Roger Ebert in his review of “The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)” called the film “an affront to human decency.” That’s kind of pointing out the obvious as Tom Six clearly designed his film to be just that. It’s all a cinematic provocation for both fans and detractors of the original film which sent waves through the world of horror films. This time he throws at us a thoroughly disgusting movie to make you realize just how far he could have gone in the previous movie. Whether or not “The Human Centipede” was actually “100% medically accurate,” the sequel revels in being the polar opposite.

This movie proceeds with the idea that the original was only a movie as it starts with its ending and then shows it being viewed from a security guard’s computer. From there we meet the main character of Martin Lomax (Laurence R. Harvey), a grotesquely overweight loner who can only achieve any form of arousement from watching Six’s potentially overrated horror movie. His life is as bleak as can be which is more than accentuated by it being shown in black and white. We come to realize that his father sexually abused him as a child, he lives with his mother who is unrelentingly horrible to him, and he has his own pet centipede that is quick to devour whatever Martin feeds him.

Martin also has a notebook which comes to reveal his sinister intentions; he plans to make his own human centipede. But instead of 3 people, he is going for an even 12. We watch as he kidnaps victims almost at random and then leaves them in a dilapidated garage where he will connect them together later. The sequel gets even more meta as Ashlynn Yennie, who got stuck in the middle during the first movie, comes back to play herself. She’s lured to England with the promise of auditioning for a Quentin Tarantino movie, but then she does the method acting she didn’t do the first time around.

Honestly, the more I thought about “The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)” after I saw it, the more I found myself laughing. I still haven’t seen the original, but I believe Six when he says it’s “My Little Pony” compared to this. Morbid curiosity got me to see it at the Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica where it was playing for midnight showings. The gory elements are so over the top that it’s impossible to take anything seriously even as you’re repelled by the sights and sounds on display.

This is really the perfect kind of film for midnight showings as it brings out all the young filmgoers who dare themselves and their friends to watch it without gagging. Towards the end, I find myself more interested in the audience’s reaction than what was onscreen. Girls shrieking and telling each other they were this close to leaving, men hiding their eyes, and others laughing in shock at the crap (literal and figurative) that was being thrown out at us in copious amounts. For me, what Six filmed was nothing compared to how the audience responded to it.

Some might say that Martin being a die hard fan of “The Human Centipede” is proof of how movies can inspire such murderous behavior, but that’s a bunch of bull. From the first moment we lay eyes on Martin, we can tell he is a serious mental case who is a danger to society. His pathology has become so twisted because he was badly treated by the people who were supposed to love him. If Six’s movie didn’t inspire him in repulsive ways, some other form of entertainment would have. This all brings back what was said in Wes Craven’s “Scream:”

“Movies don’t create psychos! Movies make psychos more creative!”

I do have to give Laurence R. Harvey some credit because he throws himself into the role without any visible shame. Not many other actors would dare let themselves appear in such an intentionally vile movie, but that didn’t stop this guy. Harvey is shown in an unflattering light throughout, and his character really is bereft of any redeemable features. Martin doesn’t even have much (if any) dialogue in this film, and he instead has to create a character through his eyes and actions. Never does Harvey try to hide the fact that Martin is nowhere near to becoming a doctor as he connects everyone together with a staple gun and gives his victims a large dose of laxatives to expel their waste onto and into one another.

But having said all this, “The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)” is not really much of a movie. It’s more of a geek show that promises to be subversive, but it exists more to provoke than make us think. Showing it in black and white was an inspired choice and while it may have lessened the disgusting acts perpetrated, our brains weren’t fooled and knew very well how this would all look in color. Not even Dario Argento would be able to bring any beauty to these horrific acts.

Its one thing to see this sequel with an audience, but watching it at home by yourself will instead make it seem tedious. The last half when Martin succeeds in creating his unforgivably crude masterpiece goes on for a long time, and it becomes something of a bore long before the end. Speaking of its ending, it is deliberately ambiguous and leaves you wondering about all that you just saw.

In the end, “The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)” exists more as a curiosity more than a movie. As much as it wants to shock and unsettle you, it won’t have the staying power of a movie like “Salo.” Six does promise a third and final film in this series, and that one threatens to be even more graphic. Since it is inevitable, let’s hope that he has more of a story going for it instead of just simply grossing us out.

* * out of * * * *

Based on the book written by the late Hunter S. Thompson, “The Rum Diary” captures the Gonzo journalist at perhaps his earliest point in life which came to define his style of writing. Johnny Depp plays Jack Kemp, but as he did with Raoul Duke in Terry Gilliam’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” he is essentially channeling Thompson who he had befriended years ago. It also marks Bruce Robinson’s first directorial effort in 19 years (the last being “Jennifer 8”).

Kemp is a rootless journalist who has come to Puerto Rico to write for The San Juan Star. Having had his fill of New York and the Eisenhower administration, he longs to escape to a paradise which didn’t make him feel his age. But as beautiful as it is, there is an ugliness that cuts away at the façade which the other newspaper employees escape from through drugs and alcohol, especially rum. Kemp also comes across American businessman Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) who wants Kemp to write a favorable report on his latest greedy scheme to turn Puerto Rico into a paradise for the wealthy. Soon Kemp will have to decide if he wants to use his words to help Sanderson or expose him for the “bastard” he is.

No other actor can successfully emulate the brilliant craziness of Thompson like Depp. Unlike in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Depp’s Hunter-esque character of Kemp is a little more down to earth (but that’s only saying so much). Having been freed albeit temporarily from those “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, he gives one of his best performances in a while as he takes Kemp from the highs of chemical dependency to show a more vulnerable side as he falls for Sanderson’s fiancée Chenault (the wonderfully luscious Amber Heard).

The movie also features several terrific performances from the supporting cast. Michael Rispoli is great fun as photojournalist Bob Salas who is Kemp’s first real friend in Puerto Rico. Richard Jenkins never lets that wig he’s wearing upstage him as newspaper editor Edward J. Lotterman. Aaron Eckhart finds the right balance with Sanderson as he charms everyone around him and yet hints subtlety at the vicious businessman hiding beneath the surface. But Giovanni Ribisi almost steals the show as Moberg, a hygienically challenged religion reporter always under the influence of some kind of narcotic.

Robinson also wrote the screenplay and revels in each character’s bizarre eccentricities. These are some of the more unusual people that have been missing from most movies in 2011. Things do drag a bit towards the end, and I wish he would bring more of that manic energy Gilliam brought to his Thompson adaptation, but he has managed to make a movie most Hollywood studios rarely (if ever) greenlight these days.

“The Rum Diary” may be a story from the past, but one of rich people displacing native citizens for their own wealthy benefit is not something lost on American audiences these days. The paranoia-filled philosophies of certain characters make the advancement of the Tea Party seem not as big a surprise in hindsight. But as pummeled as Kemp gets, you believe that he will get the “bastards” with words, and that his words will bruise his most unforgiving enemies. We all yearn for someone to stick it to the man, and Depp gives us a man who can and did just that. Seeing him back in Hunter S. Thompson’s realm is a real treat.

