to solve these murders, but soon has to race to save his daughter’s life. The story isn’t bad, however it’s execution is. It starts with poor acting, and the audience left watching the poor acting in many wasted scenes. The acting makes the movie feel like it’s going in slow motion at times. To top it off there seems to be a problem with the timeline, as Matt is driving all over town trying to save his daughter.

  If the majority of the movie had been filmed like the opening scene, this could have been a really good movie. A decent story is ruined by the lack of execution, and bad acting. Better actors, maybe even writing, along with some editing could have done wonders for “The Devil's Dolls.” The death scenes are nice and bloody, and the ending isn’t too bad in an attempt to take everything down to the last second. However, that’s not enough for me to give it anything more than 1.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

“The Devils Dolls” was shown at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival.

YOU ONLY DIE ONCE REVIEW

You Only Die Once tells the tale of 3 childhood best friends and vampire hunters whose friendship is called into question when one of their boyfriends becomes a vamp-bride craving, Count Dracula voice mimicking, messy blood-sucker! It's Buffy meets Hammer Horror and more in this Amanda B. Goodman horror/comedy short!

Starring: Phil Casale, Teegan Curitz, John DeSilvestri, Amanda B. Goodman, Jen Keefe, Janet S. Kim, Lyssa Mandel, and Lianna Nielsen.

  “You Only Die Once” is a very entertaining short horror film filled with plenty of humor. First, there’s a group of best friends who act more like enemies, particularly Cecelia (Amanda B. Goodman) and Linda (Teegan Curitz). They’re constantly going at each other in a war of words over who’s the better vampire hunter. More specifically, they’re in a friendly competition over who will be the first to kill a vampire named Topher (John Desilvestri).

  Tophor’s an interesting character in his own right. He seems to act more powerful then he really is. As the Cecelia says, he sounds a lot like Bain, but he’s no where as scary! While out for blood, he’s even more interested in making one of these ladies his wife. Instead of just turning them, he continues to be fooled into listening to them until they can escape. These moments are a great combination of comedy, and use of vampire weaknesses!

  Everything leads to a final showdown between the vampire hunters, and Tophor. Even while confronting Topher, the hunters still find time to take some shots at each other. The acting is solid considering having to deliver so many insults back and forth as naturally as possible. Overall, “You Only Die Once” proves to be a fun short film from beginning to end. They certainly set a high bar for the upcoming web series. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood and a slice of pie!

  HorrO

Watch the film at: http://promotehorror.com/2016/08/26/you-only-die-once/

BRAINS REVIEW

   “Brains” is an original web series set after a three year zombie apocalypse on a college campus. 23­year ­old Alison Sumner is a neuropsychology student with a zombie (Carl Markham) as a best friend, who spends her time doing research about the zombie plague and crushing on a fellow student (Damian Phillips). Alison “vlogs” her quest to seduce her crush as an independent study art project, as well as her life post apocalypse.

Starring: Bri Castellini, Marshall Taylor Thurman, Masha Danilenko, Connor Bowen, and Kmur Hardeman

Directed by: Andrew Williams, and Bri Castellini

Written by: Bri Castellini

  "Brains" the web series starts off with Alison (Bri Castellini) talking about her love life three years into the apocalypse. Yes, that's what she's worried about. Now this might not be something guys what to see to start off with, but it gets better. Actually, there are many things to like about this series, as it proves to be for all audiences.

  It's only ten episodes, but does a good job of developing the characters in such a short time. Alison moves from complaining about guys to making her move on one. Her love interest is Damien (Marshall Taylor Thurman), who's focus seems to be only protecting the campus from zombies. Alison finds one thing they have in common, and uses that to draw closer to him. 

  Alison has the support of the most unique character in the series, her best friend Carl (Connor Bowen). Carl's unique because he's a friendly zombie. While most zombies are out for the brains of the college students, Carl wouldn't hurt a fly. However, when one of the students gets attacked, he's the first one to be accused forcing Alison to find the real killer.

  Both the characters and story are well developed, and so are the individual episodes. Each one is done a little differently giving the audience a fresh perspective each time. It moves from inside Alison's room, to the lab, and even outdoors. One of the outdoor episodes provides a funny perspective because as Allison talks there's a host of different things happening in the distance.

