All Things Distortion- Part 2

Ok well, here are a couple of stills from Distortion.







And now, the interview from the lovely and talented Deneen Melody:

R.D. - Wow it is a big year for you! You have Slices of Life, As Night Falls, and Don’t Look In The Basement all coming out in the next year, and that is just the horror films. What is it like promoting that many films? How do you keep yourself so busy?


Deneen - Thank you, Russ! It is a great thing to be able to promote these films...I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of them and get the word out! With films like Anthony Sumner's "Slices of Life" and Joe Davison's "As Night Falls", I worked with a cast and crew that was extremely hard working and dedicated to the project...and it is because of them I want to make sure people hear about the films. And with something like the upcoming "Don't Look in the Basement!", which features SO many wonderful indie horror actors (such as Caroline Williams, Debbie Rochon, Raine Brown, and Alan Rowe Kelly), it is important to gain support and interest.

As for keeping busy, I find it to be a mix of networking and working your butt off. If you just sit around expecting opportunity to find you, you miss out on so much. I also absolutely love what I do, so that causes me to put a lot of time and effort in finding ways to stay busy and involved. Even if I do not have a film project going on, I keep myself going with auditions, photo shoots, or stunt classes.


R.D. - Aside from the four films IMDB has listed coming out for you, are there any other films you are currently working on, or about to be released?


Deneen - I actually have several films coming up that haven't been added to IMDB quite yet. One project is the final segment of the "Psycho Street" horror anthology, "LEWIS", directed by the talented Anthony Sumner from "Slices of Life" and the upcoming "Don't Look in the Basement!". It is a very creepy and disturbing story that also stars some amazing talent like Susan Adriensen, Jerry Murdock, and Marv Blauvelt...who also produces the anthology along with the lovely Raine Brown.

This summer, I will also be working with K.M. Jamison and All Night Pictures on the set of "The Dead Light District". K.M.'s last project, "Serial: Amoral Uprising" is extremely impressive, and to be involved in any of his projects is just an honor. He brings something very raw...very REAL...to his films, so they become something more than just horror.

Aside from these films, one of my favorite projects that should be online soon is the web series, "Western X". Created by Michael Flores, this series is one I am extremely proud of. It is a supernatural western that stars some wonderful actors such as Dustin Hale, Richard Anderson, Kaily Alissano, Jerry Eselgroth, Jayson James, Anthony Tempesta, Aaron-Ginn Forsberg...and the amazing cult icon, Vernon G. Wells. (I also have to throw a shout out to the Arizona Roughriders...they have been a huge part of the series: http://www.roughridersaz.com)


R.D. - You definitely have one of the most unique background stories, as a ballerina turned scream queen. What was that transition like for you? When you were younger, did you ever imagine you would be where you are today, doing what you do?


Deneen - Most people know this about me, but for those that may not know and are curious, the reason why I stopped dancing was due to a foot injury. Not being able to dance ballet any longer was completely heart breaking...but, you know, injuries happen. There really isn't any point in feeling sorry for yourself over something you cannot control.

And actually, the transition was an easy one. For awhile, I was pretty devastated, but the second I started to audition for film work, I knew it was what I really wanted to do. It helped that I was always involved in theater when I was in school, and you know...I think deep down, I always knew I would end up doing something like this. (That includes the stunts, blood, running, and screaming...hahaha.)


R.D. - Speaking of Scream Queen, how did you feel when you were first dubbed a Scream Queen? What does that mean to you?


Deneen - I felt completely honored the first time I heard myself mentioned as a Scream Queen, to be honest! Some of the actresses I look up to the most have been dubbed with that title as well. I mean, it is just awesome. There are some actresses that really don't like being known as a Scream Queen, but you know, it doesn't mean you can't do other things. It just means you are an actress that does a darn good job when it comes to getting bloody, dirty, running, and screaming. (And there ain't nothing wrong with that!)


R.D. - Aside from your work as an actress, you also find the time to do some modeling. I also hear you do some modeling for comic books. What is that work like, and how does it differ from what you do as an actress? Has there been anything you have done recently?


Deneen - For the comic books I model for (through Comic Book Divas), the characters are really just based on my likeness. The artists use photos and create the character's look and expressions based on my own. It is really very interesting and is certainly awesome to see...I mean, how many people get to see themselves as a comic book character? (Maybe I am a nerd, but it has always been a dream of mine.)

My first comic through Comic Book Divas is called "FANGS", portraying the vampire known as Raven. This comic also features two other horror actresses, Devanny Pinn as the vampire leader Lilly Le Sang and Michelle Shields as Sapphire. You may keep up with news and updates on the comic through the official website: http://comicbookdivas.com

I will also be in a new version of the Legion Studios comic book, "Master's Devils", as the wild and kick ass Devlynn Envy. She was such a fun character to play...I am really looking forward to seeing how the comic will turn out!

As far as the difference between modeling and acting, well, for me there isn't much of a difference at all. This is because I personally prefer photo sets that are dramatic and even a little disturbing. For shoots like that, you have to use emotion and really get into the mood...you can't just sit there.


R.D. - I am one of many people highly anticipating Richard Diaz’s Distortion. I am also working on an interview with him. What was it like to work with him, and what is he like as a director? How was your experience working on the film?


Deneen - Richard is one of the most talented people I have ever met. I cannot express how much I adore him as both a filmmaker and friend! Working with him on "Distortion" was especially great...I was flattered when he asked me to be a part of it.

By the time we had met, most of the film was already completed, but there was one scene that hadn't been shot yet...and after seeing the trailer and information on the film, I couldn't turn down such an opportunity. We shot my scene in just a couple of hours...and it proved to be a race against the weather AND light. However, we were able to get it done, and it was definitely a fun scene.

I highly recommend Richard as a director. Apart from "Distortion", Richard has helped me with some audition clips, and he always knows what looks/sounds best. Also, he is a director that has a true passion for film. He isn't in it for the money or the fame...he genuinely loves movies...and I think that is what is really going to gain him success.


R.D. - Rarely do you ever see someone as beautiful as yourself willing to get dirty, yet you take classes about doing stunt work. Are you the type of person who wants to do all your own stunts?


Deneen - You better believe I love getting dirty! I also prefer to do my own stunts, unless a scene calls for something I am not experienced in...like on the set of "As Night Falls", there was an awesome stunt driver named Frank that did the crazy driving sequences, and he was AMAZING!

I've done some pretty fun stuff in my films (lots of fight choreography, falls, and getting thrown into a fence by Debbie Rochon)...but I want to do even more. Unfortunately, my schedule gets busy and I don't always have time to go to stunt practice, so I make sure not to push myself and stay with what I know I can do. Some people do not seem to understand that stunts require safety and training. I say it a lot, but it is true...I really do admire the professionals out there. What they do requires lots of hard work and guts!


R.D. - As an actress, is there someone you look up to as inspiration for you work? Another actress maybe?


Deneen - Lori Cardille's performance from "Day of the Dead" has always been an inspiration to me...as well as Sigourney Weaver in "Aliens". As someone that loves playing strong characters (not just in strength, but in spirit as well), I grew up wanting to be Sarah or Ripley, so both these ladies are two I have always looked up to.

