LET US IN REVIEW

 

A spirited twelve year old girl and her best friend look to uncover the sudden disappearances of several missing teens in their small town. Realizing there might be something deeper happening, Emily and Christopher might be up against forces they can’t even imagine. Based on the urban legend “The Black Eyed Kids.”

Starring: Tobin Bell, Makenzie Moss, and O’Neill Monahan

Directed by: Craig Moss

Written by: Joe Callero and Craig Moss

  Once they say, “Let Us In,” you’re in big trouble. Emily (Makenzie Moss) and Christopher (O’Neill Monahan) are two best friends working on a special project. They appear to be trying to create a way to communicate with aliens, but it has been a struggle. Christopher is definitely dedicated to the project, but Emily has some more important struggles going on in her life. She’s struggling over a tragic accident with a friend, and now having issues with some of the other girls at school.   

  However, her biggest issue may be the “Black Eyed Kids.” She’s left alone one night, and has a surprise visit from them. Most people aren’t as lucky as she is, as she manages to avoid getting taken by them. Of course this makes her interested in them, and even more so when people close to her go missing. She continues to work with Christopher both on their science project, and on who the “Black Eyed Kids” really are.

  It won’t take long before the audience will appreciate this young cast. At first glance, Makenzie and O’Neill might not seem like a natural pairing, but soon enough the audience will see how well they work together. O’Neill nails the comic relief, and Makenzie does well to balance being a kid, and handling the more serious situations. They get support from other young actresses like Siena Agudong, and Sadie Stanley. Of course it’s nice to have a familiar face for horror fans, and they’ll get that in Tobin Bell.

  And while the audience roots for the young duo, they’ll get the creeps from the “Black Eyed Kids.” There isn’t anything over the top about them like scary faces, or special weapons. They do a lot of their intimidating with their black eyes, hoodies, and constantly asking their victims if they will “let us in.” Don’t answer the question correctly, and they’ll bring the pain. They do have some secrets that Emily and Christopher will have to discover if they hope to survive.

  As director Craig Moss noted in our discussion of the film, “Let Us In” is a great movie to be used as an introduction to horror for a young audience. The youths in the film go through some relatable experiences, and relationships before getting to any of the horror. As for that horror, there are jump scares and creepy moments courtesy of the “Black Eyed Kids.” They’ll make the audience cringe a time or two, but it’s not a gore fest. The young audience should also enjoy the mystery that’s uncovered along the way. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.

  HorrO

On Demand and Digital – July 2

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/05/19/official-trailer-poster-for-let-us-in-on-demand-and-digital-july-2/

GAIA REVIEW

 

An injured forest ranger on a routine mission is saved by two off-the-grid survivalists. What is initially a welcome rescue grows more suspicious as the son and his renegade father reveal a cultish devotion to the forest. 

Starring: Monique Rockman, Carel Nel and Alex van Dyk

Directed by: Jaco Bouwer

Written by: Tertius Kapp

  There’s an interesting “Gaia” concept that envisages the Earth as a super-organism that operates to regulate its own environment, principally temperature, to keep it habitable for the biosphere. Unfortunately two forest rangers are about to enter a world where something like that might be happening. Gabi (Monique Rockman) and Winston (Anthony Oseyemi) are going down a river, and observing the nature around them. Gabi is also flying a drone over head of them until it crashes. Against Winston’s advice, she insists that he stop the canoe so that she can go looking for it. 

  The search doesn’t go so well, as she stumbles into a trap set by some father and son survivalists. She finds herself stuck there, and gets a taste of some of the strangeness of the forest. Finally, father Barend (Carel Nel) and son Stefan (Alex van Dyk) rescue her. They certainly aren’t her knights in shining armor, but are the only ones that can help her heal and stay safe. Safe for the moment, as she’s about to see the forest from a much different view than the canoe or drone.

