October Horror Challenge 2015 - Day 1

October has arrived and that means it is time for pumpkin spice lattes, and dusting off my Uggs! I can't even! Really, it means it is time to begin the quest to watch 100 horror movies during the month of October, as is tradition. Let's just jump in to day 1...

We start out dabbling in mediocrity. CHARLIE'S FARM is a 2014 Australian slasher film co-starring notable horror names such as Bill Moseley who is great in this and Kane Hodder who gets to actually act and isn't bad either. We also get to stare at Tara Reid's sagging face as she stumbles through most of the third act like she's drunk. The movie is uber gory and violent but it drags during the first hour and is nothing special when all said and done.

Getting a bit deeper into the river of mediocrity was ALMOST HUMAN. I had no idea about the plot to this one, only that there's a strong divide in opinions about it. I grabbed it for $2 a few months back and stashed it away for the challenge... I loved the opening sequence. It was tense, well acted and legitimately scary. Then it moves into all too familiar splatter slasher territory and while the effects are very well done the movie is pretty much one note and the attempt at taking it back to the extraterrestrial element the opening scene introduced was weak.

The finest movie of the day comes from the fellas at Astron 6 - THE EDITOR. I've been hearing about how great this movie is for months and during those months plenty of people I know and trust have told me I'll love it. Still, I had doubts. I didn't know how I'd react to a tongue in cheek tribute to giallo and Italian horror films. Well, with the obvious love and knowledge of the movies they're paying tribute to, it was easy for me to sit back and enjoy. They nailed it and it was genuinely funny and well made.

Every movie of the day had been especially gory and violent, not something I necessarily intended and it wasn't something I planned on closing out the day with but it just so happened that THE PERFECT HOUSE pretty much relies solely on torture and violence to get a reaction from the audience. I have a strange dilemma with this movie because it is very much a one note torture film, but it's made fairly well at the same time, especially on such a low budget. It isn't a great movie but not awful either. I didn't care for it but I can't bash it too harshly. It's a more recent indie horror film from Wild Eye Releasing that I'm surprised doesn't have a bigger fanbase.

Today's Rundown
Charlie's Farm - 5/10
Almost Human - 5/10
The Editor - 8/10
The Perfect House - 4/10

TURKEY SHOOT (Blu-ray Review) - Severin Films

Australia/1981
Directed By: Brian Trenchard-Smith
Written By: Jon George, Neill D. Hicks
Starring: Steve Railsback, Olivia Hussey, Michael Craig
Color/93 Minutes/Not Rated
Region FREE
Release Date: September 22, 2015

The Film
Freedom is obedience. Obedience is work. Work is life. That quote sums up the totalitarian mindset of the politics that drive TURKEY SHOOT. Citizens who don't comply with the corrupt and oppressive law of the land are detained into behavior rehabilitation camps where they're forced into labor, abused mentally, physically and sexually and tortured before they're able to be released back into society. A group of inmates are chosen to be prey for a group of rich people to hunt on the grounds of the camp which leads to one of the most insane thrill rides ever put to celluloid.

When a film production has to literally toss the first 15 pages of its script due to losing a chunk of its funding it usually spells doom for that movie. TURKEY SHOOT overcame that obstacle. While it may not have had the grand scale director Brian Trenchard-Smith originally envisioned, he rolled with the punches and decided to shift the tone to what he described as a "Lucio Fulci splatter film". I wouldn't argue that with him. The film definitely makes its feelings and points known with social commentary but the reason this movie was a financial success is because it is violent, gory, action packed and just a bit sleazy.

Combining genres such as horror, action and the women in prison genre, TURKEY SHOOT is classic exploitation that all fans need to see. The acting is competent from a script that is a bit campy but not without its message. The direction and photography also get the job done. There's nothing super flashy in the directing or camera work but it's never distractingly bad either.

It's no surprise that TURKEY SHOOT, released as Escape 2000 in the USA, was heavily cut by the Australian censors - Exploding bodies, machetes to skulls, toes being eaten, circus freaks, explosions, male and female nudity, blood and guts rule the film. Audiences may not have gotten all the goods in theaters back in 1981, but Severin Films makes sure we get it all in the glory of HD.

The Audio & Video
Severin Films delivers TURKEY SHOOT on Blu-ray with a beautiful anamorphic widescreen transfer that has a light but natural grain structure giving the disc a very film like feel. Detail is strong in textures and surfaces, from the metal of a crossbow to concrete block torture devices. Colors are warm and natural and skin tones are fleshy without being waxy. There's no signs of excessive digital noise reduction or edge enhancement. The 2.0 English soundtrack isn't flashy or boisterous but it gets the job done nicely with a properly mixed HD presentation that is free of any damage such as popping or crackling and has no issues with background noise.

