Tag: Horror
Slasher Studios’ First Feature “Don’t Go to the Reunion” Stabs Up First Reviews
As many of you know, we at Slasher Studios have been hard at work this last year on our very first feature, Don’t Go to the Reunion. With a release date just weeks away, we are thrilled to share with you slasher fans some reviews we have received for our slasher. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the positive word of mouth. If you’ve seen it and dug what you saw, make sure to head over to the film’s IMDB page and give it a rating and/or a review if you would be so kind. Here are some of the reviews we have received thus far.
“The work of Goltz and Sommerfield will be a pleasure to watch in the future as their passion radiates in each shot of this film, lending to the sense that everybody was on board to get bloody, have fun and make a memorable, freaky and occasionally hilarious slasher romp. I’m not sure if I’ll go to my 10-year high school reunion next year, but “Don’t Go to the Reunion†is one event that you should definitely not skip!”
“The direction is tight and the script is top notch. Cinematographer Paul Bjorge delivers some highly effective and pretty inventive camera work (cool tracking shots, ace angles, beautiful static shots), the synth-driven score is excellently atmospheric, the kills are all badass and the gore looks simply ace. Oh, and there’s even some nice nudity! *yay*”
“Wow. What a true love letter to the sub genre. The movie is absolutely rife with slasher movie references and fun nods. For example, check out the characters names; how about the bullied kid Scott Rantzen (Slaugher High?) or our lead girl Erica Carpenter (Halloween?) or even fun and spunky Megan Cunningham (Friday 13th?). The hat tipping is just everywhere covering films such as Prom Night, Night School, Madman and many more. I just loved how this film was both a slasher flick in its own bloody right and also a total homage to the films Steve and Kevin adore the most.”
“I loved Don’t Go to the Reunion. It turned out to be everything I hoped for and more, the perfect tribute to 80′s slashers. It has plenty of humor, a good helping of blood, and a great plot and twist ending. There’s been a lot of buzz around Slasher Studios ever since Teddy, and with their first full-length release they prove to deliver exactly what slasher fans want. So if you’re among those of us that are tired of found-footage, haunting movies, and other bland modern horror films, Don’t Go to the Reunion is the breath of fresh air you’re looking for. I can’t wait to see where they go from here.”
“I loved the sense of praise to the slasher genre this film incorporated. The kills, the atmosphere, the writing it all screamed 80s slasher classics like Prom Night, Terror Train, Final Exam, Scream, Madman, Happy Birthday To Me, Iced, Night School, the list just goes on.”
“If you’re sick of remakes, sequels, and overused found footage horror Hollywood is spitting at you, check out this great film that shows the slasher subgenre is still very much alive.”
Thank you to everyone who has submitted a review for the film so far! This movie is for the slasher fans and we are thrilled beyond belief that you guys are loving this!
If you haven’t yet preordered your copy, here’s your chance. DVDs will be shipping at the end of the month and have some awesome exclusive features including a filmmakers commentary and all three of our previous horror shorts.
Horror Movie Posters: “The Haunting” (1960) & (1999)
Fourteen years ago today, “The Haunting” remake opening in theaters everywhere and was a huge box office hit making nearly $200 million worldwide. It stands to date as one of the highest grossing horror remakes of all time although many critics were less than impressed. Today we are looking at the posters from the original classic “The Haunting” and comparing them with the posters from the remake. Which poster do you like the best and do you feel that the remake deserves more respect than it originally received upon release?
Made For TV Horror: “Stephen King’s IT” (1990) Review
We have a brand new Slasher Studios review today from author Jayme K. Check it out below and make sure to like Jayme’s Facebook page and buy a copy of his books. Support indie writing!
Stephen King’s IT premiered on ABC in the fall of 1990 and from that moment onward, many children’s psyches were scarred for life and kids across the country developed a fear of clowns. Some older horror fans may cite Poltergeist as the reason for their coulrophobia, but for my generation–it was all about Pennywise the Clown.
This two-part television movie is probably the most well known and well liked of Stephen King’s adaptations, but 23 years later–does it hold up?
The answer is no. It does not hold up. As a matter of fact, some parts of it are outright laughable. But in 1990, this was scary shit.
Seven childhood friends must reunite and return to their hometown of Derry, Maine to put an end an unstoppable evil force that has begun feeding off of the town’s children for the first time in 30 years.