  Obviously this screams eco-horror, and there’s going to be some strange things going on along side the horror. Gabi gets a small taste of it when injured in the forest, and forced to hear the sounds of the forest and plants unusually moving around. As one might expect, Barend and Stefan are odd as well, covered in dirt with minimal clothing on. That’s just the beginning of it for this pair, as they’ve developed an odd belief system during their time with nature. Gabi learns some of it while there, but also tries introducing the real world to Stefan. This doesn’t sit well with dad, and puts an end to all three ever living together as one happy family.

  As for the horror, that comes big time in the form of some plant creatures. Yes, they have human form, but are covered in plants, mushrooms, and other vegetation. They put up a good fight, and if you’re found lost out there you might end up looking like one of them. They would definitely have anyone wanting to exit that forest immediately. Some of the other horror comes from the implosion of this new formed group of friends and family.

  Overall, the creatures are awesome, and the audience will probably want more than they get from them. Instead, “Gaia” has a message about the environment, and uses the father and son to deliver it. In the middle of it all, the audience will also get to experience the weirdness of this forest. It’s great to look at visually, especially in some of the wild dream sequences. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood, and continue to say “don’t mess with the environment!”

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/06/02/official-trailer-for-gaia-coming-to-theaters-june-18th-on-demand-june-25th/

BLACK SUMMER SEASON 2 REVIEW

 

In the dark, early days of a zombie apocalypse, complete strangers band together to find the strength they need to survive and get back to loved ones.

Starring: Jaime King, Justin Chu Cary, and Christine Lee

Creators: Karl Schaefer and John Hyams

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

THE EVIL NEXT DOOR REVIEW

 

A dad moves into a new house with his son and girlfriend. When he’s out of town working, the son makes a new “friend” next door.

Starring: Jakob Fahlstedt, Janna Granstrom, and Dilan Gwyn

Directed and written by: Tord Danielsson and Oskar Mellander

  It seems like having “The Evil Next Door” is better than in your own house, but evil always seems to find you wherever you are! Fredrik (Linus Wahlegreen) and his girlfriend Shirin (Dilan Gwyn) are moving to a new home. Along with them is Fredrik’s young son, Lucas. After moving them in Fredrik has to go away for work letting Shirin and Lucas get in some bonding time. Fredrik wants to make sure Shirin is ready to take on a motherly role.

  When the two aren’t bonding, Lucas seems to have found someone or something else to play with. Shirin is a little uncomfortable around the boy, but wants to make it work. At first, she isn’t quite sure what to make of his strange behavior, but soon enough she will realize something else is going on here. A supernatural being next door has come for him, and the question will become does she care enough about him to risk her life to save him?

  There’s always something unnerving about watching a child play, and talk with something that’s not there. That continues to be the case here with Lucas making a new evil friend. As usual they keep these moments dark, and it only gets darker as it goes. They definitely will try and get some jump scares in the mix, and while expected some might work out just because of how creepy this supernatural being is. It certainly makes good use of the dark space.

  What appears to be a little different this time around is the relationship between the major characters. Instead of having married parents with a child, the audience is presented a couple, one of which is a single parent. Not only that, but the story stresses if the potential stepmother to be is fit to take on that role. Certainly no one would hate Shirin if she ran away at the first sight of the supernatural being. Instead she powers through everything showing she can be that mother, and takes on the evil head on.

  “The Evil Next Door” might present its scariest moments in the opening and ending scenes, but that doesn’t mean the audience should let their guard down at any moment. There will be other attempted scares, and some creepy moments courtesy of this monster from next door. When the tension drops, there will be time to watch the relationship between a young boy and potential stepmom grow. He might not realize it right away, but she really does love him and his father to do what she does. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood!

  HorrO

In theaters and on demand June 25th!

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/05/25/official-trailer-the-evil-next-door-coming-to-theaters-and-on-demand/

WEREWOLVES WITHIN REVIEW

 

After a proposed pipeline creates divisions within the small town of Beaverfield, and a snowstorm traps its residents together inside the local inn, newly arrived forest ranger Finn and postal worker Cecily must try to keep the peace and uncover the truth behind a mysterious creature that has begun terrorizing the community.