Kate Winslet is another actress I strongly admire. She has played so many different characters and really knows her stuff. I hope to be able to play dramatic roles as well as her one of these days. Uma Thurman in the "Kill Bill" films is another inspiration, and I also really like Rose McGowan. I find her to be rather unique and quirky as an actress...and I like that.


R.D. - Here is a time for your shameless plug! Is there anything you want to say about what you have coming out, or what you have already done?


Deneen - Just recently, the teaser trailer for "SLICES OF LIFE" (I play the lead in the "Pink Snapper" segment) has been released. It also stars Jack Guasta, Toya Turner, Judith Lesser, Kaylee Williams, Galen Schloming, Marv Blauvelt, and Alan Rowe Kelly. Check it out on the official website: http://slicesoflifemovie.com

The "AS NIGHT FALLS" (with Debbie Rochon, Dwight Cenac, Joe Davison, Lily Cardone, Grace Chapman, Michael Ellison, and Raine Brown) teaser trailer is also up on the official site: http://asnightfallsthemovie.com

We also have an awesome You Tube channel up with interviews and behind the scenes videos: http://youtube.com/asnightfallsthemovie

"MASTER'S DEVILS", the film based on the comic by Legion Studios, has a great website: http://mastersdevilsthemovie.com (New trailer and photos coming soon, but in the meantime, a fun little teaser is up for viewing!)

"WESTERN X", the web series I have mentioned above, has a great website that everyone should check out with some great photos and wallpapers: http://westernxtheshow.com

"THE DEADLIGHT DISTRICT" has a great website as well, and if you are a horror fan, I strongly suggest you add this to your bookmarks: http://www.deadlightmovie.com

Hmmm, well, and if anyone would like to add me on Facebook...you certainly may! I try to keep it updated as much as possible with news on not just my projects, but other indie projects as well: http://facebook.com/deneenmelody


R.D. - Last but not least, what is your favorite horror film of all time?! If you had to pick one.


Deneen - Easy. George Romero's "Day of the Dead"!



Thank you very much for the interview Deneen. I know I look forward to Distortion coming out, and I'll pretty much watch anything you do. I hope these last two posts have given Distortion the boost I was hoping for. I am really excited to see this movie and I hope you are too. Richard Diaz gives hope to small filmmakers every, in that you don't have to have an extremely large budget to make quality movies. If there is any other news on Distortion in the future, I will surely be posting it. If you made it through both interviews, thank you for reading!

All things Distortion- Interview with Richard Diaz and Deneen Melody

Hitting the festival circuit right now is the highly anticipated movie Distortion from Chicago director Richard Diaz. The movie stars Brenden Patrick Hill, Lauren Elaine, Alan J. Campbell, Jeff Jamerson, Shon Lange, Jennifer Dymit, and Deneen Melody.

George is a video editor that starts to get visions through his TV of people getting murdered by a mysterious killer. As the visions become clearer and more intense he seeks help from his friend Jay and girlfriend Danielle and Detective Sam Blaine. The killer is not just any killer but one that has returned to murder people who will one day become soldiers in the war against good and evil. But he must kill them before they become aware. George has become aware early and is the only one that can stop him. Written by Richard Diaz



I had a chance these past couple weeks to interview both Richard Diaz and Deneen Melody. Here is what they had to say, not only about Distortion, but other stuff they are working on:


R.D. - Distortion is your first horror film. What was it like to transition from other genres to the horror genre?


Richard - As a film buff I love all kinds of movies but I so love the horror genre so it was a natural fit for me. I do though love how horror can incorporate every other type of film. A horror film can have elements of drama, comedy, science fiction, action. That is what is so great about them and why I gravitate towards it. I don't know if I would ever make a straight on drama but I like putting drama into a horror or action film. I'm able to go into emotional areas with the characters just like I would with a straight drama but then two seconds later I'm squashing someone's head into a wall. I love it!


R.D. - Your previous film Drop Off was nearly twelve years ago. What was the cause for taking such a long delay between films?

Richard - Drop Off was an emotionally draining project. It was supposed to be what Distortion eventually became which was my first feature film. Unfortunately it became nothing more than a very expensive promotional trailer. A complicated situation. Friendships ended and I felt the need to step away for awhile. Not a bad thing because I was young and right out of film school plus I needed to live life a little. After two years I was ready to get back in and dedicate my life to what I wanted to do. I got involved with so many projects and started working as a professional editor and videographer. The only thing was times had changed a bit. When I made Drop Off it was shot on 16mm as everything was still analog and film based. Then when I got back in the digital revolution had happened so I had to teach myself everything. Luckily the concepts never change just the tools so I was in good shape that way. But teaching yourself a digital editing program from scratch (in my case Final Cut Pro) is quite an experience. All those years of working on projects both creative and work related helped me greatly because I was able to put everything I knew into Distortion. So while there was a huge break between the two projects from a directing standpoint I was extremely busy doing everything else. Possibly too much but I always like to be busy.


R.D. - As a fan of horror, I have to ask this question. What was it like working with Reggie Bannister on Drop Off?

Richard - It was as cool as you'd think it would be. I was at a Fangoria convention and I knew that Reggie was going to be in Chicago for awhile recording his album so I wanted to ask him to play a cameo. With determination and complete nervousness I approached him and asked if he would be interested. He looked at me for a second and then gave me his number where he was staying. We talked a few times and then I sent him the script. He really dug it so he agreed and it was so incredible. Here is someone I am such a big fan of and they're in my film. I'm sure he doesn't know how much he helped me but he did. He gave me the confidence to think that maybe I was in fact on the right path in life. Something I am still thankful for.


R.D. - In Distortion, you also take a stab at acting. What was that experience like? Is that something you might consider doing again in the future?


Richard - Some may not refer to it as acting as much as just hamming it up. The one bit I did in Distortion was more of a necessity. For some reason I had never shot a newscast which plays during one scene. So the week I needed to mail out the film for submission to the Cannes Film Festival I realized I still had that missing. Originally I wanted an actor for that but I didn't have time so I threw up a green screen and shot myself. I did want to do a cameo in the film but I figured it would be more of an Alfred Hitchcock thing where I would walk by or something. But this worked out ok. I had a lot of fun doing it even though it was just me in my living room. Actually I have always loved acting. The funny thing is I used to get a lot of really good feedback from acting teachers back in college including one that insisted I become an actor. But it just wasn't my passion. I always looked at it as a way to know what it's like to be an actor because I felt it would make me a better director to know what they are going through. What they might need to get to a certain place emotionally for a scene. I think it's important for a director to know that. To know what it's like to be in front of the camera and not just behind it. As far as more of it goes I've done some small acting here and there but I would love to try doing an actual acting role. I do enjoy it. There is a film this summer that I might be playing a supporting role in. Can't say much about it at this point but we'll see. That would be fun because it would only be me acting and not me doing a million other things on a production and then jumping in and doing a quick cameo. I'll actually only be acting which would be so great.


R.D. - Is Distortion just a random horror movie, or did you have some sort of inspiration for the film? What made you decide to make a horror film in the first place? When did you begin to enjoy horror movies?


Richard - I have loved horror films since ... well, as long as I can remember. The great thing about them, especially from a filmmaking standpoint, is that most of them are made with little money and independently so learning about how a lot of them were made was a huge influence on me. Directors like George A. Romero, Roger Corman, Don Coscarelli, William Lustig, Larry Cohen are just some of the few that really taught me about just going out and making your movie no matter what.

