Wednesday, 26 June 2024

COMPETITION: Win Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 1 and 2



With Rhys Frake-Waterfield's sequel to cult hit Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey being released on July 1st from Altitude Film Distribution, we thought what better way to celebrate than having a competition and giving away both films on Blu-ray to a lucky winner.

Synopsis:
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey:
A horror retelling of A. A. Milne's 1926 book Winnie-the-Pooh, and follows the anthropomorphic characters Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet as they become bloodthirsty murderers when Christopher Robin abandons them for college.

Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey II:
Not wanting to live in the shadows any longer, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Owl, and Tigger take their fight to the town of Ashdown, leaving a bloody trail of death and mayhem in their wake.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4cdQJxp

Enter now for a chance to win.

Four actors play Christopher Robin in the two films, can you name all  four?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 08-07-24
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.


Tuesday, 25 June 2024

NYX UK Announces Channel Premieres for July 2024

 
Images: NYX UK Press

By Jon Donnis

NYX UK is set to send chills down spines this July with an array of thrilling and spine-tingling channel premieres. With eight new films debuting, horror aficionados will be in for a treat, featuring a mix of retro-slashers, gory humor, and supernatural thrillers.

SEED

Headlining: Uwe Boll's "SEED"

The highlight of the month is undoubtedly Uwe Boll’s controversial retro-slasher SEED (2007). Airing on Tuesday, July 16 at 9pm, this film offers a divisive portrait of a serial killer, delving into the macabre and grotesque. SEED is a grim exploration of vengeance and the human capacity for cruelty, promising to leave viewers both disturbed and captivated.

DISCOPATH

A Disco Inferno: "DISCOPATH"

Kicking off the month's premieres with a blend of humor and horror is Renaud Gauthier’s DISCOPATH (2013). Set to premiere on Friday, July 5 at 9pm, this film transforms a local nightclub into a blood-soaked dance floor. With its unique mix of gore and humor, DISCOPATH is sure to offer a night of unexpected thrills.


Classic Giallo and More

For fans of classic Italian horror, NYX UK presents Silvio Amadio's AMUCK (1972) on Tuesday, July 9 at 9pm. This captivating giallo promises to intrigue with its blend of mystery and suspense.

Continuing the lineup, on Thursday, July 11 at 9pm, Dave Payne’s REEKER 2 (2008) will take viewers back to the prequel of the original Reeker, offering more of the eerie and grotesque.

On Friday, July 12 at 9pm, Sonja O'Hara’s 2022 horror thriller MID-CENTURY will provide a modern take on terror, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

The following week, Adrián García Bogliano’s BLACK CIRCLE (2018) will premiere on Thursday, July 18 at 9pm. This stunning Mexican-Swedish horror thriller is sure to mesmerize with its unique storytelling and chilling atmosphere.

Wrapping up the month of premieres, Alejandro Hidalgo’s Venezuelan supernatural thriller THE HOUSE AT THE END OF TIME (2013) will air on Friday, July 26 at 9pm, promising a night of supernatural suspense.


Celebrating Italian Horror Masters

July also marks the celebration of two Italian kings of terror. On Friday, July 19, starting at 9pm, NYX UK will celebrate Sergio Martino’s birthday with the stylishly graphic giallo TORSO (1973), followed at 11pm by his erotically charged murder mystery YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY (1972).

Then, on Wednesday, July 31 at 9pm, Mario Bava’s relentless and macabre slasher A BAY OF BLOOD (1971) will premiere, followed at 11pm by the haunting and surreal THE HOUSE OF EXORCISM (1975), co-directed with Alfredo Leone and starring Golden Globe winner Elke Sommer.


With a diverse lineup of horror spanning decades and styles, NYX UK’s July premieres promise to deliver unforgettable nights of fright. Whether you're a fan of slasher films, supernatural thrillers, or classic giallo, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and prepare for a month of chilling entertainment.


Monday, 24 June 2024

Competition: Win Stopmotion on DVD


Stop what you’re doing, it’s time for ‘a hellish immersive experience’ (Dread Central) like no other, as the highly anticipated Stopmotion makes moves on to Blu-ray, DVD and digital from Acorn Media International this summer, following its UK premiere on Shudder. 

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis:
The Nightingale’s Aisling Franciosi gives another outstanding turn as a talented stop-motion artist who becomes completely consumed by the grotesque world of her horrifying creations – with deadly results.
 
Stopmotion has garnered praise and awards galore, including the best director prize at Fantastic Fest for the hugely talented Robert Morgan’s feature directorial debut. His truly original mind-melter brings nightmares to life before your very eyes and is set for its home entertainment bow on 1 July 2024.
 
