Interview with Dice Rollen - By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in horror films?

Oddly enough I didn’t truly get into horror until two years into doing YouTube, so about 2016. There were hints throughout my life that I would develop a tremendous love for the genre though. I’ve always adored Halloween, the season, and the classic Universal monsters. 

The first horror movie that I remember seeing, that burned itself into my brain, was Gremlins (1984) and before that, I had gone to Universal Studios in California when I was 4 years old. The Amity Island portion of the tram ride gave me both a phobia of great white sharks and animatronics as well as a fascination with scary things.

If you met me as a child it would be a stark contrast when it comes to horror. If anything looked even remotely scary in a movie I would cover my eyes. Now it’s pretty hard to scare me.


How did you get involved in reviewing fantasy/horror?

It was about the same time that I really started to pay attention to horror movies through my YouTube channel. I had asked on a YouTube advice forum for ways that I could improve my content and someone there pointed out that I seemed to like horror so I should focus on that. So reviewing horror and fantasy started with The Chronicles of Prydain and The Black Cauldron (1985). Since then I’ve crossed 100 horror movies that I’ve reviewed.


Tell us about your podcast.

Brain Mucus was a pretty basic idea initially. I had met a lot of creative and inspiring people at the point where I was considering starting the podcast. But I wanted to do something different from other horror-based podcasts. The idea for the series The Horror of Mental Health came about when I became more aware of the link between mental health and horror movies. Horror movies can be comforting, cathartic, and like coping mechanisms for many people. Exploring how different films could be seen through people’s eyes is fascinating to me.

I finally created Brain Mucus, and subsequently, The Horror of Mental Health, when a documentary that was supposed to cover the very same subject fell through. I figured that was the time to move ahead with my podcast.

The idea is to bring a guest or guests on each episode with a horror movie of their choosing to discuss it and how mental health is woven into the story and characters. The goal is to destigmatize mental illnesses and hopefully help listeners through the filter of these horror movies. It also gives my guests a chance to share their experiences and be vulnerable.

How would you classify the genre you review?

Horror is such a wide umbrella and I have a lot of fun reviewing the fringes of it and everything in between. I’m not terribly picky about what I’ll cover as long as it has elements of horror. The fun of it is that horror, much like comedy, is extremely subjective.

I classify horror as anything and everything from a deeply unsettling, thought-provoking A24 film to a cheesy, 80s, man-in-a-bad-monster-suit film.


Why do you think horror and fantasy books remain so popular?

Just like with movies, books are a fantastic way to escape and explore. Through them, you’re able to experience things you may not otherwise. Or wouldn’t want to, but you have that filter of seeing through a character’s eyes. Many of the horror and fantasy movie fans that I know are also avid readers and that love of reading typically starts during childhood with books like Goosebumps or Stephen King.

There are also a plethora of options for consuming books now, like audiobooks and digital readers that make it accessible even if you’re busy.

What inspires the movies you to pick certain movies? (I was very impressed that you picked In the Company of Wolves and The Hunger).

Thank you! I’m happy to cover movies like that. I don’t have a strict set of requirements for a horror movie to be covered. I do like to shine a light on underappreciated or forgotten films. Anything that I can have fun with, dissect, and/or grabs my attention. All I really require from a movie is for it to allow me to put my creative and comedic spin on it.

The hardest movies to cover are the ones that I can’t do much with, I can’t make jokes about it or it’s just not interesting to me. The easiest, no matter how bad they are, are the ones that inspire so many jokes and creativity that I have to write quickly so I don’t forget anything. If I can write a script in one sitting that’s when I know it will make for great content.

What do you think the main differences between American horror and British horror are?

From what I’ve noticed thus far in my exploration, I need to delve more into British horror, is that it isn’t afraid to be dark and gothic. There are castles and curses and classic stories. In America, people love their masked killers and shock rather than the building of tension. There are exceptions, of course. More often than not American horror will provide a happier ending. British horror doesn’t shy away from a somber ending.


What are your favorite horror books?

