On this day in horror history.... June 30th, 1971

On this day in horror history.... sometimes horror actress, Monica Potter is born. Starring in the original 'Saw' and 2009's remake of 'Last House on the Left', Monica may not have a resume bursting with blood and guts.... but we gotta pay respect for the effort. Happy Birthday!

A Terror Time Out Featuring: The Neighbor

A crime drama with redneck comedian as the ultimate antagonist, here's your sign!

my 'classic' thoughts on.... 'Paranormal Entity'

Dragging the depths of my old horror reviews, I thought they might need to see the light of day again. So, I bring you some of Joel's 'Classic' horror reviews....

I've stayed away from the ripoffs of popular films, ever since I saw some of 'Transmorphers'. This appeared to be yet another “mockbuster”, but I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. I mean, how bad could it be? Well, I stand corrected. This movie was actually pretty well done and although it felt a lot like 'Paranormal Activity', it was still it's own film. Not too mention, a pretty good one at that! The story is not the same as it's counterpart. It's a bit more violent and creepy and the acting was way above par for your average straight to video release. The effects were quite well done, what few there were and I honestly got chills at a few scenes. As a lover of horror films, I would recommend that you consider watching this one. It just proves that, despite all the garbage out there, there are some of these types of films that aren't that bad. Some of them are even quite good.

Here's the plot: Footage is found in the attic of a home, where multiple murders had occurred. At the end of the killing spree, only one man survived and he was accused of committing the crime. The videos were eventually put together and 'Paranormal Entity' was the result. Evidence of what had happened.

All in all, I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars. I think it was a nice bookend to the 'Paranormal Activity' franchise and something you might enjoy, if you like the found footage genre. I'm not sure if it's something that I would ever need to see again, but I certainly don't regret watching it. It was good enough, that you would almost believe that this and 'Paranormal Activity' were shot at the same time and just happened to have a similar plot. Give it a watch, you may end up being pleasantly surprised.



If you like this, check out: 'Paranormal Activity', Paranormal Activity 2' and 'The Blair Witch Project'

Aliens in Honor of 70 years since the Roswell Incident: Honorable Mentions

Over the next few weeks we will feature an alien film in honor of the 70 years that have passed since the Roswell Incident. None of them really have much to do with Roswell itself, but that shouldn't matter, alien movies are alien an important sub-genre to horror both then and now. That's why we present them to you randomly chosen, in no specific order, and in no way represents a complete list of horror aliens. If anything it is merely a smidgen of what extra-terrestrial horror has to offer the alien fan. That much said, here is a list of aliens in horror to celebrate 70 years since Roswell!

Honorably Mentioned...

Starship Troopers (1997)

"In the distant future, the Earth is at war with a race of giant alien insects. Little is known about the Bugs except that they are intent on the eradication of all human life. But there was a time before the war... A Mobile Infantry travels to distant alien planets to take the war to the Bugs."

One of the best/worst movies of the 90's that many of us still covet as one of the best/worst things that helped culture our growth and appreciation for the Science Fiction and Horror genre. Though we bugs invaded us first the humans are now the invading force. Enough laughter and horror to go around with plenty of sequels to keep the pain going. At least there was life after the first film for Richards, Meyer, and Harris. Casper Van Dien on the other hand has made a career out of acting badly. Look for more Paul Verhoeven films, he is the best satirical society director you've ever seen.

Bad Taste (1987)

"Gun-toting assassins try to wipe out a group of aliens that wants to use humans in New Zealand for food."

Peter Jackson's humble beginnings started with this ultra low budget, goofily comedic, alien invasion gore-fest. Eventually it would overshadowed by 'Dead Alive', but since those weren't aliens, then this much overlooked fiesta of an alien invasion is the one to check out.

