COMPETITION: Win The Hitcher on Blu-ray

You’ll definitely want to pick up The Hitcher as the seminal eighties’ slasher gets the full Limited Edition overhaul from experts in the field Second Sight Films. They present a brand-new restored 4K version from the original camera negative supervised and approved by director Robert Harmon, that’s set for release on 30 September 2024.

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

Synopsis:

Get ready for a horrifying ride with director Robert Harmon’s and screenwriter Eric Red's killer thriller, starring the late, inimitable Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner, Sin City) as the hitchhiker from hell, in a career-defining villainous role that was described by Empire as ‘The best Hannibal Lector that never was’ who terrorises innocent drivers as they drive along the deserted Midwest highways.

This gruesomely gripping cult favourite starring C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, E.T.), Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight, Single White Female) and Jeffrey DeMunn (The Green Mile, The Mist) is set for its highly anticipated Limited Edition Dual 4K UHD and Blu-ray release on 30 September 2024 alongside Standard Editions on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.

The Limited set is presented in a stunning collector’s package with new artwork by Adam Stothard and a 200-page hardback book. All three versions come complete with a truckload of special features including new interviews and a new commentary plus tons of archive material, two short films and much more. Please see full list of special features below.

On a long-distance drive across the deserted Midwest highways, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) stops for a hitchhiker waiting by the roadside. But his thoughts of helping a human in need are blown wide apart as it soon becomes apparent that John Ryder (Rutger Hauer) is a relentless serial killer. Framed by the cold-blooded murderer for a string of slayings, his only help comes from a caring Truckstop waitress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), as they attempt to flee from both the law and the psychopath.

Hit the road with The Hitcher for a ride from hell wrapped in a box set from heaven.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/47EvByx

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 07-10-24

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.

MOVIE REVIEW: A Quiet Place: Day One (2024 Film) - Starring Lupita Nyong'o

"A Quiet Place: Day One," directed by Michael Sarnoski and based on a story conceived with John Krasinski, is the third installment in the A Quiet Place series. This prequel delves into the early days of the alien invasion and stars Lupita Nyong'o as Samira, a terminally ill woman navigating the chaos of New York City as blind extraterrestrial creatures with a heightened sense of hearing descend upon the city.

The plot centers on Samira, a pessimistic cancer patient living in a hospice just outside New York. Persuaded by her nurse, Reuben, to attend a marionette show in Manhattan, she reluctantly agrees. However, the outing turns disastrous when meteor-like objects crash, unleashing deadly aliens. After being knocked unconscious, Samira awakens in the puppet theater alongside other survivors, including Henri (Djimon Hounsou), a returning character from the franchise. The group must stay silent to avoid the sound-sensitive invaders as the military begins bombing the bridges to contain the creatures.

Tensions within the group rise, particularly after Henri accidentally kills a panicked survivor, underscoring the deadly consequences of breaking the silence. Following a power outage and the fatal activation of an emergency generator, Reuben dies, prompting Sam to escape towards Harlem with her cat, Frodo. The military announces an evacuation from South Street Seaport, but the noise of panicked crowds draws the aliens, resulting in a deadly stampede. Separated from Frodo, Sam meets Eric, an English law student, and the two navigate the dangerous city together, including a tense journey through a flooded subway, where the constant threat of the creatures looms.

Lupita Nyong'o shines as Samira, bringing vulnerability and strength to her role. Despite featuring more dialogue than the previous films, "A Quiet Place: Day One" remains largely non-verbal, relying on silence to build suspense. The first half-hour is particularly gripping, nearly flawless in its execution, setting a tense tone that the film strives to maintain throughout.

Visually, the film impresses with its effects and creature design, staying true to the franchise's high standards. However, the shift towards human drama over sci-fi horror may not sit well with all fans. The focus on personal struggle and survival takes center stage, which may leave viewers wanting more exploration of the alien invasion itself. Nyong’o’s performance stands out, but some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, making it harder to connect with their fates emotionally.

At 99 minutes, the film occasionally drags, suggesting it could have benefited from a tighter 80-minute runtime. While the earlier films thrived on tension and horror, Day One leans more into drama, losing some of the terrifying edge that defined the series.