I’m a sucker for books that cover the history and behind-the-scenes events of horror movies, like Shock Value by Jason Zinoman and The Horror of It All by Adam Rockoff. I’m endlessly intrigued by information like that.

I also collect Stephen King novels and Goosebumps books. My mom is a King fan and I missed out on R.L. Stine as a kid so I’m making up for it.


What are some of your favorite horror movies?

My friends and viewers are probably sick of me talking about these movies, but my absolute favorites are Phantom of the Paradise (1974) and The Frighteners (1996). Followed by The Wolf Man (1941), Evil Dead II (1987), and Re-Animator (1985).

These are the movies that pushed me towards the genre and showed me how fun it can be.


What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a podcaster/movie reviewer?

There are a few that I’m rather proud of. Reaching 1K subscribers has been a dream of mine since I started my channel and to keep growing past that has been tremendously exciting. This has also allowed me to monetize my channel thus making reviewing movies a legitimate career for me. I’ve been present on YouTube for over 10 years and that’s not something I could even conceive when I decided to start being a content creator. Getting the chance to interview and collaborate with so many talented creators. Receiving messages from people telling me that I made them smile when they were having a bad day is something I can’t properly express in words.


Do you have any advice for new writers and podcasters?

Don’t be afraid to be bad at it when you start out. The important thing is to create something and keep learning as you move forward. Listen to constructive feedback, ask other writers or podcasters for advice, and ignore the haters. Building a supportive circle of friends that you can bounce ideas off of helps a lot.


What is your opinion of the new self-publishing trend?

I think it’s a great opportunity for writers to be able to get their work out there when they otherwise wouldn’t have that chance. With self-publishing being so readily available it allows practically anyone to reach their dream of being an author without receiving dozens of rejections. There’s more creative freedom to be had from what I’ve heard.

Self-publishing is a method I’ve considered for when I’m ready to publish my own novels.


What are your current projects?

I’m always working on something. My primary projects are growing my Brain Mucus podcast with The Horror of Mental Health series and different review-based episodes sprinkled in, covering more horror movies on my channel, and a couple of ideas for documentaries that I’m hoping to make a reality in the near future. One would cover the history of a specific kind of horror category and the other would be covering a real asylum that I grew up not too far away from. These would definitely be a longer and more in-depth format of content than I’m used to, but I’m excited about them.


Please in your own words, write a paragraph about yourself & your work.

First and foremost, I’m a complete geek. The persona that you see in my videos or hear on my podcast is me. I’m just as sarcastic, off the wall, and goofy as I seem on the screen.

I’m an extremely passionate person who loves to share things that I enjoy or find interesting with others. I’ve been told that I have a unique way of viewing horror and presenting it in my content. I’ve said many times before that as long as I get to create something, I’m happy. And if I can make one person laugh per day then I’ve done my job as a content creator.

I love interacting with fellow creators and viewers and exploring this genre as much as I possibly can.

Links: 

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/dicerollen
Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5KpQdD0mrOtc6K2NbIt7mi
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/dicerollen
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dice_rollen/

COMPETITION: Win Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker Blu-ray

Severin Films cooks up a brand new special edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray release of notorious nasty ‘Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker’ for the UK on 13 May 2024.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and a copy on standard Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis

One of the notorious 1980s video nasties Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker has been lauded as ‘Brilliantly insane’ (Cool Ass Cinema) and a ‘horror gem, well-crafted, ripe for analysis… should not go overlooked (Bloody Disgusting) and now, thanks to Severin Films, you can witness the film like never before. The company announces a brand-new Special Edition Dual 4K UHD and Blu-ray is set for its UK release on 13 May 2024.

In a surprising change of direction, William Asher – veteran of gentle TV delights such as I Love Lucy and Bewitched – directed one of the most joltingly brutal, psychosexual shockers of the ‘80s, the eye-poppingly violent and demented Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker, which can now be experienced for the first time ever in UHD.

