Interview with Jaime Johnesee By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in books?

JJ: I started reading at the age of four, and it was love at first book. 

 

When did you write your first story?

JJ: When I was eight, my teacher had us write stories in the cloth-covered cardboard books. Mine was about a porcine superhero named Superpig.

When did you publish your first novel?

JJ: My first novel, Shifters, was first published in 2015 by Devil Dog Press.

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

JJ: I think their popularity stands the test of time, because it allows us to experience the adrenaline rush that comes with fear. Yet it packages it in a safe and easy-to-consume format.

Why do you think that people are obsessed with being scared?

JJ: The world is a rough place. I think horror gives people a way to experience the thrill of fear without any attached trauma.

Who inspires you?

JJ: My kids. I learn so much from them. I don't know how I got so lucky to be their mom, but I sure am grateful.

What do you think your best novel is?

JJ: Discovery, the third book in my Samantha Reece Mystery series. I worked my way through writer's block to get it done, and I am really proud of how it came out.

What are some of your favorite horror books?

JJ: Number one for me is The Unabridged Edgar Allan Poe. Then I would have to go with Dean Koontz's Watchers. It held a lot of meaning to me, personally. I also have to give a nod to the Hot Blood anthology series. It holds some of the best names in horror, and some truly amazing stories.

What are some of your favorite horror movies?

JJ: I love creature features! Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Night of the Lepus they all tickle my zoologist fancy. I also love the movies Freaks (the original 1932 version), and April Fools Day (the 1986 version).

What are your current projects?

JJ: I am currently working on both the fifth book in my horror mystery series, Samantha Reece Mysteries, and the first book in a new series that's more fantasy-based called The Saga of Land and Sea.

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

JJ: I am a medically retired zoologist–with lupus–who writes to deal with life's hells and pain. Horror is my preferred genre, but I've written a bit of everything. (You can find my work at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, Smashwords, and more.) Before I leave, I just want to ask your readers that they please make sure to leave reviews for their favorite authors/books. It's important to help them be seen in the algorithms these days. Also, thank you for taking the time to interview me, and thanks to all those who took the time to read.

JJ Links:
Website: https://www.JaimeJohnesee.com
Amazon author page US: https://amzn.to/485XvCm
Amazon author page UK: https://amzn.to/3Oyfieo

NEWS & TRAILER: Underground (2024 Film) Directed by Lars Janssen

Prepare for a descent into darkness as "Underground" unleashes a night of terror like no other in this spine-chilling British thriller, set to debut on UK digital screens on 26 February 2024, courtesy of Miracle Media.

Directed by Lars Janssen and co-written and co-produced by Charlotte Dawn Potter, "Underground" takes audiences on a harrowing journey into the depths of fear. What starts as a carefree hen-do quickly spirals into a nightmare as a group of girlfriends find themselves trapped underground after taking a wrong turn. As the night unfolds, their celebrations morph into a chilling battle for survival, with each passing moment bringing fresh horrors and escalating tension.

Will they escape the darkness unscathed, or will they become victims of the twisted forces lurking below?

With an ensemble cast delivering standout performances and pulse-pounding suspense around every corner, "Underground" promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Get ready to confront your deepest fears and experience the ultimate thrill ride as "Underground" takes you on a journey into the unknown.

Don't miss the digital debut of "Underground" on 26 February, only from Miracle Media. Brace yourself for a night you'll never forget.

Get Ready for a Frightful February on NYX UK

 

Starting February 7th, NYX UK invites viewers into the dark and captivating world of "Elvira’s Movie Macabre," resurrecting the beloved horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, portrayed by Cassandra Peterson. Prepare for a thrilling journey through a myriad of classic and cult horror films, as each episode showcases Elvira's unique perspective on everything from low-budget slashers to monstrous flicks, promising entertainment that transcends the screen.

But the terror doesn't end there! Throughout the month, prepare to be immersed in the realm of horror royalty. Chris Alexander, former Fangoria editor, takes center stage on Monday nights with "The Original NYX TV Series," offering a deep exploration into Canadian horror cinema. From the chilling depths of SHIVERS to the unnerving intrigue of TERROR TRAIN, Alexander's curated selection promises to captivate and terrify.

Meanwhile, Saturday nights belong to Alan Jones and "FrightFest Saturday Scares," where audiences are treated to discussions on Jones' favorite films, including the spine-tingling mysteries of TENEBRAE and ALICE SWEET ALICE.