The Extras
-"The Ozploitation Renaissance" - 26 minute featurette with interviews on the Australian film market during the 70s and 80s
-"Turkey Shoot: Blood & Thunder Memories" 23 minute featurette with interviews of several cast members
-Audio commentary with director Brian Trenchard-Smith
-Interview with director Brian Trenchard-Smith
-"Not Quite Hollywood" extended interviews with: Brian Trenchard-Smith, Antony I. Ginnane, Steve Railsback, Lynda Stoner, Roger Ward, Gus Mercurio, and Bob McCarron - 77 minutes worth of interview footage filmed for the 2008 documentary from Mark Hartley
-Alternate "Escape 2000" title sequence
-Trailer

The Bottom Line
Severin Films is Blu-ray. Blu-ray is TURKEY SHOOT. TURKEY SHOOT is awesome.

TURKEY SHOOT is available HERE

SOME KIND OF HATE (2015)

USA/2015
Directed By: Adam Egypt Mortimer
Written By: Brian DeLeeuw, Adam Egypt Mortimer
Starring: Ronen Rubinstein, Grace Phipps, Sierra McCormick
VOD Release Date: September 18, 2015

Lincoln is sent to a camp after he retaliates against his bullies. The camp is for troubled teens with various issues to work out in a friendly and healthy environment. Shortly after arriving Lincoln's problems find him again as a group of more popular kids heard about his fight and decide they want to test him and see if they can push him to his limit. As stuff gets worse for Lincoln he makes a wish that they were dead and a vengeful spirit with ties to the camp will help his wish come true whether he likes it or not.

I'll start off with this - I think the basic idea of SOME KIND OF HATE could have worked had the writing been better. Bullies and their victims are a hot topic these days and it is no surprise that they've become a popular plot device in movies as well. While a paranormal horror thriller isn't exactly the first place my mind goes when I think of a bully/victim plot device I can see where it would work. Or at least be interesting.

But it doesn't work, and it really isn't interesting. At least not here, as the twist is painfully obvious. Every character in this movie is a horrible cliche. That even includes the kid that sort of looks like a skinhead complete with an iron cross tattoo on his neck but he's friends with a couple of stereotypical black kids. That's one that didn't make sense to me. Moving on, there's the popular girl who can't deal with it and cuts, the death metal fan who is bullied and is basically plucked straight out of the Columbine massacre, a nerdy hacker, and so on. Every character is one note and the adults in charge who are total worthless shitbags of human beings might not even be a full note. They're so sparsely seen that they may as well not even be around. Except for the Yoga instructor to have a lingerie scene with one of the teens because that is totally believable.

At 82 minutes long (and really only about 75 when you take out the end credits) SOME KIND OF HATE should have at least been a quick and easy one despite my feelings towards it but it wasn't. As soon as the ghost enters the scene the movie comes to a screeching halt and takes a small step forward to the finish every few minutes but every step is exactly the same as the one before- Angry ghost picks out a camper, hurts itself to kill the camper, Lincoln finds them and freaks out, repeat.

I'm glad I wasn't a victim of bullying and decided to watch this movie because the caricature that it paints teens with problems as is shitty and would probably make me feel worse about myself. Everybody in this movie gets lumped into some sort of broad stereotype and has to live it out to the fullest. Not only is it shameful, it's also poorly executed plain and simple.

TALES OF HALLOWEEN (2015) - Epic Pictures

USA/2015
Directed By: Various
Written By: Various
In Theaters and on VOD October 16, 2015

Halloween and horror movies go together hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, tricks and treats, lamb and tuna fish. There are endless amounts of horror films that take place during the Halloween season and a few of them really manage to capture the spirit of the holiday from the childlike wonder and imagination the holiday invokes to the Mardi Gras-esque party vibe that adults love. Then there's the scary side to the holiday which TALES OF HALLOWEEN blends together perfectly with the adult and kiddie side of things.

Through its 10 part anthology TALES OF HALLOWEEN is perfect viewing for the season. Whether it's tricks or treats that you're looking for they're both here. Starting with the radio broadcast voice over from Adrienne Barbeau who has an absolutely perfect voice for such a part, to the pop-up storybook styled opening credits which are more stylish and well thought out than any opening credit sequence I've seen in recent memory, the spirit of Halloween is embodied in every second of this movie.

Of course in a movie consisting of so many different stories, which loosely intertwine here, there's going to be some winners and some losers so here's a look at each of the stories.

