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Friday, September 29, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 29, 2006
'TEXAS CHAINSAW' and 'GEARS OF WAR': A Match Made In Hell
Variety.com is reporting that New Line is teaming with Microsoft to target gamers who love blood, guts and chainsaws. Mini-major and the tech giants Xbox division are co-sponsoring a unique promotional event called A Match Made In Hell that will feature preview screenings of "A Texas Chainsaw Massacre" along with an early look at upcoming videogame "Gears of War."
Event will take place in New York, L.A., Chicago and San Francisco next Wednesday and feature the first public unspooling of the pic, which will be released next Friday, and the game, which comes out Nov. 7.
After watching "Chainsaw," attendees, who will be picked from online entries, will play each other in a preview level of "Gears," with one match taking place on the bigscreen.
Microsoft is co-sponsoring several "Match Made In Hell" events in the month leading up to the "Gears of War" release.
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Screamfest Announces Its 2006 World Premiere Lineup!
If you head on over to the official website for the Screamfest Horror Film Festival, you can now check out the complete listing of horror screenings that will be taking place at this years festival at Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Buy your tickets now!
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DVD Review: ‘A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET’ (Infinifilm)
IGN DVD now has up a review of Wes Craven's creepy classic, which returns in a new two-disc Infinifilm DVD featuring documentaries, featurettes and a full cast and crew commentary.
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Watch The ‘TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE’ Crime Report News Reel
IESB.net now has up a cool four minute Crime Report News Reel that highlights the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre†mythos. Check it out.
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning†hits theaters on October 6th.
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First Pics From ‘ZOMBIES! ZOMBIES! ZOMBIES!’
Fangoria.com has been provided with with some photos and news from first-time filmmaker Jason Murphy to help showcase his currently lensing horror/comedy feature Zombies! Zombies! Zombies! - and if the pics are any indication, horror fans are in for a titillating and gory good time. Check ‘em out.
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Thursday, September 28, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 28, 2006
Trailer: First Teaser For 'WIZARD OF GORE' Remake
Openskyent.com now has up your first look at the the teaser trailer for Jeremy Kasten's remake of The Wizard of Gore, which stars Crispin Glover, Kip Pardue, Bijou Phillips, Brad Dourif, Jeffrey Combs and, the beautiful Suicide Girls. Check it out.
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Wes Craven Joins Rouge and Returns To His Horror Roots
Variety.com is reporting that Wes Craven has made a deal with Rogue Pictures to write and direct his first horror project in 12 years. He's also formed Midnight Pictures, a Rogue-based shingle that will scare up fright films with budgets under $15 million.
The first film under the Midnight Pictures banner will be the remake of his 1972 debut "The Last House on the Left," which Rogue co-presidents Andrew Karpen and Rona bought last month (Daily Variety, Aug. 17).
Rogue, the genre division of Universal-based Focus Features, is also eyeing Craven-directed fright titles "Shocker" and "The People Under the Stairs" for possible remakes Craven would oversee with the new company. Both films are U-owned library titles.
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Interview: Guillermo Del Toro
Moviehole.net now has up an exclusive interview with visionary filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro, which has him talking about his latest masterpiece, “Pan’s Labyrinthâ€, along with other various topics.
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Script Review: ’28 WEEKS LATER’
Latinoreview.com now has up an exclusive script review of Fox Atomic’s 28 Weeks Later, the sequel to “28 Days Later†that is currently shooting in London.
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Your First Look At Will Smith In ‘I AM LEGEND’
Splash News now has up the very first pics of Will Smith from the set of his latest flick, I am Legend. Check ‘em out.
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RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION’ Release Date Is Pushed Back Once Again
Bloody-Disgusting.com reports that Sony Screen Gems has just announced that they've pushed back the release date of Resident Evil: Extinction even further! Originally announced for a September 7, 2007 release, Russell Mulcahy's film will now hit theaters September 21st.
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Ancient Vampires Shed ’SACRED BLOODS’
Fangoria.com reports that debuting writer and director Oscar Dean Ray gave them the scoop that principal photography has commenced on Sacred Bloods, a Darkwood Motion Picture Productions horror feature currently shooting in Oklahoma City, OK.
Starring Larry (“The Sopranosâ€) Sellers, Ford (“Carniesâ€) Austin, Heather (“Wisteria: The Story of Albert Fishâ€) Surdukan, Jessica Dixon and Peter Zhmutski, the film tells the rather epic story of an ancient Roman vampire queen attempting to create a bloodsucker army. When she transforms a descendant of a race of extraterrestrial warlords known as “E-Mortaks†(the mortal enemies of the vampires’ ancestors, the Gifters), the stage is set for an ancient prophecy to be fulfilled, which could spell doom for both humans and ghouls.
