NYX UK Unveils Thrilling Channel Premieres for May 2024

 

NYX UK, the prime destination for horror aficionados, has unveiled its spine-chilling lineup for May 2024. With an array of premieres and special events, the channel promises a month of thrills, shocks, and celebrations.

The month kicks off on May 2nd at 9 pm with the channel premiere of the psychological horror classic, "WILLARD" (1974). Directed by Daniel Mann and starring Bruce Davison, the film follows a lonely young man who finds solace and companionship among rats, training them to carry out his vengeful desires.

As the month progresses, viewers can look forward to a mix of horror classics and contemporary gems. On May 7th at 9 pm, NYX UK presents the channel premiere of the cult Spanish horror film, "DR JEKYLL AND THE WEREWOLF" (1971).

A highlight of the month is the celebration of the birthdays of four horror icons: Simon Rumley, Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, and Christopher Lee.

On May 22nd at 9 pm, NYX UK presents the channel premiere of Simon Rumley’s "FASHIONISTA" (2016), followed by a special screening of his debut feature, "THE LIVING AND THE DEAD" (2006), and an exclusive interview hosted by FrightFest’s Alan Jones.

The celebration continues with a special birthday tribute to Peter Cushing on May 26th. Viewers can enjoy a diabolical double-bill featuring "DR TERROR’S HOUSE OF HORRORS" (1965) at 9 pm and the channel premiere of "THE LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES" (1974) at 11.15 pm.

On May 27th, NYX UK honors the birthdays of Vincent Price and Christopher Lee with a lineup of classic films. The evening begins with showings of two Vincent Price classics: "RETURN OF THE FLY" (1958) at 5 pm and "SHOCK" (1946) at 7 pm. The celebration culminates with the channel premiere of "HORROR EXPRESS" (1972) starring Christopher Lee at 9 pm.

Throughout the month, FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones will continue, with the genial host introducing and discussing his favorite films.

For the full schedule and listings, visit NYX UK's TV Guide. https://www.nyxtv.co.uk/tv-guide

Don’t miss out on the thrills and chills this May, exclusively on NYX UK!

Freeview 289 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Unveils 25th Anniversary Celebrations at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square

Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, the UK's premier horror genre festival, has announced its 25th-anniversary celebrations with a move to the prestigious ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. Alongside this exciting transition, the festival revealed the stunning poster art by renowned artist Graham Humphreys, promising an unforgettable experience for horror enthusiasts.

Graham Humphreys, the mastermind behind this year's poster, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of the venue change. He drew parallels between the iconic ODEON Luxe Leicester Square and the legendary Art Deco Empire State Building in New York, highlighting the historical and architectural significance of the new location.

"In the 1933 movie 'King Kong,' the giant primate scaled the Empire State Building. It seems a fitting homage to have our own monster scale the Leicester Square landmark... the top of the world for the king of horror festivals," remarked Humphreys, capturing the essence of FrightFest's milestone year.

Co-director Ian Rattray echoed Humphreys' sentiments, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of leaving behind past successes while embracing the fresh opportunities afforded by the new venue. "As we celebrate 25 years, we look forward to welcoming FrightFesters to this exciting new chapter for the UK’s biggest, brightest, and most successful genre event," Rattray affirmed.

Rattray also commended Humphreys for his exceptional artwork, noting the artist's consistent ability to captivate and surprise audiences year after year. Humphreys' poster art has become synonymous with FrightFest, embodying the spirit of the festival with each new creation.

Bill Brock, Event Manager at ODEON Cinemas Group, expressed delight in hosting FrightFest's 25th-anniversary event at the iconic ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. "We share FrightFest’s passion for this genre and are honored to be hosting the event," Brock stated, emphasizing the venue's status as the home of UK premieres and its renowned luxury cinema experience.

The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square from Thursday, August 22, to Monday, August 26, 2024, coinciding with the annual Bank Holiday weekend. Attendees can expect five days filled with thrilling screenings, exclusive premieres, and immersive experiences, solidifying FrightFest's reputation as the UK's largest celebration of genre cinema.

The official lineup of films will be unveiled on Thursday, July 11, promising an eclectic mix of horror, fantasy, and suspense to enthrall audiences and commemorate FrightFest's remarkable journey over the past quarter-century. As horror finds its new home at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, fans eagerly anticipate an unforgettable celebration of the genre's most iconic moments and emerging talents.

www.frightfest.co.uk | FB: /FrightFestreal | Twitter: @frightfest | IG: @frightfestUK

REVIEW: No Way Up (2024 Movie) - Starring Sophie McIntosh, Will Attenborough, Jeremias Amoore, Manuel Pacific, Grace Nettle, Phyllis Logan and Colm Meaney

 

"No Way Up" is a survival thriller from 2024, directed by Claudio Fäh and written by Andy Mayson, presenting a combination of drama, tension, and peril beneath the waves. The story follows a diverse group of characters stranded in the Pacific Ocean after a plane crash, battling not only the elements but also the looming presence of a shark.

The film begins with a gripping scenario: a bird strike forces the plane down, leaving only a handful of survivors struggling for survival in the submerged wreckage. Led by Ava, the daughter of a prominent politician, and her boyfriend Jed, the group must navigate perilous waters while contending with internal strife and the ever-present threat of the shark.

One of the film's strengths lies in its performances, with the cast delivering believable portrayals of individuals pushed to their limits. Sophie McIntosh shines as Ava, conveying both vulnerability and determination in the face of adversity. Will Attenborough and Jeremias Amoore also deliver solid performances as Kyle and Jed, respectively, adding depth to their characters' arcs.