* * * out of * * * *

Lionsgate has send us over the eight characters posters for one of their most anticipated releases of 2012 "The Hunger Games", which hits theaters on March 23rd. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. The film is based on the best selling novel from Suzanne Collins.

For more information on "The Hunger Games", you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/.

Plot Synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, with a screenplay by Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 12 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following. It has spent more than 157 consecutive weeks/more than three consecutive years to date on The New York Times bestseller list since its publication in September 2008, and has also appeared consistently on USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Want a way to spend your Halloween weekend. Well, Sundance Now has send us information that "The Human Centipede 2" Full Sequence" is now available on demand. The film is causing a lot of controversy in it native home land of Brittan, where the film has been banned.

To see this film online, you can goto: http://www.sundancenow.com/film/the-human-centipede-ii-full-sequence/767?utm_source=sundancenow_list&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=page&utm_campaign=oct2011-hc2

The film cost $6.99 to rent.

Plot Synopsis:

Martin is a mentally disturbed loner who lives with his nagging mother in a bleak London housing project, where loud neighbors and cramped living conditions threaten to plunge this victim of sexual and psychological abuse over the edge. He works the night shift as a security guard in an underground parking garage, where customers and their vehicles come and go as he indulges his obsession with THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE) watching the film over and over on the small TV set in his office and meticulously examining the scrapbook he has lovingly filled with memorabilia from the film, including the mouth-to-anus surgery instructions made famous by Dr. Heiter, the mad scientist from Martin’s favorite movie.

Pushed to the brink by his harridan mother, haunted by the teasing voices of his abusive and incarcerated father, Martin sets into motion his plan to emulate Heiter’s centipede by creating his own version, in a rented warehouse, which he begins to fill with victims, including a loud neighbor, two drunk nightclubbers, a prostitute and a lecherous john, and several more … including Martin’s pièce de résistance, one of the actresses from THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE). Except that Martin lacks the surgical skill, medical instruments and operating theater necessary to create a larger centipede in the image of Dr. Heiter’s masterpiece. So he makes use of materials at hand: duct tape, staple gun, household tools and a fanboy moxie.

What follows is one of the most harrowing and terrifying films ever conceived, featuring a central character that makes FIRST SEQUENCE’s Dr. Heiter seem downright cuddly in comparison. THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FINAL SEQUENCE) is a triumph in biological horror by one of the new masters of the horror film.

"The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence": Official Trailer

The Woodhaven Production Company released their first film today "Inkubus". William Forsythe, Joey Fatone, other members of the cast & filmmakers will be in attendance at Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey locations this weekend.

Here's the complete list of theatrical listings.

1. Providence Place Mall Cinema, RI
2. Warwick Cinema, RI
3. Showcase Revere, MA
4. Showcase Bridgeport, CT
5. Island 16: Cinema De Lux, Holtsville, NY
6. Multiplex Cinemas at Town Center Plaza, East Windsor, NJ
7. Springdale 18: Cinema De Lux, Springdale, OH
8. Valley Art, Tempe, AZ
9. Magic Lantern, Spokane, WA
10. The Dark Room Theater, San Fran, CA
11. The Times Cinema, Milwaukee, WI
12. Sanibel Island Cinema, Sanibel, FL
13. Lawndale 10: 3330 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago
14. Chatham 14: 228 W 87th Street Chicago, IL
15. The Abbey Theatre: 128 E College Drive, Durango
16. Eastpoint Movies 10, Baltimore Maryland

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.movietickets.com or first come/first served at the door.

For more information on this film, you can goto the film's official Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/InkubusMovie

Plot Synopsis:

"INKUBUS" tells the story of a skeleton crew working the final shift at a soon to be demolished police station. The night takes a gruesome turn when the demon Inkubus calmly walks into the station holding the severed head of a murdered girl. Inkubus toys with the crew, allowing himself to be restrained, and begins to proudly confess to his litany of crimes, some dating back to the Middle Ages. Why? Inkubus has a score to settle with the one detective that almost put him away some thirteen years ago. To their dismay, the cops quickly become pawns in Inkubus' brutal crowning achievement of murder, gore, and mayhem. They ultimately realize it's his world, they only die in it.

The film is directed by Glenn Ciano and introduces Rhode Island native Tom DeNucci and Tom Paolino to the big screen, alongside Robert Englund (original Freddy Kruger of "Nightmare on Elm St."), William Forsythe ("Boardwalk Empire," "The Devil's Rejects," "Halloween"), and Joey Fatone (NSYNC, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding").

Danger After Dark has send us over information that they will be the exclusive North American distributor of Mondo Macabro, a UK Based Company. Also they've announced that the first title under that agreement is the holiday slasher "Don't Open Until Christmas". The film will be arriving on shelves on December 6th. Extras on the DVD include a 52-minute "Making of… Don't Open Till Christmas" documentary, Documentary about producer Dick Randall, Extensive Production Notes, and previews for upcoming Mondo Macabro releases.


Press Release:

DANGER AFTER DARK is proud to announce that it will be the exclusive North American distributor for UK-based MONDO MACABRO, the film label dedicated to “the wild side of world cinema.” To celebrate this momentous partnership, MONDO MACABRO presents the holiday release of "DON'T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS," the classic British slasher that was heavily cut at the time of its release - now re-mastered in HD and uncut for the first time ever with over 70 minutes of extras! The “ho-ho-ho horror” slays your DVD collection when it streets December 6, 2011 with a S.R.P. of $24.99. Check out the trailer here: http://vimeo.com/31094985

“DANGER AFTER DARK is excited to bring one of the premiere, specialty film labels into our distribution family, “ says Derek Curk, President of Danger After Dark . “MONDO MACABRO’s fearless dedication to finding, preserving and unleashing unconventional, provocative movies fits DANGER AFTER DARK’s drive to provide an outlet for MONDO, to get their films to their very loyal fan-base."

"MONDO MACABRO and DANGER AFTER DARK have had a relationship for years and it’s a great pleasure for us to cement that with a distribution deal, “ says Andy Starke, President of UK-based MONDO MACABRO. “ It's fantastic to have found a home at a company that is not only knowledgeable about cult, underground and alternative cinema - but are fans too"

"DON'T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS," directed by and starring Edmund Purdom, celebrates Christmas time in London - a season of good will to all men and full of joyous celebrations, quality family time and luxurious presents. This year, it's also time for a masked maniac to be let loose on the streets. His intended victims are chosen at random but they all have one thing in common: they are dressed in the flowing white beard and bright red robes of Santa Claus! With fourteen Santa Clauses already dead and only three killing days left until Christmas, the police are baffled as the horrific death toll continues to rise. From the producers of "Pieces" and "Slaughter High," this rarely-seen flick features very graphic and disturbing violence - including castration, mutilation - and some phenomenal nudity, courtesy of Pat Astley (Mr. Grace’s nurse from “Are You Being Served?”). Suffice it to say, your holidays will never be the same again!