Mark your calendars for February 4th as horror enthusiasts unite to celebrate the birthday of the visionary director George A. Romero. NYX UK pays homage to his legacy with a special double feature, showcasing Romero's groundbreaking works: THE CRAZIES and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. These films not only showcase Romero's directorial genius but also his knack for infusing horror with thought-provoking social commentary.

And the thrills continue with this month's premieres. The Soska Sisters' 2019 remake of RABID offers a fresh take on David Cronenberg's classic, while Peter Duffell's British horror anthology, "THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD," weaves a tapestry of chilling tales linked by an ominous house. Lastly, prepare for the whimsical and unique experience of "PUPPET SHARK," featuring an all-puppet cast that adds a delightful twist to the horror genre.

NYX UK promises a month filled with frights, delights, and unforgettable scares. Don't miss out on the spine-tingling excitement, coming your way this February!

For more check out www.nyxtv.co.uk/tv-guide

COMPETITION: Win Inside on Blu-ray

Dare you go Inside Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo’s ‘brutally affecting’ and deeply disturbing French feature?  The film is set to strike stomach-wrenching fear into audiences once more, 15 years after its original release in 2007 as Second Sight Films announced a brand-new Inside Limited Edition Blu-ray Box set release on 5 February 2024 complete with a host of fantastic new special features.

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

Synopsis

Following a car accident that leaves her husband dead, expectant mother Sarah (Alysson Paradis – The Childhood of Icarus) is left to prepare for her impending birth alone while grieving her terrible loss. But when a stranger (Béatrice Dalle – Betty Blue, Night on Earth) turns up at her house on Christmas Eve, things take a terrifying, unimaginably twisted turn… as the deranged intruder will stop at nothing to take her unborn baby.

The Inside Limited Edition box set (Which you can pre-order at https://amzn.to/3SAvBtE) is presented in a stunning rigid slipcase with new artwork by James Neal and includes a 70-page book with new essays. The special features include: new audio commentaries by Anna Bogutskaya and Elena Lazic, brand new interviews with the writer/directors Maury and Bustillo, and many more. Please see full listing on attached. There will be a Standard Edition Blu-ray available on the same date that includes the special features.

Go deep Inside this welcome new addition to the family collection

Pre-order on Amazon at https://amzn.to/42dm5zX

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 12-02-24

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.

REVIEW: Night Swim (2024 Film) - Starring Wyatt Russell

In his directorial debut, Bryce McGuire plunges audiences into the chilling waters of supernatural horror with "Night Swim," featuring an intriguing premise and a suspenseful atmosphere. While the film successfully generates genuinely eerie moments and boasts commendable performances from its cast, it grapples with the confines of a linear and somewhat predictable plot.

Set in 1992, the narrative unfolds as a young girl's innocent quest to retrieve a toy boat from her family's pool takes a terrifying turn. Fast-forward to the present day, and the Waller family—portrayed convincingly by Wyatt Russell, Kerry Condon, Amélie Hoeferle, and Gavin Warren—finds itself ensnared in a nightmarish web. Forced into early retirement due to a degenerative illness, ex-baseball player Ray Waller relocates with his family to a new home, hopeful that the backyard swimming pool will offer recreation for the kids and therapeutic benefits for himself. However, Ray's optimism crumbles when a sinister secret from the house's history unleashes a malevolent force, thrusting the family into a harrowing abyss of inescapable terror.

The film excels in building suspense and tapping into primal fears associated with water, delivering moments that genuinely send shivers down the spine. Jump scares contribute to the overall tension, and the cast's solid performances make the characters relatable and engaging.

Yet, "Night Swim" ventures into familiar territory with its linear and somewhat predictable plot. While the premise is interesting, it feels stretched for a feature-length film, and the film's adherence to a PG-13 rating limits its exploration of the full horror spectrum. Opportunities for delving deeper into supernatural elements and exploring the psychological toll on the characters remain largely untapped.

The inclusion of horror comedy moments provides a welcome break, injecting levity into the tense narrative. However, there's a lingering desire for the film to push boundaries further in this aspect.

In conclusion, "Night Swim" stands as a decent horror film with a solid foundation and effective scares. However, limitations in plot depth and the constraints of a PG-13 rating hinder it from reaching its full potential. While the premise may not fully support a feature-length runtime, McGuire's debut exhibits promise, delivering a satisfactory horror experience with a generous 6 out of 10 rating. While horror enthusiasts may appreciate the suspenseful moments, the film falls short of leaving a lasting, chilling impression.