A few years ago I was starting to feel discouraged because I felt like I was doing everything but the one thing that I really wanted which was directing. I knew no one was going to give me a shot so I needed to create my own opportunity which meant I needed to make a film. At first I thought about making an action film sort of repeating what I was going to do with Drop Off but the story I came up with was way too complicated to do for so little money. Still dig the idea though which was sort of a modern take on Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo. I put that one on the back burner and tried to come up with another idea. A friend of mine said to me that he knew I could do action but he really wanted me to do a horror film since he knew how much I love the genre. He was right. I needed to do what I loved. Slight problem - I didn't have a story. It was hard because normally you have your story that you turn into a script that you turn into a movie. I was sort of reversed. I wanted to make a movie but didn't have an idea. At first I came up with an idea that was cool and started writing it. I got about 52 pages in and realized I had no where to go. That was more of a slasher film but outside of the set up it wasn't overly different than what had already been done before plus done a lot better than anything I could come up with so I walked away from it. However there was a nugget of an idea from it that stayed with me. Then a few months later out of the blue I was thinking about that little idea and in one of those magical creative moments an entire story unfolded in my head and that was the basis for what Distortion became. I decided to not push it so I lived with it for awhile and found I was thinking about it all the time. So when I finally sat down to write it I knew I was ready.

All those years of working on friend's projects and the work videos I was doing really informed me on what I needed money for and what I didn't. So it was easy for me to put into the script what I knew I could do and what I had access to. Although I did write a few things that I had no clue how I was going to do them. But if you can't push yourself then what's the point? I knew since I couldn't pay the actors that I needed to schedule a lot of the shooting around their work schedules. It was decided early on to not have a crew because I knew I couldn't schedule actors and a crew. The film never would have gotten made. So instead I took the Robert Rodriguez route like he did with El Mariachi and made the film on my own with no crew. The funny thing is that most of the work shoots that I do there are maybe two of you doing them so it wasn't really that much of a stretch to what I was already doing. I'd show up with my camera, light kit, microphone and got to work. It was challenging sometimes but overall it was fairly easy since I knew what I wanted and didn't have to tell five other people. I just did it.

Stylistically while there are handheld shots I was aiming for an older style. Not the current shaky cam type of way. I aimed it more after John Carpenter in a lot of ways. Although if I listed every filmmaker that I drew inspiration from I'd be listing a hundred names. I will say though that I shot it in an older way but I edited the film like I was making a bigger film. I shot a lot of coverage so I was able to give the film an energy that I think helps make it feel like a bigger film. I made the joke to a friend that I shot the film like David Lean but edited it like I was making The Dark Knight. Not to compare it to such a talented director and to such a great film. Just as examples. I do think though it's one of the things that might make it stand out a bit too.


R.D. - Right now Distortion is hitting the festival Circuit. When do you think it will be available for everyone else to watch?


Richard - I hope soon. Right now I'm submitting it to the bigger festivals which have some strict rules as far as where the film has or has not been shown. Once I'm through this I will be getting it out to as many places as I can. You don't make a film for you to watch in your living room. You make a film so people can see it. Although I admit I am nervous. The film has gotten to the point where it is no longer mine and I just have to put it out there for everyone to see. Both good and bad. You hope at least most people enjoy your film but you never really know. I just hope when people see it that they find it entertaining and that it inspires others to go make their film. Even if someone doesn't like the movie I want them to know that they don't need a lot of money or even a lot of people to do it. Just go out and make your movie. If that happens then I will be really happy.


R.D. - I know you are super busy with all the Distortion stuff right now, but what does the future hold for you in directing and acting? I sure hope it is more horror films.

Richard - Absolutely more horror films. I have one script idea for a werewolf film that I would really like to make but it would need a pretty decent budget. My friend Kirk Sanders and I are trying to get an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth made. We wrote this amazing script and made a really incredible promotional trailer that Kirk directed (which you can see here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPvUXBeHkbk) so hopefully that will happen soon. Just needs to be done the right way and we don't want to settle on that one. I also wrote an action screenplay called Another Sunrise which might be my favorite thing I've written but that would also require a decent budget.

In the immediate future I am making another horror film called Killer Talk about a late night talk radio host that does this show on horror films but becomes obsessed with this serial killer in the news. He has this fan fascination and goes so far as to try and track the killer down. He discovers that real life horror is a far cry from fictional horror. I'm trying to get that one made this summer. It'll be made the same way as Distortion with very little money and once again no crew. Only instead of years I want to make this film very quickly. Go off of gut instinct with a lot of things.

Beyond that I guess it depends on what happens with Distortion. If it opens up the right doors I am ready to walk through them. I've wanted to be a filmmaker since I was a kid and it has taken me a long time to get here. There is no turning back now. I never set a fall back situation for myself because I needed to keep going at it. Whatever the future holds for me I know I will keep on going after my dream no matter what.


R.D. - Last, but not least, what is your favorite horror film of all time? Don’t say Distortion, haha.


Richard - Distort ... er ... um ... Actually I go back and forth between The Exorcist and Dawn Of The Dead. I think it depends on which one I watched last. The Exorcist still gets under my skin no matter how many times I see it. Plus the fact that it is so serious makes it more disturbing. But my love for Dawn Of The Dead knows no bounds. It is such an incredible film and George Romero is one of my idols. Today I am going with Dawn Of The Dead because it is just such a masterpiece.


Thanks for the interview Richard. I look forward to Distortion. These interviews are much longer than I remember, so I am going to have to make a second post with the interview from Deneen and I will also have some stills with it. So keep reading if you would like to see more.

Easter weekend sum-up

This weekend was anything but exciting, but I did watch a lot of movies. On Saturday I let he SyFy channel play all day long, and caught some awesomely crappy movies like Ice Spiders, Swamp Devil, Maneater, and Starship Troopers 3: Marauder! Today I start my new job at Nationwide Insurance, and depending on how it goes, I might not be keeping up on posts as much this week. Just a warning, but I want to get settled in on the new job. I will try my hardest to get a couple in. I also caught these two amazing trailers this past weekend. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Mega Piranha! What the hell is this?

Is it me or does a Piranha take out a helicopter in this trailer? That is the 80's popstar Tiffany, and sadly I met her when I took my wife to one of her concerts.

Let The Right One In (2008)

Let The Right One In (2008) Dir. by Tomas Alfredson

Oscar, an overlooked and bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire.


Finally! A return to vampires that don't sparkle like frickin diamonds in the sunlight! People have been telling me to watch this movie for quite some time now, but I wasn't ready to believe the hype. I am ready now! This movie kicked so much as and gave me hope that there are people out there that still believe in traditional vampires. The vicious animals that burn when sunlight hits them, and can't come in unless you invite them. I loved this frickin movie. Tomas Alfredson and Cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema gave me a movie I could lick my chops at. It was so beautifully filmed that I was left staring in awe with almost every shot. The black and whites really set the mood, as shadows dance across the white snow, and every building exceptionally bland, but in a good way. I would really like to get ahold of the book it is based on by John Ajvide Lindqvist, as he is the same one who adapted it into this amazing script. With a guy hanging a boy from a tree to drain his blood, from the very start the mood is set. The pace of the film continues from there, and each time I thought the movie was about to drag, it picks back up again. Like waves crashing against a coast, beautiful scene after scene come pouring in.