Starring: Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, and Cheyenne Jackson

Directed by: Josh Ruben

Written by: Mishna Wolff

  This community is definitely about to channel the “Werewolves Within” themselves. The story picks up with forest ranger Finn (Sam Richardson) arriving in the small community of Beaverfield. A small town where everyone knows each other, and have now become divided over a proposed pipeline that would cut right through the town. Finn seems to have found a nice place to stay, and the even nicer mailwoman, Cecily (Milana Vayntrub). She helps him around town, and the pair bond rather quickly.

  However, Finn is soon tasked with trying to hold the town together, as small problems get bigger and bigger. He has to deal with the town outcast, Emerson (Glenn Fleshler), who can be plenty intimidating. From there he gets complaints of missing animals, and then a dead body. The fun really begins when Dr. Ellis (Rebecca Henderson) hints at a werewolf being on the prowl, and everyone gets snowed in together. Can Finn solve this mystery before this community becomes an afterthought?

   Of course horror fans will be flocking to this movie to see the werewolves, but they’ll have to exercise great patience before seeing any kind of transformation. In some cases, that might be a reason to complain but definitely not here. First off, Finn and Cecily prove to be two characters who the audience won’t be able to get enough of. There’s a good comedic flow between the two that’s never over the top, and should at least keep a smile on the audiences’ faces. Both are similarly nice and aim to please, but Cecily seems to have a little more edge to her. 

  The rest of the community is a joy to watch as well. Some of them will be easy to like, and others not so much. Of course the more they hate each other the better the comedy and action becomes. Before the audience knows it, they will turn on each other whenever the opportunity rises. One by one will fall until the mystery is solved, and the audience gets the wolf everyone has been waiting for.

  As the community gets thinned out, the audience will finally experience some horror. Not the wolf tearing into people kind of horror, but some blood will be spilled. Of course the big moment comes when the audience sees the wolf transformation. It’s not going to be a crazy one, but certainly fits with how the movie goes. It sets up for dramatic ending with some good twists and turns.

  “Werewolves Within” is based on a game, but it never really seems like it. It starts off with a lot of comedy giving the actors and actresses a chance to shine. It also displays some great writing with the characters created, and the interactions between each other. The audience may or may not figure out who the wolf is early on, but it will be entertaining to go along with this murder mystery regardless. This might not be the bloodiest werewolf movie ever created, but it may be one of the most amusing ones. With that said, I give it 4 pools of blood.

  HorrO

In Theaters on June 25th & On Demand July 2nd

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/05/27/official-trailer-and-poster-for-werewolves-within-in-theaters-june-25-and-on-digital-vod-july-2/

BENNY LOVES YOU REVIEW

 

Jack, a man desperate to improve his life throws away his beloved childhood plush, Benny. It’s a move that has a disastrous consequences when Benny springs to life with deadly intentions.

Starring: Karl Holt, Claire Cartwright, and George Collie

Directed and written by: Karl Holt

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

WHERE THE SCARY THINGS ARE EPISODE 92

 

Where The Scary Things Are Episode 92: MURDER BURY WIN with Director MICHAEL LOVAN

We sit down with director of Murder Bury Win, Michael Lovan. This film was a lot of gory fun and makes you ask, what would you do in this situation?Support the show (https://linktr.ee/WTSTA666) 

Listen: https://www.stitcher.com/show/where-the-scary-things-are/episode/where-the-scary-things-are-episode-92-murder-bury-win-with-director-michael-lovan-84211485

Watch…

THEM REVIEW

 

A Black family moves to an all-white Los Angeles neighborhood where malevolent forces, next door and otherworldly, threaten to taunt, ravage and destroy them.