On this day in horror history.... June 28th, 2006

On this day in horror history.... ripped from the pages of Marvel comics and moving it's way to the small screen, 'Blade' the television series made it's debut. I own the complete series on DVD and I have to say, it's a lot of fun. It may not be Wesley Snipes portrayal, but the cast is solid, the action is good and Sticky Fingaz does a nice job in the title role. Sadly, it never made it past season one. The network drove a stake through it's heart, before there was a season 2.

On this day in horror history.... June 27th, 1966

On this day in horror history.... something different happened. As a television show premiered, that mixed a soap opera with vampires. 'Dark Shadows' creeps way onto television. Paving the way for some many other horror based dramas, it lasted for 6 years and 1248 episodes, before finally going off the air. It's continued to be a cult favorite and was recently remade into a film adaptation with Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. Sadly, they didn't seem to get what the original show was about or what made it work.

my thoughts on.... 'The Girl With All the Gifts'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

With horror, sometimes it can feel like there's nothing new under the sun. When you get into certain subgenres, you feel that even more. Then, there's zombies. A particular brand of horror that, when I started watching zombie films in the early 90's, there used to not be much out there to sink your teeth into. Over the years, it's become so over saturated, that new ideas are few and far between. The few diamonds in the ruff, are usually half baked ideas or so low budget that the core idea is lost. There are always exceptions, where the idea may not be new, but the execution is so well done.... that we don't care. (ie: 'Train to Busan') Then there are films that not only take the genre and twist it into a new realm, but succeed in doing it with some substance and bravado. 'The Girl With All the Gifts' is an example of that. This film takes something we've all seen a 100 times before and puts a spin on it, that makes it into something else. It has deep and rich characters, superb actors and a gripping and intelligent story line. It's far from perfect, but it made me remember why I've always loved this genre and the potential for social commentary it has.

The film begins with a military style installation, where some of the last remains of human civilization are working with undead children. While they still hunger for human flesh, they have retained their human intellect and the ability to learn. They're kept in cells, overnight, but during the day they are subjected to a classroom style education and study. Medical professionals monitor what they accomplish in their studies and are working towards using the children for a possible cure. Among all of the subjects, one stands above the rest, Melanie. An intelligent, eager and very well spoken little girl. She appears to be like any other child her age. The only difference is that she is triggered by a hunger and the smell of human flesh. One of her teachers, takes notice of her and fosters her will to be a little girl. Meanwhile, the head scientist overseeing everything, has other plans. During the course of this research, the base is overrun by zombies and a small band of survivors goes on the run, including Melanie. They begin seeking out one of the other outposts, in the hopes of finding safety and the ability to continue their research. As their numbers begin to dwindle, so does their hope. Soon, they realize there is even more at stake then they had ever imagined.

What immediately sets this film apart from all the rest, is the little girl playing Melanie. In her first role, Sennia Nanua, hits the ground running. She creates a very touching and realistic performance, as a child who didn't want to be born into the skin she's in. However, the life she has is the only one she's ever known. During the course of the film, the more she learns, the more she understands her role in this new world. Joining her in the cast is Gemma Arterton, Paddy Considine and Glen Close. All of them came with their 'A' game and ready to play out this script, as though it was up for an Academy Award. You don't see this much in our beloved genre. Horror is typically looked at as nothing more than popcorn fodder. Something to be devoured, but not anything of real substance. But with the dawn of the 'Deathwave' movement and the social acceptance of horror, we're beginning to see this trend more and more. Sadly, Hollywood gets in the way, a lot of the time. Watering down the tale with worn out cliche's and a dumbing down of the narrative. Luckily, that's not the case with 'The Girl With All the Gifts'. What we end up with, is all of the tropes of a good zombie film, and so much more.