The acting in the movie was exceptionally well, considering the two main actors are twelve year olds. The chemistry between the two was undeniable and never once in the movie did I feel uncomfortable with two twelve year olds falling in love. The relationship was awkward from the start, and that is just how they built it. Even after Oskar finds out that Eli is a vampire, he only spends a short time dwelling on it, and acts more interested than afraid. It is his first true friend, and he would do anything for her, no matter what she is. While the focus is on the two kids for most of the movie, the subplots are brilliant in a way that doesn't take away from the heart of the story. The love and devotion that Hakan showed for Eli lead me to believe that he might not be her father, and might actually be a former lover. Like maybe she didn't want to turn him, so he stayed with her and grew old. He acted jealous when Eli would go see Oskar, yet he stayed devoted to her til the very saddening disturbing end. I could be wrong, but that is just how I felt. I really need to read the book, or they need to make a sequel or prequel. I would be ok with a less exciting sequel as long as I get some answers! I could feel for each of the characters in Let The Right One In, as they were all believable, and relatable. Every person out there that has been bullied can relate to Oskar, and the feeling of not being able to do something about it, and the feeling of being all alone. Many people out there would kill for the companionship he got from Eli. From start to finish I never lost interest in any of the characters, and they were easy to keep track of.




Everything about this movie is absolutely amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone. I will be buying the DVD as soon as I can figure out how to tell the difference in which copy has the fixed subtitles. The pool scene is spine-tinglingly smooth, scaling the outside of a hospital is unbelievably awesome, and the cats will forever make me smile. Great Movie! This might be the best vampire movie I have ever seen.

Entertainment Value :10/10 Wall-climbing Vampires
Cinematic Value: 9/10 Wall-climbing Vampires

How To Be A Serial Killer (2008)

How To Be A Serial Killer (2008) Dir. by Luke Ricci

A serial killer decides to teach the secrets of his satisfying career to a video store clerk.

I have been meaning to watch this movie for some time now, but never got around to it until today. I'm glad I finally decided to watch it as it is a fun quirky little dark comedy. It is sometime listed under the horror genre but is in no possible way a horror film. I did find myself laughing quite a bit, especially the parts between Dameon Clarke and Matthew Gray Gubler (Reed from Criminal Minds). Dameon plays the serial killer, and Matthew plays his apprentice, Bart. The chemistry between the two of them is hysterical, but in an extremely awkward way. Gubler isn't too far off from his character of Reed on Criminal Minds, except less smart, but that didn't bother me that much.

From a film standpoint, there is nothing about this film that pops out in an extreme way. It is shot very simple, and rides on a perfectly written script. It doesn't rely on gore, or special effects to get the job done. Although, I will say the use of the headband camera was a nice touch. Mike (Dameon Clarke) always has a positive attitude towards what he is doing, and even refers to it as doing people a favor. This upbeat perspective towards killing people is reflected not only in the positive manor he carries himself in, but lighting and cinematography as well. Each frame is filled with vibrant colors, and well lit rooms. Even at night, streetlights are always around. I think this really helped keep me interested, as I always saw every little thing that was going on. The comedy on this film was extremely sarcastic, as you get to see every part of a serial killers life. In a crazy way, I couldn't help but feel like it was probably really close to how a sociopath might go about his day. This film does it with humor, and takes itself very lightly while it shows these things. It was almost like watching a comedy version of Dexter.

The acting in the movie was amazing. The serial killer, the student, the loving girlfriend- blind to her boyfriend's actions, and they were all done extremely well. Clarke was unforgettable as the upbeat positive serial killer, taking pride in what he has accomplished, and feeling confident in teaching his ways to another. Grubler was great as the nervous yet anxious student, always willing to do whatever it takes to make the teacher happy. These two carry the movie on their shoulders, and with good reason. They play their parts perfectly, and I felt like I could compare myself to either character. Yes I said that I could feel for what the serial killer was going through. The way Mike handles himself as the serial killer was amazing. Watching him slowly lose his control on the situations left me wanting more. At times, this movie almost makes fun of the way killers go about themselves, but it also makes fun of everyone else and how they handle them. Dumb cops, and dumb neighbors running towards gunshots. I think it was an easy way for the filmmakers to get their point across, and I'm glad they did it without jazzing the movie up too much.

I did extremely enjoy the movie overall, but I do have one bone to pic with it. The ending fell a little flat. I think it could have used a bit of a twist to spice it up, and I thought of the perfect twist. If you have seen this movie and want to know my thought on what that should have been, email me. The movie definitely ended, but I felt like it was to quick and without anything exciting about it. It just ended, and that let me down. I do feel like this movie is ownable, and I will look for the DVD. It will be interesting to see what special features it has. I recommend this movie to everyone. Go watch, and remember this line, " Oh, my friends having a bachelor party." I was laughing so hard in that scene!

Entertainment Value : 8/10 Blow Darts
Cinematic Value : 7/10 Blow Darts

Time Out For A Talk - Julin

Time Out For A Talk - Julin



A couple weeks ago I did a review of the movie The Final (2010), and I couldn't get that movie out of my head. Everyone involved did such an amazing job, and I had to do an interview with one of the amazing actors. I chose Julin, and asked if she would be willing to do an interview, and she agreed! Her acting as Heather in The Final is amazing. She plays the stereotypical cheerleader bubblegum bitch, and from what I have heard, that is nothing like her in real life. To me, that is really great acting. From her starting horror performance as Miko in Sweatshop I was excited to learn about her future projects including: Killer School Girls From Outer Space, Spirit Camp, Boggy Creek, The Unseen, the lead in Cherry Bomb, and Vampire Diaries Renfield. Those are just the horror movies, she is also in Puncture, Up & Down, and the hugely anticipated comedy Mardi Gras with Nicholas D'Agosto and Bret Harrison. She is becoming extremely popular extremely fast, and food good reason. So without continuing to ramble like a stalker here is the interview:



Julin as Heather in The Final (2010)


R.D. - Sweatshop, The Final, Killer Schoolgirls From Outer Space, Spirit Camp, Boggy Creek, The Unseen, Vampire Diaries Renfield, and Cherry Bomb! Your profile is booming with horror movies galore. How do you feel about getting all these amazing roles? The title role in Cherry Bomb? You have to be excited about that.



Julin - I love them, I love to play all different kinds of Characters, with Killer School girls, I was an alien so that was fun, and with Spirit Camp playing a bitchy cheerleader is so opposite of me, it was also cool. Of Course I just got done playing Cherry in Cherry Bomb, so I was a little nervous about giving everyone a lap dance, but once the director said action I was in the zone, it was fun to kick some ass too!



R.D. - You have been thrown into so much acting in such a short time. What was it like before you started acting? What did you do before becoming an actress?



Julin - I played tennis for 10 years, I played a little in college, that was my life, but I'm always an artist at heart, so I would write, or sing, always something with performing, I never thought I would be an actress, someone suggested I try it, and I did and fell in love with it. I love being on set and playing in front of the camera trying to make the scene look the best and work on my craft, I still love learning and trying new things I just want to be at that level where the people I admire are, I don't know how they do it, that is why I am still learning.