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Wednesday, September 27, 2006 |
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Uwe Boll Needs To Lay Off Of The Amphetamines: An Open Letter
By Short Bus
During this week I found out that Uwe Boll was boxing his critics; I took a moment and thought... "WHAT?" and laughed my ass off. But anyway, he's winning and I don't know what that proves. So since Uwe Boll is creating a household name for himself (and making himself a jackass, it really depends) here's my open letter to Uwe Boll!
Dr. Boll,
As a reviewer in leisure aspects, I don't have to see every movie on the face of the planet, it's not my job. Although, others have to; they have to sit through every crapfest pondering their paychecks. All you have to do is make movies.
Now, it is a reviewer's job to credit movies for their storylines (and most video games don't rely on their storylines; movies DO), their artistic composition, acting, and just on the levels of just plain decency. You however, take a common route anyone could create instantly by relying on little cutscenes that most gamers skip when they can, and relying on the many subtle ways you can kill a zombie or a monster or whatever the hell the game is based against. And to fill in the blanks, you use little segments of artsy-fartsy religious or ancient languages that make a dumb storyline sound the least bit smart and credible.
As for your boxing escapades, you don't understand that physical strength has nothing to do with making a movie better or showing somebody whose boss, it's complete stupidity. You are making yourself look like that jackass in high school who always wants to "take it into the parking lot" as soon as he has recognized that an insult about him is true. Grow up or come up with original ideas.
Sincerely,
Short Bus
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Wednesday, September 27, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 27, 2006
Watch Three Minutes of Turkey’s ‘SHATTERED SOUL’
Twitchfilm.net now has up three minutes of film footage from the Turkish horror flick, Shattered Soul, a stylish serial killer picture with a psychological edge playing at this year's Pusan Film Festival.
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Lars von Trier Set To Helm ‘ANTICHRIST’
Productionweekly.com reports that maverick filmmaker Lars von Trier has announced his next project Antichrist, a horror film that he’ll direct next summer. The English language pic is set in nature and based on the theory that it was Satan, not God, who created the world.
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Lionsgate Makes A Deal To Stay Up After Dark
Hollywoodreporter.com reports that Lionsgate has signed a three-year production and distribution deal with After Dark Films, the company from filmmaker Courtney Solomon and financier Allan Zeman, who produced the indie film “An American Hauntingâ€.
The deal calls for ADF to supply Lionsgate with multiple wide release films each year and as many as two specialty films a year, with ADF putting up the P&A expenses. Lionsgate will retain ancillary rights to all the films. Also, as ADF ramps up its production operations, Lionsgate and After Dark also will co-produce films with P&A to be determined for each film.
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You Can Now Hang Out At Snoop’s New ‘HOOD OF HORRORS’ Website
If you click here, you can check out the newly launched official website for “Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horrorsâ€. Check it out.
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’AVP 2’ To Be Reminiscent of Cameron’s ‘ALIENS’, Stallone To Star In ‘PREDATOR 3’?
IESB.net reports that according to one of their readers, the storyline for Alien Vs. Predator 2 will resemble Cameron’s “Aliens†instead of the first “AVPâ€. He also tells IESB that there is talk for a new stand alone “Predator†film that will not feature The Rock or John Cena as previously rumored but instead possibly Sly Stallone.
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Tuesday, September 26, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 26, 2006
'CANNIBAL FEROX' Returns To DVD This Halloween!
DavisDVD.com is reporting that Grindhouse Releasing's Deluxe Edition of Umberto Lenzi's gory Italian horror flick Cannibal Ferox returns to store shelves on October 31st.
The disc, which has been out-of-print for some time now, will feature all the same materials as its previous release, namely the uncensored director's cut in anamorphic widescreen, audio commentary with director Umberto Lenzi and star John Morghen, on-camera interview with Lenzi, a still gallery, trailer and liner notes. Retail is $24.95.
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Trailer: Robert Kurtzman’s ‘THE RAGE’
If you head on over to the official website for Robert Kurtzman’s “The Rageâ€, you will be treated to the first teaser trailer for the flick. Check it out.
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Two More Clips From ‘THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE: THE BEGINNING’
Yahoo! Movies now has up two new clips from New Line Cinema's horror prequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, which hits theaters on October 6th. Check ‘em out.
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Brian Yuzna Reveals New ‘HOUSE OF RE-ANIMATOR’ Details
Dreadcentral.com reports that they recently caught up with producer/director Brian Yuzna and were able to talk with him about House of Re-Animator and more.
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Monday, September 25, 2006 |
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MASTERS OF HORROR: IMPRINT - Review
By: Gorefan
SYNOPSIS (courtesy of Anchor Bay)
In 19th century Japan, an American journalist (Billy Drago of THE HILLS HAVE EYES) searches for the prostitute he’d loved and left behind years earlier. But on an island where demons and whores rule the night, a deformed courtesan awaits with a tale of extreme cruelty and perverse vengeance. What follows is an unspeakable orgy of torment and depravity, where the lusts of the dammed will inflict wounds that remain forever. This is IMPRINT.