This film doesn't break new ground with every aspect of it's story, but with the parts that it does.... it goes for the jugular. I don't know why this garnered such huge buzz before it came out, only to kind of fall by the wayside in the end. Perhaps it's because so many people only saw it as still being a horror film. Unable to look past the bits of blood and gore, to see what's truly going on behind the curtain. In my humble opinion, 'The Girl With All the Gifts' deserves every bit of a 4 out of 5 star review. There's drama, action, zombie fun and a whole hell of a lot of solid acting going on. Glen Close has never been one to be known for 'phoning it in' and this film is no exception. Based on the novel of the same name, by M.R. Carey, there's a lot of new mythos that's added in this tale and some fantastic world building. I don't think this should, could or would need a sequel, but it does leave some unanswered questions. It also ends on a bit of a question mark. However, the entire film seems to come full circle and closes on an interesting up note. At nearly a two hour run time, I almost wish it had been longer or that they had focused on some aspects with more detail. There was such a rich story line that was only touched upon with minor exposition, that it made me hungry for more. In the end, I highly recommend that you see this film. It's not the greatest zombie film I've ever seen, but it's head and shoulders above most of what the genre has to offer these days.... and that's saying a lot.



If you like this, also check out: 'Train to Busan', 'The Battery' and 'Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead'

A Terror Time Out Featuring: Bite

The only thing worse than this woman's scorn is her bite!

my top 12.... 'Friday the 13th' films - The Recap!

Well there you have it! You safely navigated your way through Crystal Lake and came out alive. Jason Voorhees will always remain as one of my favorite horror icons. I'm not sure what it is about him? Whether it's the hockey mask, the fact that he's undead or just that he has a real stick to it-ness that keeps me coming back. Either way, I hope you enjoyed your trip back down memory lane. Do you agree with me? What say you Creeps?

12) Jason Goes To Hell
11) Jason X
10) Friday the 13th (2009)
9) Friday the 13th VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan
8) Friday the 13th part II
7) Friday the 13th: A New Beginning
6) Friday the 13th part VII: The New Blood
5) Friday the 13th park VI: Jason Lives
4) Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
3) Freddy vs Jason
2) Friday the 13th (1980)
1) Friday the 13th part III

Also, until we get a new 'Friday the 13th' film, check out the trailer for 'Never Hike Alone'!

MOTÖRHEAD and Amplified Ale Works Collaborate on Limited Edition Beer Series

Amplified Ale Works is pleased to announce their newest beer collaboration with rock legends MOTÖRHEAD. Born to Lose IPA is a boldly aggressive West Coast-style IPA, befitting of the band's loud, aggressive style. The 6.5% IPA is brewed with Cascade, Simcoe and Citra hops that provide an earthy, resinous aroma with notes of fresh citrus. In an ode to MOTÖRHEAD's British roots, the beer was also brewed with Maris Otter, a premium British malt that brings a sweet balance to the beer's bold bitterness. 

 

The limited edition beer will be sold directly from Amplified's two San Diego locations and will also be available for purchase via the website TheBeerConnect.com for refrigerated shipping throughout California. The can features an original design of band members in a dystopian "Born to Lose" future from LA-based artist Jack Gregory. The follow up beer in the series, Live to Win IPA, will be released later this year. 

On this day in horror history.... June 20th, 1975

On this day in horror history.... the film that made us afraid to go into the water, 'Jaws', is released theatrically. Complete with an enigmatic soundtrack, stellar cast and Steven Spielberg at the helm, 'Jaws' brought a new kind of horror into the mainstream. Still holding up today, as a haute thriller, it created a franchise and countless copycats that could never quite live up to the original.

FRONTIÈRES MARKET AT FANTASIA 2017 ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF PROJECTS

Frontières is thrilled to announce a first wave of projects selected to participate in its international co-production market, taking place July 20-23 at the Fantasia International Film Festival. Notable project helmers include:  the legendary George A. Romero (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, DAWN OF THE DEAD), director/writer Blaine Thurier (LOW SELF-ESTEEM GIRL, indie rock’s THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS), producers Titus Kreyenberg (I AM NOT A WITCH), Caroline Piras (AUX YEUX DES VIVANTS - AMONG THE LIVING), and the team behind I SELL THE DEAD and the live radio drama TALES BEYOND THE PALE, Larry Fessenden & Glenn McQuaid with writer Clay McLeod Chapman (THE BOY); and director-producer team Antonio Tublén and Alexander Brondsted (LFO, ROBIN). The full project line-up will be announced in early June.