Sweet Tooth (Dir: Dave Parker) - This short creates a unique original urban legend and makes it fun and gory. Don't forget to leave a little something out for ol' Sweet Tooth after you're done trick or treating! This is one of my top three chapters

The Night Billy Raised Hell (Dir: Darren Lynn Bousman) - Features a lot of full on violence and a great twist. Certainly adheres to the darker side of Halloween.

Trick (Dir: Adam Gierasch) - A gory piece filled with violence as a group of teens take out some adults. The story is weak though and offers little besides the ahem... eye candy.

The Weak And The Wicked (Dir: Paul Solet) - A decent morality tale with a mean spirit. A jarring shift to Go Pro footage and an out of place metal soundtrack hold this one back though.

Grim Grinning Ghost (Dir: Axelle Carolyn) - Perhaps the thickest atmosphere of any chapter as a woman walks home alone late at night and fears a pissed off spirit is following her. Simple and effective.

Ding Dong (Dir: Lucky McKee) - My fears came true that my least favorite chapter would be from Lucky McKee. This was by far the weak point of the film for me as the story of a witch who desperately wants to take a trick-or-treater to be her own child is thin and boring along with below par effects.

This Means War (Dir: John Skipp & Andrew Kasch) - A couple of polar opposite characters carry this one as the new metalhead neighbor's loud and graphic Halloween display is at odds with the traditional decade's old display and things end in a bloody battle for neighborhood supremacy. This one is exciting from the start but is an obvious one note composition. Fun nevertheless.

Friday The 31st (Dir: Mike Mendez) - Another one in my personal top 3. Starting out with a traditional slasher film love letter to Friday the 13th, this one takes a quick turn as our slasher's victim gets some intergalactic powers and battles her attacker. The turn this one takes was unexpected, welcomed and even a bit cute. The classic body count style quickly gets an Evil Dead 2 style energy that can't be faked. Either the filmmakers believe in it or it doesn't work. It works here and I loved it.

Bad Seed (Dir: Neil Marshall) - This short is from the most experienced name in the bunch and features the most recognizable names in the cast. The story of a killer pumpkin could have easily turned into something shitty and awful but instead it is cheesy and wonderful. There's even a bit of a Halloween 3 moment at the end. I want a feature length version of this one! This is the final entry in my top 3 (don't make me choose!)

10 parts and only one real stinker? I'll take a 90% success rate with so many different voices to be heard and stories to be told. I'm writing this with a full week left in September and I have that giddy feeling in my stomach that Halloween lovers get as the leaves turn orange and fall from the trees. The season is upon us and there's one way to get in the mood this year and that is TALES OF HALLOWEEN.

8/10

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND (Blu-ray Review) - Vinegar Syndrome

USA/1985
Directed By: Henri Sala
Written By: George Faget-Benard, Robert Seidman
Starring: Debbie Laster, Dale Midkiff, Debra Hunter
Color/86 Minutes/Not Rated
Region FREE
Release Date: September 22, 2015

The Film
Bonkers. That's the only way to describe this film about a scientist who shares his great invention that  can transform bad personalities with a fellow scientist who is secretly using the invention to turn people into raving bloody thirsty mutant maniacs. It's bonkers.

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is several types of film depending on what part of the film you're watching. It's a science fiction film, an erotic thriller with plenty of softcore porn stylings, there's a crime film in there as well but at its heart it is indeed a horror film. A really bizarre, stupid and frankly pretty shitty horror film. I mean that in the best way.

Filled with goopy and slimy gore and make up effects along with plenty of nudity there's nothing going on here but a big pile campy fun. The acting is quite hammy but particularly bad. All of the actors are dubbed and the dubbing isn't that bad either. The direction and photography are both competent which hold the film together enough to allow for the other qualities to be total cheesefests and still work out.

Oh, and did I mention there's a talking hand puppet. And that his name is George? Yeah, there's a talking hand puppet named George. And a metal ball that flies around and kills people. Are you following? No? Just see the movie. It's so weird and just plain out there that I can't help but love it. I didn't even mention the roller skating, bikers, public sex scenes, theme song... I can keep going on but I don't think I need to. Just enjoy it.

The Audio & Video
Vinegar Syndrome gives NIGHTMARE WEEKEND a beautiful HD transfer for its Blu-ray debut. The transfer has strong detail and nice colors. Dark scenes are a bit heavier on noise than lighter scenes but black levels are inky and deep with no traces of compression or blocking. The English DTSHD Master Audio sounds crisp and clear with no background noise or damage noticable. The mix job is quite well done as well as the soundtrack and dialogue compliment each other nicely.