THE FILM
Based on the Japanese horror novel “Bokee Kyotee†(which literally translates, “Really Scaryâ€), Takashi Miike’s highly controversial episode of “Masters of Horror†is finally hitting DVD, totally uncut and uncensored, after it was banned from American cable broadcast due to its graphic content. And trust me, folks, “Imprint†is shocking, brutal, intense, violent, gory, gut wrenching, disturbing and, believe it or not, quite beautiful in that sadistic kind of way. As soon as you begin to watch this episode, when that opening title sequence comes up, nothing will prepare you for what you are about to see. Take a deep breath and do your best to keep your eyes on the screen.
With any truly great horror film, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, aspects to stand out are the visuals. Imprint is no different and it is, visually, an amazingly stunning film. Takashi Miike is one of the best horror filmmakers working today when it comes to turning horrific imagery into stunning pieces of eye candy. If you haven’t seen “Audition†or “Ichi The Killerâ€, then you really need to experience those films to get an understanding of how gifted Miike is with the camera. The man just knows how to make a great looking film. Imprint is just yet another example of that. The angles, the colors, the lighting, everything is top notch in this short flick. Atmosphere rules this “Masters of Horror†episode and makes it head and shoulders above the majority of movies hitting the big screen. Yeah, it’s that good.
On the acting front, we have a really bizarre performance turned in by Billy Drago. It’s a bizarre performance because Drago is a very creepy guy... and believe me, that’s a major compliment to his wonderful acting talents. The way he speaks, alone, is enough to make chills run up your spine. One minute he is calm and determined, the next he loses it and goes completely ballistic. It’s a very effective bit of acting that only adds to the fantastic atmosphere that surrounds his heated emotions. You just don’t know what will happen next.
Then you have the beautiful Youki Kudoh ("Memoirs of a Geisha"), the co-star in this devilish story. Despite her mangled disfigurement, Youki still manages to captivate us with her mysterious and hauntingly gorgeous eyes. Christopher, Billy Drago’s character, even says to her, “I find you very attractive.†Youki’s performance steals the show as she plays both the Beauty and the Beast and does so phenomenally. We witness a horrific transformation in her as she tells the story of her extremely, EXTREMELY horrible life, all the while giving answers to Christopher’s questions. She does a fantastic job of portraying this innocent, shy, seemingly lonely young woman, while all the while hinting, every so slightly, at the evil that is lurking within her. Which leads us into what a lot of you are waiting for: The violence. The brutality. The controversy.
Where, oh where, to begin? Make no mistake, ladies and gentleman; this film is intense, very intense. If you have a weak stomach or are easily offended, you will NOT want to see this movie. There is an extremely brutal torture sequence involving Komomo (Michie), the prostitute that Christopher (Billy Drago) has returned to find. It’s really a scene that will have you peeking through the fingers of the hand that covers your eyes. It’s not for the weak at heart as, held upside down by a rope, pins are driven down deep into the tips of her fingers and parts of her mouth. This episode also features a few sexual innuendos involving incest and children, as well as some gunshots - one in which blasts out some gooey brain matter - to add to the chaos that happens on screen.
The most shocking of all – and the reason why Imprint was not permitted to be shown on cable television – are the images of abortions and aborted fetus’ (which they show) being placed into buckets and then dumped into a nearby creek. It is VERY hard to watch these incredibly disturbing moments that a lot of you, if not most, will find highly offensive. It will really hit a nerve, forcing you to look away for a moment or two to try and regain your composure. It’s very, very unsettling. However, if you are willing to take the journey and get past these horrendous images, you will, in fact, be rewarded with a sensational piece of horror filmmaking.
This movie is not perfect, however. The biggest drawback that this film is faced with is the lack of subtitles. With a film that takes place in 19th century Japan, seeing the Japanese population speaking almost perfect English (some without a hint of an accent) doesn’t quite work. This might be a little bit too much to ask for, but it’s one that could have probably added a little bit more effectiveness and realism to the story. Also, in terms of the actual “creatureâ€, at first, it was pretty mind-blowing and the effects looked incredible. But upon further viewing and more disclosure, the “creatureâ€, itself, looked kind of like a cross between a muppet and that Van Halen burger from “Better Off Deadâ€. It’s still freaky as hell, though.
With that, along with some dialogue that could have used a bit of tuning up, there really aren’t any other noticeable problems that hinder the experience of watching this “MoH†episode. If anything, the biggest problem that people will have with this film is with some of the more shocking moments, which they might deem as being a bit ‘too much’ or ‘too extreme’. Either way you view it, it’s still one of the best – definitely the most savage and horrific – episodes from the first season of “Masters of Horrorâ€.