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Year: 2010
Director: Jalmari Helander
Stars: Onni Tommila, Jorma Tommila, Tommi Korpela
Studio: Oscilloscope Laboratories
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 82 Mins


Plot Synopsis:

"Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" takes place in the depths of Lapland's Korvatunturi mountain, where the secrets of Christmas are hidden. The film focuses Pietori, a young boy who is living with his strict father in Arctic cold of Finland. On Christmas eve, an explosion happens in the mountains. The next morning the boy along with his father find a bunch of reindeer slaughtered and the children in the town have gone missing. Only Pietori knows that the explosion awaken the evil Santa Claus of local lore. Meanwhile, his father has rounded up a group of people to capture the evil Santa Claus and sell him off to the highest bidder. But unknown to them, Santa has elfs who will stop at nothing to free their boss. But what ensures a weird holiday adventure that will test the bond between Pietori and his father.

Film Review:

Going into this film on paper, this looked like one of those films that was destined to be bad in a good way. With a story that looks totally weird, it surprise me that this film isn't the guilty pleasure that I thought it was going to be. Instead, there's a lot of good things about this film, especially with the way the film was shot.

"Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" is a very demented film that keeps your interest throughout. Writer/director Jalmari Helander does very good making this film and creating a story that doesn't feel like a bad movie that you would see on Mystery Science Theater 3000. One of the things that I liked about his direction, the way this film is shot. It has the magical feel that a Steven Spielberg film would have. Don't get me wrong, this is still a dark fantasy with people getting killed. But the way that the film was shot with the snow effects added in, it really give a magical feel to it. It makes you forget that characters are getting killed. The other thing that makes the film work well was the acting. I liked how, Helander handles the actors here. His ability to get good performances out of his cast, which made some of the subplots work.

Helander's screenplay is probably one of the most original screenplay for any Christmas film that I've ever seen. One of the things that make the screenplay very good, the way he takes his time to develop the situation and the characters. By doing that, it makes the whole subplots work very well and gets you invested with these character. The other that I liked about this screenplay, the fact that the story is different from other films. Helander does a very good job creating something different than you normally see out of these countless Christmas films. By creating something different, it allows the film to stand out from the countless number of Christmas releases that been released already.

DVD Extras:

First on the disc is to are two prequel short films "Rare Exports Inc" and "Rare Exports Inc - The Official Safety Instructions" Both film are definitely worth a look, especially if you liked the film. Both films have a different structure than the feature film, as it mostly narration driven. Still, this is worth a look for fans of the feature film.

Next on the disc is "The Making of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. I enjoyed this twenty nine minute featurette, as it covers all aspects of the filmmaking process. From the rehearsals to behind the scenes of the actual filming to post production, you get to see how everything was created. This is a very good featurette, as it lets you see the process on how this film was made. I wish more behind the scenes featurettes would go more into that process.

After that, there is a three and a half minute look at the conceptual art of the film called "Blood in the Snow". This three mintue featurette goes into the storyboards of the film and how they translated on screen.

"Animatics & Computer Effects is the next on the Blu-Ray. This feature compares two of film's climatic scenes with and without computer effects in a split screen format. It kind of neat that there is a featurete dedicated to that, as it shows you how the effects were constructed.

The disc wraps up with a stills gallery, both the US and Finland trailers for this film, trailers for other Oscilloscope releases and a bonus film "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians", which is making its Blu-Ray debut.

Final Summary:

This film is sure to be a cult classic for the holiday season. "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" is a demented and dark fantasy that has a very original story that is very entertaining for this or any upcoming Christmas Season.
Film Review: Four Stars
Blu-Ray Extras: Four Stars

Cinemarr Entertainment and Walters State Community College has send us information regarding the upcoming screening of "Bell Witch: The movie". The screening will take place this upcoming Saturday at the Conner-Short Center on the Sevier County Campus in Sevierville, TN.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.bellwitchthemovie.com/

Walters State Community College invites the public to enjoy a free screening of “ Bell Witch: The Movie www.bellwitchmovie.com ” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29 in the Conner-Short Center on the Sevier County Campus.

The screening actually marks the first showing of the “Bell Witch: The Movie” on the big screen in the Sevier County, where it was filmed. Almost 300 people were involved, many cast as extras.

The movie is based on a true story that has captured the attention of ghost hunters for more than a century: the Bell Witch of Tennessee. The ghost tortured the Bell family of Robertson County for a generation. Family members even blamed the Bell Witch for poisoning family patriarch John Bell.

Shane Marr of Sevierville’s Cinemarr Entertainment/Big River Pictures directed the film. Dr. Larry Clifton, assistant professor of speech, served as a consultant on the project. Both will be on hand to answer questions.

Special guests for the showing include the movie’s stars J.D. Hart and Donna Pearson, who play John and Lucy Bell, and Beverly Jones, who plays Kate Batts. Executive producers Steve and Doris Marr will also be attending.

Phil Campbell, who makes a great gossip in the movie, will also be attending the showing. Others expected at the showing are Emily Brosbst, Billy Ballentine, Ken Porter, Carey Jones, Dan Haynes and Marvin West, who plays an undertaker.
“We were able to find quite a bit of documentation to support the legend,” said Clifton, who helped with research and promotion of the film.

“Andrew Jackson was even scared of this ghost. There are so many books and documents that refer to the Bell Witch. This movie follows those details.”

During the early 19th century, the Bell Witch first appeared as a strange beast or a ghostly figure. She eventually began making noises and speaking, even dictating family decisions. Daughter Betsy broke off an engagement because of a barrage of attacks from the spirit. At her last appearance, she promised to visit John Bell’s closest living descendent in 107 years. As the movie’s marketing materials claim, “she’s way overdue.”

The movie relies more on suspense than the violence that is part of many horror films.

“With a proliferation of ‘slasher’ films filled with sex, violence and vulgar language, it’s becoming harder than ever to find movies that are appropriate for families. We wanted to make a movie that told this terrifying and true story that was appropriate for the widest variety of viewers,” Marr said.

While the Bell Witch isn’t seen in the movie, she is heard. The voice is Betsy Palmer, who establisher herself as a horror film icon when she played Jason’s mother in the original Friday the 13th movies.

Clifton spent time in Robertson County near the property where the legends originated. So, does he believe in the Bell Witch?

“I would not want to be on that property after dark,” is his simple answer.
The audience will actually enjoy a double feature that evening. The winner of Walters State’s Cliffy Short Film Competition will be announced right before “Bell Witch” begins. The contest, named in honor of Clifton, challenges the college’s students to create a film about any topic. Entries are limited to five minutes. The winning entry will be shown immediately before “Bell Witch.”