This controversial horror stars character actor Susan Tyrrell (Fat City, Cry-Baby) in ‘a show-stealing performance’ (Bloody Disgusting), as the insanely brilliant lead Cheryl Roberts, who will stop at nothing to ensure her nephew, high-school student Billy Lynch (Jimmy McNichol – Smoky Bites the Dust, California Cowboys), never returns to his parents’ home.

Following a devastating car ‘accident’, Billy is forced to live with his strangely overprotective psychotic aunt, who soon becomes implicated in a grisly murder that sees a police investigation led by an equally unhinged police detective (Bo Svenson – Inglorious Basterds, Kill Bill: Vol. 2). Seven times Emmy® nominee Julia Duffy (Palm Royale, Scream Queens, Newhart) and Bill Paxton (Aliens, Apollo 13, Twister), in one of his first film roles, also star in this ‘jaw-dropping hunk of genre insanity’ (Pop Culture Beast). 

The former DPP 39 Video Nasty – also known as Night Warning – is now scanned in 4K from the negative with hours of new Special Features including new audio commentaries and is presented in a stunning new slip case.

Meet the Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker as Severin Films bakes up this this must-own physical release.

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3JOt0qM

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 20-05-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

Interview with Stephanie Rosengrant of The Haunted Horrorstorian Podcast - By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in ghost stories?

I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. By the time I was in high school, I was on a first-name basis with my school and local librarians (as you may have gathered, I was also kind of a dork).

I read every fiction, sci-fi, and fantasy book the library had to offer. As I started running out of fiction books at my small school library, I gravitated towards authors like Dean Koontz and Stephen King, and from there, it snowballed into who I am today.

How did you get involved in fantasy/horror? 

I’ve always enjoyed reading and watching fantasy and horror, so it seemed natural to try writing my own stories. I started writing just for myself, as a creative outlet. Then, my husband (aka Producer Joe) encouraged me to start telling them as a podcast.

I liked the idea of doing a narration-style podcast, where I controlled the stories I told, but I knew it couldn’t be all original work; I just didn’t write fast enough!

Right now, the only way to hear these stories is on my podcast, The Haunted Horrorstorian. However, in time, I hope to publish these stories, specifically the Naomi story, which is still in production and should come out later this year.

Tell us about your first podcast. 

The Haunted Horrorstorian is my first podcast! It started as a way for me to express my creativity. I do all voice work myself and tell a variety of spooky stories. Some are my personal writings and others I’ve cultivated from various sources, including public works by authors like Poe and Dickens and friends I’ve made in the creative writing space. All of my stories include links or credit to the authors.

We came up with the word Horrorstorian ourselves. We wanted to convey the vibe of an old, haunted library, and the word librarian just didn’t seem to fit. The word historian was close but didn’t capture the spooky elements enough. Thus, Horror-storian was born, then Horrorstorian.

How would you classify the stories you write? 

Spooky and spine-tingling! My stories tend to focus on a less is more mentality. I don't use gore because I am not a huge fan of over-the-top gore. I prefer psychological and supernatural scares; it's what I lean towards in my books and movies and what I tend to write.

I also like to keep it pretty PG. I loved stories like Goosebumps when I was younger, and I want this show to be a good starting point for younger listeners to be able to get spooked without hearing R-rated language and violence.

Why do you think horror and fantasy books remain so popular? 

I believe everyone can see a piece of themselves in the heroes or antiheroes of horror and fantasy. These genres also provide an escape from the mundane, and allow us to fully immerse ourselves in another world. What would we do, how would we survive? They make us think, plan, and dream.

What inspires your stories? 

Most of my stories start out with a small piece of the real world. I often lay in bed at night imagining, ‘What if this happened when that happened?’ For example, the story I’m currently working on, Naomi (part one currently available in my podcast) is based on an adventure my best friend and I had together several years ago, where we explored an old abandoned building.

Of course, the scariest thing that happened while we were there was that the floor was rotting, and I nearly fell through the kitchen into the basement, but hey, that’s why it's fiction, right?

