“All Cheerleaders Die” is Gory, Good Horror Fun

Slasher StudiosAll Cheerleaders Die

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All Cheerleaders Die is the new comedy-horror film from indie directors Lucky Mckee and Chris Silverston. The film follows the story of 4 young cheerleaders who are all involved in a fatal car accident. Luckily for the girls, they are brought back to life by their friend Lenna who is a practicing witch. However, the spell has some pretty dangerous side effects as the girls soon learn after feasting on Lenna’s next door neighbor. With this new power within them the girls take a bloody and brutal revenge on the guys who chased them on the night of the car accident which led to their deaths.

Caitlin Stasey and Sianon Smit-Mcphee (both Australian actresses who had previously worked together on the Aussie drama Neighbors) head up the cast and do it pretty damn well for this Indie thriller. The other members of the cast also do a pretty decent job as well. The acting in this film is not the best but from the main five girls It is clear to see they had fun with this film as I felt their performances were very well done (for what they were given). It’s clear to see that the filmmakers were not trying to make the next big horror film they just wanted to make a film which is fun, sexy and bloody gory and this is by far what it is.

With a run time of 1 hour 29 min, this fast paced horror-comedy is by far the most fun I have had in ages with a horror film. Although some of the male actors were a little off with their acting it didn’t take away from the fun. This film had guts pulling off themes of sexuality, coming of age and mixing that with a mean girls vibe this is a total crowd-pleaser. Screening this year (August 2014) at Londons annual Fright Fest the film will make its UK DVD premiere on October 13th “014 with the film already receiving a Netflix and DVD/ Blu-Ray release in the USA and other countries.

This was such a fun movie and although not the best horror film, it did give me some things to think about. Overall the weirdness of the film and the supernatural elements of the film were very engaging and made for an epic film. However, it is safe to say that this will not be for everyone but festival fans and horror fans will be sure to love it!

–Ross Wilcock

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A to Z Horror: “Detention” (2011)

Slasher Studios*Horror

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I watched Detention for the first time (“D” of #AtoZHorror in August) and its safe to say that nothing could’ve prepared me prior watching this movie! I can quote this movie as ‘Scream on steroids’ but I still had a lot of fun with it! Its amazing how it accomplished to be the perfect blend of comedy and horror. Sometimes the movie seems to have no limit and that is what I love about it, the jokes do seem far fatched at some point however. The pop culture references to previous movies in the horror/comedy were priceless and really spot on.

I really felt a strong sense of self awareness in this movie and that worked so good! The cast full of newcomers is amazing. Josh Hutcherson is a really charming and likeable leading man and Shanley Caswell is a revelation! I also really liked the supporting role of Dane Cook! The script might have copy catted a lot from previous efforts in its genre but in my eyes it did a really great thing to make it look original. This movie is just a ride you have to experience for yourself. Some may love it, some may hate it, but I was definitely on the side that loved it! Highly recommend it to all of you, who loves a tongue in cheek, self aware horror/comedy with lots of blood and laughs! Detention is a winner and soooo next level in its doings.

–Ferdi Akkulak

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A to Z Horror: “Cherry Falls” (2000) Review

Slasher Studios*Horror

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I finally watched Cherry Falls for the first time (“C” of #AtoZHorror in August) and I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was everything I wanted it to be, plus more! I have to give props to this movie for keeping it real and not borrow too many things from other slasher movies that came before it. It was trying to pay homage to those movies, and I loved the way they did that.

This movie was the perfect blend of scary frights and witty humor. The cast was pretty good as well. The stand out performance definitely belonged to the late Brittany Murphy who was both a vulnerable and very strong female heroine, definitely one you root for. The rest of the cast was pretty solid too, Jay Mohr, Michael Biehn and Jesse Bradford were good in their roles. The soundtrack is also what really caught me off guard, its both atmospheric and especially hip for its own time. Cherry Falls had some pretty great unexpected twists and turns that came out of nowhere, I really liked that a lot! Its nowhere near as good as Scream but its a great standalone slasher with winks towards previous efforts in the genres. The clever script is what is definitely one of the best things and the pacing is really good along with the blood and awesome deaths and of course one kick-ass final girl!

