On this week’s episode of Slasher Studios Podcast, our hosts Kevin Sommerfield and Steve Goltz will be chatting about the new indie slasher “The Campground” with co-writer-director-actor Roman Jossart, co-writer/co-producer Brandon Prewitt and Director of Photography Chris Smith. It’s going to be a bloody good show so make sure to call in with your questions Thursday night at 10PM central. To listen in live or to check out an archive, simply click on the link below:
More Chuck For the Buck: “Curse of Chucky” Review
What follows is a brief, spoiler free review. If you love Chucky as much as I think you might, don’t like ANYONE give away the twists in the final act.
If ever there was a fan boy horror movie on Chucky, “Curse of Chucky” would be it. With references to all of the previous entries in the franchise, this film is a delight from beginning to end. As “Curse of Chucky” begins, we meet the lonely Nica (played by Fiona Dourif in a wonderfully understated performance) as she is living with her mom in house in the middle of nowhere. Her mother wants to keep her sheltered from the rest of the world as Nica is confined to a wheelchair. One day, the two receive an anonymous package in the mail with a doll inside. The doll is Chucky and he is ready to play. When an unfortunate “accident” causes her mother’s death, Nica’s greedy relatives are back to claim the house and sell it to make a few extra bucks.
After the rest of Nica’s family arrives including her bitchy older sister Barb (nicely played by Danielle Bisutti) with her daughter Alice (Summer H. Howell), it is up to the family to survive the night to keep from becoming Chucky’s latest victims. And victims many do become with a bloodbath that results in a few grisly deaths that had me smiling.
Though the film starts with a slow buildup in the first act that results in two off screen deaths (don’t worry, like I said, the film does get bloody), the film nicely comes together in its second act to become one of the best made for video horror movies of recent years. To go on and tell you what REALLY works about this film would be to give away way too many of the devilish surprises. Let’s just say that fans will cheer in delight as the film hits its final act as there are in jokes, references, and homages to just about anything and everything Chucky has done in the past. The backstory might not be fulfilling to some and there might be some leaps in logic, but this is the rare horror sequel that actually appears to be trying to add something new while being faithful to what came before it. If you are a Chucky fan, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. Also, make sure to stay after the end credits for one treat of a scene that will leave audiences howling. Thanks for returning Chucky, you were missed. Now, let’s see some more Chuck!
Not Quite Horror: “Happiness” (1998)
Not Quite Horror contains reviews of films not traditionally considered horror films. By analyzing them as horror films (identifying the monster, discussing the shared worry for the audience and the main characters, and understanding the depth of horror available to the viewer), who knows? There’s more than one way to watch a movie.
Happiness (1998)
The Monster: Within Bill Maplewood’s (Dylan Baker) troubled mind, a battle rages. His self-destructive loathing is at war with his desire to become a sexual predator. When he offends and is revealed as a criminal, he must answer difficult questions from his son.
In a film with an obscene phone caller, adulterers, and a murderer, Bill Maplewood still manages to make stomachs turn. His slow preparation and obsessive planning before the crime make viewing uncomfortable, to say the least.
The Horror: In spite of his unspeakable awfulness, Bill Maplewood could not be more mundane. At times, Dylan Baker manages to provide charm to a character whose actions make him horribly upsetting. In short, Bill Maplewood could not be more real if he existed.
The Shared Fate: Unfortunately, there are hurtful people in the world who use their averageness to mask their crimes. Few films spend as much time with the abuser as a mundane citizen.
Happiness is a clear reminder we won’t always see bad things before they are connected to our lives. At over two hours of running time, it forces audiences to live with this threat for much longer than they would like.
— I am indebted to Noel Carroll’s The Philosophy of Horror for his ideas on defining horror, as well as John Skipp and Craig Spector’s article “Death’s Rich Pageantry, or Skipp & Spector’s Handy-Dandy Splatterpunk Guide to the Horrors of Non-horror Film†in Cut! Horror Writers on Horror Film for a similar idea.–
–Axel Kohagen
Indie Horror Showcase: “The Diabolical” Review
The Diabolical, the second feature length film by Ryan Callaway, is the newest indie film to try to break out and find an audience. Shot on a small budget in South Jersey, Callaway wore many hats during production just like indie filmmakers often do. As writer, directer, editor, and also a producer on the project, his passion for this movie is evident.