Following the death of her overbearing mother, stop-motion animator Ella Blake (Franciosi – The Fall, Game of Thrones, God's Creatures), is struggling to control her demons. She embarks on a new film project; in the hope it will channel her creativity and help her escape her problems… but it soon becomes the battleground for her sanity. 
 
As Ella’s fragile mind starts to fracture, the characters in her movie take on a life of their own and things spiral into an unimaginable nightmarish hellscape.
 
Go beyond the screen and into the twisted, terrifying world of Stopmotion.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4cdOIBc

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who stars as Ella Blake in Stopmotion?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 08-07-24
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.


Sunday, 16 June 2024

COMPETITION: Win Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum on Blu-ray



A reality show becomes all too real in Jung Bum-shik’s Korean found-footage fear-fest Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. Now you can discover what really happened at the haunted hospital as Second Sight Films brings the acclaimed horror to Limited Edition and Standard Edition Blu-ray on 24 June 2024.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on standard Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:
An online horror show is desperate to build up its followers and what better way to do it than to send its team to film a live broadcast from a notorious haunted asylum? The presenters and crew pack up their kit and descend on the intimidating location… But, it’s not long before things take a terrifying turn and spiral into a living nightmare that's about to be captured on camera. The film stars Wi Ha-joon, Lee Seung-wook and Park Ji-hyun.

Discover Gonjiam for yourself and experience the harrowing horror like never before.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3KRyaTj

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 01-07-24
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.

Also check out the Limited edition at https://amzn.to/4c54EFY


The new collector’s edition is presented in a rigid slipcase with brand new artwork by Luke Headland and comes complete with a 70-page book with new essays and a fantastic haul of special features including: a new audio commentary and a slew of archive featurettes and more.



Wednesday, 12 June 2024

MOVIE REVIEW: Abigail (2024 Film) - Starring Alisha Weir

"Abigail," directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is an entertaining blend of horror, comedy, and camp, giving a fresh spin to the classic "Dracula's Daughter." The plot follows a group of kidnappers who inadvertently snatch a 12-year-old vampire, setting off a series of both frightening and humorous events.

One of the film's highlights is its ability to transform a seemingly straightforward premise into an unpredictable and highly engaging narrative. From the beginning to the end, viewers are kept in suspense, never knowing what unexpected twist will come next. The filmmakers have created an intense, visually impressive, and thoroughly entertaining film that horror enthusiasts will love.

With "Abigail," Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have crafted their most polished, funniest, and bloodiest work to date. The film showcases that the vampire genre can still be dynamic and highly entertaining. While "Abigail" doesn't rely heavily on scares, it compensates with an abundance of gore and plenty of laughs. Alisha Weir shines in her role as the titular character, delivering a performance that balances menace and humor perfectly.

Despite its many strengths, "Abigail" does face some issues with originality in its script. Although it refreshingly reinterprets the classic vampire story, it often falls back on familiar tropes and clichés.

In conclusion, "Abigail" is a gory and fun horror comedy that is sure to please genre fans. While it may not be groundbreaking in its storytelling, its mix of horror, comedy, and camp makes it a must-watch for anyone seeking an enjoyable movie experience. I would rate "Abigail" an 8.5 out of 10.

Out in cinemas now and on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3xPr6n8

Friday, 7 June 2024

MOVIE REVIEW: Boy Kills World (2024 Film) - Starring Bill Skarsgård

"Boy Kills World" is a high-octane blend of action, comedy, and revenge, marking an impressive feature directorial debut for Moritz Mohr. Featuring a dynamic performance from Bill Skarsgård, the film offers a creatively charged and delightfully violent experience that will undoubtedly appeal to aficionados of intense action and dark humor.

The narrative centers on Boy, a deaf-mute avenger played by Skarsgård, who seeks retribution against the twisted matriarch Hilda Van Der Koy, chillingly portrayed by Famke Janssen. After his family is brutally slain by Hilda, Boy, orphaned and silenced, is trained in martial arts by a mysterious shaman. He allies with a motley resistance group to carry out his bloody vendetta. Along his journey, Boy's inner voice, humorously provided by H. Jon Benjamin, offers a unique and amusing perspective as he interacts with the ghost of his deceased sister.

One of the film's standout features is its fearless creativity. Mohr injects the action sequences with a dark comedic flair and a distinct video game-like aesthetic, setting it apart from conventional action films. The result is a whirlwind of frenzied chaos, blending brutal violence with eccentric humor and vengeful fervor, creating a uniquely entertaining spectacle.

However, "Boy Kills World" is not without its shortcomings. Some fight scenes extend beyond their welcome, affecting the film's pacing. Moreover, while the film excels in visceral excitement, the villains and the broader world-building feel somewhat superficial, lacking the intricate development necessary to deeply engage the audience beyond the immediate action.