Its not a Scream clone at all, highly recommend this movie to anyone! You will love the ending too and one hilarious scene towards the end! I see what they tried to accomplish with this movie, and well, it worked! This movie needs no sequels in my opinion…

Follow Ferdi on Instagram for more horror pictures/reviews!

–Ferdi Akkulak

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A to Z Horror: “Body Bags” (1993) Review

Slasher StudiosBody Bags

I watched Body Bags for the first time (“B” of #AtoZHorror in August) and it was pretty good for a first horror anthology film. It is different in every way than watching a regular feature film but that can be fun too. There were 3 segments in total, and here is what I thought of them. “The Gas Station” was easily the best segment, it was fun to watch, had suspense, great story and not to mention: fantastic horror cameos by Wes Craven, David Naughton and Sam Raimi!

“Hair” is downright awful and is in every sense a misplaced segment… It might be cheesy and funny sometimes but it drags on for too long and when something finally happens it is too late. Worst segment of the bunch. Lackluster story too.

Finally “Eye” was really interesting to watch and had a good story and Mark Hamill was great. I liked the blood effects but the ending is a letdown. The introductions of John Carpenter were awesome and he was really amusing and great cameo by Tobe Hooper in the end. This horror anthology has flaws but the positive beats the negative at the end. Worth a watch, recommend it for the legendary cameos alone!

Follow Ferdi on Instagram for more horror pictures/reviews!

–Ferdi Akkulak

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A to Z Horror: “An American Werewolf in London” (1981) Review

Slasher StudiosAmerican Werewolf in London

I finally watched An American Werewolf in London for the first time (“A” of #AtoZHorror in August) and I ended up loving it so much! So many things in this movie worked so well for me! I really like the cast to begin with even though all the actors are pretty unknown to me. I thought David Naughton provided to be a great, charming and likeable leading man. I also really liked Jenny Agutter and Griffin Dunne in this movie!

I have to say, the make-up special effects were tremendously done by Rick Baker, and it was not only during the terrifyingly realistic transformation scene but just every little detail in the rest of the movie. The make-up looked absolutely superb. Definitely deserved the Oscar for Best Make-Up Effects and it started that category so it will go down in history as legendary! I also liked how this movie combined horror/comedy/romance into one film, that really stood out to me. I liked the story, allthough its simple, but fun. The movie is witty, scary, has a moody 80’s soundtrack and boasts some great pair of leads. I really liked John Landis’ direction and this movie just proves that Werewolf movies can be great. Its also pays perfect homage to the elder Wolfman movies. Also love the blood and gore in it and some bizarre sequences! I highly recommend this cult classic from the 80’s!

Follow Ferdi on Instagram for more horror pictures/reviews!

–Ferdi Akkulak

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Slasher Greetings: Two Brand New “Dismembering Christmas” Posters

Slasher Studios*Dismembering Christmas

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The Christmas gifts keep coming here at Slasher Studios! We have two brand new Dismembering Christmas posters to share with you incredible slasher friends. The top poster is a bloody masterpiece was created by Joseph Henson, co-creator of the indie slasher The Night Before Easter and the upcoming Gory Graduation. Love the slasher pride!! The poster below was created by Zach Heltzel. Long live holiday horror. I mean nothing better than some blood red stained snow to get into the Christmas spirit!

Become a backer today and join the slasher party: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1050068098/dismembering-christmas-a-holiday-horror-slasher-fe

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Slasher Studios Exclusive: Brand New “Dismembering Christmas” Poster

Slasher Studios*Dismembering Christmas

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A bloody thank you to the amazing Noah Nicholas Nelson for creating this fantastic Dismembering Christmas poster! Keep the artwork coming slasher friends. We consider these our bloody Christmas presents and we can’t thank you enough!

PLOT
It was supposed to be a holiday vacation they would never forget, not a holiday vacation they would never survive.

