Monday, 4 December 2023
COMPETITION: Win Creepshow: Season 4 on Blu-ray
COMPETITION: Win The Exorcist Untold on DVD
COMPETITION: Win Werewolf Santa on DVD
Angsty teenager Lucy (Katherine Rodden – The Outer Circle) hosts a failing YouTube show dedicated to finding evidence of natural monsters. But, as she travels home to spend Christmas in Hastings with her bickering, divorced parents Carol (Emily Booth – The Reverend) and Charlie (Mark Arnold – Blade Runner 2049), her luck is about to change...
On Christmas Eve she witnesses Santa being bitten by a werewolf before turning into a lycanthrope himself. As Werewolf Santa starts wreaking bloody havoc in Hastings, Lucy, her friend Dustin (Charlie Preston) and her family set off on a madcap adventure to save their town from the bloodthirsty beast.
Armed with a rusty ice skate, a camera and a vague understanding of how werewolves operate, can Lucy save her town from becoming season’s eatings?
Keep an eye out for Werewolf Santa this holiday season for a blood-soaked, playfully demented, joyously unique Christmas horror feast.
Tuesday, 28 November 2023
Horror channel NYX UK reveals a Simon Rumley Season for December
Indie film enthusiasts and fans of acclaimed filmmaker Simon Rumley are in for a treat this December with NYX UK premiering three of Rumley’s exceptional works. Screen International hails Rumley as one of the great British cinematic outsiders. The lineup includes Rumley’s intense and disturbing feature debut, "THE LIVING AND THE DEAD," featuring Roger Lloyd-Pack, the brutal slack revenge thriller "RED, WHITE & BLUE," starring Amanda Fuller, Noah Taylor, and Marc Senter, and the shocking short film ‘Bitch,’ part of the acclaimed Brit-horror anthology "LITTLE DEATHS." The screening will be followed by a special presentation of one of Rumley's early short films, "THE HANDY MAN," starring Greta Scacchi.
These three films are set to screen on Friday nights at 9 pm throughout the month. In January, NYX UK will continue the Rumley celebration by showcasing "FASHIONISTA."
NYX UK's December premieres also include Axelle Carolyn’s haunting feature film debut, "SOULMATE," starring the riveting Anna Walton. There's also the WW2 vampire horror "RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE" with Bela Lugosi, Roger Corman’s B-movie sci-fi adventure "ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTER," and two superior Brit sci-fi fantasies: "THE HYBRID" and "THE CRAWLING EYE." Silent Sundays at 6 pm feature Paul Leni’s classic silent movie "THE MAN WHO LAUGHS" and the remarkable 1911 version of "DANTE’S INFERNO."
On Christmas Day, viewers can enjoy a classic seasonal genre film, BLACK CHRISTMAS, directed by Bob Clark in 1974.
To celebrate Barbara Steele’s birthday on December 29, NYX UK will be screening "BLACK SUNDAY" at 9 pm, followed by Cronenberg’s "SHIVERS" at 11 pm.
Giallo fans can indulge in Dario Argento’s "THE CAT O’ NINE TAILS," Umberto Lenzi’s "SEVEN BLOOD-STAINED ORCHIDS," and Chris Alexander’s neo-giallo slasher "GIRL WITH A STRAIGHT RAZOR."
Freeview 289 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV
Fri 1 Dec @ 21:00 – RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE (1943) *Channel premiere
Sat 2 Dec @ 21:00 – ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTRS (1957) *Channel premiere
Sun 3 Dec @ 18:00 – THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928) *Channel premiere
Fri 8 Dec @ 21:00 – RED, WHITE AND BLUE (2010) *Channel premiere
Sat 9 Dec @ 21:00 – THE HYBRID (2014) *Channel premiere
Fri 15 Dec @ 21:00 – THE LIVING AND THE DEAD *Channel premiere
Sat 16 Dec @ 21:00 – THE CRAWLING EYE (1958) *Channel premiere
Fri 22 Dec @ 21:00 – LITTLE DEATHS (2011) *Channel premiere
Sat 23 Dec @ 21:00 – SOULMATE (2013) *Channel premiere
Mon 25 Dec @ 21:00 – BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)
Monday, 20 November 2023
REVIEW: The Nun II (2023) - Starring Taissa Farmiga and Bonnie Aarons
"The Nun II" proves itself as a worthy installment in The Conjuring Universe, offering a heightened dose of horror and suspense that surpasses its predecessor. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film effectively crafts an ominously chilling atmosphere, accentuated by its old-world European settings and gloomy cinematography.
A standout feature is the film's ability to induce genuine skin-crawling scares. Michael Chaves orchestrates terrifying chaos, especially with terrified young girls, maintaining an edge-of-the-seat experience. Taissa Farmiga's performance as Sister Irene Palmer and Katelyn Rose Downey's portrayal of Sophie are praiseworthy, culminating in a nail-biting and unforgettable finale. The suspense and jump scares are executed masterfully, consistently engaging and occasionally startling the audience.
However, "The Nun II" isn’t without its drawbacks. At times, the plot feels somewhat formulaic, following the standard trajectory of horror sequels. While scarier than its predecessor, it doesn't venture far into new storytelling territory. Additionally, some moments feel dragged out, affecting the overall pacing and the consistent tension.