  While there isn't a lot of the blood and guts like a typical zombie story, there are plenty of twists and turns. There are several interesting characters that fans will be drawn to as the series goes on. Some even have big secrets that are revealed in a shocking season finale. The acting is solid, and they never give away what's coming next. The episode themselves are well shot no matter where they take place. Since this is definitely a series you should be watching, I give it 3 pools of blood.

 HorrO

Find “Brains” at: http://brainswebseries.com

BLAIR WITCH REVIEW

After discovering a video showing what he believes to be his sister's experiences in the demonic woods of the Blair Witch, James and a group of friends head to the forest in search of his lost sibling.

Starring: James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Corbin Reid, Brandon Scott, Wes Robinson, and Valorie Curry

Directed by: Adam Wingard

Written by: Simon Barrett

  Lionsgate originally entitled this movie “The Woods,” which seemed intriguing enough. Then they surprised horror fans changing the name to “Blair Witch,” and let everyone know this is a sequel to the 1999 “The Blair Witch Project.” This sent a buzz through the horror community, and instantly made this one of the most anticipated horror films of the year. So does it live up to the hype?

  Much of the beginning to middle of the film is complete story set up. It provides a few chuckles, but is mostly boring. The audience is presented camera view after camera view from all the characters, and it goes way too fast. Talk about a nauseating experience to start off with.

  When it finally slows down just a little, it gives the audience a better look at all the characters, and how they are related. James (James Allen McCune) has been looking for his sister, Heather, who disappeared in the woods in the original movie. He brings along his good friend, Peter (Brandon Scott), and Peter’s girlfriend, Ashley (Corbin Reid). Lisa (Callie Hernandez) is accompanying them as a friend too, but also interested in documenting everything for a project. There’s nothing wrong with this group of characters except that it sadly doesn’t take long to figure out who’s going to die first.

  They also spend time going through all of the different cameras that the characters are using. As expected, the technology is a clear upgrade over the original movie. The best thing the characters use are earpiece cameras that provide a good look at exactly what the characters are seeing. They even bring a drone along. However, as cool as it sounds, the drone proves to be pretty useless. 

  James and his friends finally pack up, and head off to talk with Lane (Wes Robinson) and Talia (Valorie Curry). They’re the people who posted the video that convinced James to go on this mission. Lane talks the group into letting them come along, and finally everyone ends up in the woods. However, not everyone is getting along on this trip, and there’s some tension before the real terror begins.

  The first night fall couldn’t come any sooner, and it’s so time for the witch to start working her magic. The first true scare is all right, however they repeat it several times causing it to lose effectiveness each time. Probably the most shocking thing is what one of the characters does to another by accident. More of those kind of moments would have definitely been welcomed. For those that get squeamish, there’s a nice scene where one of the characters is pulling something out of their leg.

  But what about the scene in the house? Well, this time the scene is extended out a little longer, and the audience gets to see a little more of the house. One of the characters ends up having to tunnel their way under it in a reasonably claustrophobic moment. There’s a surprise or two, but just like the rest of the movie, it’s just too much of the same. 

  With “The Woods” fans were hoping for something new. When it became “Blair Witch” that hope died, and did so in a big way. While this movie offers new characters, technology, and some more backstory, there are too many times when it feels all too familiar. The one thing it really should have kept but left out are the personal and intense moments that truly made “The Blair Witch Project.” While it’s the true sequel fans never got, it’s not a stretch to say that the sequel doesn’t live up to the original. With that, I give it 2 pools of blood.

  HorrO

31 REVIEW

Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, Hell-like compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns.

Starring: Malcolm McDowell, Richard Brake, Sheri Moon Zombie, Pancho Moler, and Jeff Daniel Phillips

Directed and written by: Rob Zombie

  Horror fans have been waiting a long time for the next Rob Zombie film, and it’s finally here. Audiences are sometimes split on his films, and they come with all kinds of expectations. Going into “31,” I wasn’t sure want to expect other than another crazy film. To some disappointment, it didn’t turn out to be as crazy as expected.

  The story is actually kind of standard just set with maybe an unusual group of people. It starts off very much like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” or “The Hills Have Eyes,” and soon enough becomes a game of survival like “Saw.” The difference might be the eventual victims, who aren’t a group of kids, or family. They’re a group of carnival workers, who might be the expected killers and not the victims in this case. 