Frontières at Fantasia: First Wave Projects

George A. Romero Presents: Road of the Dead (Canada)
Director: Matt Birman
Writers: George A. Romero, Matt Birman,
Producers: George A. Romero (New Romero Productions), Matt Manjourides, Justin Martell (Not the Funeral Home) Matt Birman (Pig Dreams)

High Dive (Germany/UK/Hungary)
Director: Ádám Császi
Writers: Ádám Császi & Iván Szabó
Producers: Titus Kreyenberg (unafilm), Samm Haillay (Third Films) Adrás Muht (Focus fox)

Kicking Blood (Canada)
Director/Writer: Blaine Thurier
Producers: Leonard Farlinger & Jennifer Jonas (New Real Films)

Nameless (France/Belgium)
Director: Yannick Muller
Writers: Yannick Muller & Nicolas Fleureau
Producers: Delphine Crozatier  (Contrebande Productions) & Sylvain Goldberg & Serge de Poucques (Nexus Factory)

A Nightmare Wakes  (USA)
Director/Writer: Nora Unkel
Producers: Devin Shepherd & Nora Unkel (Wild Obscura Films)

Protect Us From Our Hunger (Luxembourg)
Director/Writer: Jacques Molitor
Producers: Gilles Chanial, Caroline Piras (Les Films Fauves)

The Restoration at Grayson Manor (USA)
Director: Glenn McQuaid
Writers: Clay McLeod Chapman (Script), Glenn McQuaid (Story)
Producer: Larry Fessenden (Glass Eye Pix)

Restore Point (Czech Republic)
Director: Robert Hloz
Writer: Tomislav Cecka
Producer: Jan Kallista (Film Kolektiv)

The Stolen Child (Canada)
Director/Writer: Sebastian McKinnon
Producers: Sebastian McKinnon (Five Knights Productions Inc), Victoria Sanchez-Mandryk & Sandy Martinez (Just Believe Productions)

Zoo (Sweden/Denmark)
Director/Writer: Antonio Tublén
Producer: Alexander Brondsted (Pingpong Film)

Industry Registration for Frontières at Fantasia is now open (Early bird deadline: June 12).

This weekend in Cannes, Frontières will also unveil the Frontières Platform at the Marché du Film - Festival de Cannes, a dedicated section of presentations and networking opportunities for the genre community.

FRONTIÈRES is organised by the Fantasia International Film Festival, in partnership with the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes, and is co-funded by the Creative Europe MEDIA programme of the European Union. Frontières 2017 is made possible thanks to our partners: the Netherlands Film Fund, Wallimage, the Nordisk Film & TV Fond, Telefilm Canada and SODEC.

On this day in horror history.... June 19th, 1964

On this day in horror history.... the original late night horror show (among other tales), 'The Twilight Zone' ends its run on television. Featuring some of the most creative and interesting stories on TV, 'The Twilight Zone' set the stage for other shows to come, like 'Tales from the Darkside' and 'Tales from the Crypt'. It was and is still missed. (despite it's eventual reboot)

The 5th edition of Stranger With My Face International Film Festival wrapped up in Tasmania, Australia last May.

Best Short Film for Stranger With My Face 2017  was awarded to The Man Who Caught a Mermaid, written and directed by Kaitlin Tinker (Australia).

The short films judges were Claire D'Este, a Tasmanian-based screenwriter specializing in short films (Knit One, Slashed) and TV writer and creator of the acclaimed series The Kettering Incident, Victoria Madden.

As well as the top prize the judges deemed Slapper (dir Luci Schroeder, Australia) as the runner-up. They also made special mention of the film Mouse (dir: Celine Held and Logan George, USA).