THE DVD
Much like every other “Masters of Horror†Anchor Bay release before it, Imprint doesn’t skimp on the special features. With over 3 hours of interviews, documentaries, commentaries, trailers and more, “Masters of Horror†goes all out, as does Anchor Bay, to bring you everything you could possibly want to see or know about this episode. Here, now, is exactly what you will find on the DVD:
Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TV’s
I am the Film Director of Love and Freedom: An Interview With Takashi Miike
Imperfect Beauty: The Make-Up and Special Effects of IMPRINT
Imprinting: The Making-Of IMPRINT – Featuring Interviews With Cast and Crew
Audio commentary With Author, Musician, and American Cinematheque Programmer Chris D. and Writer Wyatt Doyle of Newtexture.com
Trailers
Still Gallery
Takashi Miike Bio
DVD-ROM: Screenplay
DVD-ROM: Screensaver
The most interesting of all the special features on this DVD is the “I am The Film Director of Love and Freedom†piece, in which we really get to know Takashi Miike and what he is all about. Talking about how both he and his films are misinterpreted and how he goes about picking the films he wishes to shoot, he also discusses some of his more unique directing styles, which future filmmakers should take notice of. It’s a very interesting interview with the man behind some of the most intense and controversial films in history. After watching this in-depth look at Takashi Miike, you will be unable to deny the fact that he is an extremely talented and devoted filmmaker who deserves a great deal of respect and praise for pushing the boundaries of not just horror films, but films in general.
On the technical end of things, visually, the DVD transfer is pretty solid. There are moments, though, where the film does tend to get a bit grainy. But it’s nothing too serious and shouldn’t impede the viewing experience. Acoustically, Imprint sounds great. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track engulfs you into this world of madness and mayhem, making you feel as though you are apart of this violent tale, which really adds to the terrifying effects of the film. All in all, with nice visuals, great sound and loads of extras, Imprint is a highly recommended DVD pick-up for anyone who is in any way, shape or form a fan of horror.
THE FINAL WORD
Do you like in-your-face violence? Do you enjoy being so repulsed that you have to look away from the screen? Do you get pleasure from being truly terrified? Then Takashi Miike’s Imprint is the film for you. One of the best episodes (if not the best) from “Masters of Horror†season one, it’s a beautifully disturbing 63-minute shock fest that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute, then on the edge of sickness the next. So if you are up to the challenge, this is a definite must-own film that is sure to both entertain and creep the hell out of you. Let’s just hope you have a strong stomach.
For more "Masters of Horror" reviews and other content, check out the newly updated H.B.I. (Horror Brain Index).
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Monday, September 25, 2006 |
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LEFT IN DARKNESS - Review
By: Gorefan
SYNOPSIS (courtesy of Anchor Bay)
Her mother died in childbirth, and she always felt responsible for the tragedy. When her father disappeared, her grandparents raised her. As she got older, her sense of guilt grew deeper. And on the night of her 21st birthday, Celia (Monica Keena of FREDDY VS. JASON) is drugged, raped and dies of an accidental overdose at a wild college frat party. But for some, death is only the beginning.
Trapped in a netherworld between sanctuary and damnation, Celia must now battle the demons – including hordes of horrific Soul Eaters – that prowl the Afterlife. Is the spirit of her recently deceased grandfather (Tim Thomerson of TRANCERS) trying to lure her to an eternity of suffering? Can her guardian angel (David Anders of ALIAS) safely lead her to the other side? And for a young woman caught in limbo, is there any way to go towards the light when your soul is LEFT IN DARKNESS.
THE FILM
It’s always a nice treat when a direct-to-DVD release can surprise you. That feeling of disappointment and regret no longer lingers around the player while the DVD spins within. Left In Darkness is a film that, despite its faults, ultimately entertains and that’s what is most important. So let’s get to it, shall we?
You couldn’t possibly start a review of this film without first mentioning the biggest reason why it's such a success: the absolutely adorable and lovely Monica Keena. She single handily owns this film. Most of us will remember her from “Freddy Vs. Jason†as the heroic heroine, but she ups her game with this performance and it’s a shame that she doesn’t get more work. Whether she is scared, upset, angry or kicking ass, she does so with such elegance and grace that is rarely seen in this kind of film. Without her, this film would have lost its footing and fallen flat on its face. She is that good of an actress and if you don’t believe it, just watch this film.
But let’s not forget about the nice visuals that this film features. There is a very nice atmospheric tone that is pushed to the forefront, one in which we can’t help but be drawn into. Director Steven R. Monroe ("It Waits") does a nice job of establishing his visual flair with the camera, setting up the mood as well as two different worlds with two distinct looks. The first, and livelier, world is full of vibrant colors, while the second, and much more lifeless, world is full of washed colors, flesh hungry Soul Eaters and impending doom lurking around every corner. Regardless of which world we find ourselves lost in, we are guaranteed a good time.