The movie tells the tale of a young girl named Micah. After a series of unfortunate events, Micah loses her family and is taken in by her less than accommodating Uncle Tom. Not before long, poor Micah begins to hears voices and witnesses strange happenings of the paranormal kind. Is there something evil after her or is this all just a young girls imagination?
The acting seemed a bit forced as many lines were monotone and had that scripted feeling, rather than a natural flow. But, as a whole, the production value was very solid for a shoe-string budget passion project. The locations obtained were great, however a little more time with art direction was needed. Cover up the bare bedroom walls with some pictures or posters and you can turn your locations into something totally different and more eye appealing. The story is written and executed fairly well but my one concern is the running time. Only a few minutes short of 2 hours, The Diabolical runs a bit too long for my taste. Cutting a few scenes all together and trimming up a few more to make a tighter cut could really benefit the film. The sound was recorded well and the music did evoke a creepy and uneasy feel that really helped to add the suspense.
The film may have had some issues here and there, but all films do. After all is said and done, Callaway produced what he wanted and in indie filmmaking, that is all that really matters. So, if you are a indie film supporter and don’t mind the extended running time, keep an eye out for The Diabolical.
“V/H/S/2” Crackles With Originality, Dark Humor, and Loads of Gore
When the first V/H/S came out, my expectations were through the roof. I adore horror anthologies and this seemed like the shot of adrenaline that the found footage genre needed. To say that I was disappointed with the film would be putting it mildly. I flat out hated two of the five segments and I put the film down as having the WORST wraparound story ever assembled in an anthology horror. When it wasn’t terrible, it was predictable and trite. Now, less than a year later, we have the rushed found footage sequel “V/H/S 2” (original title being “S-VHS” which is more creative than anything found in the first film). Does the sequel avoid the mistakes of its predecessor or does it belong on a shelf need in a horror fan’s basement away from all humanity?
“Tape 49/frame narrative” Rating: 2 out of 4
In the wraparound, we follow two private investigators as they search through an abandoned house looking for a missing college student. Without giving too much away, I will say that this segment, like the wraparound in the original, is completely pointless because it is predictable from the moment they enter the house exactly what is going to happen. Unless the original, at least the characters here are likable even if they aren’t given much of anything to do. Overall, the weakest segment of the bunch and I’d advise the filmmakers of the next sequel to do away with the wraparound altogether. It feels lazy and just a way to add some minutes to the running time.
“Phase I Clinical Trials” Rating: 2 1/2 out of 4
A man is sitting in a doctor’s office after having had eye surgery. A camera is placed into one of his eye sockets to work as a functioning eye for him while he recovers. He is told by his doctor that everything the “eye” sees will be recorded and monitored for research purposes. Little does he know that he this will not be an experiment that will end well. He begins to see the undead as well as other strange visions at night. He is joined by Clarissa as she explains it all to him about his condition as she knows exactly what he is going through since she had a somewhat similar operation done. A bit predictable as it follows the typical “new body part comes to life” horror cliche but it works thanks to some nifty special effects and an “operation” scene that had me cringing.
“A Ride in the Park” Rating: 3 1/2 out of 4
A biker goes for a ride in the park (hence the title) only to be attacked my blood thirsty zombies who want to eat him for dinner. I’m going to leave the description at that in order to avoid giving away the bloody treats of this segment. Want to see a killer birthday party attacked by zombies with more blood and guts than in just about any zombie movie of the past few years? Dig it! This one is deliciously warped with a twisted sense of humor (I love seeing the zombies try to eat things that are obviously not meant to be tasted). One of the few segments that I honestly wished was a little bit longer. Zombie fans, eat your heart out.
“Safe Haven” Rating: 2 1/2 out of 4
A news crew is sent to investigate and do a piece on a strange Indonesian cult that is ruining their “family” out of an abandoned warehouse. This “family” is unlike any you have ever met and while they are friendly at first, they have a surprise for the head of the news crew as they have special plans for her in the immediate future. Do they plan to use her as an offering or something much, much worse? An interesting segment that is loaded with some creative death sequences and some solid acting by its leads. What prevents it from being a favorite is a running time that is far too long (at 30 minutes at least 5 of those count have been cut) and an ending that made me laugh out loud. No, it is not meant to be funny.