Julin as Cherry in Cherry Bomb (2010)


R.D. - You have a natural talent for acting, and have even been labeled a Scream Queen. How do you feel about this title?



Julin - Thanks so much!Scream Queen I love it, who else can say that, lol, I want a shirt that says it on there. It's fun and I love meeting everyone that digs horror movies, everyone is so nice and supportive, it's great to meet the people that dig the stuff that you do.


Julin as Miko in Sweatshop (2009)



R.D. - What is the most memorable moment you have had acting on a horror movie so far?


Julin - Most definitely in Sweatshop I had to throw up some blood on another actor, and I aimed right for his face, it was the most gross stuff I had to put in my mouth, it was filled with coffee grinds, cereal, syrup, I don't even know, that was the most messy scene I have ever done, it was my last day too, I have some pics on my facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julin-Jean/263983632271




R.D. - If you had to pick one role you have liked playing the most, what would it be?


Julin - Of course I would say Cherry, because she is a stripper and a killer, who wouldn't want to play that, it has been really challenging this past month, I hope all the hard work pays off. :)


Julin as Kay O'Brian in Boggy Creek (2010)



R.D. - Where do you see yourself going in the future? Do you plan to continue your current reign over the horror genre?


Julin - I'm looking into doing some more different kind of roles, I will always do horror movies, but also I have done a romantic comedy Up & Down, and also a comedy Mardi Gras. I would love to do comedy, romantic, and thriller and drama, and action, all of them! I'm going to be at the Texas Frightmare Weekend in Dallas coming up, and I have some more movies in the works, they can be checked out on http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2734149/. Also I am still recording a second album, my first one is available on itunes. www.myspace.com/julin




R.D. - I know as a viewer, myself and others look forward to seeing more great movies from you in the future. That being said, what is your favorite horror movie?


Julin - I love "It", by Stephen King or Freddy Krueger, they are classic and I loved watching them when I was little and still watching them now. :)






I just want to say that was a great interview, and thank you to Julin for taking part in it. I look forward to whatever the future brings for her, and I'm sure everyone can agree, it will be big things.

Quick Review - Deadgirl (2008)

Deadgirl (2008) Dir. by Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel

Two high school boys discover an imprisoned woman in an abandoned mental asylum who cannot die.


This was definitely one of the most unique zombie movies I have ever come across. At first, it seemed more like it was going to be a porno, but after the characters begin to develop, it turns into a solid film. There are some parts that are generally disturbing, and I don't want to go too much into it, but you will understand. The effects of this movie were actually done pretty well, and the make-up was excellent. Jenny Spain as the deadgirl really got to me, and I felt for her character. The ending of the film was something I didn't expect, but in a good way, and showed the completion of one character's development. The acting by Noah Segan and Jenny Spain was extremely good, and I think they drove this film. I would recommend this movie as at least one watch, just to test the waters.

Entertainment Value: 7/10 Asylums
Cinematic Value: 6/10 Asylums

Quick Review - Repo Men (2010)

Repo Men (2010) Dir. by Miguel Sapochnik

In the future humans have extended and improved our lives through highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical organs created by a company called "The Union". The dark side of these medical breakthroughs is that if you don't pay your bill, "The Union" sends its highly skilled repo men to take back its property... with no concern for your comfort or survival. Former soldier Remy is one of the best organ repo men in the business. But when he suffers a cardiac failure on the job, he awakens to find himself fitted with the company's top-of-the-line heart-replacement... as well as a hefty debt. But a side effect of the procedure is that his heart's no longer in the job. When he can't make the payments, The Union sends its toughest enforcer, Remy's former partner Jake, to track him down.

Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, and Alice Braga all perform very well in this movie. The futuristic sci-fi part of this movie is very interesting, and the action is great. There are so many great things going for this movie, including the plot, but why can't I get into it? There was some parts in the beginning that were good, but it dragged hardcore through the middle. There were some characters that were not whole-heartedly developed, and I found them unnecessary, like the wife. Other than Remy having to move in with Jake after the break-up, there is nothing to their story. The last thirty minutes of the movie kicked off with a bang, but the final ten minutes are pointless, and upsetting. It was like they wanted to have a huge twist on the film, and they did, but not in a good way. It made me feel like the last forty minutes of the movie were pointless,and I just wasted my time. I applaud everyone for effort, but in my book, this just wasn't as entertaining as it could have been.

Entertainment Value: 4/10 Artificial Hearts
Cinematic Value: 6/10 Artificial Hearts

Time Out For A Talk - Jenna Giovanni

Time Out For A Talk - Jenna Giovanni

Recently I decided I needed to add a bit more to my blog, rather than just the same old movie reviews(not that I don't enjoy them). I came up with doing some interviews with up and coming actors, directors, and writers involved with the horror genre . I wanted to make my first interview an important one. I knew Jenna Giovanni had to be my first interview. I met Jenna a few years ago when I was making a short film in my home town. She was such an amazing person to work with and the way she conducts herself professionally, even when dealing with an amateur like me, is inspiring. She has a couple horror movies that are supposed to be released soon: I Was A Teenage Demigod, and Resist Evil Part One: Dropping Evil. Both of those movies are directed by Adam Protextor. Jenna is a great person, and I great actress, and people need to know what she is about. I would also like to get people to see her films. Here is my interview:




R.D. - Your IMDB profile lists that you have only done three movies, but I know you have done more than that. How many movies have you been involved with?


Jenna - I have actually been in nine independent films since I began acting in 2003.


R.D. - It also lists that your first movie was a drama short, what made you decide to transition from a drama to horror?


Jenna - I think that I’ve probably had an equal balance between drama and horror throughout my film career. What draws me to both is the depth of character: the ability to show very strong emotions, which can be similar between the two genres.


R.D. - Having worked with you myself, I know how good you are at your job. Max Allan Collins (Writer of Road to Perdition Graphic Novel), when asked, refers to you as a professional, and says you work very well under potentially stressful conditions. What is your response to this?


Jenna - I am absolutely humbled and very appreciative. Working with MAC on the Iowa Motion Picture Film Association and Iowa Writers Guild Shooting Scripts Workshop was extremely intense. The short film was shot with a live audience and there were very strict time restraints. I had never performed in front of an audience before, other than film crew and other cast so it was a bit unnerving initially. MAC is a wonderful director and put me completely at ease.

The experience was a great initiation to working on tight deadlines and really prepared me for the film I did with Kent Abbott and Kerry Scram on a 48 Hour Film project, “Talkin to Loretta”. Again, very tight deadlines but also we had location and script changes so it was necessary to be flexible and to remain professional.




R.D. - A lot of the roles you seem to take on are smaller supporting roles. Are you looking to maybe do some larger roles in the future?


Jenna - Many of the roles I have taken on have been supporting roles, but I have had perhaps an equal share of larger roles. I love acting so the size of the role isn’t really something that I think of when taking on a film project.


R.D. - Do you see yourself continuing in the horror genre? If so, what do you really like about working on horror films?


Jenna - I imagine that I will continue working on horror films, as well as other genres. My favorite parts of working on horror films are the make-up and effects. Acting lets me appease my inner child who still likes to dress up and play pretend.


R.D. - As a proud mother of three wonderful children, do you find it hard to balance being a mom, and finding time to work on film? What do your kids think of their mom being and actress?