Image Entertainment has send us information regarding this weeks stops on the "Chillerama" road tour. The film will be making stops in Columbus,OH, Danvers,MA, and Meza,AR. At the Meza,AR stop, Kane Hodder will be appearing to introduce the film and sign copies of his new book “Unmasked: The True Story of the World’s Most Prolific Cinematic Killer!”.

You can check all information regarding each screening at the bottom of the this post.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's website at: www.chillerama.com

Press Release:

CHILLERAMA co-star and horror film legend Kane Hodder will appear at the Saturday, October 29th Royale screening in Mesa AZ to introduce the film, and sign copies of his new biography “Unmasked: The True Story of the World’s Most Prolific Cinematic Killer!”

From Image Entertainment, Ariescope Pictures and everyone at CHILLERAMA -- wishing all a Happy Halloween!

DATE: Thursday, October 27th – Monday, October 31st
TIME: See theater website for showtimes
WHERE: Gateway Film Center
1550 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43201
http://gatewayfilmcenter.com/

DATE: Friday, October 28th
TIME: 11:00PM ET
WHERE: Hollywood Hits Theatre
7 Hutchinson Drive
Danvers, MA 01923
http://www.hhdt.com/index.asp

DATE: Saturday, October 29th – KANE HODDER book signing and screening introduction
TIME: 11:00PM PT – Book signing;
11:59PM PT -- Screening
WHERE: The Royale
108 W Main St (Macdonald & Main)
Mesa, AZ 85201
http://theroyaleaz.com/

DETAILS: Produced by ArieScope Pictures and in the spirit of classic “omnibus” films like Dead of Night, Tales From the Crypt, Creepshow and Twilight Zone: The Movie, CHILLERAMA offers something for every bad taste. With titles like “Wadzilla,” “I Was A Teenage Werebear,” The Diary of Anne Frankenstein,” and “Zom-B-Movie,” CHILLERAMA features appearances by Joel David Moore (Avatar, Hatchet), Lin Shaye (Insidious), Ray Wise (X-Men: First Class), Kane Hodder (Hatchet and Hatchet II), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, Sharktopus) and more cameos than one can (body)count, CHILLERAMA is a festival of gore, guts, goofiness and good times. For more information, check out www.chillerama.com.

Bloody Disgusting Selects send us the official trailer and information that they will be releasing "Deadgirl" writer Trent Haaga's directorial debut "Chop" to DVD and VOD on December 27th. The horror/comedy is coming off a successful festival run, where Haaga picked up the Best Director Award at the Boston Underground Film Festival. No special features have been announced at this time.

Plot Synopsis:

Lance Reed, a seemingly innocent man, is forced by a psychotic stranger to confront his duplicitous past. The mysterious stranger, seeking retribution for a past crime, forces Lance to reveal his inner most secrets by systematically removing his limbs! As time runs out and Lance’s limb count dwindles, he must recall what he’s done to the stranger before he doesn’t have a head to remember with. Jam-packed with laughs, gore and some insane twists, CHOP is the directorial debut of DEADGIRL screenwriter Trent Haaga.

"Chop": Official Trailer

TLA Releasing recently send us news that they've made available through VOD Sion Sono's cult classic "Suicide Club" The controversal film first started as a film festival hit and has turned into cult film over the years. You can now stream the film or download it from such sites, as Amazon.com, iTunes.com, TLACult.com and YouTube.com.

Press Release:

Danger After Dark is thrilled to announce that the cult-classic, unrated version of “SUICIDE CLUB” is available NOW to stream and download via Amazon.com, iTunes.com, TLACult.com and YouTube.com. Directed by the prolific Sion Sono (“Cold Fish,” “Love Exposure,” “Strange Circus”) the film has cultivated a rabid, loyal fan base and with it themes of suicide, anti-establishment rebelliousness and nefarious government/cultural witchery, the film is even more relevant than ever.

“Suicide Club” (Jisatsu Sākuru) aka “Suicide Circle” Directed by Sion Sono (2002, 100 min., Japanese with English Subtitles). A wave of unexplainable suicides sweeps across Tokyo after 54 smiling high school girls join hands and throw themselves from a subway platform into an oncoming train. Detective Kuroda (Ryo Ishibashi from “Audition”) and the rest of the police force are baffled as the bloodbath triggers a wave of suicides across the city. When a cryptic phone call tips off police to a strange website that appears to be tracking the suicides before they happen, the question becomes, are they really suicides at all? This outrageously bizarre, wicked social critique in the form of a creepy and enigmatic detective mystery examines the despair of the disaffected Japanese youth and the influence of pop culture on their lives.

From international film festival favorite to cult sensation, “Suicide Club” is a study of contemporary morality that is gruesome, darkly comic and vividly original.

Watch “SUICIDE CLUB” NOW on

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/rpK5tt

iTunes.com:http://bit.ly/rItJMP

TLACult.com:http://bit.ly/ssPQDl

YouTube.com:http://youtu.be/qnDyMX8DO_Y

Also from DANGER AFTER DARK, find out why “SATAN HATES YOU” the latest

gore masterpiece directed by James Felix McKenney and featuring a cavalcade of genre stars including Larry Fessenden (“I Sell the Dead”), Debbie Rochon (“Toxie Twins: Toxic Avenger V”), Michael Berryman (“The Hills Have Eyes”), Angus Scrimm (“Phantasm”) and Reggie

Bannister (“Bubba Ho-tep”).

Buy the DVD or watch ONLINE at Amazon: http://amzn.to/tYx2xh

LIKE US on our Official Facebook Page at: www.Facebook.com/DangerAD

Faces in the Crowd

Year: 2011

Director: Julien Magnat

Stars: Milla Jovovich, Julian McMahon, Sarah Wayne Callies

Studio: Millennium Entertainment

MPAA Rating: R

Running Time: 102 Mins

Plot Synopsis:

Hot off the heels of her latest box office bomb "The Three Musketeers", Milla Jovovich has another film that recently made it's way to Blu-Ray. I'm talking about her latest film "Faces in the Crowd".

Jovovich stars as Anna, the only survivor of Tearjerk Jack's reign of terror. But when she is attacked by him and left for dead in the water, she begins to suffer from rare disease known as face blindness. The only face that she can see is a detective (Julian McMahon), whose obsessed with trying to capture this elusive killer. As Anna struggles to regain her normal life, she is frightened by the fact that Tearless Jack is stalking and haunting her. Can Anna find a way to elude him, before he strikes again.

Film Review:

I'm one of those film lovers that doesn't mind the serial killer subgenre, as there are some really good films that came out of this genre. But why do most of them feel like the Lifetime movie of the week. That was the feeling that I had, after the end of this film.

"Faces in the Crowd" is one of those films that doesn't provide any suspense until the end. Director/Writer Julien Magnat doesn't do much to make this film bearable to watch. First, the direction felt bland. One of the things that he doesn't do right, He doesn’t make the scenes interesting to keep your attention. This scenes had no energy to them. It felt you were something that air on basic cable TV. I don’t want to feel that, when watching a supposed theatrical film.