Visually, "No Way Up" surpasses expectations, particularly given its low budget. The underwater sequences are well-executed, immersing viewers in the characters' harrowing struggle for survival. Additionally, the brief runtime of just over an hour and a half ensures tight pacing, maintaining tension throughout.

For fans of the killer shark genre, "No Way Up" offers a thrilling ride reminiscent of B-movie classics. The film doesn't shy away from its genre roots, embracing the absurdity of its premise while delivering the requisite thrills and chills. However, it falls short in fully capitalising on its potential for campy fun, occasionally taking itself too seriously and missing opportunities for humour.

Furthermore, the film isn't without its flaws, with some plot holes and lapses in logic detracting from the overall experience. Certain moments may leave viewers scratching their heads or shouting at the screen in frustration.

In summary, "No Way Up" is a solid addition to the killer shark genre, offering a satisfying blend of suspense and action. While it may not reach the heights of genre classics, it delivers an entertaining experience for audiences seeking a thrilling ride. With decent performances, impressive visuals, and a brisk runtime, it earns a fair score of 7 out of 10.

Out now on digital at
Apple TV - https://apple.co/3Ubudxp
Amazon Prime - https://amzn.to/49ui0t1

REVIEW: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024 Movie) - Starring Mckenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson

 
"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" heralds a delightful return to the iconic franchise, seamlessly blending the familiar with the fresh in a supernatural adventure that lives up to expectations. Directed by Gil Kenan and co-written by Kenan and Jason Reitman, the film stands as a worthy sequel to "Ghostbusters: Afterlife," carrying forward the legacy while introducing novel challenges and characters.

Set two years subsequent to its predecessor's events, the plot commences with a mysterious incident in 1904 that sets the stage for the contemporary chaos. The seasoned Ghostbusters, accompanied by new recruits, find themselves confronting a chilling threat as they endeavour to rescue New York City from the clutches of a deathly-cold deity and his spectral army.

One of the film's notable strengths lies in its finely crafted plot, deftly interweaving elements of mystery, comedy, and supernatural intrigue. The narrative unfolds with a perfect equilibrium of nostalgia for long-standing fans and fresh twists to sustain the story's allure. From the captivating backstory of the enigmatic orb to the unveiling of the ancient demonic god Garraka, every narrative element contributes to the film's overall thrill.

The cast delivers standout performances all-round, with Mckenna Grace particularly shining as Phoebe Spengler. Finn Wolfhard, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, and the ensemble cast each breathe life into their characters with charisma and wit. It's a delight to witness the original Ghostbusters, portrayed by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson, back in action, although some may find themselves wishing for more screen time for Murray's beloved Peter Venkman.

Visually, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" dazzles with its top-tier special effects and CGI. From the spectral entities to the chilling frozen landscapes of New York City, the film immerses viewers in a world where the supernatural feels both eerie and captivating.

Whilst the film effectively pays homage to its predecessors, some viewers may find it slightly reliant on past glories. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film, which offers plenty of thrills and laughter to satisfy both longstanding and new fans alike.

In summary, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" earns a commendable 8.5 out of 10. With its stellar cast, thrilling action, and seamless blend of old and new, the franchise is in good hands, promising an exhilarating future for Ghostbusters enthusiasts.

Out Now in Cinemas.

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3Tsrgb2

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3IW0zqA

REVIEW: Imaginary (2024 Movie) - Starring DeWanda Wise

"Imaginary" presents a spine-chilling exploration of childhood innocence and the lurking horrors of repressed memories. Directed and produced by Jeff Wadlow and brought to life by the genre-defining masterminds at Blumhouse, the film is set against the backdrop of a Louisiana childhood home. It grips viewers with its sinister premise: what if imaginary friends aren't just products of youthful imagination but manifestations of something far more sinister?

DeWanda Wise delivers a compelling performance as Jessica, a woman haunted by the return of an imaginary friend from her past. Pyper Braun shines as Alice, Jessica's stepdaughter, whose innocent games with a seemingly harmless stuffed bear take a sinister turn. Dane DiLiegro breathes life into the enigmatic Chauncey Bear, blurring the lines between childhood whimsy and malevolent force.

As Jessica's memories resurface, fueled by cryptic tales from her elderly neighbor Gloria, portrayed with eerie authenticity by Betty Buckley, the tension escalates. The film expertly weaves together a narrative of family dynamics, psychological terror, and supernatural intrigue, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

One of the film's strengths lies in its pacing and character development. Each twist and turn feels deliberate, drawing viewers deeper into the mystery. The judicious use of jump scares and tension-building music heightens the immersive experience, while the creature designs add an extra layer of dread to the proceedings.

However, "Imaginary" isn't without its flaws. Some plot twists may feel telegraphed to astute viewers, detracting slightly from the overall impact. Yet, even with its occasional predictability, the film manages to deliver a satisfying blend of horror tropes and unexpected revelations.

In summary, "Imaginary" emerges as a solid supernatural horror film that delivers on its promises of creepy toys, possessed protagonists, and demonic apparitions. While it may not break new ground in the genre, its competent execution and effective scares make it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts. With a fair rating of 6.5 out of 10, "Imaginary" offers an engaging journey into the dark recesses of the human psyche, where childhood fears and forgotten memories collide with terrifying consequences.

Out Now on Digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4ao8OaF

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Vs13fs