  The carnival workers are held against their will in some kind of factory, and given twelve hours to survive in a game of ‘31.’ It’s not too clear what 31 is exactly other than a chance for Father Murder (Malcolm McDowell), and others to bet on the survival of the workers. What’s funny is how at the beginning of each round Father Murder recalculates the betting odds, and they are announced to the workers. Each round begins again with the death of either one of the workers, or killers.

  The best part of the movie are the killers, which have some bizarre names. First there’s Doom-Head (Richard Brake), who’s absolutely insane and loves killing way too much. At the opening of the movie, there’s a great look at just how crazy he is in an up close conversation with one of his victims. Richard does a terrific job showing just how intense, and out of his mind Doom-Head is.

  The next best killer is a totally unexpected killer. His name is Sick-Head (Pancho Moler), and he’s a little person. Not only that, but he’s a Nazi, who also speaks Spanish. Now you know why he’s such an unexpected character. Sick-Head is hilarious as he taunts his victims while hunting them down. And don’t be fooled by his size, he’s plenty vicious.

  Overall, I expected a crazy story with some crazy characters, but didn’t quite get that. The story has a touch of crazy, but really is too familiar. Doom-Head, and Sick-Head are the type of crazy characters expected, and their scenes will be the most memorable in the movie. The other characters and acting is all right. However, casting Sheri Moon Zombie in her role makes the direction of the story kind of obvious. Wishing there was something more outrageous in “31,” I give it 2 pools of blood.

  HorrO

THE MIND'S EYE REVIEW

Zack Connors and Rachel Meadows were born with incredible psychokinetic capabilities. When word of their supernatural talents gets out, they find themselves the prisoners of Michael Slovak, a deranged doctor intent on harvesting their powers. After a daring escape, they are free from his sinister institution, but the corrupt doctor will stop at nothing to track them down so that he may continue to siphon their gifts for his own use.

Starring: Graham Skipper, Lauren Ashley Carter, and John Speredakos

Directed and written by: Joe Begos

  Sometimes horror can be down right fun to watch, and that’s the case with “The Mind’s Eye.” The audience might expect a fun movie is coming their way because it opens with a disclaimer that “This film should be played loud.” Yes, it’s loud, really loud! It turns out to work perfectly with the feel of the movie, and particularly well in the action scenes.

  Speaking of action, there’s no storage of it. Right off the bat, Zack (Graham Skipper) is confronted by some cops, and the audience gets a look at his psychokinetic power. They manage to arrest him, and take him to jail where he meets Dr. Michael Slovak (John Speredakos). Dr. Slovak seems like he wants to help Zack, but he’s really out to steal his power. The doctor has already been taking power from Zack’s friend Rachel (Lauren Ashley). 

  What’s interesting about how this story sets up is that it’s a horror movie that plays out much like a superhero movie. Zack is the hero, who is looking to reunite with, and save a woman in distress, Rachel. Dr. Slovak starts off looking like he’s innocent, but then turns completely evil. They tie it together with the fact that Zack and Rachel have powers, and the villain is trying to steal them.

  So where’s the horror? Well audiences won’t see the kind of blood spilled in this movie as they do in a typical superhero movie. The psychokinetic powers let these characters literally tear each other apart. There are several heads that are blown up, and body parts are left broken. Everything is fair game because they can pick up almost anything with their minds, and use it against each other. There comes a point when they are dripping so much blood it’s hard to believe they are still standing.

  There are a lot of crazy scenes, but nothing is crazier then the final showdown between Dr. Slovak and Zack. Both are at the peak of their powers, and try everything to show the other who’s more powerful. They take each other to the max, and the scene is made so dramatic that audiences will be left smiling at the madness. The only problem here is that they stretch the ending out, and almost repeat what just happened. It might be a tad much.

  Some call this movie the “Scanners” sequel that fans never got. True or not, this is a fun, and really loud movie. It plays out like a superhero movie, but filled with action scenes ending with blood splattering everywhere. Just like the blood, the acting is exaggerate so that the audience can’t help but laugh. Because “The Mind’s Eye” is a mind blowing experience, I give it 4 pools of blood.

  HorrO

*“The Mind’s Eye” was shown at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival

ANTIBIRTH REVIEW

In a desolate community full of drug-addled Marines and rumors of kidnapping, a wild-eyed stoner named Lou wakes up after a wild night of partying with symptoms of a strange illness and recurring visions as she struggles to get a grip on reality while stories of conspiracy spread.