Speaking of those Soul Eaters, now seems like as good a time as any to talk about the monsters that plague this film. With Celia (Monica Keena) dead and trying to figure out the mysteries of the Afterlife, the Soul Eaters are the zombie-like creatures that have been left to remain in limbo, feasting upon the souls of those who have recently passed. If they do not constantly feed, they will end up living out the rest of their Afterlives in Hell. Basically, with some pretty decent make-up effects, they are demons with long fingernails and rotting skin who try to get to whoever has recently died and eat them.
These Soul Eaters produce the most scares as they like to play tricks on Celia, creating a sense of unsuspecting terror where you are never quite sure where or when they will turn up next. There are some nice moments where we get a Although, these scares are very few and far between, having not nearly enough to cause you to run and hide under the covers, which is a shame because it was a missed opportunity to really make this film scary. That’s the biggest problem facing this movie.
The film just isn’t scary. Sure when we have seen films like “The Exorcistâ€, “The Shining†and many, many, many others, things just don’t seem to scare as us as much. But that doesn’t mean that you still shouldn’t try. Left In Darkness has its moments where it has the possibility to deliver on the scares, but either the writing or directing botched it and we were, instead, dealt a scene that is mildly creepy. It also doesn’t help to have a lot of intercutting between Celia’s life in the dangerous Afterlife and sentimental dreamlike sequences involving her friends and family members. Those moments, although still entertaining, really take you out of it for a moment or two. But then they try to hit you with unsuspecting scare right afterwards and it’s something we can see coming a mile away. Honestly, that is the only real problem with this film. Well, that and the writing, which like many direct-to-DVD releases, is full of cheese.
Don’t let that distract you, though. Left In Darkness is still a good, stylish horror treat that, at the very least, is worth a rental. It’s fun, it’s visually captivating and it has yet another wonderful performance from the beautiful Monica Keena. With some of the crap that has been released as of late, this is a film that really shows that good horrors are still being made. That’s something to be hopeful about.
THE DVD
Once again, Anchor Bay delivers the goods and provides us with a pretty well-rounded DVD release. Here’s the lowdown of special features:
Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TV’s
In the Darkness: The Making of LEFT IN DARKNESS
Inside The Trenches: Audio Commentary with Director Steven Monroe and Line Producer John Duffy
My 21st Birthday: The cast and crew share memories of their 21st birthdays
Trailer
It’s all pretty straightforward. If you end up really enjoying this indie flick, you will not be disappointed with the extra features, the best of which is the “In The Darkness†featurette. Featuring some nice behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, this ‘making of’ will give you a nice look into the excitement that went on behind the camera.
The quality of the DVD video is especially nice, really showing off the style of the film with minor pixilation and graininess. The 5.1 Dolby Digital track is also quite nice. It’s nothing really stellar, but done well enough to make your listening experience a great one. Overall, it’s a solid transfer on both ends. Oh, and did I mention that it comes in a nifty glow-in-the-dark DVD slipcase? Well I guess I just did.
THE FINAL WORD
Atmospheric and just pure fun, Left In Darkness is a breath of fresh air, which is great because we have been dealt some steaming piles the last couple of months and it’s nice to finally get the smell of garbage out of my nose. This a film that will keep you entertained and have you revisiting its haunting tale again and again. This is all thanks to the great acting, action and visual style. Left In Darkness will leave you surprised and delighted that you picked up this horror gem.
For more horror movie reviews, check out the newly updated H.B.I. (Horror Brain Index).
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Monday, September 25, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 25, 2006
Trailer: ‘DIARY’
Twitchfilm.net now has up a beautiful trailer for Diary, the latest supernatural thriller from Oxide Pang, one half of the Pang Brothers (“The Eyeâ€). Check it out.
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Aylesworth and Pasquale Take Leads In 'ALIEN VS. PREDATOR 2'
Variety.com is also reporting that Reiko Aylesworth and Steven Pasquale have been cast as the leads in 20th Century Fox's Alien vs. Predator 2, which begins filming next week in Vancouver.
Greg and Colin Strause direct from a script by "Armageddon" writer Shane Salerno. Davis Entertainment's John Davis and Robbie Brenner are producing.
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James Wong Set To Direct WWII Horror Flick 'THE WATCH'
Variety.com is reporting that James Wong has been set to rewrite and direct The Watch, a horror film set during WWII, according to Variety. Matt LeBlanc and John Goldstone are producing through their Fort Hill Prods. shingle.
Film is on a fast track. Story focuses on a team of soldiers sent on a mission that can help end World War II and battle a supernatural force.