Starring: Deborah Ayorinde, Ashley Thomas, and Shahadi Wright

Creator: Little Marvin

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

STALKER REVIEW

A young man’s budding romance is threatened when he befriends an unstable ride-share driver.

Starring: Christine Ko, Vincent Van Horn, and Michael Lee Joplin

Directed by: Tyler Savage 

Written by: Dash Hawkins, and Tyler Savage

  “Stalker” brings a whole new meaning to being stalked in this new era of technology. Andy (Vincent Van Horn) has left Texas for California, and looking to get settled in. His move is made easier when he meets Sam (Christine Ko) at a bar, and the two hit it off. They take a ride-share back to her place, and hang out a little longer. The next day he gets a call, and takes part in a quick interview for a tutoring job. Things seem to be looking up for him as he gets the job.

  Then he takes his dog for a walk to get some coffee, and runs into the ride-share driver, Roger (Michael Lee Joplin) from the previous night. The two talk, and decide to get drinks soon. It looks like Andy is off to a good start in his new home by finding a girlfriend, and new friend. However, he doesn’t realize that Roger is watching him when Andy ditches him to hang out with Sam. Roger isn't happy about this, and now is about to become a huge thorn is Andy’s side.

  Roger is about to put on a master class on how to stalk, and mess with someone’s life. He does some of the stuff one might expect like breaking into Andy’s apartment, and looking through his social media to learn about him. When the movie opens the audience sees Andy using his phone a lot, and then the audience will see why that’s important. Roger uses technology to work against Andy. He basically gains access to everything Andy has in his phone and computer like his photos, videos, bank account and more. It’s scary enough to see how easy someone can do that to another.

  Besides being tech savvy, Roger is an absolutely creepy individual, and very easy to hate. He takes way too much joy out of torturing Andy. Andy might not be the most likable guy, but the audience will probably feel sorry that he’s on the opposite end of Roger’s madness. As this plays out, the audience will await a showdown between Andy, and Roger. This has been a twisted and cruel story throughout, so of course the movie is going to end with one more heartless twist.

Sometimes good horror is made by presenting situations that are as real as possible. Whether by ride-share driver, or another random person, anyone could find themselves being stalked. One of the scariest things about “Stalker” is how easy it is for Roger to get into Andy’s personal information, and use it against him. All the audience has to do is put themselves in Andy’s shoes to see how really bad this situation is, and it doesn’t get any better in the end. Michael really does do a good job of making Roger a despicable person. This film is another reminder to not be blind to the people you surround yourself with. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.

  HorrO 

On Demand & Streaming Friday, June 18th

BLOOD PAGEANT REVIEW

 

What begins as a million-dollar reality show competition between seven beautiful women turns into a battle for like itself when one contestant uses magic to gain an edge over the competition. An ancient curse dating back to the Salem Witch Trials is unleashed and the competition becomes a pageant of death, destruction, and evil forces. Forget about who will win - who will survive?

Starring: Danielle C. Ryan, Stephen Baldwin, Snoop Dogg, Juliana Destefano, and Malea Rose

Directed by: Harvey Lowry

Written by: Chris Gilmore and Anthony J. Sands

  Not really one for pageants, but a “Blood Pageant” sounds a little more like it! Lots of pageant winners and reality stars seem like they were made for that life. At first glance, Amy (Juliana Destefano) might not seem like she fits that world, but she has a desire to be in it. She reaches out for some help from Liz (Natasha Blasick), who seems to have an unusual technique to prepare Amy for the competition. Regardless of the technique, it certainly makes Amy ready to take this competition by storm.

  She arrives at the home where the show will be shot along with the other contestants. All of them are quick to stake their claim as being the eventual winner, even to a lesser degree the ever so religious Crystal (JoAnna de Castro). Amy and Crystal do seem a little behind some of the other woman who appear more open to sucking up to the producer Barry (David Chokachi). However, no one knows it but Amy has a secret weapon that will literally eliminate the competition. 