Starring: Natasha Lyonne, Chloe Sevigny, and Meg Tilly

Directed and written by: Danny Perez

  The story in "Antibirth" centers around Lou (Natasha Lyonne), who's one hell of a party girl. If she can drink it, she’ll drink it. If she can smoke it, she’ll smoke it. She’s truly down for anything, and apparently that’s what she got. After a night of parting with her friend, Sadie (Chloe Savigny), she starts feeling sick, the kind of sick feeling a woman gets when she might be pregnant. 

  She’s absolutely sure she didn’t sleep with anyone, so she’s confused at why she’s pregnant. However, this doesn’t stop her from drinking and smoking. It probably makes her do it more. Her stomach is rapidly growing, and all kinds of weird things start happening to her body. She so happens to run into a woman named Lorna (Meg Tilly), who convinces her to look into the strange events around her pregnancy. It turns out that Sadie’s boyfriend, who’s gotten deep into the world of drugs, injected an experimental drug in her.

  As mentioned, the audience is subjected to watching Lou do a lot drinking and smoking. In some of the scenes, they inject a lot of colors, spin the camera, and take Lou to strange places in her hallucinations. They do a decent job of making the audience feel like they’re tripping out like Lou. If anyone in the audience is really drinking or on drugs, they might enjoy this as much as Lou!

  Really, the audience is just waiting to see what she gives birth to. Lets just say it’s not a boy, and not a girl! It’s probably one of the weirdest birth scenes around. Weird doesn’t mean good in this case because it makes little sense other than just to try to make a shocking ending. And end it does, as the movie doesn’t go any further displaying how pointless this all is.

  “Antibirth” is certainly one of those movies that’s made for a specific audience. On the surface, it seems like it’s for horror fans, but it’s really for an audience more specific than that. Maybe one that likes scenes that make them feel like they’re drinking, parting, and having a good old time. The only good thing about it is the performance by Natasha Lyonne. Other than that, it might make audiences wish they were on drugs while watching it. Sober as can be, I give it .5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

*“Antibirth” was shown at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival

DON'T BREATHE REVIEW

A group of friends break into the house of a wealthy blind man, thinking they’ll get away with the perfect heist. They’re wrong.

Starring: Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto

Directed by: Fede Alvarez

Written by: Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues

  On the surface, the premiss for “Don’t Breathe” seems pretty simple. As simple as a three friends, Rocky (Jane Levy), Alex (Dylan Minnette), and Money (Daniel Zovatto), trying to rob a blind man (Stephen Lang) in his house. There’s some concern that this is going to turn out to be just another home invasion movie. However, there’s one hell of a twist that puts this movie on the map!

  This well constructed story begins with the friends robbing a house, and displaying that they have done this more than once. Soon after that, the audience gets a glimpse of each character away from the group. It’s here that they’re trying to get the audience to have some sympathy for them, even with knowing what they’re about to do. Rocky, in particular, has a young daughter, and wants some money to move somewhere more beneficial for them.

  It’s interesting how they also build some sympathy for the blind man. It turns out he lost his vision in the war, and more recently lost his daughter in a car accident. The friends have come to steal the money he got in a settlement over his daughter’s death. As the friends break in the house, it’s time to decide who to root for. The friends, who are just looking for a better life, or the blind man, who’s just minding his business in his own home?

  When the friends break in, the camera takes a journey around the house giving the audience a glimpse of what’s to come. It’s just the beginning of many great camera angles used throughout the movie. When the blind man figures out he’s not alone, it doesn’t take long for him to take out one of the thieves. The remaining two find themselves trapped in the house, as the tension quickly builds. The tension builds because of the dark and silent atmosphere of the house, and knowing the blind man isn’t messing around. If there are any doubts about where the sympathy falls, that’s erased once the twist is revealed. The twist for the characters only gets worse as the movie goes on!

  After watching “Don’t Breathe,” it’s clear this isn’t a standard home invasion horror movie. The story is set up well trying to get the audience to be sympathetic to both the friends and the blind man. Great camera work helps build the tension in this dark setting. Stephen Lang does a fantastic job acting as if he's blind, and really brings out the brutality of his character. Most of all, the crazy twist truly separates this movie from the rest. Director Fede Alvarez mentions this movie is like a different version of “Home Alone.” Well I like this version enough to give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

Director Fede Alvarez & HorrO