When Mark and his friends go up to his fathers new vacation home for Christmas vacation, they were ready for a fun time. Out in the middle of nowhere, the house is cheerfully decorated for Christmas. But an unknown visitor is there, and one by one they are murdered. Its Christmas and not a creature is stirring except the killer in the house…

Become a backer today and support indie slashers: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1050068098/dismembering-christmas-a-holiday-horror-slasher-fe

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“Dismembering Christmas” Unwraps Another Cast Member

Slasher Studios*Dismembering Christmas

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We have a special casting announcement just for you Dismembering Christmas friends. Playing the role of Claire, the sweet and lovable younger sister of Katie, will be Jennifer Lenius. Jennifer has lots of experience in the genre having appeared in the horror flicks Bachelors Grove and Dead Girls. We are thrilled to have her as a part of the Slasher Studios family.

Make sure to become a Dismembering Christmas backer and help us get our winter slasher made!
Dismembering Christmas Kickstarter

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Two Brand New Dismembering Christmas Rewards From The Robinsons & Body Count Horror Zine

Slasher Studios*Dismembering Christmas

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We are thrilled to offer you two brand new Dismembering Christmas backer rewards courtesy of the great guys behind Body Count Horror Zine and the -kick-ass punk-pop group The Robinsons! Thanks guys!!!

Pledge just $1 or more and receive the following:
The Robinsons, a pop-punk band from Nashville, will be releasing a special edition EP as a tribute to Slasher Studios. The songs included will all be related to Slasher Studios films: Don’t Go to the Reunion, Teddy, Popularity Killer, and Blood Brothers. While the EP is scheduled to be available in late-October, all Dismembering Christmas kickstarter backers will be able to download the complete release for free on August 16th. The Robinsons contributed two songs to the soundtrack for Don’t Go to the Reunion.

Pledge $50 or more and receive this following (limit 50):
The Body Count Horror Zine will be producing a special zine edition focused entirely on Dismembering Christmas and Slasher Studios. This issue will include behind-the-scenes pictures and info, interviews with cast and crew, articles, essays, and more.

This is in additional to all the other awesome backer rewards you’ll already receive! Thanks again for the incredible support. Indie slashers would die if it wasn’t for all of you!

Become a backer today!
Dismembering Christmas Kickstarter

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Forgettable Formula: “Killer Movie” (2008) Review

Slasher StudiosKiller Movie

Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries) and Kayley Cuoco (8 Simple Rules, The Big Bang Theory) star in this teen comedy-slasher film about a reality show crew filming an underdog hockey team. It changes into an investigative documentary about this small towns more unusual residents after a young high school student is found dead. Suspicions begin to rise as to whether or not the death was an accident. As the crew continue to film the hockey teams progress through the year, members of the crew begin to vanish unexpectedly. Jake (Wesley) and Blanca (Cuoco) realize that the killings wont stop tell the camera stop rolling.

As a slasher fan and a TV fan I was looking forward to watching this film due mainly for the fact that I have been a fan of Kayley Cuoco since her sitcom 8 Simple Rules and still watch her on The Big Bang Theory. And with the addition of Paul Wesley from The Vampire Diaries I was sure that the film would be at least, and decent is the most you can say for this “teen horror flick”. Now the film is not bad in any way it just lacked something that you would expect from a semi original plot like this one but sadly this is nothing more than your typical should have been made for TV slasher film.

The film premiered at Tribeca Film Festival with a later direct to DVD release in the USA, France and Germany. This may explain the films lack of fans despite the cast. Although it was a mediocre, at best, slasher film I do believe that if the film was made for TV it may have had a better reception. As a Direct to DVD release not only was it limiting the knowledge of the film but the film itself was weak.

There were, however aspects of the film I did enjoy. I very much enjoyed the reality show pieces of the film mixed with the one to one camera talks which many of the characters do throughout the film. As the film went on I found myself becoming more and more interested in the story. The film is pretty slow and I found myself drifting in and out of interest. While the ending is pretty surprising it is still a bit “been there, done that.” If you come across this film in a second hand store for a dollar or two definitely pick it up or if you catch it on Netflix. It might be the perfect rainy day horror film to kick back to.

–Ross Wilcock

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