Best Feature Film for Stranger With My Face 2017 was awarded to The Book of Birdie directed by Elizabeth E. Schuch (UK). The feature film award was voted on by the festival committee, who The Book of Birdie “a highly original film, visually rich and with an unusual blend of tragic and comedic elements.”

“Thanks so much for having us at the festival and to these amazing filmmakers and audiences!” said Elizabeth E. Schuch, accepting the award amongst other women directors who were invited to be part of the Attic Lab program within the festival this year. “It's been an inspiring week.”

Also announced was the winner of the Lia Award, an annual award recognizing an influential and/or innovative figure in the field of genre storytelling.

The 2017 Lia goes to this year's guest retrospective filmmaker, Gaylene Preston, for her off-beat contributions with Mr Wrong (1984) and Perfect Strangers (2003). These films, already approaching ‘cult’ status, will undoubtedly grow in reputation as time goes on. Both are examinations of gender-based tropes around romance, love and female identity. Preston uses the form of the thriller to challenge and deconstruct the role of women in society. Entertaining, original and bold, they represent exactly the kind of filmmaking Stranger With My Face  most seeks to celebrate.

The festival also pays tribute to Preston for her ongoing efforts to advance the cause of gender equality in the film industry, and for her support of emerging filmmakers over her long career.

Preston, in turn, paid tribute to Stranger With My Face.

“What an invigorating discussion in the Hobart incubator. Grateful thanks to Briony Kidd and the festival for my Lia Award. She will take her place on the piano reminding me of my wild side.”

Stranger With My Face is named after one of Lois Duncan’s most popular young adult novels, published in 1986. And the character of Lia - the ‘evil twin’ of that story - is the inspiration for this Lia Award. Lia represents the shadow self, the dark and mysterious side of life.

This year's trophies were designed by Bryony Geeves.

On this day in horror history.... June 18th, 1971

On this day in horror history.... rats became the star in this classic horror film, as 'Willad' (1971) was released. A simple tale of a boy and his critters, this movie went on to spawn a hit theme song by Michael Jackson and eventually a remake.

My review of ‘The Survivalist’ By William S. Mayfield

Have you ever seen those movies about the end of the world? Everyone is buff and going around and having adventures even though everyone is dirty they still look hot. Well The Survivalist  shows us that is not the way the end of the world will be. It will be dirty,nasty and defiantly hungry. In the opening we see the survivalist(Martin McCain), as he is only known through the film, in his cabin, tending to his small farm well after the world has gone away. He has flash backs to when others tried to take his food and life. There is not a lot of dialog in this film but there doesn't have to be. He lives alone so there is no need for it. After awhile two female drifters come to his camp, played by Olwen Fouere and Mia Goth, Kathryn and Milja, they have to be very careful around the survivor because after what is said to be at least seven years alone hes not very trusting. This movie is moving on a lot of levels. The emotion of this man as he slowly lets himself open up to these women as there story unfolds. 

During the course of the film problems and dangers present themselves from time to time but in a world like they live in its to be expected. I wanted to compare this to The Road and I can but I feel this goes a little further to show the viewer what the end of the world will be like. From nudity(and there is a bit) to horrors to bleakness The Survivalist is a wonderful terrifying film. Directed by Stephen Fingleton, the film uses lack of sound like other movies use sound effects such as screams and explosions with just as much punch. There was more than one time I found myself leaning closer to the TV during this film. I'm not saying this movie will make you run out and stock up on bullets and beans but you might not laugh so much at those doomsday prepping shows from now on. I give The Survivalist 8 out of 10.

On this day in horror history.... June 17th, 1927

On this day in horror history.... Lucio Fulci, the Italian George A Romero, is born. Although, I've never been a huge fan of the Italian horror films of the 70's, I can appreciate Mr. Fulci's work and love his unauthorized sequel to 'Dawn of the Dead' (1978), 'Zombi 2'. It's a brutal masterpiece of undead cinema that is a cult classic in every since of the word.

my 'classic' thoughts on.... 'Miner's Massacre' aka 'Curse of the Forty-Niner'

Dragging the depths of my old horror reviews, I thought they might need to see the light of day again. So, I bring you some of Joel's 'Classic' horror reviews....