The other thing that made this direction bad, the way Magnat handles the acting aspects. The acting here was bad. He doesn't do a very good job getting his actors to make the material interesting. It felt like they were there to cash a paycheck. While we're also on the subject, Milla Jovovich performance was very dull and one note. She doesn't put any effort into her character. Instead, the character is uninteresting to follow as the main character. She needs to carefully read her scripts, before taking on these bad roles/

Magnat's screenplay was also horrendous. Is asking much for the beginning ten to fifteen minutes to focus on the backstory of the main character. That's what I was asking myself seven minutes into the film. If I'm asking that question, then your rushing the action and it doesn't get me acquainted with the main character. That's a recipe for disaster. Another problem with this screenplay, the action was too bland. Some of the scenes that were written felt like that they came out of a TV movie of the week. When you start feeling like this, then you lose your interested in whatever is going on. You become more distracted with the mistakes and feel of the film. There is no suspense whatsoever until the end.

The only good thing about this screenplay was the ending, but a good ending to a film doesn't make it a good film.

DVD Extras:

First on the disc is "Making Faces". The five minute featurette is a very generic featurette that give you information on the production of the film just interviews with the director and the main cast. Boring featurette that don’t provide much information.

Next of the disc is "Doppelganger". This five minute featurette goes into the how they used different actors for their facial features, since it's dealing with face blindness. The featurette also covers what movie magic they used in creating some of the film's scenes. Overall, not a bad featurette considering that the two other featurettes didn't provide information on the film.

After that is the featurette is "Cast of Characters" This final featurette goes into the cast of this film. Another boring featurette that does into the characters in the film. Overall, these featurettes would have worked better as one featurette.

The disc wraps up with the film's official trailer and preview for other Millennium Entertainment releases.

Final Summary:

"Faces in the Crowd" has a concept that could have worked better, if it had interesting characters and a story that didn’t come out a cop procedural show. Instead, this film feels like it should have been a TV movie of the week.

Review Rating: One Star

DVD Extras: One Star

Atrocious
Year: 2011
Director: Fernando Barreda Luna
Stars: Clara Moraleda Cristian Valencia
Studio: Bloody Disgusting Selects
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 75 Mins

Plot Synopsis:

“Atrocious” is the latest film in the Bloody Disgusting Selects series. The film started to pick up a lot of online buzz at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, as it was getting compared to the likes of “Paranormal Activity“ and “The Blair Witch Project“. The film centers around footage that was found by Spanish Police in April of 2010.

A family of five moves into their summer home, where there’s a mysterious murder legend that has haunted the place. Two kids, Cristian (Cristian Valencia) and July (Clara Moraleda) are spending their time at the house filming their investigation on this legend . As they begin to find evidence, strange occurrences begin to happen rapidly around them that ultimately leads to unspeakable atrocities that occur.

Film Review:

I know that some of you might notice that I’ve been writing many very positive review to all the films that Bloody Disgusting has put out. I can’t help it, because each film has been very good. As a lover of this genre, I’m being spoiled with all these great films. This film was no different. This along with ‘YellowBrickRoad” and “Cold Fish are three films that will most likely end up on my top 10 horror films list of 2011.

“Atrocious” is one scary movie that effectively uses the elements of “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity to its advantage. Writer/director Fernando Barreda Luna does a great job making this film very entertaining through the pace and story. One of the major things that makes this work, he makes sure the action is moving. Even though “Blair Witch” and “Paranormal Activity” were very good films, the pace of the films were slow in some parts. Here, there is none of those slow moving scenes that slows the intensity. Luna does a very good job editing the film. I liked, how doesn’t spend an a good chunk of time on filler dialogue that isn‘t providing anything to the story. It moves the story along and that’s you want to see. The other thing that I like about this, the way that he handles the two leads. Luna does a very good job making the two leads develop a certain chemistry that was needed for the film to succeed. For this film to work for me, you needed to be interested with these two characters and you needed the leads to feel like they were brother and sister to make the action work. He gets the performances to feel that way, so that your interested in the characters and you feel shocked at what happens.

The other thing that makes this very good, Luna’s screenplay. What makes his screenplay very good, he doesn’t make the story feel like a rip off of “The Blair Witch Project” or “Paranormal Activity”. There were two things that makes it different. The way that he established the mythology of the place and the twist at the end that literally turns this film upside down. It’s the way that Luna handles each of those things that makes the film very effective, as the end result is shocking. The other that I liked about this, the way that he handled the brother/sister relationship. Luna focuses on the characters, from how they adjust to their new surrounding to their obsession with the supernatural. He handles them, in a way that your not bored watching them and waiting for something to happen. It makes you become invested with the characters, even though you pretty much know the character’s fate.

Dvd Extras:

The first extra is the English dubbed track. What I did when reviewing this track, I watched the film with the English dubbed track with the original subtitles. Man, did I have a problem with this track. The first problem, the fact that it goes away from the original dialogue of the film. The voice actors are putting their own spin on the dialogue. Whether it's adding words or subtracting them, it messes with the intent of the writer. Maybe it's nit-picking, but to me it's a disservice to who ever is wrote the screenplay of the film. This is why you should watch the film, as the way it was intended to be. The other problem, I didn't need a voice over for the beginning title card or the final title card of the film. To me, that would irritate someone that is listening to the dubbed version and then watched the original version to find out that there's no narration whatsoever. I hate to complain about it, as this is such a great film. But I have to call it, like I see it.

Next on the disc is the fifteen minute featurette "The Shooting of Atrocious" A very solid behind the scenes featurette. The featurette goes into the locations and the production of the film. It also goes into the technical aspects of how the film was filmed and how the shoot went. You get interviews from the director and the two main leads about the production of the film. Not a bad fifteen minute featurette about the making of the film.

The disc wraps up with the official trailer for the film.

Final Summary:

“Atrocious “is truly a horror film that you should seek out at your , if you’re a fan of this style of horror. This is one scary film that is filled with intense scares and an ending that will shock you.

Apostle Films has send us information regarding their kickstarter campaign to raise $80,000 for upcoming documentary focusing on Detroit Firefighters, which "Rescue Me" star Dennis Leary will be executive producing. The film focuses on the men and women charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead, as told through their eyes. You can view the trailer for the film at the bottom of the press release.

For more on this film, you can visit the film's official site at: http://www.Detroitfirefilm.org

To donate towards the making of the this film, you can goto: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/detroitfirefilm/burn

Also, make you check the The Leary Firefighting Foundation website, which helps provide funding and resources to firefighters. You can visit the website at: http://www.Learyfirefighters.org for more information.

Press Release:

Denis Leary (Rescue Me), along with Apostle partner Jim Serpico, will executive produce the feature documentary “BURN”. The project, directed by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez, is targeting a 2012 winter festival circuit with future plans for a theatrical release.