Jenna - As a single mother, I take great care in ensuring that my children come first. I have been so fortunate in every film that I’ve worked on to have directors and producers that are sensitive to my needs as a mother. They understand that for me to give my best performance, I need to know that my kids are okay. Everyone has been great about providing my kids a place to hang out on set…and then spoiling them to death! Each of my children has had a small role in at least one of my films, so they understand that it’s hard work. They even help me to prepare for films by reading lines with me.

I think it’s good for them to see the way that horror films, in particular, are made. I don’t believe that my children are as scared of ghoulish figures on the screen now after watching Mama sit through hours of makeup and seeing how the films are made. So, no, I don’t find it hard to balance. My kids are very proud of me, as I am of them. I hope that I’m a good reminder to them that we can do or be, anything that we dream.




R.D. - Do you feel like living in the Midwest hinders your ability to find scripts and films to work on?


Jenna - I don’t feel that living in the Midwest hinders my ability to find film work at all. I feel that there is as much work as I am willing to take on.


R.D. - What does the future hold for you?


Jenna - I had taken a sort of hiatus from acting following my divorce but I plan to begin again, the process of getting my photos and resume updated and get back to work auditioning. I am hopeful that I’ll stay busy with film work this summer.


R.D. - What would be your favorite experience so far while working in film?


Jenna - My favorite experience working in film is my first, “On Account of Amber”. The role that I took on required me to become something that was horrifying to me, something that I hated and could not relate to initially. In this role, my character “Kat” was a drug addict who neglected her daughter. This was a challenge for me…both of my parents are addicts, so I had to overcome my hatred for who they had become to allow myself to slip into the despair they must have felt and finally, maybe, just a numbness to life. I finally felt that perhaps it wasn’t that my parents no longer cared for their children, but that they did not want to feel how badly they had let them down. I can relate to that. I hurt physically and wholly when I know I have let my kids down. I can’t imagine how they must have felt knowing that we were going hungry or filthy because the water had been shut off again.

Working on “On Account of Amber” was a tremendous experience for me for that reason.


R.D. - Last but not least, if you had to pick one, what would your favorite horror movie be?


Jenna - This is a tough one but I would say my very favorite is “The Amityville Horror”. The films that scare me the most are the ones that feel like they could really happen. I’m kind of superstitious and I believe in ghosts or “energy” that may be left behind after death so those films always freak me out the most.



I want to thank Jenna for participating in the interview. I look forward to more work coming out from her in the future, and maybe a follow-up interview after her upcoming horror movies. Thank you to anyone who is reading this, and I hope you get interested in the films of Jenna Giovanni.

The Final (2010)

The Final (2010) Dir. by Joey Stewart

An unknown outcast, Dane, leads a small group of other outcast on a mission for revenge against the classmates who tortured them their whole lives.

I was perusing through some movies that had come out recently, and landed upon this torturous gem. I was looking for something fairly new to break into, and this definitely delivered. I could spend two to three paragraphs trying to compare this to a movie that I have seen before, but the fact of the matter is that it is pretty original. It pulls from alot of other revenge torture horror film, but not enough to copy any of them. Although the death count is really small, I felt this movie scared me in other ways. I have been the bullied. I know what these kids were going through, and I would be lying if I said I never thought of ways to get even. These kids, on the other hand, take it entirely too far. The themes on this movie are overwhelmingly simple, yet carry alot of weight through the film. One seems to suggest that bullying is wrong, and everyone knows that, and people still do it. This movie might scare the crap out of some bullies, and get them to think twice before screwing with Urkel. Especially ones that enjoy the horror film genre. Two wrongs don't make a right is in here, but the evidence of breaking points is probably the largest seen. Everyone has a breaking point. How much can one get picked on before they snap and give us a C-bine? How far is one person willing to go to insure their safety? How much revenge is too much? This movie made me think alot about all the times I was bullied, or watched others get bullied. If you think about it, this movie is probably pretty believable. I really enjoyed this film far more than I thought I was going to. The gore was enough to make me queasy, but not enough to make me vomit.

First time feature Director, Joey Stewart, keeps it simple but interesting. None of the shots were too terribly inventive, and as a first time Director I think that is the way to go. The way he wins with this is because of the actors he has, and the script he has been given. He just tells the story, in a classic and straight forward manor, he tells the story. He has been an assistant director for some time now, but I look forward to him taking the lead in many movies to come.



This movie has the youngest cast of veteran actors I have seen in a long time. It was a great casting job on their part. Even though most of the actors are mid 20's or younger, they have all been acting for very long time. There are only a couple of exceptions. Marc Donato blew me away with his portrayal of Dane, the teams leader. Essentially in a dual role, Dane plays both the nerd and the rage filled leader very well. Even at 21 years of age, he is still a seasoned veteran when it comes to acting. He has been involved in over forty different TV shows and movies since he was four years old. A lot of people might recognize Travis Tedford as Andy. He was Spanky in the Little Rascals movie. This list goes on and on. Another I was pleasantly surprised by was Julin, as Heather. She had not done a whole lot of acting up to this point, but she held her own. From the looks of her upcoming movie, she has established herself as a bit of a scream queen. The acting on this movie is what truly carries it, and I am still super impressed by the casting job. Then again, sometimes its hard to do a bad job acting when you have such a good script. Jason Kabolati delivers a superb script with a great plot, and deep character involvement.

The only bones I have to pick with this movie are the overused cliches of High School jocks and nerds. A lot of the time schools are nothing like it. They always have a bit of separation, but bullying on this level would never be tolerated. The other thing was that each of the outcast all had problems with their home life as well. This was a little much, but used efficiently to help build character, and sympathy for their roles. Also, the ending was a bit abrupt, but when you spend that much time building up the story, then it doesn't leave you a whole lot of room for a strong finish. In the end, I would recommend this as at least one viewing for everyone. I know I enjoyed it.

Entertainment Value: 8/10 Bear Traps
Cinematic Value: 7/10 Bear Traps

Seven- guest movie review for Flaming Sneakers

Seven (1995) Dir. by David Fincher



I was aproached by a fellow blogger of mine over at Flaming Sneakers about doing a guest review for his top 30 horror movies of all time. I couldn't pass up the opportunity, and if anyone else would like to join the fun, they should head over to http://flamingsneakers.blogspot.com/ and see what movies are left for a guest spot on his top 30. It didn't take long after going down the list to pick out the movie I wanted to do. Seven holds sentimental value to me as a movie watcher. It was my first ever DVD, and suprisingly I have never lost it or had to buy a new one. So here I go with the review.