“Slumber Party Alien Abduction” Rating: 4 out of 4
A few months ago, I picked Detention as my favorite film of 2012. I had many readers write in calling me a “moron” or a “stupid asshole” for picking such “mindless trash” (their words, not mine) as my favorite film of the year. A dozen watches later and that film still puts a smile on my face for its sheer audaciousness and originality. Much like “Detention,” “Slumber Party Alien Abduction” plays as a big FU to the conventions of the horror genre. A group of kids are having a sleepaway when some weird things begin to happen through the camera on their dog. No, I am not making that up and I am also not making up how much damn fun I had with this segment. Creative effects and lighting go a long way here and while the ending seems a bit too mean spirited, it definitely didn’t wreck my enjoyment of this slumber party.
Overall, “VHS 2” is a much better all around experience than “VHS” was. The characters are more likable, the stories are better paced, and the concepts and ideas are stronger with some creative execution. Not all segments will hit home with all viewers but you gotta appreciate the effort. I’m ready for VHS 3!
To order VHS 2 on Demand:
V/H/S 2 (Watch Now Before It’s In Theaters)
Slasher Studios Visits “Crystal Lake Memories”
Attention Jason fans! On this weeks show, Kevin Sommerfield and Steve Goltz will be reviewing the 7 hour horror documentary Crystal Lake Memories, all about the Friday the 13th series. Airing at 2:30am, we are watching all 7 hours tonight before the show. Click on the link below so listen in live if you are still up or check out an archive of the show later.
“Don’t Go to the Reunion” Slashes Up UK Theatrical Premiere Date
We are proud to announce the official theatrical premiere for Don’t Go To The Reunion in the UK. It is a one night event only and will be part of a double feature with the original classic Halloween. The event will start at 11pm and will end roughly at 1:45 am.
Saturday the 16th November 2013
At the Grosvenor Cinema in Glasgow, Scotland UK.
Don’t Go To The Reunion 11:00pm – 12:10 am
Halloween (remastered 35th anniversary print) 12:15 – 1:45 am
More details such as ticket booking will be updated as soon as they are announced. A HUGE thank you to Ross Wilcock for arranging this!
Not Quite Horror: “Super” (2010)
Not Quite Horror contains reviews of films not traditionally considered horror films. By analyzing them as horror films (identifying the monster, discussing the shared worry for the audience and the main characters, and understanding the depth of horror available to the viewer), who knows? There’s more than one way to watch a movie.
Super (2010)
The Monster: The Crimson Bolt, aka Frank Darbo (Rainn Wilson) and his trusty sidekick Boltie, aka Libby (Ellen Page).
Frank is an average guy with a big heart, but when his wife Sarah (Liv Tyler) gets back into drugs with local criminal Jacques (Kevin Bacon), he can’t stand the unfairness of life any longer. Encouraged by a vision from God, he grabs a costume and a wrench and heads out to smash away until the world is fair.
Along the way, he meets Libby. Libby seems average, too. But when she puts on a costume and has a reason to release her rage, she cannot be contained.
The Horror: Writer/director James Gunn is a veteran of low-budget Troma films, and he uses their grit and awkwardness to keep Super from becoming glossy. When wrenches smash foreheads, there is no ballet of athletic violence. There is only brute force and bloody results.
By the end of the film, Super infuses heroism with horror and tragedy in a way that Kick-Ass never really achieved. Put another way, it reminds viewers you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. Then it coats in the screen in yolk and shells.
The Shared Fate: Superheroes, like vampires, get to fulfill fantasies without consequence. Or at least they have until recently, when films like Super are able to bring a horrible gravity to the actions of people in tights.
Watch this movie with your brain on, and you’ll realize vigilantism leads to massacres and guilty consciences. Frank finds a way to hold himself together, but how many others could?
— I am indebted to Noel Carroll’s The Philosophy of Horror for his ideas on defining horror, as well as John Skipp and Craig Spector’s article “Death’s Rich Pageantry, or Skipp & Spector’s Handy-Dandy Splatterpunk Guide to the Horrors of Non-horror Film†in Cut! Horror Writers on Horror Film for a similar idea.–
–Axel Kohagen