  Anyone who channel surfs these days knows the large amount of reality/game shows to be found on tv. While they do entertain some, others wouldn’t mind seeing less of them. The movie takes aim at aspects of these kind of shows, and certainly makes light of them particularly what goes on behind the scenes. The contestants show the usual distain for each other, and are only concerned about themselves. The audience will get a lot of set up, and introduction into the reality for the early half of the movie.

  Amy might not realize what she’s doing, but horror fans will soon be clued in on what's happening here. She has a board of contestants up in her room, and they’re getting marked off quickly. The competition soon comes to an end after some ladies die while trying to win bonus points with Barry in a truly wild scene. The competition might be over, but there’s still a killer lurking around the house. It turns out there’s a lot more going on here than originally thought, and it comes to a very dramatic ending.

  Lots of reality shows go big, and this one does as well. Barry, along with the rest of the crew, do their best to stir it up with the women, and create some theatrics that should give the audience some laughs. Soon enough the laughs fade because the body count will rise. Blood is spilled, and a mystery is solved. And if that isn’t enough, Snoop Dogg, Stephen Baldwin, and some more familiar faces make an appearance. With that said, this competition is over and I give "Blood Pageant" 3 pools of blood. 

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/05/26/horror-thriller-blood-pageant-set-for-summer-release-from-vision-films/

SUPERDEEP REVIEW

 

A small research team went down below the surface to find out what secret the world’s deepest borehole was hiding. What they have found turned out to be the greatest threat in history. And the future of humanity is in their hands.

Starring: Milena Radulovic, Sergey Ivanyuk, and Nikolay Kovbas

Directed by: Arseny Syuhin

Written by: Samuel Stewart Hunter, and Arseny Syuhin

  Dig “Superdeep” into the earth and you’ll find things that are better off left buried. A secret medical facility has been created in one of the deepest places ever dug. While down there something has gone wrong that endangers the entire operation. Unsure of what's happened, the very intelligent Anya (Milena Radulovic) is called, and promised many great things if she can go down there and figure out what’s going on. Too bad no one tells her just how bad it truly is down there.

  Along with a group of soldiers, their helicopter lands just in time to see someone apparently trying to escape, or stop them from getting out. Either way, he’s dealt with, and their real guide is ready to take them inside. There seems to be one way in and out on an elevator that works in a particular way. It basically means once they go down there, they’ll be there for awhile. That’s fine for Anya at the start because she’s ready to investigate, but soon enough she’ll be dying for that elevator ride back to the surface.

  While watching the film horror fans will no doubt have memories of “The Thing.” Eventually the group will have to deal with some interesting looking creatures. At times they will gross out the audience, and others they will leave them in awe. The creatures get nastier as it goes on, and the final one is out of control. The special effects with the creatures is awesome from beginning to end. Anya will learn she was promised all those things because no one really expected her to make it out in one piece.

  While fans will be treated to a visual feast, their ears might not be as happy. This is a Russian film that’s dubbed, and it gets kind of tiresome at almost two hours long. There’s probably some good performances lost in there somewhere, but it’s hard to tell with the dubbing. Regardless, it’s clear to see and hear that Milena gives a great performance because she plays a smart and strong female character. Yes, she’s taken back by the madness down there, but she’s going to fight to the end. 

  Russia has been in the news a lot lately, and not for many good reasons. Too bad they don’t get more coverage of their horror films because there have been some good ones recently. The special effects here are top notched, and deserve all the credit they can get. The story is solid leading to plenty of suspense and tension as the madness builds down there. Audiences might not be sure about Anya at first, but she’ll eventually win them over. Look past the dubbing because if you enjoy horror like “The Thing” there’s a good chance you’ll like this as well. With that said, giving it anything less than 4 pools of blood would be disrespectful to the special effects alone. 