The television movie, adapted from King’s bestselling novel of the same name, does a pretty decent job of adapting the most fundamental elements of the story but (of course) is completely and utterly watered down in comparison to the book itself. I can’t fault it for not having lepers offering blowjobs, or child gangbangs in the sewer, or a refrigerator full of dead pets (and truthfully, who would want to see any those things?) This was ABC after all–the same network that brought us Family Matters. Considering the budget and content limitations director Tommy Lee Wallace faced, IT is not a bad movie, and certainly not a bad horror movie.
As anyone who has watched the two-parter could tell you, the strongest half is the first 90 minutes. The seven child actors (Jonathan Brandis, Seth Green, Ben Heller, Adam Faraizl, Emily Perkins, Marlon Taylor, and Brandon Crane) really bring their A-game and that’s rare to see in any film. They truly show up the seven adult actors (Richard Thomas, John Ritter, Harry Anderson, Denis Christopher, Annette O’Toole, Richard Masur, and Tim Reid) in every way, shape, and form. The two actors that steal the show, however, are Tim Curry as Pennywise and Jarred Blancard as the local bully, Henry Bowers. Everyone goes on and on about how Tim Curry is flawless in the title role, and don’t get me wrong–he is. He’s the best thing about this movie. But Blancard doesn’t get enough credit for his turn as Henry Bowers. He is perfect in the role and absolutely believable.
The movie has its fair share of flaws–such as its use of the book’s lackluster ending, poor special effects, and timeline inconsistencies. But ultimately I find these things excusable. It’s my belief that a good horror film, over time, does one of two things. It either becomes timelessly frightening or a parody of itself. And IT effectively, and unintentionally, has transcended into parody. That’s not to say that there aren’t creepy moments, or fine examples of acting, but if you watch the movie lightheartedly and go into it knowing that some moments will be…less than impressive…you’ll ultimately find yourself enjoying IT a lot.
–Jayme K.
Slasher Studios Countdown: Top 5 Guilty Pleasure Horror Movies
We all have our guilty pleasures. Movies we know that are terrible and yet we can’t help but fall in love with them. These movies are no good for us and yet we keep coming back for more. Below are our favorite guilty pleasure horror movies. Movies that are bad to the bone but they are never boring and THAT my dear readers is the worst crime a horror movie can commit. Can we all agree on that? Also, what movies makes YOUR guilty pleasure list?
#5 Poltergeist III (1988)
“Poltergeist III” is, by all means, a film that I should hate. It’s a sequel with only two returning characters (Carol Ann and the ever reliable Tangina), it’s PG-13, and it’s supernatural. By all means, this should be on my worst list of horror sequels. Hell, that’s where most other horror fans would put it. But it’s a good film and it’s a film that I will defend until the day I die. To be honest, I just don’t understand the hate for this film. The mirror effects are surprisingly effective and the film attempts to bring closure to the story (even though there are only two returning cast members, it is surprisingly faithful to the original two films). The film is just plain fun from beginning to end and what the film lacks in logic it more than makes up for in inventive special effects. Sadly, this is young Heather O’Rourke’s (Carol Anne) last film as she would pass away shortly after filming would commence. Sure they may say Carol Ann about a hundred times too many but it really just adds to the fun of the film. Have a few drinks and do a toast to Miss O’Rourke, one of the genre’s youngest scream queens that was taken far too soon.
#4 Humongous (1982)
“Humongous†is a fun, homage filled 80′s slasher that rips off a dozen other, better slasher films but still manages to be a lot of fun. Remember the scene at the end of “Friday the 13th Part 2″ where Amy Steel pretends to be Jason’s mother? This film sure does as the exact scene is repeated here to lesser effect. That being said, the kills are fun and characters are a tad bit better developed than most of the other 80′s slashers out there. David Wallace is particular is quite strong as our lead twin Eric. Most of the time in 80′s slasher, guys are given nothing to do but not so here. He almost becomes the film girl by being smart, likable, and even given a chance to emote. Lead Janet Julian possesses similar qualities and has a lot of fun with her “last girl standing†appearance. This is a must watch for fans of the early 80′s slasher genre. I can’t say that everyone is going to enjoy the film as much as I did as the film is quite slow and repetitive at times. Nonetheless, it is one of the better examples from the under-appreciated genre.