“BURN” is an action-packed documentary about Detroit, told through the eyes of its firefighters, the men and women charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. The film tells an American story about struggle, hope and personal courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Leary and team have launched a “Kickstarter.com” campaign to help fund the documentary by offering custom items and experiences to financial donors including a set visit to “Boardwalk Empire,” an autographed leather helmet signed by the cast of “Rescue Me,” and several Husqvarna Rescue Saws. “Kickstarter.com” is a website designed to help raise financing for creative projects and employs a unique all-or-nothing fundraising method where projects must be fully-funded or no money changes hands.

“This film will help raise the public’s awareness to the work firefighters around the country do, as well as the sacrifices they make, particularly in these times of severe budget cuts,” says Denis Leary.

Apostle will help find the funds to finish the film, which up until now has been financed entirely through grants and charitable donations from individuals and corporations including General Motors, Apple, MSA and Cinereach. A portion of all proceeds from the film will go to The Leary Firefighters Foundation to purchase much-needed equipment for the Detroit Fire Department.

Apostle is a New York based film, television and new media production company that has produced the critically acclaimed television series “Rescue Me” and the feature film “Blow” among others.

The Leary Firefighters Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of Denis’ cousin, a childhood friend, and four other firefighters. The Foundation’s mission is to provide funding and resources for fire departments to obtain the best available equipment, technology and training. The Foundation is dedicated to helping maintain the highest level of public safety in our communities.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/30886424?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/detroitfirefilm/burn

"Burn" Official Trailer

Sony Picture Classics has send us over some stills and the official poster to one of the most anticipated films of the fall David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method", which stars Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Vincent Cassel. The film is slated to open in New York and Los Angeles on November 23rd.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.sonyclassics.com/adangerousmethod

You can become a fan on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/adangerousmethod

Plot Synopsis:

Seduced by the challenge of an impossible case, the driven Dr. Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) takes the unbalanced yet beautiful Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley) as his patient in A Dangerous Method. Jung's weapon is the method of his master, the renowned Sigmund Freud (Viggo Mortensen). Both men fall under Sabina's spell.

Sony Picture Classics has send us over the official trailer for Roman Polanski's latest film "Carnage". The film boasts an all-star cast that includes Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly. The film is set to be released in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on December 16th, 2011.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.sonyclassics.com/carnage/


You can also become a fan of the film on Facebook: www.facebook.com/carnagemovie


Plot Synopsis:

CARNAGE is a razor sharp, biting comedy centered on parental differences. After two boys duke it out on a playground, the parents of the "victim" invite the parents of the "bully" over to work out their issues. A polite discussion of childrearing soon escalates into verbal warfare, with all four parents revealing their true colors. None of them will escape the carnage

"Carnage": Official Trailer

The Naples International Film Festival has released information regarding the opening film at this years festival. The festival will open up on Thursday November 3rd with the Florida Premiere of "East Filth Bliss" staring Dexter's Michale C Hall, Lucy Liu and Peter Fonda. The screening will take place at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108). Tickets and the opening night party cost $29 - $159 and are available at www.thephil.org or by calling the box office at (239) 597-1900.

For more information on the 3rd Annual Naples International Film Festival, you can visit the festival's official website at: www.naplesfilmfest.com.

You can visit the film's official website at: http://eastfifthbliss.com/.

Press Release:

The Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) proudly announces that it will open the 3rd Annual festival with the Florida Premiere of East Fifth Bliss.

East Fifth Bliss is an independent comedy/drama starring Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels) and Peter Fonda (Easy Rider). Directed by Michael Knowles, the film tells the story of Morris Bliss (Michael C. Hall), an immature 35-year-old who is stuck in a rut on Manhattan's Lower East Side until an awkward relationship with a precocious 18-year-old shakes up his static world. Filmmakers will be in attendance for a discussion immediately following the film.

“East Fifth Bliss is the perfect film to open the festival,” said NIFF Executive Director, Shannon Franklin. “This year NIFF is spotlighting the art of independent filmmaking and East Fifth Bliss epitomizes the passion, determination and artistry independent filmmakers, such as Michael Knowles, bring to their work.”

Director Michael Knowles said, "I'm very excited to have East Fifth Bliss open the 3rd Annual Naples International Film Festival. There aren't too many things more exciting for a filmmaker than to sit in an audience of 1000 or more strangers and experience the film with them and then have the opportunity to talk about the film and the experience immediately following. I look forward to meeting new people and making new friends."

NIFF’s Opening Night Film and Party takes place on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts (5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108). Red Carpet entry begins at 5:30 PM, the program begins at 7 PM and the Opening Night Party will take place immediately afterward at the Philharmonic.

NIFF will also present the Naples Philharmonic founder, Myra Janco Daniels, with the Voice of the Arts Award in recognition of her incredible achievements on behalf of the arts in Naples.

Tickets for the Opening Night Film and Party cost $29 - $159 and are available at www.thephil.org or by calling the box office at (239) 597-1900.

The NIFF is sponsored in part by the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Silverspot Cinemas, Mercato, with Media Sponsors Fox 4, Gulfshore Life, and Beasley Broadcast Group.

Closing Night Ceremonies take place Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 8:00 PM in the Philharmonic’s Daniels Pavilion. Immediately following the ceremonies, award-winning comedian Steve Mazan, will perform his hilarious stand-up act.

The 3rd annual Naples International Film Festival takes place November 3-6, 2011. Films will screen at the Silverspot Luxury Cinema at Mercato from Friday, Nov. 4 - Sunday, Nov. 6.

To purchase tickets for all films and events for NIFF, please visit www.naplesfilmfest.com.

In a lot of ways “Paranormal Activity 3” really shouldn’t work. It’s the third in the astonishingly popular series, and it looks to be officially replacing “Saw” as the official franchise in the month of October. The third in a trilogy is also when the series starts running out of creative juices and becomes bound by an increasingly aging formula. Maybe it’s time to move on to the next big thing in horror movies, right?

Not quite. Despite the inescapable feeling of déjà vu, “Paranormal Activity 3” still has the power to scare and unnerve viewers, and I knew exactly what I was doing when I saw it at night. This one comes from the makers of “Catfish,” a documentary I meant to see by now, but anyway. They follow the familiar setup, and it still has a number of jump out of your seat moments that shows that there is life left in this franchise.

Whereas “Paranormal Activity 2” was a prequel and a sequel, this one is a flat out prequel which takes place 18 years before the events of the original. Sisters Katie and Kristi, played by Katie Featherston and Sprague Grayden in the previous films, are seen here as children who live with their mother Julie (Lauren Bittner) and stepdad Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith). Things get weird however when Kristi gets an invisible friend named “Toby,” and strange occurrences develop in their home with increasing volatility.

Since this prequel takes place back in 1988, the filmmakers work with seemingly prehistoric technology such as video cameras and VHS tapes. Part of it serves as a needless reminder of how Betamax got its ass kicked years ago. While the technology is limited compared to what the characters had to use in the future forces everyone here to get creative with what they have.