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’FEAST’ Scribes To Introduce Us To ‘MIDNIGHT MAN’ and ‘THE NEIGHBOR’
Hollywoodreporter.com reports that Dimension is getting a double shot of horror. The label has picked up Midnight Man, the latest script from Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, the writers behind the company's upcoming splatterfest "Feastâ€.
"Midnight" centers on an ex-con who is in desperate need of money to pay off his ex-wife to prevent her from leaving town with their daughter. When he breaks into the country home of his wealthy employer in an effort to steal a valuable jewel, he realizes that his family has been abducted by a masked killer who has rigged the house with deadly traps.
Separately, the company also acquired “The Neighbor†from the scribes.
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Interview: Ronny Yu Talks ‘FREDDY VS. JASON VS. ASH’?
Comingsoon.net now has up an interview with “Fearless†director Ronny Yu, in which he talks about the possibility of there being a “Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash†flick.
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Friday, September 22, 2006 |
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Exclusive: 'STAGKNIGHT' Becomes Internet Sensation!
Horror Brain received some pretty awesome news this week from our mates working on STAGKNIGHT, the sweet-looking horror comedy from the UK. What's this "awesome" news, you ask? Well, here it is:
We thought you guys would really like to know that as of today "Stagknight" is now the BIGGEST INDEPENDENT FILM ON THE INTERNET and we want to thank you for your help! This celluloid factoid is pretty insane, considering that we didn't shag anyone older, uglier, fatter, balder, smellier or richer than us in order to get it made!
You know that we are a totally independent outfit (unlike most other highly connected and easily bedded "independents") but we are now absolutely f**king huge, even bigger than SAW 3 and JACKASS 2.
We couldn't be happier for STAGKNIGHT. The film looks f**king great and we should be receiving a screener in the very near future, which will result in a review of the film. Hopefully, when that happens, we can give you all a better idea of what exactly it is we have been talking about and promoting for the last few months. This film is going to be something special.
Also, make sure you click HERE to check out the contest that STAGKNIGHT is holding, in which you can win a date with one of the very sexy ladies starring in the film.
We will bring you all the latest info. on STAGKNIGHT as soon as we get it... we promise.
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Friday, September 22, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 22, 2006
Interview: Gunnar Hansen
IGN DVD now has up an interview with the first man to don Leatherface's mask as he talks about DVD details, surviving the series, maintaining modern-day suspense and more.
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Tony Leondis To Helm Animated 'IGOR'
Hollywoodreporter.com is reporting that Tony Leondis has been tapped to direct Exodus Film Group's CG-animated comedy Igor. Production begins early next year.
The feature, which the Weinstein Co. will distribute in North America, follows hunchbacked lab assistant Igor (voiced by Christian Slater) who dreams of becoming a scientist like his devilish boss (John Cleese) and winning a first-place award at the annual Evil Science Fair. Steve Buscemi will voice the role of Igor's smart but grumpy lab rabbit.
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Trailer: ‘MULBERRY STREET’
Twitchfilm.net now has up a trailer for Jim Mickle’s zombie tale, Mulberry Street.
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'HALLOWEEN' Re-Release Gets A Few Surprises
Dreadcentral.com reports that a few weeks back, they were informed that the special feature that would accompany the original Halloween back to the big screen would be a 20-minute segment of fans talking about their love for the series. Well, they were either misinformed or those behind it listened to their cries and changed their minds; either way they win!
They’ve just learned that instead of fans, we’ll be getting interviews with the original stars like PJ Soles, Nancy Loomis, and Charles Cyphers as well as composers Alan Howarth and John Ottman, who will likely be discussing the influence Carpenter’s legendary soundtrack had on their works.
As an extra bonus, they’ve also learned that the new featurette will end with a special message from Halloween "re-imagining" director Rob Zombie that the fans will surely dig.
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Sam Raimi Presents Three Short 'GRUDGE 2' Films
Yahoo! Movies now has up three exclusive short films, presented by Sam Raimi, to get you ready for The Grudge 2, which hits theaters on October 13th. Check ‘em out.
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'THE VISITING' Has Now Become An 'INVASION'
Darkhorizons.com reports that Nicole Kidman & Daniel Craig thriller "The Visiting", a remake of the old "Body Snatchers" story, has changed its name again - this time to The Invasion.
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Thursday, September 21, 2006 |
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Exclusive Review: SIN-JIN SMYTH
By: Poltergeist Writer
Every Halloween at midnight, the Devil simultaneously appears in two places...the high plains of India and a small cemetery in Kansas. So begins writer/director Ethan Dettenmaier's upcoming film, Sin-Jin Smyth, released through his very own Snapkick Production Company. With a veteran ensemble cast, including Korn front man Jonathan Davis as the title character, Sin-Jin Smyth has quickly become one of the most anticipated films of 2007.