The climax scene, despite a strong build-up, might feel rushed, potentially leaving room for a more satisfying resolution.
In terms of performances, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, and the haunting presence of Bonnie Aarons as the Demon Nun deliver effectively. Newcomers Storm Reid and Anna Popplewell seamlessly fit into the franchise.
The plot, though somewhat predictable, manages to offer a decent level of supernatural intrigue and horror elements. By expanding on Valak's mythology and delving into St. Lucy's legacy, the film weaves a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged.
Overall, "The Nun II" merits an 8 out of 10 for delivering a scarier and more engaging experience than its predecessor. While it doesn’t revolutionize the horror genre, it fulfills its promises, offering a chilling and suspenseful addition to The Conjuring Universe. Fans of the franchise and horror enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in this gothic supernatural horror film.
Watch on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3MmtR3y
Thursday, 16 November 2023
REVIEW: The Exorcist: Believer (2023) - Starring Leslie Odom Jr, Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn
In cinemas now, and also available on digital at https://apple.co/3tYc6S8
And available to pre-order on home entertainment at https://amzn.to/49fnnNJ
"The Exorcist: Believer" marks the return of the iconic horror franchise in its sixth installment, directed by David Gordon Green and co-written with Peter Sattler. The film succeeds in continuing the legacy of the original 1973 classic, offering a compelling and visually striking story that emphasizes faith and community.
The plot centers on Victor, a grieving father who, after his daughter Angela and her friend return from a mysterious three-day disappearance with no memory, begins experiencing alarming behavior. Victor’s only hope lies in seeking help from Chris MacNeil, whose past with her daughter Regan might hold the key to combating a malevolent force.
A prominent feature of the film is its stunning cinematography, each frame masterfully crafted to immerse the audience in the eerie and unsettling ambiance.
The thematic emphasis on faith and community as tools to combat oppression adds depth to the narrative, elevating the film beyond typical horror fare. Leslie Odom Jr.'s portrayal of Victor adds emotional weight to the story.
Nevertheless, "The Exorcist: Believer" struggles to introduce innovative ideas and scares, relying on familiar horror tropes, missing an opportunity to inject freshness into the franchise.
The limited screen time for Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil remains a drawback, especially for fans anticipating more from her character.
Set in Haiti and Georgia, the plot unfolds a tale of supernatural horror surrounding photographer Victor Fielding's battle with faith after a tragic event in Haiti and his daughter Angela's possession, intertwined with her friend Katherine's plight. The narrative intricately weaves voodoo, possession, and a relentless quest for answers.
The ensemble cast, led by Leslie Odom Jr., Lidya Jewett, and Olivia O'Neill, delivers solid performances, with Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn reprising their iconic roles, maintaining a connection to the original while allowing new characters to shine.
In summary, "The Exorcist: Believer" is a worthy addition to the franchise, capturing the essence of the original while exploring themes of faith and community. Despite some lapses in originality and screen time for pivotal characters, it manages to offer a satisfying horror experience for both devoted fans and new audiences.
Scoring a 7.5 out of 10, it stands as a meaningful installment in the Exorcist series.
In cinemas now, and also available on digital at https://apple.co/3tYc6S8
And available to pre-order on home entertainment at https://amzn.to/49fnnNJ
Monday, 13 November 2023
TRAILER & NEWS - Wickedly Evil (2023) - Starring Joseph McGucken, James Farrelly and Darryl Carter
Prepare yourself for a fiendishly delightful cinematic adventure with "Wickedly Evil," a horror-comedy caper set to send shivers down your spine and tickle your funny bone. Directed by the talented Garry Walsh in his directorial debut (known for "Older Than Ireland"), this film is all set to make its haunting digital debut in the UK this November, courtesy of 101 Films.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Irish countryside, "Wickedly Evil" follows the escapades of a trio of bumbling gangsters - Frankie (Joseph McGucken of "The Doireann Project"), Dancer (James Farrelly), and Gaz (Darryl Carter) - whose lives take a gruesome turn after a successful heist on a notorious Irish crime family. Unfortunately for them, their celebratory run takes an ominous twist when they catch the attention of Clare (portrayed by Louise Bourke of "Who We Love"), the mob's youngest sister.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Clare becomes an involuntary hostage, one gang member goes missing, and another is left nursing a gunshot wound. The gang's only option is to retreat to a seemingly safe house in the remote Irish countryside, yet safety remains elusive as problems continue to pile up. Their boss, The Chief (Owen Roe of "Intermission"), seems more preoccupied with drugs and cash than the safety of his crew.
As tensions flare and paranoia tightens its grip, suspicions brew among the local police. Meanwhile, next-door neighbor Sadie (Cat L. Walsh) offers both leftover lasagne and eerie warnings about recent disappearances in the area, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The situation quickly spirals out of control, revealing that evil lurks in the most unexpected corners.
Get ready for a cinematic cocktail of boisterous humor, blood-curdling monstrous mayhem, and a narrative that'll keep you guessing at every turn. "Wickedly Evil" promises an unforgettable blend of scares and laughs, making it a must-watch horror-comedy of 2023. Make sure you mark your calendars for its digital release on November 13, 2023, and be prepared to be thrilled and chilled in equal measure.