#3 Warlock Moon (1974)
“Warlock Moon†isn’t a movie that always plays fair. It tries to combine slasher elements (creepy guys with axes at the spa) and supernatural elements (an old bride who was suppose to be married at the spa but was killed and eaten on her wedding day) to a troubling twist ending that doesn’t quite provide the shock that it should. So why is “Warlock Moon†a masterpiece? This is the kind of movie that would never be made today. It is independent filmmaking at its rawest. This is the sort of film in which the filmmakers and actors wear their hearts on their sleeves. It may be too ambitious but it has a sense of dread, atmosphere, and suspense that is sorely missing from horror today. The cherry on top of the sundae? A hilarious commentary featuring the wonderful Joe Bob Briggs who goes to great detail to tell why witches are misunderstood today as well as why “Warlock Moon†is the worst title for a horror movie ever. It’s a hilarious listen but the movie is well worth checking out as well.
#2 Girlfriend From Hell (1990)
The devil is on the run and being pursued by God’s assistant, a devil chaser named Chaser (played with pitch-perfect comic timing by an underrated Dana Ashbrook). When the devil makes a wrong turn to a high school birthday party, the devil takes over the body of innocent and painfully shy Maggie (wonderfully played by Liane Curtis who displays the perfect amount of tart sweetness to the role). Maggie is on the blind date from..err…hell. The bodies pile up and the fun begins as we have assault rifle nuns, soul stolen during sex, a journey throughout time, and a religious woman holding onto her dead life by a floating cheeto. Seriously. “Girlfriend from Hell†never takes itself too seriously and is never boring. It is actually a lot of fun with a clever script and a breezy pace.
#1 Sorority Girls & the Creature From Hell (1990)
The “plot†surrounds a group of sorority girls who decide to take a trip up to a cabin in the woods accompanied by some boys. To their dismay, there is an escaped convict on the loose as well as the uncle of one of the girls. It’s too bad that Uncle Ray is possessed by an Indian spirit turning him into a monster with a need for human blood. Sound a bit convoluted? It sure is but it is also one of the most entertaining horror movies that I’ve seen in quite a while. This film isn’t for everyone and horror fans looking for less cheese and more thrills should look elsewhere. That said, the lovely Debra Dutch (star of underrated cheese classic Hard to Die) steals the show as our resourceful final girl and the film never takes itself too seriously. That’s more than can be said for most films today.
A Legacy of Exorcism: “The Exorcist” Turns 40
Hard to believe “The Exorcist” is now 40 years old! The movie that shocked audiences around the world and spawned a slew of imitators is just as terrifying as ever. Today, we have our guest correspondent Alex Smith joining us with his take on the movie that changed the face of horror forever.
“The Exorcist at 40”
-Alex Smith
Most horror fans will tell you the same thing: “The Exorcist” is probably the single most important horror film ever released. Some of them might even try to convince you that you’ll be hard pressed to find one that stands up to the scare factor of the classic itself.
Debuting in 1973, “The Exorcist” is still the only movie in the horror genre to have been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. Ever. Add that to the handful of iconic scenes recycled from this movie through the history of the genre and you have a picture that isn’t easy to challenge on the top of the throne of horror.
Historically, films in the horror genre prior to “The Exorcist” had tended to fall on the side of b-film production units and weren’t taken very seriously by general audiences. “Rosemary’s Baby”, released in 1968, began pushing the idea of horror into the public sphere, while tackling issues that were less superficial and solely gore based, but it wasn’t until director and film auteur William Friedkin adapted “The Exorcist” that the genre realized its full potential.
Based on the William Peter Blatty book and adapted to screen by him as well, the film tells the story of a young girl possessed by demons and the attempts of two priests to exorcise her ghosts at the urging of the young girl’s mother. Forcing audiences and critics to rethink the idea of horror was no easy task, but that’s exactly what Friedkin managed to do with “The Exorcist”. Through his splendid use of his cast and their strong performances, the film was nominated for an unheard of 10 Academy Awards.
In addition, the interesting backstory of the making of the “The Exorcist” still makes horror fans shrug and wonder if the film wasn’t cursed from the start of production, which was shrouded in tragedy and mystery on and off the set for the cast and crew.
Max von Sydow’s brother died a week following Max’s arrival in New York for taping scenes as Father Lankester Merrin.
Then one week following the taping of his scenes for the film and just a month before its release, Jack MacGowran, who played Burke Dennings, died of influenza.