Once again the man of the house (it’s always the man) sets up a barrage of video cameras in various rooms to figure out what’s going on in order to put an end to it. The only disadvantage is that the VHS tapes only allow for 6 hours of recording at the most. Somehow the spirits do make their appearance before the tape rolls out which you have to say is rather convenient for everyone involved.

The one new thing in “Paranormal Activity 3” is that Dennis comes up with the idea of attaching one video camera to the base of a fan. As the camera veers from side to side, we have another reason to be tense about what we’re watching. Will there be something on the other side that will jump out at us? This quickly becomes a clever device which distinguishes this sequel from the previous ones.

I do have to say though that “Paranormal Activity 3” got off to a shaky start. There were a bunch of cheap scares which (whether they worked or not) had me worrying that this entry would be full of them. While they may have provided the audience with a good jolt, it made me wonder if the series was going to descend into self parody. Once that happens, the series might as well end. Fortunately things straighten out as the happenings inside the house become increasingly unrelenting in their viciousness.

There are many moments that had my hair standing on end; Furniture moving around almost by itself, a character running into something that isn’t visible, and someone’s hair getting grabbed; “Paranormal Activity 3” may seem like business as usual, but this business is still producing terrifying moments just as things start looking old. Like the previous entries, I’m not entirely sure how the filmmakers pulled off certain special effects (the one at the very end is a painful shocker), and I don’t want to know for fear of breaking the illusion.

I recently watched “The Thing” which was a prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 film. It reminded the problem of prequels in general in that you know who is gonna live and die, and the suspense gets diluted as a result. The advantage “Paranormal Activity 3” has is that while we know the little girls will survive to future installments, we aren’t sure of the adults’ fate. Katie and Kristi only reveal so much about what happened to them as children in the second film, so we are left to guess if any adults hanging around these kids will live to see the next day. Had the girls revealed the exact chronology of events, this prequel would have been screwed from the get go.

Many critics have had their fill now of the “Paranormal Activity” films it seems, but the formula they have created still works to a strong effect. That invisible spirit still can scare the crap out of us, and it actually makes me open to seeing “Paranormal Activity 4” get made. Granted, Paramount Pictures and Oren Peli can only keep going on for so long, but they have made it this far without losing any of the power which made the original so damn scary in the first place. Here’s hoping the filmmakers don’t trip over themselves in the future. We all know what happened to “Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows.”

You’ll still need a Bloody Mary (the drink I mean) after this thing is over.

* * * out of * * * *

It must be really tough for a young actor to find a quality project that doesn’t involve either a comic book franchise or something that’ll turn you into an emasculated monster of lore like Twilight did for vampires and The Howling for werewolves. Sean Farris seemed to be on his way to becoming a teen idol after Never Back Down seemed poised to turn he and Cam Gigandet into teen idols. Whereas Gigandet’s career has continued to arc upwards despite being little more than a pretty face, Farris actually has some acting talent and has found himself in a career purgatory of sorts. He’s not quite famous enough to make that leap from burgeoning but barely known talent to known talent with one film and there seemingly isn’t a franchise available that he’s been able to get a role in.

Thus he’s stuck in films like Freerunner .

It has a fairly simple premise. Ryan (Farris) is a competitive free-runner under the thumb of a mobster he’s desperate to get out from. Things go from bad to worse when Mr. Frank (Danny Dyer) and a group of gamblers have decided to make things even more difficult for Ryan and his running friends. Strapping on bombs to their necks, they have an hour to get across town to survive. To make it more interesting Mr. Frank is using it to facilitate gambling between some powerful and rich men who are gambling on all aspects of the race. As Ryan continues to run to keep alive, he tries to get to the bottom of it all and stop Frank from killing him.

And it’s completely rancid.

For all the good the film does, from using first hand perspectives to give you a perspective on the concept of free-running to actually casting a number of professionals, the film is a paint by numbers indie action film filled with the requisite bad acting and clichéd storyline. You can see exactly where this film is going and there’s no pizzazz to it to make it worthwhile. This is a film played relatively straightforward when it needs to go blissfully over the top like Crank; there’s enough going on here, story-wise, that the film demands to be played completely over the top as opposed to being a generic action film. Parts of the film show this tendency but it’s not enough; in the end we’re left with a generic action film with some over the top moments but not enough to make it entertaining.

DVD Extras:

There’s a Blooper Reel and Outtakes, an extended Behind the Scenes piece looking at the film, a brief piece on a game they played on set called “Ninja” to kill time, a brief piece on Free-running/Parkour and the film’s Theatrical trailer.

It says a lot about John Carpenter’s “The Thing” that it could generate a prequel almost 20 years after its release. A critical and commercial failure when released back in 1982, it has since been justly revered as a true horror classic and remains Carpenter’s masterpiece as it proved even more terrifying than “Halloween.” It also holds a special place on my top ten favorite movies of all time (so far) list.

Now we have Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.’s version of “The Thing” which is a prequel to Carpenter’s movie which explores the events leading up to it. Remember that Norwegian camp Kurt Russell and Richard Dysart visited which had been almost completely burned down? Now we get to see how it got that way. But therein lies the problem; knowing the events precede those of the 1982 movie, much of the potential suspense and tension gets drowned out almost immediately.

Frankly I would much rather see a sequel to “The Thing” instead of this. The original was effective because we never had a clear idea of who to trust. But here we know the characters on display will eventually bite the dust, and it becomes a question of when these characters turn into the thing. After awhile, it becomes more shocking when a character dies without turning into a gooey alien. What spoils it even more is that we know of at least one character who will survive what happens very early on.

Heijningen is respectful of Carpenter’s movie and pays homage to it throughout. Things however get to where you wonder if this is a remake more than a prequel. Various scenes are clear imitations of the 1982 movie’s most classic moments, and I wish the filmmakers worked harder at distinguishing the prequel from it instead of just repeating scenes. Heijningen does wring some suspense and strong tension at different points, and the unique on the blood test scene is very clever. But he is unable to sustain the tension that made Carpenter’s movie so eerily effective.

The special effects are very good, but they still pale in comparison to the genius of Rob Bottin. Audiences are always quick to tell when CGI effects are overused. As for the performances, they are generally good even though the characters could have come out of any monster movie.

The best performance comes from Mary Elizabeth Winstead as paleontologist Kate Lloyd. So good in “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” and “Live Free or Die Hard,” she holds our attention throughout and is one of the best reasons to see this prequel. While Lloyd is predictably inspired by Ellen Ripley from “Aliens,” Winstead makes the character her own and more than just another tough chick which movies like these typically rely on.