In the end, A Quiet Place: Day One is a respectable addition to the franchise, bolstered by Nyong'o's compelling performance. While it offers a more character-driven narrative, it lacks the tension and terror of its predecessors. Fans will likely still enjoy it, but it brings little innovation to the series. Overall, I’d give it a solid 7 out of 10.

Out On Digital Now at https://apple.co/4ejwdvW

COMPETITION: Win The Original Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers

 

(Re) Introducing the iconic “The Original Monster Mash” album, the only studio album by Bobby (Boris) Pickett and The Crypt-Kickers. 

This iconic album has been lovingly remastered and pressed on mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark vinyl for the first time, breathing new life into these spooky classics. 

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on Vinyl

Synopsis:

It was recorded and released in late 1962, following the success of Pickett's “Monster Mash” single. In addition to the hit single, the album features fun spin-off songs of "Monster Mash" as well as humorous horror-themed parodies of contemporary hits and dance trends.

Dive into the spooky devilish delights of classic hits like “Monster Mash” and “Graveyard Shift,” now with enhanced sound quality that will transport you straight to the haunted dance floor.

Perfect for Halloween or any time you’re in the mood for some ghoulishly fang-tastic fun, this album is an essential ‘must-have’ for vinyl collectors and fans of classic horror-themed music and timeless tunes. (Oh, and naturally this HAS to be released on a fiendish Friday 13th…..!)  Muah hahaha HAHHH!… Let the ‘ghoul’ times roll!

TRACK LISTING: SIDE A

1.             “Monster Mash” (Leonard Capizzi, Bobby "Boris" Pickett) 3:11

2.             “Rabian The Fiendage Idol” (Johnny MacRae, Pickett) 2:53

3.             “Blood Bank Blues” (Capizzi, Pickett) 2:46              

4.             “Graveyard Shift” (MacRae, Gary S. "Flip" Paxton, Pickett, Charles Underwood) 2:07

5.             “Skully Gully” (Capizzi, Pickett) 1:59          

6.             “Wolfbane” (MacRae, Pickett) 3:21             

7.             “Monster Minuet” (MacRae, Paxton, Pickett, Gary Owens) 1:51

SIDE B

1.             “Transylvania Twist” (MacRae, Paxton, Pickett) 1:35            

2.             “Sinister Stomp” (Capizzi, Pickett) 2:18    

3.             “Me & My Mummy” (MacRae, Pickett) 2:41

4.             “Monster Motion” (MacRae) 2:32 

5.             “Monster Mash Party” (Paxton) 2:52          

6.             “Irresistible Igor” (Capizzi, Pickett) 2:28    

7.             “Bella's Bash” (MacRae, Pickett) 2:48

8.             “Let's Fly Away” (Paxton, Pickett) 0:45

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/3znIm46

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 26-08-24

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.

MOVIE REVIEW: Sting (2024 Film) - Starring Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne and Penelope Mitchell

 

"Sting," the 2024 horror film written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, delivers a spine-tingling tale that taps into our innate fear of spiders. The story follows 12-year-old Charlotte, played by Alyla Browne, who discovers a small spider emerging from a mysterious glowing object. As the spider—named Sting—grows rapidly, the film escalates into a suspenseful nightmare, turning Charlotte’s run-down apartment building into a deadly trap.

Browne's portrayal of Charlotte is a highlight, capturing the spirit of a rebellious yet resourceful child caught in a terrifying situation. The strained relationship between Charlotte and her overworked stepfather Ethan, played by Ryan Corr, adds emotional depth, although the family drama sometimes overshadows the core horror elements. Penelope Mitchell as Heather and Noni Hazelhurst as Helga also offer strong performances, grounding the supernatural horror in a relatable family setting.

The visual effects, particularly the design and growth of Sting, are impressive. The transformation of the spider from a tiny creature to a massive predator is handled with meticulous detail, enhancing the film’s creep factor, especially in the early stages when Sting lurks in unexpected places. These moments deliver some of the film's most effective jump scares, guaranteed to unsettle even seasoned horror fans.

However, "Sting" does have its limitations. While it serves as a decent creature feature, it lacks the enduring impact of films like Arachnophobia (1990) or the fun absurdity of Big Ass Spider (2013). The movie occasionally struggles to balance its tone, missing chances to infuse humor into its outlandish premise. An exterminator character, briefly providing comic relief, is underused, and more humor could have enhanced the overall experience.