I don't care what everyone says, Seven is hands down my favorite David Fincher movie so far. I don't think it was necessarily intended to be a horror, but it has always given me chills. The plot as described over at IMDB goes as follows: This thriller portrays the exploits of a deranged serial-killer. His twisted agenda involves choosing seven victims who represent egregious examples of transgressions of each of the Seven Deadly Sins. He then views himself as akin to the Sword of God, handing out horrific punishment to these sinners. Two cops, an experienced veteran of the streets who is about to retire and the ambitious young homicide detective hired to replace him, team up to capture the perpetrator of these gruesome killings. Unfortunately, they too become ensnared in his diabolical plan.... Written by http://www.imdb.com/search/writers?realm=title&field=plot&q=Tad%20Dibbern%20%7BDIBBERN_D@a1.mscf.upenn.edu%7D



This movie draws you in from the very start by thoroughly diving into each character. You feel for them from the very beginning, as they seem like normal people. Fincher gives you what you want and keeps it coming. He doesn't take much time before going right into the seven deadly sins. Each death seems to be more disgusting and creative than the next. How you view this movie could technically depend on your level of faith. Everyone knows what he is doing is wrong, but he is killing people who have sinned. This adds to the horror, especially for someone of deep faith. You will never sin again after watching this movie, haha. Tension grinds on your brain as you count down the sins. You know the next one is coming, and you can't help buy wonder which one he will do next. I felt the hair stand on my arms, and I got the sick feeling in my stomach. Keep in mind, I have seen this movie multiple times, and it still does it to me. To me it would seem this movie is a major inspiration for the Saw series. The creativity, theme, and gore definitely matches.



Andrew Kevin Walker delivered a script that was as close to flawless as one can get, and it was perfectly brought to life by Fincher. The acting, specifically by Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, was much better than I had anticipated. It's good to know that fifteen years after first seeing it, the film still holds its weight among the greats. The theme is so dark, and the film is shot just as dark. The scenes inside play out in dimly lit rooms, and dark damp areas filled with black and red colors. The scenes outside draw from depressing weather, and depressed extras. The veteran/rookie cop cliche got a bit old a couple of times, but I was surprised at how much they keep it hidden below the important aspects of the film. The side stories, or subplots, never seem to take away from the main case. Once the pace is set, it just doesn't let up, all the way to the riveting and shocking ending. This movie gets:



Entertainment Value: 9/10 Unmarked Packages

Cinematic Value: 9/10 Unmarked Packages





I'm really happy Seven made it into R.K.'s Top 30 Horror movies, and I am equally as happy that he chose me to do a review for him. If you haven't seen this movie, go buy it now, not rent, BUY!

I LOVE CLOSING SALES!!!

I just spent a total of $40 on DVDs at a Movie Gallery in my hometown, because it was closing, and had to get rid of their movies! Here is what I got:

Behind The Mask
Dance of the Dead- Not Tobe Hooper's
The Hitcher- original
Scanners
Severance
Spiral
The Signal
Night of the Dead
The Devil's Highway
The Tomb
Vacancy
Zombie Nation
The Morgue
Wind Chill
A Perfect Getaway
Killer Movie
Deal
Lars and the Real Girl
Prom Night- the crappy remake my wife likes


ok, so the last four were for my wife, but that just makes me a good husband. I'm always willing to buy horror movies my wife likes. There are so few of them to choose from! Deal- is a poker movie, but I do like it. I have never seen Lars and the Real Girl, but my wife has always wanted to see it. I think I got away with some good ones, especially for $40! Since there are so many video places going out of business in Iowa, I am definitely going to keep my eyes open. If I get a few doubles, I might even have a few DVD contests on here! Wish me luck!!!

New Predators Trailer

I just saw a trailer for Nimrod Antal's Predators, and I was pleasantly suprised. I admit when I first heard about this movie, I was bashing it beyond belief. I'm not saying I'm a 100% behind the film yet, but the trailer looked really cool. It is quite a combination of cast and crew, and that definitely keeps me interested. There is plenty of time to get hyped up, or to simmer down, as it doesn't come out until July 7th. I will say that everyone looks like they have beefed up quite a bit for the film. Here is the trailer for Predators, and I'd love to hear your own thoughts.

Ireland's Finest Horror!

Time for celebrating St. Patrick's Day is running out. I decided to do a quick list of movies catagorized as being Irish Horror films. I used my good friend the Internet Movie Database, and here are a few movies I managed to come up with:

Shrooms (2007)

Isolation (2005)

Boy Eats Girl (2005)

Rawhead Rex (1986)

Dead Meat (2004)

Legend of the Bog (2009)

Return to Glennascaul (1951)

Ghostwood (2006)

Shrooms is the only one I have actually seen, and as crappy of a film it is, I enjoyed it a lot. I recommend it, and if anyone else can think of one to add, please feel free to make a comment about it.

Survival of the Dead (2009)

Survival of the Dead (2009) Dir. by George A. Romero

Two rival clans on a remote Island off of North America fend off zombies along with continuing a war with each other. One clan wants to kill all the zombies, and one clan wants to try to make them more human again.

Thanks to http://www.movies-links.tv/movies/survival_of_the_dead/ , I had the chance to watch this movie before it hit theaters. I'm glad I didn't wait to pay the ten dollars. First off, I fell asleep the first time I tried to watch this movie last night, and then I finished it today. The first half of the movie is anything but exciting, and the second half of the movie follows suit. If I had to place this movie somewhere in the line of Romero zombie film, I would place it as better than Diary and not quite as good as Land. It felt like an easy way out for Romero to get a paycheck. After watching Diary of the Dead, I was really excited for another comeback for Romero. Diary was such a worthless piece of garbage, and I wanted Romero to return to his roots. From the previews this movie really looked like it would be a return to the basics of Romero films. I didn't know the movie was going to be filled with sub-par special effects from the man who nearly wrote the book on zombie effects. Since when did overwhelming CGI blood spatters become acceptable? It felt like they didn't want to spend the time, so they used crappy CGI work. I've seen better work on SyFy channel movies. The one thing I did enjoy about Romero's new film was the western theme he had throughout the film. At first, I didn't care for it, and it seemed to make the movie dragged. It even made some scenes more cheesy than I am willing to accept. "This town isn't big enough for the both of us" really turned out to be a pretty good crack at a new style of zombie film. I didn't like how the first half of the movie was all about the two families, and not about the zombies. That's probably why I fell asleep, but I didn't really need that much backstory on the clans, nor did I really need to see every minor unimportant conversation between the two clans. Great idea, just could have been executed a little bit better.



The acting in this movie was definitely off, and I can't think only think of one person who did at least a half-ass job. That was Kathleen Munroe of TV fame. Her dual roles were the only thing that really carried this film, and she did well in both roles. The crossover from Diary of the Dead with Alan Van Sprang was pretty cool, but he is still a crappy actor.

The zombies in this film were far worse than any other zombies I have I have seen in Romero films. Most of the time time there wasn't any wear and tear on the zombies. They looked like regular people with white contact lenses. There was nothing scary about these zombies, other than one or two occasions where there was a mediocre jump scare. There was some dark comedy with them that was a miss. The zombie kills are too creative. It was almost as if they were trying to create the most rediculous death scenes ever, and they accomplished that. Some were even worse than the acid on the zombie head from Diary of the Dead.



All in all, this whole film was a great idea, just poorly executed. I think Romero's reign maybe coming to an end. I think it is time that someone else with a new idea comes forward and takes over. Romero will always be the godfather of zombie film, but it needs to be reinvented.