What do you think the difference between American horror and British horror is? 

From a movie perspective, I have found that British horror tends to focus more on the storyline, on the people, and the place. In contrast, many American horror movies tend to jump from one big cinematic moment to the next, trying to get the most jumps and the biggest reaction. Sometimes, this works, but it often sacrifices the story to get to the scare.

What are your favorite horror books? 

Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House is a personal favorite. I’ve also enjoyed Stephen King’s works and Dean Koontz's since I was a teen. I would be remiss not to mention Poe, as he’s been my favorite poet since childhood.

And, of course, you can’t forget the Goosebumps books! I still have quite a collection of them on my shelves, and I’ve been known to go back and reread them when I need something light.

What are some of your favorite horror movies? 

There are so many! Hell House LLC, Insidious, Psycho, Scream, You’re Next, The Ritual, and The Descent, just to name a few. I don’t think I’ve ever met a supernatural horror film I don’t like.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a podcaster? 

Before we started The Haunted Horrorstorian, my producer (also known as Producer Joe) and I tried a different type of interview-style horror show, and we had a virtual sit-down with Andrea Perron.

She was amazing to chat with and really told us a lot about the actual history of her family and the hauntings they were plagued by. I always think it's fascinating to get to the truth behind the story.

Do you have any advice for new writers? 

There is no wrong way to write. Not every day will result in you writing a hundred pages, but something is always better than nothing. Make an outline, then build out from there. Attend workshops and ask others for their opinions, but don’t take every critique to heart; reading is subjective.

What is your opinion of the self-publishing trend? 

Self-publishing tremendously lowers the barrier of entry for aspiring authors. However, you have to commit to getting yourself out there and ensuring your work is ready for publishing. This can be risky if you’re not entirely confident in your editing skills! Be sure to have a team you trust.

What are your current projects? 

Right now, I’m working on more short stories for the podcast and a longer-form written version of the Naomi story. Producer Joe and I are also working on a different podcast, where we will discuss procedurals and true crime shows!

Please, in your own words, write a paragraph about yourself and your work. 

First and foremost, I’m a nerd. I like words, and I like movies. When I’m not working on my writing and podcasting, I’m probably playing a game or watching a movie with Producer Joe and our three cats. In my free time, I also enjoy crocheting.

As for my podcast, it really came about as another way to express creativity. I’ve always enjoyed telling stories, and I thought it would be fun to put some out there for others to hear. I would love to be a voice actor or read audiobooks!

You can find me on Facebook at Haunted Horrorstorian.

Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify

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

   

Thrills, Kills, and The Blob: LEGEND's April Film Lineup

 

As spring unfolds, the airwaves are set to sizzle with a riveting lineup of cinematic treats courtesy of TV channel LEGEND. This April, buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through action-packed thrillers, spine-chilling horrors, and cult classics as LEGEND unveils eleven channel premieres, promising an electrifying viewing experience for movie aficionados.

Leading the charge are the UK TV premieres of two adrenaline-fueled action flicks featuring the indomitable Bruce Willis. First up is "HARD KILL" (2020), where Willis stars as billionaire tech CEO Donovan Chalmers, who enlists a team of mercenaries to safeguard a piece of world-threatening technology. The stakes escalate when Chalmers' daughter is snatched by a ruthless terrorist group, setting the stage for a high-octane showdown.

Following hot on its heels is "AMERICAN SIEGE" (2021), which sees Willis donning the sheriff's hat as Ben Watts, a small-town lawman thrust into a desperate race against time to thwart a gang of thieves holding a wealthy doctor hostage. With tension simmering and action aplenty, Willis delivers a masterclass in gritty heroism.

But the adrenaline rush doesn't stop there. LEGEND is set to transport viewers into the heart of the action with a diverse array of premieres. From the dystopian dystopia of "DEATH RACE 2000" (1975), where contestants vie for victory by mowing down pedestrians in a brutal cross-country race, to the gritty crime drama of "VILLAIN" (2020), starring Craig Fairbrass as a former convict drawn back into the criminal underworld, the lineup promises edge-of-your-seat thrills at every turn.