The mood and ambience of this film is firmly established in the first few minutes as a platoon of Indian soldiers makes a shocking discovery on the Pakistani/Indian border that is later traced back to the Devil! We're then immediately transported to the Kansas Frontier. While two small children are trick or treating, they run through the gates of an isolated cemetery in the small town of Shin Bone, Kansas. The children are immediately confronted by the graveyard's bizarre caretaker, who warns them on the danger of trespassing in the deserted cemetery.
Sin-Jin Smyth wastes no time defining itself as a serious horror movie. The camp and B-movie feel of most horror films is replaced with an original and intriguing story that pulls you into this movie like gravity. So much suspense is built just from the initial shots of the graveyard. You’ll find yourself immersed, searching through the worn out tombstones and dead trees, looking to see what's waiting in the darkness. The imagery, alone, throughout this film will keep you engrossed.
The story continues as two federal marshals are dispatched to the local sheriffs' office to pick up and escort a mysterious prisoner across state lines. Former WWF superstar Roddy Piper delivers a breakthrough performance as Federal Marshal Trent Polly. His realistic portrayal as the hardened, veteran officer, kicks down the door for him to be taken more seriously for his acting ability. Richard Tyson (Black Hawk Down) stars as the tough as nails, renegade, Federal Marshal, Tyree, who serves as an instructor for the Federal School Of Interrogation. Richard Tyson showcases his acting strength with his dark, intense, and brooding interpretation of this character. In one of the most aggressive scenes in the movie, Marshal Tyree is forcibly interrogating a captured suspect as classical music echoes throughout the room. A perfect example of his demeanor, as it is cross-cut with him instructing new Federal Cadets on how to apply 'pain to get answers'.
While escorting the prisoner, known only as Sin-Jin Smyth, unexpected events lead the marshals to a rundown farmhouse, which is where the movie really begins to take off. The action and suspense is relentless, leaving you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what happens next. At this point, we begin to see the framework of a plan set into motion. Unseen forces have brought these men to this place. The momentum of this film reaches the apex perfectly as marshals Polly and Tyree are confronted with the reality of the situation they have stumbled into. They must also confront each of their pasts. Piper's past -- as a Staff Sgt. and suspect war criminal back from the Middle East -- is an especially interesting one.
If the film has a drawback, it's a very bleak depiction of the future with the United States under martial law, on the brink of an apocalypse (Ethan later disclosed, after the screening, that the sequel takes place during a nuclear winter with the United States in a modern-day civil war) and a cast of wicked characters. Here, conventional script framework is abandoned for a group of bad characters, many of which have heroic moments, but all are ultimately wicked men who are more interested in destruction than 'old school' police values of 'protect and serve'. But even this aspect is revolutionary, in a sense, compared to what Hollywood has been serving to the public. And, in some ways, this makes the film much more interesting.
Sin-Jin Smyth breaks through the horror genre and stands alone because of it's substance and style. With it's dark and graphic imagery, imaginative and creative story, skillful direction, and an all-star Hollywood cast everyone will recognize, Sin-Jin Smyth deserves to be one of the most anticipated films of 2007. See you in hell.
Be sure to check out our exclusive interviews with "Sin-Jin Smyth" writer/director, Ethan Dettenmaier, and one of the stars of the film, John Philbin. Also take a look at and enjoy our huge Sin-Jin Smyth Image Gallery.
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Thursday, September 21, 2006 |
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SIN-JIN SMYTH Image Gallery
1. On the set at the cemetery.
2. On the set at the haunted Cemetery Gates.
3. FROM THE SET of the 'haunted' cemetery gates with 'The Watchman' Camden Toy ("Buffy The Vampire Slayer").
4. More from the 'haunted' cemetery and it's gates w/actor Camden Toy ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer").
5. The trigger happy Marshal Tyree (Richard Tyson of "Kindergarten Cop", "Black Hawk Down") tells the nervous Sheriff Stoops (Charles Cyphers of "Halloween", "Escape From New York") to get a hold of himself.
6. "Time to just put a bullet in ya!"
7. Marshal Trent-Polly (Roddy "They Live" Piper) gets hit by a concussion grenade.
8. THE HANGMAN IS HERE!!!
9. The 'haunted' cemetery set where THE DEVIL appears every Halloween. (1)
10. The 'haunted' cemetery set where THE DEVIL appears every Halloween. (2)
11. The 'haunted' cemetery set where THE DEVIL appears every Halloween. (3)
12. "What's out there?"
13. The Scarecrow
14. Sadie, the station agent (Elieen Dietz of "The Exorcist", "Constantine", "Creepshow 3") gets nervous as the wicked prisoner Smyth is pulled from his cell.