Out now on Apple TV at - https://apple.co/3vIsiHY

REVIEW: There's Something in the Barn (2023 Film) - Starring Martin Starr

Out now at

Apple TV - https://apple.co/48lzms4

Amazon Prime - https://amzn.to/3RrXIcJ

Directed by Magnus Martens and written by Aleksander Kirkwood Brown, "There's Something in the Barn" delivers an enchanting fusion of horror and comedy against the picturesque backdrop of Norway. With Martin Starr, Amrita Acharia, and Kiran Shah leading the cast, the film follows the Nordheim family's relocation to a remote Norwegian cabin, where they unwittingly encounter murderous elves residing in their barn. Drawing inspiration from classics like Gremlins, Krampus, National Lampoon's, and Home Alone, the movie crafts a unique and entertaining horror comedy experience.

The storyline unfolds as the Nordheim family settles into their new abode, with young Lucas (Townes Bunner) stumbling upon the presence of elves in their barn. Ignoring the local legend of "Barn Elf Rules" has dire consequences for the family as the narrative progresses. The film introduces a diverse array of characters, including the oblivious father Bill (Martin Starr), the upbeat stepmother Carol (Amrita Acharia), and the rebellious teenage daughter Nora (Zoe Winther-Hansen). Kiran Shah's portrayal of the main elf adds a captivating and sinister dimension to the story, successfully blending horror and humour.

A standout feature of the film is its incorporation of culture clash gags, enhancing the comedic aspects of the narrative. The Norwegian authenticity further enriches the overall atmosphere, providing audiences with a festive treat. The film's combination of gore, humor, and a holiday setting pays homage to the creature feature films of the 1980s, creating a nostalgic and enjoyable experience.

While the film excels in seamlessly blending horror and comedy, it does stumble in its inclusion of left-wing politics and woke themes, particularly in the discussion of gun control. This element feels forced and detracts from the overall enjoyment of the movie. Additionally, some viewers may find the first half of the film a bit slow, but the pace picks up in the second half, leading to a satisfying climax.

In summary, "There's Something in the Barn" has the potential to become a cult classic comedy horror. Its unique genre blend, coupled with a mix of humor and horror, provides a refreshing take on Christmas horror. Despite some missteps in handling political themes, the film earns a solid 8 out of 10, making it a noteworthy addition to the Christmas horror film repertoire. While only time will reveal its cult status, the film's entertaining mix of elements ensures its standout position in the genre.

Out now at

Apple TV - https://apple.co/48lzms4

Amazon Prime - https://amzn.to/3RrXIcJ

REVIEW: Leave the World Behind (2023 Film) - Starring Ethan Hawke

The 2023 American apocalyptic psychological thriller film, "Leave the World Behind," proves to be a disappointing endeavor that falls short of its potential. Despite promising elements, the movie is hindered by a lackluster plot, numerous flaws, and an inconsistent focus that leaves viewers wanting more.

It plays more like a government propaganda / predictive programming type film, then a real Hollywood movie. (Is there a difference?)

Following the story of Amanda Sanford (played by Julia Roberts), a misanthrope, and her family on an unplanned vacation to Long Island, the film takes a dark turn with a series of unsettling events, including a blackout, mysterious strangers, and the breakdown of technology. As chaos ensues, the family grapples with the realization that a political coup may be unfolding.

While Julia Roberts delivers a strong performance as Amanda Sanford, her efforts are overshadowed by the film's political overtones. Mahershala Ali's performance as G.H. Scott is satisfactory, but it is Kevin Bacon who truly stands out, deserving a more significant role.

Despite these strengths, "Leave the World Behind" faces a multitude of issues. The plot is filled with significant holes, leaving audiences questioning the logic and coherence of the narrative. The slow pace in the first hour makes it challenging for viewers to stay engaged, and the film's constant shifts in focus contribute to a lack of overall clarity.

One of the most glaring drawbacks is the inclusion of offensive racist overtones that feel unnecessary and out of place. Attempting to convey a radical far-left agenda through these elements detracts from the narrative, adding discomfort for viewers.

The film struggles to find its identity, wavering between different themes and genres, making it difficult for audiences to connect with the characters or the overarching story. Consequently, "Leave the World Behind" lacks a satisfying payoff at the end, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and the feeling of having wasted over two hours on a poorly executed film.

In conclusion, "Leave the World Behind" fails to meet expectations. Despite commendable performances by Julia Roberts and Kevin Bacon, the film's weak plot, slow pacing, offensive overtones, and lack of a cohesive identity make it a forgettable and unsatisfying cinematic experience. With a score of 3 out of 10, this film leaves much to be desired. Perhaps it's best to "Leave This Film Behind."

Now available on Netflix.