“The Thing” prequel is not a terrible movie, but it will be of interest more to those who haven’t seen the 1982 film which itself was a remake (made back when remakes were rare and good). But this version of John W. Campbell’s “Who Goes There?” feels like a lost opportunity and gets caught in the prequel trap of busily matching everything up to the film it leads into. It sucks when you can see a movie’s ending long in advance of it. I did admire the ambiguous ending before the end credits though as it leaves you wondering if the alien really infected the last character standing. Not knowing is always more unnerving than knowing.

* * ½ out of * * * *

Arsonist Pictures has send us information regarding their upcoming release "Beverly Lane, which you can order from the film's official site starting on Tuesday. The DVD will feature filmmaker's commentary track, deleted scenes and more.

You can order the film starting tuesday on the official website at: http://www.beverlylanemovie.com

Press Release:

Arsonist Pictures wants to repopulate your DVD collection with the official release of "Beverly Lane"! Filled with zombies, fate circles & a hilarious ensemble cast featuring genre vet Jim O'Rear, Beverly Lane arrives on DVD Tuesday, October 25th!

Beverly Lane follows a local metal company as they celebrate the retirement of their longtime boss with a "Coney Island" themed party. Bored & angry, the workers find themselves stuck with clowns, a magician, a mime, and one very sick barbershop singer. Then all hell breaks loose...literally!

Stuck between zombies and a sideshow, the workers must learn to survive with each other or die trying.

Bonus Features include deleted bits, outtakes, trailers & a commentary track featuring Joshua Hull (Writer, Director), Jim Dougherty (DP, Editor & Producer), Matt Rich (Producer, "the Mime") & Noah East ("Andy").

Beverly Lane will be available at beverlylanemovie.com for only $10 plus shipping & handling!

Become a fan on Facebook to stay updated: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BEVERLY-LANE/170523760833

Follow the film on Twitter to stay updated: @beverlylanefilm

Image Entertainment has send over the list of stops for this weekends showing of "Chillerama" The film will be making its way to San Francisco,CA and Ashbury Park,NJ this friday night.

You can check all information regarding each screening at the bottom of the this post.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's website at: www.chillerama.com

Press Release:

DATE: Friday, October 21st
TIME: 11:59pm
CITY: San Francisco, CA
Landmark’s Clay Theater
2261 Fillmore Street
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/SanFrancisco/SanFrancisco_Frameset.htm


DATE: Friday, October 21st
TIME: 11:59pm
CITY: Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Park Convention Hall – Part of the NJ Zombie Walk
1300 Ocean Avenue
http://www.njzombiewalk.com/


DETAILS: Produced by ArieScope Pictures and in the spirit of classic “omnibus” films like Dead of Night, Tales From the Crypt, Creepshow and Twilight Zone: The Movie, CHILLERAMA offers something for every bad taste. With titles like “Wadzilla,” “I Was A Teenage Werebear,” The Diary of Anne Frankenstein,” and “Zom-B-Movie,” CHILLERAMA features appearances by Joel David Moore (Avatar, Hatchet), Lin Shaye (Insidious), Ray Wise (X-Men: First Class), Kane Hodder (Hatchet and Hatchet II), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, Sharktopus) and more cameos than one can (body)count, CHILLERAMA is a festival of gore, guts, goofiness and good times. For more information, check out www.chillerama.com

Here's an interesting piece of news that came out of the 2011 Austin Film Festival.

It was announced at the beginning of the festival that veteran comedy director Jonathan Lynn has signed on to direct "Jasper Milliken". The screenplay which is written by Julie Howe won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award in the 2010 AFF Screenplay Competition. Production on "Jasper Milliken" will start filling it the second quarter of 2012.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/jasper.movie

Press Release:

During the opening remarks of the 2011 Austin Film Festival (AFF) it was announced that veteran director Jonathan Lynn (My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards) has signed on to helm Jasper Milliken, a quirky story written by Julie Howe that won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award in the 2010 AFF Screenplay Competition. Lynn will work closely with Howe to continue shaping the creative direction of the movie until filming begins the second quarter of 2012.

Earlier this year Howe signed an exclusive deal with Experience Media Studios to produce the award-winning screenplay, and has since expanded the team to include Sony Pictures Entertainment based producers Alex Siskin (Big Daddy, Mr. Deeds) and Joyce San Pedro (an AFF judge and panelist).

"We are very excited to have Jonathan bring his talent, vast experience, and comic sensibility to this movie," said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. "With a charming and witty script by a very talented writer, a veteran comedy director, and a our producing partners, we know we have a winning team to make something very special for the big screen."

Jasper Milliken is a quirky feature length comedy about a psychic orphan whose odd predictions derail a crooked deal that lands him in hot water with the egotistical mayor of his newly adopted town.

Jonathan Lynn is represented by Gersh agent Sandra Lucchesi and manager Mike Marcus, and Julie Howe is represented by attorney Matthew Saver.

CBS Films has send us over the official teaser poster and the sneak peek of "The Woman in Black, which premiered at the 2011 Scream Awards broadcast. The film stars "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe in his first post Harry Potter role and is directed by "Eden Lake" director James Watkins.

"The Woman in Black" hits theaters on February 3rd.

For more information this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/TheWomanInBlackMovie

Plot Synopsis:

A young lawyer (Radcliffe) travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

"The Woman in Black": Sneak Preview

Normally we usually don't focus on raising project, but there is an interesting horror project that I came across of that needs your help in terms of financing. The production company Ten Sunday Productions, who made Boxing Day in 2008. Now the gang is looking for financing for their latest film "Veil". The film already has raised $ 1,980 and is looking for to reach $5,000 goal in ten days.

You can check the fundraising video at the film's official IndieGoGo page at: http://www.indiegogo.com/Veil?a=280019&i=addr.

Plot Synopsis:

Ten Sundays Productions has been making independent films since 2004. Based in the Washington, DC area, we have produced short subjects as well as feature films that have played and won awards at festivals across the country. Our newest project Veil is a feature length horror/thriller film. We are planning production in the Virginia/West Virginia area for November 2011. Veil is about a soon to be married man's temptation to have a one night stand which leads him to a woman with a dark agenda. It is a modern horror film that deals with how people hide behind technology and disguise their true identities. Everyone has seen or read something online and been fooled. Everyone has been tempted to cheat or push the boundaries of what they can get away with. This film explores what happens when a person gives in to their curiosity and the terrifying places that can lead. It is inspired by films such as The Third Man, The Vanishing, and Frantic.

Here's what perks are available, if you choose to contribute.

Any level of contribution will get you a credit in the completed film which will earn you a listing on IMDB. We are also offering perk packages that include autographed DVD copies of the film, collectibles from the production, posters, and VIP access to the premiere screening. We want people who made this film possible through their generosity to be there with us when we celebrate the finished film. If you love films as much as we do and want to be a part of something that you can be proud of and show off to your friends, this is your chance.

To contribute, you can visit the "Veil" fundraising page at: http://www.indiegogo.com/Veil?a=280019&i=addr

"Veil" Pitch Reel from Paul Busetti on Vimeo.