Entertaiment Value: 5/10 Headshots
Cinematic Value: 4/10 Headshots

Quick Review - Cruel World (2005)

Cruel World (2005) Dir. by Kelsey T. Howard

Reeling from his dismissal from a reality show, a deranged runner-up holds a group of co-eds hostage on the set of his own fictitious show, where losers suffer a deadly fate

I decided that some people are right when they say- some movies don't deserve a full review. This is one of those movies. This movie is complete garbage from start to finish. It is an interesting concept, but poorly written, filmed, and acted. A cast of enough b-list actors you can't count them on both hands, and they still couldn't do anything with it. Ed Furlong is mildly entertaining as the bad guy, but the kills are so dull, and lack any creativity (minus one awesomely bad decapitation). I could give this the full review and barely fill a paragraph with good things to say. This is a don't rent, don't buy, don't watch it at all costs. That is, unless you are a glutton for punishment.

Entertainment Value: 3/10 Decapitations
Cinematic Value: 2/10 Decapitations

Batoru Rowaiaru "Battle Royal" (2000)

Batoru Rowaiaru "Battle Royal" (2000) Dir. by Kinji Fukasaku

In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary "Battle Royale" act.

I know it is not technically a horror movie, but it has a lot of scary elements. When it comes to Fukasaku, I guess I'm going ass-backwards. This was his second to last film, only Battle Royal 2 to follow, and yet this is the first film of his I have seen. I have to say, I was pretty impressed, and after watching this, I definitely plan on watching more of his work.

The film starts off with a bang, and rarely lets up. I enjoy the way Fukasaku throws you into the action right away, and gives you back stories and characters to help with development in short five minute clips. Usually I don't care for the flashback method that much, but he does it so swift and straight to the point, you hardly notice. Long range external shots of beautiful landscape really doesn't hurt much either. Unlike The Condemned, America's version, this one was riveting and rarely predictable. They didn't waste time killing people off, and showing so by letting you see the names of the dead scroll across the bottom of the screen. The death toll was higher than most films, yet it never lost creativity in death sequences. The story itself is just crazy. 9Th graders forced to kill each other off. It never really tells you why it is happening, but throws you into the movie so fast you don't care.



I really enjoyed the teacher's character. He was a funny scary. He knows the stuff he is doing is wrong, but enjoys it and refers to it as a game. His obsession with one of the girls in the class is borderline creepy for sure. That just adds more tension. The student transfers introduced before the games definitely add a large amount of action to the movie. Once again I found a movie with subtitles that I find extremely easy to follow. I'm getting good at this.

The things that really bothered me about the film rarely took away from me enjoying it. There were just too many characters to really give any of them some development. The only ones I seemed to care about were the handful that had flashback stories. Maybe he intended for me to not care about them, as it would be easy to watch them die. I'm not trying to be racist when I say, other than the teacher, the transfers, and the one crazy girl, all the people in this film looked alike. There really wasn't much difference in a lot of the character's appearance, maybe due to the school uniform. The other thing I could have done without is all the crossing love stories. One or two would have been fine, but I was having trouble remembering who was with who, and who had a crush on who. It was like watching and episode of As The World Turns. I feel like it really took away from the film, and they could have just stuck with the main romance subplot.



I am really going to recommend this film to anyone who is OK with subtitles. It is truly visually appealing, as well as a movie that makes you think a bit. The ending might have bin a bit off kilter, but I enjoyed it non-the-less.

Entertainment Value: 8/10 Pot Lids
Cinematic Value: 7/10 Pot Lids

My First Book Review: The Living Dead

The Living Dead (2008) Edited by John Joseph Adams

The Living Dead was released in 2008 by Night Shade Books, and it is a compilation of short stories from many authors. The stories all have something to do with zombies, or the living dead. Some of the authors include Cliver Barker, Poppy Z. Brite, Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stephen King, Kelly Link, George R.R. Martin, Joe R. Lansdale, and many others.

When I first started reading the book, I will admit, I was half expecting the usual zombie gore stories. I was wrong, but in a good way. The stories contained in this book are far more than I could have ever imagined. They are so diverse,and it is really entertaining getting everyone's take on zombies. The ones that really stood out for me were mostly obvious. The veterans Barker, King, and Martin pretty much made the book well worth purchasing just on their own. I believe Stephen King's short story Home Delivery, included in the book, is going to be a motion picture in a couple years. The two pleasant surprises that stood out to me in the book were Dan Simmons's "This Year's Class Picture," and Kelly Link's "Some Zombie Contingency Plans." Those two are right off the bat in the beginning of the book. That's a hell of a way to start, and from that point on I couldn't really stop reading. There were only a couple stories that didn't keep my interest, and for the sake of supporting good reading material, I'm not going to say which ones. There are 486 pages, 34 stories, and I only disliked two of them. I think its a good buy, and I've already gone back and reread a couple, just because I liked them that much.

I look forward to more from John Joseph Adams, including his The Living Dead 2 book, which he just turned in the manuscript. Every better hurry and read this on first!

I give this book 9/10 Decapitations It is definitely a buy, not borrow book.

The Ferryman (2007)

The Ferryman (2007) Dir. by Chris Graham

There are movies out there that have such an amazing story with such potential, and they ruin it with poor execution. This is one of those movies. It makes me even more angry when someone takes a great story from Greek Mythology and murders it.

The story starts as three couples have charted a yacht to take them from New Zealand to Fiji. This start to get all crazy after they pick up a drifter (John Rhys-Davies).

The story is loosely following the Greek Mythology of The Ferryman, or Charon. In Greek mythology, Charon or Kharon (pronounced /ˈkərɒn/; Greek Χάρων) was the ferryman of Hades who carried souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. A coin to pay Charon for passage, usually an obolus or danake, was sometimes placed in or on the mouth of a dead person.[1] Some authors say that those who could not pay the fee, or those whose bodies were left unburied, had to wander the shores for one hundred years.- wikipedia

In this story however, someone has found a loophole in the Ferryman's plan. He has managed to escape death for hundreds of years through the use of a body switching dagger. I know Greek Mythology pretty well, and nowhere do I recall seeing anything about the dagger. So the title, and small amount of the plot is where the similarities end. I do feel this is a great concept for a movie, but just not this one.



The first thirty minutes of the movie are dull, and filled with overwhelming unnecessary character development shoved down my throat. Don't get me wrong, character development is important, just gradual. Despite being a bit misplaced, the dagger is actually a pretty cool idea. The kills take place off screen, so no gore, and when you return to the two people involved they start convulsing like epileptics at a rave party. The whole body transfer concept is introduced way to early into the movie. It doesn't matter if the action happened behind closed doors. You know who the possessed killer is when they exit the room. This leaves no room for a tension build up, or anything scary for that matter. The other thing is how many times can you watch the same stabbing body switch situation before losing interest in it. You get to see the Ferryman once at the beginning and once at the end, which is lame as well, but his look is rather unimpressive.

The acting in this movie was horrendous, and I can't believe these people got paid to make this movie. The veteran John Rhys-Davies, and New Zealand native Amber Sainsbury are the only two people who give a worthwhile performance.



With everything I have said, there are some positives to come out of this heap of trash. The scenery shots, real or fake, boat on the water, fog filled sky, definitely added to whatever tension was there. It had a Dead Calm sort of feel for most of it. The epilogue for the film was pretty good as well, but I really hope they don't plan on turning it into a sequel. I hope someone decides to do their own version of the story, without the knife or other crap. Unless you still enjoy making macaroni art, finger painting turkeys, or licking windows, this is probably a skip for almost everyone.

Entertainment Value: 2/10 Danakes
Cinematic Value: 3/10 Danakes