The Extras
-"Thank God It's Monday" - An interview with special effects creator Dean Gates (23 minutes)
-"Killer Weekend" - Interview with Marc Gottlieb (13 Minutes)
-Alternate R-Rated edits
-Theatrical trailers
-DVD copy of the film

The Bottom Line
Vinegar Syndrome has plucked NIGHTMARE WEEKEND from obscurity, restoring all of the cut footage and release it on an attractive Blu-ray release for us to enjoy. Now all you have to do is enjoy it. Go get it!

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is available HERE

JURASSIC PREY (DVD Review) - Wild Eye Releasing

USA/2015
Directed By: Mark Polonia
Written By: John Oak Dalton
Starring:  Houston Baker, James Carolus, Danielle Donahue
Color/87 Minutes/Not Rated
Release Date: June 23, 2015
Region FREE

The Film
"You played a tattered ass Bigfoot and you think you know about bears!"

If the rest of the film was as great as that line is this would be a cult classic. Even though it will never reach the status of cult classic, JURASSIC PREY does play itself into the hands of drunken entertainment. The story of a prehistoric dinosaur being freed after an explosion in some mines and terrorizing a forest where some bank robbers are hiding out is both stupid and ridiculous in a mildly entertaining way.

The acting is okay, the writing is a ham and cheese sandwich with some laughs scattered throughout and the dinosaur looks to be somewhat poorly rendered stop motion animation with shitty CGI blood effects that are good enough for a chuckle each time it's on screen. Even though the movie is short enough to not overstay its welcome you'll be thankful to see the credits when they start to roll.

I wouldn't put JURASSIC PREY on as the night's only entertainment. I'd save it for the tail end of a night of drinking when you need something that doesn't require your undivided attention or your most stable and sober mindset.

The Audio & Video
Wild Eye Releasing's DVD release of JURASSIC PREY is pretty standard and passing grade material. The 16x9 transfer is relatively sharp and the digital photography is obviously free of any dirt or debris. Meanwhile colors are decent. The English 2.0 audio fares about the same. It gets the job done without being anything to write home about. There's no damage and the levels are mixed adequately.

The Extras
-"Making Of" featurette (7 minutes)
-Audio commentary with the director

The Bottom Line
What can I say, it's worth a drunken watch to laugh at.

JURASSIC PREY is available HERE

MADCOW (DVD Review) - Troma

South Africa/2010
Directed By: Michael Wright, Michael J. Rix
Written By: Michael Wright
Starring: Tanya Van Graan, Greg Viljoen, Andile Mngadi
Color/85 Minutes/Not Rated
Region FREE
Release Date: September 8, 2015

The Film
What do you get when you mix a chainsaw wielding mancow or cowman, copious amounts of superimposed fart and poop sounds, raunchy humor, blood squirting everywhere, tainted meat, zombies and a South African setting? The film that could only be MADCOW.

MADCOW was written and produced with a very obvious Troma state of mind. It's only appropriate that they have picked it up for distribution. Had I not known otherwise I would have thought this was an actual Troma production. It's silly, a bit gross, cheaply made and poorly written. It's also mildly entertaining, but only at times. The film is intentionally stupid to play up that side of the comedy which is what the film really relies on. Make no mistake, MADCOW is a comedy first.

From a quality standpoint there isn't much. The acting is hammy and the effects are shitty. The cow monster design looks like a high school mascot, which I actually thought worked for his look but he by no means looks like an organic creature. MADCOW has some sporadic entertaining moments but for the most part didn't leave me feeling much of a reaction either way and that might be even worse than making me hate your movie.

The Audio & Video
Troma's DVD of MADCOW is a bit wishy-washy with the color palette as it looks decent at times and totally washed out at others. I feel this can more likely be attributed to how the movie was photographed though. The DVD suffers from slight compression issues which doesn't make sense as it isn't a long film and there's not enough special features to really need to squeeze it down. Nevertheless there's slight blocking that is evident throughout. The picture is clean otherwise on the anamorphic widescreen (1.78:1) transfer. The English audio is weak. The mix is poorly done as audio is often muddy and low in the mix and almost totally lost at times with louder effects or soundtrack moments. The track is clean and free of damage of background noise but it's a shitty mix nonetheless.

The Extras
-"Making Of" featurette (11 minutes)
-Trailer
-"Sunny Acres Farms" - Short film by Troma and Peta (2 minutes)
-American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years Of Troma
-Radiation March
-Tromatic trailers

The Bottom Line
Troma by way of South Africa and it turns out to be very similar in both tone and results to many of Troma's actual productions. It has its moments but overall I'm as wishy-washy on this one as the transfer is.

MADCOW is available HERE