For those with a taste for the supernatural, LEGEND has unearthed some spine-tingling gems. Sink your teeth into "THE SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA" (1973), the eighth installment in Hammer's Dracula series, featuring the iconic Christopher Lee in his final outing as the legendary vampire. Or why not delve into the surreal horrors of "BEWARE! THE BLOB" (1972), a quirky sequel to the cult classic creature feature that sees the titular gelatinous menace wreaking havoc once more?

And let's not forget the timeless classics making their LEGEND debut. Alan J. Pakula's "THE DEVIL’S OWN" (1996), starring Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt, offers a gripping tale of loyalty and betrayal set against the backdrop of Irish-American gang warfare. Meanwhile, "A REASON TO LIVE, A REASON TO DIE" (1972), a spaghetti Western starring Telly Savalas and James Coburn, serves up a hearty dose of frontier justice as a disgraced army officer seeks redemption on the battlefield.

Rounding out the lineup is the critically acclaimed "BUTTERFLY ON A WHEEL" (2007), a tense psychological thriller starring Pierce Brosnan and Gerard Butler, which explores the lengths one man will go to save his family from a sadistic tormentor.

With a lineup this electrifying, April promises to be a month to remember for LEGEND viewers. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a cinematic journey like no other, as LEGEND delivers thrills, kills, and everything in between.

TV: Sky 148 / Virgin 149 / Freeview 41 / Freesat 137

REVIEW: Spaceman (2024 Film) - Starring Adam Sandler

 

Normally, I'd watch a film and promptly write my review. Yet, "Spaceman" was different. It lingered in my mind, prompting me to let it simmer for a few days. Unexpectedly, it left a profound impact on me, especially given its surprising source: an Adam Sandler film.

Directed by Johan Renck and penned by Colby Day, "Spaceman" is a mesmerizing fusion of retro-futuristic aesthetics, set in an alternate 1990s, and profound psychological drama against the backdrop of space exploration. Adam Sandler, in a departure from his usual roles, delivers a stunning portrayal of Czech astronaut Jakub Procházka. His raw emotional depth adds layers to Jakub's character as he embarks on a daring mission to explore the Chopra cloud beyond Jupiter, grappling with the solitude of space and his strained relationship with his wife Lenka, played with poignant sincerity by Carey Mulligan. Alongside, the haunting voice of Paul Dano breathes life into Hanuš, a telepathic extraterrestrial creature resembling a three-foot-long tarantula.

Sandler's transformative performance as Jakub stands out, shedding his comedic persona to delve into a man haunted by his past, navigating loneliness, guilt, and the consequences of his choices. The narrative unfolds non-linearly, intertwining Jakub's present struggles with glimpses of his past, unveiling layers of trauma and regret. Renck's direction creates a dreamlike ambiance, complemented by stunning visual effects that capture the awe and isolation of space. The film's retro-futuristic setting adds a unique touch, blending nostalgia with speculative futurism.

At its essence, "Spaceman" is a contemplation of human vulnerability and resilience in the face of existential challenges. Its ambiguous ending invites interpretation, sparking post-viewing discussions. While some may find the narrative ambiguity vexing, others will relish the opportunity for introspection.

In summary, "Spaceman" defies genre norms, offering a bold and immersive journey. With powerhouse performances, evocative visuals, and thematic depth, it emerges as one of the year's most compelling films. While it may not appeal to all tastes, those willing to embrace its unconventional narrative will find themselves rewarded with a profound exploration of space and the human condition.

Personally, I found "Spaceman" captivating. Sandler's performance resonated deeply, and despite Hanuš being an unconventional companion, it strangely fits. I give "Spaceman" a resounding 9 out of 10. It's a film that will linger in my thoughts for weeks to come, and that's high praise indeed.

Out now on Netflix - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81301595

Did you know that this film is based on Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfař, which is available at https://amzn.to/3TtprvX