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/05/06/george-a-romeros-the-amusement-park-to-headline-shudders-summer-slate/

THE SOCK HOP KILLER REVIEW

 

One young woman learns the lesson of heartbreak the hard way after being dumped the night of the big dance and her grief calls a menacing object connecting her to an ancient power that her ancestors could not control. As the Homecoming dance grows near and the body count rises, a cursed family heirloom returns to punish the deception and misery for a generation of women. What will it take to end the plague of an ancient mask and release the wearer that hides behind the hurt and rage of a lifetime of suffering? The Sock Hop Killer is our homage to the Slasher Horror Genre of the 80’s.

Authors: Paul Dulski and David Whalen

  This story begins with circumstances that create a new masked killer. Something has gone terribly wrong in this family that has given rise to this evil. It’s born of pain, and turns that pain onto others. After seeing these tragic events, the killer disappears for some time, and the family gets to move on. 

  The story moves forward to Janice, who’s excited for the school dance. Along with her mom and Gary, she goes to grandma’s house to get some clothes to fit the dance’s theme. She finds what she’s looking for, and a mysterious box of photos. By accident it seems she’s dug up the past, and the killer rises again. 

  “The Sock Hop Killer” is a short comic coming in at less than 30 pages. It makes for a quick read, as the story gets right to the point.  And while it’s a short story it feels like the door is open for some more chapters to the story if they want. I previewed it in black and white, which works well particularly for the most horrific moments. However, it looks even more spectacular in color. Most importantly the killer looks bad ass with the mask on and sword by their side! Check out the comic today on Amazon, or catch it coming soon to ComiXology!

  HorrO

SPIRAL REVIEW

 

A criminal mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in Spiral, the terrifying new chapter from the book of Saw.

Starring: Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, and Max Minghella

Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman

Written by: Joel Stolberg, and Pete Goldfinger

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

CENSOR REVIEW

After viewing a strangely familiar video nasty, Enid, a film censor, sets out to solve the past mystery of her sister’s disappearance, embarking on a quest that dissolves the line between fiction and reality.

Starring: Niamh Algar, Michael Smiley, and Nicholas Burns

Directed by: Prano Bailey-Bond

Written by: Prano Bailey-Bond and Anthony Fletcher

  “Censor” is not a popular word for horror fans, but it works well for the title of this horror movie. Enid (Niamh Algar) is part of a group of people responsible for censoring horror movies. Fans of blood and guts scenes are at their mercy. Enid takes her job very seriously, probably more than those around her. That’s why it’s shocking when a colleague and her are blamed for not censoring a scene in a movie which leads to someone’s death. 

  This starts a slow, and surprising change in her. It triggers memories of the disappearance of her sister when they were younger. Her sister hasn’t been found, and Enid will never give up looking for her. She actually thinks she sees someone who looks like her in a video that a producer gives her. She goes on an investigation of her own, which brings her closer and closer to starring in her own horror movie!

  For a film titled “Censor” there’s a whole lot of bloody moments in it, and no one is complaining. She’s rating borderline things like scenes involving eye gouging and rape, and the audience gets to watch along with her. That’s just a warm up to when Enid finds herself in her own bloody situations. The first time is an accident, but what follows is definitely on her hands.

  It doesn’t seem like it at first, but Enid becomes a very interesting character. When she’s first introduced, she’s very serious, and all about doing the best job possible. She definitely isn’t a fan of horror, and her trauma is probably why. The film works at a slow pace, and so does her change. After seeing her in the opening moments, it would be hard to imagine her ending up where she eventually finds herself. They also do this giving the audience as little information about her as possible. Credit Niamh and her strong performance for helping pull this all off.

  Admittingly, as “Censor” started off with a slow pace, and serious lead character I was doubting how much I would like this. However, it started to gain my interest with the bloody scenes Enid and company are trying to censor. I appreciate them showing the audience these scenes as Enid wants to censor them. The payoff here is just how far Enid really ends up going. It’s totally unexpected from the person the audience meets at the beginning. I’m certainly glad this film wasn’t censored too much, so I can give it 3.5 pools of blood!

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/05/18/official-trailer-for-censor/