15. Marshal Tyree (Richard Tyson of "Black Hawk Down", "Kindergarten Cop") one of the top instructors at the FEDERAL SCHOOL OF INTERROGATION!
16. Marshall Trent-Polly (Played by Roddy Piper)
17. The rogue SWAT platoon (known as the Wrecking Crew) of Federal Station 66 in the Kansas Badlands...AGENT CABLE SIXX (John Philbin of "Tombstone", "Point Break", "Return Of The Living Dead")...
18. ...and AGENT KINGSBREAKER, the station 'mop up' man (Played by Gary Kasper, "Battle Dome", "Vision Quest", "Buffy The Vampire Slayer").
19. AGENT DAX, master of interrogation, gets ready to hammer out an understanding.
20. THE ENGINE (Jacqueline Moore of the WWF/WWE) loads up.
21. TARGET: THE FARM HOUSE!!
22. ON THE SET: Target the shack! Rogue agents move for cover.
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Thursday, September 21, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 21, 2006
Trailer: An Italian ‘ARMAGEDDON’
Twitchfilm.net now has up a trailer for Armageddon, a new low budget horror flick from Italy that revolves around a series of plagues that trigger a rise in vampirism around the globe. Check it out.
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Presenters & Performers For The ’CHAINSAW AWARDS’ Revealed
Fangoria.com reports that expanding on yesterday’s announcement that “Scream†actor Jamie Kennedy has been tapped to host the first televised fuse FANGORIA CHAINSAW AWARDS (which will take place in Los Angeles on October 15), presenters now slated to appear on the show include Rob Zombie and his actress wife Sheri Moon Zombie, as well as Korn’s Jonathan Davis, rap artist Chingy and rock acts The Used, Slipknot, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes and Cobra Starship.
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Witness The ’RISING’ of Hannibal Lecter This December
Reuters.com reports that after a silence of seven years, author Thomas Harris has written a new book featuring fictional serial killer/cannibal Hannibal Lecter, famously played in films by Anthony Hopkins.
The book, Hannibal Rising, will be in stores on December 5 with a first printing of 1.5 million copies and just in time for the Christmas sales season, Delacorte Press, an imprint of the Bantam Dell Publishing Group, said on Tuesday.
In “Hannibal Risingâ€, readers learn about Lecter's early life in Eastern Europe from age 6 to 20, following the death of his entire family during World War Two.
A film version of the new novel from a screenplay by Harris is expected to be released in February 2007.
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Wednesday, September 20, 2006 |
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Horror Brain News -- September 20, 2006
Multiple Clips From 'THE GRUDGE 2' Now Online
Yahoo! Movies now has up four clips from Columbia Pictures' The Grudge 2, which hits theaters on Friday, October 13th.
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John Hurt Becomes Invovled In The 'OXFORD MURDERS'
ProductionWeekly.com is reporting that John Hurt will take a leading role in Spanish director Álex de la Iglesia’s Oxford Murders, based on an award-winning novel by the Argentinean writer Guillermo Martinez. In the English-language thriller, Hurt will play an Oxford University professor embroiled in the investigation of a series of murders seemingly linked by mathematical symbols. Filming dates in Oxford and London are still under negotiation.
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’TEXAS CHAINSAW’ Exclusive Video
IGN FILMFORCE now has up an exclusive never-before-seen clip from the upcoming prequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. Check it out.
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’I AM LEGEND’ Casting Updates
IESB.net reports that remember the casting news that Johnny Depp had been cast in “I Am Legend� According to their "on-set" source this rumor is pure BS, Depp never signed on and bottom line, he is not in the film.
Meanwhile...
Blackfilm.com reports that Salli Richardson ("Eureka") has been cast as Ginny and Alice Braga (Lower City) as Anna in I Am Legend, directed by Francis Lawrence (“Constantineâ€) and based on the Richard Matheson book. Ginny is the wife of Will Smith's character, Robert Neville.
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Gorgeous New ’PAN’S LABYRINTH’ One Sheet
Latinoreview.com now has up the fourth poster for Guillermo del Toro's beautiful masterpiece Pan’s Labyrinth. Check it out.
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Lionsgate Goes On-Demand With FEARNET
Variety.com reports that Lionsgate has come aboard Fearnet, the horror-themed video-on-demand co-venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Comcast that's set to launch Oct. 31.
Partnership, said to be in the final stages of negotiation, marries the two biggest producers of horror films to the first network dedicated to the genre. Fearnet is the first VOD offering to emerge from Comcast and Sony, created to draw on the thousands of movies and series brought together from the libraries of Columbia Pictures and MGM in the wake of the Sony/MGM merger.
Through the new deal, channel gets a lock on Lionsgate's immense library of scare pics. Lionsgate has been looking for a focused TV partner to help exploit its library of over 1,000 horror titles -- which include recent hits "Saw" and "Hostel" -- since last year.
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