Don't ask me why I even bothered adding this one to my Netflix queue. But for some unknown reason, I did. Perhaps I was hoping for a “good” bad movie? What I got instead, was a “bad” terrible movie. Nothing about this film was worthwhile. Not even Karen Black could save it from itself. It was pure and unadulterated crap, from start to finish.

Once again, I'm not even going to bother with the plot. Well, maybe I will? A miner, who's some what of a satanist, puts a curse on his gold. This way, if anyone takes it, he'll come back from the dead to kill them. Of course, some young people find it and he comes back for his revenge. Did I mention that he puts a pick ax onto his arm, so that he can use it to kill everyone? Well, he does. 1 out of 5 stars and yes, they left it open for a sequel.



If you put this in your queue, you deserve what you get. Instead, watch something similar, but more entertaining: ALL of the 'Leprechaun' films. (minus, 'Leprechaun: Origins')

On this day in horror history.... June 16th, 1938

On this day in horror history.... a man who's genre bending film, put a stamp on horror as a medium that could not only be frightening, but artistic as well. Robert Wiene shuffled off this mortal coil. His film, 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', has stood the test of time and is continually studied for the masterwork that it is.

A Terror Time Out Featuring: The Eyes of My Mother

A serial killer origination film of epic proportions.

On this day in horror history.... June 15th, 1929

On this day in horror history.... the godfather of gore, Herschell Gordon Lewis is born. A man that's contribution to the horror genre is legendary, Herschell ushered in the age of splatter films. Sadly, we lost this legend, but his legacy lives on in his films and the directors who have learned from the master.

my top 12.... 'Friday the 13th' films - number 1

With the upcoming release of the new 'Friday the 13th: The Game', on Xbox One, it's had me thinking a lot about one of my favorite franchises. Granted, it's a bit of a guilty pleasure, Jason has always held a soft spot in my heart among the horror icons. With a new film seemingly in development hell, there is a bright spot with the fan made 'Never Hike Alone', currently in production. However, there's 12 other feature films that have been released since 1980 and I thought it might be fun to rank them, according to which ones I consider to be the best. So here we go, my personal top 12 'Friday the 13th' movies....

Number 1) Friday the 13th Part III

This one will always be my go to movie, in the series. It's the perfect mix of all the things that make 'Friday the 13th' such a great franchise. It's fun, it has great kills, the campers are very full of life (all puns intended) and it just stinks of the 80's. Sadly, I've never actually seen it in 3D, but once again the producers chose to cash in on a popular trend of the time. Let it never be said that 'Friday the 13th' wasn't a trendsetter. I love this movie, in all it's cheesy glory and that's why it will always be my number 1 choice of the 12 films made, to date. 4 out of 5 stars.

My review of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ season 3 episode 3 By William S. Mayfield

For a show that started off so slow and unfortunately disliked by many it has turned around to be real hit in my book. The characters are rich, believable and on par with The Walking Dead. This week we find Madison, Nick and Alison trying to fit in with the doomsday preppers we met last week. Led by Jeremiah Otto and his sons Jake and Troy, this group of survivalist have stocked up and seem to be doing well in the zombie apocalypse. Still not sure who it was that shot down there chopper last week and got a main character killed in what was one of the most wtf moments of TV in years for me. Nicks' girlfriend finally wakes up and does not seem to be turning into the undead any time soon. Meanwhile Strand is having problems of his own. He has been kicked out of the hotel after he was outed for not being a doctor as he claimed and now he runs into a old business partner that may or may not be a friend. I don't know what direction AMC will go with this show but I am loving where they have gone so far. I give this week’s episode a 7 out of 10.