In conclusion, "Boy Kills World" merits a solid 7 out of 10. Despite its imperfections, the film's infectious energy, inventive approach, and joyful mayhem make it a must-watch for fans of action-packed thrillers with a darkly comedic edge.

Watch now at Apple TV at https://apple.co/3UyvnEq

Tuesday, 28 May 2024

NYX UK Announces Exciting June 2024 Channel Premieres

NYX UK

By Jon Donnis

NYX UK is set to captivate horror enthusiasts this June with a slate of seventeen riveting premieres, commencing on June 6th at 9pm. Leading the lineup is the world premiere of "Cannibal Holocaust: Exposed," a compelling documentary produced by FrightFest TV. This exclusive programme, hosted by renowned film critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman, offers an in-depth examination of the infamous 1980 film "Cannibal Holocaust." Notorious for its graphic content and ethical controversies, the film's impact and the boundaries it pushed in horror cinema are discussed by Jones and Newman. The documentary addresses the cultural significance and enduring controversy surrounding the film, particularly its depiction of real animal killings and its portrayal of indigenous peoples.

The Theatre Bizarre

Following this premiere, NYX UK will continue to thrill audiences with a selection of primetime channel premieres. On June 7th, viewers can enjoy Carlos Aured’s gothic gorefest "Horror Rises from the Tomb" and the British explicit horror "House on Straw Hill," featuring performances by Udo Kier, Linda Hayden, and Fiona Richmond. June 13th brings the haunting indie chiller "Jug Face," while on June 14th, audiences can experience the grotesque anthology masterpiece "The Theatre Bizarre," showcasing segments from horror maestros Tom Savini and Richard Stanley. The month also includes the teen werewolf horror "Wild Country" on June 20th, the Canadian horror-comedy "Dead Dicks" on June 27th, and Ti West’s dread-filled "Trigger Man" on June 28th.

Trigger Man

In addition to these premieres, NYX UK will celebrate the birthday of Lucio Fulci, the master of gore, on June 17th. The channel will honour the Italian director with showings of two of his greatest films, "City of the Living Dead" and "House by the Cemetery."

NYX UK also marks National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st with special clips throughout the evening featuring Indigenous filmmakers. The day will culminate in the channel premiere of the Canadian supernatural thriller "Don’t Say Its Name," further showcasing the diverse range of horror the channel has to offer this June.

With such an extensive and varied lineup, NYX UK is poised to deliver a month of unforgettable horror entertainment.

For weekly schedule and full listings: https://www.nyxtv.co.uk/tv-guide


Friday, 24 May 2024

COMPETITION: Win Hunt Her Kill Her on Blu-ray - Starring Natalie Terrazzino

Hunt Her Kill Her

Screenbound Pictures with Blue Dolphin Films are releasing Hunt Her Kill Her on Blu-ray and Digital Platforms from Monday 27th May.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:
An atmospheric and tense thriller, Hunt Her Kill Her finds a lone night shift janitor in an unexpected fight for survival during her first night on the job when she becomes a target of sinister masked intruders. As their disturbing motives become clearer, she must use barbaric violence to make it through the night alive.

Featuring a committed and physical performance from Natalie Terrazzino as Karen the night shift janitor, Hunt Her Kill Her is a heart-thumping horror from directors Greg Swinson (also writer) and Ryan Thiessen that ratchets up the tension with each inventive kill. Described as ‘an intense thrill ride that will leave everyone watching on the edge of their seat’ by Film Threat, the film screened at Frightfest Glasgow in March 2023.

Hunt Her Kill Her will be released on Blu-ray and Digital Platforms from Monday 27th May.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3VecYwW

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here
1. Closing date 10-06-24
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.

COMPETITION: Win Malum on Blu-ray Starring Jessica Sula

Malum

Screenbound Pictures with Blue Dolphin Films are releasing Malum on Blu-ray and Digital Platforms from Monday 27th May.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:
When a rookie police officer willingly takes the last shift at a newly decommissioned police station in an attempt to uncover the mysterious connection between her father's death and a vicious cult, she begins experiencing paranormal occurrences that could lead her down the gory path to finding the answers.

Malum, starring British actress Jessica Sula (TVs Skins, Split), is a supernatural horror re-imagining of the 2014 feature Last Shift in which writers Anthony Diblasi (also director) and Scott Poiley ‘up the ante in every conceivable way’ (Starburst) to bring a frightening and bloody new face of evil to the big screen.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4bJlauM

Enter now for a chance to win.
COMPETITION CLOSED


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

1. Closing date 10-06-24
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.

Saturday, 11 May 2024

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: