REVIEW: Elevator Game (2023) - Starring Megan Best and Gino Anania

"Elevator Game," under the direction of Rebekah McKendry, propels audiences into a nerve-racking voyage into the supernatural realm. The film initiates with a gripping sequence, ingeniously employing shots of Becki (Megan Best) maneuvering the elevator's controls and the concealed machinery, establishing an ominous ambiance. As the plot unfurls, a mysterious entity known as The 5th Floor Woman emerges, plunging the story into a chilling realm of horror.

Becki's vanishing act leaves her socially awkward teenage brother, Ryan (Gino Anania), desperately seeking answers. Upon discovering her involvement in 'The Elevator Game' prior to her disappearance, he resolves to retrace her steps and unveil the truth. Ryan intertwines his destiny with a group of YouTubers led by Chloe (Verity Marks), embarking on an exploration of the supernatural. The film delves into the Elevator Game, a ritual attempting to traverse dimensions, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline.

The film excels in portraying The 5th Floor Woman as a formidable horror antagonist, instilling terror in the young adults through creative and gruesome means. The cinematography is praiseworthy, effectively building tension and delivering well-timed jump scares that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

However, "Elevator Game" could have benefited from a more extensive explanation regarding the game itself, its historical context, and the intricacies of the alternate dimension. Additionally, delving into The 5th Floor Woman's motivations and vendetta could have added depth to the narrative.

In summary, "Elevator Game" offers an enjoyable albeit straightforward horror experience, drawing inspiration from the realms of Japanese horror. While the film had the potential to surpass its current standing with a refined script and a reduction of clichés, it remains an engaging horror film with captivating elements that will leave fans of the genre satisfied.

Out now

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r8ICzX

Apple TV: https://apple.co/45Rz2R5

REVIEW: Talk to Me (2023) - Starring Sophie Wilde and Joe Bird

"Talk to Me" is an Australian supernatural horror film, skillfully directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, promising viewers a captivating and unsettling experience. The movie achieves a commendable rating of 7 out of 10, owing to its enthralling plot, impressive practical effects, compelling performances by the young cast, and an evocative sense of dread.

The narrative revolves around a group of teenagers who chance upon a mysterious embalmed hand, granting them the ability to communicate with spirits. What begins as an exciting and alluring discovery swiftly descends into a nightmarish journey as they test the limits of their newfound power.

A standout feature of "Talk to Me" is the excellently crafted eerie ambiance. The film masterfully builds suspense, relying minimally on special effects and instead utilizing a well-crafted sound design to keep the audience on tenterhooks. The practical effects portraying possession scenes are notably impressive, adding to the film's overall eerie tone.

Sophie Wilde's portrayal of Mia shines as a highlight of the film. Her commanding performance positions her as a potential scream queen in the genre. Additionally, Joe Bird impresses in his role as Riley, bringing depth and emotional weight to the storyline.

However, "Talk to Me" is not flawless. The ending might leave some viewers craving more closure and emotional resolution. Moreover, the film leaves numerous questions unanswered and occasionally leans on shaky logic to propel the plot.

The supporting cast, featuring Alexandra Jensen, Otis Dhanji, and Miranda Otto, delivers solid performances, underscoring the talent of the young ensemble.

In summary, "Talk to Me" is a supernatural horror film that effectively delivers a spine-tingling experience. Its captivating story, remarkable practical effects, and strong performances make it a worthwhile choice for fans of the genre. While it may not tie up all loose ends or conclude entirely satisfyingly, it keeps audiences engaged and submerged in its eerie world. Sophie Wilde and Joe Bird's performances stand out, adding depth to the characters and the overarching narrative. If you're in the mood for a supernatural thriller with a dose of creepy and violent encounters, "Talk to Me" deserves a spot on your watchlist.

Watch at https://apple.co/3t4hJgN

REVIEW: The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) Starring Javier Botet

"The Last Voyage of the Demeter" skillfully resurrects the classic tale of Dracula, taking the audience on a chilling journey through a haunting lens. Directed by André Øvredal and written by Bragi F. Schut Jr. and Zak Olkewicz, this 2023 supernatural horror film expertly navigates the perilous waters of horror, blending atmospheric dread with shocking twists.

The film's focal point is the doomed voyage of the merchant ship Demeter, led by the capable Corey Hawkins as Clemens, an unwitting doctor joining the ill-fated crew. Aisling Franciosi shines in her standout performance as Anna, a stowaway enslaved by the sinister Dracula, portrayed with eerie mastery by Javier Botet. The ensemble cast, featuring Liam Cunningham as Captain Elliot and David Dastmalchian as first mate Wojchek, delivers solid performances anchoring the film.

A notable strength of the film is its ability to cultivate a pervasive atmosphere of dread. From the departure of Demeter from Varna, Bulgaria, to its ominous arrival on the British coast, viewers are engulfed in a sense of impending doom. The synergy of cinematography and sound design sustains unease throughout the film.

"The Last Voyage of the Demeter" adeptly balances horror and suspense by integrating Bram Stoker's "Dracula" source material, revitalizing the classic tale while preserving its fundamental essence. The film's reliance on the original "Captain's Log" chapter adds depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Moreover, the movie is replete with pleasantly savage surprises, keeping the audience enthralled and perched on the edge of their seats. The unexpected plot twists and the relentless pursuit of Dracula infuse a sense of urgency, propelling the story at a brisk pace.

However, it's important to acknowledge the film's predictability due to its source material. Those familiar with the Dracula legend will find few surprises in the overall narrative arc. Nonetheless, the film injects enough fresh elements and suspense to maintain audience engagement.

In summary, "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" is an intelligent, well-crafted, and at times genuinely eerie take on the Dracula legend. It effectively taps into the iconic vampire's lore while presenting a new perspective. The combination of a talented cast, atmospheric dread, and surprising twists makes it a captivating horror film that will appease both avid horror enthusiasts and general moviegoers. While it doesn't entirely escape the trappings of its source material, it successfully charts its own course within the vampire's shadow. I would rate "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" a solid 8/10.

Out now in cinemas and on Apple TV at https://apple.co/3r1KDh6

You can also pick up the book at https://amzn.to/3LcSVcK

COMPETITION: Win Creepshow Series One, Two & Three on Blu-ray

Following the announcement that Creepshow Series Four will debut on Friday, 13th October 2023, we’re delighted to announce the home entertainment release of Creepshow Series One, Two and Three.

And to celebrate we have a copy of each to give away to one lucky winner.

Synopsis: 

TUNE IN to Creepshow for some old-school horror thrills as the critically acclaimed TV series based on the seminal 1980s cult classic from horror dream team, maestro George A. Romero and virtuoso Stephen King, gets its home entertainment bow courtesy of Acorn Media International. Creepshow Series One, Two and Three are set to arrive on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 25 September 2023 as individual releases, each packed with special features.

Creepshow Series Two comes with two fresh animated tales of terror in A Creepshow Animated Special, which sees Kiefer Sutherland (Designated Survivor, 24) star in Survivor Type based on the short story by Stephen King and Joe King (The Kissing Booth, The Act) star in Twittering from the Circus of the Dead, based on the short story by Joe Hill (NOS4A2). Series Two also comes with A Creepshow Holiday Special starring Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect) and Adam Pally (The Mindy Project).

Produced by Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead), the series features a slew of unique horror vignettes from some of the most lauded talent around, including Stephen King, as well as his son, writer Joe Hill (NOS4A2), Primetime Emmy® award-winning Rob Schrab (Rick and Morty, Monster House), Josh Malerman (Bird Box) and more.

Creepshow comic books come to life in this anthology series of terrifying tales hosted by the silent ghoul. Haunted dollhouses, werewolves, murderous goblins, villainous trick-or-treaters, the dead and medical marvels are just a few of the things to watch out for – you never know what shocks await you in the next chapter...

This blood-soaked, playfully dark and irresistibly eerie series is the perfect homage to horrors of old. Gory good fun at its most entertaining, set the channel to Creepshow for a horror feast to sate your appetite for fear.

Buy from Amazon at - 

Season 1 - https://amzn.to/3RrzWPJ

Season 2 - https://amzn.to/3RqChud

Season 3 - https://amzn.to/3PqcbVG

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 02-10-23

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 The Antichrist (Cult Classics) on Blu-ray

Delve deeper into the STUDIOCANAL catalogue with the curated CULT CLASSICS collection. Discover eclectic, boundary pushing rarities, genre classics, and forgotten cinematic treasures. The next release is The Antichrist.

And to celebrate we have a copy to give away.

Synopsis: 

A car accident caused by her father leaves the young Ippolita paralyzed and her mother dead. Following her uncle’s advice she undergoes a hypnotic session with the intent to heal her, but it actually awakens the spirit of her ancestress who was condemned for witchcraft.

INCLUDED WITH THE ANTICHRIST:

BRAND NEW SACRED AND PROFANE:  The Audio Recollections of Alberto De Martino

RAISING HELL: Featuring Alberto De Martino and Ennio Morricone

Audio Commentary with  Author/Critic Lee Gambin and Critic Sally Christie

The Tempter Opening Credits    

TV Spot 

Blu-ray edition comes with four collector’s art cards

English and Italian audio options available

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/3EsxGzR

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 21-09-23

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 It Follows & Crimes Of The Future on Blu-ray

It Follows & Crimes Of The Future are both out now on Blu-ray

And to celebrate we have a copy of each on standard Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis: It Follows

Lauded by critics and audiences alike as a modern horror classic, IT FOLLOWS, now looking better than ever, is about to creep up on you and shock you again. For 19-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she is plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. With this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind.

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/46eYG1Z

Synopsis: Crimes of the Future

In the near future, a couple of performance artists push the boundaries of taste and decency with daring shows of mutilation and organ mutation. All the while a shadowy government agency is closing in on a terrorist group that are pushing for the next evolution in the human experience.

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/3R7hTy1

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 18-09-23

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.

REVIEW: The Boogeyman (2023) Starring Sophie Thatcher

 

"The Boogeyman," directed by Rob Savage and inspired by Stephen King's 1973 short story of the same name, offers a spine-tingling narrative of familial trauma and supernatural horror. While the film may not fully plumb the depths of its source material, it effectively conjures an eerie atmosphere and boasts commendable performances from its ensemble cast.

The story orbits the Harper family, with a particular focus on the two sisters, Sadie (Sophie Thatcher) and Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair), as well as their therapist father, Will (Chris Messina). Grieving the sudden loss of their mother, their world takes a darker turn when a disturbed individual named Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian) enters their lives. This encounter sparks a series of unsettling events as the family finds themselves ensnared in the malevolent clutches of an entity known as "The Boogeyman."

The film adeptly crafts an atmosphere teeming with foreboding. Its visual style is indelible, marked by haunting imagery that lingers long after the credits roll. Notably, the performances of the ensemble cast, including the young talents, significantly enhance the film's impact. Sophie Thatcher as Sadie and Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer convincingly convey a blend of vulnerability and determination, anchoring the audience's emotional investment.

Nevertheless, "The Boogeyman" does stumble in certain aspects. While the tension builds expertly, the payoff occasionally falls short. Director Rob Savage occasionally leans on jump scares and an imposing score to deliver frights, occasionally relying on these conventional tactics rather than pushing the boundaries of the genre. The film dances on the line between effectively spooky and veering into familiar horror tropes.

Additionally, the film's potential to delve deeper into the psychological trauma of the characters remains somewhat unexplored. The audience is granted glimpses of the family's emotional turmoil, yet there exists an opportunity for a more profound exploration of grief and its corrosive impact on their relationships.

In the final analysis, "The Boogeyman" stands as a commendable endeavor to translate a classic horror tale onto the silver screen. While it may not fully unlock the potential of its source material, it delivers a satisfactory dose of fright and suspense. With its memorable visuals and committed performances, it promises to make you double-check the shadowy corners of your room. Be prepared for a few heart-pounding moments that might occasionally tread familiar ground.

Among supernatural horror films, "The Boogeyman" rightfully earns its place as an intriguing addition to the genre. With some refinements in its storytelling and a willingness to venture beyond the expected scares, it could have reached greater heights. As it stands, it's a hair-raising journey that will leave you wondering what might have been lurking under your bed all along.

I rate "The Boogeyman" a solid 7/10.

Now streaming on:

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3EiJS6c

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3OTzLK4