In conclusion, "Sting" is a solid low-budget horror film, perfect for a Saturday night watch. Though not groundbreaking, it offers enough thrills and spider-induced scares to satisfy creature feature enthusiasts. Despite its flaws, the film delivers a few memorable moments, earning a safe 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Digital

https://apple.co/4dWqigd

MOVIE REVIEW: Imaginary (2024 Film) - Starring DeWanda Wise

 

"Imaginary," directed and produced by Jeff Wadlow and brought to life by the genre experts at Blumhouse, is a chilling exploration of childhood innocence and the dark horrors of repressed memories. Set in a childhood home in Louisiana, the film presents a gripping premise: what if imaginary friends are not just figments of youthful imagination, but sinister entities lurking in the shadows?

DeWanda Wise delivers a standout performance as Jessica, a woman haunted by the resurfacing of an imaginary friend from her past. Pyper Braun also shines as Alice, Jessica's stepdaughter, whose playful interactions with a seemingly innocent stuffed bear take a dark and dangerous turn. Dane DiLiegro adds a layer of menace to the character of Chauncey Bear, a figure who straddles the line between whimsical and malevolent.

As Jessica’s buried memories begin to resurface, the tension builds, driven by cryptic stories from her mysterious elderly neighbor Gloria, portrayed with unsettling realism by Betty Buckley. The film skillfully blends family dynamics, psychological suspense, and supernatural terror to keep viewers on edge.

One of "Imaginary's" greatest strengths is its pacing and character development. Every twist is carefully timed, pulling the audience deeper into the mystery. The effective use of jump scares, paired with a suspenseful score, intensifies the experience, while the creature designs add a layer of palpable dread.

However, the film isn't without its shortcomings. Some plot twists may seem predictable to seasoned viewers, slightly diminishing their impact. Even so, "Imaginary" still manages to deliver a satisfying combination of familiar horror elements and unexpected surprises.

In the end, "Imaginary" stands as a solid supernatural horror film, delivering on its promise of creepy toys, haunted characters, and eerie apparitions. While it may not reinvent the genre, its skillful execution and well-timed scares make it an enjoyable experience for horror fans. Earning a strong 8.5 out of 10, "Imaginary" takes audiences on a suspenseful journey 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

BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: Goths by David Kempf

 

Our very own David Kempf has a new short story out, and he asked me if I could write the foreword for the book, you can read the foreword I wrote below, and check out his book on Amazon using the following link. https://amzn.to/3XrIQOs

MOVIE REVIEW: Snow Valley (2024) - Starring Barbara Crampton, Cooper van Grootel and Tom Williamson

"Snow Valley," directed by the late Brandon Murphy, is a 2024 psychological thriller that follows a newly engaged couple's terrifying weekend at a luxurious ski lodge. Heath Johnson, played by Cooper van Grootel, and his fiancée Laura, portrayed by Rachel Michiko Whitney, arrive at Heath's family-owned resort for a peaceful getaway. Their plans take a dark turn when Ellen (Barbara Crampton) appears, claiming to work for Heath and live at the lodge. This unsettling encounter marks the start of a harrowing ordeal.

The film's remote, snow-covered lodge setting creates a tense, atmospheric backdrop ideal for a thriller. The early scenes focus on the couple's romantic exchanges and scenic ski footage, which might feel drawn out for those awaiting the suspense. However, once the eerie events begin, the story shifts into a more captivating and chilling narrative.

Barbara Crampton’s portrayal of Ellen is a highlight. Though her screen time is limited, her unsettling presence adds significant depth to the film. The supernatural elements, ghostly apparitions and a mysteriously shifting photograph, offer genuine scares and enhance the film's eerie tone.

However, "Snow Valley" struggles with pacing, especially in the first half-hour, and the characters lack sufficient development, making it harder for viewers to fully engage with their fate. The film teases darker, more sinister mysteries but rushes through its climax, delivering a sudden twist and an abrupt ending that leaves several plot points unresolved.

Despite its flaws, "Snow Valley" provides an enjoyable experience, especially for fans of B-movie horror and psychological thrillers. With its mix of tension, fun moments, and supernatural thrills, it never takes itself too seriously. While not groundbreaking, the film serves as a fitting tribute to Brandon Murphy's creative vision, earning a solid 7 out of 10.

Watch on Apple TV - https://apple.co/4etfYNx