Jason Miller’s son was hit by a motorcycle and nearly killed. While filming the scene where she is thrown violently across the room as she approaches her child, Ellen Burstyn suffered a permanent spinal injury after landing on her coccyx. Legend holds that a gaffer on set lost a toe and a carpenter somehow cut off a thumb. With a laundry list of problems like that, it’s no surprise that many horror fans still consider “The Exorcist” a cursed production.
But deeper than the intrigue of the surface level excitement and fear induced by “The Exorcist” are the religious themes that the film really draws its value from. The film elevated horror as a genre not just because of its visual splendor, but because, unlike many horror films before, it actually gave viewers plenty of ideas to think about. How do we relate to religion and the unknown? How do we really live with ideas like the devil and evil infiltrating our world in a tangible way? What does Linda Blair’s portrayal of Regan MacNeil say to us about how we view purity in our society? What would we do to save that purity?
These questions are just the start of what Friedkin begins to propose in “The Exorcist” and why it remains a great film today; we can constantly find something new to pull from the material. While many modern-day horror film fans and critics may argue that the film has lost its edge on a technical level, there is no denying that it still hits home emotionally and intellectually.
Author Bio: Alex Smith is a freelance entertainment blogger for www.directtvdeal.com and a horror film addict. He remains in good health despite the many small heart attacks he has had during his regular film screenings of classic horror films, particularly slasher flicks from the 1970s and 80s.
Slasher Studios Exclusive Clip: “Don’t Go To The Reunion” – Party Ends Early
We just reached our goal for our post production campaign on Indiegogo. Thank you to all the generous backers and amazing slasher fans. We couldn’t have done it without you guys. We promised a brand new Don’t Go to the Reunion clip once we reached our goal and here it is! Hope you guys like it and thank you again for all of the incredible slasher support. We wouldn’t have done it without all of you.
To preorder Don’t Go to the Reunion and receive a limited edition poster:
Don’t Go to the Reunion DVD with Poster Preorder
Slasher Studios Exclusive: “Don’t Go To The Reunion” Teaser Trailer
We are pleased to bring to you the exclusive teaser trailer for our first slasher film, Don’t Go to the Reunion. You slasher fans have been by us every single step of the way and it is an honor to share this trailer with you guys. Hope you enjoy it and definitely let us know what you think of the slasher goodness!
Plot synopsis:
Scott Rantzen (Brady Simenson) is a horror movie loving misfit who is teased by the popular students in school. When a date with the very popular and very beautiful Erica Carpenter (Stephanie Leigh Rose) backfires, he feels as though his life is ruined. Ten years later, the gang reunite for their class reunion. Little do they know that someone is waiting for them and ready to see that they pay for what they did. Is Scott back for revenge and will the old gang survive to tell the tale? It’ll be more gore for Class of 04.
Slasher Studios Exclusive Clip: “Don’t Go to the Reunion” Scott & Sex
Slasher Studios is eager to present to you the another clip from our very first slasher feature, “Don’t Go to the Reunion.†In this clip, Joe (Mike Goltz) and Kimberly (Hayley San Fillippo) discuss the mysterious reunion as Joe as a little more on his mind….
Plot synopsis:
Scott Rantzen (Brady Simenson) is a horror movie loving misfit who is teased by the popular students in school. When a date with the very popular and very beautiful Erica Carpenter (Stephanie Leigh Rose) backfires, he feels as though his life is ruined. Ten years later, the gang reunite for their class reunion. Little do they know that someone is waiting for them and ready to see that they pay for what they did. Is Scott back for revenge and will the old gang survive to tell the tale? It’ll be more gore for Class of 04.
To become a Don’t Go to the Reunion backer:
Don’t Go to the Reunion Indiegogo
Bloody New Exclusive “Don’t Go to the Reunion” Stills
You wanted more stills and your wish is our command. We have for you two brand new, exclusive stills from our very first slasher feature, “Don’t Go to the Reunion.” We hope to have a trailer for you within the next couple of weeks. Until then, enjoy!
Plot Synopsis:
Scott Rantzen (Brady Simenson) is a horror movie loving misfit who is teased by the popular students in school. When a date with the very popular and very beautiful Erica Carpenter (Stephanie Leigh Rose) backfires, he feels as though his life is ruined. Ten years later, the gang reunite for their class reunion. Little do they know that someone is waiting for them and ready to see that they pay for what they did. Is Scott back for revenge and will the old gang survive to tell the tale? It’ll be more gore for Class of 04.
Make sure to like the film on Facebook for all the updates:
Don’t Go to the Reunion Facebook
Poster finalizes will be announced on Saturday!
